Baseball Shut Out by WMU, 4-0

Box Score:

YPSILANTI, Mich. – The Eastern Michigan University baseball team found itself on the wrong end of a pitchers duel Thursday night as the Eagles were shut out, 4-0, by visiting intra-state rival Western Michigan here at Oestrike Stadium. Back-to-back Bronco home runs in the top of the ninth handed EMU only its third home loss of the season.

EMU (27-23, 14-10-MAC) got a solid effort from senior pitcher Will Stewardson tallied five strikeouts, no walks, while scattering seven hits and only two earned runs in 8.0 innings of work.

The Eagles’ offense could only muster seven hits against the Western Michigan pitching staff. Eastern was led by freshman Aaron Powell, who went a perfect 4-for-4 from the plate. Sophomore Josh Ivan was unable to extend his 22-game hitting streak, the longest in the conference this season.

Sophomore Dan Coberley led WMU (28-20, 14-9 MAC) picking up his fifth win of the season and combined with junior Dan O’Brien to toss the complete game shut out. The tandem combined for 13 strikeouts and one walk, while surrendering only seven hits. Neal Miller led the Broncos offensively going 1-for-4 with one run scored, three RBI and a home run.

The game remained scoreless until the top of the ninth inning when a throwing error on a fielder’s choice by Stewardson led to Bronco runners at first and third with no outs. Jeff Davis came in to pitch for Stewardson and gave up a three-run shot to Miller. Sean Hoffman replaced Davis on the mound and surrendered a back-to-back home run to Brent Gerlach to give Western a 4-0 lead.

In the bottom of the ninth, EMU got two runners on first and second with no outs but was unable cash -in as Matt Moffett struck out, Brian Blackburn popped out and Trumaine Riley struck out to end the game.

Eastern Michigan and Western Michigan will play the second game of the three-game set at Oestrike Stadium Friday, May 19, at 5 p.m.

Eastern Michigan Athletics

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