Lynn University Fighting Knights

BOCA RATON, Fla. – Two unbelievable pitching performances and an extra-inning walk-off helped Lynn University’s baseball team win 7-1 and 3-2 over Alabama-Huntsville on Friday afternoon.  Shawn Kale pitched 5.2 no-hit innings before finishing with a career-high 11 strikeouts in game one while Steven Fernandez tied the game in the bottom of the eighth with a two-run single before Austin Smith plated the game-winner.  The Fighting Knights have won five straight to improve to 5-1 overall.

Game two was a pitcher’s duel down until the final inning.  LU starter Ryan Gibbard and Chargers (2-3) hurler Dana Wright combined for 14 strikeouts in 13 innings pitched while surrendering just seven hits.  Neither team was able to get anything going until the relievers came out of the bullpen.

Alabama-Huntsville took its first lead of the series in the top of the eighth after Justin Pearson led off the frame with a triple into the right center field gap off Jason Whelan (1-1).  A ground ball down the third base line three batters later put UAH on top 1-0.  A passed ball and sac fly followed and the Chargers found themselves on top 2-0.

Wright went back into the game to try and attempt for the complete game shutout but walked the first batter, Cory Elasik, on four pitches.  Cody Barrett (1-1) entered and hit Alex Bello setting the stage for Fernandez.  The sophomore designated hitter ripped the first pitch from the submarine thrower into right field to tie the game up.

Smith then came to the box and smashed a single into the center field.  Pearson raced up to hold the runner on third, bobbled the ball and let loose a throw to the plate where pinch runner Paul Stortini slid under the tag to give LU the doubleheader sweep.

Kale (1-0) was the story of game one, freezing Charger batters inning after inning.  The senior right-hander was able to shake off lead-off walks/hit batsmen four times to keep Alabama-Huntsville at bay.  He received a little help in the opening frame when Joey Sharkey threw out Pearson attempting to steal third base.  All-in all, Kale allowed one run on two hits with three walks and 11 strikeouts.

Eric Herrera was able to provide the early lead for his pitcher in the third with a sacrifice fly after Sharkey led off the inning with his second double of the year.  Smith later made it a 2-0 LU lead with a ground ball to first base.

Jason Matusik added to his team-leading RBI totals in the third when he launched a two-run home run over the trees in left field.  The junior first baseman smashed the first pitch he saw from Drew Eiland with Chargers (2-3) left field Chandler Brock left with nothing to do but watch the ball sail over the fence.

An error by the UAH infield kept the fourth inning alive and Matsuik made them pay, missing his second long ball of the day by a few feet but still earning a double on the play.  With runners on first and second, both Kyle Radzewski and Elasik were able to round the bases to make it a 7-0 game.  Matusik has 10 RBIs in his first six games with the Blue & White.

Kale gave up the first hit of the game in the sixth with a runner on second.  Jon McKinney was able to single off the hand of the Knights starting pitcher to plate Mike Love.

The Fighting Knights close out their four-game series against the Chargers with a doubleheader beginning at noon on Saturday, February 11.  Fans can catch the action live at LynnFightingKnights.com by selecting the Game Central icon or receive in-game tweets by following @LUKnights #LUBB.