Feb. 29, 2008

Box Score

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -

            The University of Northern Iowa baseball team scored five runs in the fifth to take a 5-4 lead, but the Panthers were unable to hold on for the win in a 6-5 loss at Arkansas-Little Rock Friday afternoon.

            Brandon Douglas was 2-of-5 with an RBI, and Chris Lopez was 1-of-4 with a three-run home run for the Panthers. Jason Smith (0-1) was charged with the loss for UNI (2-4).

            Robert Taylor and Eric Hanlon hit back-to-back doubles to score a run in the bottom of the second. Nick DeSanctis reached on a bunt in the bottom of the third, and he scored on a single by Matt Apfel to put the Trojans in front 2-0.

            UALR (1-5) used four hits in the bottom of the fourth to add a pair of runs and take a 4-0 lead.

            In the top of the fifth, Travis Hendrix hit a two-out single to score Eddie Almonte. Brandon Douglas singled into left to score Cory Ege, and Lopez followed with a three-run home run that gave UNI a 5-4 lead.

            Hanlon reached on a bunt single in the bottom of the sixth. He stole second and moved to third on a throwing error. Kody Kroll singled to score Hanlon and tie the game at 5-5.

            Dane Embury and Brett Featherston each singled in the top of the eighth, and a sacrifice bunt by Almonte gave UNI runners at second and third. The Panthers were unable to send a runner home, however.

            UNI held the Trojans without a run in the bottom of the eighth, but the Panthers were retired in order in the top of the ninth to keep the game tied going into the game's final half inning.

            Clay Rominger drew a walk to lead off the bottom of the ninth, and T.J. King was sent in as a pinch runner. King stole second and moved to third to give UALR the winning run at third with nobody out. After a ground out, UNI elected to walk the next two batters to load the bases. Apfel hit a ground ball to the pitcher, and King was thrown out at home, giving the Trojans bases loaded with two outs. Brad Swiderski drew a walk to send the winning run home.

            The Trojans outhit the Panthers 10-7. Both teams left seven runners on base.

            UNI and UALR will play game three of the four-game series Saturday at 1 p.m.