March 16, 2008

Box Score

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - In the series finale against Missouri State (11-4), the University of Northern Colorado (5-11) committed four errors in the Bears' 8-2 loss on Sunday afternoon.

Northern Colorado scored two runs on six hits, committed four errors and stranded 11 runners on base, while Missouri State scored eight runs on 11 hits with two errors and seven stranded runners.

MSU scored three runs in the first and four runs in the third to open up a 7-0 lead before NC scored one in the fourth. Junior Kevin Sandberg led off the inning with a single to centerfield and senior Chad Murray continued to hit well for the Bears, doubling down the left field line to move Sandberg to third. Senior Erik Whinery grounded out to second base, but Sandberg scored on the play.

MSU got the run right back in the bottom half of the fourth and the NC Bears scored their final run in the sixth on a Murray home run.

Murray went 2-for-4 on the day with one RBI and one run scored.

Senior T.R. Keating pitched the first four innings for NC, allowing eight runs (five earned) on nine hits, walking one and striking out one. Jason Banks came on in relief, throwing two innings and giving up just one hit and striking out three in eight batters faced. Eric Skufca and Matt Buck each pitched a scoreless inning with Skufca striking out one and Buck a pair. Each faced four batters.

Missouri State also used four pitchers in the third of a three-game series. Aaron Meade picked up the win, allowing one run on two hits, striking out eight and walking four.

Northern Colorado now travels to Omaha, site of the College World Series, to take on Creighton on Tuesday and Wednesday.