Akron Sweeps Doubleheader Against Eastern Michigan

Saturday, March 20

Akron, Ohio

Noon

University of Akron

6-2, 1-1

Eastern Michigan

5-6, 1-1

Eastern Michigan

AKRON

Akron Sweeps Doubleheader Against Eastern Michigan

March 20 | Baseball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

Akron Sweeps Doubleheader Against Eastern Michigan
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Game 1 Box Score PDF | Game 2 Box Score PDF

AKRON, Ohio – The Akron Zips baseball team scatterd 15 hits and scored 11 runs en route to sweeping a Mid-American Conference doubleheader against Eastern Michigan, 8-6 and 3-2, on Saturday at Skeeles Field.

The pair of MAC wins mark the first two league wins for head coach Chris Sabo and the first MAC win since 2015 for the program.

The Zips (7-2, 2-1 MAC) started off hot, scoring four runs in the bottom of the first inning of game one as junior Roy Thurman (Indianapolis, Ind.) delivered a leadoff double to left-center field. After advancing to third on a flyout, Thurman scored on an RBI single by senior Connor Regan (Sagamore Hills, Ohio). Graduate Josh Nowak (Chicago, Ill.) followed with a single, setting up a three-run homerun by junior Cameron Tilly (Canberra, Australia).

In the 7-inning affair, Tilly, Regan and Nowak sprayed two hits each. Tilly collected five RBI and sent a pair of homeruns over the outfield wall, while plating two runs. Regan issued two hits, collected two RBI and scored two runs in three at-bats, while Nowak went 2-for-3 with two runs scored.

Right-handed pitcher, graduate John Creel (Huntersville, N.C.) earned the win, throwing five no-hit innings. In the top of the six, Eastern Michigan's Jeff Timko broke up the no-hitter with a shot straight back to the pitcher's mound that ricocheted off Creel's foot. Will Oberg followed with a two-run homer as EMU plated three runs on three hits. The Eagles (5-6, 1-2 MAC) added three runs in the seventh inning as senior Mark Meyer (Cincinnati, Ohio) ended the game by striking out the potential tying run and earning the save.

The Zips' pitching was just as strong in the second game as junior Jackson Hickert (Hudson, Ohio) struck out 11-of-25 batters faced. Hickert allowed four hits and two runs in 5.2 innings of work as EMU tied the game 2-2 in the top of the sixth inning.

Akron started the game in similar fashion on offense by scoring two runs in the first inning when Nowak and Tilly delivered back-to-back RBI singles. Akron did not plate another run until junior Zac Granger (Elmira, N.Y.) cleared the playing surface with a solo shot to right field, lifting the Zips to a 3-2 advantage and eventually win. Granger led Akron with a 2-for-3 performance at the plate with two runs scored and a homerun.

The Zips and the Eagles wrap-up the series with a 9-inning game on Sunday, March 21 at 11 a.m. at Skeeles Field. Fans can follow the action on Zips Digital Network Live Stream or via live stats on GoZips.com.