Findlay Sweeps Doubleheader Over Malone
Findlay, OH – The University of Findlay baseball team swept their first doubleheader of the season on Sunday, April 12, giving the Oilers the series split. The Malone Pioneers found themselves on the short end of a 5-4 score in Game 1 and a 4-3 final in Game 2 as the Oilers improved their record to 10-24 overall and 5-13 in conference play.
Game 1: UF 5 MU 4 (8 innings) Video Replay pt 1 pt 2 pt 3
The first game of the day ended in an extra inning, walk-off style as a Malone error in the bottom of the eighth gave the Oilers their fifth run of the game and cemented the victory.
The Pioneers got off to a lead as they scored three runs in the third inning but Logan Harrah gave the home team an answer in the bottom half of the inning when he singled, advanced to third on an error, and scored on a wild pitch. 3-1 was the score at that point, but the Oilers offense was not done.
In the bottom of the fifth, thanks to a pair of errors by Malone's fielders, Findlay scored two runs to tie the game at 3-3. Kevin Schrock reached on an error to begin the inning and advanced on a bunt single from Harrah. The two advanced on a sac bunt from Peter Yorgen. Schrock scored on a sac fly from Chase Goulette and Harrah scored when Christion Smith reached on another error.
The two teams scored single runs in the seventh which made the score 4-4 and sent the game to extra innings.
After a one, two, three top of the eighth, Troy Merriman singled to start the eighth. He advanced on a sac bunt from Cameron Johnson. Schrock then singled to right, moving Merriman to third. Harrah promptly loaded the bases with a bunt single. With the bases loaded and one out, Yorgen grounded a ball to the Pioneer shortstop who threw the ball home to get Merriman out, but the throw was wide of the bag and the Oilers winning run crossed the dish.
Harrah led the offense out of the lead-off spot as he went 4-5 with three runs scored.
Mason Mayberry started on the mound for Findlay and pitched 5 and two-thirds innings and allowed three runs, two earned, on five hits. He walked four and struck out nine.
Alex Williams (1-1) came out of the bullpen to pick up his first win of the year. He pitched two and a third, struck out three, walked one, and allowed a run on three hits.
As a team, the Oilers finished with five runs, eight hits, two errors, and eight runners left on base. They also took advantage of six Pioneer errors.
Game 2: UF 4 MU 3 Video Replay
Findlay used the momentum from the first game to score early in game number two, eventually winning by a 4-3 final and sweeping the doubleheader.
In the first inning, Josh Schwerer roped a one out single and advanced to third on a single from Goulette. Merriman then walked to load the bases and Pete Burkett singled, scoring a pair of runs and giving the Oilers a 2-0 lead after the first frame.
An error in the second inning allowed Malone to take the 3-2 lead which, for two innings, held up.
That lead would be erased in the fifth inning when Yorgen reached on a fielder's choice and scored when Goulette blasted a ball over the right fielder's head, tying the game at three. Goulette advanced to third on a wild pitch and Burkett delivered another big hit that put the Oilers ahead for good, 4-3.
Schwerer and Goulette were two for three in the contest. Schwerer scored a run while Goulette scored two and picked up an RBI.
Pete Burkett had an indelible impact on the game as he picked up two hits and had three RBI.
Austin Rodesky (2-5) picked up the win on the mound as he pitched seven innings and only allowed two hits. He struck out eight hitters and only allowed three runs, one of which was earned.
Findlay scored their four runs on six hits, made one error and left seven runners on base.
The Oilers are back in action this Wednesday, April 15 as they take on Hillsdale College for their second doubleheader of the season series. The game will begin at 2:00pm.