March 8, 2008
Final Stats
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -
Sophomore Ryan Copeland threw seven innings and struck out a career-high nine batters, but the Illinois State baseball team (4-4) was unable to provide any offense and fell, 3-0, to Bethune-Cookman in a pitchers' duel in the second game of a doubleheader Saturday at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. The Wildcats' left-handed starting pitcher, Joseph Gautier, threw a complete-game, three-hit shutout, and struck out a career-high 11 batters.
Copeland (2-1), who suffered his first loss of the season, surrendered three runs (two earned) on seven hits. Junior Mike Stalowy had two of ISU's three hits on the day, recording a single and a double, to go along with a walk.
The Redbirds threatened in the top of the first, when Stalowy walked to begin the game. Freshman Ronnie Calvird advanced Stalowy to second via a sacrifice bunt, and Stalowy moved to the third on a groundout to second by junior Kevin Dubler. But Illinois State was unable to put anything on the board, as Gautier was able to retire the side on a strikeout.
Stalowy broke Gautier's bid for a no hitter in the sixth inning, driving a single through the infield with one out. Calvird followed with another single up the middle; however, Stalowy was thrown out by the Wildcats' center fielder as he tried to advance to third base. Gautier settled in, and retired Dubler on a fly ball to left field. The Wildcats scored a run in the bottom of the sixth inning on a single and an error.
The Redbirds had another chance to get on the board in the top of the seventh. DeMarco led off the frame with a high fly ball deep to right field. As the ball looked to be heading for extra bases, right fielder Neal Jones jumped and made an acrobatic catch, to rob DeMarco and stall the Redbird offense.
Bethune-Cookman scored two runs in the bottom of the frame on a triple from second baseman Mark Brooks, who was able to score as the throw into the infield was bobbled by Kevin Tokarski.
The final inning began as another scoring opportunity for Illinois State. After Stalowy led off with a double down the left field line, Calvird drove a line drive to centerfield that appeared to be falling in for a base hit. However, Bethune-Cookman's center fielder made a diving catch, and was able to double-up Stalowy at second.
The Redbirds will wrap up their three-game series with Bethune-Cookman Sunday. First pitch from Jackie Robinson Ballpark is slated for 1 p.m.
