On a windy Friday afternoon the Murray State Thoroughbreds ( 2-3) matched up against the Bowling Green Falcons.
The ‘Breds were coming off of a high-scoring win (19-2) against Mid-Continent Tuesday, where the team racked up nine runs in the seventh inning. The seventh inning turned out to be a strong inning for the ‘Breds again today as the team combined to score six runs.
Head Coach Rob McDonald said he was happy with how his team played today and how many players contributed to the win.
“Every time you do it right, you feel like there is a chance to do it again,” he said.
Murray State made got on the board early after junior Ty Stetson was brought home by the combined effort of seniors Brandon Elliot and Dylan Wheeler and a wild pitch. The lead did not last long after a strong second inning for Bowling Green scored three runs.
The Falcons scored again in the sixth. Murray State answered with two runs of its own as senior Mike Kozlowski and junior Brandon Eggenschwiler both scored.
The seventh inning was when it all came together for the ‘Breds. The inning started with a single to center field from senior Paul Ritzheimer. Ritzheimer advanced to second after a sacrifice bunt from Stetson. Senior Brandon Elliott was walked, after which senior Dylan Wheeler singled through the right bringing home Ritzheimer.
Bowling Green intentionally walked Kozlowski, trying its luck against Eggenschwiler. Eggenschwiler was also walked which brought home Elliott.
Redshirted-freshman Taylor Matthews was brought in to pinch hit. He reached on a fielders choice as Wheeler scored. Senior Noah Zipko singled to left and Eggenschwiler scored. Junior Nick Paradossi doubled up the middle, which brought home Mathews and Zipko then scored on an error. Ritzheimer ended the inning with a ground out to short stop.
Bowling Green tried to come back in the eighth inning scoring three runs, but the combined defensive and offensive effort was too much for them to over come. The ‘Breds swarmed the mound after junior John Rafferty struck out the last Falcon hitter.
Junior pitcher Tyler Saltsman recorded the win allowing only three hits in 1.2 innings of play. Rafferty was given the save allowing only one hit in 1.1 innings. Senior starting pitcher Will Handlin also contributed to the win he only allowed four runs in six innings of work.
Second baseman Dylan Wheeler said the team played well all around. They hit the ball and pitched well and most of all he said the team did not give up.
“I think we are going to come out and do exactly what we did today,” he said. “(We will) come out in the first inning and score runs, get ahead and just stay on them.”
This is the ‘Breds second win in a row. The team looks to keep the momentum up in the middle game of the series tomorrow at 2 p.m.
Story by Jaci Kohn, Sports Editor.