MOREHEAD, KY -- The Morehead State Baseball Eagles put together a ferocious comeback, scoring three runs over the eighth and ninth innings, but the late-game rally came up short and they fell 8-7 to the Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles Friday.
Twelve walks by MSU pitchers proved costly as well as the USI series is now even at a game apiece.
Offensively, the Eagles were paced by senior Colton Becker, who went 1-for-3 on the day with a home run, a walk and two RBI. Senior Roman Kuntz compiled a standout performance at the dish as well, going 2-for-4 with a home run and an RBI. Senior Logan Castleman also chipped in for Morehead State, putting together three hits in four trips to the plate while adding two doubles.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Eagles got on the scoreboard first, starting in the third inning. Morehead State managed to push across two runs in the inning.
The Eagles lost the lead they built in the third, but got back on the board in the sixth trailing 4-2. Morehead State picked up two runs, including one on a solo round-tripper off the bat of Becker, which evened the score at 4-4.
Southern Indiana broke that tie and grabbed an 8-4 lead moving into the eighth, when Morehead State closed the gap to 8-5. The Eagles added a run on Kuntz's two-out solo home run off junior Gavin Wilson.
Morehead State kept the Screaming Eagles off the board before narrowing the gap further in the ninth. Senior Ryley Preece's run-scoring single brought home one run in a two-run output for the Eagles, bringing the score to 8-7 in favor of Southern Indiana. The Eagles were unable to get any closer, as neither team scored again in the ballgame.
GAME NOTES
» Castleman led the Eagles, amassing three base knocks in the ballgame.
» Morehead State's power output was led by Castleman, who picked up two extra base hits in the ballgame.
» Morehead State's highest scoring inning was the ninth, when it pushed two runs across.
» The Eagles out-hit the Screaming Eagles at a 9-8 clip.
» Morehead State went 2-for-6 (.333) with runners in scoring position.
» Morehead State pitchers faced 45 Southern Indiana hitters in the game, allowing 12 ground balls and 10 fly balls while striking out three.
» The Eagles drew four walks from Southern Indiana pitching.
» Becker led the Eagles at the plate, going 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBI.
Rubber match is set for tomorrow, as the Eagles go for a series victory at 1:00 PM.
