Spartans Edge Eagles In Rematch

Box Score

EAST LANSING, Mich. — Using a three-run seventh inning, the Michigan State University Spartans capped off a come-from-behind 5-3 victory April 2, here at Kobs Field over the Eastern Michigan University baseball team. This was the second time the two teams have met in the past week, with the Eagles winning 10-3 back on March 26. The loss snaps EMU’s five-game winning streak.

For EMU, now 5-18, 3-0 MAC on the year, Kyle Rhoad (Fostoria, Ohio-Elmwood) and Steve Bradshaw (Lapeer, Mich.-West) both collected two hits at the plate. Freshman Jake Stapf (Hamilton, Ohio-Stephen T. Badin) got the start, going four and two-thirds innings, striking out two while giving up just five hits and two earned runs in the no decision.

After a scoreless first inning, freshman Matt Skirving (Midland, Mich.-H.H. Dow) put EMU on the board with an RBI single to right-field, driving in Aaron Powell (Clarkston, Mich.-Clarkston) who reached after being hit by a pitch to lead off the inning. Stapf remained strong through the first two innings, allowing just one Spartan runner to reach base.

Eric Roof started off the third for MSU with a solo homerun over the right field fence, knotting the game at one before Stapf was able to retire the next three consecutive batters. A Jim Gulliver (Allen Park, Mich.-Allen Park) sacrifice fly to right field broke the 1-1 deadlock, driving in Jeff Davis (Avondale, Ariz.-Westview) to give EMU the 2-1 lead in the top of the fourth inning.

MSU again tied the game with a solo homerun, this time, center fielder Dennis Jones sent a 1-0 Stapf offering over the left-field wall, tying the game at two.

The Green and White recaptured the lead again in the seventh when Rhoad singled through the right side, stole second and scored on a Bradshaw single. This was the last time the Eagles would led, as MSU answered in the bottom of the seventh, shaking up senior Dan Puls (Alpena, Mich.-Alpena) who had come into the game in relief of Stapf. Puls (1-3) gave up two hits and committed an error, leading to three Spartan runs, giving them the 5-3 edge.

The Eagles rallied to put two men on base in the top of the ninth, but Nolan Moody was able to get Davis to fly out to center to dismiss any scoring threat and bring the game to a close.

Up next for EMU is a trip to Akron, Ohio, for a weekend series with the Mid-American Conference rival Zips. First pitch at Lee Jackson Stadium is scheduled for Friday at 3 p.m.

Eastern Michigan Athletics

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