Murray State
Southern Illinois
'Breds cede nine runs in the fourth en route to 22-6 loss to Southern Illinois
3/18/2004 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
For the Murray State Thoroughbreds, this was just one of those games where the opponent came ready to hit, as the visiting Salukis pounded out 25 hits en route to the 22-6 win at Reagan Field this afternoon.
SIU (2-12) scored nine runs on 10 hits in the fourth inning alone, taking a 13-0 lead in the middle of the fourth.
Murray State (2-14) got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the fourth inning when shortstop Alex Stewart led off with a single, then first baseman Geoff Kirksey singled and second baseman Derrick Newton walked to load the bases. Stewart scored on a double play, moving Kirksey to third base, and Kirksey scored on a wild pitch.
The 'Breds scored two more runs in the fifth when left fielder Austin Swain led off with a bunt single, then moved to third on a double by catcher Dustin Hennigar. Swain scored on a groundout, moving Hennigar to third, and Hennigar scored on another groundout for the second score of the inning.
MSU plated two more runs in the eighth inning when center fielder J.D. Merritt led off an reached base on an error. Right fielder Scotty Scott then doubled, moving Merritt to third, and Merritt scored on a sacrifice fly by designated hitter Ike Bridwell, moving Scott to third. Scott scored on a sacrifice fly by pinch hitter Josh Fogle for the 'Breds' final run of the game.
Stewart led the 'Breds with a 3-for-5 day, scoring a run and driving in a run. Kirksey went 2-for-3 with a double and a run. Scott and Hennigar each doubled for MSU.
SIU was led by Matt Brewer, whoe went 5-for-6 with three doubles, three runs and an RBI. Greg Andrews hit a grand slam in the fourth inning, while Erik Alvarez also homered. P.J. Finigan had a triple for the Salukis, while Cory Newman hit a double.
On the mound, Craig Kraus (0-3) took the loss for Murray State, allowing 10 runs (nine earned) on 10 hits, striking out one and walking one in 3-1/3 innings. Chandler Shepherd came on in the fourth, allowing seven runs (five earned) on 10 hits in two innings. West Harris entered in the sixth, allowing one unearned run on two hits, striking out three in 2-2/3 innings, while Jake Ociesa pitched the final inning, allowing four runs on three hits, striking out two and walking one in one inning.
For SIU, Ryan Welch (1-0) got the win, allowing four runs on seven hits, striking out five and walking two in five innings. Jason Chavez came on in the sixth, allowing no runs on one hit, striking out two and walking one in two innings. Tyler Norrick entered in the eighth inning, allowing two unearned run on one hit in one inning, and Steve Quigley pitched the ninth inning, striking out two.
Murray State continues this five-game homestand on Saturday, when the 'Breds host a double-header with Arkansas-Little Rock at noon. MSU also hosts UALR on Sunday at noon, then Western Kentucky comes to town on Wednesday for a 2 p.m. game.
