Two sixth inning home runs secure baseball's 8-4 win over Oakland
Two two-run homers in the sixth inning lifted the Central Michigan baseball team to a 8-4 win over Oakland in a midweek non conference matchup.
The win propels CMU's record to 22-18 on the year, keeping a 10-2 record in the Mid-American Conference. The Chippewas lead the MAC West Division.
"It took us a while to get going," head coach Steve Jaksa said. "We were finally able to get things going at the plate, but a little bit of a slow start."
Scoring Summary
Sophomore Daniel Robinson scored the first run of the game in the fourth inning. Robinson was walked, then stole second base and was driven in on Evan Kratt's single to left field.
Oakland answered by scoring three runs in the fourth inning, but CMU didn't let that phase them.
In the sixth inning, Jason Sullivan and Daniel Jipping both hit two-run home runs to take a 5-3 lead. The Chippewas went on to add two more runs in the next inning to pad the difference.
Dazon Cole padded the Chippewas lead in the ninth inning when he reached second base and scored on two errors.
CMU and Oakland had 10 hits in today's game.
Pitching Summary
Michael Brettell pitched three scoreless innings to start the game. Brettell tallied four strikeouts and only allowed one hit. Since he was on a pitch count, Brettell was replaced by Braxton Markle to start the fourth inning.
"Any way that I can help the team win is fine with me," Brettell said. "Whether it's starting or coming out of the bullpen, I have no preference. I like that they trust me in any situation to give the team a chance to win."
Markle lasted one and two-third innings and gave up three runs until Zach Kohn replaced him in the fifth inning with one out left to go.
Kohn pitched a clean next two innings, tallying 5 Ks in his first seven outs. Jack Collins pitched an inning for the Chippewas, allowing one run.
CMU's closer Colton Bradley finished the game for the Chippewas with only 10 pitches in the ninth inning.
"Brettell set the tone and pitched three really good innings," Jaksa said. "All of those guys threw well."
What's Next
The Chippewas resume MAC play as they take on Kent State in Ohio in a three-game weekend series. First pitch on Friday is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.
