Eagles Go Back-to-Back With 10-3 Win Over Spartans

Box Score

Live Stats against Oakland

EAST LANSING, Mich. — Powered by a five-run first inning, the Eastern Michigan University baseball team cruised to a 10-3 victory over in-state rival Michigan State University here Wednesday, March 26, at Kobs Field in East Lansing, Mich. EMU was led by Zack Leonard (Canton, Ohio-McKinley), Todd Graves (St. Mary's, Ohio-St. Mary's) and Jim Gulliver (Allen Park, Mich.-Allen Park), each posting multi-hit games for the Green and White.

Robert Wendzicki (Brook Park, Mich.-Midpark) earned the win today, giving up just one run in four innings while recording four strikeouts. Eight Eagle players registered an RBI, including three from Leonard.

Kyle Rhoad (Fostoria, Ohio-Elmwood) and Leonard each singled to lead off a five-run first for EMU. After Steve Bradshaw (Lapeer, Mich.-West) walked to load the bases, Graves singled through the left side, driving in Rhoad to give the Eagles the early 1-0 lead in the first inning. Jeff Davis walked, allowing Leonard to score before Josh Ivan’s (Belleville, Mich.-Belleville) sacrifice fly drove in Bradshaw, increasing the Green and White lead to 3-0. Mike Boyd’s (Huntington Woods, Mich.-Berkley) sacrifice fly allowed Graves to cross the plate, pushing the score to 4-0.

The Spartans fought back in the bottom half of the first frame, scoring two runs on three hits to cut the deficit to 5-2. Justin Potes’ single through the left side scored Steve Gerstenberger for the first MSU run. Chris Roberts singled to center next, scoring Kyle Day to end the Spartan scoring in the first.

After a scoreless second for EMU, Evan Friedland sent the first offering from Sean Hoffman (Midland, Mich.-Midland) over the right field fence, bringing MSU to within two at 5-3.

The Eagles answered in the top of the third on a Rhoad sacrifice fly, scoring Ivan who had walked to start the inning. EMU took a comfortable lead in the top of the fifth, scoring four runs to build its lead to 10-3. With the bases loaded Leonard drove an 0-2 pitch down the left-field line, clearing the bags and giving him a game-high three RBI. Bradshaw followed next with a single up the middle, driving in Leonard to round out the scoring.

EMU will attempt to host its home opener for the sixth time this year Thursday, March 27, as it hosts Oakland University. First pitch at Oestrike Stadium is slated for 3 p.m.

Eastern Michigan Athletics

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