Vikings Drop Close Game At UNC-Greensboro, 10-9
    Suitca And Lowe Each Record Home Runs In The Final Game Of The Series
    Bob Suitca went two-for-four at UNCG this afternoon.

    Bob Suitca went two-for-four at UNCG this afternoon.

    Feb. 21, 2010

    Final Stats

    Contact: Renee Adam

    Greensboro, N.C. - A six-run ninth inning for UNC-Greensboro proved costly for the Vikings, as UNCG came from behind for the second time in two games to top CSU, 10-9 this afternoon at UNCG Stadium. The Spartans swept the series, putting the Vikings at 0-3 on the season while the Spartans improve to 3-0.

    "Just like yesterday's game we played a great first seven innings, but then we let up too many runs at the end of the game," head coach Kevin Kocks said. "We need to focus on working on our defense in the last few innings of games, and hopefully with that we will be able to come out on top in games like these."

    The Spartans were able to get out to an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning when Corey Overholtzer was able to score off a Lloyd Enzor single.

    CSU would strike back in the top of the second inning when Bob Suitca recorded his first career homer, connecting on a full count to put the Vikings on the board and tie the score, 1-1.

    The bulk of the Viking runs came in the fifth inning, starting with Ryan Franks, Tyler Wynn and Kyle Shaffer all reaching base off of singles, with Shaffer's single allowing Franks and Wynn to score, putting CSU up 3-2. Josh Lowe was next up for the Vikings, belting his first homer of the season passed the leftfield wall, scoring Shaffer, giving the Vikings a 5-2 lead with just one out in the inning.

    CSU would close the fifth inning after posting another run when Jason Haditsch scored off an Alex Johnson ground out to first base.

     

     

    The Vikings took what seemed to be a commanding lead in the eighth inning, scoring three additional runs giving them a 9-2 lead after Suitca and Shaffer both drove in a run and Shaffer scored himself on a passed ball.

    The Spartan come back started in the eighth inning when they put two runs on the board beginning with an Overholtzer homer. Lowe, Haditsch and Wynn turned a double play for CSU to end the inning, but not before UNCG would come within five, 9-4.

    UNCG scored their final six runs of the game with two outs on the board, following two walks, a wild pitch and a Zach Leach double in the bottom of the ninth inning.

    Shaffer and Suitca led the Vikings at the plate, going two-for-four, Shaffer with 3 RBI and Suitca with two.

    Nate Dick pitched 3 innings for CSU, striking out two Spartans and allowing two runs, while Pat Shedlock and Tim Clark combined for 5 2/3 innings of work with four strikeouts allowing seven runs. Nate Blankemeyer (0-1) picked up the loss for the Vikings after allowing the winning run in the ninth inning.

    Matt Parrish and Colby Hyatt were on the mound for the Spartans, Parrish pitching 3 1/3 innings allowing five runs, while Hyatt worked 4 2/3 innings allowing four runs. Wes McBride came in to close the game for UNCG, pitching one inning and striking out one Viking.

    Cleveland State returns to action next weekend when they travel to Cookeville, Tenn. to take on Tennessee Tech in a three-game series beginning with a 3:00 p.m. contest on Friday (Feb. 26).