The University of Akron Athletics
Brubaker Shuts Down Michigan State in 3-1 Victory
March 07 | Baseball
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MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – The Zips' defense was sharp on Saturday afternoon as starting pitcher JT Brubaker held Michigan State scoreless through seven innings with the help of three double plays as the University of Akron baseball team defeated the Spartans, 3-1, at TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark.
"JT was spot on all game. He stayed efficient, throwing minimal pitches each inning, which kept his pitch count low and got him deep into the game. Overall, it was a great performance by JT and a good win over a Big Ten team," head coach Rick Rembielak said.
Brubaker (1-1) tossed a career-high 8.0 innings, allowing seven hits and one run. The junior walked one and fanned four.
He and the defense only allowed a Spartan to advance into scoring position twice throughout the game, both during the eighth inning. Michigan State (4-7) used the opportunity to plate its only run on a two-out RBI single.
Reliever Matt LaRocca took to the mound after Brubaker's exit in the ninth inning to pick up the final three outs, including one strikeout, and earn his second save of the season.
"Michigan State's starter pitched well all game, but we got to him in the first inning before he settled in," Rembielak added.
The Zips (6-5) attacked early, plating their three runs in the top of the first inning. A one-run double from sophomore infielder Dom Iero pushed the first run across before junior designated hitter Gerrad Rohan sent a two-run single to right field in the next at-bat for the 3-0 lead.
Senior infielder Matt Rembielak went 3-for-5 at the dish with one run scored as he was the only Zip with a multi-hit game. He led the Zips to out-hit the Spartans, 9-7, as the offense posted a a season-low two strikeouts. Each team posted one error.
The loss went to sophomore left-hander Cam Vieaux who pitched 7.0 innings, allowing all nine of Akron's hits and three runs while walking three and striking out two. Freshman Andrew Gonzalez pitched the final two innings for the Spartans, holding Akron hitless.
The Zips return to TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark on Sunday to wrap up the Coastal Carolina Invitational with an 11 a.m. game against Michigan.
