Ball State
Bulls Edged by Ball State, 6-5
4/17/2010 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
MUNCIE, IN - The University at Buffalo baseball team was edged by Ball State, 6-5, in the second contest of its conference weekend road series on Saturday afternoon at Ball Diamond Stadium.
Following a scoreless opening inning, the Bulls jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the top of the second. Leading off, senior center fielder Adam Skonieczki homered to deep right for a Bulls' 1-0 lead. Skonieczki's solo shot was the tenth leadoff home run to start an inning for Buffalo and first for the senior this season.
Facing two outs, the Bulls managed to generate three runs. With runners on second and third, senior second baseman Brad Agustindrilled a two-RBI base hit up the middle for the Bulls' 3-0 lead. Facing the same situation with runners on second and third, senior designated hitter Brad Cochrane sent an RBI single up the middle to close out the Bulls' scoring for a 4-0 lead.
In the top of the third, Buffalo extended its lead to 5-0 after shutting down the Cardinals in the bottom of the second off a double play. After back-to-back singles by Skonieczki and senior shortstop Jacob Rosenbeck to start the inning, the Bulls managed to score off a double play at first and second in their next at bat, allowing Skonieczki to cross the plate.
Despite the Bulls holding a 5-0 advantage, the Cardinals would score in the next four innings to capture the lead. The Cardinals started their rally in the bottom of the third with three runs to pull within a pair, 5-3.
In the contest, the Bulls held an 11-10 hitting advantage over the Cardinals. Leading the Bulls' offense with a pair of hits were Agustin, Cochrane and Skonieczki. Agustin led UB with a pair of RBIs while Skonieczki recorded a team-high two runs.
Reliever Brian Pullyblank (1-3) recorded the Bulls' loss in 3.0 innings of work with a pair of strikeouts.
The Bulls (15-17, 3-8 MAC) will close their conference weekend series against Ball State on Sunday, April 18 with the opening pitch at 1:00 pm.
