The University of Akron Athletics
Zips Tame Bulldogs in 14-4 Victory
March 14 | Baseball
The Akron baseball team opened play at the RussMatt Invitational
in convincing fashion this evening, taming the Bulldogs of Yale
University with a 14-4 victory at Henley Field.
Akron (6-6) manufactured 14 runs on 17 hits and committed a pair of errors as sophomore Alex Loftin (3-1) cruised to victory. Loftin lasted eight innings, giving up a pair of runs on 10 scattered hits while fanning nine batters for a career-high strikeout tally. Yale (4-2-1) starter Pat Ludwig (1-1) took the loss in seven innings after surrendering a pair of runs on six hits while recording seven strikeouts.
Senior Brian Kordal drove in five RBIs on two hits while redshirt sophomore Drew Turocy finished with a career-high five hits and drove in four RBIs to aid Akron's efforts. Senior Kyle Hallett went 3-for-6, knocking his fourth double of the season and driving in three RBIs in the UA win.
Akron held a slim 2-1 advantage heading into the top of the eighth before taking control, plating 10 runs in the frame to take a 12-1 lead. Kordal's three-run homer sparked Akron's offensive onslaught as the inning was highlighted by RBI-singles from Nick Solitario, Jake Plata and Turocy. Hallett added a RBI-double while Kordal blasted a two RBI-single up the middle to account for Akron's final runs of the frame.
The Zips would extend its lead to 14-2 in the ninth inning. After pinch hitter Samuel Trecaso drew a walk Sam Watkins would single to right center to put a pair on first and second. Sophomore Ivory Alexander launched his first career hit-A RBI-single to right center to plate Trecaso while Watkins scored Akron's final run on the ensuing play as Turocy singled through the left side.
Junior Kevin Kumazec came into close out the ninth and did so, striking out three batters while allowing a pair of unearned runs.
The Zips return to action tomorrow afternoon at 1:30 p.m. taking on North Dakota State. The Zips and Bison will face off at Chain of Lakes Stadium.
