Box Score April 12, 2016 Box Score
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OXFORD, Ohio - The Miami University baseball team sprung out to a quick 3-0 lead and held on to earn a gritty, 3-2 victory over Xavier on Tuesday evening. The win improves the RedHawks' record to 16-15 (6-3 MAC) on the season.
The Red & White moved out to the game's first lead in the bottom of the second. With one out, Julian Flanary tripled to the gap in right and scored on a wild pitch. Then, Dallas Hall reached on an error and was advanced to third on a Jake Romano single the next batter. Romano made it to second as he advanced on the XU throw to try and get Hall. Next, Spencer Dull grounded out but it allowed Hall to come home. After Steve Sada worked a walk, Romano was able to score on a wild throw by the Musketeers' catcher, who was trying to gun down a stealing Sada. After two frames, the RedHawks led 3-0.
Xavier responded in the away half of the third, striking for one run on a double down the right field line. The Musketeers got another one back in the top of the fourth on a single that sneaked through the right side.
No more runs were scored as a defensive battled ensued the remainder of the contest. Miami got another great start from freshman Bailey Martin (W, 1-0), who garnered his first career victory. The righty turned in 5.2 innings of work, allowing two runs on four hits. He also struck out five Musketeers. His classmate, Andy Almquist, tossed the final 3.2 innings and did not allow a run. Almquist surrendered just one hit while striking out two to pick up his first career save.
With Wright State beating Cincinnati, 6-1, in game one on Tuesday, the RedHawks will now face Wright State at 7 p.m. on Wednesday for the tournament title. Prior to that game, Xavier will take on Cincinnati at 3 p.m.
