Feb. 16, 2014

Box Score

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee baseball team once again led early but could not hold on, falling to Bakersfield in the series finale Sunday at Hardt Field by a score of 9-3.

The Panthers (0-3) led 2-0 in the first and 3-2 in the third inning, only to see the Roadrunners (3-0) - who were selected as the favorite to win the 2014 Western Athletic Conference regular season baseball crown in the preseason poll - score the final seven runs of the day to secure the victory.

The defense did not help the cause, as four UWM errors on the day allowed seven of the nine CSUB runs to score unearned.

"That's a good team we just played," Panthers head coach Scott Doffek said. "They play with a lot of energy and they do a really good job in the box. It's about what we do and who we are. We had a chance today - Keller gave us a quality start and a great opportunity to win today. We broke down on defense the second half of the game and they were able to extend the lead. Obviously we are disappointed with the results, but I think this was a productive trip as we were able to learn a lot about guys. I can't wait to play next week."

Milwaukee took a 2-0 lead in the first inning for the second straight day, this time on an RBI-triple by senior Sam Koenig, who later came home on a wild pitch.

Bakersfield got two back in the second inning, but UWM once again forged ahead in the top of the third inning when Koenig's single to left center plated junior Luke Meeteer, who had doubled with one out.

Sophomore Brian Keller (0-1) pitched well, allowing two earned runs in 5.0 innings of work, adding three strikeouts. But, a pair of unearned runs allowed in the fourth inning turned the momentum of the game and helped the `Runners earn the sweep.

Koenig finished 3-for-4 with two runs batted in and a run scored. Meeteer, junior Mike Porcaro and senior Pat Wilson all added hits.

Austin Davis (1-0) picked up the win with 6.0 innings of work, striking out eight and allowing three runs.

Up next, Milwaukee continues its early season road swing with a trip to Florida for the Snowbird Classic, taking on Omaha, Ball State, Kansas and St. Bonaventure in the three days it will be in Port Charlotte.