Oct. 6, 2005
NORMAL, Ill. -
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The red squad had dominated the previous two games of the fourth annual Media World Series, but could not complete the sweep against the white squad and guest media manager Jim Williams of WJBC radio, as the white squad won 7-3. The squad got seven runs in the last two innings of the five-inning game, Thursday at Redbird Field, to send the red quad and fellow WJBC broadcaster Scott Laughlin home with the defeat.
In a pre-game trade between the two squads, the white team acquired freshman pitcher Dan Sorce in order for the squad to have enough available pitching. This would prove important, as Sorce came on to record the win for his new squad in relief of starter Collin Korab. Steve Kroeschen took the loss for the red squad in three innings of work on the day.
The red squad got on the board in the bottom of the first inning, looking to secure its sweep of the series early in the game. With two runners on and no one out, Ryan Anetsberger continued his double spree in the series by lacing a shot to the left-center field gap, scoring Darren McEvilly and Mike Staloway. After Kris Jenkins' sac bunt moved Anetsberger to third base, Matt Bolt hit his third sacrifice fly of the series to record the RBI and score Anetsberger for an early 3-0 lead.
However, the white squad was just waiting to pick their spot and did so in the fourth inning. With the bases loaded and one out, junior transfer Jesse Griswold singled to score Brad Sashko and keep the bases loaded. Steve Lesniak then doubled down the third base line, scoring Jay Molina and Kevin Dubler to tie the game at 3-3.
After the red squad was unable to score in the bottom of the fourth, the white squad had one last chance in the top of the fifth to score some runs and win the game. With the bases loaded for the second straight inning, Kevin Konsler came on and doubled, scoring Sashko and Kopach to break the tie and give the white squad a 5-3 lead. However, the squad was not done yet, as Kevin Dubler doubled later in the inning scoring Konsler and Jay Molina to bring the score to 7-3. After the red squad was unable to score off Sorce in the bottom of the fifth, the white squad secured its first win of this year's Media World Series.
Guest manager Scott Laughlin was disappointed following the game and felt slighted by the pre-game trade.
"I'm just upset about the other team taking my best pitcher, our closer, and leaving me with just two pitchers and no hope," said Laughlin. "I felt at the end of the game that maybe I needed to go in there and pitch. But I think the important thing is that no one got hurt."
However, Williams did not agree with his counterpart on the Sorce deal.
"I would dispute coach Laughlin's `controversy. Sorce came in there and did a great job for us," said Williams. "It was a great day for baseball and it's good for us in the media. We love this event."
The Redbird baseball team completes its fall season Saturday at Redbird Field with its annual Alumni Day game. Redbird stars of the past will come back for this annual Homecoming celebration and compete against the current Redbirds. Game time is scheduled for 10 a.m.
