May 6, 2011

Box Score

NILES, Ohio - The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee baseball team set season-highs in hits and runs in a 16-6 victory over Youngstown State University Friday at Eastwood Field. The Panthers (21-22, 10-7 Horizon League) used a 12-run fourth inning against the Penguins (11-32, 6-10 Horizon League) to put the game away and run their win streak to four in a row, marking the most runs in one inning since the 2000 season.

Sophomore Jonathan Capasso went 4-for-5 and drove in four runs and junior Paul Hoenecke had two hits - including a grand slam - to highlight the 18-hit attack. Senior Doug Dekoning was 3-for-4 and freshman Ryan Solberg was 3-for-5 and scored three runs in the victory.

"It was great to see the offense open up today," UWM head coach Scott Doffek said. "These guys have been battling all year. Up and down the lineup they followed the plan. They are very capable of being very good and keeping the pressure on the pitcher. Hopefully we can use this as a springboard and come out tomorrow with confidence."

With the contest tied, 1-1, in the top of the fourth inning, the Panthers went on the offensive to put the game away. They plated 12 runs in the frame on nine hits, the most runs in one inning since UWM set the school record with 14 during the 2000 season.

Milwaukee recorded six consecutive hits to open the inning, with freshman Sam Koenig starting the scoring with an RBI-single. Capasso knocked in two more with a double before senior Sam Sivilotti plated another on an RBI-single of his own. The Panthers then loaded the bases to set up Hoenecke, who sent a 1-1 pitch over the wall in right center for the first UWM grand slam of the season. Capasso also added a two-run home run to close out the scoring.

Senior Chad Pierce (5-3) earned his fourth-straight win over his past six starts despite giving up five earned runs in 7.0 innings of work. He walked a pair and struck out six, giving up nine hits. Freshman Gunnar Eastman closed it out, giving up just one hit over 2.0 scoreless innings of relief.

"Chad kind of fought himself a little today on the hill, but he did enough," Doffek said. "He has been so good lately, so it was good to see him get the `W'. It was a good team win."

The two teams are right back at it tomorrow, closing out the weekend with a doubleheader Saturday, starting at 11 a.m. CST. Both games will be available to watch on the Horizon League Network.