FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 3-12-06

College Baseball: No. 9 AASU 12, Missouri Western State 5

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Senior Miguel Donate’s bases-clearing double sparked a nine-run outburst over two innings, giving the No. 9-ranked Armstrong Atlantic baseball squad a 12-5 victory over Missouri Western State in 2006 Savannah Invitational action at Pirate Field on Sunday.

Missouri Western State (8-6) took a quick 3-1 lead after two innings, scoring on an RBI single by Willie Forrest and a sacrifice fly by Sam Walker in the first, then an RBI groundout in the second. The Pirates (19-0-1) scored single runs in the first and third, but put together a big rally in the fifth. A passed ball scored the first run of the frame, tying the score at 3-3, then Donate delivered the two-out double that hit off the left field fence, clearing the bases and driving in three runs. Marc Noble followed with a hustle double to center field, driving in Donate and putting the Pirates up, 7-3.

The next inning, AASU put the game out of reach by plating four more runs, highlighted by Pete Gundolff’s two-run double down the right field line. The offense was more than enough for Jacob Roberson (3-0), who hurled six innings of five-hit ball, giving up three runs – two earned – and striking out five for the win. Justin Parrish (2-1) took the loss for the Griffons, giving up eight hits and 11 runs – eight earned – in 5 1/3 innings of work.

Donate finished the game with two hits and four RBI, while Daniel Heflin had two hits and three RBI to pace the Pirates. Ryan Zenn had three hits to lead the Griffons at the plate.

The win was the 19th straight for the Pirates and the 19-0-1 start to the season is the best in school history since the 1988 season in which AASU began the year 21-0.

The Pirates return to action on Monday as they host Fairmont State at 6:00 p.m. at Grayson Stadium in continuing 2006 Savannah Invitational action. Missouri Western State faces Kutztown on Monday as well in the Savannah Invitational at 2:00 p.m. at Pirate Field.

- Pirates -