April 16, 2005
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Darren Newlin threw seven strong innings, while Matt Ray provided the offensive spark driving in three runs pacing No. 26 UCF to a 5-0 victory over Belmont at Shelby Park on Saturday afternoon.
"Darren did an outstanding job out there today, and that's what you have to have in a second game of the series," Manager Jay Bergman said. "We had some timely hitting with Matt hitting the home run in his home state which turned out to be the game winner."
Newlin gave up only three hits and struck out five in seven innings. The Bruins were unable to get a runner to third base while Newlin was in the game.
"The fastball was working for me today going in and out," Newlin said. "And they were swinging early on the off speed pitches so that made life a little easier."
Ray got the offense started ripping a 1-2 pitch over the right center field fence in the third inning giving the Golden Knights an early 2-0 advantage.
"It really was special for Matt to come home and do that," Bergman said. "To play in front of his home fans, and his family means a lot. He really rose to the occasion."
UCF (34-8, 13-4 A-Sun) added another run in the fourth on back-to-back doubles by Dee Brown and John Michael Howell.
The Golden Knights tacked on the final pair in the seventh sending eight batters to the plate.
Drew Butera started the frame with a single to left field, while Kevin Richmond and Tyson Auer reached on consecutive infield hits. Auer dropped a fabulous bunt down the third base line to load the bases.
Ray drew a walk after a Belmont pitching change for his third RBI making it 4-0. Matt Horwath provided the final blow with a sacrifice fly platting Richmond.
The Bruins (19-16, 6-11 A-Sun) attempted to respond in the eighth. Aaron Lautman reached on a leadoff double, and was heading home after a single. Brown threw a laser to Butera at the plate to preserve the shutout.
"With two outs they sent the runner home, and he threw a strike," Bergman said. "That was so long, goodbye, good night, and sayonara."
UCF concludes the three game series with the Bruins tomorrow afternoon at Greer Stadium. First pitch is on tap for 1p.m. as Mike Billek will get the start for the Golden Knights.
Game Notes: This is the fourth time in five meetings that UCF has shut out Belmont... Darren Newlin has now thrown 14 scoreless innings against Belmont after throwing a one-hitter a season ago... Today was the third shutout thrown by the UCF pitching staff this season... Matt Ray's three RBI moved him into third place on the squad behind Dee Brown and John Michael Howell... Ray also picked up his team leading 27th stolen base in the seventh inning... UCF has now outscored Belmont, 41-6 in the last six meetings.