TicketsMarch 11, 2008
CINCINNATI-- Cincinnati center fielder Tony Campana stole two bases and scored on a one-out single in the first inning, but Youngstown State came back with two runs in the second inning and held on for a 2-1 victory.
"We didn't play well enough offensively to win," stated head coach Brian Cleary. "We did a poor job of adjusting at the plate. You have to hit to win and we couldn't come up with a hit when we needed."
Youngstown State (1-6) starting pitcher Chuck Schiffhauer was able to corral the Cincinnati bats enough for YSU's first victory of the season. Schiffhauer (1-0) allowed one run on two hits over six innings of work. The YSU starter struck out seven and walked five in his first start of the year.
The Bearcats (4-5) found the scoring column first with Campana's run in the bottom of the first. The reining NCAA stolen base champion, Campana took the opportunity to steal both second and third before Josh Harrison could drive him in with a one-out single to put the Bearcats in front, 1-0.
Trailing by one run, the Penguins' Tom Clayton started the inning with the visitors' first home run of the campaign. With one away in the second, Eric Marzec doubled and two batters later, Cory Hornyak's double plated Marzec to put the Penguins in front, 2-1.
Cincinnati starting pitcher Tyler Smith gave a valiant effort, allowing eight hits and only two runs over six innings of work. Smith (1-1) struck out eight YSU batters and walked none.
Cleary commented, "Tyler gave up two runs, which is normally good enough to win. He got himself out of trouble a few times and competed well."
In the UC seventh, Camerron Satterwhite doubled off of YSU reliever Ryan Wackerman to start Cincinnati's best threat. After a foul pop out, a ground out moved Satterwhite to third base. After a walk, Joe Antinone entered the game and struck out Harrison looking to get out of the jam unscathed.
Cincinnati comes back tomorrow to host Bowling Green at 4 p.m. Youngstown State starts the busy day at Marge Schott Stadium by taking on Xavier at Noon.
--GoBEARCATS.com--