Murray State
Southern Illinois
Owen Wins It With Two-Run Double In The Ninth
3/7/2007 6:00:00 AM | Baseball
The Murray State Thoroughbreds won their game with regional rival Southern Illinois in dramatic fashion on Wednesday, as sophomore third baseman Tyler Owen laced a two-run double down the left-field line in the bottom of the ninth inning to give MSU a 9-8 win at Reagan Field.
Murray State (2-9) opened the scoring in the first inning when senior center fielder Tyler Pittman hit a two-out solo home run, his third of the season, to give the 'Breds an early 1-0 lead.
That score held through the next four innings. In the top of the sixth inning, Southern Illinois (9-5) scored three runs to take a 3-1 lead, but the 'Breds responded in the bottom half of the inning.
Senior first baseman James Akin hit a two-out infield single, then junior designated hitter Andrew Cella walked. Owen hit a pinch-hit single down the right-field line, scoring Akin, and junior outfielder Blake Helm came on to pinch-run for Cella. Sophomore shortstop Justin Yount popped a double down the right-field line, scoring Helm and tying the game at 3-3.
The Salukis posted two runs in the top of the seventh inning, but MSU put together a big inning in the bottom of the eighth. Senior catcher Jason Payton led off with a bunt single, then Akin walked. Senior designated hitter Austin Swain laid down a sacrifice bunt, moving Payton to third and Akin to second. Yount then hit a two-out infield single, scoring Payton, then senior right fielder Jamie Leidolf hit a single to left, scoring Akin and tying the game at 5-5. Freshman left fielder Chad Allen popped a single to right field, scoring Yount and Leidolf and giving the 'Breds a 7-5 lead.
SIU was able to put together three runs in the top of the ninth to push ahead 8-7, but the 'Breds responded again in the bottom half of the inning. Payton drew a leadoff walk, then Akin singled him to second. Swain again laid down a sacrifice bunt, moving the runners up one base, before Owen laced a 2-2 pitch down the left-field line, scoring Payton as the game-tying run and Akin as the game-winner.
"What a great game!" said MSU head coach Rob McDonald. "I don't think I've ever been associated with a game where so many players contributed. The resiliency of our guys, the way we kept fighting -- I'm really proud and impressed."
Murray State was led by Owen, who went 2-for-3 with a double and three runs batted in. Akin went 2-for-4 with three runs scored, while Yount went 2-for-4 with a double, a run and two RBIs. Payton scored two runs for the 'Breds, while Allen had two RBIs. MSU struck out six times at the plate, while walking nine times.
Defensively, Akin had 10 putouts, while senior Seth Hudson had a game-high four assists.
For Southern Illinois, Adam Hills went 4-for-5 with two runs and a run batted in, while Mark Kelly went 3-for-5 with two doubles, two runs and three RBIs. Dean Cademartori had his second home run of the season, a two-run shot in the sixth inning, while Scott Elmendorf had a triple for the Salukis.
Defensively, first baseman Hills had 12 putouts, while three players had three assists apiece.
On the mound, junior right-hander Mike Perconte (1-2) got the win in relief, allowing three runs on three hits, striking out one and walking none in one inning. Junior righty Drew Leeper entered in the seventh inning and put out the fire, facing the minimum six batters over the seventh and eighth innings and allowing one hit. Sophomore lefty Anthony Stacy started the game for MSU, allowing three runs on eight hits, striking out three and walking two in six innings, while freshman lefty Matt McGaha came on in the seventh, allowing two runs on four hits.
For Southern Illinois, Tyler Choate (1-1) took the loss, allowing two runs on two hits, walking one in one-third of an inning. Choate was the last of seven pitchers for the Salukis.
Murray State concludes this five-game homestand this weekend with South Dakota State. The teams play a single game on Friday at 2 p.m., and will have a Saturday double-header at noon. Live Stats for all home games are available through www.GoRacers.com.
