March 14, 2008
Box Score
BRADENTON, Fla. -
Junior Mike Stalowy tied his career-highs in hits and RBI with three apiece and sophomore Ryan Copeland (3-1) picked up his third win of the season, as the Illinois State baseball team (8-5) was able to win its fourth-straight game, 8-7, over Akron Friday at the IMG Academy. The Redbirds led by five runs after six innings of play, and were able to hold on to the victory after surrendering six runs in the final three frames.
Stalowy led four Redbirds with two-plus hits, as Sophomore Gabe DeMarco, freshman Ronnie Calvird and Dan Weston had two hits apiece. DeMarco also recorded two RBI, while Weston hit two doubles and added an RBI. Copeland threw 6.1 innings, and gave up three earned runs while striking out three and walking one. Senior Eric Theisen notched his second save of the season, after working his way out of a bases-loaded jam in the eighth inning. Senior Kyle Cherney also shined in the field, making tough plays at third base to record five assists.
"I didn't think Ryan (Copeland) had his best stuff today, but he did a good job of battling to get a win," said head coach Jim Brownlee. "That's what good pitchers are about, and Ryan is a very good pitcher. He struggled at times, but I think he caught a second wind in the fourth inning, and I thought that was huge. Kyle Cherney was also outstanding at third base. He was really a difference-maker in the game, as he had five assists. They were all tough plays, and I don't think we have had play like that from third base in long time."
After Akron scored three runs in the bottom of the seventh to cut Illinois State's lead to 6-4, the Redbirds were able to re-group in the top of the eighth. Weston got things started with a one-out double, and moved to third after pinch hitter Anthony Ruffolo reached base via an error. Freshman Corey Maines pinch ran for Ruffolo, and moved into scoring position when he stole second. Stalowy then delivered the eventual game-winner, a single up the middle that plated both runners.
But the Zips battled back in the bottom half of the inning. Junior Dan Sorce, who came into the game in the seventh, ran into trouble when the first three batters of the inning reached base. Theisen was called out of the bullpen, and surrendered a two-RBI single to left field to cut the Zips' deficit to 8-6. Theisen retained his composure, and retired three of the next five batters to escape any more damage.
The Redbirds' last test came in the bottom of the ninth. After Theisen worked a 1-2 count on first baseman Doug McNulty, he left his next pitch in the zone and McNulty hit a solo shot over the left field wall to give ISU a slim, 8-7 lead. Theisen battled to retire the next two batters, but lost some control and put two batters on via walks. However, the Adrian, Mich., native came through in the clutch, getting pinch hitter Drew Turocy to strike out swinging to end the game.
The Redbirds got it started in the top half of the first. Stalowy led off the game with a double down the left field line, and advanced to third on a bunt single from freshman Kevin Tokarski. Stalowy scored on a wild pitch, and junior Kevin Dubler followed with a walk. DeMarco plated Tokarski on a single through the left side of the infield, and Weston walked with the bases loaded to bring ISU's lead to 3-0.
Illinois State added three more runs in the fourth, as Weston led off with a double down the left field line. Stalowy followed with a single past the third baseman, while Dubler added a double of his own to score Stalowy with two outs. DeMarco added the final run of the frame when he hit a RBI-single through the left side of the infield.
The Redbirds will wrap up their spring trip when they play Lafayette College Saturday at the IMG Academy. First pitch is slated for 10 a.m. EST.
