The Eagles of Eastern Michigan University returned to the mound inside Oestrike Stadium for the second game of a Mid-American Conference rivalry matchup against intrastate foe Central Michigan University on Friday, March 29.
Junior Drew Beckner (Westerville, Ohio/Big Walnut/Charleston) took the mound for Eastern Michigan (10-15, 5-3 Mid-American Conference), starting the game but ultimately facing the loss. The left-handed pitcher showcased resilience over five innings, conceding three earned runs on five hits while issuing one walk and striking out six.
Providing a spark out of the bullpen was junior Andrew Dukesherer (Byron Center, Michigan/Grandville/Muskegon C.C.) who delivered a standout performance, pitching a shutout inning, walking one, and striking out one without conceding a hit.
Blake McRae (Armada, Michigan/Romeo/Lansing CC) showcased his hitting prowess with a stellar three-hit performance, including two impressive doubles and a well-earned walk, leading the Eagles in style. Senior Cory Taylor (Shelbyville, Indiana/Shelbyville) added to the excitement with a notable display at the plate, going 1-for-4 with a crucial walk and two RBI.
Not to be outdone, junior Brendan Kleiman (Olney, Maryland/Sherwood/Frederick C.C.) made his mark with a solid two-hit outing, including a clutch double, in four plate appearances, contributing significantly to Eastern Michigan's offensive firepower.
The Eastern Michigan offense ignited with a standout three-hit performance from McRae, marking his 11 multi-hit game of the season and his second triumphant three-hit display. Adding to the firepower, the Eagles as a collective force amassed a total of 10 hits in the face of the Chippewas.
This game marks the 13 occasions this season where Eastern Michigan has unleashed double-digit hits, showcasing their relentless offensive prowess despite the loss.
The Eagles set the tone early, striking first in the second inning with Kleiman's daring steal of home, putting Eastern Michigan on the scoreboard. Despite losing their lead, the Eagles clawed back in the fifth inning, narrowing the gap to 3-2 as sophomore Drew Jones (Cleveland, Ohio/Brush/Ohio State) crossed the plate.
Central Michigan extended their lead to 7-2, but Eastern Michigan rallied in the seventh, bringing the score to 7-4 with Giano Zuccaro's (Middleburg Heights, Ohio/Berea Midpark) clutch single.
Although the Chippewas widened the gap to 8-4, the Eagles fought back in the ninth, scoring once on Taylor's RBI single, closing the margin to 8-5. Despite their efforts, neither team scored again, ending the game.
Eastern Michigan will wrap up its seven-game homestand with the final game of the series against Central Michigan on Saturday, March 30. The action begins with the first pitch at 1 p.m., promising an exciting showdown to conclude the homestand.
