MIAMI SHORES, Fla. – Barry University’s baseball team defeated the Hurricanes of Georgia Southwestern for the second consecutive day in the second longest game in Buccaneer history, 7-6 in 14 innings.
Georgia Southwestern (0-2) jumped out in front for the second straight game with an early run in the third and three more in the fourth to lead 4-0.
Joeanthony Rivera made his Buccaneer debut and battled his way through five innings scattering six hits and allowing just four runs. The top of the sixth inning turned out to be a pivotal part of the game as reliever Frank Szczepanik faced the bases loaded with just one out and the ‘Canes were knocking on the door ready to burst the game open.
Szczepanik was able to induce the inning-ending groundball double play to escape the jam and the momentum began to shift in the Buccaneers’ direction.
Barry (2-0) was held scoreless in the first six frames but finally got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the seventh with a four-run outburst capped off by two-out two RBI double off the bat of Adrian English.
“We just battled, we didn’t give up,” English said.
The Miami native is no stranger to the big stage.
“You can't let the situation get to you. You have to focus and do what you've always one. Every at-bat is the same no matter the situation,” English said.
Adrian Benitez made his collegiate debut in the seventh and held the Hurricanes scoreless in the next two frames adding two strikeouts in the process.
Hard throwing right-hander Tyler Kinley entered in the ninth inning and quickly retired the first two batters. After a single and a walk, Michael Coffey singled to shallow center just out of the reach of a diving Michael Slabach and a Bucs’ defensive miscue allowed two runs to score giving the ‘Canes the 6-4 lead heading into the bottom of the ninth.
With Barry down to its final out, Louis Arrizurieta sparked a rally with a liner up the middle. Sheehan Planas-Arteaga followed with a walk. English and Tyler Kellmann belted back-to-back RBI singles to send the game into extra innings.
Neither team scored in the next four frames. Billy Atkins tossed four scoreless innings and only allowed two hits and one free pass and picked up his first career win.
Arrizurieta started the 14th inning with a walk which was followed by a Planas single up the middle to set the stage for English.
The junior second baseman drove the third pitch of the at-bat through the left side. Arrizurieta rounded third and slid around the catcher Chambless' tag to beat the play at the plate.
The Buccaneers rushed the field in celebration of a hard-earned win in a game that lasted 4:37 minutes.
“It’s a good confidence boost for the team. Last night and today were both good team wins, both games we came back from being down. Everyone chipped in, we picked each other up. It shows that we have a tough team this year,” English said.
The Bucs and Hurricanes look to finish the three game series on Sunday at Feinbloom Field with first pitch scheduled for 12:00 p.m.
Live-stat and video broadcast will be available through the Buccaneer Broadcasting Network. Just follow the Barry University athletics website, GOBARRYBUCS.COM.