Michigan State University
Ohio
Spartan Baseball Takes Two At Ohio
3/18/2006 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
March 18, 2006
ATHENS, Ohio - Michigan State (6-7) baseball swept Saturday's doubleheader against Ohio (4-7) in Athens, Ohio. Tied 1-1 in the seventh inning, Adam Tripp hit his third home run of the season to give the Green and White a 4-1 win over Ohio in game one. In game two, MSU rallied with a three runs in the sixth inning for a 7-6 victory.
With one out and Ryan Basham at first base in the seventh inning of game one, Kyle Day hit what appeared to be an inning-ending double-play groundball to Ohio shortstop Bryant Witt. However, Witt was unable to make the play, dropping the ball on his way to the bag and both Spartan runners reached safely. Tripp capitalized on the Ohio miscue, launching a three-run homer to right field to clinch MSU's 4-1 victory. It was Tripp's second three-run blast in as many days.
On the mound, Spartan starter Jeff Gerbe (2-1) had an impressive performance and picked up the win. Going the distance, Gerbe surrendered just one unearned run on six hits, while striking out three in 7.0 innings. John Angelicchi (0-2) was tagged with loss.
Four players were a perfect 2-for-2 at the plate. Oliver Wolcott and Basham each accomplished the feat for the Spartans, while Witt and Dusty Hammond managed to do so for Ohio.
In game two, State fell behind early as Ohio built a 5-0 lead in the first two innings. MSU responded with three runs in the third inning. Each reaching safely on singles, E.J. Daws and Oliver Wolcott scored on a two-run single by Troy Krider. Advancing to third on a double by Tony Clausen, Krider eventually scored on a wild pitch.
MSU then pulled within one by adding a run in the fourth inning as Alan Cattrysse singled, stole second and scored on a double by Daws. In the bottom half of the inning, Ohio managed to get the run back to regain a two-run lead, 6-4.
Trailing 6-4 in the sixth inning, the Spartans rallied for three runs and a 7-6 victory. With Tripp and Kyle Day on the base paths, Cattrysse ripped a single to score Tripp and advance Day. A bunt single by Daws loaded the bases for pinch hitter Jamey Embree, who produced the game-tying RBI with a fielder's choice. Wolcott then gave the Green and the White the lead for good with a sacrifice fly to right field, scoring Cattrysse from third.
Throwing the final 3.2 innings without allowing a run on three hits, Mike Monterey (2-2) earned the win. Andrew Shisila (0-2) took the loss for the Bobcats.
Clausen hit a career-high three doubles, going 3-for-4, while Daws went a flawless 3-for-3. Matt Stiffler and Hayden Johnston each had two hits for the Bobcats, while Brandon Besl produced a game-high three RBI.
Michigan State and Ohio conclude the four-game series Sunday at 1 p.m. After beginning the season with 15-consecutive road games, the Spartans open their home schedule March 25-26, with a three-game series against Western Illinois.
