Murray State
Air Force
'Breds end Service Academy Classic with 11-2 loss to Air Force; ASU on deck
2/29/2004 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
The Murray State Thoroughbreds closed out their three-day tenure at the Service Academy Classic in Millington, Tenn., with an 11-2 loss to Air Force this morning. MSU next visits Arkansas State on Wednesday for a 6:30 p.m. game.
Trailing 4-0 against Air Force, Murray State (1-5) plated two runs in the fourth inning when designated hitter Geoff Kirksey led off with a walk and shortstop Alex Stewart hit a single to left to move Kirksey to second. Both runners moved up on a passed ball, then second baseman Derrick Newton hit a sacrifice fly to score Kirksey and move Stewart to third base. Stewart scored on a groundout, and MSU narrow its deficit to 4-2.
In the bottom of the fifth, however, the Falcons (4-5) scored seven runs on four hits, capped by a grand slam home run by Karl Bolt, closing out the scoring at 11-2.
Murray State had a double from Clint Griggs and singles from Stewart, Newton, pinch-hitter Kyle Riley and left fielder Dylan Evans.
On the mound, Bart Peach (0-1) started and took the loss, allowing four runs (two earned) on three hits, striking out three and walking one in three innings. Jesse Rhoades came on in the fourth, allowing six runs on three hits, striking out two and walking three in 1-2/3 innings, while Billy Fares entered in the fifth, allowing one run on one hit, striking out two and walking none in 2-1/3 innings. Charlie Wade closed out the game, allowing no runs on one hit, walking one in one inning.
Murray State visits Arkansas State on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. The 'Breds open their home season this weekend with a three-game series against Memphis, beginning Friday at 2 p.m. at Reagan Field.
