May 12, 2006
WILMINGTON, NC-- Righthander Thomas Benton pitched a three-hit completegame shutout to lead the Seahawks of UNC Wilmington (35-16/15/10) to a4-0 victory over 24th ranked Old Dominion (37-11/19-6) Friday night.
It was the first time this season ODU has been shutout, and UNC Wilmington's second straight win over a top twenty opponent this week.UNCW defeated 16th ranked N.C. State Wednesday night. ODU and JMU arenow tied for first as ODU is 19-6 in the CAA and JMU is 20-7.
After a three inning pitchers duel between the CAA Pitcher of the WeekKevin Gunter of ODU and UNCW's Benton, Lee Benton slammed a homer overleftfield with Daniel Hargrave aboard for a 2-0 lead.
In the fifth, Matt Poulk sacrifice fly scored Chris Hatcher to give theSeahawks a 3-0 lead. UNCW's final run came in the eighth as Poulk led offwith a double and later scored on a sacrifice fly by Jonathan Batts.
The Monarchs three hits came from Mike Zahm in the first, Justin Gregulain the fifth and Bryan Cipolla in the ninth.
With two outs in the ninth Dana Arrowood struckout, but reached firstbecause the ball got away from the UNCW catcher. He advanced to thirdon Cipolla's double, but Patrick Nichols flied out to end the game.
The two teams play again on Saturday at 4 p.m.