The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
Toledo
Baseball Falls Short in 3-2 Loss to Toledo
March 28 | Baseball
Follow Zips Baseball on Twitter (@ZipsBB) and Facebook
Box Score (PDF)
AKRON, Ohio – After entering the bottom of the ninth inning down by three runs, the University of Akron baseball team scored two in the frame but could not convert on a bases-loaded situation as it fell to Toledo, 3-2, on Saturday at Lee R. Jackson Field.
The loss moves Akron to 10-13 overall and 2-2 in Mid-American Conference play. Toledo improves to 9-16 overall and 3-1 in league action.
With Toledo ahead 3-0 after plating a pair of runs in the top of the ninth off a pair of RBI hits, sophomore infielder Dom Iero, redshirt junior Gerrad Rohan and sophomore catcher Brian Lees each reached base to lead off the bottom of the inning and load the bases. In the next at-bat, senior Dan Lawrence was hit by a pitch, driving in Akron's first run of the game with no outs. The Zips' rally attempt would fall short as Rohan crossed on a Toledo error to drive in the final run of the game.
Junior starting pitcher John Valek III (3-2) issued a stellar performance, despite being tagged with the loss. The left-hander tossed 8.0 innings and fanned a career-high 10 batters to just one walk. Valek allowed three hits and one unearned run in 28 batters faced.
The unearned run against Valek crossed in the top of the sixth inning on an Akron error that helped Toledo to a 1-0 lead, which lasted until the ninth frame.
Zach Beaver took over for Valek to pitch the final inning, giving up two hits and two runs, both of which were unearned as Akron posted three miscues on the afternoon to the Rockets' one.
Toledo starter Cameron Palmer (3-3) picked up the win after throwing 7.0 innings and holding Akron scoreless with just three hits while striking out six and walking five.
Overall, Akron and Toledo were tied at five hits apiece. The Zips left 10 on base while Toledo stranded four. Lees led Akron at the plate with a pair of hits.
The Zips are back in action on Sunday for a doubleheader against Toledo to round out the three-game series. Both games will be a full nine innings with the first starting at 1 p.m. at Lee R. Jackson Field.
