Pointer's Home Run Leads SSU Past Rattlers

March 1, 2008
TALLAHASSEE, Fl- Brett Pointer smashed a three-run home run in the top of the ninth to lead Savannah State past Florida A&M 5-3 at Moore Kittles Field.

In the bottom of the ninth, FAMU had the bases loaded but could not score a run as freshman reliever Anthony Blue came in and stuck out the only two batters he faced to earn the save for the Tigers.

Michael Allegretti got the win for SSU as he pitched eight innings, gave up two earned runs, issued four walks and struck out four batters.

Florida A&M stranded 10 base runners during the contest and made three errors.

The Rattlers led 1-0 after four innings of play but SSU tied the game in the top of the fifth when Dexter Kelley, who earlier hit a single, scored on an error by the shortstop.

FAMU scored twice in the eighth to go ahead 3-1.

In the top of the ninth, Brandon Javis led off with a walk and advanced to second on a throwing error by the Rattler pitcher. Alfred Arnold struck out and Andrew Mendez grounded out to give SSU two outs in the inning. Santos Adames was hit by a pitch and the next batter, Pointer came out and hit the game winning homer giving SSU a 4-3 lead. The next batter, Matt Nowacki was hit by a pitch. David Washington entered the game as a pinch runner and stole second. Kelly came to bat and singled which allowed Washington to score which gave the Tigers a 5-3 advantage.

Kelley led SSU (3-3) with two of their three hits.

Darryl Evans and Corey McFadden each had two hits for Florida A&M.

Cirilo Manego went the distance for FAMU (1-4), hurling a three-hitter and giving up no earned runs. Manego also struck out five batters but issued six walks.