The University of Akron Athletics
Ohio Outlasts Akron, 5-3 in 14 Innings
May 15 | Baseball
Akron and Ohio battled in a back and forth affair all day long but two runs in the 14th put the visitors in front and helped the Bobcats outlast the Zips, 5-3 at Lee Jackson Field.
Both bullpens got outstanding relief efforts but OU's Bryce Butt (5-7) was especially spectacular in nine innings, scattering five hits and striking out three to earn the win. Zach Yike (2-1) worked well in his longest outing of the 2010 campaign in six innings, giving up two runs on eight hits in the loss.
Ohio (19-30, 12-11 MAC) moves a game over .500 in the Mid-American Conference in just its second extra-inning game of the season while Akron (20-30, 3-20 MAC) lost its fourth on the year. The Zips have not faired well in extra-innings this season, dropping to 1-4 overall and 0-3 in MAC play in extras in 2010.
A leadoff walk in the 14th frame preceded a single through the right side and a sacrifice bunt which moved both runners into scoring position for third baseman Bryan Barnes. Barnes capped a 5-for-6 day by ending the tied ballgame and breaking up a five-inning deadlock between the two teams with a key two-RBI double to right field, giving Ohio the 5-3 lead and eventual win.
Akron seemed poised to retaliate in the home half of the frame following a leadoff single from Ivory Alexander and a one-out Drew Turocy double to put a pair in scoring position for the Zips. But Akron would strand both runners-for a grand total of 13 left on, as a foul out and an impressive defensive stop on an extraordinary play by Zach Keen the Bobcats' second baseman in the 3-4 hole ended the game on a groundout.
Senior catcher John Turk and freshman third baseman Samuel Trecaso each finished with three hits and a double apiece to pace the UA lineup which finished with 12 hits.
Ohio began the game by taking a 1-0 lead in the top of the first on a two-out RBI double from left fielder Robert Maddox III but it wouldn't last.
Jake Plata evened the contest in the home half in similar fashion with his 13th double on the year, driving in Turocy who singled to open the game (1-1). The Zips appeared poised to add to the lead, loading the bases with one out but starter Seth Streich would work out of the jam with an inning-ending double play ball.
The back and forth dramatics continued in the second frame as the Bobcats regained the lead on a towering Tyler Backstrom solo homer to dead center to move ahead 2-1 but not for long as the Zips loaded the bases for the second consecutive inning and Trecaso scored on Turocy's fielder's choice, tying the game at 2-2.
Following three and a half scoreless frames, Akron plated another run to take the 3-2 lead in the sixth. Brandon White collected a walk to start the frame and promptly moved to third on Trecaso's double to the power ally in left. Following an OU pitching change which resulted in Bryce Butt taking the mound, UA designated hitter Ivory Alexander successfully executed a sacrifice fly RBI to left field, scoring White to put the home club in front by one.
Facing Benjamin Danziger, the Bobcats would battle back once more as Ohio in the eighth when a one-out Barnes' triple was followed up with a Kris McDonough RBI single to tie the game at 3-all.
UA starter Alex Loftin worked well, going seven innings, striking out as many batters while giving up a pair of runs on eight hits in today's no decision. The Zips touched OU starter Streich for three runs and seven hits in five innings of work before Bryce took control on the hill.
UA junior Kevin Kumazec came on in relief of Yike atop the 14th and struck out two batters.
Akron and Ohio wrap up the three-game set tomorrow (May 16) at 1 p.m. at Lee Jackson Field. For those unable to make it to the ballpark, the game will be broadcast on the Akron ISP Network with play-by-play and color analysis provided by Bill Morgan and the U of A's very own Brett Savage. Live Stats will also be available online at www.GoZips.com.
