OXFORD, Ohio – The Miami University baseball team nearly outran the rain in its game against Youngstown State on Saturday. However lightning came in the middle of the eighth inning forcing a suspension of the game. The RedHawks lead 5-2 and the game will resume in the bottom of the eighth at 11 a.m. Sunday.

The Penguins struck first with a single run in the top of the first inning. The damage was limited however when junior pitcher Spencer Mraz was able to pick off the lead runner at second base to end the threat.

Miami took the lead with two runs in the bottom of the first. Sophomore centerfielder Cristian Tejada led off with a single up the middle. A failed pickoff attempt allowed him to get to third. Junior third baseman Landon Stephens and junior first baseman Charlie Harrigan each loaded the bases. Freshman designated hitter Cole Andrews hit into a double play, but Tejada scored to tie the score. Redshirt junior leftfielder Kyle Winkler followed with a single up the middle to score Stephens and make it 2-1.

In the bottom of the second Harrigan hit a sac fly to leftfield to score Tejada and make it 3-1.

In the bottom of the third junior shortstop Will Vogelgesang tripled to right center. He then scored on a throwing error by the catcher on a failed pickoff attempt.

Miami got one more run in the bottom of the fourth when Harrigan hit another sac fly to score junior shortstop Colin Shepherd. Youngstown State answered with an unearned run in the top of the fifth when it scored on an error. The score remained that way until lightning struck and forced the suspension in the eighth inning.

Mraz had a good outing for the RedHawks, going 5.0 innings. He allowed one earned run on four hits. Senior Shane Smith has pitched the last three innings, not giving up a hit and striking out five.

This game will resume at 11 a.m. on Sunday. The regularly scheduled doubleheader between Miami and Youngstown State will resume at noon.