Murray State
Indiana State
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Perconte Goes The Distance In 'Breds' 7-3 Win At Indiana State
3/18/2006 6:00:00 AM | Baseball
Sophomore right-hander Michal Perconte went the distance, and the Murray State Thoroughbreds hitters scored three runs in the sixth inning and two in the seventh to bolster MSU's 7-3 win at Indiana State today.
Perconte (2-1) -- who has both of Murray State's complete games thus far -- allowed three runs (two earned) on eight hits, striking out two and walking none in nine innings of work to claim the win.
The ?Breds (7-11) jumped on the scoreboard first when Brett Mullins led off the game with a walk, then went to second on a single by Tyler Pittman. Brett Wilson singled to load the bases, and Jamie Leidolf flew out to score Mullins and give MSU a 1-0 lead.
Murray State added a run in the fourth when Leidolf led off with a bunt single and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt byAustin Swain. Chaz Ebert's single drove in Leidolf and put the ?Breds ahead 2-0.
The Sycamores (8-6) responded with a run in the bottom half of the inning to cut the lead to 2-1, but Murray State put together two big innings to keep the game out of reach.
In the sixth inning, Swain hit a one-out single, then Tyler Owen singled him to third. Phil Lopez was hit by a pitch to load the bases with two outs, then Mullins walked in Swain. Seth Hudson singled in Owen and Lopez and put MSU ahead 5-1.
In the seventh, Wilson led off with a single, then Leidolf singled him to second. Both runners advanced on a wild pitch, then Swain singled them both in to put the ?Breds ahead 7-1. Indiana State scored runs in the seventh and ninth innings to close out the scoring.
"Michal Perconte was outstanding," said MSU head coach Rob McDonald. "He threw a ton of strikes and had good command of his pitches. He allowed no walks and competed really well.
"Our hitters swung their bats better today. We saw bunts and good situational hitting, things we've been doing a pretty good job on. Today, we were able to be more aggressive and get out to a lead. The key was; when the starting pitcher pitches as well as Perconte, you're always going to be in the game and have the opportunity to win the game."
Leidolf went 3-for-4 with two runs scored to lead Murray State. Pittman had two hits, including a double, while Swain had two hits and two runs batted in. Wilson had two hits, while Hudson had two RBIs and Mullins drew three walks for rhe ?Breds.
The Sycamores were led by Ryan Bond, who went 4-for-4 with a double.
In the field, first baseman Leidolf had a co-game-high 10 putouts, while shortstop Lopez had a game-high seven assists. For ISU, first baseman Marcus Artner had 10 putouts, while second baseman Bond had four assists.
Starter Adam Pabst (0-2) took the loss for Indiana State, allowing one run on two hits, striking out three and walking two in three innings. The Sycamores used five relief pitchers in the game.
The teams will play the rubber game of the three-game series tomorrow (Sunday) at noon CT.
