Mid-American Conference

GREENVILLE, S.C. – The University of Akron baseball team suffered an 8-7 loss to Furman at Latham Stadium on Saturday afternoon after the Paladins managed a walk-off homer in the bottom of the 10th inning.

The Zips have posted 14 runs and 23 hits in two games against the Paladins, out-hitting them 13-9 this afternoon. Akron slips to 1-1 following the loss.

"We were still swinging the bat and creating opportunities offensively. We manufactured a few runs and made them play sloppy defense, but we couldn't keep the door closed," head coach Rick Rembielak said.

After three scoreless innings, sophomore infielder Dom Iero woke up the Zips' offense by launching a solo homer to lead off the inning. He led Akron offensively with a 4-of-6 showing from the plate and three RBI.

Following Iero's solo bomb, two unearned runs would cross for Akron when sophomore catcher Brian Lees reached on a single and scored on a Furman throwing error. The error allowed redshirt-senior outfielder Darius Washington to reach base and be sent home on an RBI single off the bat of senior infielder Matt Rembielak for a 3-0 lead heading into the bottom of the fourth.

Furman got on the board in the fifth, scoring on an RBI double and an Akron miscue to make it a one-run game at 3-2.

The Zips plated four runs off three hits in the sixth inning as they loaded the bases for the second-straight frame. Senior Matt LaRocca and Lees each registered an RBI in the inning, while Iero smacked a two-run single to put Akron ahead 7-2.

Freshman pitcher Josh Lapiana made his first collegiate appearance in the bottom of the sixth, relieving junior Akron starter JT Brubaker who left after posting four strikeouts in five innings while allowing three hits and one earned run.

The Paladins' bats heated up as Furman posted a five-run sixth inning, including back-to-back homers to knot the game at 7-7.

"Lapiana was able to get two quick outs, but Furman came out swinging and stayed aggressive," Rembielak said.

Redshirt-senior Jon Pusateri (0-1) came in to pitch the final four innings. He set the Paladins down in order for two-straight innings. Pusateri provided strong relief for the Zips, posting five strikeouts and allowing two hits and one run, however, Furman's Jordan Simpson managed his second homer of the day to edge Akron in walk-off fashion.

Furman reliever Elliot Warford (1-0) picked up the win after twirling the final three shutout innings, recording two strikeouts and allowing one hit.

"I think we need to just continue to do what we're doing offensively - out-hit them, create opportunities and close the door. We are doing what we need to do to score runs, we just need to shut them down defensively," Rembielak added.

Akron will face Furman for the series finale on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Latham Stadium.

Ball State battled the host UNC Wilmington in its second game of the Buffalo Wild Wings Battle @ the Beach, but fell 4-2 to the Seahawks.

The Cardinals, who suffered a loss to Kentucky in the tournament’s first game Friday, was slated to face Richmond Sunday but the game was cancelled due to impending weather conditions.

"Our boys battled all weekend but winning is about making plays," Ball State head coach Rich Maloney said.  "Kentucky and UNCW made the plays and pitches when they had to.  I was encouraged by the performance of B.J. Butler and our freshmen relievers this weekend."

After falling behind 4-0 through four innings, Ball State rallied for two in the top of the sixth to close the gap.

Elbert Devarie led off the sixth with a single.  With a 3-2 count on Alex Call, Devarie was off and running and Call laced a grounder up the middle to put runners on first and third with no outs.  It marked the 44th straight game Call has reached base safely.  Jarett Rindfleisch singled between short and third base to score Devarie and move Call to second base.

With the score at 4-1, the Cardinals’ Caleb Stayton singled to right to score Call from second and put runners at first and second with still no outs in the sixth and the gap closed to 4-2.  Sean Kennedy walked to become the fifth straight Ball State batter to reach base.  But, UNCW relief pitcher Austin Magestro entered from the bullpen and struck out three straight Cardinals to end the rally.

Ball State mounted another rally in the eighth inning, but UNCW left fielder Steven Linkous made a running grab and collided into the outfield fence, but held on to a Brandon Estep drive with two outs and the bases loaded.

Scott Baker, who was 7-5 on the mound last year after posting a 12-2 record in 2013 and earning MAC Pitcher of the Year honors, started the game for the Cardinals and lasted 3.2 innings.  He gave up six hits and three earned runs, while striking out two and walking two.

B.J. Butler came on in relief and quieted the Seahawks bats.  Butler pitched the final 4.1 innings, allowing no hits and no runs, while striking out six and walking only one.

Stayton was 2-for-4 on the day with one run-batted-in, while Call was 2-for-4 with one run scored.

With the loss, Ball State falls to 0-2 on the season and will return to action Friday at the Country Inn and Suites Elon Invitational.  The Cardinals will open with Indiana State Friday at 4 p.m., before facing Elon and South Dakota State Saturday and South Dakota State in the tourney finale Sunday.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo.—Bowling Green was unable to overcome an early 3-0 deficit on Saturday afternoon, dropping the series finale to Southeast Missouri 5-1 at Capaha Field. With the loss, the Falcons drop to 1-2 on the season, while the Redhawks improved to 2-1 with the win.

"I thought that our first two pitchers struggled with location, but they battled and it was good to get their feet wet," head coach Danny Schmitz said. "Both Wes Rickenberg and Rob Zenas did a nice job. SEMO was able to keep our base stealers off the bases today and we weren't able to get the running game going like we need to. We outhit them 9-to-8, but need to take better advantage of those opportunities going forward in order to be successful."

Southeast Missouri threatened from the get-go off Falcons' starting pitcher Zac Carey, who was making his collegiate debut on the mound. Jason Blum, the Redhawks' leadoff hitter started the bottom of the first inning with a single and advanced to third on an errant pickoff attempt by Carey. The London, Ohio native buckled down from there getting a strikeout, pop out, and ground out to escape the inning unscathed.

The Falcons were not able to hold the potentially potent Redhawks offense off the scoreboard in the bottom of the second inning, as SEMO cracked three hits and benefitted from three free passes in a three-run inning to take an early lead.

It looked as if the Orange and Brown would come right back, as Cody Callaway and Kory Brown began the top of the third with singles. But, Southeast Missouri's Ryan Lenaburg, who was very impressive in his 2015 debut, was able to retire the next three Falcons in order to hold Bowling Green off the scoreboard in the inning. Lenaburg earned the win for the Redhawks' going 6.1 innings while allowing just one earned run and striking out eight.

After falling behind 5-0 following a two-run bottom of the sixth for Southeast Missouri, Randy Righter got Bowling Green on the board with his second home run of the season – this time a solo shot to left field. Righter's two home runs through three games in 2015 matches Bowling Green's 2014 high mark for most home runs on the team.

Schmitz would make several changes in the game's final innings, as several Falcons made their collegiate or season debuts. Justin Mott would come in behind the plate, while Derek Drewes was inserted into the game at shortstop. Hunter Clanin was inserted into the game in right field, while both Wes Rickenberg and Rob Zenas appeared in the game on the mound.

The Falcons will get back on the diamond next weekend, when they travel to Morehead, Ky. for a three-game series at Morehead State University (Feb. 20-22). Morehead State was selected to finish fifth in the OVC Preseason Poll. Friday's (Feb. 20) game is slated for a 3:00 pm ET first pitch.

BOILING SPRINGS, NC - The University at Buffalo, The State University of New York baseball team (0-2, 0-0 MAC) dropped their second straight contest on Saturday afternoon. The Bulls were defeated by the host Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs by the score of 7-1.

The Bulls fell behind right out of the gate in the first inning as Sam Fulginiti singled to bring home Henry Rundio. The Runnin' Bulldogs added to thir lead in the third to make the score 2-0 in favor of the home team.

Gardner-Webb broke the game open in the fifth inning as they had five hits in the inning with three runners crossing the plate to give the the 5-1 lead. UB finally got on the board in the sixth inning as junior Nick Sinay crossed home plate on a wild pitch. Sinay opened the inning with a double to deep left center field before advancing to third on a Vinny Mallaro sacrifice fly.

The Bulls were not able to fight any closer as the bats cooled down in the final three innings and Gardner-Webb tacked on two more runs in the eighth to give the the dominant 7-1 lead and the win.

Junior Ben Hartz started on the mound for the Bulls and took the loss as he lasted 4.2 innings while allowing eight hits, four earned runs and stuck out six batters. Alex Tuohy pitched well in relief of Hartz as he notched 2.1 innings of work and allowed one hit while striking out four Gardner-Webb batters.

Sinay stayed hot at the plate for the Bulls as he went 2-for-4 with a stolen base while Mike Abrunzo, Kyle Brennan and Brent Cleland each chipped in with a hit of their own.

UB returns to the diamond for the third game of the weekend on Sunday at 1:00 pm as they play the host Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs.

FORT MYERS, Fla. - It doesn't always require a smoking line drive or a 400-foot blast.

Chalk one up for grit, determination and playing it down to the last strike - and beyond.

Logan Regnier scampered home from third on a wild pitch with two out in the top of the 12th inning Saturday as Central Michigan defeated Florida Gulf Coast, 7-6, at the Eagles' Swanson Stadium.

The victory earned the Chippewas (2-1) a split of the non-conference doubleheader. The Eagles (1-2) took the opener, 6-4. The teams play the finale of their four-game season-opening series at 11:30 a.m. Sunday.

"Right now, we're playing hard," CMU coach Steve Jaksa said. "I think they're committed to playing every inning of every game. I don't think they think they're ever out of games.

"Being a good teammate is about doing things to help us win a game and part of that is how you compete. We have a certain attitude and if we play that way then I think we'll continue to keep churning."

Tim Black (1-0) went the final three innings on the mound for the victory in the nightcap. The senior right-hander struck out four and allowed one hit. He got the final two Eagles on strikeouts after a one-out throwing error put a runner on second base.

Nick Regnier and Alex Borglin had three hits apiece to lead the Chippewas at the plate.

Jordan Grosjean started for CMU and allowed five runs on eight hits while striking out one and walking one over six innings.

Jimmy McNamara, Sean Martens and Braxton Markle each pitched in relief before giving way to Black, who made nine saves - tying for second on CMU's all-time single-season list - in 2014 and is one of 37 pitchers on the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year Award watch list.

Andris Gonzalez, the sixth of seven Gulf Coast pitchers, took the loss.

Morgan Oliver walked to lead off the 12th for CMU. Colton Bradley, pinch running for Oliver, went to third on a Logan Regnier single. Regnier stole second, putting two runners in scoring position with none out.

Bradley was cut down at the plate on a groundball off the bat of Zach McKinstry for the first out of the inning. Regnier stole third and, with two out, Nick Regnier struck out swinging, but reached on a wild pitch. Logan Regnier scampered home with the go-ahead run on the play.

Logan Regnier's two-out, two-run triple in the top of the ninth inning tied the game 6-6 and sent it to extra innings. In Friday's season-opener, his two-run triple was the difference in a 2-0 victory.

In Saturday's opener, Gulf Coast used a single, a hit batsman, a bunt, an RBI groundout, and a run-scoring single to break a 4-4 tie with two runs in the seventh inning.

Sean Renzi took the loss in relief of starter Adam Aldred. Renzi allowed two runs on two hits while walking one over 1 2/3 innings.

Aldred surrendered four runs on eight hits, while striking out five and walking two over 5 2/3 innings. Markle worked 2/3 of an inning in relief in his first collegiate appearance.

Freshman Daniel Jipping had a single and drove in two runs for the Chippewas, while Logan Regnier also had an RBI, and Morgan Oliver had a run-scoring single.

Garrett Anderson, the third Eagles pitcher, earned the win. He went 4 1/3 innings, allowing two hits and striking out three.

Gonzalez earned the save, getting Cody Leichman, the Chippewas' cleanup hitter, to fly out to left field with a runner at second in the ninth inning.

The Chippewas left nine runners on base, including six in scoring position.

"What we're trying to do is evaluate our guys," Jaksa said. "I want to continue to get better and I don't want them to get in their own way. We played hard again (Saturday), we played the whole game both games. The first one we were a hit or two away in that one.

"Mentally we have to stay a little more disciplined in our approach offensively. We're going to continue to get better as long as we don't get in our own way. We want to make sure that we're on the emotional plus side and that helps a great deal. Wins like that help that."

Freshman right-hander Pat Leatherman will start for the Chippewas on Sunday.

TUSCON, Ariz. (EMUEagles.com) – The Eastern Michigan University baseball team dropped a 16-3 decision to the University of Arizona Saturday, Feb. 14, in a non-conference contest at Hi Corbett Field. The Wildcats scored a pair of runs in the first and second innings of the Valentine's Day tilt and never looked back en route to taking the series victory.

Eastern Michigan (0-2) was limited to just seven hits in the loss. John Montgomery (Anaheim Hills, Calif.-JSerra), Jordan Peterson (Gilbert, Ariz.-Highland-Chandler-Gilbert C.C.), Michael Mioduszewski (Dexter, Mich.-Dexter), Tony DiLeo (Rockford, Mich.-Rockford), Marquise Gill (Paw Paw, Mich.-Paw Paw) and Danny Kerr (Macomb, Mich.-L'Anse Creuse North) each reached base via a base-knock. Peterson was the lone Eagle to reach base twice in the game, singling in the sixth and doubling in the ninth as a part of a 2-for-4 performance.

Charlie Land (Wheat Ridge, Colo.-Wheat Ridge-Mesa C.C.) experienced the setback, going just 4.2 innings in his first start of the season, allowing six earned runs on 10 hits. A trio of Eagle hurlers made their collegiate debuts in the contest. Junior Augie Gallardo (Hemet, Calif.-Hemet-Mt. San Jacinto College) came in relief in the fifth inning while freshman Brett Mattson (Canton, Mich.-Canton) tossed the sixth and freshman Kyle Huckaby (Chandler, Ariz.-Perry) the final two frames for Head Coach Mark Van Ameyde.

Other students-athletes to make their first appearance in an EMU uniform included Luke DeVenney (Des Moines, Iowa-Dowling Catholic), Joe Kennedy (St. John, Ind.-Mount Carmel), David Lett (Farmington Hills, Mich.-North Farmington) and Brennan Williams (Commerce Township, Mich.-Walled Lake Northern).

Arizona (2-0) pounded out 21 hits in the victory, including three doubles, four triples and two home runs. Scott Kingery highlighted the Wildcat offense with a 5-for-6 day with a triple, a round-tripper, three runs score and three RBI.  Jared Oliva drove in three runs as part of his 2-for-3 performance as seven different Wildcats notched an RBI.

Wildcat starter Robby Medel tossed 7.2 innings of five hit baseball to earn his first victory of the season.

Arizona jumped on the board in the bottom of the opening frame when the first three batters each reached base via hits. Kingery singled though the left side and Kevin Newman slapped a hit to left before Tyler Krause doubled down the line to clear the bases and give UA the 2-0 edge.

The lead grew to 4-0 in the second when Kingery blasted a homerun to right field.

EMU did crack the scoreboard in the third when DiLeo led off with a single before advancing to second on a wild pitch. Gill followed with an infield single to push DiLeo to third. Brennan Williams picked up his first collegiate RBI with a ground out to second to cut the deficit to three at 4-1.

Arizona's offense continued to click on all cylinders in the middle innings, as UA batted around in both the fifth inning and seventh innings to push the advantage to 15-1.

In the ninth, Peterson led off the inning with a double before Mioduszewski and Adam Dennison (Broadview Heights, Ohio-Padua Franciscan) walked to load the bases. Following a pitching change, Kerr was called upon to pinch hit and promptly added his first career hit and RBI with a single through the right side to plate Peterson and make it 16-2.

Gill then drew a four-pitch walk to force in another run and keep the sacks full with still one out in the ninth. Unfortunately, the EMU rally was quickly dashed when Williams lined into an unassisted double play by the shortstop to end the contest.

The Eagles and Wildcats wrap-up the three-game set Sunday, Feb. 15, with first pitch scheduled for 12 p.m. MT (2 p.m. ET). Live video and statistics will again be available on ArizonaWildcats.com.

ROCK HILL, S.C. – Kent State (1-2) had a slow start to the day on Saturday by losing 2-1 to Winthrop (2-1) but picked up the pace in the second game of the doubleheader as Jacob Neuschaefer and Jared Skolnicki shined in a 9-5 win.

In the first game, Kent State wasted no time getting the offense going, as Luke Burch got started the contest with a base hit.  Two hit batters and a walk later and the Flashes were on the board before the Eagles got to the plate.

It stayed a 1-0 game until Winthrop broke through with a run in the 6th after a hit by pitch, stolen base and a double.  The two-bagger was just the second hit allowed by starter Andy Ravel.  The sophomore then induced a popup and a strikeout looking to end the threat.

The Eagles threatened again in the 7th with Eric Lauer on the mound in relief of Ravel.  Lauer started the inning strong with a groundout and strikeout before giving up a single and allowing the runner to advance to third on his own error.  Lauer then silenced the Eagles with another strikeout.

The Golden Flashes took a turn to threaten the lead in the 7th when Sawyer Polen singled with two outs and advanced to third on an error, but he was stranded there to end the inning.

Winthrop eventually broke through in the 8th on a fielder's choice, error and single to take a 2-1 lead.  Another strikeout from Lauer stranded a runner at third to keep it a one-run game, but Kent State could not answer in the 9th and lost 2-1.

Lauer suffered the loss in two innings of work as he allowed two hits and one run with one walk and three strikeouts.  His sophomore counterpart Ravel had a very strong 2015 debut with just two hits, one run, two walks and five strikeouts in six innings.

Polen led the way offensively with a 2-for-3 performance at the plate.  Burch and Zarley Zalewski accounted for the team's other hits.

Kent State got its offense going in the second game with 13 hits in a 9-5 win. It started off with a bang as Jake Neuschaefer began his season at the plate with a double.  Zach Backner was then hit by a pitch to put two on with no outs, but they would be stranded to start to contest.

The Golden Flashes got on the board first in the 3rd inning.  Neuschaefer provided the spark again as he was hit by a pitch and stole second to start the inning.  He later came home on a single by Zalewski.

Kent State broke the game open with a three-run 6th inning.  Jeff Revesz led off with a single and advanced on ground out before scoring on a Burch base hit.  Burch then stole second base, which enabled him to come home as Neuschaefer grabbed a RBI single.  Neuschaefer scored the third run of the frame on a single by Zach Beckner.

Winthrop was able to answer with three runs of their own in the 7th but Kent State posted another three-run inning itself in the 8th.  After a pitching change, Dylan Rosa and Burch were walked before Neuschaefer stayed productive by advancing the runners on a groundout.  Polen belted a double to right to score both runners.  After advancing to third on a wild pitch, he was able to come home on an error.

The Eagles again tried to make something happen with a two-run 8th, but the Golden Flashes weren't done either, following the home team again with two runs in the top of the 9th.  Revesz led off with a walk and Tommy Monnot reached on an error.  Bases were then loaded with a Burch single.  Neuschaefer completed his big night with a two-RBI single to left to put the Kent State run total to nine.

In his first start of the season, Neuschaefer showed he belonged there by going a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate with two runs and three RBI.  Burch also had a strong game, hitting 3-for-4 with two runs, a RBI and a walk.  Neuschaefer also stole three bases while Burch swiped one.

The Golden Flashes' hurlers continued their strong start, beginning with Jared Skolnicki who earned his first career win in the starting role.  The sophomore went five innings with just three hits, no runs, one walk and seven strikeouts.  Five pitchers out of the bullpen combined for the remaining four innings, allowing four earned runs, six walks and six strikeouts.

The series finale set for Sunday has been canceled due to unseasonably cold weather in Rock Hill.

STARKVILLE, Miss. - An early deficit proved too much to overcome for the Miami baseball team to overcome once again as it dropped a 7-1 decision at Mississippi State on Saturday.

Wes Rea belted a grand slam with two outs in the bottom of the first and a solo home run by Jake Vickerson to start the second staked the Bulldogs to a 5-0 lead early on.

The RedHawks had a golden opportunity to get back into the game when Jake Romano, Steve Sada and Gary Russo walked to load the bases with nobody out in the fourth. Max Andresen singled through the infield two batters later to get the Red and White on the board, but his RBI single was followed by an inning-ending double play.

MSU added single runs in the fifth and seventh innings to drop Miami to 0-2 on the season.

Senior Ryan Powers (L, 0-1) takes the defeat for the RedHawks, allowing five runs on five hits while tossing just three innings. Nathan Williams made his first appearance of the season, tossing one and a third strong innings, allowing one run on no hits while striking out two. Nick Scheller made his first appearance as a RedHawk, aloowing one run on two hits over two innings. John Monnig made his first career appearance as well but faced only one batter, resulting in a walk. Ryan Marske pitched two-thirds of an inning, striking out two. In his second appearance in as many games, Will Schierholz tossed one inning, giving up one hit.

The RedHawks return to the field next Friday at the Wofford Tournament against UNC-Asheville. 

DeKALB - NIU improved to 2-0 Saturday afternoon at the Governors Challenge as it defeated Niagara (0-2) on the strength of five extra base hits and patience at the plate, 15-5. Shortstop Brian Sisler (DeKalb, Ill./DeKalb) finished 5-for-5 with three doubles, three runs, six RBI and one hit by pitch to safely reach base in all six plate appearances.

The Huskies scored multiple runs in four innings tonight - accounting for five in the first, three in the second, two in the fourth and four in the seventh. NIU finished the game with 10 hits and 12 walks in the contest.

Starting pitcher Joe Ceja (Ottawa, Ill./Heartland CC) picked up his first win in his first career start as a Huskie, tossing 3.2 innings while striking out four and walking four in the contest. Dirk Ormsby (Ligonier, Ind./Kellogg CC) threw a career-high 4.1 innings, surrendering two hits with five strikeouts and only one walk.

"Our team battled some tough conditions tonight with the weather and grinded through with a great team win. Our pitchers did a great job on the mound, competing every pitch to give our team a great chance to win," said Head Coach Mike Kunigonis. "Offensively I was happy with the way we battled and fought through the conditions. Once again, we grinded and it showed up on the scoreboard."

The NIU offense went to work quickly against the Purple Eagles as the first six batters reached base, led by Sisler's double down the right field line to score two runs. After scoring four runs on Niagara's starting pitcher Liam Stroud, Daniel Procopio entered the game and allowed one more run to cross the plate in the inning.

The Huskies tagged Procopio for three runs in the bottom of the second as it batted through the order for the second-straight frame. Freshman Brad Wood (Orland Park, Ill./St. Bonaventure) recorded the first RBI of his career in the inning, hitting a triple to right center field.

Ormsby stepped onto the mound for Ceja with two men down and two men on in the fourth and gave up an RBI single to start the game. After forcing a ground out on the next at-bat, the senior only allowed two more baserunners in his next four innings of work.

The Huskies final big inning, a four run seventh, occurred on two hit by pitches, a walk, one error and one hit as Sisler again registered a two-run double. Justin Fletcher (Pekin, Ill./Illinois Central) recorded the innings other RBI with a fielder's choice to left shallow left field.

Fletcher finished the game with three runs as he went 1-for-5 from the plate. Wood joined Sisler as the only other Huskie with multiple hits, going 2-for-4 with a triple, a run and an RBI. With no recorded at-bats, Alex Smith (Mahomet, Ill./Parkland College) scored two runs on one walk and two hit by pitches.

NIU will close the Governors Challenge tomorrow afternoon as it takes on host Austin Peay. First pitch is set for 2:30 p.m. Central. NIU lefty Ryan Olson (Sterling, Ill./Newman Central Catholic) will face sophomore Alex Robles on the mound.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The Ohio baseball team (3-0) recorded 37 hits over the course of two games to solidify the series sweep against UNC Asheville on Saturday in Asheville, N.C., defeating the Bulldogs 14-12 and 10-3.  
 
Game One:
Ohio got on the board early in the first, with an RBI-triple off the bat of senior Jake Madsen (Cincinnati, Ohio) sending redshirt senior Garrett Black (Lima, Ohio) home.
 
A UNC Asheville RBI-single in the second knotted the game, 1-1.
 
The Bobcats exploded in the sixth, sending in nine runs overall. Junior John Adryan (Delran, N.J.) and redshirt senior Kyle Dean (Athens, Ohio) each recorded two hits in the inning alone, contributing to the hit game.
 
UNC Asheville responded, posting five runs against two Bobcat pitchers in the sixth inning.
 
An RBI-single by Mitch Longo (Mayfield, Ohio) extended Ohio’s lead in the seventh, sending Garrett Black across the plate. The Cats continued to score three additional runs in the inning.
 
The Bulldogs closed on Ohio’s advantage, scoring three runs in the seventh and three runs in the ninth. The Bobcat’s early lead held strong, solidifying the 14-12 win.
 
Ohio starting pitcher Connor Sitz (Westerville, Ohio) retired the first three batters in the Bulldog lineup and continued on to throw five innings for the Bobcats. The junior earned the win, striking out eight batters, allowing just three hits and one earned run during his time on the hill.
 
Bulldog starter Lucas Clarke was charged with the loss, tossing 5 1/3 innings in which he allowed seven hits, five runs, walked four and struck out three.
 
Game Two:
Ohio fell into an early deficit, with UNC Asheville recording three runs after the second inning.
 
The Bobcats responded with a five-run third inning, taking the lead away from the Bulldogs once again. Gaertner, Conner Callery (Covington, Ky.) and Garrett Black recorded RBI in the inning, with one apiece.
 
Ohio tacked on another run in the sixth, with Gaertner rounding third and heading home on an error.
 
The Bobcats added two additional unanswered runs in the seventh, with Madsen sending Garrett Black across the plate and an RBI-double by Gaertner scoring Manny De Jesus (Caguas, Puerto Rico) to extend Ohio’s lead to 10-3.
 
Ohio reliever Logan Cozart (New Philadelphia, Ohio) worked through three innings of Bulldog batters without allowing a hit and striking out eight, helping the Bobcats put the 10-3 victory in the books. 

NASHVILLE, TN - The Rockets suffered a trio of setbacks in their opening weekend slate in Nashville, TN. Toledo fell in their opening day game to Wright State on Friday before dropping a pair of games on Saturday.

After dropping an 8-1 decision on Friday night to the Raiders, Toledo looked for a bit of revenge on Saturday morning with another battle against WSU.

The Midnight Blue & Gold jumped out to an early 2-1 lead after a home run from junior John Martillotta in the top of the second inning. Fellow junior Ryan Callahan extended the UT lead in the top of the seventh with his first homer of the year.

However, the Raiders tagged the Toledo bullpen with a combined six runs in the bottom of the seventh and eighth innings to escape with a 7-4 victory.

Senior reliever Adam Tyson was at saddled with the loss, giving up two earned runs in just 0.2 innings of work. Toledo starter Steven Calhoun struck seven batters in 6.2 innings. The sophomore lefty gave up three runs, two earned, on six hits in his first start of the season.

Callahan finished 3-for-4 at the dish with his dinger in the seventh while Martillotta led the way with his two RBI.

With the bitter taste of defeat freshly engraved, Toledo turned its attention to game two of the day against the Belmont Bruins. Unfortunately for the Rockets, the result would be the same.

The Bruins jumped out to a quick 5-2 lead after the first two innings and never took their foot off the gas. Toledo did its best to keep pace and cut the deficit to just one-run heading into the bottom of the fourth, following an RBI double from freshman Matt Hansen, but Belmont would not be denied. BU tallied 10 runs in the final three innings in the 18-5 win over the Rockets.

Junior Caleb Schillace was tagged with the loss, giving up five runs, just one earned, in his 2.2 innings of work.

Hansen and fellow freshman A.J. Montoya each tallied a pair of RBI but despite their efforts the Rockets ended the weekend without finding the win column.

The Midnight Blue & Gold will return to action next Friday as they hit the road to Rock Hill, SC with a weekend slate against Winthrop. First pitch for Friday's game is slated for 4:00 p.m.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.- Western Michigan dropped both games of Saturday's doubleheader, falling 7-2 and 2-1 as UAB completed a three-game series sweep of the Broncos. WMU (0-3) will look to rebound next weekend, traveling to Tennessee for a four-game series against UT-Martin, Feb. 20-22.

Junior catcher Brett Sunde led the Broncos with a .364 batting average over the series, going 4-for-11 with two RBIs, a walk, a run scored and a double.


GAME 1: WMU 2, UAB 7
Western Michigan fell behind 6-0 before dropping a 7-2 decision in game one of Saturday's doubleheader. UAB’s Brett Blackwood hit a two-run homer in the second inning to give his team a 2-0 lead. The Blazers added two more runs in the fourth and sixth innings to open a 6-0 advantage.

Both sides would get a run in the seventh and the Broncos scored a final run in the top of the ninth.

Sunde went 2-for-4 in the game with an RBI double in the seventh. Senior right fielder Jared Kujawa drove in WMU’s run in the ninth with a bases loaded walk.

The Broncos had five hits in the game, while UAB collected 11. Blackwood finished 2-for-4 with four RBIs for the Blazers.

WMU junior left-handed pitcher Derek Schneider took the loss in the start, allowing four runs, four hits and four walks over three innings pitched. He struck out four. The Broncos would use four additional pitchers in the game.

UAB’s James Naile picked up the win, scattering one run and three hits over eight innings while striking out six.


GAME 2: WMU 1, UAB 2
Western Michigan and UAB played seven scoreless innings in game two before the Blazers broke through with two runs in the bottom of the eighth. The Broncos scored a run in the top of the ninth but fell by a 2-1 final.

WMU senior right-handed pitcher Chad Mayle struck out five over four innings in the starting effort, then handed the ball off to freshman LHP Tanner Allison. Allison worked three scoreless innings and into the eighth. He recorded a groundout, but then gave up a pair of singles on a base hit to right field and a bunt.

Junior RHP Gabe Berman was called to the mound to face Nathan Vincent, but Vincent would come up with the game-winning hit for the Blazers, smacking a two-run double to right field.

WMU didn’t go down without a fight in the top of the ninth. Junior shortstop Kurt Hoekstra cracked a leadoff triple to right center and Sunde followed with an RBI single to center field. Kujawa laid down a sac bunt to push pinch runner Jordan Tillman to second. WMU stranded the game-tying run however, ending the game with a pair of swinging strikeouts.

UAB starter Johnny Lieske tossed eight shutout innings, striking out seven and allowing just four hits and one walk, earning the win. Ryan Ruggles recorded the final strikeout to pick up the save.

Allison was charged with the loss for Western Michigan. His final line read two runs, two hits, one walk and two strikeouts over 3.1 innings.

Western Michigan had six hits in the game and left six runners on base. Hoekstra was the only Bronco with multiple hits, going 2-for-3.