Bulls Drop Series Opener To Miami In Extra Innings, 3-2

Bobby Pizzuto records both UB RBIs

Bobby Pizzuto

BUFFALO, NY – The University at Buffalo baseball team managed to send its seventh game of the season into extra innings, but a Miami run in the top of the tenth sent the RedHawks to a 3-2 victory over the Bulls, Friday afternoon at Amherst Audubon Field. The loss drops UB’s record to 12-29 on the season and 8-11 in conference play. Miami, the MAC East leaders, improved to 24-16 and 12-5 in the MAC.

Miami got on the board with two runs in the first inning, but UB starter Mike Radanovic (Surrey, British Coulmbia/Surrey) pitched out of further trouble, ending the inning with the bases loaded.

The game remained 2-0 into the seventh inning when the Bulls finally got on the board in the bottom half of the inning. Freshman Adam Skonieczki (Endicott, NY/Union-Endicott) hit an infield single with one out and moved to third on a single from Mike Folli (Endicott, NY/Union-Endicott). Skonieczki would come into score as Bobby Pizzuto (Mentor, OH/Notre Dame Cathedral) hit a sacrifice fly in foul grounds to third base.

The Bulls tied the game up in the bottom of the ninth inning as E.J. Folli (Endicott, NY/Union-Endicott), who came on as a pinch runner, reached second on a bunt single and third on a sacrifice bunt, putting runners at second and third. After an intentional walk to Mike Folli to load the bases, Pizzuto came through with another sacrifice fly, this one to left field, tying the game at two.

Mike Folli

After having not crossed the plate since the first inning, Miami scored a run in the top of the tenth on a fielder’s choice to regain the lead at 3-2.

Radanovic went seven innings and after allowing two runs in the first inning pitched very well for UB. He allowed seven hits and struck out five batters. Neither starter picked up a decision as Miami starter Jon Ely struck out six batters in seven innings of work.

Sophomore Zach Anderson (Williamsville, NY/Williamsville East) picked up the loss as he pitched three innings in relief. The win was credited to Bailey Pratt, who actually picked up a blown save by allowing the sacrifice fly to Pizzuto in the bottom of the ninth inning.

Mike Radanovic

Pizzuto finished the day 1-for-3 while driving in both UB runs. Mike Folli, who did not start a game for the first time all season this past Wednesday, went 3-for-4 in his return to the leadoff spot. Eric Flynn (Niagara Falls, NY/Niagara Falls) recorded two hits, including a long double to left field.

The Bulls and RedHawks continue their three-game series tomorrow with a 1:00 pm first pitch. The two teams conclude their series on Sunday as that game will also start at 1:00 pm.

05/04/2007