Panthers Ride Big Third Inning to 9-5 Victory

Sunday, April 13

Murray, Ky.

1:00 p.m.

Murray State

Eastern Illinois

4/13/2008 5:00:00 AM | Baseball

Eastern Illinois scored seven runs in the third inning and hung on as Murray State chipped away, but could not get all the way back as the Panthers prevailed 9-5 in the rubber match of the three-game series Sunday afternoon at a soggy Reagan Field.

The 'Breds (12-17, 3-8 OVC) took advantage of some wildness on the mound in the first inning as they loaded the bases with three-straight base on balls to start the game. MSU was only able to get one run across as Tyler Owen hit into a double play to score Blake Helm from third.

The Panthers (16-15, 8-4 OVC) broke the game wide open in the third inning as they sent 10 men to the plate and pushed across seven runs. Curt Restko started the scoring with a two-run single up the middle and Jordan Kreke delivered a three-run home run to right field. After a 29 minute rain delay, Zach Skidmore greeted MSU starter Mike Perconte with a solo home run to right field. A walk and a walk pitch was followed by an RBI single from Cameron Strang.

MSU got a run back in the home half of the inning as Helm drew a one-out walk and went to second on a wild pitch. He would later steal third and score when the throw was dropped by the third baseman on the throw from the catcher.

EIU added to its lead in the fourth as Jordan Tokarz and Richie Derbak delivered back-to-back RBI singles.

The 'Breds finally collected their first hits in the fifth as Elliot Frey singled to center and Blake Helm doubled to right center. A pair of groundouts from Wes Cunningham and Tyler Owen plated both runners.

MSU continued to inch their way back into the game in the seventh as Frey was hit by a pitch to start the inning before advancing to third on a passed ball and scoring on a groundout off the bat of Zach Noonan.

Brian Morrell (1-1) picked up the victory in relief as he gave up one unearned run on two hits over 4.2 innings. Perconte (1-4) took the loss after giving up seven runs on seven hits in three innings.

Matt McGaha was strong out of the MSU bullpen as he gave up just two hits and struck out four over three innings of relief.

Tiernan led the offense with a pair of hits, while Helm scored three runs.

The 'Breds return to the diamond on Tuesday afternoon as they play host to Memphis. First pitch is set for 3 p.m. at Johnny Reagan Field.