Baseball loses two of three against Buffalo
Baseball lost two of three games against Buffalo to open Mid-American Conference play over the weekend after blowing a lead in game one and getting blown out in game three.
Friday’s game against the Bulls was cancelled due to winter weather, forcing a doubleheader on Sunday.
The Chippewas won the first game 4-3, scoring two runs in the eighth inning to secure the win.
"I thought we responded very well in the first game after losing Saturday night," said head coach Steve Jaksa. "Pat Kaminska threw really well for us, and coming from behind, gave us a big emotional win."
However, the Bulls used a five-run fifth inning to win game two of the double-header 7-0.
CMU was shut out in the series finale by UB junior right-handed pitcher Mike Burke. Burke allowed just three hits and struck out 10 Chippewas in the complete game victory.
"I think it was more what we weren't doing than what he was doing," Jaksa said. "Quite frankly, for the first time in a long time, we weren't where we needed to be mentally in regard to our at-bats. It wasn't a very quality game from top to bottom as far as we're concerned."
Seniors Tom Lally and Jordan Adams, along with junior Noel Santos had the three hits for the team.
Sophomore right-handed pitcher Dylan Rheault got the start on the mound in place of senior Rick Dodridge, who did not make the trip to New York due to an injury.
Rheault gave up six earned runs over four-and-one-third innings.
The Chippewas let a golden opportunity for a victory slip away in the series opener on Saturday night. They held a 4-0 lead heading to the bottom of the ninth inning, but the Bulls rallied for five runs off of CMU relievers Blake Louscher and Matt Trowbridge to earn the 5-4 walk-off win.
"We didn't really do anything wrong," Jaksa said. "Sure, we'd like to have a couple batters back and the walks hurt you, but we won eight of the nine innings. Baseball can be a cruel game when it comes to that. It was a tough loss because we played very well."
The Chippewas scored three runs in the second inning. After Santos reached after being hit by a pitch and freshman Morgan Oliver walked, Logan Regnier tripled to right field, scoring two runs. With two outs and Regnier on third, sophomore Pat MacKenzie laid down a bunt-single, scoring the runner.
CMU added its fourth run in the top of the ninth when sophomore Nick Regnier tripled to right field, scoring his brother Logan.
Sophomore Jordan Foley started on the mound for the Chippewas and continued his strong start to the season, going seven innings and striking out 10 Bulls.
Logan Regnier was 3-for-3 with two RBIs.
CMU’s next game is Wednesday when it takes on in-state rival Michigan State. First pitch in East Lansing is scheduled for 3:05 p.m.
The team continues MAC play next weekend when Bowling Green comes to Theunissen Stadium Friday through Sunday.
