Murray State
Arkansas State
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Defense fails 'Breds in loss to Arkansas State
2/22/2006 6:00:00 AM | Baseball
The offense wasn't much better, as Indians pitchers allowed only three hits. Despite that, Murray State left nine runners on base, thanks to five walks and two hit batters.
Arkansas State (4-1) scored four runs each in the third and fourth innings to set the tone. Three errors in both innings not only allowed unearned runs to score, but extended the inning for ASU.
"We played poorly," said MSU head coach Rob McDonald. "Our pitching was not nearly as bad as the score indicates. We kicked the ball around in the field.
"Their hitters did a good job. There were two or three innings where we extended those innings through our errors. I feel confident that we can't play any worse than this."
Junior second baseman Seth Hudson, junior center fielder Tyler Pittman and sophomore first baseman Michal Perconte each singled for Murray State.
Arkansas State was led by Brett Kinning, who went 3-for-5 with a double, two runs and two runs batted in. Hudson Smart had a two-run home run in the third inning, while Josh Yates also homered in the third. Smart and Yates each had three RBIs for the Indians.
On the mound, senior right-hander Kalen Gibson (0-1) started and took the loss, allowing nine runs (five earned) on eight hits, striking out three and walking none in four innings. Senior lefty West Harris came on in the fifth, allowing no runs on two hits, striking out three in two innings. Junior left-hander Jon Newton entered in the seventh inning, allowing one unearned run on no hits, striking out one and walking one in an inning. Sophomore righty Ed Baust pitched the eighth inning, allowing no hits and striking out one. Senior righty Matt Scalfani pitched the ninth, allowing one unearned run on two hits, striking out one.
For ASU, T.J. Brewer (1-0) started and got the win, allowing one hit, striking out seven and walking four in five innings. Doug Gunderson entered in the sixth, allowing one hit, striking out four and walking one in two innings. Ryan Duclos pitched the eighth inning, allowing one run, while Tim Egart pitched the ninth, striking out one.
Murray State continues its season-opening four-game homestand on Saturday, when the 'Breds host Bowling Green State in a noon double-header.
