The RedHawks (8-11) took an early lead but had to weather a ninth-inning threat by Eastern Kentucky (6-14) Tuesday afternoon in Richmond, Kentucky. The Colonels loaded the bases with one out in the ninth, but the Miami bullpen held them in check to preserve a 6-3 victory.
The RedHawks never trailed in this game, as they scored three runs right away in the top half of the first inning. Shortstop Ryan Kaup drew a leadoff walk and catcher Nate Bowles followed with a single. With one out, firstbaseman Kyle Weldon doubled into rightfield to score Kaup. Then leftfielder Marcus Makuch followed with a single that brought in Bowles and Weldon for a 3-0 lead. The Colonels would get their first run with a leadoff home run in the bottom of the second inning off of Miami starter Shawn Marquardt (1-3).
Miami picked up two more runs in the top of the seventh. Thirdbaseman Brad Gschwind and secondbaseman Jon Edgington singled to lead off the inning, and with one out Bowles was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Centerfielder Bryce Redeker then provided the 'Hawks with an RBI via the sac fly, and an unearned run came in to score on a fielding error by EKU's secondbaseman on a grounder by Weldon.
In the bottom of the inning, the Colonels got another solo home run to make it a 5-2 game, but the 'Hawks responded with one of their own in the top of the eighth, courtesy of designated hitter Kevin Bower. In the bottom of the eighth, EKU got its final run with a pair of doubles.
The bottom of the ninth started with a pitching change, as Sam Dawes came on to relive Matt Rosinski. He got into some quick trouble, walking the leadoff man and then surrendering a single before registering the first out. He gave up one more single to load the bases before Brandon Adkins came on to retire the last two batters on a pop foul and a strikeout and earn his second save of the year.
The RedHawks and the Colonels will play again Wednesday in Oxford to complete their home-and-home series. It will be the first home game of the year for the RedHawks, who must be eagerly anticipating the season's first game at McKie Field.
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