McConnell blanks Mustangs

He struck out five, walked no one and hit a batter.

"It was a weird game in that we got shut out and he threw a four-hitter," Coach Tim Hawkins said. "We weren't striking out. It was one of those days when it wasn't meant to be."

Jake Lunnen (2-2) took the loss, but only one of Tuscola's runs was earned. He struck out 10, walked one and gave up six hits.

"After things settled down, Jake threw a good game," Hawkins said. "It was just too late."

The Mountaineers scored all the runs they needed in the top of the first. Steven Reinhold doubled and scored on Eryk McConnell's single. After an error, Michael Munoz had an RBI single. Another run scored on an error putting Tuscola up 3-0.

The Mounties made it 2-0 in the second as Mark Golden singled, stole second and scored on a Munoz single.

The Mustangs threatened in the sixth with two on and nobody out. Dustin Melton hit a ball that fell just in front of the left fielder. Israel Vargas had to hold at second in case the ball was caught and was thrown out at third. The right fielder made an excellent catch on a ball hit by Justin Hawk and turned it into a double play.

"Tuscola made some outstanding defensive plays, especially in the sixth inning," Hawkins said. SM's lone extra base hit was a double by Joseph Ensley in the seventh.

Munoz was two of three for the Mounties, and Eryk McConnell was two of four.

Tuscola improved to 3-0 in the WAC while the Mustangs fell to 2-2.

The game was originally slated for Tuscola but was moved here due to field conditions. The teams will play April 25 at Tuscola.

Back to Sports: 03/29/01.