Murray State University Athletics
Murray State
Louisville
Big innings do in 'Breds at Louisville
3/16/2004 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
The Murray State Thoroughbreds gave up big innings in both contests of their double-header at Louisville, falling in the first game 13-1 and losing the second game 13-4. Wednesday's scheduled game at Louisville was cancelled due to inclement weather.
In Game 1, Murray State (2-13) gave up 11 runs in the first inning, with the first eight batters reaching base before the first out of the inning. Louisville (9-7) sent 14 batters to the plate in the inning.
The Cardinals were spotted a 13-0 lead before the 'Breds scored in the fifth inning. Third baseman James Akin led off the inning with a single, and catcher Chad Fogle followed with a single to right field, getting Akin to second. Both runners moved up a base on a groundout, and Akin scored on a groundout to kill the shutout attempt.
First baseman Geoff Kirksey had a double for the 'Breds, while Akin, Fogle and right fielder Clint Griggs each had singles.
Chris Cates went 3-for-5 for Louisville with a double, two runs and a run batted in, while Daniel Burton went 3-for-3 with a run and two RBIs.
On the mound, Jake Ociesa (0-3) took the loss for MSU, allowing seven runs on four hits, walking three before the 'Breds could get an out. Charlie Wade pitched the remainder of the game, allowing six runs on nine hits, striking out three and walking one in six innings.
For Louisville, Mike Tisdale (1-2) went the distance, allowing one run on four hits, striking out five and walking none in seven innings.
In Game 2, the Cardinals got four runs in the first inning and four in the sixth to push the 13-4 win.
The 'Breds were able to get eight hits, with six of those hits coming in the final two innings.
Trailing 4-0 in the top of the second inning, Murray State plated a run when designated hitter Ike Bridwell popped a one-out double and scored on right fielder Scotty Scott's triple, closing the gap to 2-1.
Behind 9-1 in the top of the sixth inning, the 'Breds' bats came alive, as Kirksey slapped a one-out single to left and Bridwell followed with a single up the middle, getting Kirksey to second. Catcher Dustin Hennigar then doubled in Kirksey and moved Bridwell to third to cut the UL lead to 9-2.
The Cardinals answered with four runs in the bottom of the sixth, but the 'Breds countered in the seventh. Center fielder J.D. Merritt got a two-out single, and shortstop Alex Stewart doubled in Merritt. Kirksey followed with a double to score Stewart for the final run of the game.
Kirksey and Bridwell each went 2-for-4 with a double and a run, while Kirksey collected an RBI. Stewart and Hennigar each doubled for MSU.
For Louisville, Burton, Mark Jurich and Ron Braun each got two hits, with Burton claiming two doubles. Cates popped a two-run home run in the second inning.
On the mound, Bart Peach (0-2) took the loss, allowing seven runs on seven hits, striking out five and walking four in four innings. Jesse Rhoades came on in the fifth, allowing six runs on six hits, striking out three and walking three in two innings.
Louisville's Griffin Bailey (1-1) got the win in relief, allowing no runs on no hits, striking out two in two innings. The Cardinals used five pitchers in the game.
Murray State returns home to face Southern Illinois on Thursday at 2 p.m. The 'Breds then host Arkansas-Little Rock for a three-game weekend series, with a Saturday double-header beginning at noon and a Sunday game starting at noon.
