Murray State
Bradley
'Breds sweep season-opening double-header over Bradley
2/19/2005 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
The Murray State Thoroughbreds opened their 2005 season in sharp fashion, sweeping their double-header against visiting Bradley, 2-1 in the first game and 5-1 in the second game, behind outstanding performances from the starting pitchers.
In Game 1, senior right-hander Craig Kraus allowed only one first-inning run on three hits -- two of which came in the first inning. The Louisville, Ky., native also struck out seven and walked one in seven innings of work.
Bradley (0-2) took an early lead when Ryan Kenny picked up a one-out single, went to second on a groundout and scored on a Brad Canada double to put the Braves ahead 1-0 in the first inning.
In the third inning, the 'Breds (2-0) would get al the offense they needed when second baseman Seth Hudson hit a one-out single and went to second when right fielder Brett Mullins walked. Left fielder Austin Swain singled through the left side to score Hudson and move Mullins to second. Mullins advanced to third on a fielder's choice and scored on a single by Tyler Pittman to put MSU ahead for good 2-1.
Mullins had a double for Murray State.
In the second game, Billy Fares allowed one seventh-inning run on six hits, striking out five and walking two in getting the complete-game win.
Fares took a sharp line drive off of his pitching arm in the fourth inning, but was able to go the distance.
In the first inning, designated hitter Chaz Ebert led off with a doubled down the left-field line and scored on a single by left fielder Clint Griggs. Pittman bunted Griggs over to second and third baseman Alex Stewart sacrificed Griggs to third. Right fielder Lincoln Kent singled in Griggs and went to second on the throw that got Pittman out at third, but the 'Breds had a 2-0 first-inning lead.
In the second inning, shortstop Michal Perconte led off with a walk and went to third on the double by Hudson. Ebert singled in Perconte and moved Hudson to third, and Griggs hit a sacrifice fly scoring Hudson and giving MSU a 4-0 lead.
In the third inning, Stewart led off with a single and moved to second on a groundout. Catcher Dustin Hennigar singled in Stewart to close out the Murray State scoring, giving the 'Breds a 5-0 lead.
In the seventh inning, after Ryan Curry reached on a fielder's choice, Pat Rerson drew a two-out walk, moving Curry to second. Justin Carr singled in Curry for the final 5-1 score.
Ebert went 2-for-4 with a double, a rn and a run batted in, while Kent went 2-for-3 with an RBI, and Hennigar went 2-for-2 with an RBI. Hudson hit a double for Murray State, while Griggs had two RBIs.
"Obviously, we are happy to get off to a good start like that," said MSU head coach Rob McDonald. "One thing that stands out is the starting pitching, Craig Kraus and Billy Fares.
"I though all of our guys came to play, and we did a lot of good things. We got some clutch hits, bunted some and we ran the bases well.
"I feel good about this group of kids," McDonald said. "Our guys have quite a bit of experience, and the new guys are players I feel good about, too. The attitude and work habits they have shown make me optimistic about this team."
Murray State will close out this series tomorrow (Sunday) at 1 p.m. at MSU's Reagan Field.
