FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2-12-05

College Baseball: AASU 5, No. 16 Barry 2

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Brandon Nunez’s two-run home run capped a three-run first inning and Pirate pitching made the lead stand as Armstrong Atlantic State picked up a 5-2 college baseball victory over No. 16-ranked Barry University on Saturday afternoon at Pirate Field.

Jonnie Geiger started the bottom of the first inning with an infield hit to shortstop, then advanced to second on an errant throw by the Bucs’ David San Juan. Rob Recuenco recorded a bunt single, then a passed ball scored Geiger with the first run of the game. With one out, Nunez hit his second home run of the season, a two-run shot to left field, to put the Pirates up 3-0.

Senior Jon Troop used the lead to limit the Bucs (4-3) to just four hits and one run in five innings to pick up his second win of the season against no defeats, then senior Chris Webb and junior Matt Nalutka held the Bucs to one run over the final four innings.

Alex Gonzalez (0-1) took the loss for the Bucs, giving up 11 hits and five runs – all earned – in 7 1/3 innings pitched.

Nunez collected two hits and three RBI on the day to lead the Pirates, while Barry had three players collect two hits – Jerry Thornton, Cesar Aranguren and Ricky Sanchez.

The Pirates return to action on Sunday, February 13, as they host Wingate at 2:00 p.m. at Pirate Field. Barry, who lost a 4-3 decision to Wingate on Saturday morning at Pirate Field, faces Wingate again at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday.

- Pirates -