March 28, 2008
Final Stats
OMAHA, Neb. -
Sophomore Ryan Copeland was solid on the mound, but an error that led to a four-run fifth inning was the deciding factor, as the Illinois State baseball team lost, 4-0, to Creighton in a Missouri Valley Conference game Friday at the Creighton Sports Complex.
Copeland was sharp in his fifth start of the season, as he surrendered six hits and no earned runs in seven innings of work. Copeland threw 105 pitches (71 for strikes), while he struck out five batters and walked none. The Redbirds (9-11, 0-4 MVC) had only a few bright spots in the batter's box, as freshman Ronnie Calvird extended his hitting streak to five games, after batting 1-for-4 with a single. Sophomore Gabe DeMarco also hit 1-for-4 with a double.
The Des Plaines, Ill., native cruised through the first four innings, retiring Creighton in order in three of the four frames. Copeland looked to have another solid inning in the books in the bottom of the fifth, but a Bluejay runner reached on an error to open up the inning. After another runner reached base on a single, designated hitter Elliot Soto fell behind 0-2 in the count, but pushed across the first run of the day on a two-out single up the middle. Centerfielder Robbie Knight then broke the game open with a three-run home run over the left field wall.
"Ryan has been good on the mound all year long; he had a great outing today and deserves a better fate," said head coach Jim Brownlee. "We haven't been able to score many runs for him this season. We couldn't get him any run support when he pitched at Bethune-Cookman, and he also pitched well against Wichita State. He another great day today and we couldn't do anything for him."
The Redbirds' best chance to score in the game came in the top of the second. DeMarco led off the frame with a double, and moved to second after senior Kyle Cherney walked. Senior Kevin Konsler moved both runners into scoring position with a sacrifice bunt, and freshman Corey Maines followed with a walk to load the bases with only one out. But the Redbirds couldn't push any runs across the plate. Sophomore Cole Marty popped out to right field and freshman Kevin Tokarski drilled a line drive to centerfield that was caught by Knight, who made a diving catch.
Creighton threatened again in the bottom of the sixth, but an athletic, leaping catch by Marty prevented the Bluejays from adding to their lead.
Illinois State will face Creighton in game two Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Creighton Sports Complex.
