May 20, 2005

Box Score

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Justin Thomas scattered five hits and struck out 10 in a complete-game effort to lead Youngstown State to a 9-1 win over the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee baseball team Friday evening in Youngstown, Ohio. The game was the first of four over the weekend between the Panthers (21-27, 11-6 Horizon) and Penguins (26-24, 8-5 Horizon).

YSU scored twice in the second and once in the sixth off Milwaukee starter Aaron Sorenson (8-3) before exploding for five runs in the seventh. Mike Turjanica struck a two-run triple in the second, while Brandon Caipen followed another triple with a single in the sixth. Another triple plated three runs in the seventh, as Youngstown collected four three-baggers on the night.

Sorenson saw his seven-game winning streak come to an end, allowing eight runs on eight hits and four walks, while striking out three. The Sheboygan native threw 6.2 innings in his first loss since March 11.

Milwaukee dodged the shutout in the top of the ninth, when senior Shane Davis hit a pinch-hit solo home run to left field. The hit was the fifth and final for the Panthers, as freshman Jesse Hart led the way with a pair of hits, including a double.

Despite the loss, Milwaukee maintained a hold on second place in the Horizon League standings by 32 percentage points. If UWM comes back to take the final three games it would clinch the top seed in next week's league tournament, while two wins earns it a second seed.

The Panthers and Penguins continue the series on Saturday with a doubleheader at Eastwood Field. Game one is scheduled for a noon first pitch.