Miami University
Furman
Baseball Falls to Furman in Season Opener
2/17/2012 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Feb. 17, 2012
GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Kevin Bower hit a two-run homer and Ryan Brenner added a pair of singles, but they weren't enough as Furman powered past Miami 10-2 Friday in the 2012 baseball season opener. Freshman designated hitter Matt Honchel and senior transfer Alex Johnson had the RedHawks' only other hits in the contest.
After a two scoreless innings, Miami fell behind 2-0 on a two-run home run by Miller. The Paladins added to the lead with four more runs in the fourth. A two-out, two-run single chased RedHawk starter Mac Thoreson (0-1), then reliever Seth Varner balked in a run and allowed a run-scorning double.
The RedHawks got on the board in the sixth. Ryan Brenner singled to lead off the frame, his second hit of the game. After two outs, Kevin Bower blasted the first pitch he saw over the left field fence to cut the deficit to 6-2. Furman answered right back, though, plating two unearned runs in their half of the sixth and two more in the seventh for a 10-2 lead.
Thoreson allowed six runs, all earned, in only 3.2 innings pitched. He walked three and struck out three. Four other pitchers also saw action for Miami. Bobby Lyne (1-0) picked up the win for Furman, allowing two runs and four hits over 6.0 inning. He struck out five, while walking a pair.
The two teams continue their three-game set with a game at noon tomorrow.
