Murray State
Tennessee Tech
'Breds have 14-run inning in Game 1, but are held scoreless in Game 2
4/23/2005 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
The Murray State Thoroughbreds came within a run of tying a 30-year-old record with a 14-run third inning in Game 1, taking the first game of today's double-header against Tennessee Tech 24-7, but Golden Eagle pitching in the second game was outstanding, holding the 'Breds scoreless in the 6-0 Tech win in Game 2.
In the first game, Murray State (21-19, 9-5 OVC) trailed 2-1 going into the bottom of the third inning, but 17 batters later, the 'Breds plated 14 runs, just one short of the school-record 15 scored against North Dakota in 1975. MSU used seven hits, six walks and two errors to provide the run production, including four runs batted in by center fielder Tyler Pittman.
Although starting pitcher Craig Kraus (7-1, 3-0 OVC) didn't pitch very well, the 13-run gap helped him get the win, allowing six runs (four earned) on 13 hits, striking out four and walking one in seven innings. Charlie Wade finished the game, allowing one unearned run on two hits, striking out four in two innings.
Alex Stewart went 3-for-5 with two doubles, two runs and four RBIs, while Pittman went 2-for-5 with his fourth home run of the season, two runs scored and four RBIs. Phil Lopez and Brett Mullins each went 2-for-4 with three runs and an RBI, while Clint Griggs went 2-for-3 with two doubles, three runs and an RBI. Dustin Hennigar also doubled for MSU, while Seth Hudson scored four runs and had two RBIs. Austin Swain walked three times in the game.
On defense, Griggs had six putouts at first base, while Lopez had five assists at shortstop.
For Tennessee Tech (9-29, 4-9 OVC), Corey Kemp went 3-for-4, while Brandon Selvog, Britt Clubb, Clint Alexander and Scott Dunham each had two hits. Nathan Marty had a solo home run for the Golden Eagles, while Dunham had a triple and Clubb and Brandon Bornstein each had doubles. Kenny Stiles scored twice for TTU, while Clubb and Alexander each had two RBIs.
On defense, Marty had nine putouts at first base, while Stiles had seven assists at second base.
On the mound, Matthew Edwards (0-3) took the loss, allowing seven runs on four hits, striking out two and walking five in 2-1/3 innings. Billy Welsh entered in the third inning, allowing eight runs (four earned) on five hits, striking out one and walking four in 2-2/3 innings. Kevin Cizmarik closed out the game, allowing nine runs (seven earned) on seven hits, striking out one and walking three in three innings.
In the second game, Tech starter Justin Fields (1-6) pitched a gem, allowing no runs on three hits, striking out three and walking three in the complete-game 6-0 win.
For Murray State, Griggs, Pittman and Mullins each had a hit, while Griggs had a double.
On defense, Hennigar had 11 putouts at catcher, while Lopez had three assists at shortstop.
On the mound, Billy Fares (4-5) took the loss, allowing four runs on five hits, striking out four and walking one in four innings. Jon Ross Shelton entered in the fifth inning, allowing two runs on three hits, striking out six and walking one in two innings. Matt Scalfani closed out the game, facing the minimum three batters in one inning, striking out one.
Shelton was called for a balk, the first for the Murray State pitching staff this season. MSU is the last team in the OVC to be called for a balk.
For Tech, Marty and Dunham each had two hits. Dunham had a triple and four RBIs, while Hunter Mize scored twice.
On defense, Marty had 11 putouts at first base, while three players had three assists each.
"The big thing about Tyler Pittman was the catch he made in the first game in center field," said MSU head coach Rob McDonald. "He was running dead-away at full speed, catching the ball over his shoulder a couple of steps from the fence.
"I'm disappointed in our second-game loss, but that wasn't for a lack of effort. It just didn't happen. Billy (Fares) didn't have his stuff today, and their pitcher threw a really good game."
Murray State will face Tennessee Tech in the rubber game of this series tomorrow (Sunday) at 1 p.m. at Reagan Field.
