Murray State University Athletics
Murray State
Wright State
'Breds sweep Wright State in Saturday double-header
3/5/2005 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
The Murray State Thoroughbreds picked up their fourth straight win with a double-header sweep of visiting Wright State this afternoon, winning the first game 6-3 and taking the second game 4-0.
In the first game, Wright State (2-6) scored a run in the second inning when Brian Shoup led off with a double, went to third on a groundout and scored on a single by Ross Oeder. The Raiders scored again in the sixth when Bryan Vickers reached base on an error, went to second on a single by Shoup and scored on a throwing error to put WSU ahead 2-0.
In the bottom of the sixth, the 'Breds (7-3) got on the scoreboard when right fielder Lincoln Kent was hit by a pitch, went to second on a single by pinch-hitter Brett Mullins and reached third on a sacrifice bunt by shortstop Phil Lopez, moving Mullins to second base.
Second baseman Seth Hudson walked to load the bases, and first baseman Clint Griggs hit the ball up the middle, bouncing off of pitcher Chris Coleman and scoring Kent. Designated hitter Chaz Ebert was hit by a pitch, scoring Mullins to tie the game at 2-2, and Hudson scored on a sacrifice fly by center fielder Tyler Pittman to put MSU ahead 3-2.
The 'Breds scored again in the seventh on a series of infield hits. Third baseman Alex Stewart led off with a single up the middle, then Kent singled him to third. Mullins got a bunt single to score Stewart, then Lopez hit a hard bunt single to load the bases. Griggs hit an infield single to score Kent, then Mullins scored on a foul out to put Murray State ahead 6-2.
Wright State scored again in the eighth when Vickers and Shoup walked and Ross Vagades singled to load the bases. Vickers scored on a groundout, but the scoring ended there at 6-3.
Griggs led all hitters with three hits, picking up two runs batted in. Kent went 2-for-3 with a double and two runs, while Mullins also went 2-for-3 with two runs and an RBI. Ebert had two RBIs.
On the mound, Craig Kraus (3-0) got the win, allowing two runs (one earned) on seven hits, striking out five and walking one in 6-2/3 innings. Charlie Wade came on in the seventh, allowing one run on one hit, walking two in one-third of an inning. Matt Scalfani got his first save of the season, allowing no hits and striking out two in two innings.
For Wright State, Travis Migliorini went 2-for-4, while Shoup went 2-for-4 with a double and a run. Vickers scored twice for the Raiders.
On the mound, Chris Nighland (0-1) got the loss in relief, allowing three runs on one hit, walking one in one-third of an inning. Chris Snyder started the game, allowing no runs on five hits, striking out four and walking three in five innings. Coleman relieved Nighland, allowing one hit and striking out one in two-thirds of an inning. Kyle Kearcher closed out the game, allowing three runs on five hits, striking out four and walking none in two innings.
The second game was a pitcher's duel, broken up by a three-run home run by Stewart in the fourth inning.
Ebert went 2-for-3 with two runs scored, while Stewart had three RBIs.
On the mound, Billy Fares (2-1) went the distance, allowing no runs on five hits, striking out nine and walking one in seven innings.
For Wright State, Vagades and Pat Masters each had two hits.
Robert Barrett (2-1) went the distance as well, allowing four runs (two earned) on five hits, striking out five and walking two in six innings.
"The kids hung in there," said MSU head coach Rob McDonald. "It didn't come easy today. We emphasize that. Some days, it comes easy, but today, we really had to work for it.
"We got into the late innings, and had some bunts help us, and our base-running helped us in the first game. In the second game, Stewart's home run was definitely the turning point.
"We got some good pitching in both games," McDonald said. "I'm proud of Kraus. He didn't have his best stuff today, and he really had to compete today. Billy came out and really pitched well. He had good command and got better as the game went on."
Murray State will complete this three-game series and its eight-game homestand tomorrow (Sunday) at noon.
