April 23, 2011
Buffalo Offense Shut Down in Sweep
KENT, OH - The Buffalo baseball team was swept in its Saturday afternoon doubleheader against conference leader Kent State (26-12, 12-3 MAC), losing game one 13-3 and game two 7-0. The Golden Flashes out hit the Bulls 28-14 over the course of the doubleheader.
Kent State jumped out quickly in game one and scored at least one run in eight of the nine innings. Down 4-0 in the top of the fourth, the Bulls cracked the scoreboard with a pair of runs off of defensive miscues. Tom Murphy hit a one-out double to right field and scored two batters later after the second baseman made a throwing error on a hit by Eric Bryce. Given an extra shot, the Bulls added another run right after on a single by Jordan Camp that plated Bryce.
In the sixth, UB had a promising shot at cutting in to the 5-2 Kent State lead, loading the bases with only one out thanks to a single by Andrew Smietana, a walk to Alex Baldock and a single by Eric Bryce. Camp again came through, lifting a single to left field that scored Smietana. The rally was squashed in the next at bat, though, as Kent State turned a double play. Kevin Crumb took the loss in game one, throwing 5.1 innings and allowing seven runs on ten hits.
Cameron Copping was handed the ball in game two, working on almost two weeks since his last start. While he struggled with control - walking five batter over his seven innings - he kept Kent State in check throughout his time, allowing three runs on eight hits. The offense managed six hits, led by Smietana's 2-4 effort, but it was unable to score in the 7-0 loss.
Buffalo drops to 7-28 (0-14 MAC) with the losses. Next up will be a potentially busy week. The team plans to makeup last week's cancelled doubleheader against Niagara on Monday, followed by another doubleheader against Le Moyne on Tuesday before welcoming in Akron for three weekend games. Stayed tuned to BuffaloBulls.com for more information on game times and any schedule changes.
