Category | Sports

Error-filled doubleheader

Published on March 3, 2009 by Justin Hobday

The baseball team split the doubleheader with Campbell in which 40 total runs were scored and the Owl committed 10 errors
The Owls split a pair of one run decisions in an error filled double-header with the Campbell Camels at Stillwell Stadium Saturday, Feb. 28.

Photo by Christine Morales. Justin Edwards improved his record to 1-1.

KSU committed 10 errors on the day which resulted in 10 unearned runs for the Camels.

“I’m disappointed in the way we played,” said head coach Mike Sansing. “When you add in errors and then some hits you’re really extending the inning, and giving them five or six outs.”

A solo home run in the top of the ninth inning by Chris Bangi gave the Camels a 12-11 victory in the first game. Campbell jumped out to an 8-1 lead before the Owls stormed back with seven runs in the sixth inning.

KSU starting pitcher Kyle Heckathorn was on the verge of retiring the side in the first inning before an error on a fly ball to right field extended the inning, allowing Campbell to jump out to a 2-0 lead.

“They were a very scrappy team and they were disciplined at the same time,” said Heckathorn. “We need to start capitalizing on mistakes and we just got to play better baseball all around.”

The Camels added three earned runs on three base hits in the second inning and added two more unearned runs in the third following two more Owl errors at third base. Campbell added another run in the fourth inning to jump out to a commanding 8-1 lead.

Campbell scored three runs in the top of the seventh inning immediately following the Owls’ seven run sixth. The Owls tied the game back up with a two-run home run by Josh Whitaker and a solo home run by Jace Whitmer before Bangi’s home run in the ninth inning won the game for the Camels.

In the second game, the Owls jumped out to an 8-2 lead after four innings. Whitmer provided the fireworks when he led off the second inning with a towering solo home run for the Owls.

However, the Camels scored five unearned runs in the fifth inning following two fielding errors by the Owls. Campbell tied the game in the eighth inning on another unearned run before White batted in the game-winning run with a double in the bottom of the eighth.

Martin Baker continued his hot start at the plate going 5-for-9 on the day. Baker’s batting average currently sits at .567 for the season.

“Right now I’m hitting the ball pretty well and getting off to a hot start,” said Baker. “I just wish we could get our team off to a hotter start.”

Justin Edwards improved his record to 1-1 after being credited with the victory for the Owls.

The start of the three game series was delayed due to inclement weather and will be completed on Monday, March 2. The Owls will hit the road for their next four games before welcoming Kent State to Stillwell Stadium on Friday, March 13.