April 17, 2005
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Mike Billek pitched eight shutout innings, and fanned eight hitters as No. 26 UCF whipped Belmont, 8-0 at Greer Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
"We told the guys before the trip how important it was for us to get a sweep," Manager Jay Bergman said. "We've let some games get away earlier in the season, but the guys responded with a strong effort this weekend."
UCF (35-8, 14-4 A-Sun) jumped ahead 1-0 in the second inning capitalizing on a Ryan Bono double. Bono moved to third base on a fly ball by Marshall Bernhard, and came across when Drew Butura looped a single in front of the diving left fielder.
Matt Horwath added a RBI double in the third inning. The Golden Knights pushed the lead to 4-0 as John Michael Howell ripped a majestic blast out of the stadium onto Chestnut Street.
UCF tacked on three more runs in the fifth on three more hits. The Golden Knights capitalized on a Belmont (19-17, 6-12 A-Sun) throwing error, Howell smashed a RBI double, and Bono fisted a RBI single into left to make 7-0.
Matt Ray smacked a RBI single in the sixth for the final margin, 8-0.
UCF gets back to action on Tuesday night hooking up with regional rival USF at Red McEwen Field in Tampa. The Golden Knights have taken the previous two meetings against the Bulls this season.
Game Notes The Golden Knights now lead the nation with 35 wins... UCF also picked up their second A-Sun sweep of the season... With his RBI single in the second inning, Drew Butura moved into a tie for fourth with 33 RBI... The homer for John Michael Howell in the fourth was his team leading 12th of the season... Matt Ray stole his team leading 28th base in the sixth inning... UCF has now outscored Belmont 40-2 over the last two seasons.