May 18, 2006

Final Stats

Needing wins to advance to the Atlantic Sun Tournament, Florida Atlantic University's baseball team delivered a 7-2 win over East Tennessee State University. Mickey Storey pitched his fourth complete game and struck out 10 to improve to 7-8 on the year.

The offense provided breathing room for FAU's sophomore starter in the first inning as the Owls posted four runs in the frame. With two outs, Florida Atlantic (27-26, 12-16 A-Sun) strung together five hits as Tim Mascia ignited the offense with a double down the right field line. A line from Alex Silversmith to right field posted the first run of the contest and Mike McKenna added to the damage with his second homer of the season, a three-run shot to left field.

"Scoring early against a great pitcher on the mound was what we were looking to do. That was the real key for us," said FAU head coach Kevin Cooney.

The Buccaneers (29-23, 14-14 A-Sun) bounced back with two runs in the third inning as Mickey Storey struggled for the only time in the contest. Storey allowed a hit batter and a walk before a sacrifice fly and base hit from Shane Byrne gave ETSU its only runs of the contest. Storey then settled into to retire 16 of the next 18 batters.

"I think Mickey Storey pitched his best game of the year," said Cooney. "He had great command of his breaking ball and stayed within himself. Every time we needed a 1-2-3 inning he went out and did it."

In his nine innings of work, Storey allowed two runs on six hits and struck out 10, one shy of his career high. The right hander now has 120 strikeouts on the year to lead the conference and could tie the school record at 130.

The lead was padded in the sixth inning as four straight batters reached base to start the inning. William Block drove in a run with one of his three base hits on the night, while a sacrifice fly from Jordan Hafer gave FAU the 7-2 lead.

Ryan Howe (5-4) suffered the loss for the Buccanners after he allowed seven runs on nine hits in five innings.

The second game of the series will take place on Friday night at FAU Stadium. Seniors Anthony Albano, Will Mann and Tim Mascia will be honored before the 7 p.m. start.