May 14, 2009
Box Score
SHREVEPORT, La.> - Despite two hits apiece from seniors Justin Wilson and Andrew Stafford, the Oakland University baseball team (20-33, 9-17 Summit League) was unable to knock off the Centenary Gents (32-15, 15-8 Summit League), dropping a 6-4 decision on Thursday at Shehee Stadium.
After an RBI single by Stafford gave OU a 1-0 lead in the first inning, Centenary charged back, plating a run in the bottom of the frame. The Gents used a steal of home and a two-run homer in the fourth inning to push ahead 4-1, and then tacked on a single run in both the sixth and seventh innings to extend the gap to 6-1.
The Golden Grizzlies fought back in the ninth inning, as senior Taylor Traub reached on a leadoff error and was promptly doubled home by fellow senior Dan Ryan. Rob Merkle then stepped to the plate, delivering a two-run homer that cut the Centenary lead to 6-4. However, Centenary went to the bullpen, bringing in Justin Kraft, who shut down the Golden Grizzlies, allowing just a bunt single to Ryan Waldhart before closing out the game.
Sophomore Greg Welke suffered the loss, falling to 4-6 on the season after allowing six runs, all earned, on 10 hits in 7.0 innings of work. Sophomore Jake Arendsen tossed a hitless eighth in relief.
Oakland and Centenary will resume their four-game set with a Friday doubleheader at Shehee Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m.
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