FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 2-23-02

College Baseball: North Carolina 10, No. 13 AASU 6

SAVANNAH, Ga. – The University of North Carolina pounded out four home runs and Whitley Benson struck out eight Armstrong Atlantic State hitters in 2 2/3 innings as the Tar Heels defeated the Pirates, 10-6, in 2002 Memorial Health Diamond Classic action on Saturday afternoon.

Benson and Michael Gross (1-0) kept the Pirate bats at bay after Armstrong Atlantic State (12-3) chased UNC starter Scott Autrey in the third inning, taking a 5-4 lead. UNC would come back as left fielder Sean Farrell clubbed two home runs and drove in five, while Chris Maples and Ron Braun each tallied a solo shot to give the Tar Heels (2-3) the 10-6 victory. Gross shut out the Pirates in 3 2/3 innings of work, giving up just two hits to pick up his first victory of the year, while Benson gave up just two hits and a run while getting all eight of his outs via strikeout against the Pirates.

Junior Mike Roga (4-1) suffered his first loss of the season for the Pirates, giving up nine hits and seven runs in 5 2/3 innings of work. Rob Mills and Matt Stephens each hit solo home runs for the Pirates in defeat.

The Pirates return to action on Sunday as they play the University of Georgia at 2:00 p.m. in the final of the 2002 Memorial Health Diamond Classic.

- Pirates -