FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 3-9-05

College Baseball: AASU 9, Bellarmine (Ky.) 6

SAVANNAH, Ga. – The Armstrong Atlantic State baseball squad jumped out to a 9-0 lead over Bellarmine (Ky.), then held off a furious Knight comeback to take a 9-6 victory in 2005 Savannah Invitational action at Historic Grayson Stadium on Wednesday evening.

The Pirates (16-1) jumped on Bellarmine starter Chris Kern (0-4), tagging him for 13 hits and eight runs - five earned - in four-plus innings of work while building a 9-0 lead after the first five innings. AASU starter Thomas Ferrara worked five shutout innings, giving up just one hit, and turned it over to the Pirate bullpen to close out his first win of the season.

Bellarmine (4-10) rallied, however, greeting AASU reliever Andrew Whiggum with a two-run sixth inning and a three-run seventh inning, loading the bases with just one out and the tying run at the plate. Whiggum worked out of that jam, but the Knights again loaded the bases in the eighth, this time against Brandon Stelter, but AASU closer Matt Nalutka was summoned from the bullpen and struck out Brad Schum and induced Marcus Bickerwent into a fielder's choice to end the threat. Nalutka then worked a hitless ninth to preserve the victory and pick up his second save of the season.

AASU pounded out 15 hits, including four by shorstop Adam Pelley, who also drove in four runs on the evening. Miguel Donate also cranked a solo home run for the Pirates, while Bellarmine was led by Cameron Howell's three hits and three RBI.

The Pirates open Peach Belt Conference play on Saturday as they host No. 25 Augusta State at 2:00 p.m. at Pirate Field.

- Pirates -