Baseball wins two of three at Wichita State


baseball
Chuck Miller/Staff Photographer Freshman pitcher Jimmy McNamara delievers a pitch during Wednesdays game against Oakland University. McNamara went three innings on the mound giving up two runs with four strikeouts. A late surge gave the Chippewas a 7-4 win over Oakland at Theunissen Stadium.

The formula for success has been largely the same for the Central Michigan University baseball team this season.

Against Wichita State, the result was the same. 

Strong outings from Chippewas starting pitchers along with CMU's offense taking advantage of opponents' mistakes on the mound have proved to be a key combination this season.

Senior centerfielder Nick Regnier led CMU with four hits in the series against WSU while junior third basemen Joe Houlihan finished with four runs batted in.

“It starts with defense and (Houlihan) is playing great defense," said Head Coach Steve Jaksa. "He is starting to have good at-bats. The combination of solid at-bats with good defense is allowing him to click right now.”

CMU (10-5) won the first two games during the series before dropping the series finale on Sunday.

Friday: CMU 6, WSU 3

Sophomore pitcher Nick Deeg started on the mound for the Chippewas going five innings while giving up three earned runs on five hits. He finished the game with four strikeouts.

Junior right fielder Logan Regnier led CMU with two hits and two runs scored.

Freshman pitcher Sean Martens (2-0) got the win for the Chippewas. The Clarkston native pitched three innings in relief of Deeg, allowing one hit.

After Deeg retired two of the first three batters in the second inning, WSU took the lead with a two-out triple, which scored a runner from first base.

The Chippewas then took control scoring six runs on six hits.

CMU got on the board in the fifth inning following a WSU pitching change. Regnier singled to begin the inning before stealing second base.

Sophomore Alex Borglin singled to right field scoring Logan Regnier from second.

CMU’s second run of the inning came on a steal of home by Nick Regnier.

The steal at home was actually a double steal with (Pat) MacKenzie in that situation,” Jaksa said. “We think we have good speed and that we run the bases well. Nick is finally getting his speed back a little bit after a injury that didn't allow him to run at top speed.”

Logan Regnier led off the ninth with a triple. He scored on a double by senior designated hitter Cody Leichman.

Senior catcher Tyler Huntey scored from third on a wild pitch giving CMU a 6-3 lead. 

Saturday: CMU 4, WSU 1

Pitching mistakes in the fourth inning for WSU proved costly for the Shockers, allowing CMU to score the first two runs of the game.

The big hit came from Nick Regnier with two outs. He singled to right field scoring Borglin and Bradley.

Getting the bases loaded two-out knock washuge in that situation putting us up 4-1,” said Jaksa.

Freshman pitcher Pat Leatherman, started for CMU going six and two thirds innings while giving up one earned run on four hits. He had six strikeouts. Leatherman picked up the win  and moved to 2-0 on the season.

“Pat threw very well again,” said Jaksa. “We had very solid pitching across the board but Pat (Leatherman) led off with another quality start. He got into the 100-pitch range and we knew it was time to take him out of there. He will continually get better I believe.”

Nick Regnier led CMU with two runs batted in while McKinstry led all Chippewas with two hits.

WSU made six defensive substitutions to begin the ninth inning.

The Shockers left 11 men on base in the game. 

Sunday: WSU 10, CMU 5

The Chippewas tied the game at five in the sixth inning but could not make a comeback after the Shockers scored five runs in the seventh inning taking a 10-5 lead.

“We battled right back and put ourselves in a good position to come back but just could not figure out a way to get the lead,” said Jaksa.

Junior pitcher Jason Gamble pitched four and two thirds innings allowing five earned runs on seven hits.

Freshman Daniel Jipping, a Canton native, led the Chippewas with two hits, including a home run. Houlihan finished with a team-high three runs batted in.

What’s Next?

The Chippewas head to Lawrence, Kan.  for a matchup with the Jayhawks (6-10) at 4 p.m. on Tuesday.

Junior pitcher Adam Aldred will get the start for CMU.

Share: