Pirates Set Marks In 9-1 Win Over California (Pa.) On Saturday

SAVANNAH, Ga. - The Armstrong Atlantic State baseball squad tied an NCAA Division II record with six sacrifice hits as the Pirates picked up a 9-1 win over visiting California (Pa.) in continuing 2009 Savannah Invitational action at Pirate Field on Saturday.

The Pirates (11-8) picked up their fifth win in a row, doing it with the small ball against the Vulcans (6-4). AASU tied a mark that it already held, as the Pirates also had six sacrifice hits against Francis Marion on April 6, 2003. St. Joseph's (Ind.) and Northwest Missouri State have also notched six sacrifice hits in a single game.

Senior shortstop Juan Dorado tied a PBC and set a new AASU record by recording three sacrifice hits. The NCAA Division II's leader in sacrifice hits a year ago, Dorado already has 13 sacrifices this season in 19 games played.

AASU rapped out 13 hits in the win, led by Josh Wilson's 3-for-4 day with a pair of doubles and three runs scored, as well as Alex Wyche's 3-for-4 day with three RBIs.

Thomas Gray improved to 3-1 on the mound for the Pirates, hurling eight innings of five-hit ball, giving up just one unearned run while striking out three.

California (Pa.) lefthander Jon Squeglia took the loss for the Vulcans, giving up 10 hits and seven runs - six earned - in 4 1/3 innings pitched.

Troy Handza and Adam Links each collected two hits on the day to lead California (Pa.) at the plate.

The Pirates return to action on Monday, March 9, with a 2:00 p.m. contest against West Liberty State in continuing 2009 Savannah Invitational action at Pirate Field.