Miami University
Marist
Second-Inning Outburst Paces Miami to 8-1 Rout
2/27/2011 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Feb. 27, 2011
WILMINGTON, N.C. -- Miami plated six runs in the second inning -- all with two outs -- Sunday to post an 8-1 victory over Marist in the final game of the Hughes Bros. Tires Challenge. With the win, the RedHawks claim a share of the tournament title and even their record at 3-3.
Kyle Weldon went 3-for-5 with four runs batted in, while Adam Weisenburger and Ryan Brennan added two hits apiece to aid the attack. Tyler Melling improved to 2-0 on the season by allowing a single run and seven hits over six innings. He struck out six and did not allow a walk.
"This was a good way to finish up the weekend," Head Coach Dan Simonds said. "Tyler pitched a great game and we had solid defense behind him. We did a nice job of hitting. Kyle (Weldon) is a big part of our offense, so it was good to see him get going. He hit a couple of monster home runs yesterday and had a big hit today in the second. We also capitalized on their mistakes."
The six-run, second-inning outburst, the biggest of the season for a single frame, erased a 1-0 deficit and came about with just two hits. Two Marist pitchers, including starter Kyle Putnam (0-1), issued four walks, hit a batter and threw a wild pitch in the inning. Three walks around a fielder's choice and flyout loaded the bases with two outs. A wild pitch scored the first run, then another walk re-loaded the bases. Bryce Redeker was hit by a pitch to earn a tough RBI and put the RedHawks up 2-1, before Weldon cleared the bases with a double to right field.
A walk and single filled the bases again, then four straight balls to Bryan Beaver brought Weldon home.
Run-scoring singles by Beaver and Weldon in the fourth and fifth, respectively, completed the 8-1 romp. The RedHawks finished with nine hits on the afternoon and played perfect defense. Four Miami relievers did not allow a hit by the Red Foxes (3-3) over the final three innings.
Miami returns to action on Saturday against Mount St. Mary's in the first game of its annual spring trip to Winter Haven, Fla. The RedHawks play eight games over the course of a week at the Russ Matt Invitational.
