Thursday, May 18, 2006

BOCA RATON, Fla. (May 12, 2006) - Florida Atlantic staked starter Mickey Storey to a 4-0 first inning lead, and the sophomore ace was masterful, striking out nine Bucs and surrendering just six hits in a complete game 7-2 victory over ETSU Thursday evening at FAU Field.

The Owls (27-26, 12-16) pounded out five consecutive two-out hits in the first inning, taking a 4-0 lead.  After starter Ryan Howe (Spartanburg, S.C.) quickly retired the first two batters, right fielder Tim Mascia doubled to right, and came around to score on catcher Alex Silversmith's single to center field.  Third baseman Daniel Cook advanced Silversmith to second with a single of his own, and designated hitter Mike McKenna cleared the bases with a three-run blast over the left field fence.

The Bucs (29-23, 14-14) cut the lead in half with two runs of their own in the third inning.  Junior Stephen Douglas (Kennesaw, Ga.) drove in sophomore Bubba Herbold (Knoxville, Tenn.) with a one-out sacrifice fly, and senior Shane Byrne (Johnson City, Tenn.) brought senior Chuck Hargis (Powell, Tenn.) in with a single through the right side.

Florida Atlantic added three more runs in the sixth, after Cook reached on an infield single, McKenna walked on four straight pitches, and second baseman William Block drove Cook home with a single.  Shortstop Nick Arata followed with a single of his own, and McKenna rounded third with the Owls sixth run.  As sacrifice fly from left fielder Jordan Hafer drove Block home with sac fly for a five-run lead.

Byrne was the only Buc able to solve Storey at all, finishing the day 2-for-4 and driving in one run.

Howe (5-4) took the loss, throwing five-plus innings, giving up seven runs on nine hits and striking out four.  Storey (7-8) picked up his seventh win of the season, throwing XXX pitches and at one point retiring 10 consecutive Buccaneer batters.

The two teams continue the series Friday evening at 7 p.m. from FAU Field, and will wrap up the regular season Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m.  Both games can be heard on the Mountain States Health Alliance Buccaneer Sports Network, WJCW 910 AM.