'Breds Drop Tough 3-2 Decision to Indians

Wednesday, April 16

Jonesboro, Ark.

6:30 p.m.

Murray State

Arkansas State

4/16/2008 5:00:00 AM | Baseball

Murray State got a strong pitching performance from Anthony Stacy and Marc Harmon, but could not overcome a three-run first inning in falling to Arkansas State 3-2 Wednesday evening at Tomlinson Stadium.

Stacy (1-2) was saddled with the loss after allowing three runs on five hits and six strikeouts over five innings. Harmon was even more impressive as he pitched three perfect innings with three strikeouts.

The Indians (16-21) put together a two-out rally in the first inning as Brandon Eller delivered an RBI single and was followed by a run-producing double from Guy Brown and another RBI-base hit from Lawson Hipps.

The 'Breds (12-19) threatened to do some damage in the third as Kyle Tiernan was hit by a pitch to start the inning and Zach Noonan followed with a single up the middle. Wes Cunningham would draw a walk to load the bases, but the only run would score on a double-play ball to short.

MSU added an unearned run in the fifth as Blake Helm reached on a fielding error and advanced to second on a failed pickoff attempt. After a flyout moved the runner to third, Cunningham drove in the runner with a single through the right side.

The 'Breds had a chance to go ahead in the ninth as Helm and Tiernan delivered back-to-back one-out singles. After a walk to Cunningham loaded the bases with two outs, Owen went down swinging on three pitches.

Peter Pasternak (1-0) picked up the victory after fanning three and allowing one hit in a pre-determined two innings. Nick Lambert (5) picked up the save after allowing two hits and striking out the side in the ninth.

The 'Breds return to the diamond on April 19 as they open a three-game Ohio Valley Conference series at Eastern Kentucky. The series will get underway at 1 p.m.