MILWAUKEE, Wis. – In a midweek, non-conference game against Chicago State, the Milwaukee baseball team took care of business defeating the Cougars 3-0 Wednesday afternoon at Henry Aaron Field
The Panthers (20-24) squeaked by with just three runs on 11 hits against the Cougars (10-37) but solid pitching and a solid defensive outing solidified the 3-0 shutout over Chicago State.
"Overall, I thought early on we swung the bats well, made a couple of mental mistakes on the base paths, but physically we played good defense and it was enough to get a win today," said head coach
Scott Doffek.
Milwaukee manufactured a single run in the second inning when freshman
Jack Thelen singled to right field, scoring
Zach Nogalski. Nogalski made it all the way to third with a triple over the center fielder's head prior to Thelen hitting him in.
The Panthers added a single run in the fifth inning, extending their lead 2-0, but found themselves in some trouble in the top half of the sixth inning.
Chicago State loaded the bases after Panthers' freshman
Mike Edwards allowed a single and two walks, but struck out Zach Bailey on three straight pitches for the final out and end the Cougars threat.
"Our pitchers did a really nice job of working ahead and pounding the zone," said Doffek. "We got ourselves in some trouble with a walk or two, but our guys made big pitches when it mattered."
With help from the Cougar pitching staff, Milwaukee led the bottom of the seventh with two straight walks.
Devin Rybacki crossed the plate for the third and final run after
Colin Kreiter reached on a Cougar fielding error, extending their lead to three runs.
In the top of the ninth, Milwaukee shut down any hopes of a comeback with a one-two-three inning.
Milwaukee will resume Horizon League play against Wright State beginning Sat., May 11. Saturday's game will be held at Miller Park with the first pitch set for 5 p.m. Parking lots and gates open at 2:30 p.m. and admission for the game and parking are both free. Concession stands will be available until late in the contest as well.
Schedule Note: Fri., May 10 vs. Wright State has been canceled. The make-up date is TBD at this time.
