April 15, 2006

Final Stats

Florida Atlantic University tried to battle back with three runs in the last three innings against Gardner-Webb University but was not able to defeat the Bulldogs on Saturday afternoon in Boiling Springs, N.C., falling 5-4.

A two-out rally in the second inning by the Bulldogs gave GWU an early 2-0 lead. After FAU starter Brandon Cooney (2-5) recorded the first two outs on ground balls, Matt Maloney reached third on a double and error before scoring on a balk. Jonathon Ahearn then singled with the bases loaded and stole second before Josh Drewery drove home the second run of the inning.

FAU (20-18, 6-9 A-Sun) loaded the bases in the fifth inning with two singles and a hit batter before Travis Ozga drove home the Owls first run.

The Bulldogs (18-17, 8-7 A-Sun) tacked on two runs in the sixth inning as Maloney drove home two runs with a triple to chase Brandon Cooney from the game. The junior worked 5 1/3 innings and allowed four runs on eight hits and struck out two.

FAU's offense picked up six of its 10 hits in the seventh and eighth inning and posted three runs. But the team was unable to capitalize with runners in scoring position and left runners at third base in both innings.

In the eighth, Ovy Ramirez led off with a triple and scored on a sacrifice fly. With two outs, Alex Silversmith reached base on a single and scored on a William Block double. Block moved to third on an error before Travis Ozga then stepped to the plate. The freshman dribbled the ball to first but was called out as he dove in to first and the tying run was left stranded at third base.

Kyle Kamppi improved to 4-1 after he pitched 6 1/3 innings and allowed two runs on six hits and struck out five. Blake Lalli earned a save as he worked the ninth inning.

William Block finished the afternoon 3-for-4 at the plate for the Owls.

Next weekend FAU travels to Belmont University for a three game conference series starting on Friday.