TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida A&M (5-5) held Western Michigan (0-7) scoreless over the final six innings en route to a 2-1 win at Moore-Kittles Field on Friday. The Rattlers scored two run in the second inning and it proved to be all they would need for the victory.
FAMU starter Ricky Page (1-0) earned the win with a strong outing as he tied a career long with seven innings pitched. Page allowed just one run as the Broncos scattered four hits with a season-high four strikeouts. The pitching staff only allowed two hits over the final seven innings of play.
Hunter Fillingim earned the save as he came in to record the final two outs of the ninth inning, including a strikeout for the final out to end the game.
The Rattlers scored their only two runs in the bottom of the second inning, but it proved to be enough. Jacky Miles, Jr. drew a lead off walk and came around to score from first as Brian Davis roped an RBI double into left center field. Davis then moved up a base to third as Shane Gordon put down a nice sac bunt. AJ Elkins would plate Davis with an RBI single to left for the second run of the inning.
Western Michigan’s only run came in the top of the third inning that cut the Rattler lead to 2-1. Connor Smith drew a lead off walk, stole second and went to third on a groundout by Grant Miller before scoring on Nick Vogelmeier’s groundout to short.
In the fifth inning, the Broncos had a chance to tie or take the lead as they loaded the bases with one out but were unable to score. Smith reached on a fielder’s choice and Miller was hit-by-pitch before Vogelmeier’s bunt single loaded the bases with one out. Steve Pastora then went down swinging on a strikeout from Page and Tanner Allison grounded out to first to end the scoring threat.
Brandon Fleming, Ryan Kopenski and Fillingim combined to keep the Broncos hitless over the final two innings to preserve the win.
Broncos starter Keegan Akin (0-2) suffered the loss after giving up two runs on five hits with four strikeouts and three walks. Akin had only walked two batters on the year coming in to today’s game.
Florida A&M and Western Michigan continue their three-game series on Saturday. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 PM.
As always, fans can follow Rattler Baseball on Twitter @BaseballFAMU and on Facebook.
---www.FAMUAthletics.com---
