The University of Akron Athletics
Blue Squad Wins Three Straight; Captures Fall World Series
October 11 | Baseball
- The Blue Squad overcame a two game deficit to force game five
before defeating the Gold squad 4-1 to clinch the Fall World Series
this afternoon at Lee Jackson Field. Gold held a two game advantage
in the best-of-five intrasquad series before losing the last three
games consecutively to surrender both the lead and series to the
Blue squad. Matt Roberts led the Blue squad offensively going
2-4 with a home run and 2 RBI on the day. Frank
Turocy earned the win pitching six innings and allowed just one
earned run in five hits.
After two scoreless frames, junior Kevin
Haas led off the third with a bunt single. An out later, senior
right fielder Matt Roberts drilled a two run shot over the left
field wall to put the Blue squad up 2-0.
Offensively, Gold struggled at the plate going a combined 5-26.
They managed to notch a run of their own atop the fifth inning as
Jason Corzine led off with a single to center
before advancing to third on a passed ball. Gold would narrow the
score 2-1 a play later when Kurt Boyer mishandled a ground ball
allowing Corzine to score and Nick
Solitario to reach first base. Phil
Bednar led the team offensively going 2-3 with a double.
Scoring resumed for Blue in the bottom portion of the fifth when Kyle
Hallett knocked a two out bloop single to center. He would then
advance on a passed ball before scoring on a single off the bat of
Brandon White. After senior third basemen Ryan
Frazee patiently drew a walk to put runners on first and
second, catcher Dan Burant knocked White in on a sharp single to
left field improving the score 4-1. The inning would end with a
third strike called on Boyer.
Senior Tom Farmer was credited with the loss. In five
innings of work he allowed four runs in seven hits with eight
strikeouts. Chris Bassitt came on in relief for Farmer in the
sixth. With two outs, Blue threatened to score additional runs
after Roberts, who homered earlier in the game smacked a two out
single. Bassitt would then walk Hallett and White to load the
bases. Bassitt settled down as he retired Frazee with a strikeout
and ended the inning avoiding further damage.
Blue placed closer Ryne Romick on the mound to close out the game in
the seventh inning. After issuing a walk to John Turk
to start the seventh he retired the next three batters in order to
earn the save and secure the win for the Blue squad.
Per tradition, the Blue squad will feast on steaks for winning the
series while the Gold team will make do with hot dogs.
The baseball team will officially start its 2008-09 season in late
February. Coach Pat Bangtson and the Zips will look to continue
making steady progress and build on successes from last year after
posting their first winning season since 1997.
