RIO GRANDE, Ohio -- Following a mid-week non-conference matchup, the Midway University baseball team returned to River States Conference play today beginning a three-game series with Rio Grande (Ohio) at Bob Evans Field.
The Eagles carded nine hits but struggled to get the big hit when they needed it as the RedStorm plated six runs on 11 hits en route to the 6-2 victory.
Rio Grande – who moves to 9-21 overall and 2-8 in RSC play following the win – scored two runs in the fourth and three in the fifth to snag a 5-0 lead following the fifth frame. The five-run advantage would be more than enough for Zach Kendall.
The senior right-hander tossed a complete game allowing two runs on nine hits over his nine innings of work. Kendall didn't give any free passes and fanned 10 en route to his fourth victory of the season.
After being held scoreless for the opening six frames, the Eagles – who fell to 7-11 overall and 6-3 in league play with the loss – finally cracked the scoreboard with two in the seventh.
Casey Brown (Louisville, Ky.) plated the first run after lining an RBI single to left, while Brown's courtesy runner – Nick Eastham (Morehead, Ky.) – came around to score when Marquise Glenn (Atlanta, Ga.) roped an RBI double down the right field line.
With two outs and runners on second and third, Kendall was able to get out of the jam with a ground out to end the inning. Kendall tossed scoreless frames in the eighth and ninth to seal the 6-2 victory for the RedStorm.
Jonathan Hook (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) was dealt with the loss for the Eagles after allowing five runs – four earned – on nine hits. Hook struck out four in his 5.1 innings, while Blake Samons (Danville, Ky.) pitched the final 2.2 innings allowing one run on two hits.
Corey Plahuta (Mt. Washington, Ky.) and Casey Brown each went 2-for-4 in the loss to lead the way, while five other Eagles tallied one hit apiece.
The Eagles and the RedStorm will wrap up their series with a twinbill tomorrow starting at noon ET at Bob Evans Field.
Follow Midway Eagles Athletics
