'Breds Complete Series Sweep of Akron, 11-3

Monday, March 13

Murray, Ky.

2:00 p.m.

Murray State

Akron

3/13/2006 6:00:00 AM | Baseball

The Murray State Thoroughbreds' top three hitters combined for a 9-for-14 performance with seven runs and six runs batted in to help MSU complete its three-game sweep of visiting Akron this afternoon at Reagan Field, 11-3, claiming its fourth straight win.

Akron scored a run in the first inning, but Murray State (5-9) answered in the second inning when Jamie Leidolf hit a one-out single to left, then scored when Owen doubled to center. The Zips made an error on the relay throw, allowing Owen to take third base. Owen scored on a balk to give the 'Breds a 2-1 lead. Brett Mullins hit a two-out double, then went to third on a passed ball. Seth Hudson singled him in, then scored on a double by Tyler Pittman to put MSU ahead 4-1.

In the fourth inning, Murray State added four more runs when Mullins popped a two-out single, then Hudson singled him to second. Both runners advanced on a passed ball, then Pittman drove them all in with a home run to right field. Jason Payton singled, then Austin Swain singled him to second. Both runners advanced on a wild pitch, then Payton scored when Chaz Ebert reached on a fielder's error to put the 'Breds ahead 8-1.

Akron tacked on two runs in the top of the eighth inning to pull to within 8-3, but MSU scored three in the bottom of the inning when Hudson drew a one-out walk, then scored when Pittman doubled to center. Lincoln Kent was hit by a pitch, then Ebert was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Leidolf singled in Pittman and Kent to close the scoring at 11-3.

“We're on a roll right now,” said MSU head coach Rob McDonald. “Things are just going our way. We're playing with a lot of confidence now, and are starting to play with some consistency.”

Hudson led all batters with a 4-for-4 day, including a triple, three runs scored and a run batted in. Pittman went 3-for-5 with two doubles, a home run, five RBIs and two runs, while Leidolf went 3-for-5 with a run and two RBIs. Mullins got two hits, including a double, and scored two runs. Owen also had a double for MSU.

Akron was led by Scott Gunn and Kurt Davidson, who each had two hits. Gunn scored twice and had a double and a triple, while Ryan Frazee and Charlie Lenhard each doubled for the Zips.

In the field, catcher Payton had seven putouts for the 'Breds, while shortstop Phil Lopez had a game-high four assists. For Akron, catcher Davidson had nine putouts, while second baseman Brian Kimutis had two assists.

On the mound, left-hander Andrew Bishop (1-0) took the win, allowing three runs on seven hits, striking out seven and walking two in eight innings. West Harris pitched the ninth inning, allowing one hit and one walk.

For Akron, Patrick Gliha (0-1) took the loss, allowing eight runs (seven earned) on 12 hits, striking out four and walking one in five innings. Garrett Knoll came on in the sixth, allowing three runs on three hits, striking out four and walking two in three innings.

Murray State continues this homestand tomorrow (Tuesday) at 2 p.m. against Memphis. The 'Breds added another home game this week, hosting Freed-Hardeman on Wednesday at 2 p.m.