Murray State
Southern Illinois
'Breds Lose Close One At Southern Illinois
3/21/2007 5:00:00 AM | Baseball
Murray State's pitching and hitting all came together to pull the 'Breds to within 5-4 in the eighth inning,but host Southern Illinois was able to fend off MSU in its 7-5 win.
Southern Illinois (16-6) scored two runs in the first inning and three in the second to jump out to an early 5-0 lead, chasing MSU starter Drew Leeper. Freshman left-hander Matt McGaha came on in the third and held the Salukis in check, allowing no runs on three hits over his four innings. Another freshman lefty, Jake Donze, pitched the seventh inning, and also held SIU in place, allowing no runs on one hit in that inning.
That allowed the 'Breds (3-15) to put together some hits in the eighth inning and mount a rally. Senior center fielder Tyler Pittman hit a one-out solo home run, his fourth of the season, to put MSU on the board. Senior right fielder Jamie Leidolf then singled down the left-field line, and sophomore shortstop Justin Yount legged out a bunt single. Senior designated hitter Austin Swain then walked to load the bases, and freshman third baseman Kyle Tiernan singled through the right side to plate Leidolf. Freshman left fielder Chad Allen reached on a fielding error, scoring Yount, then senior second baseman Seth Hudson reached on a fielding error, scoring Swain and pulling Murray State to within 5-4 before a double play halted the rally.
Pittman then came on to pitch, marking his first game on the mound since April 20, 2005. Southern Illinois was able to score two runs in the inning, cushioning its lead to 7-4, and Murray State was unable to score in the ninth inning.
"Matt McGaha came in and pitched really well," said MSU head coach Rob McDonald. "Jake Donze also came in and did a good job. Our relief pitching came in and gave us a chance to get into the game. We worked our way back to within a run and had the bases loaded with one out, but a double play just killed it. That's part of the game. If the ball bounces one way or the other, we take the lead.
"We put in a good day at the plate. Our guys looked much better offensively, and should carry over well as we head into the OVC weekend."
Murray State was led by Pittman and Yount, who each went 3-for-5. Pittman had a home run, a run scored and a run batted in, while Yount had a run and an RBI. Leidolf went 2-for-5 with a run, while Tiernan went 2-for-4 with an RBI.
Defensively, senior first baseman James Akin had a co-game-high 10 putouts, while Hudson and Yount each had five assists.
For Southern Illinois, Aaron Roberts went 5-for-5 with three runs scored. Tyler Lairson went 2-for-4 with two doubles, while Mark Kelly went 2-for-5 with two RBIs.
Defensively, catcher Kelly had 10 putouts, while second baseman Lairson had five assists.
On the mound, Leeper (0-1) took the loss, allowing five runs on seven hits and walking one in two innings. McGaha and Donze each had a strikeout for the 'Breds, while Pittman allowed two runs on one hit and walking one in one inning.
For the Salukis, Tyler Choate (2-1) got the win, allowing no runs on six hits, striking out six and walking one in six innings. Choate was one of five SIU pitchers on the day, with Tyler George getting his fourth save of the season, pitching a hitless ninth inning.
Murray State opens Ohio Valley Conference play this weekend with a series at pre-season favorite Samford. The teams will play a double-header on Saturday at 1 p.m., followed by a Sunday 1 p.m. game. Fans can hear Edwin Richerson bring the play-by-play action through the audio link at GoRacers.com.
