The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
Toledo
Pusateri Tosses Complete Game in 2-1 Walk-Off Win over Toledo in MAC Tournament
May 22 | Baseball
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AVON, Ohio – Redshirt senior starter Jon Pusateri set the No. 8 seeded University of Akron baseball team up for a 2-1 walk-off win over No. 4 Toledo by twirling a complete game to help keep the Zips' Mid-American Conference Tournament run alive Friday evening at All Pro Freight Stadium. The victory marked No. 600 in head coach Rick Rembielak's career.
Pusateri held the Rockets to one run and four hits over his 9.0 innings pitched and registered a career-high 12 strikeouts. The right-hander walked one.
With the game locked in a 1-all tie in the bottom of the ninth, senior infielder Matt Rembielak reached on a single to lead off the inning. Rembielak advanced on a sacrifice bunt from Billy Salem and scored the game-winning run on a Toledo error forced by redshirt senior outfielder Darius Washington.
Pusateri opened the game strong by striking out the side in order en route to posting his career-high mark of 12 strikeouts.
In Akron's (27-29) half of the opening frame, redshirt junior infielder Gerrad Rohan used an RBI single to plate sophomore catcher Brian Lees who reached on a fielder's choice. The run handed the Zips an early 1-0 advantage.
Toledo (25-33) fought back with its only run of the game in the top of the second, which crossed on a double play ball.
Pusateri then held the Rockets hitless for the next five innings as he retired 15-straight batters. The righty did not allow a Rocket to reach base again until the seventh inning when he served up his only walk of the game.
Akron managed nine hits against right-handed Toledo starter Caleb Schillace who pitched 8.1 innings and exited the game before the final at bat.
With the win, Akron will face No. 5 Ball State in the semifinal round at All Pro Freight Stadium on Saturday at 1 p.m. A second game at 8 p.m. will be necessary if Akron wins the 1 p.m. game, due to Ball State's undefeated record in the double-elimination tournament. More information regarding the MAC Tournament can be found here.
