Michigan State University
Ohio State
Homer In 11th Pushes Ohio State Past MSU
4/11/2008 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
April 11, 2008
LANSING, Mich. - Ohio State's Ryan Dew hit a solo home run in the top of the 11th inning to propel Ohio State past the Michigan State baseball team, 4-3, Friday night at Oldsmobile Park. The game was a pitcher's duel throughout, with OSU's Jake Hale pitching 10 innings, allowing two earned runs on nine hits. MSU senior right-hander Mike Monterey pitched seven strong innings, allowing just one earned run in the no-decision effort. Freshman Jonathan Roof and sophomore Chris Roberts each went 2-for-5 to lead the Spartans.
MSU (12-15, 3-6 Big Ten) led 3-2 after six innings and Ohio State scored an unearned run in the top of the seventh to tie the game. An MSU throwing error as OSU's Tony Kennedy stole second base allowed Dan Burkhart to score to tie the game. Neither team would score again until Dew's big shot in the 11th.
With one out in the inning, Dew entered the game as a pinch-hitter for Ryan Meade. He sent the first pitch he saw from senior Nolan Moody over the right field fence and out of the ballpark. Buckeye closer Eric Best pitched a perfect bottom of the 11th to pick up his third save.
"This was a great college baseball game and a competitive game to start the series," head coach David Grewe said. "We had excellent pitching performances and we swung the bats well. I give credit to Ohio State. They got the clutch hit when they needed it."
Roberts had an RBI double in the third and junior A.J. Shindler doubled home freshman Brandon Eckerle in the bottom of the fourth. Jonathan Roof scored an unearned run in the first to give the Spartans an early lead when he singled and then moved to second on a failed pickoff. After a sac bunt from senior Brandon Doherty moved Jonathan Roof to third, he scored on a wild pitch.
Hale (4-0) kept the Buckeyes close even when they trailed for most of the game. He continuously pounded the strike zone over 10 innings, throwing 91 strikes and finishing with no walks. Monterey made great pitches in another stellar outing for the senior. Monterey showed tremendous poise as he pitched out of a jam in the fourth inning. After a Spartan error and two walks loaded the bases, Monterey got Meade to ground into an inning-ending double play.
Freshman Kurt Wunderlich pitched three shutout innings in relief of Monterey, allowing just two baserunners.
Cory Kovanda, Justin Miller and Dan Burkhart each had two hits for Ohio State (17-10, 6-3 Big Ten).
The same two teams are set to play a doubleheader Saturday beginning at 1:05 p.m. at Oldsmobile Park.
