The University of Akron Athletics
RedHawks Down Zips, 8-2 in Series Opener
May 01 | Baseball
AKRON, Ohio – The Zips withstood the elements today but couldn't hold off the RedHawks as Akron dropped a tough 8-2 decision against Miami (Ohio) at Lee Jackson Field this afternoon.
The loss drops Akron to 14-29 overall and 8-11 in the Mid-American Conference as Miami improves to 24-18 and 12-7 in conference play. UA freshman Andrew Brown (2-4) was tagged with the loss after surrendering seven earned on nine hits in seven innings of work, with four strikeouts on the day. Miami's Matt Erwood (5-2) earned the win for the RedHawks despite surrendering nine hits and one earned run in 6.2 innings on the mound.
A pair of juniors led the Zips offensively as Brian Kordal and John Turk each went 2-for-4 with a run batted in. Senior Ryan Frazee also recorded a pair of hits on the day.
The RedHawks jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the first inning as Erwood worked tirelessly in the first three frames to keep Akron off the boards.
The Zips would plate a run in the bottom of the fourth as senior Matt Roberts doubled down the left field line to open the inning. Erwood would retire the next two UA batters before Kordal came up with a clutch two-out single to center field, scoring Roberts from third as the Zips narrowed on the RedHawks' lead, 3-1.
Miami would respond in the
top of the fifth by plating two more runs to extend their lead, 5-1
with the lead batter reaching base on a bunt single before scoring
on a home run to left.
Following a scoreless sixth inning, Akron opened the bottom of the
seventh with a base knock when Frazee singled down the left field
line. Frazee would be erased a play later as senior Brett
Savage reached on a fielder's choice. A groundout would advance
Savage to third before junior Kevin
Haas reached base on an error by Miami's third baseman. Turk's
clutch RBI-double down the right field line scored Savage as Akron
again cut away at Miami's lead, 5-2. The Zips looked paced to plate
a few more runs thanks to a shot to left from Roberts, however
Miami's leftfielder quickly backtracked to the warning track to
make the over the shoulder catch to retire the side.
The RedHawks would break the game open atop the eighth inning as a UA error enabled the first batter to reach base before a two-run homer chased Brown from the game. Senior Frank Turocy took the hill for the Zips and struck out the first two batters he faced before surrendering a base hit. Turocy walked the next batter before another UA mishap enabled a Miami run to score unearned, giving the RedHawks the 8-3 advantage in today's game.
Turocy who entered the game in the eighth, threw two innings and allowed a pair of hits and walked a batter while tallying four strikeouts on the hill this afternoon.
Akron and Miami return to action tomorrow-Senior Day at Lee Jackson Field with first pitch slated for 1 pm. The Zips will honor seven seniors in total, including tri-captains Brett Savage, Tom Farmer and Frank Turocy as well as Phil Bednar, Ryan Frazee, Matt Roberts and Ryne Romick.
Tomorrow's game will be broadcast on Sports Radio 1350 AM with Bill Morgan's call while live stats will also be available on www.GoZips.com.
