April 4, 2003

Box Score

By BRENT KALLESTAD
Associated Press Writer

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida State stopped Kyle Sleeth's bid for an NCAA record 27 straight wins, scoring six runs in the first three innings in a 7-5 victory Friday over Wake Forest.

Sleeth, who had not lost since a 9-1 loss to Clemson on March 25, 2001, trailed 2-0 before getting an out.

Tony Richie's double to left scored Steven Drew and Eddy Martinez-Esteve, and the Seminoles added a third run in the inning when Tony McQuade scored on a fielder's choice.

Left-hander Trent Peterson (6-0) scattered six hits over eight innings and struck out seven. Daniel Hodges pitched the ninth and surrendered four hits and two runs, allowing an earned run for the first time in 29.3 innings this season.

Sleeth (6-1) gave up seven runs on 11 hits, struck out eight and walked six over eight innings.

The 26 consecutive wins leaves Sleeth tied with former Brigham Young pitcher Scott Nielsen, who established the mark in the 1978 and 1982-83 seasons.

Florida State (29-5, 7-3 Atlantic Coast Conference) took a 4-0 lead in the second when Drew doubled with two outs and scored on a single by Martinez-Esteve.

Jamie D'Antona's three-run homer in the third inning, his 10th, pulled Wake Forest (20-8, 6-3) to 4-3.

But that was all the Deacons would get off Peterson, who came into the game with a 1.73 earned run average,

The Seminoles added two runs in the third to take a 6-3 lead.

During his streak, Sleeth made five no-decisions. He is 30-4 in his Wake Forest career.