April 23, 2002

Box Score

AKRON, Ohio - Junior David Boyza (Willowick, Ohio/Eastlake North) tossed eight scoreless innings and senior Eric Zizelman (Willoughby, Ohio/Willoughby South) recorded the final three outs in the ninth as Cleveland State shut out Akron (14-16) 2-0 yesterday afternoon at Lee Jackson Field in Akron, Ohio. It was the first time this season that the Vikings (10-22) have blanked an opponent and only the second time in the last four years. In addition, CSU's pitching staff extended its streak without allowing an earned run to 19 innings.

Boyza scattered four hits, struck out seven and walked three en route to improving to 2-5. He was also responsible for the Vikings' last shutout, blanking Detroit 1-0 in last year's conference tournament. Zizelman came on to start the ninth and got into a jam after an infield single and an error put runners on first and second with only one out. However, Zizelman got the next two batters to ground out to record his fourth save.

CSU got all the offense it would need in the third inning when senior Cory Jonke (Avon, Ohio/St. Edward) singled to center field with two outs. Jonke then moved to third on a single to right by sophomore Pat Smith (Kent, Ohio/Kent Roosevelt) and scored on an infield single by junior Doug Besozzi (Uhrichsville, Ohio/Claymont). The Vikings added another run in the fifth when freshman Mike Ochwat (Garfield Heights, Ohio/Garfield Heights) doubled and scored two batters later when Smith grounded into a fielder's choice.

Zips starter Matt Halligan fell to 1-3 despite striking out 10 and walking none in seven innings of work.

Winners of five of its last seven games, Cleveland State hosts UW-Milwaukee in a four-game Horizon League series this weekend at Mills Field in Strongsville, Ohio. First pitch Friday (Apr. 26) night is set for 6:05 p.m. The teams then play a doubleheader Saturday at 1:00 followed by a single game Sunday at noon.