The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
Ball State
Baseball Posts Eight Runs in the Ninth Inning for 9-8 Walk-Off Win over Ball State
May 23 | Baseball
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AVON, Ohio – The University of Akron baseball team rallied for eight runs off seven hits in the bottom of the ninth inning to defeat fifth-seeded Ball State, 9-8, on a walk-off single from junior infielder Billy Salem in the first game of the Mid-American Conference Tournament semifinal round Saturday afternoon at All Pro Freight Stadium.
With Akron's win being Ball State's first loss of the double-elimination tournament, the Zips will take on the Cardinals again this evening at 8 p.m. for a spot in the championship game against Ohio.
The Zips (28-29) trailed 8-1 heading into the bottom of the ninth after a three-run top of the inning from Ball State (32-24).
Junior outfielder Daulton Mosbarger drew a walk to lead off the inning and was followed by Salem with a single to right. Senior outfielder Darius Washington raked in the first run of the rally on a one-out RBI ground-rule double.
Back-to-back walks pushed Salem across the plate and kept the bases loaded for sophomore catcher Brian Lees. Lees sent a two-run single to left before Akron's final four runs came with two outs.
Lees was followed by another two-run single off the bat of sophomore infielder Dom Iero. The pair of two-run base hits brought Akron within one of the Cardinals at 8-7.
Senior infielder Matt Rembielak then tied the game with an RBI single, setting Salem up for the game-winning hit in the next at bat.
Salem enjoyed a career day, going 4-for-5 at the plate in addition to his run scored and game-winning RBI.
Lees and Rembielak each contributed two hits and two RBI apiece while Rohan matched the duo with a pair of hits.
Senior starter Pat Dyer threw 5.2 innings and worked around 10 Ball State hits to allow just two runs. The left-hander walked one and struck out three.
The win went to senior reliever Andrew Fanning (1-0) who picked up the final out in the top of the ninth.
Despite being out-hit by the Cardinals, UA totaled 14 base hits in the win, including seven in the final inning. The victory marks just the second time this season that Akron has won when trailing after eight innings.
The Zips look to carry their momentum into this evening's 8 p.m. re-match against the Cardinals at All Pro Freight Stadium. Akron will be the away team in the contest.
