Two fielding errors against the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff decided Tuesday’s pitcher’s duel on the baseball diamond.
Eastern Illinois University defeated UAPB 2-0 in the opening game of a two-game midweek series at the Torii Hunter Baseball Complex. UAPB Coach Logan Stout said he hated to waste a good performance from his pitching staff.
“It was one of those days where nothing we could do could find a hole,” Stout said. “A few times they needed something to find a hole, it did. We execute a perfect 2-2 changeup; the guy hits a squibber for an infield hit. That guy ends up scoring. That’s baseball. Some days, things go your way. Some days, they don’t.”
Both runs for Eastern Illinois (9-8) were unearned on a day the Golden Lions (8-13) committed three errors. Eastern Illinois left fielder Brett Stanley opened the game with a leadoff single to right field. An errant throw by UAPB first baseman Ian Smith on a pickoff attempt allowed Stanley to reach second base. He later advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored on an RBI groundout to third by first baseman James Love.
The Panthers made it 2-0 in the seventh inning when catcher Zak Goodwin bunted with two runners on base. UAPB relief pitcher Reagan James fielded the bunt and turned toward third base but threw the ball away, allowing shortstop Peyton Wilson to score Eastern Illinois’ second unearned run of the game.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
James’ error was his second of the game after throwing away a pickoff attempt in the sixth inning, but he stranded the runner at third on that occasion.
UAPB left-handed pitcher Jack Hasten (0-2) made his second start of the season and turned in his longest outing yet. He pitched five innings, allowing one unearned run on three hits and a walk with three strikeouts. After Stanley’s leadoff single, Hasten retired the next eight hitters he saw.
Stout said Hasten did his part.
“When we first signed him, he was projected to be a starter for us,” Stout said. “He gave us exactly what we thought he’d give us. Again, just hate to waste a great pitching performance and not score runs, but Jack, he’s a phenomenal baseball player. Honored to have him on our team.”
James pitched well despite his two errors, holding Eastern Illinois to an unearned run on one hit and a strikeout with no walks in two innings. Emerson Lott did not allow a hit or a run across the final two innings, finishing with two strikeouts and one walk.
Eastern Illinois starting pitcher Dalton Boruff (1-3) had by far his best outing of the season. He pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings and did not allow a hit until the sixth. He struck out four hitters without a walk. His outing against UAPB lasted longer than all four of his prior outings this season combined. Boruff entered the game having pitched 5 1/3 innings over four games with a 20.25 ERA.
Nick Hockemeyer was credited with UAPB’s first hit on a pinch hit, one-out bunt single. It was a borderline call as the ball rolled under Eastern Illinois third baseman Jake Ferguson’s hand. UAPB right fielder Jose Vasquez singled two hitters later, leaving no doubt the no-hitter was over. Eastern Illinois pulled Boruff after Vasquez’s hit.
Right-handed reliever Nate Marshall gave up one hit in 2 2/3 innings before James Gershel came in to record the final two outs in the ninth inning.
UAPB hit a combined 3 for 29 against Eastern Illinois pitching. Right fielder Blake Coleman’s double in the seventh was the only extra base hit, and no Golden Lion reached third base.
Stout said despite the hitting issues Tuesday, UAPB doesn’t need to make too many adjustments entering the second game of the series.
“We’re putting the ball in play,” Stout said. “It’s just going right to guys. So, ultimately, make them throw a little bit more strikes. I think we chased a few pitches that we shouldn’t have chased. … We can come play the same exact way we did today tomorrow and win by five. That’s how baseball goes sometimes.”
The series finale is scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday.