May 16, 2014

Box Score

MILWAUKEE - Four pitchers combined to allow just two earned runs in 13 innings but the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee baseball team dropped a 4-2 decision in extra innings against Wright State University Friday afternoon at Henry Aaron Field.

The Panthers (18-27, 9-14 Horizon League) had numerous chances to break the 2-2 deadlock late in the game, but it was the Raiders (33-19, 25-3 Horizon League) who were able to take advantage in the 13th to escape with the victory.

"It was a shame to lose that game," UWM head coach Scott Doffek said. "Our pitchers did a wonderful job today. But, fundamentally we were not good again. We had several opportunities on offense to win that game but we didn't execute."

Milwaukee was unable to get a bunt down in a pair of crucial situations and also had the bases loaded with just one out in the seventh inning but failed to score.

Much of the offense struggled, with sophomore Nick Unes (3-for-4) and senior Ryan Solberg (2-for-5, 2 RBI) combining for five of the eight hits the team had on the day.

Senior Tyler Thicke started the contest and worked the first 6.0 innings in a strong outing. He allowed just a pair of hits and two runs, walking three and striking out six.

Junior Cody Peterson worked two shutout frames. He was followed by junior Justin Jaquish's solid 4.2 innings of relief. He allowed just three hits and struck out three, with the pair of runs scoring off of him of the unearned variety.

The Panthers trailed 1-0 after WSU scored in the third. Solberg continued his strong campaign, launching his seventh home run of the season in the bottom of the fourth to hand UWM the 2-1 lead.

The Raiders bounced back in the fifth, scoring a run without the benefit of a hit. A walk, sac bunt, wild pitch and lazy fly ball to center made it a tie game at 2-2 and it remained that way for the next eight innings.

The two teams wrap up the regular season with the series finale tomorrow, slated for a 12 p.m. first pitch.