Beam Throws Fourth Shutout and Guides FAU Baseball to Sweep :: Matt Pali finishes the day with five RBIs and the game-winning hit.

April 26, 2003

After a five-hour rain delay, Florida Atlantic University made short work of the Troy State Trojans in a series sweep. Randy Beam (Sarasota, FL) threw his fourth shutout of the season in game one before a two out double by Matt Pali (Houston, TX) in the sixth inning in game two gave FAU its third Atlantic Sun conference sweep of the season. FAU won the doubleheader 7-0, 3-1. The squad is assured at least a three-game lead in the conference heading into its last two conference series.

Beam dominated game one. He did not allow his first hit of the contest until the fourth inning. Beam threw a complete game shutout and struck out five and only allowed three hits as he improves to 10-1.

FAU's offense gave its starter an early lead after posting three runs in the first. With two outs, Justin Eason gave up a single to Jeff Fiorentino and a double to first baseman Rusty Brown. Matt Pali then connected on a homer to right field to give FAU the 3-0 advantage. Pali finished the day 2-for-6 with five RBIs.

Eason falls to 3-2 with the loss after he threw 3 2/3 innings and struck out three. Zach Watson finished out the game for TSU and struck out three.

Game two of the doubleheader was tied at one until the sixth inning. After Derek Hutton reached on a fielder's choice and Jeff Fiorentino earned a free pass, Pali came to the plate. With the outfield playing him to pull the ball to the right side, he laced the ball into left centerfield just beyond the reach of Clint Wade. The two runs gave FAU the 3-1 win.

James Callahan picked up his second victory after he pitched one inning and only faced three batters. Chris Pillsbury earned his second save of the season after he threw the seventh and allowed one hit.

Mal Winters pitched a complete game for the Trojans but falls to 3-5 after he struck out one, walked three and allowed three runs.

FAU will travel to Jacksonville University on Friday and Saturday for a three-game A-Sun series with the Dolphins. Game times are scheduled for 7 pm and a 1 pm doubleheader on Saturday.