May 17, 2007

Final Stats

ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. - Timely hitting and the strong right arm of sophomore J.B. Britton guided the St. Bonaventure to a crucial 5-1 Atlantic 10 win over Temple on Thursday afternoon at Handler Park.

Britton went the distance on the mound, scattering seven hits while striking out seven batters to help the Bonnies move just a game away from clinching a berth in next week's A-10 Tournament.

The win evens the Brown and White's record at 24-24 but more importantly, improves their A-10 mark to 13-11. The Bonnies received some help from Xavier this afternoon as it defeated UMass 4-3 in 10 innings. The Minutemen (12-13) are now a game and half behind St. Bonaventure in the conference standings.

Trailing 1-0 in the fifth inning, senior Brian Pellegrini came up with the first big hit as he delivered a two-out single through the left side to score both Josh Perkins and B.J. Salerno to give the Bonnies a 2-1 lead.

Britton kept the Owl bats at bay and the Bona bats responded with more run-support in the bottom of the eighth, plating three runs to take a comfortable 5-1 lead heading into the ninth. Right fielder T.J. Pennino delivered the big hit with a two-run double down the right field line to open a 4-1 advantage. Pennino came around to score the third run of the inning on perfectly placed sacrifice bunt by classmate Randy Moley.

That proved to be more than enough support for Britton, as the Erie, Pa. native retired the Owls in the ninth to improve to 6-3 on the season on his third complete game.

Temple starter John Coyle was credited with the loss on the mound. Croyle left the game with one out and the bases loaded in the fifth and was credited with both of the runs on Pellegrini's single.

The second game of the series will start at noon on Friday at Handler Park.