The University of Akron Athletics
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Western Michigan
Baseball Cruises to 7-4 Win over Western Michigan
April 21 | Baseball
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Box Score (PDF)
AVON, Ohio – A bases-clearing, three-run double from sophomore infielder Dom Iero in the bottom of the third inning sparked the University of Akron's offense as it posted a pair of three-run innings and 12 total hits to cruise past Western Michigan, 7-4, in non-conference action at All Pro Freight Stadium on Tuesday.
In addition to Iero's three-RBI showing, sophomore catcher Brian Lees went 3-for-4 at the plate with three runs scored and a walk.
Freshman Alex Dirienzo issued a perfect 3-for-3 performance with an RBI, one run scored and a walk.
Freshman starter Josh Lapiana (1-3) picked up his first collegiate win after allowing one run over 5.0 innings pitched. The left-hander gave up six hits, walked three and struck out three.
After a scoreless two and a half, Iero launched his three-run double to deep left-center to give Akron (19-19) a 3-0 edge in the bottom of the third inning.
Western Michigan (14-22) distributed its four runs throughout four separate innings on an RBI double in the fourth, a balk in the sixth and RBI singles in the seventh and ninth frames.
Lees crossed on a Bronco error in the bottom of the fifth inning for a 4-1 Akron advantage.
The Broncos scored two runs to come within one of the Zips at 4-3 in the top of the seventh inning, but Akron broke open the game with a five-hit frame to plate three runs in its half of the seventh.
Lees led off the seventh with a double down the right field line. Redshirt senior outfielder Darius Washington, redshirt sophomore Anthony Bova and Dirienzo recorded RBI singles to ice the game.
In relief, junior right-hander Zach Beaver toed the rubber for 2.2 innings without allowing an earned run. He gave up a pair of hits and struck out one.
Overall, the Zips and Broncos were tied at 12 hits apiece. Akron posted one error while Western Michigan had two. The Zips have now posted double-figures in hits in each of their last four games.
The Zips return to action on Wednesday when they host Canisius at Lee R. Jackson Field. First pitch is set for 3 p.m.
