2008 Woodie Awards
Baseball dominates IUP, drops home twinbill
By Mike Mallory
Rocket Editor-in-Chief
Issue date: 4/8/05 Section: Sports
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However, that consistency hit a roadblock Thursday night at Jack Critchfield Park as the Rock was swept in a doubleheader by West Liberty State by scores of 9-3 and 11-6, respectively.
After sweeping IUP twice in the last week, Messer said that he feels his team may not have been psyched up enough to perform against West Liberty.
"We were very lethargic, and unfortunately we didn't get our best performances," Messer said. "However, when you are supposed to be one of the top teams in the country, you have to be ready to play against everybody."
In game two, the Rock's starter Jeremy Becker tossed four and one third innings, surrendering eight runs, five of them earned on eight hits, striking out five batters and walking three. Reliever Josh Rape pitched two and two thirds of an inning, giving up three runs on five hits to the Indians.
Messer said that Becker simply had difficulty throwing strikes in the game.
"He was working behind in the count the entire game and that set the tone," Messer said.
Much like in the early game, West Liberty hit the Rock hard in the first inning, scoring five runs. They were held scoreless until the fifth when they scored three more runs. First baseman Joe Birkheimer went three for four with six RBIs in the game. Four of those six came by way of a grand slam in the top of the first inning.
The Rock's offense wasn't able to make up for the hole that the pitching staff dug throughout the game. Centerfielder Matt Kozusko was the only player to register multiple hits for SRU.
Messer said Kozusko has been one of his most valuable players this season.
"He's been a lot more aggressive at the plate this year," Messer said. "It's his last hurrah this season, so he is putting his heart and soul in it."
In game one, West Liberty got out of the box early, scoring four runs in the top of the first inning. Centerfielder Bill Rinderer tripled to right center off of starter Derek Blyzwick to start the offense. Rinderer finished three for four with two runs scored on the afternoon. Third baseman Justin Edwards followed the act with an RBI single up the middle. After catcher Nick Gozzard walked, designated hitter Mike Darrah singled to centerfield, second baseman Mike Coss hit a sacrifice fly to centerfield to move the runners. First baseman Joe Birkheimer picked up the first of his two hits to bring home the second and third runs before being called out at second for the final out of the inning.
