Vikings Edged By Milwaukee, 6-5, to End League Tournament Run
    CSU Finishes Season at 21-31
    Alex Johnson had three hits, including a homer.

    Alex Johnson had three hits, including a homer.

    May 22, 2009

    Final Stats

    Contact: Greg Murphy

    LORAIN, Ohio - Fifth-seeded Cleveland State had its 2009 season come to a close with a 6-5 loss to second-seeded Milwaukee in the Horizon League Championship on Friday at The Pipe Yard.

    The Vikings close the season with an overall mark of 21-31, while the Panthers improved to 28-26 and advance to an elimination game against either Wright State or UIC on Saturday at 11:00 a.m.

    "We didn't finish the season as we had hoped, but I was happy with the way this team progressed as the season went on," head coach Kevin Kocks said. "We were doomed today by the same things that doomed us all season and we just couldn't overcome them.

    "I think this team matured as the season went on and hopefully we will be able to build on this experience as we head into next season. We have a great group of players coming in and a good, experienced group coming back. That being said, I'd also like to wish this senior class all the best and thank them for their contributions to the program."

    UWM jumped out to a 2-0 lead with single runs in the first and second innings, but the Vikings came right back with four runs in the third to take a 4-2 lead.

    Tom Carter was hit by a pitch to open the inning and moved to second on an error that put runners of first and second. After Travis Miller struck out, Ryan Franks delivered an RBI double and Josh Hungerman and Alex Johnson followed with RBI singles. Tyler Wynn's sacrifice fly accounted for the final run of the inning.

    "We had some great at-bats in the third inning to get the lead back," Kocks said.

     

     

    Milwaukee cut the lead to 4-3 on an RBI single by Andy Gerhartz.

    A lead off homer to start the fifth by Johnson put the Vikings back up by two, 5-3, but UWM came back with two runs in the fifth to tie the game at 5-5. Shawn Wozniak and Doug Dekoning had RBI singles in the inning.

    The Panthers scored what would prove to be the game-winning run in the sixth when Tim Patzman drove in Josh Groves.

    Patzman finished 3-for-4 with a run and two RBI.

    Johnson led the Vikings, going 3-for-5 with a run and two RBI, while Franks finished 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI.

    Nate Dick started for CSU and went 4.1 innings, giving up five runs on nine hits. Jimmy Cowhy (1-2) took the loss, working 2.1 innings. He surrendered one run on four hits and fanned three.

    Lucas Annen (3-0) pitched four innings of relief to earn the win. He did not allow a run and gave up just three hits, while striking out three. Tim Hoy retired the side in order in the ninth to record his first save of the season.