Zips Fall in Series Opener on CMU Late Surge

Friday, April 21

Akron, Ohio

11 AM

University of Akron

14-23, 0

Central Michigan

23-13, 0

Central Michigan

AKRON

April 21 | Baseball

Box Score

Akron, Ohio – The Akron Zips fell 5-3 to the visiting Central Michigan as the Chippewas extended their winning streak to seven game with a three-run ninth inning rally in the series opener on Friday afternoon at Skeeles Field.

Junior IF Breydan Cavey (Medina, Ohio) led the Akron offense with a 2-of-4 performance with an RBI while senior IF Kaito Hara (Houston, Texas), junior DH Jack Poist (Hoover, ala.) and sophomore OF Ian Pennington (Springboro, Ohioo) all added base hits.

The Zips (14-23, 6-13 MAC) did all of their scoring in the fourth inning after Central Michigan (23-13, 11-5 MAC) established a 1-0 advantage in the top half of the frame. Akron responded with three runs on three hits and a CMU throwing error.

Pennington opened the inning with a single to right field and scored on a base hit to left by Poist. After junior OF Jack Firestone (Zionsville, Ind.) drew a base on balls, sophomore OF Sam Seeker (Norton, Ohio) reached on a fielder's choice and Poist scored on an errant throw intended for the CMU shortstop at second base. Cavey launched a double off the left field fence to plate the Zips 3-1 advantage.

The Chippewas scored its second run in the fifth off two base hits, pulling within one run at 3-2.
In the ninth inning, CMU established its frst lead since the fourth inning after a sacrifice flyout knotted the game 3-3 with two outs. The Chippewas surged for two additional hits to plate two more runs for the 5-3 win.

Akron junior starting pitcher Sammy Tortorella (Pittsburgh, Pa.) earned a no decision after tossing five complete innings while facing 25 batters and allowing a pair of runs on four hits and six walks with six strikeouts. Freshman RP Emmett Gillies (Columbus, Ohio) received the loss.

Up Next
The Zips and Chippewas will battle in game two of the series at Skeeles Field on tomorrow (Saturday, April 22). First pitch is slated for 2 p.m. Fans can follow the action live on ESPN digital or via live stats on GoZips.com.