The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
Davidson
Baseball Drops Series with 5-4 Loss to Davidson
March 15 | Baseball
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DAVIDSON, N.C. – The University of Akron baseball team stranded the game-tying run on third base in the top of the ninth inning as it fell in the series finale against Davidson on Sunday afternoon by a score of 5-4 at Wilson Field in the final non-conference series of the 2015 slate.
The loss puts Akron at 8-7 overall, as they went 1-2 against Davidson (9-5) in the three-game series.
For the third game in a row, the UA offense started off with a solo home run in the top of the first inning. Senior outfielder Joey Havrilak belted a two-out homer to right-center for an early 1-0 Akron advantage.
Davidson got on the board in the second inning, taking a 2-1 lead after an RBI single and a bases-loaded walk. Senior Jon Pusateri took over on the mound in the frame after starter Pat Dyer took a line drive to the head. Akron ended the inning with a bases-loaded double play to escape the jam.
"Pusateri did a good job coming in under unusual circumstances after Dyer was hit in the head. He gave us a fighting chance," head coach Rick Rembielak said.
Akron then tied the game at 2-2 in it's half of the next inning when senior infielder Matt Rembielak singled home junior catcher Derek Carmichael.
The Zips took back the lead with a pair of runs in the top of the fourth. The 4-2 advantage stuck until the Wildcats strung together three-straight hits in the bottom of the fifth to plate three and lead 5-4.
After managing at least one hit through each of the first six innings, three Davidson relievers combined to hold UA hitless through the final three innings. The Wildcats posted four errors on the afternoon, which Akron took advantage of in the top of the ninth inning. The tying run reached base on a hit by pitch and advanced to third on an error.
Akron's offense could not manage a hit against sophomore reliever Cody White who earned a save in the contest.
"We didn't execute in the last inning with the tying run on third base, which was disappointing," Rembielak added. "I am anxious to get back on the field Tuesday and not have to wait a whole week as we begin midweek games."
Akron posted its second-straight errorless game and ended the contest with eight hits, distributed among seven different Zips. Junior Gerrad Rohan led with two while the Wildcats combined for 10.
The loss went to Pusateri (1-2) who tossed 5.1 innings and allowed six hits and three runs while walking four and striking out three in his fifth appearance of the season.
The Zips are back in action for a pair of midweek games beginning with a 7 p.m. match-up against West Virginia in Washington, Pa. on Tuesday at Consol Energy Park. Akron will then turn around to face Pittsburgh at 3 p.m. at Charles L. Cost field on Wednesday.
