May 5, 2007
PENSACOLA, Fla. - All-Gulf South Conference First Team pitcher Brett McCullough (Cantonment, Fla./ Lipscomb University) went the distance and the West Florida (37-17) offense pounded out eight hits en route to a 6-1 win over Southern Arkansas (40-16) in their opening game of the GSC Tournament at USA Stadium in Millington, Tenn. The Argonauts came into the tournament seeded third in the GSC East and upset the second-seeded Mule Riders, who are ranked 16th in the nation.
West Florida jumped on the score board quickly in the first inning with three-runs in their first at bat. With bases loaded, Jacob Whisenhunt ( Mobile , Ala. / LB Wallace CC) hit a sacrifice fly to center field, driving in Peter Antoske (Olmsted Township , Ohio / St. Edwards HS) who started things off for the Argonauts with a single to left field. The final two run of the inning score on a Mule Riders error.
The Argonauts added to their lead with one run in the fifth inning due to a couple of Mule Rider defensive mishaps. A two-out error extended the inning placing runners on the corners and West Florida took advantage when Antoske score on a wild pitch giving the Argonauts a 4-0 lead.
West Florida extended their lead to six with a two-run seventh inning. Kyle Andrews (Fort Walton Beach , Fla. / Fort Walton Beach HS) lead off the inning with a single, and following a walk Jason Kohl (Cedar Rapids, Iowa/ Pensacola Junior College) laid down a sacrifice bunt to place runners on second and third. Andrew would score on an RBI single by Bo Williams ( Ocala , Fla. / Pensacola Junior College ) though left side of the infield. Antoske would score the second run of the inning for the Argonauts when Williams was caught in a run down between first and second.
Southern Arkansas cracked the score board for the first time in the bottom of the seventh inning. John Long led off the inning with a double to right center and would score following a pair of ground outs by the Mule Riders.
McCullough (10-1) proved he deserved his selection to the All-GSC first team allowing only one run in his complete game performance. He struck out three batters, surrendered five hits and walked six.
West Florida improved their recorded to 5-1 against Gulf South Conference West Division team this season and the win marks their first victory over Southern Arkansas in GSC tournament play.
With the victory, West Florida remains in the winner bracket and will face the topped-seed team from the East Division, Wet Alabama, tomorrow night with the first pitch scheduled for 7:30 p.m. The Tigers beat the Argonauts twice earlier this season at Pelican Park in a three game series. Follow the action with "Live Stats" or listen to the live broadcast of the game all at goargos.com.
