Central Michigan University
New Mexico
Chippewas Better, But Fall In Game 2
2/23/2018 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Andy Sneddon, CMUChippewas.com
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Central Michigan's pitching improved. So did New Mexico's.
The Chippewas managed just four hits on Friday in falling to the Lobos, 6-0, in the second game of a four-game nonconference baseball series at New Mexico's Santa Ana Star Field.
CMU dropped the series opener on Friday, 20-9, in a four-plus-hour game that featured 29 hits and 20 walks.
HOW IT HAPPENED
New Mexico (3-3) broke a scoreless tie with three runs in the fourth inning. Gouldsmith's two-run triple was the big blow. The Lobos added two runs in the sixth on an RBI double by Leitha and a Dan Collier sacrifice fly.
The Chippewas' first hit, a Zach Heeke single, came with two out in the fifth inning. CMU's only legitimate threat came with two out in the seventh when Griffin Lockwood-Powell and Jacob Crum hit back-to-back singles. Heeke struck out to end the inning.
THE PITCHING
After CMU surrendered 19 hits and issued 12 walks in the series opener on Thursday, Friday starter Tyler Hankins (0-1) went 5 1/3 innings. He allowed five runs on nine hits, walked two and struck out seven in taking the loss.
Dazon Cole, Braxton Markle and Jake Raether each pitched in relief for CMU.
New Mexico starter Justin Slaten (1-1) surrendered three hits over seven innings. He struck out eight and did not walk a batter.
SATURDAY
Junior right-hander Pat Leatherman is scheduled to start for the Chippewas on Saturday against left-hander Rober Gasser. Game time is 4 p.m.
