The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
Furman
Baseball Works Overtime, Falls 8-7 to Furman
February 14 | Baseball
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Box Score
GREENVILLE, S.C. – The University of Akron baseball team suffered an 8-7 loss to Furman at Latham Stadium on Saturday afternoon after the Paladins managed a walk-off homer in the bottom of the 10th inning.
The Zips have posted 14 runs and 23 hits in two games against the Paladins, out-hitting them 13-9 this afternoon. Akron slips to 1-1 following the loss.
"We were still swinging the bat and creating opportunities offensively. We manufactured a few runs and made them play sloppy defense, but we couldn't keep the door closed," head coach Rick Rembielak said.
After three scoreless innings, sophomore infielder Dom Iero woke up the Zips' offense by launching a solo homer to lead off the inning. He led Akron offensively with a 4-of-6 showing from the plate and three RBI.
Following Iero's solo bomb, two unearned runs would cross for Akron when sophomore catcher Brian Lees reached on a single and scored on a Furman throwing error. The error allowed redshirt-senior outfielder Darius Washington to reach base and be sent home on an RBI single off the bat of senior infielder Matt Rembielak for a 3-0 lead heading into the bottom of the fourth.
Furman got on the board in the fifth, scoring on an RBI double and an Akron miscue to make it a one-run game at 3-2.
The Zips plated four runs off three hits in the sixth inning as they loaded the bases for the second-straight frame. Senior Matt LaRocca and Lees each registered an RBI in the inning, while Iero smacked a two-run single to put Akron ahead 7-2.
Freshman pitcher Josh Lapiana made his first collegiate appearance in the bottom of the sixth, relieving junior Akron starter JT Brubaker who left after posting four strikeouts in five innings while allowing three hits and one earned run.
The Paladins' bats heated up as Furman posted a five-run sixth inning, including back-to-back homers to knot the game at 7-7.
"Lapiana was able to get two quick outs, but Furman came out swinging and stayed aggressive," Rembielak said.
Redshirt-senior Jon Pusateri (0-1) came in to pitch the final four innings. He set the Paladins down in order for two-straight innings. Pusateri provided strong relief for the Zips, posting five strikeouts and allowing two hits and one run, however, Furman's Jordan Simpson managed his second homer of the day to edge Akron in walk-off fashion.
Furman reliever Elliot Warford (1-0) picked up the win after twirling the final three shutout innings, recording two strikeouts and allowing one hit.
"I think we need to just continue to do what we're doing offensively - out-hit them, create opportunities and close the door. We are doing what we need to do to score runs, we just need to shut them down defensively," Rembielak added.
Akron will face Furman for the series finale on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Latham Stadium.
