Billikens work extra in comeback verdict

Posted: Tuesday, March 20, 2012 12:00 pm

SAUGET, Ill. – UT Martin struck for the first two runs against Saint Louis University, but the Billikens completed a comeback in the 10th inning for a 3-2 walkoff victory Sunday at GCS Ballpark.
The Skyhawks (4-15) once again got a solid effort out of their starting pitcher as Willie Frederick set a new career-high with six strikeouts in 52⁄3 innings. He scattered just five hits while allowing two earned runs but received a no-decision.
Dan Tobik then took over, striking out four over 31⁄3 scoreless innings. Trevor Lundgrin and Stu Jones also saw action in the 10th inning, with Lundgrin (one run in one-third of an inning) being charged with the loss.
A total of four UT Martin players tallied a hit, including Chase Okey, who extended his hitting streak to 12 games. Grant Glasser and Ben Campbell each drove in a run while Phil Sorensen and Sonny Mastromatteo each scored a run for the Skyhawks, who scored a run in each of the second and third innings.
Campbell hit an RBI single in the second inning to score Sorensen, who had reached on a fielder’s choice.
Mastromatteo and Okey opened the third with back-to-back singles, with Mastromatteo coming around to score on an RBI groundout by Glasser.
Given a 2-0 lead, Frederick needed just 11 pitches to retire the side in order in the bottom of the third.
In the bottom of the sixth, Frederick got two quick outs but would eventually depart the game after the Billikens evened the score at 2-all.
UT Martin would have a man in scoring position in the top of the 10th but couldn’t take a lead. In the bottom of the 10th, the Billikens used a single, sacrifice bunt, a pair of walks and a fielder’s choice to end the game with a 3-2 tally.
Alec Mills tossed a season-high eight innings of one-run ball, while Jordan Owen tied a career-high with four hits to lead UT Martin to a 6-2 win over Air Force on Friday. Published in The WCP 3.20.12