Black Takes Game One, 8-3
By Joey Perry

Memphis, TN--The 2001-2002 Buccaneer World Series began with the Black team defeating the Red team 8-3 today at Buc Field. Red jumped out to an early lead with two runs in the second inning on a 2-run double by freshman Wes Hoover. This lead stood until the fourth when freshman Mark McCleskey knocked a two-out, 2-run single to right for the Black team to even the score. Junior Jonathan Samikannu then took over with a grand slam in the fourth and a 2-run double in the fifth to seal the victory for the Black team.

Sophomore transfer Chad Nolan got the win for the Black team allowing 3 hits and 2 earned runs while striking out 4 in four innings of work. Southwest Tennessee CC transfer Brad Powers collected the save allowing 2 hits and 1 run while striking out 2 in two innings. Senior Steven Oelke took the loss for the Red team.

Samikannu paced the Black team going 2-4 with 6 RBIs. McCleskey, Jason Whitehead, and Brad Powers had two hits apiece for the Black team, as well as transfer Rusty Cagle. The Red team was lead by Freshman Tommy Heigel going 2-3 at the plate.