Golden Grizzlies Double Up Eastern Michigan, 10-5

March 15, 2009

DAYTON, Ohio - Senior Rob Merkle went 2-for-4 with four RBI, while senior Justin Wilson picked up his 23rd consecutive successful stolen base as the Oakland University baseball team (4-8) handed Eastern Michigan (3-13) a 10-5 defeat at TWC Stadium on Sunday.

After sophomore Scott Sexton drew a leadoff walk in the top of the second inning, Merkle blasted a two-run shot to set the Oakland lead at 2-0. After a successful double-steal that saw Wilson rack up his 23rd consecutive steal and freshman Tim Ryan steal home, the Golden Grizzlies' lead was pushed to 3-0. Sophomore D.J. Jarrad then tripled Wilson home to give OU a 4-0 lead after the top of the second.

In the bottom of the frame, EMU scored its first run to pull to within 4-1, and the Eagles scored one more in the bottom of the third to cut the OU margin to 4-2.

In the top of the fourth, a two-run single by Merkle and a three-run homer by senior Taylor Traub pushed the Oakland lead to 9-2, and both teams went scoreless until the top of the ninth, when Ryan hit an RBI single to give OU a 10-2 lead going into the bottom of the ninth.

The Eagles staged a rally in the bottom of the ninth, but the rally ended when the Golden Grizzlies turned a double play to end the game.

Junior Andrew Estes picked up the win in relief, moving to 1-0 on the season. The Blissfield, Mich. native tossed one scoreless inning, allowing one hit. Sophomore Jake Arendsen and freshman Dan Augustine both tossed two scoreless innings in relief.

Ryan led OU with three hits, while Merkle, Jarrad, and senior Andrew Stafford all picked up a pair of hits in the winning effort.

The Golden Grizzlies will return to action on Friday, March 20, kicking off a three-game series in East Lansing against Michigan State. First pitch Friday is scheduled for 3:05 p.m.

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