FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 3-12-01

College Baseball: No. 27 Armstrong Atlantic State 12, SIU Edwardsville 8

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Sophomore Chris Boaen's three-run home run capped a seven-run fourth inning, snapping a 3-all tie and propelling the Armstrong Atlantic State baseball team to a 12-8 win over SIU Edwardsville in 2001 Savannah Invitational action on Monday afternoon.

The Cougars (10-10) jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the second inning, but the Pirates (19-6) tied the score at 3-all with a single run in the second inning and two runs in the third inning. AASU starter Ross Koenig allowed the first two Cougar batters on in the top of the fourth, but Pirate reliever Adam Olejniczak (3-3) came in and retired the side to keep the tie game intact.

SIU Edwardsville starter Josh DeWitte (0-3) retired the first two AASU hitters in the fourth inning, but then the next seven Pirates reached base safely, highlighted by Boaen's three-run home run to right center field that put the Pirates up, 10-3.

AASU would add two more runs in the bottom of the eighth inning for a 12-3 lead and the Cougars would score five in the top of the ninth, but SIU Edwardsville right fielder Matt Evers was called out on strikes to end the game, ending the Cougar rally.

Boaen led the Pirates - who collected a season-high 18 hits on the game - offensively with three hits and five RBI, while senior catcher Pat Daly and junior first baseman Matt Easterwood each had three hits as well. Olejniczak pitched 5 1/3 innings, giving up two hits and three runs while striking out five for the win. DeWitte gave up 11 hits and 10 runs in four innings to take the loss for SIUE.

The No. 27-ranked Pirates host Concord (W.Va.) tomorrow, March 13, at 2:00 p.m. in continuing Savannah Invitational action at Pirate Field.

- Pirates -