Miami University
Villanova
Pair of Big Innings Sink RedHawks, 12-5
3/6/2012 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
March 6, 2012
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- Miami surrendered a pair of five-run innings Tuesday afternoon, sending the RedHawks to their third straight defeat, 12-5, against Villanova in the Snowbird Classic. Ryan Brenner had three hits and a pair of stolen bases, while three others had a pair to pace Miami, which falls to 4-6.
Villanova (6-5) started off with a bang as its first six runners hit safely, including a pair of doubles. The five-run outburst chased starter Seth Varner (0-1), but Joe Neff quickly came in from the bullpen and retired three straight.
Miami, playing as the home team for the first time this season, responded with three in the bottom of the frame. Ryan Brenner singled and stole second and third around a strikeout. After a walk, Kevin Bower singled up the middle to make the score 5-1. A walk to Bryce Redeker and a wild pitch put runners at second and third for John Crummy, who continued his hot streak with a two-run single through the right side that closed the gap to 5-3.
Neff retired 13 of the next 14 batters he faced until a walk in the fifth. The mistake cost the RedHawks as it was followed by a double that put two runners in scoring position. One out later, a pinch-hit single to right upped the lead to 7-3.
The RedHawks scored a run in the sixth after loading the bases with two outs. Jacob Wolf, who subbed in the top of the inning when Alex Johnson was injured, singled in his first career plate appearance. After a flyout and foul out, Crummy and Scott Slappey had singles. A wild pitch loaded the bases, but Bryan Beaver struck out to end the threat.
Villanova broke the game open with five more runs in the seventh. Four hits, including back-to-back doubles, a walk and wild pitch led to the damage.
Miami tried to rally, adding a run in the eighth on an RBI single by Brenner, but they left the bases loaded for the second straight inning. In total, the RedHawks stranded 11, one shy of their season high.
In addition to Brenner's multiple-hit day, Matt Honchel, Scott Slappy and Crummy produced a pair of hits. Miami finished with 14 hits in the contest, the same total as Villanova.
Miami continues its spring trip tomorrow night with trip to Coral Gables to face the "other Miami". First pitch between the RedHawks and Hurricanes is set for 6 p.m.
