Senior Evan Armitage makes an off balance throw to first base in Miami's 8-5 loss to Indiana State Tuesday in Oxford.
The scene at Hayden Park Tuesday was all too familiar for this year's baseball team: beautiful spring weather, a descent-sized crowd and a game that somehow got away. However, in a season marred by countless close losses that leave the RedHawks wondering what could have been, Tuesday's culprit, was anything but typical of Miami baseball.
Tied 5-5 heading into the eighth inning, the Red and White proceeded to commit two errors that lead to three runs for visiting Indiana State University. Pitching has always been a concern for the 'Hawks in late innings this season. Tuesday's defensive meltdown, however, was very uncharacteristic of an otherwise solid fielding team that ranks fifth in the MAC in fielding percentage.
"We let ourselves down," head coach Dan Simonds said. "We had two errors on make-able plays. We just need to get things done. These games are very winnable. It's about executing pitches and just playing better baseball."
Despite the loss, Miami fought hard all the way. Faced with an early 5-2 deficit, the RedHawks battled back to tie the game before falling late. Even in the midst of a difficult season that has been disappointing on several levels, Miami is certainly not giving up.
"It's not because of a lack of effort," junior Tommy Nurre said. "We were waiting for something to happen. We have to be focused at the right time. We let it slip through."
The Sycamores jumped out to an early 2-0 lead on a David Brumagin two-RBI single in the first inning. The 'Hawks responded quickly in the bottom of the second inning when two freshmen took the stage. Adam Eaton hit a line drive to the right field fence and slid in safely for a leadoff triple. After two quick strikeouts it looked as though Eaton would be stranded, but the heroics were still to come. Freshman Jon Edgington stepped up to the plate and put the 'Hawks back in the game by blistering a 3-2 pitch over the left field fence. Edgington's homerun was his first as a RedHawk and tied the game up at 2-2.
"It was the same pitching we've seen all year," Edgington said. "I just got one good pitch and I made the best of it."
Indiana State added three more runs and held the 'Hawks at two until the fifth inning. Senior Evan Armitage walked to leadoff the inning and quickly stole second base for his 12th steal of the year. With a runner on, junior Jordan Petraitis slapped a double to right field which scored Armitage and cut the Sycamore lead to 5-3. Junior Tommy Nurre, one of the 'Hawks hottest hitters as of late, singled to knock in Petraitis and cut the Sycamore lead to one.
"It's a long season," Nurre said. "I'm finally feeling comfortable in the box. We've had a lot of changes and I've been able to adjust and drive the ball."
The Red and White continued to hit well in the sixth from the leadoff spot as junior Blake Chaffee hit a double down the line in right field. A passed ball by the Sycamores lead to Chaffee advancing to third base and the RedHawks were once again in good position to score. After a quick strikeout, Armitage and Petraitis were both hit by pitches and that loaded the bases for Miami. Nurre came up to bat and produced for his team once again, with a sacrifice fly that plated Chaffee. The game was now tied at 5-5 but the 'Hawks were unable to capitalize after a ground out stranded both Armitage and Petraitis.
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Two Miami errors told the story in the eighth inning, resulting in three Sycamore runs. The first error was in the outfield and it advanced the runners. The second, more fatal error was in the infield and it resulted in two unearned runs. The RedHawks were unable to strike back in the eighth or ninth inning and the 8-5 lead stuck.
"We need to play our game for 9 innnings," Edgington said. "We have good players and good coaching. We have to stay focused for the whole game."
Despite the deflating loss, Miami rebounded on the road the very next night in an 8-7 come from behind win against Xavier University. Sophomore Ben Eubank powered the charge with four RBIs as the RedHawks swept their season series with the Musketeers. Eubank, who is not known for his power, hit his first career homerun.
Up next for the 'Hawks is a three-game weekend home stand against Bowling Green State University. Miami will play seven of the next eight games at Hayden Park.
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