Spartans Fall to Eastern Michigan, 13-5

Author:
Benjamin Phlegar MSU SID
Publish date:
Apr 11, 2012 9:00 PM EDT

MSU returns to Big Ten action this weekend at Indiana.

EAST LANSING, Mich. â€“ Eastern Michigan used a 12-run third inning to defeat the Michigan State baseball team, 13-5, Wednesday afternoon at McLane Baseball Stadium.

The Spartans (20-11) collected 12 hits in the loss, but couldnâ€™t overcome the big inning by the Eagles. Freshman first baseman Ryan Krill had a career-high three hits, including a two-run single in the eighth, while junior center fielder Jordan Keur also collected three hits.

Senior right-hander Tim Simpson, who has appeared 43 times out of the bullpen during his three seasons at Michigan State, made his first career start on Wednesday.

Simpson (1-1) recorded the first six batters in order, but ran into trouble in the third. EMU center fielder Brett Ohrman started the scoring with a two-run single, followed by another two RBI single from Eagle designated hitter Jamie Simpson. Eastern Michigan knocked Simpson out of the game after Matt Hitt delivered a three-run homer to left field, making it 7-0 in favor of EMU.

The Eagles (14-18) continued their big inning against Spartan freshman Mike Mestdagh, who allowed five hits against the seven batters he faced. Joe Zwierzynski was called on to record the final out of the inning in which EMU scored 12 times and had nine hits. Zwierzynski scattered three hits and threw 2 1/3 scoreless innings with three strikeouts.

Facing an uphill battle, MSU cut the lead to 12-3 with a run in the fourth and two in the fifth. Andy Johnson had an RBI double to center field in the fifth, while Ryan Jones had a sacrifice fly.

Eastern Michigan tacked on a run in the seventh to make it 13-3 before Krill delivered his two-run single in the eighth that made the final 13-5.

Brian Valente (1-3) earned the win on the mound for Eastern Michigan, allowing three runs and seven hits in five innings of work.

Michigan State returns to Big Ten action this weekend to face Indiana for a three-game series in Bloomington, Ind. Game one is set for Friday at 3:05 p.m.