The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
Ohio
Valek Sharp in 1-0 Loss to Ohio on Friday
April 24 | Baseball
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Box Score (PDF)
ATHENS, Ohio – Junior starting pitcher John Valek III allowed just one run over 8.1 innings pitched with Ohio plating the game's only run on an RBI single in the bottom of the ninth to defeat the University of Akron baseball team, 1-0, on Friday at Bob Wren Stadium.
Valek (5-4) faced 32 batters and allowed five hits while striking out one and walking one. Prior to the ninth inning, only two Bobcats advanced into scoring position against the left-hander.
Overall, both teams registered six hits apiece on the night, with neither team clubbing an extra-base hit.
Akron's six hits were split among five different Zips with junior outfielder Kris Simonton going 2-for-4 at the plate.
The Akron offense struggled against Ohio starter Jake Miller who threw 6.1 scoreless innings, allowing six hits, fanning four and walking two.
The Bobcats brought reliever Logan Cozart (5-1) out of the bullpen in the seventh inning as the Zips loaded the bases off three-straight singles with one out. Cozart picked up the win with three strikeouts and no hits in 2.2 innings of relief.
With one out in the bottom of the ninth, reliever Zach Beaver took over on the mound for Valek with a runner on first. Beaver's first batter reached on an Akron miscue before senior Tyler Wells coughed up an RBI single to plate the game's lone run.
Akron posted three miscues on the day while the Bobcats had none.
Valek entered the game just 1.2 innings shy of moving into Akron's top-10 career innings pitched. With 8.1 innings logged on the mound today, the southpaw now has the eight-most career innings pitched in Akron program history at 252.2.
The Zips and Bobcats continue the three-game series with a 10 p.m. first pitch on Saturday at Bob Wren Stadium. The start time was originally scheduled for 3 p.m., but was moved up due to impending weather.
