Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern
Michigan State
Michigan State Takes Opener From Northwestern, 6-1
4/5/2008 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
April 5, 2008
EVANSTON, Ill. -
Michigan State rode the strength of a pair of three home runs as it defeated Northwestern 6-1 in the opening game of a doubleheader Saturday afternoon at Rocky Miller Park.
The Spartans (11-12, 3-3) got on the board first with a pair of runs in the top of the second inning. Justin Potes opened the inning with his second home run in as many games. Eric Roof followed with a single and later scored on a basehit by Jonathan Roof.
The Wildcats (5-14, 1-5) pushed across their only run in their half of the second. Nate Roberts started the frame with a single to left and advanced to second when Tony Vercelli was hit by a pitch. Both runners moved up 90 bases on a sacrifice bunt by Max Mann. Roberts would come in to score on an RBI groundout by Chad Noble.
Northwestern kept the deficit at one until the top of the sixth when Michigan State padded its lead with three runs. Kyle Day hit a solo homer, while Jonathan Roof and Brandon Doherty added run-scoring singles.
Day tacked on his second homer of the game and third of the series to complete the scoring in the top of the seventh.
Michigan State starter Mark Sorensen was in control throughout, allowing just two hits to Roberts while striking out eight and walking one. Eric Jokisch (2-2) took the loss, allowing eight hits and five runs (four earned) in 5.2 innings pitched.
The teams are scheduled to begin the nightcap of the doubleheader at approximately 3:15 p.m.
