Blue Raiders earn victory over Ohio, 5-4

Saturday, February 27

Reese Smith Jr Field

2:00 PM

Middle Tennessee

Ohio

2/27/2010 5:56:00 PM | Baseball

By: Athletic Communications

Murfreesboro, Tenn. - Tyler Burnett followed up a career day on Friday with another outstanding performance as the Middle Tennessee baseball team notched its second straight win over Ohio, 5-4. Justin Guidry showed off his skill at the plate and on the mound, earning his first win of the season in relief. "I enjoyed it," said Coach Steve Peterson. "Our club needs to win close games, and I go into every game thinking that we need to win a one run game." Daniel Palo put together four innings without allowing a hit for the Blue Raiders before giving up two runs in the fifth. Guidry entered the game with two outs remaining in the fifth and didn't allow a run until the ninth. Kevin Whittaker took over in the ninth, recording his second save of the season. Aside from Burnett, Guidry and Bryce Brentz also put together nice days offensively. Guidry went 2-5 at the plate with a run scored, and Brentz also went 2-5 with a two runs scored and a run batted in. Justin Jones knocked in two runs while going 1-3 at the plate. The Blue Raiders struck in the first inning for the second straight day with two runs. Burnett led off the inning by reaching on a fielding error by Ohio shortstop Wesley O'Neill. After a Guidry strikeout, back-to-back singles by Brentz and Blake McDade loaded the bases. Following a Drew Robertson out, Jones singled through the left side to score both Burnett and Brentz. Ohio got on the board in the fifth with a pair of runs. Matt Keller opened up the inning by drawing a walk, and Seth Streich doubled down the right field line to advance Keller to third. O'Neill grounded out, but allowed Keller to score the first Bobcat run of the day. Bryan Barnes dropped down a bunt single and moved Streich to third. A Gauntlett Eldemire single scored Striech and chased Palo from the game. Guidry, who started as the designated hitter, took over relief duties on the mound. The sophomore from Mount Juliet, Tenn. didn't allow another hit in the inning. Middle Tennessee took the lead for good in the seventh inning. Burnett opened up the frame with his career-best third double of the game. Guidry followed it up with a single, and Brentz doubled to knock in Burnett for the go-ahead run. Following a walk and a couple pitching changes, the Blue Raiders scored on a passed ball by McDonough. A wild pitch scored Brentz for the final run of the inning to put Middle Tennessee up 5-2. Kevin Whittaker's second save of the season wouldn't come easily. A single and an error by Guidry put two on before Whittaker was called to the mound. Eldemire recorded his second RBI of the game with a single up the middle to bring the deficit to two. Robert Maddox hit into a double play to score the final run of the game for Ohio. The Blue Raiders will look to complete their home stand with a sweep of Ohio tomorrow. First pitch at Reese Smith Jr. Field is set for 1 p.m. Eric Gilley is expected to make the start for Middle Tennessee.