April 9, 2011
Box Score
DeKALB, Ill. -- Miami grabbed an early lead, but a five-run fourth and four late errors cost the RedHawks in a 7-4 loss to the Huskies Saturday afternoon at Ralph McKinzie Field. Jon Edgington, Kyle Weldon, Adam Weisenburger, Jon Edgington and Brooks Fiala each tallied two of the RedHawks' 10-hit attack.
Miami tallied a pair of unearned runs in the third to open the scoring. Ryan Kaup led off the frame by reaching on an error by the shortstop, then Edgington singled through the right side. After a strikeout, the RedHawks executed a double steal to move the runners to second and third. Another strikeout and walk loaded the bases for Weisenburger, who singled to left for a pair of RBIs.
NIU answered back with five runs in the fourth. They started the rally with a one-out double. After an error on a pickoff attempt sent the runner to third, three straight hits -- a single, double and single -- put NIU up 3-2. A walk put runners on first and second before a fly ball to center for the second out, but back-to-back singles around a pitching change accounted for the fourth and fifth runs.
Miami countered with a run in the sixth on consecutive one-out doubles by Weldon and Brooks Fiala. But the rally was thwarted later in the inning when Fiala was caught trying to steal third.
The RedHawks closed the gap to 5-4 in the eighth with another run. Weisenburger and Weldon singled to put runners on the corners with no one out. Pinch-hitter Kevin Bower delivered a sacrifice fly for an RBI, then Brad Gschwind reached on an error that sent Weldon to third. But again the Huskies were able to escape, induing an inning-ending double play from pinch hitter Marcus Makuch.
The Huskies added two unearned insurance runs in the eighth by capitalizing on errors by RedHawk shortstop Dan Walsh and Edgington.
Tyler Melling (5-1) suffered his first loss of the season, lasting just 3.2 innings. He allowed five runs on eight hits and a walk, while striking out three.
Tom Barry got the win by surrendering just one earned run in seven innings, while Kyle Glancy picked up his fifth save of the season by retiring the RedHawks' final five batters in order.
The rubber match of the three-game series will be played Sunday afternoon beginning at 1:05 p.m. (CT).
