Chippewa hitters blow out Oakland, 24-9


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Junior outfielder Jacob Crum hits a foul ball during the game against Northwestern at Theunissen Stadium on March 16.

For the second time this season, the Central Michigan baseball team posted more than 20 runs on the road. 

The Chippewas (11-20-1) scored 23 runs in a win against Ball State in Muncie, Indiana, on March 31. Eleven days later, on April 11, CMU racked up 24 runs in a 24-9 victory over Oakland University (8-20) in Rochester. 

“We had a lot of opportunities,” said CMU head coach Steve Jaksa. “A lot of our guys put some good swings in there early and late in the game.”

CMU scored five runs in the top of the first inning on runs batted in from junior infielder Jason Sullivan, junior catcher Blake Cleveland, sophomore outfielder Zach Gilles, junior outfielder Jacob Crum. 

One inning later, redshirt freshman catcher Griffin Lockwood-Powell extended the lead to 6-0 on a home run to right-center field off redshirt sophomore right-hander Cole Gibson. 

Gibson only lasted three innings, allowing six runs (two earned) on six hits and four walks with two strikeouts. 

Freshman right-hander Matt Boutin, Gibson’s replacement for the Golden Grizzlies, was unable to record an out during his time on the mound in the fourth inning. He gave up five runs (three earned) on one hit and three walks, handing the Chippewas an 11-0 lead. 

The Chippewas, however, were not done in the top of the fourth inning, scoring five more for a 10-run inning. The outburst, led by doubles from Gilles, Crum and junior outfielder Daniel Robinson, made it a 16-0 edge for CMU. 

Oakland finally scored its first run of the game in the bottom of the fourth inning on a sacrifice fly from sophomore infielder Blake Griffith. 

CMU’s starter, sophomore left-hander Tyler Hankins, was scheduled to be on a pitch count for the game. Jaksa held true to his word, allowing Hankins to throw two innings of shutout baseball with three strikeouts.

“It’s nice to get off to a positive start early,” Jaksa said. “They had first and third with two outs in the first and Hankins got a big out. We were able to get up six runs and just kept tacking on.”

With the bases loaded in the top of the sixth, Robinson cleared the bases with a double to right center for a 21-1 lead. Oakland responded with three runs of its own in the bottom of the inning. 

“You never have a perfect game,” Jaksa said. “We didn’t have one today, but the guys learned something new. At least we hope they did.”

Gilles put the final run on the board for CMU in the top of the ninth inning, scoring Cleveland for a 24-9 margin in Rochester. 

Freshman left-hander Brandon Reed finished the game in the ninth inning, striking out two hitters en route to preserving CMU’s 15-run victory. 

In eight plate appearances, Robinson earned four hits, five RBIs, and a walk to guide the Chippewas on the offensive end. Griffith was one positive for Oakland, going 2-of-4 at the plate with five RBIs. 

Out of CMU’s bullpen, junior left-hander Jack Collins, freshman right-hander Lock Buczkowski and Reed did not allow a run. 

Freshman right-hander Jordan Patty, senior left-hander Braxton Markle and sophomore right-hander Cameron Brown each gave up just one score in their respective appearances on the mound. 

“We were able to accomplish everything we wanted to in having a few guys work,” Jaska said. “We had a chance to look at them to see who was continuing to fill the void. The more the merrier.” 

Up Next

Central Michigan returns home to Theunissen Stadium for a three-game series against Toledo (9-18) from April 13-15. 

“We will talk about Toledo, but it will be a quick conversation,” Jaksa said. “The team knows who is next. We will be ready to go.”

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