Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Florida Atlantic
Rutgers
FAU Baseball Knocks off no. 23 Rutgers, 5-3
3/13/2001 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
March 13, 2001
BOCA RATON - Florida Atlantic University baseball (15-8) got a big win over Rutgers University (10-4), ranked no.23, in the bottom of the ninth 5-4. FAU has played four ranked teams in 2001. Tuesday's victory is the third victory against a ranked opponent.
In the bottom of the ninth, Regan Samaniego hit a lead-off double crossing up the Scarlet Night's left fielder. Alex Fernandez followed with a single, but couldn't advance Samaniego. Rob Orton, who was 1-for-2 with an RBI, laid down a perfect bunt to advance the runners to second and third.
With one out and runners on second and third, Bobby Spano, the nine hole hitter stepped to the plate to drive a ball up the middle that only the pitcher could knock away. The sizzler scored two and gave FAU the victory.
Danny Core pitched seven innings, allowed six hits and was charged with three runs, but the victory went to Jim Cooney, who improved to 2-0, both in relief. Cooney pitched the final two innings, gave up two hits and a run for the victory.
Rutger's Eric Brown, who also pitched two innings, relieving starter Tom Crohan, took the loss to fall to 2-1.
FAU will next play host to East Carolina, ranked 20th, 7 pm, Wednesday.
