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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 11, 2015) — RHP Ryan Valdes threw 5.2 scoreless innings and struck out a career-high five batters in the USF baseball team's 1-0 win over Bethune-Cookman Wednesday night.

Valdes (1-1) recorded two career-highs on the night with his 5.2 innings and five strikeouts. The junior gave up just five hits and no walks in the outing. Jordan Strittmatter, Michael Farley and Tommy Peterson all threw an inning of relief with Peterson earning his fifth save of the season.

After five scoreless innings, the Bulls (10-6-1) got on the board in the top of the fifth. Levi Borders started the inning after being hit by a pitch. Buddy Putnam followed up with a single to put two on with no outs. Daniel Portales struck out to bring up Zac Gilcrease.

On an attempt to turn a double play, the Wildcats' shortstop overthrew the first basemen, allowing Gilcrease to reach on a fielder's choice and Borders to score from second. 

Senior shortstop Kyle Teaf picked up a single to extend his on-base streak to 16 games. Senior first basemen Buddy Putnam went 2-for-4 and picked up the only extra-base hit of the game on a double in the seventh. Freshman Kevin Merrell played his first game at second base after starting the first 16 in left field. 

The win gave the Bulls their third shutout of the season and fourth-straight victory after sweeping Seton Hall over the weekend.

LHP Donte Lindsay (0-1) took the loss for the Wildcats (3-15), tossing four innings and giving up one unearned run on just two hits.

The Bulls return home for a three-game series with Florida A&M beginning Friday, March 13. The series will be the final home non-conference series. Friday and Saturday are slated for 6:30 p.m. starts, while Sunday's finale is slated for 1 p.m.

For more information on the USF baseball team, follow @USFBaseball on Twitter. 

- #GoBulls -