Baseball team loses to Toledo, 10-7

The Olivet College baseball team fell to the University of Toledo, 10-7, today in a non-conference, nine-inning contest at Scott Park in Toledo, Ohio.

The Rockets jumped to a 4-0 lead with four runs in the first inning. The Comets got on the scoreboard with a run in the fourth inning. Junior Scott Purdy (Traverse City/West) reached first base on a fielder's choice and moved to third on a single by senior Michael Katlin (Howell). Purdy then scored on sophomore Matt Smoker's (Bronson) double.

Toledo answered with a run in its half of the fourth inning. Olivet took advantage of a throwing error to score two runs in the fifth inning. Like the fourth, the Rockets responded by scoring a run in the bottom half of the fifth to take a 6-3 lead.

The Comets tied the game at 6-6 with a three-run sixth inning. The big blast of the inning was a two-run home run by Smoker. Also in the inning, junior Brandon Goodman (Portage/Central) doubled, scoring sophomore Rob Swanson (Marshall).

The Rockets took the lead for good with a four-run seventh inning. Olivet got one run back in the eighth on a sacrifice fly by Goodman.

For the game, Katlin, Smoker and senior Eric Quinn (Port Huron/Northern) each had two hits. Smoker collected three RBI and scored two runs, while Goodman had two RBI. On the mound, freshman Brad Beisiegel (Royal Oak) started and gave up four runs. In relief, sophomore Richard Gottardo (Warren/Center Line) was charged with the loss.

The Comets will return to the field Saturday when they complete a four-game Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association series against Albion College. The first pitch of game one of the doubleheader is slated for 1 p.m.