FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 3-7-06

College Baseball: No. 9 AASU 7, Concord 4

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Armstrong Atlantic State used a five-run first inning to win its 16th straight contest, a 7-4 victory over Concord in 2006 Savannah Invitational action at Pirate Field on Tuesday afternoon.

The Pirates (16-0-1) jumped on Concord starter Jason Spears for five runs and five hits in the first inning, but thanks to error by second baseman Justin Tabor, all five runs were unearned. The big blow was a two-run double by sophomore Jared Combs down the left field line. The run support was enough for starter John Ducey (3-0), who became the first three-game winner for the Pirates this season by limiting the Mountain Lions (2-4) to six hits and one run in six innings, while striking out eight.

The game wasn’t over, though, until Vyt Rivers came in for the eighth inning with two runners on base and the Pirates leading, 7-3. Rivers spun a 3-6-3 double play ball off the bat off of Justin Wright, ending the threat, and the lefty closed out the ninth for his third save of the season.

Jarin Lewis and Marc Noble each collected three hits on the day to lead the Pirates at the plate, while PBC Player of the Week Daniel Heflin added a pair of RBI. Concord was led by Ben Bennett’s two hits and two runs scored.

Spears took the loss for the Mountain Lions, giving up nine hits and six runs – one earned – in six innings of work, walking three and striking out one.

The Pirates return to action on Thursday as they host Wayne State at 2:00 p.m. in continuing 2006 Savannah Invitational action at Pirate Field. Concord is also in action in the Savannah Invitational next as they face SIU Edwardsville at 3:00 p.m. at Grayson Stadium.

- Pirates -