RICHMOND, Ky. – Junior Matt Davis went 2-for-2 with a home run, a triple, two RBI and two runs scored to lead the Eastern Kentucky University baseball team past conference foe Murray State on Sunday, 7-4. With the win, the Colonels improve to 17-18-1 (8-7 OVC), while the Thoroughbreds of Murray State fall to 14-20 (5-9 OVC).

The Colonels got on the board early when junior Aaron Barrows led off the bottom of the first with a double down the left field line, and was brought home on a throwing error by Murray first baseman Andrew Cella. Sophomore Anthony Ottrando was driven in later in the inning on a triple to center by Davis, making it 2-0.

The Thoroughbreds got one run back in the third; however, the Colonels tacked on two more in the fifth and two more in the sixth to pull away. In the fifth, senior Tyler Barnett scored on an RBI single to right by Ottrando, and then Ottrando was plated by an RBI fielder’s choice from junior Dylan McMaine. In the sixth, freshman Jayson Langfels provided the offense with a two-run blast over the right center wall, scoring Davis.

Davis ended the Colonel scoring for the day with a home run of his own, this one a solo shot to left in the seventh that made it 7-1.

Junior Chris Grider (3-2) delivered a strong start for the Colonels. The veteran from Russell Springs, Ky. went seven innings and allowed just one run on four hits, all while striking out eight batters, to pick up the win. Sophomore Jim Clancy pitched the last two innings and gave up three runs (two earned) on four hits.

Chris Craycraft (3-3) took the loss for Murray State, pitching five and two thirds innings and giving up six runs on eight hits.

Aside from Davis, the Colonels were led at the plate by Barrows, who went 2-for-2 with two runs scored, and Ottrando, who went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored.

The Baseball Colonels return to action this Tuesday, April 22, as Berea College visits Turkey Hughes Field for a 3:00 p.m. game.