The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
Malone
LaRocca's Eighth-Inning Single Lifts Akron over Malone, 9-7
April 28 | Baseball
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AKRON, Ohio – Redshirt senior infielder and pitcher Matt LaRocca knocked a two-run single to right-center to break a 7-all tie in the bottom of the eighth and lift the University of Akron baseball team to a 9-7 victory over Malone on Tuesday at Lee R. Jackson Field.
Following his two-run single, LaRocca moved over to the mound to toss the ninth inning. The right-hander closed the door on the Pioneers, assisted by a game-ending double play, to pick up his eighth save of the season.
Three Zips issued a multi-RBI performance, led by junior infielder Billy Salem who went 2-for-4 with three RBI. LaRocca matched Salem with three RBI after going 2-for-5 at the dish.
Sophomore designated hitter Brian Lees posted two RBI and a pair of walks as part of a 2-for-3 showing.
Akron (20-22) and Malone (26-18) fought a back-and-forth battle after the Zips jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first. An RBI single from Lees and a two-run double from Salem gave Akron the early advantage.
Malone inched closer and tied the game at 3-all in the fourth on an RBI single from Matt Davis and a run-scoring double play.
The teams traded the lead throughout the fifth and sixth innings, landing in a 7-all tie through seven.
Akron loaded the bases in the bottom of the eighth on a single off the bat of Anthony Bova and a pair of walks. The bases-loaded situation set up LaRocca for his game-winning single.
The win went to redshirt sophomore Evan Jensen (1-1) who twirled 2.0 scoreless innings, allowing two hits, walking one and fanning two to set up the save situation.
The Zips recorded 12 total hits against five Malone pitchers. The Pioneers managed 11 hits on the day. Akron posted one error while Malone had two.
The Zips are back in action on Wednesday when they travel to take on Youngstown State at Eastwood Field. First pitch is set for 5:30 p.m.
