Murray State
Memphis
'Breds get two four-run innings in making comeback in 10-9 win
3/23/2005 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
In each of Murray State's games this season prior to today's match-up at Memphis, whichever team led after six innings -- whether it was the Thoroughbreds or their opponent -- held that lead for the rest of the game. The 'Breds changed that tonight with a come-from-behind 10-9 win, snapping a six-game losing skid.
Murray State (11-10) trailed 7-2 after four innings, but plated four runs in the fifth inning to pull to within a run and four more in the eighth inning to take its first lead and make it last.
Memphis (6-11) scored two runs in the first inning, but MSU responded with two in the second when center fielder Lincoln Kent connected for his second home run in as many games to lead off the inning. Catcher Jason Payton then got an infield pop-up double, then went to third on a bunt single by left fielder Austin Swain. Swain was caught in a rundown, but it was Payton who was thrown out trying to steal home, but Swain got to second base. Swain went to third on a passed ball, then scored on right fielder Jamie Leidolf's first hit of the season to tie the game at 2-2.
The Tigers plated four unearned runs in the second inning to take a 6-2 lead and tacked on another run in the fourth to go ahead 7-2.
In the fifth inning, the 'Breds made it a game again when designated hitter Chaz Ebert led off with a single, then second baseman Seth Hudson walked. First baseman Clint Griggs singled to left, then went to second on a fielding error, moving Hudson to third and scoring Ebert. Payton slapped a double down the left-field line, scoring Hudson and Griggs. Swain walked, then went to second on a fielder's choice, getting Payton out at third. Swain scored on a third baseman James Akin's first hit of the season to narrow the deficit to 7-6.
Memphis scored a run in the fifth to go ahead 8-6, but then the 'Breds made their move in the eighth.
Hudson led off with a single, then Griggs singled him to second. Kent reached on a fielders error to load the bases, and catcher Dustin Hennigar slapped a bases-clearing triple to give Murray State a 9-8 lead. Hennigar scored on a sacrifice fly by Swain to give MSU a 10-8 lead. Memphis added a run in the bottom of the eighth, but the 'Breds held on in the ninth to complete the comeback.
Griggs broke a slump with a 3-for-5 day, scoring two runs and getting a run batted in, Payton went 2-for-3 with two doubles and two RBIs, while Swain went 2-for-3 with two runs and an RBI. Leidolf went 2-for-5 with an RBI. On defense, Griggs and Hennigar each had seven putouts to lead Murray State, while shortstop Michal Perconte had a game-high four assists.
Nine MSU batters got at least one hit in the game, while seven had at least one run batted in and six scored runs.
On the mound, West Harris (1-2) got the win in relief, allowing no runs on no hits, striking out one in one inning of work. Tyler Pittman started the game, allowing seven runs (three earned) on six hits, striking out three and walking two in 3-2/3 innings. Matt Scalfani came on in the fourth, allowing one run on no hits, striking out one and walking three in 1-1/3 innings. Shelton entered in the sixth, allowing no runs on no hits, striking out three and walking one. Fares came on in the eighth, earning his first save of the season, allowing one unearned run on two hits, striking out three and walking one in two innings.
Murray State relief pitchers allowed two runs (one earned) on two hits, striking out eight and walking five over 5-1/3 innings.
For Memphis, Adam Amar went 3-for-4 with two doubles and four runs batted in. Chad House went 2-for-3 with three runs scored.
Ryan Fly (0-2) took the loss in relief, allowing four runs (three earned) on three hits, striking out two and walking none in two innings. Blake Richardson started the game, allowing four runs on six hits, striking out six and walking three in four-plus innings. Chris South came on in the fifth, allowing two runs on three hits, striking out one and walking one in one inning. Drew Kimmelman came on in the sixth, allowing no runs on one hit, striking out two and walking two in one inning, while Chris Davis entered in the seventh, allowing no runs on one hit, striking out three in one inning.
Murray State opens its Ohio Valley Conference play this weekend, beginning with a double-header on Friday at noon against Southeast Missouri State.
