Roberts works complete game in 9-1 win over UALR

Friday, April 23

Reese Smith Jr Field

6:00 PM

Middle Tennessee

UALR

Photo by: Bradley Lambert

4/23/2010 9:24:00 PM | Baseball

By: MT Athletic Communications

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Senior Kenneth Roberts pitched a complete game as he helped guide the Blue Raiders to a 9-1 win over UALR on Friday night. The Murfreesboro, Tenn., native allowed one run on six hits, a home run the only one for extra bases, and struck out six on his way to the win. Roberts is now 3-3 on the season. "It was a great performance by Kenny Roberts in a game where he had to match-up with a tough left-hander in UALR. He was the Kenny of old and pitched an outstanding game. He commanded the strike-zone, stayed ahead of hitters and just pretty much dominated their line-up," head coach Steve Peterson said. Junior Justin Miller guided the Blue Raiders at the plate as he went 3 for 5 with a three-run home run. Senior Zach Hudson had the only other extra base hit with his double as he was 2 for 5 with an RBI and scored two runs. "We had manufactured what we could to get the three runs and were able to get to their bullpen. Justin Miller put the game away with the three-run homer. It is a good start to the series and I really like the way my team played," Peterson said. Senior Drew Robertson and juniors Bryce Brentz and Tyler Burnett each had two hits on the day as the Blue Raiders recorded 13 total hits in the game. Middle Tennessee held UALR to just six hits with key defense as it picked off three runners on the bases. The Trojan's Adam Champion took the loss on the mound after allowing four runs on eight hits in 6.2 innings of work. Middle Tennessee put its first runs on the board in the third scoring three runs on three hits to take a 3-0 lead. UALR put its first run on the board after a solo home run by Rowell to right field. The Blue Raiders added another run in the seventh on a hit by Guidry which allowed Brentz to score from third, 4-1. A double by Hudson in the eighth scored Robertson from second and extended the Blue Raider lead to four, 5-1. With runners at first and second, Burnett singled to right field bringing in another run for Middle Tennessee. Then Miller knocked out his 15th home run putting three more runs on the board. The Blue Raiders took a 9-1 lead after scoring five runs on five hits. The Blue Raiders will play UALR in the second game of the series on Saturday, April 24 at 4 p.m. In the event of inclement weather on Saturday check goblueraiders.com for any changes to game time.