May 26, 2010
Final Stats
CHILLICOTHE, Ohio- Ohio roped 13 hits on the evening, but a costly eight-run Central Michigan fourth bit the Bobcats as they fell 13-9 to the top-seeded Chippewas on the opening day of the Mid-American Conference Tournament Wednesday at VA Memorial Stadium.
The Chippewas improved to 33-20 and will face fifth-seeded Bowling Green at 4 p.m. Thursday in the winners’ bracket, while the Bobcats dropped to 20-34 and into a 12:30 p.m. Thursday date with fourth-seeded Ball State at 12:30 p.m. in the consolation bracket.
Central was led by two hits and three RBIs from third baseman James Teas and two hits apiece from right fielder Matt Faiman, first baseman Nate Theunissen and left fielder Scott Phillion. Faiman also scored three times.
Ohio was powered by a three-run homer by designated hitter Seth Streich and two hits apiece from center fielder Gauntlett Eldemire, third baseman Bryan Barnes, left fielder Robert Maddox III and first baseman Tyler Backstrom. Maddox scored three times.
Chips reliever Dietrich Enns (7-0) stayed unbeaten, tossing three innings, while allowing two runs on two hits with five strikeouts and three walks.
Ohio starter Jason Moulton (3-5) lasted just three and two-thirds innings, yielding seven earned runs on nine hits, with seven strikeouts and four walks. Reliever Bryce Butt had yet another solid effort, surrendering just one run on three hits with five strikeouts and two walks in four and one-third innings.
Central got out on top early with four runs in the first, but Ohio bounced back with a run in the top of the second when shortstop Wesley O’Neill was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.
The Chips matched that run in the bottom half of the frame, but Ohio roared back with four tallies in the top of the third to tie the game at 5-all. Backstrom plated the first run on an RBI groundout, but Streich had the big blow with a three run blast over the outfield wall in right. The dinger was his seventh of the season.
Ohio went on top in the fourth when second baseman Zach Keen scored on a double-play ball by Barnes.
Central struck the damaging blow in the bottom half, however, as the Chippewas exploded for eight runs to take a commanding 13-6 lead.
Maddox crushed his 21st homer of the season in the sixth frame, scoring Eldemire, who singled to short to lead off the inning. Butt stymied CMU, the tourney’s top seed, over the last three innings to keep Ohio’s hopes alive.
Barnes slapped a single through the right side in the ninth to score O’Neill, but the Bobcats were ultimately unable to get anything more on the board to fall to the Chippewas.
Fans can listen to Ohio and the Cardinals live at OhioBobcats.com. Live stats and complete results of the MAC Tournament are available at mac-sports.com.
