March 11, 2011

Box Score

SAUGET, Ill. - Spencer Patton struck out a career-best 12 hitters Friday night, and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville took advantage of seven errors by Chicago State to roll to a 14-0 win in college baseball at GCS Ballpark.

"They gave us a whole bunch of opportunities early," SIUE Head Coach Gary Collins said. "Once you get ahead it's a little easier to play."

SIUE, 2-11, scored twice in the first inning on three errors, then added a third unearned run in the second.

SIUE broke it open in the third inning scoring five times on three hits against CSU starter Albert Carpen. Chase Green drove in a run with a single. Brett Keeler picked up an RBI on a bases loaded walk. Travis Becherer drove home a pair with a two-out single.

Carpen tossed just three innings, allowing the eight runs, five earned on four hits. He walked six. Carpen dropped to 1-1 with the loss.

Meanwhile Patton was cruising for SIUE. The senior right-hander was perfect through four innings.

"Spencer was pretty solid tonight," Collins said. "He had good stuff, good velocity and was pretty dominant."

Patton tied a career-high, tossing seven innings for the win. He allowed just two hits, walked two and struck out a career-high 12 hitters to improve to 1-2.

SIUE scored five two-out runs in two innings against CSU reliever Andrew Watson to extend the lead to 13-0 after seven. Zach Hawkins, Matt Highland and Green each had two-out hits in the sixth inning. Devin Caldwell, Zach Hawkins and Highland then picked up consecutive two-out hits in the seventh inning. Highland's single drove home two.

"After the third inning we started stinging the ball," Collins said.

Hawkins and Highland were each 2 for 4 with two RBIs. Caldwell was 2 for 2 with an RBI, three walks and four runs scored. Green was 2 for 5 with two RBIs.

Sophomore left-hander Tony Schaeffer finished the night on the mound for SIUE. Schaeffer tossed two shutout innings, allowing one hit and striking out three.

"We think Tony might be turning the corner," Collins said.

The series continues Saturday night at GCS Ballpark. First pitch is set for 7 p.m.