May 9, 2007

Box Score

Contact: Josh Rattray

LORAIN, Ohio - Bowling Green scored in the top of the ninth and 10th innings to defeat Cleveland State in a pitchers' duel, 2-1. Senior John Westra accounted for both of CSU's hits, including a go-ahead solo home run in the bottom of the seventh.

Sophomore Brian Long threw his best game of the season, allowing one run on six hits over nine innings in a no-decision effort. Long fanned nine and walked two.

"Brian Long gave an absolutely awesome effort," head coach Kevin Kocks said. "It was his best game.

"Unfortunately, we didn't provide much offense today."

With senior Pat McKitrick (3-3) in for Long, BG catcher Mike Barnard led off the 10^th with a single to right. Logan Meisler attempted to bunt Barnard to second, but a CSU throwing error on the play put Barnard on third and Meisler on second. Pinch-hitter T.J. Blanton then hit a bouncer to sophomore Matt Madrid at second base. Madrid fielded the grounder cleanly and threw Barnard out at home for the first out of the inning.

With Meisler at second, Marty Baird slapped a single to center to give Bowling Green its first lead of the day at 2-1.

The Falcons (18-29) tied the game in the top of the ninth when Derek Spencer singled in pinch-runner David Borcherdt. Ryan Shay struck out to lead off the frame, followed by an infield single by Mike Dietz. Pinch-hitter Kurt Wells then grounded out, sending Borcherdt to second, setting the table for Spencer's game-tying base hit.

Bowling Green starter Brett Browning pitched seven innings of two-hit ball, striking out six and walking one. Phil Hettlinger (2-0) worked the last three innings for the win. Barnard and Baird each had two hits for the Falcons, who collected eight hits in the game.

It was CSU's third extra-inning affair this season, with the Vikings going 2-1 in those games. Cleveland State defeated Butler and Youngstown State in extra innings games earlier this season.

The Vikings (10-37) host a three-game set this weekend against Wright State. Game one is set for Friday, May 11 at 6:00 p.m. There will be a fireworks show after the game.