The University of Akron Athletics
Zips Baseball Newsletter
February 25 | Baseball
Dear Zip Alumni/Friends:
The Zips traveled to UNC Charlotte this past weekend and came back to Akron with our second series win of the year. All three games were dominated by the pitchers, with runs scored by both teams at a premium. The Zips won games one and three, 2-1 and 5-4 while losing game two, 1-0. Due to poor weather, we had to cancel Friday's game and game two was a scheduled seven-inning game of a double header. Box scores for each can be viewed here: W 2-1 , L 1-0 , W 5-4.
In all three games, Charlotte started a LHP which really made our hitters very uncomfortable. We have as many as five left-handed hitters in our lineup and it was evident they couldn't get settled in against them. We totaled 19 hits on the weekend and our lefties hit a whopping .167! Can't put all the blame on them though, as we hit .216 collectively.
For the second weekend in a row, I felt our starters did a wonderful job keeping the games close. Junior LHP John Valek III (Parkland, Fla., Stoneman Douglas HS) threw seven solid innings, giving up Charlotte's only run. We waited until the eighth inning to score our two runs which gave Valek a well-deserved win. We did out-hit Charlotte, 10-6, and relievers junior RHP Zach Beaver (Canal Winchester, Ohio, Pickerington Central HS) and junior LHP/DH Daulton Mosbarger (Bellefontaine, Ohio, Bellefontaine HS) didn't give up a hit or run the last two innings.
Junior RHP JT Brubaker (New Carlisle, Ohio, Tecumseh HS) threw the complete seven-inning second game, but gave up the game's only run on a wild pitch with a Charlotte runner on third in the 5th inning. Unfortunately, we didn't give him any offensive support with only three hits. Tough loss for JT! We could've used a couple more innings in this one.
In the first inning of game three, the Zips gave Charlotte an easy three runs on a miss-played sure double play ball after we scored two runs to begin the game. We then decided to wait until the ninth inning to score three come-from-behind runs to win the deciding game of the series, 5-4. Down by two runs in the ninth with Zip runners at all three bases and one out, sophomore Dom Iero (North Canton, Ohio, Hoover HS) hit the farthest and hardest ball by anyone all weekend to the warning track in right-center field. Senior outfielder Danny Lawrence tagged at second base and was able to score the tying run on a bang-bang play at the plate. Charlotte's outfielder didn't get the ball in on a line as it ran away from the shortstop who was lining up third base. Danny was not held up at third and utilized his great speed to score as the third baseman had to come up to deep short and grab the loose ball for the attempted throw to home! An exciting play to say the least!
We are currently 4-2 on the season and travel to UNC Greensboro for another three-game series this coming weekend.
As always, keep us in your thoughts for support in making Akron Baseball better as we move forward. Follow this link to find out how to donate or contact Alexa S. Doutt, J.D., M.Ed. by email atasd9@uakron.edu or phone (330) 972-2695.
You can also follow along with the team this season through our webpage or social media on Twitter (@ZipsBB) and Facebook.
Have a great week and GO ZIPS!!!
Sincerely,
