Kuntz's Walkoff Single Pushes Baseball to OVC Tournament Semifinals

MARION, Ill. -- After a pitcher's duel through eight and a half innings, the Morehead State baseball team loaded the bases in the bottom of the ninth for Roman Kuntz, who came through with his fourth hit of the day and second RBI single for the walkoff winner to beat Eastern Illinois. 

Senior Matt Bettio (3-0) picked up the victory out of the bullpen for Morehead State (35-19). The right-hander went two shutout innings while giving up one hit, allowing no walks and striking out one. Luke Helton went seven innings on the mound, striking out four batters without allowing a walk, giving up only one unearned run on four hits. 

At the plate, the Eagles were led by Kuntz, who went 4-for-5 on the day with two RBI. Colton Becker put together a standout effort as well, going 2-for-4 with a double. Junior Ryan Grabosch also contributed for Morehead State, putting together three hits in three trips to the plate.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Eagles got on the scoreboard first, starting in the fifth inning. Morehead State got an RBI single from Kuntz, scoring Grabosch from second base.

Eastern Illinois scored an unearned run on a wild pitch in the sixth. 

Morehead State rallied to walk it off and move onto the semifinals in the bottom of the ninth. 

GAME NOTES
» Kuntz collected four hits on the day for Morehead State.
» Morehead State's highest scoring inning was the ninth, when it pushed one run across.
» Helton put together seven innings of one-run ball for the Eagles.
» The Eagles out-hit the Panthers at a 12-5 clip.
» Morehead State pitchers limited Eastern Illinois to just 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position.
» Morehead State pitchers faced 34 Eastern Illinois hitters in the game, allowing 13 ground balls and eight fly balls while striking out five.
» Kuntz led the Eagles at the plate, going 4-for-5 with two RBI.