June 6, 2004

Box Score

Kinston, N.C. - Alex Suarez's RBI double in the eighth inning proved to be the only offense of the day as the Stony Brook baseball team fell 1-0 to Tennessee at the NCAA Regional held in Kinston, N.C., on Sunday afternoon. The loss eliminates the Seawolves from the double-elimination NCAA Tournament and ends Stony Brook's season. The Seawolves finished the year 29-27 and earned the first America East championship and NCAA baseball berth in school history.

Entering the top of the eighth inning deadlocked at zero, Tennessee's Eric King reached on a fielder's choice, stole second base and came around to score on Suarez's double off the wall down the left field line for the only run of the game.

The Seawolves threatened in the bottom of the ninth inning as Matt Devins and Isidro Fortuna put together back-to-back hits to open the frame. Cleanup hitter Nick Theoharis attempted to sacrifice the runners to second and third, but popped up his bunt attempt and Tennessee first baseman Brett Chappell made a diving catch in foul territory for the first out of the inning. Dave Mischo followed with a line shot to shortstop Brian Cleveland, who doubled up Matt Devins at second base for the game-ending double play.

Kevin Fitzgerald (7-3) was spectacular on the mound for the Seawolves. The sophomore righty kept Tennessee scoreless for the first seven and two-thirds innings of the game, allowing just one run on six hits while striking out five in a complete game effort.

Tennessee's Luke Hochevar (4-2) was equally impressive for the Volunteers, scattering eight hits while striking out four without allowing a walk for a complete game victory.

Devins and Stephen Didsbury each picked up two hits to lead Stony Brook at the plate, while Suarez was the hitting star for the Volunteers.

Stony Brook finished the season 29-27, earning the first America East baseball championship in school history and receiving the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament for the first time.