The University of Akron Athletics
'Cats Crawl Back, Down Zips in Extras
May 16 | Baseball
AKRON, Ohio - There was no shortage of offensive output today as Akron and Ohio combined for 26 runs on 38 hits. However, the defensive play which included six total errors-four of them charged to UA, proved to be the difference as Ohio picked up its second-straight extra-inning win, 13-10 (11) over the Zips at Lee Jackson Field.
A violent collision in centerfield in the 11th was perhaps the costliest error of all as it resulted in a dropped ball which extended the 11th inning long enough for Ohio to plate three runs to take a 13-10 lead. Kevin Haas notched a one-out base hit in the home half but a game-ending double play would secure the victory and series sweep for the Bobcats.
Akron falls to 20-31 overall and 3-21 in the Mid-American
Conference while Ohio improves to 20-30 and 13-11 in MAC play,
clinching a spot to the conference tournament in the process.
Bobby Simone (1-1) suffered
the loss working from the bullpen in 1.1 innings while Michael
Dillon (4-3) earned the win for Ohio also working from the 'pen in
1.1 frames.
Akron got the ball rolling early, staking a 4-1 lead through the first four frames. Ohio drew first blood in the first inning, making Akron pay for an inning-ending dropped pop up, as the runner would score on an ensuing double to take a quick 1-0 lead.
The Zips would nullify the damage in the third, scoring three
runs before tallying one more in the fourth. Haas led off with a
single and scored on Jake Plata's one-out double.
Kyle Hallett notched a double
of his own to trade places with Plata before scoring on John
Turk's single down the right field line to put Akron ahead,
3-1.
In the fourth, Ivory Alexander's solo home
run to left made it a 4-1 affair.
The Bobcats crept back into the game atop the sixth, scoring three runs on two hits and a UA error to tie the game at 4-all.
The 'Cats would move ahead an inning later scoring one run on a two-out RBI single before tallying three more in the eighth to make it 8-4. In the eighth A pair of home runs sandwiched around a walk accounted for the damage as Ohio looked to have Akron up against the ropes but the Blue and Gold would mount yet another comeback, scoring two runs in the eighth and ninth to send it to extras for the second-straight day.
In the eighth Alexander was hit by a pitch to lead off the frame and came around to score from first on Turocy's fifth triple of the year. Plata would drive the ball deep to left to score Turocy from third and bring the Zips within two, 8-6.
Benjamin Danziger held the Bobcats scoreless in the ninth and kept the game within reach for Akron. Turk led off the frame with a single which Brandon White followed up with a bunt single to put two on with no outs. Samuel Trecaso laid down the sacrifice bunt to shift both runners into scoring position before Nick Solitario punched a singled into center to score the first run. The tying run would score on the ensuing bang-bang fielder's choice which erased Solitario at second but the flip to first was not in time to catch the quick-footed Alexander hustling down the line.
In the 10th, left fielder Robert Maddox III hit his second consecutive bomb in as many at-bats, this blast a two-run shot to put the visitors ahead by two, 10-8 but the Zips would fight back once again.
The home half began with Turocy getting hit by a pitch before Ohio leftfielder Maddox dropped Plata's fly out which enabled Turocy to score. Turk came up clutch for the Zips once more, driving in Plata on a single to right to tie the game at 10-10. The Zips seemed poised to end it in walk off fashion after White's single put two on for the Blue and Gold. A passed ball and stolen base would shift both into scoring position but OU's pitching staff would retire the next to batters on strikes to push it to the 11th.
Without question, Turk was a key factor in Akron's offense despite the loss, finishing 4-for-6 with a pair of RBI.
Each team stranded several runners on base with OU holding a 14-13 advantage in the category. Ohio utilized seven pitchers in today's match-up while Akron sent five to the hill. Starter Scott Foster pitched well in the no decision, lasting 6.2 innings he scattered nine hits and gave up five runs, only three of which were earned while striking out two.
Akron's busy week starts tomorrow when the Zips and Golden Flashes make their annual trip to the Akron Children's Hospital on Monday (May 16) to visit with patients. Akron will then play at Cleveland State on Tuesday (May 17) at 4 p.m. before hosting Kent State in the fourth Diamond Classic on Thursday (May 20) at 6:05 p.m. at Canal Park. Senior day will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday (May 21) at Lee Jackson Field before the series and season finale on Saturday (May 22) at 1 p.m.
