Murray State University Athletics
Murray State
Memphis
'Breds make comeback attempt but fall short in 11-8 loss to Memphis
3/29/2005 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
The Murray State Thoroughbreds found themselves trailing Memphis 10-1 in the middle of the second inning, but made one of their patented comeback attempts, scoring seven unanswered runs to pull to within 10-8 after six innings. The Tigers were able to hold things together late to escape with an 11-8 win.
Memphis (8-13) scored two runs in the first inning on a two-run double by Ryan Martin, but Murray State (13-12) responded with a run in the bottom of the first when designated hitter Chaz Ebert led off with a walk, went to third on a single by second baseman Seth Hudson, then scored on a sacrifice fly by first baseman Clint Griggs to cut the Tiger lead to 2-1.
In the second inning, however, the 'Breds' defense faltered, allowing eight runs (two earned) on only five hits and with the benefit of four MSU errors, giving Memphis a 10-1 lead.
The 'Breds got one run back in the bottom of the second when catcher Dustin Hennigar hit a one-out single, went to second on a balk, went to third on a wild pitch and scored on a single by shortstop Phil Lopez to cut the UM lead to 10-2.
In the fourth inning, the 'Breds' bats came alive, as center fielder Tyler Pittman led off with a double. Hennigar then hit a single to left, but the ball went past the fielder, allowing Hennigar to circle the bases and score behind Pittman to further cut the Tiger lead to 10-4.
In the fifth inning, Murray State plated another run when third baseman Alex Stewart hit a one-out double off the top of the center-field fence, then went to third on a groundout. Stewart scored on a fielding error, and the MSU deficit was down to 10-5.
In the sixth inning, left fielder Austin Swain led off with a single, then Lopez was hit by a pitch. Ebert then singled to load the bases, and Swain scored on a sacrifice fly by Hudson. Griggs walked to load the bases again, then Lopez scored on a fielder's choice. Ebert scored on a wild pitch to cut the Memphis lead to 10-8.
Memphis scored the final run of the game in the seventh inning when Patrick Hope led off with a single, stole second, then scored on a throwing error to give the Tigers their 11-8 cushion.
Tiger pitcher Ryan Fly -- who took the loss in Murray State's 10-9 come-from-behind win at Memphis last Wednesday -- allowed no hits and walked one in the last two innings to earn the save.
"We've got to play a lot better defensively and pitch better," said MSU head coach Rob McDonald. "The good news is: We've got a couple of good days of practice coming up, so we hope to iron out the kinks. We hope we can get our guys feeling more confident defensively.
"I love our attitude. A lot of our guys didn't feel like we got beat; they felt like time ran out on us. We just can't play that poorly and expect to beat a good team."
Ebert, Hudson and Hennigar each led Murray State with two hits apiece, with Ebert and Hennigar scoring twice and Hudson garnering a run batted in. Stewart and Pittman each doubled for the 'Breds. On defense, Hennigar and Griggs had a team-high eight putouts apiece, while Lopez had a team-high four assists.
On the mound, Jake Ociesa (2-2) took the loss, allowing 10 runs (four earned) on seven hits, striking out one and walking two in 1-1/3 innings. West Harris came on in the second inning and held Memphis scoreless through the sixth, allowing one unearned run in the seventh inning and ceding four hits, striking out five and walking one in 5-2/3 innings. Jon Ross Shelton finished the game, allowing no runs on one hit, striking out three and walking one in two innings.
For Memphis, five batters had two hits apiece, while Chad House and Jordan Tolliver had two runs apiece and Martin had two RBIs and a double. Adam Amar had a game-high 12 putouts, while Tolliver had five assists.
Chris South (2-1) got the win in relief, allowing no runs on no hits, walking two in 1-2/3 innings. Drew Kimmelman started, allowing four runs (three earned) on six hits, striking out four and walking two in 3-1/3 innings. Greg Rees came on in the fourth, allowing four runs (three earned) on four hits, striking out one in two innings. Fly pitched the last two innings for the Tigers.
Murray State returns to Ohio Valley Conference action this weekend, as the 'Breds visit Eastern Illinois. The three-game series begins Saturday with a noon double-header, followed by a Sunday 1 p.m. game. The action can be heard locally on WRKY (1130 AM, Murray).
