May 10, 2009

Box Score   B-CU's Updated 55 Game Stats (29-26, 16-2, MEAC)

Contact B-CU SID Mark Johnson (386) 481-2206 -

Coral Gables, Fla. –

Wildcats Beat Miami 5-2 - Take Weekend Series Over #15 Hurricanes

Simpson, Munoz - Hold “U” To Four Hits

Wildcats Use Long Ball, 4 HR In 5-2 Win  - Sanchez With Two Home Runs

Freshman left hander Ali Simpson limited the #15 ranked Hurricanes to four hits in 8.1 innings for his team-leading eighth win of the year.  Joseph Munoz came into the game in relief of Felix Machado with the bases loaded, and he registered a game-ending double play grounder for the victory.  The Wildcats (29-26) take the weekend series 2-1 over Miami (32-17).

"It was a great day for our team and for our freshmen -(Ali Simpson, Alejandro Sanchez, and Peter O'Brien) - they stepped up and we won the game and the series against the University of Miami, said B-CU Coach Mervyl Melendez. "Ali (Simpson) was outstanding and we really put some good swings on the base ball with four home runs. It was very gratifying to win the series against Miami and they are excellent team - their RPI and schedule strength is #5 in the nation," said Melendez.   "Ali Simpson not only should be a freshman All-American, but an All-American overall and MEAC Player and Pitcher of the Year," said Melendez of his frosh pitching star who limited the Hurricanes to four hits in 8 1/3 innings.

For the second time in the series, B-CU had back-to-back home runs with Peter O’Brien and Alejandro Sanchez hitting solo home runs in the second inning for a 2-0 Wildcats lead.

Alejandro Jimenez hit a two run home run in the fourth inning to give B-CU a 4-0 lead over the Hurricanes.  Sanchez hit his second career collegiate home run, a solo shot in the seventh, upping B-CU’s lead to 5-0.

B-CU out hit the Hurricanes 11-4 in the ball game.  Emmanuel Castro was 3-4, Justin Hoyte 2-5, C. J. Lauriello 2-4 and Sanchez was 2-4 with two RBI.

LHP Simpson, a nominee for NCAA freshman All-American honors, and MEAC Pitcher and Rookie of the Year awards, is now 8-2 and he lowered his ERA to 2.11 with the 8.1 innings worked Sunday.

Wildcats End Regular Season – Host the MEAC Baseball Championship

The Wildcats won the MEAC regular season title with a 16-2 conference record and will be the top seed in the upcoming MEAC Tournament – May 14-17 at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. The complete seedings and bracket for the MEAC Tournament will not be determined until after Monday’s conference games to end the MEAC regular season.

"I told the team after the game, we have to build on this weekend and get ready for the MEAC Championships and to defend our title," said Melendez.

"We played a very difficult schedule again this year and we play all the top teams and it prepares us for the opportunity to win games like we did today at the University of Miami. I am very proud of our team and we have the momentum building into the MEAC tournament."