May 13, 2006

Final Stats

Eight runs in the last four innings gave Florida Atlantic University a 10-2 win over Stetson University on Saturday afternoon in DeLand, FL. The Owls used 12 hits and had solid pitching performances from Brandon Cooney and Chris Eberhart to improve to 26-25, 11-15 A-Sun.

FAU gained the momentum in the sixth inning. With the game tied at two, Stetson reliever Nathan Nery entered the contest. Nery took the mound with runners on first and second and pinch hitter Daniel Cook at the plate. With a 1-2 count, the sophomore singled through the right side to give FAU the lead at 3-2. The team went on to expound on the lead, while the FAU pitching staff held the Hatters off the scoreboard.

The Owls' offense gave the pitching staff an 8-2 cushion with a four-run seventh inning. With one out, the next five batters reached base and Ovy Ramirez culminated the threat with a three-run double to right centerfield.

"Our offense continues its clutch hitting that it has shown this last weeks," said FAU coach Kevin Cooney. "Daniel Cook's pinch hit and Ramirez's bases-clearing double were key points in the game."

The Hatters (30-21, 13-13 A-Sun) saw an opportunity to score in the seventh inning but were not able to push across any runs. The team left 13 men on base in the contest. Chris Eberhart faced a tough task when he entered in the seventh. The sophomore faced Friday night's hero, Nick Palmisano with the bases loaded and no one out. Palmisano recorded the first out of the inning by striking out before Eberhart induced a double play ball to preserve an 8-2 lead.

Brandon Cooney passed the game to Eberhart after he pitched six innings and allowed two runs on nine hits to improve to 3-6 on the year.

"We were in a must win situation and got a very well pitched game from Brandon Cooney," said coach Kevin Cooney.

Stetson starter Corey Kluber suffered the loss after 5 2/3 innings. He allowed four runs on four hits and struck out seven to fall to 5-4.

Nick Arata led FAU's offense with a 3-for-4 appearance

The rubber match of the series will take place on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Melching Field.