MU Drops Series Finale Against Broncos, 9-5
3/22/2015 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The RedHawks (4-15, 2-1 MAC) put up four runs in the top of the first, but Western Michigan (8-11, 1-2 MAC) went on to outscore Miami 9-1 the rest of the way in Sunday’s series finale to earn a 9-5 victory over the Red & White.
The RedHawks jumped on the WMU starting pitcher early, getting their first three batters on base. Steve Sada led the game off with a single and then Chad Sedio doubled to right center, scoring Sada. Then, Honchel walked and Ryan Elble put down a sac bunt, moving Sedio to third and Honchel to second. The next at-bat, Adam Yacek hit a single to shallow left, scoring Sedio. Jake Romano would come up next and he hit an infield single that scored Honchel. With Yacek on third and Romano on second due to a throwing error, Max Andresen hit a high fly ball to left that was deep enough for Yacek to tag-up and score. Miami led 4-0 after their opening at-bat.
The Broncos did their best to keep the game close early, scoring three runs in their first time up at the plate. A one-run single and a two-run single brought them to within one as the score was 4-3 after the first inning of play.
The WMU offense exploded in the bottom of the third inning. After a leadoff walk, three straight hits plated three runs for the Broncos. With no outs in the inning still, Gus Graham came on in relief and was able to get a ground ball and the RedHawks were able to turn a double play. However, another run came across home plate. Graham was able to get another groundball but a fielding error allowed another run to score. The Bronco lead stood at 8-4 after three innings.
The Broncos added another run in the bottom of the fifth on a fielding error. The WMU lead was extended to 9-4 after five innings played.
The RedHawks would cut into the lead in the top of the ninth. After Romano reached on an error, Andresen hit a double down the right field line, scoring Romano. Miami’s rally was cutoff there as the Broncos retired the next batter, sealing the victory.
Despite the loss, Miami began Mid-American Conference action with a series win. The Red & White return to action this Friday as they begin a three-game series against Central Michigan in Oxford. First pitch on Friday is set for 6 p.m.
