Purdue Fort Wayne
Bowling Green
Falcons Win Slugfest With IPFW, 19-10
4/3/2007 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
April 3, 2007
Toledo, OH - IPFW and Bowling Green combined for 29 runs and 29 hits on Tuesday afternoon at Steller Field. Unfortunately for the 'Dons, six of the Falcons hits were home runs in a 19-10 loss.
IPFW hasn't had much trouble scoring runs this season, the Mastodons' struggles in 2007 are directly related to their pitching. It was the starting pitching again that let the 'Dons down today.
IPFW took an early 3-1 lead in the top of the 3rd inning as sophomore left fielder Quentin Brown drove a Marty Baird pitch to deep center field. BGSU center fielder Kurt Wells tried to make an over-the-shoulder catch but the ball got behind him. Second baseman Mark Carden and right fielder Aaron Kerns, who had singled earlier in the inning both scored.
That lead was short lived as Bowling Green chased IPFW starter Brett Merkley with five runs in the home half of the third, which included the first BG homer from shortstop Derek Spencer.
The Falcons added five more in the fourth, including a two-run shot from DH Brian Hangbers.
The Mastodons got one back in the top of the 5th inning. IPFW center fielder Jared Davis led off the frame with a double to left center. He came home on an RBI single by designated hitting Tony Nichting.
Bowling Green left fielder Andrew Foster began a home run barrage with a solo shot in the in the sixth. Foster homered in the sixth, seventh, and eight innings.
IPFW got four in the 7th inning, but the damage was done as Bowling Green cruised to the 9-run win.
Baird picked up the win, tossing five innings of five-hit ball. He gave up three runs (all unearned), while striking out two.
Merkley falls to 0-4 on the season. He pitched just 2 2/3 innings, giving up five runs on five hits. He struck out two, while walking four.
With the loss, the Mastodons fall to 4-23. They are scheduled to play just their second home contest of the season tomorrow, hosting Toledo at 1pm, weather permitting.
~Dons~
