The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
Northern Illinois
Baseball Drops Home Opener to Northern Illinois, 4-3
March 29 | Baseball
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AVON, Ohio – The University of Akron (4-18, 2-2 MAC) baseball team fell to Northern Illinois University (6-17, 2-2 MAC) in a Mid-American Conference matchup by a score of 4-3 on Friday afternoon at All Pro Freight Stadium.
Freshman JT Brubaker started at pitcher for Akron for the sixth time this season. Brubaker tossed 6.0 innings with one earned run allowed and five strikeouts, which resulted in a no-decision for Brubaker.
Andrew Fanning was tagged with the loss out of the bullpen, as he gave up the winning run in the ninth to Northern Illinois. He pitched 2.2 innings of relief with two earned runs allowed, two walks and two strikeouts.
The Zips were in an early 2-0 hole heading into the bottom of the first. Joey Havrilak walked to leadoff the inning, and was eventually driven in by a Matt LaRocca single to cut the Akron deficit to 2-1.
The game stayed at 2-1 until the bottom of the eighth when LaRocca again singled home Havrilak to tie the game at two. LaRocca finished Friday's game with two hits and two RBI, while Havrilak ended the game with two runs scored, one hit and two walks.
NIU struck for two runs in the ninth to give them a 4-2 lead. Akron fought back for one run on an RBI single by pinch-hitter Grant Alvarez to bring the final score to 4-3.
Akron and Northern Illinois will play the second game of the three game series on Saturday with a 3:30 p.m., first pitch at All Pro Freight Stadium. Freshman John Valek III is the probable pitcher for UA on Saturday.
Admission and parking will be free of charge at the ballpark. Here is a link for directions to All Pro Freight Stadium.
