Continuing its success in Mid-American Conference openers, the Ball State University baseball team defeated the University of Akron 3-2 Friday at Ball Diamond.
The Cardinals used a three-run first inning to win their fifth straight MAC opener.
Junior starting pitcher Brad Piatt threw 5 2/3 innings to improve his record to 4-0. Junior closer Morgan Coombs pitched a perfect 2 1/3 innings to earn his first save.
Akron starting pitcher Tom Farmer threw a complete game, allowing four hits and one walk, while striking out seven. After allowing the first three Ball State hitters to score, Farmer settled down and at one point retired 11 batters in a row.
Sophomore third baseman Kolbrin Vitek was the sole Cardinal with two hits, finishing the day 2-for-4 with an RBI. Vitek also snared a line drive to save a run and end the fourth inning.
The Cardinals did not record a hit after Vitek's infield single in the third. Ball State would have two more baserunners all game, coming when junior left fielder Kory Benbow was hit by a pitch and sophomore shortstop T.J. Baumet reached on an error.
Piatt allowed seven hits and struck out four Zips. Piatt received an ovation from the Ball State crowd when he was removed in the sixth after giving up a pair of two-out hits. He was relieved by seniors Aaron Hammons and Tom Mueller, in addition to Coombs.
The Zips had their chances to tie the game in the sixth and seventh innings, but were unable to get a two-out hit with the runners in scoring position. The visitors stranded nine baserunners throughout the game.
In the ninth inning, Ball State's defense took away two hits to start the inning. Senior second baseman Nate Fields made a play in the hole to start the inning and Baumet made a sliding catch in short centerfield for the second out.
The three-game home series will continue at 1 p.m. Saturday with Ball State senior Brenden Stines taking on Akron senior Frank Turcoy.
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