Vikings Fall In Season Opener at UNC-Greensboro, 8-4
    Johnson And Carter Record Two Hits Each
    Tom Carter went two-for-four at the plate today.

    Tom Carter went two-for-four at the plate today.

    Feb. 19, 2010

    Final Stats

    Contact: Renee Adam

    Greensboro, N.C. - The Cleveland State baseball team opened the 2010 season against UNC-Greensboro this afternoon, dropping the first game of the year in an 8-4 decision at UNCG Stadium.

    "We came out strong today, but we just had too many mental errors done the stretch," head coach Kevin Kocks said. "You can't make errors like that and give extra outs to a team and expect to win. We will straighten out tomorrow and work on the errors that we made today and see what the outcome is."

    The Vikings got off to a great start, posting a four-run second inning to take a 4-0 lead, but the Spartans came back strong recording four runs of their own in the bottom of the fifth to take a 5-4 lead.

    Alex Johnson and Tom Carter both went two-for-four at the plate, with Carter recording an RBI, while Kyle Shaffer, Tyler Wynn and Travis Miller each drove in a run for CSU.

    Bob Suitca recorded the first run for the Vikings, scoring off a Travis Miller double after reaching base by hitting a single through the right side. Miller would score himself, after Johnson and Shaffer each recorded singles to put the Vikings up 2-0.

    After a pair of stolen bases by Johnson and Shaffer, Tyler Wynn was able to single to the left side, allowing Johnson to reach home, putting the Vikings up by three.

    Following a Josh Lowe walk, the Spartans went to their bullpen to replace starting pitcher, Warren Slack on the mound, before Shaffer was able to score the final run of the game for CSU after a Tom Carter single.

     

     

    The Spartans came back in the bottom of the third with a run of their own, following two walks by Viking starter, Anthony Sambula.

    The bulk of UNCG's eight runs came in the fifth inning, when they scored four runs off of three hits and an Ed Jayjack homer. The Spartans would also score once in the seventh and twice in the eighth inning to an 8-4 lead over the Vikings.

    Greg Smith recorded the win (1-0) for the Spartans, pitching five innings, allowing just one hit and striking out seven Vikings.

    Sambula pitched four innings for CSU, giving up just one earned run and striking out two.

    Joey Gradney and Nate Blankemeyer came out of the bullpen for CSU, Gradney pitching 2 2/3 innings, giving up five runs (four earned) and took the loss (0-1). Blankemeyer worked 1 1/3 innings giving up two earned runs.

    The Vikings continue the three game series at UNC-Greensboro tomorrow (Feb. 20) with a 1:00 p.m. contest at UNCG Stadium.