May 6, 2005

Box Score

MILWAUKEE, Wis. - Junior Aaron Sorenson scattered four hits and two runs over eighth innings to win his seventh-straight start and lead the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee baseball team to a 8-2 win over Wright State Friday evening at Henry Aaron Field. The start of the game was delayed 41 minutes due to rain, while lightning forced another 10-minute delay in the eighth inning.

Sorenson (8-2) tied a school record with his seventh-straight win, striking out seven and walking just one on his way to the victory. His eight wins on the season are also the second-highest single-season total in school history. Junior Jed Dolske pitched a scoreless ninth inning to complete the game for the Panthers.

UWM broke open a 2-2 game with four runs in the bottom of the seventh inning. Sophomore Ross McCoy and junior Mike Goetz reached on Raider errors to lead the rally off and moved up 90 feet on a passed ball. Three batters later, junior Joe Nowicki scored McCoy with a single to third base. Goetz came around to score on the second passed ball of the inning and senior Charlie Reschke hit a two-run double to put the Panthers ahead, 6-2.

In the eighth, Milwaukee tacked on two more runs, building its lead to six. Senior Brooks Graff scored one run with a sacrifice fly to center, while senior Blake Kangas followed with an RBI single up the middle.

The Panthers had trailed 2-0, but tied the game with two runs in the fifth inning. Senior Steve Sanfilippo singled to lead off the inning, stole second base and scored on McCoy's single to right field. Goetz then reached on a fielder's choice, before stealing second and third. The next batter, senior Brooks Graff, hit a sacrifice fly to right field, scoring Goetz.

Wright State had struck first, as Brian Shoup hit the first pitch of the game to the wall in left field for a double. After a sacrifice bunt, Shoup scored on a deep sacrifice fly by Brian Vickers. The Raiders made it 2-0 in the top of the fourth, as Brenden Rubenstein led off the inning with a solo home run to right field.

Milwaukee had threatened to tie the game in the third inning, putting runners on second and third with no outs. McCoy led off the frame with a double and was followed by a sacrifice bunt from Goetz. An error allowed Goetz to reach base and he proceeded to steal second. Kyle Kearcher worked out of the jam, striking out the next three Panther batters.

McCoy led the way, going 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored, while Goetz, who also scored twice, tied a school record with three stolen bases for the day. Graff added a pair of sacrifice flies for Milwaukee.

The series continues Saturday at Henry Aaron Field with a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m., and wraps up with a single game Sunday at Miller Park.