April 12, 2009
Box Score
ROCHESTER, Mich. - Senior Rob Merkle went 3-for-4 with three RBIs, while seniors Dan Ryan and Taylor Traub both had two hits, but it was not enough as the Oakland University baseball team (10-19, 3-5 Summit League) dropped a 6-3 decision to the North Dakota State Bison (9-15, 3-4 Summit League) on Sunday at the OU Baseball Field.
After the Bison got on board in the top of the second inning with an RBI single by Max Casper, but the Golden Grizzlies responded in the bottom of the inning as Merkle hit a two-run blast to knot the game. However, the OU bats fell silent over the ensuing innings, and the Bison took a 4-2 lead with two runs in the fifth. NDSU scored single runs in the seventh and ninth innings to pull ahead 6-2.
With two out in the bottom of the ninth inning, Merkle pulled a single into right center that scored Ryan, pulling the final margin to 6-3.
Freshman Kyle Teague suffered the loss, falling to 0-2 on the season despite a solid effort, scattering nine hits and allowing four runs, three earned, in six innings of work. The Golden Grizzlies were held to just eight hits on the day.
NDSU's Zach Wentz picked up the win, allowing two runs on six hits in 6.2 innings of work. Anthony Kliniske picked up the save for NDSU after going 2.1 innings, and allowing one run on two hits.
Oakland will return to action on Tuesday, April 14, when the Golden Grizzlies travel to Ypsilanti, Mich. for a game with Eastern Michigan. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m.
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