March 27, 2012

Box Score

DeKALB, Ill. - The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee baseball team scored two runs in the ninth inning and had the winning run at the plate but could not complete the comeback in a 5-4 loss to Northern Illinois University Tuesday at Ralph McKinzie Field.

Senior Paul Hoenecke drove in a pair of runs with a two-out single down left field line to make it 5-4, but NIU closer Kyle Glancy worked out of the jam to record his fifth save of the season.

The Panthers (6-15) trailed 4-1 before scoring a run in the top of the eighth, only to see the Huskies (6-19) respond with an insurance run of their own in the bottom of the frame that ended up being the difference.

"They played all the way through, so that was good to see," UWM head coach Scott Doffek said. "We gave up that four-spot in the first inning after scoring. But, we had opportunities throughout the game to chip away at it but didn't take advantage."

The UWM bullpen was solid all day, with six pitchers combining to allow just one run over the final six innings of play. The game was played in tough conditions for both sides, with strong winds blowing straight in from center, gusting up to 40 miles an hour on a consistent basis.

"We did a very good job up until the eighth," Doffek said. "At the time it didn't feel like a big situation but every out counts the same. We ended up giving that run up and it was the difference in the game."

Hoenecke led the offense with a 3-for-5, three RBI day. He was joined in the multi-hit department by junior Will Fadness and sophomore Ryan Solberg, who both went 2-for-4. Freshman Luke Meeteer was on base twice and scored a pair of runs.

The Panthers took an early lead with small ball, grabbing a 1-0 advantage in the first. Meeteer singled, went to second on a sac bunt and then scored easily when the hit-and-run was on, coming home on Hoenecke's single up the middle.

The Huskies quickly turned the tables, scoring four in the first on the strength of four hits, including a rare two-RBI infield single to shortstop.

Jordan Huffman and Jeff Zimmerman each had three hits for the Huskies, who got a solid start from Jake Hermsen (1-2). Hermsen walked none and struck out five in his 6.0 innings, allowing one run.

The Panthers return home and finally get to play at Henry Aaron Field next. UWM welcomes UIC for a three-game series, starting Friday with the 2012 home opener at 2 p.m.