Murray State
Jacksonville State
'Breds sweep Jacksonville State behind strong pitching outings
5/15/2004 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
The Murray State Thoroughbreds rode excellent complete-game outings from pitchers Craig Kraus and Billy Fares to sweep its double-header at Jacksonville State today, winning 6-4 in the first game and 3-0 in the second game.
Win the sweep, Murray State (16-31, 10-13 OVC) jumped ahead of Tennessee Tech into seventh place, two games behind sixth-place Samford, whom the 'Breds face in their final regular-season series in Murray on Friday and Saturday.
In the first game today at Jacksonville State, Murray State struck for three runs in the third inning when second baseman Derrick Newton led off with a single, then third baseman Clint Griggs singled him to third. Newton was thrown out at home on a fielder's choice, but shortstop Alex Stewart walked to load the bases.
First baseman Josh Foreman slammed a two-out double to left, clearing the bases and giving MSU a 3-0 lead.
The 'Breds struck again in the fifth when center fielder Tyler Pittman led off with a single, went to second on a groundout, then scored on a single by right fielder Scotty Scott to put MSU up 4-0.
In the sixth inning, Murray State scored when left fielder Austin Swain led off with a single, went to second on a sacrifice, then scored on a single by Griggs to put the 'Breds ahead 5-0.
Murray State closed its scoring with a run in the seventh inning when Stewart led off with a single, went to third on a single by Scott and scored on a wild pitch.
Jacksonville State (24-24, 14-9 OVC) mounted a comeback in the ninth inning, scoring four runs, but fell short 6-4.
Kraus (4-6, 4-3 OVC) pitched a pinpoint game, allowed four runs (three earned) on eight hits, striking out seven and walking one in the complete-game nine-inning win. He was able to strike five batters out looking by painting the corner of the strike zone consistently well throughout the game.
JSU's C.R. Palmer (8-4) pitched well, but allowed six runs on 13 hits, striking out seven and walking one in six -plus innings. Jon Clements came on in the seventh, allowing no runs on one hit, striking out four and walking one in three innings.
Leading the 'Breds' bats was Pittman, who went 3-for-5 with two runs. Griggs, Scott, Newton and designated hitter James Akin had two hits apiece, while Foreman had a double and three runs batted in.
For the Gamecocks, Brian Haskins had two hits, both doubles, and two RBIs.
In the second game, a brilliant pitchers' duel was decided by a three-run sixth inning for the 'Breds. The game breezed along, lasting only an hour and 29 minutes for the seven-inning battle.
Murray State scored in the sixth when Hudson reached on a throwing error, then stole second. Griggs walked, and Pittman reached on a sacrifice bunt. Hudson scored on a sacrifice fly by Stewart, then Griggs scored on a single by Scott. Foreman singled in Pittman to account for the final run of the game, 3-0.
Fares (4-5, 2-4 OVC) pitched brilliantly, allowing only two hits -- one in the first inning and one in the seventh -- retiring 14 straight batters at one point and 19 of the last 21. Fares struck out four and walked none in the complete-game seven-inning win.
Bobby Wynns (7-5) also battled well, allowing three runs (two earned) on three hits, striking out five and walking two in 5-1/3 innings. Josh Forrest completed the game, allowing no runs on one hit, striking out three and walking none in 1-2/3 innings.
Foreman went 2-for-3 for MSU, while Scott and designated hitter Jamie Leidolf also had hits. For JSU, Robby Goodson and Haskins each singled.
"I'm really proud of our guys," said head coach Rob McDonald. "We couldn't have done this without our pitching. When you get this type of pitching and play even a little behind them, you win games.
"This was a very, very critical day, but tomorrow will be just as big as today."
The final game of the series starts tomorrow (Sunday) at 1 p.m. That game can be heard locally on WRKY (1130 AM, Murray).
