Eastern Michigan Athletics
Eastern Michigan University
Oakland
Baseball Edged by Oakland, 3-2
5/8/2007 10:50:25 PM | Baseball
Eagles leave 11 runners on base in second consecutive loss
YPSILANTI, Mich. – For the second straight day, the Eastern Michigan University baseball team lost to Oakland University falling 3-2 in non-conference action here Tuesday night at Oestrike Stadium. The loss marks the first time that EMU (24-20) has lost back-to-back games since losing both games of a doubleheader against the University of Michigan April 10. By taking both of the home- and-home games, Oakland (16-29) took the season series from the Eagles two games to one.
Despite a solid outing from freshman starter Corey Chaffins, the Eagles could not capitalize with runners on base as they stranded 11 for the game including leaving a runner at third base twice. Chaffins pitched six innings allowing two runs on seven hits. Junior Dan Puls (1-2) picked up the loss allowing one run on three hits over three innings of work. Jake Arendsen (1-0) picked up his first win of the season for the Grizzlies pitching three innings of one run relief.
Senior Michael Boyd was the only Eagle to record multiple hits in the game going 2-for-3 at the plate. Freshman Aaron Crooks and senior Derek Lehrman each recorded an RBI in the losing effort.
Dustin Joffrion lead the Grizzlies’ offense batting 2-for-4 with an RBI. Ryan Heath and Dan Ryan each contributed two hits, while Andrew Stafford added an RBI single.
The Grizzlies were able to load the bases in each of the first two innings. However, Chaffins was able to get out of both jams without surrendering a run.
After EMU loaded the bases in the bottom of the second, Crooks gave the Eagles a 1-0 lead with a sacrifice fly that scored Andrew Marshall. Oakland struck back in the top of the third. After Dan Ryan singled with one out, he was moved to third base on two throwing errors by Chaffins. Dustin Joffrion hit a RBI single to right field to tie the game, 1-1.
OU increased thier lead in the top of the forth. With runners on second and third and no outs, a passed ball allowed Oakland to take a 2-1 lead.
Boyd led off the bottom of the forth with a double and went to third when the ball was mishandled by centerfielder Justin Wilson. After Robert Wendzicki walked, the Eagles loaded the bases when Crooks was hit by a pitch. However, Jeff Hehr lined into an inning ending double play before EMU could put any runs on the board.
The Eagles again loaded the bases in the bottom of the fifth and got a sacrifice fly by Lehrman to socre Josh Ivan tying the game at 2-2.
Oakland took a 3-2 lead in the top of the eight with a two out RBI single by Stafford. The Eagles got the go-ahead run to second base in the bottom of the eighth but falied to get it across as the Grizzlies held on for the 3-2 victory.
The Eagles return to Oestrike Stadium May 9 for a seven-inning doubleheader against the University of Michigan. Game one begins at 4:05 p.m. and both games will be broadcast live on Comcast Local (Channel 8).
