NSU Sharks News
#11 Valdosta State Tops NSU Baseball 4-3
Blazers Rally For Three Runs In Top Of Ninth Inning
FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Feb. 20, 2009) Down 3-1 heading into the top of the ninth inning, No. 11 nationally ranked Valdosta State scored three runs to defeat Nova Southeastern 4-3 in baseball action at the NSU Baseball Complex on Friday evening. The loss ends the Sharks eight game winning streak and makes their record 8-2 overall. Valdosta State improves to 9-3 on the season.Nova Southeastern scored first with a solo run in the bottom of the third inning. After catcher Michael Hartley (So., Davie, Fla.) walked right fielder Jonathon Escarza (Fr., Miami, Fla.) sacrificed him over to second base. Eric McCans (Jr., Pembroke Pines, Fla.) was the hit by a pitch, followed by a sacrifice fly to centerfield by Brayan Valencia (Jr., Pembroke Pines, Fla.).
Valdosta State would tie the game in the top of the fifth, scoring an unearned run on one hit and one Shark error.
The game would remain scoreless until the bottom of the eighth inning when NSU scored two runs on two hits. The big hit of the inning was a double by second baseman Dexter Butler (Sr., Key West, Fla.).
The Blazers would come right back scoring three runs on three hits and three NSU errors in the top of the ninth.
The Sharks had an opportunity to either tie or take the lead in the bottom of the ninth inning but left the bases loaded.
NSU starter Miles Mikolas (Jr., Jupiter, Fla.) received the no-decision despite an excellent start, allowing no earned runs and six hits in seven innings. Mikolas struck out eight and walked only one.
Reliever Zach North (So., Miami, Fla.) was saddled with the loss, allowing three hits and one earned run in one and one-thirds innings pitched. Closer Sean Albury (So., Nassau, Bahamas) struck out the only two batters to end the Blazers rally in the ninth.
Shawn Keill was credited with the win by finishing the eighth inning for Valdosta State. Blazer's closer Brandon Graves earned his third save.
Butler led the Sharks at the plate, going 2-5 with a run scored and a double. J.D. Martinez (Jr., Pembroke Pines, Fla.) also had multiple hits foe NSU.
NSU and Valdosta state will play a doubleheader at the NSU Baseball Complex on Saturday, February 21st at 1 pm.
