Head Coach Rob McDonald made no excuses for the ’Breds after Tuesday’s loss at Evansville.
“You can always make excuses if you want,” he said. “The guys were ready to play, it’s just, you know, we didn’t get it done.”
Murray State (17-21, 9-9 OVC) lost to the Purple Aces 6-3 to split the season series at one a piece.
The ’Breds had an opportunity to mount a comeback in the top of the ninth but could not capitalize.
Junior Matt McGown came up with the bases loaded and singled home freshman Tyler Lawrence.
Sophomore Dalton West then bounced into a double play, scoring freshman Clay Kelly who reached after being hit by a pitch.
Sophomore Taylor Mathews then struck out to end the game.
“We kind of got something going and it got everybody up,” McDonald said. “We felt like we were another batter or two or a big hit away from being right back in it or very close. The double play is just a part of baseball. We hit the ball to the right side of the infield and unfortunately it was within the range of the second baseman and he made a pretty nice play.”
McDonald said he was proud of the team’s effort throughout the game, but that they just weren’t able to break the game open and cut into the lead.
This loss came off a road series at Ohio State last weekend.
Murray State lost the first game 3-1 and won the second 7-5 before dropping the final match 6-3.
“The guys played well up there,” McDonald said. “We had a chance to win in all three games. They were all three close games, very competitive games.”
Not only did the squad get a chance to experience the Buckeye’s baseball facilities, it also took a tour of the football locker rooms and stadium.
“It was something our guys will remember for a long time,” McDonald said. “They took care of us and treated us very hospitably, and the fact that we played very competitively and won one made it a really good trip.”
The ’Breds now turn to the OVC’s second-best team, Tennessee Tech (32-10, 14-7 OVC), for a three-game set today through Sunday at Reagan Field.
The Golden Eagles lead the conference in 19 offensive categories, including batting average, slugging percentage, runs scored and home runs.
McDonald said if the ’Breds play how they are supposed to and take advantage of home field they will be just fine.
“Our plan is just to play really good baseball,” he said. “You know, pitch well, hit well and our park is a bigger park than they play in. So hopefully that diminishes their power some, and hopefully our pitchers will pitch well.
“We’re looking forward to it. This will be a good challenge and a good opportunity for us.”
First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. Friday at Reagan Field.
Story by Nick Dolan, Staff writer