FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2-13-05

College Baseball: AASU 12, Wingate 5

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Seniors Brandon Nunez and Rob Recuenco each had three hits apiece as the Armstrong Atlantic State baseball squad overcame a sloppy start to pick up a 12-5 collegiate baseball victory over Wingate University on Sunday afternoon at Pirate Field.

The first five Wingate batters reached base against AASU starter Chase Leatherwood in the top of the first inning, plating three runs, but Leatherwood battled back to retire the side and keep the Bulldogs (2-7) from doing more damage in the inning. After both teams scored an unearned run apiece to make the score 4-1 in favor of Wingate in the top of the third inning, the Pirates turned the same trick in the bottom of the third as the first five batters singled en route to a five-run inning and a 6-4 lead. AASU (5-0) then plated four more runs in the bottom of the fourth to break open the game, taking a 10-4 lead.

Leatherwood survived the rocky start to pitch five innings, giving up six hits and four runs – two earned – and strike out four to pick up the victory and improve to 2-0. Wingate starter Chad Yow didn’t survive the fourth inning and finished the day giving up eight hits and eight runs – six earned – in 3 1/3 innings pitched to take the loss.

Recuenco drove in three runs to go with his three hits, leading the Pirates offensively. The 15 hits by the Pirates tied a season high. Kirk Matthews had two hits and two RBI to lead the Bulldogs, who finished the weekend 1-2 at Pirate Field. No. 16-ranked Barry avenged Saturday’s 4-3 loss to the Bulldogs by taking an 8-5 win over Wingate in Sunday’s first action.

The Pirates next host Southern Connecticut State in a three-game series, beginning on Friday, February 18 at 2:00 p.m. at Pirate Field.

- Pirates -