Purdue Fort Wayne
Toledo
Baseball Starts Out Fast But Fades in Loss to Toledo
5/8/2007 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
May 8, 2007
Toledo, OH - The IPFW Baseball team sprinted out of the gate for a 4-0 in their half of the first inning today at Toledo, but the Mastodons couldn't sustain in a 19-8 loss.
Things looked promising for the Blue Crew in the first as freshman designated hitter T.J. Fletcher parlayed his outstanding speed into a run. Fletcher opened the game with a single up the middle, stole second, advanced to third on a fielder's choice, and beat out a throw to home on a fielder's choice to get the 'Dons on the board.
IPFW made it 2-0 as junior center fielder Jared Davis also scored on a fielder's choice from the bat of freshman first baseman Shaun VanDriessche.
The big blow of the inning was a two-run double from junior left fielder Aaron Kerns.
Unfortunately for the 'Dons, Toledo had their hitting shoes on today as well. A solo shot from junior Drew Hoisington, and a two-run blast from Joel Visser drew the Rockets to within one at 4-3.
The Mastodons (9-31) got a pair back in the top of the second. After two out, Davis chased home freshman second baseman Mark Carden with a double to left center.
Senior catcher Tony Nichting brought home Davis with an RBI single to right, making it 6-3 'Dons.
IPFW starter Matt Antos couldn't hold the lead though as Toledo added three in their half of the second, including a home run by Sean Boley, and after a lead-off homer by Aaron Dudley in the third, Antos day was done.
IPFW never lead again in the ball game, as Toledo exploded for 12 runs from the third on to win their 23rd game of the year (23-21).
The Mastodons pounded out 16 hits in the game, but couldn't string them together at the right time. Fletcher had a three-hit game, while Davis, VanDriessche, Nichting, and senior right fielder Nick Diem each recorded a pair of hits.
Antos took the loss, dropping his record to 2-5. He gave up seven runs (six earned) on eight hits.
Toledo starter Jacob Bernath escaped the first two inning to pick up his first win of the year (1-0). Bernath gave up six runs (all earned) on 11 hits. He did strike out four 'Dons.
The Mastodons return to action on Wednesday afternoon at noon, hosting Butler in a double header, weather permitting.
~Dons~
