The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
Central Michigan
Baseball Falls in Series Finale to Central Michigan
May 12 | Baseball
Follow Zips Baseball on Twitter (@ZipsBB) and Facebook
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – The University of Akron (15-33, 10-13 MAC) baseball team fell in the series finale to Central Michigan University (23-27, 10-14) by a score of 18-8 on Sunday afternoon at Theunissen Stadium.
"On a day where both teams combined for 38 hits, it was obvious pitching wasn't the name of the game today," Head Coach Rick Rembielak said following the game. "Our guys still fought the whole game which shows them maturing as a group."
Freshman Michael Steensen started for the Zips, and turned in 1.2 innings with five hits, three runs allowed, and one strikeout. Steensen was tagged with the loss to drop his season record to 1-2.
The Zips jumped out a one run lead after Matt LaRocca ripped a double to right center, scoring Devan Ahart. UA's 1-0 lead was short lived, as CMU's Nick Regnier registered a two-run homer to take a 2-1 lead over Akron.
Central Michigan was able to capitalize on a sac fly in the bottom of the second to take a two run lead. Akron responded with two runs in the top of the third inning to tie the ballgame.
Following a LaRocca walk and a single by Jared Turocy, Brady Stewart notched a two-RBI single through the left side, scoring both LaRocca and Turocy. Turocy, a Canfield, Ohio native, is now on an 18 game hit streak with the single in the third.
With the game tied at three runs, the Chippewas went on a seven-run rally in the bottom of the third and fourth innings, giving CMU a 17-3 advantage. Over the two innings, the Chippewas recorded 13 hits.
Akron added to their run total with three runs in the top of the fifth. Two bases loaded walks – one by James Sheltrown and another by Joey Havrilak – gave the Zips two runs. Stewart scored the third run of the inning on a wild pitch by CMU.
The Chippewas scored their final run of the afternoon on a single to right center off reliever LaRocca in the sixth inning. LaRocca pitched 2.1 innings out of the bullpen with four runs allowed and two strikeouts.
Senior Samuel Trecaso had a strong appearance out of the bullpen for the Zips. Trecaso worked the final two innings of the game with three hits allowed, no walks and one strikeout.
Turocy added a run for the Zips on a triple down the right field line, scoring LaRocca. The senior now has two triples on the season and seven in his career with the Zips. Turocy finished the game with two runs scored, four hits and one RBI.
The Zips scored the final run of the game on an error by the Chippewa's catcher attempting to throw Joey Havrilak on a steal at second. Daulton Mosbarger scored on the error.
Overall, the Akron offense recorded 15 hits, six RBI, and seven walks. Leading the Zips in base hits was Stewart, whom went 5-for-5 with two RBI and one run scored. The native of Ashville, Ohio was named MAC East Player of the Week this past week.
"Our guys still fought the whole game which shows them maturing as a group," Rembielak said on Sunday. "We'll look forward to Tuesday's game and then a great series against Kent. We are playing our best baseball at the right time."
