CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Barry University’s baseball team fell to 20th ranked Hurricanes of Miami in a battle of cross-town foes, 5-1.
The Buccaneers(9-7, 1-2 SSC) took the field at Alex Rodriguez Park Wednesday night and from the first pitched showed that they were up to the challenge against the No. 20 ranked ‘Canes.
Michael Slabach led off the game with a base hit through the left side to set the tone for the Buccaneers. In the bottom of the first, with the ‘Canes threatening to score an early run, Slabach gunned down Chantz Mack, from center field, in a play at the plate to end the inning.
Miami (9-0)scored a pair of runs in the second inning to jump ahead, but the Bucs answered with a run of their own in the third inning on a bases-loaded walk to Luis Arrizurieta.
The ‘Canes added three runs in the fifth inning to take a 5-1 lead and it may have been more had it not been for Slabach’s full-out diving stab to rob Brad Fieger of an extra-base hit.
Barry was unable to mount a rally late but showed that this group of Buccaneers can play with one of the nation’s best teams under the lights of a big stage.
Billy Atkins started the game for the Buccaneers and allowed just one earned run in two innings of work and finished with two K’s.
Slabach led the Bucs on the night with a pair of spectacular plays defensively and also added a pair of hits.
Friday the Bucs return to Sunshine State Conference action as they host Saint Leo University for the start of a three-game set.
Live-stat and broadcast coverage is available through the Barry University athletics website, GOBARRYBUCS.COM.