EAST LANSING, Mich. - Jace Matkin went 2-for-4 connecting on the first extra-base hit of his career with a two-run triple as Oakland dropped a 12-2 decision at Michigan State on Tuesday night at McLane Baseball Stadium.
Matt DiLeo also added a hit to reach base for the 27th consecutive game.
Matkin blasted a shot to straight-away center field landing just short of the 403 ft. fence to score
Ronnie Krsolovic and
Austin Tangney giving Oakland a 2-0 lead in the second inning.
However, the Oakland (10-27) pitching staff surrendered 15 walks which proved to be the difference as they led to bases loaded scoring opportunities. After walking the bases loaded in the first inning, the Golden Grizzlies were able to get out of the jam unscathed. After Matkin's triple in the second inning, MSU (11-27) opened the bottom of the frame with a single which was aided by a pair of walks that loaded the bases. This time Spartans cashed in with a two-run double followed by sacrifice fly to take a 3-2 lead.
The Golden Grizzlies walked the bases loaded again in the fourth inning and got out of the jam without any damage. The Spartans opened the fifth with a double and then drew two more walks to load the bases for the fourth time and added another double to plate two runs for a 5-2 advantage.
Oakland was able to get runners in scoring position at first and second in the eighth inning but left them stranded. MSU then broke the game open in the bottom half with six runs to secure the win.
Oakland resumes league play hosting Youngstown State on Friday, Apr. 26 at 3 p.m.
#WEARtheBEAR
