Nuss guides Knights to win in first career start

Different lineup, same result.

The No. 13 UCF Knights (28-7) rolled on to win their fourth straight game with a 6-2 victory over Bethune-Cookman (20-14).

Four freshmen made their way into the starting lineup, including starting pitcher Garrett Nuss.

Nuss set the tone early, retiring the first six Wildcat batters in his first career start at UCF. The righty earned the win for his work on the mound, pitching three innings, allowing no runs and striking out one batter.

“I don’t care how many games you’ve pitched in, to start your first game as a freshman… is a big deal,” head coach Terry Rooney said. “Nuss did a great job and I think it’s pretty easy to see why we’re so high on him.”

Along with Nuss, freshman Erik Barber started his first career game at UCF, playing left field.

Barber and JoMarcos Woods compensated for Ronnie Richardson’s absence in the outfield, who received a day off for rest, Rooney said.

The Knights got off to a quick start, scoring three runs in the first inning thanks to RBIs by veterans D.J. Hicks, Alex Friedrich and Ryan Breen.

Chris Taladay cranked his second home run of the year in the third inning, showing some of the power Rooney has been looking for behind Hicks in the lineup.

Talday said that it is huge for Friedrich, Breen and himself to hit for power, along with average, behind Hicks to help generate more runs.

The Knights are scheduled to go on the road for a weekend series for just the second time this season for a three-game set of games at Southern Miss. Friday night’s contest is scheduled to start at 7 p.m.