BOX SCORE I PLAY-BY-PLAY

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – The Eastern Kentucky University baseball team came out on the short end of a marathon pitchers’ duel on Saturday afternoon as the Colonels fell to Indiana State, 1-0, in 15 innings on Bob Warn Field at Sycamore Field. Jon Hedges provided the game-winning single in the bottom of the 15th for the Sycamores.

With the loss, EKU falls to 6-12 on the year, while ISU improves to 8-9.

Freshman left-hander Kyle McGrath started on the hill for EKU and went seven scoreless innings, allowing just four hits and striking out five batters. Senior right-hander Chris Hord came on in the 10th and stifled the Sycamores for five innings; however, after he allowed a leadoff single in the bottom of the 15th, EKU turned to senior right-hander Macon Smith. The first batter Smith face, Robby Ort, reached on an error by senior first baseman Bryce Labhart. Following an intentional walk to load the bases, Hedges laced a base hit up the middle that ended the four-hour and 10-minute epic.

Hord (1-1) received the loss despite going five innings and surrendering just one unearned run on three hits while striking out six batters. Junior lefty Greg Terry and junior right-hander Matt Harris pitched scoreless eighth and ninth innings, respectively. The Colonel pitching staff allowed no earned runs and struck out 13 batters in the game.

Blake Drake (1-2) earned the win for ISU by pitching the top of the 15th for the Sycamores.

Junior Richie Rodriguez led EKU at the plate, going 4-for-7 on the day. Hedges, Koby Kraemaer and Tyler Wampler all had two hits on the day for ISU.

EKU had opportunities to take the lead in both the top of the 10th and the top of the 15th. Rodriguez singled with one out in the 10th and then went to second on a single by junior Jacob Daniel. After a double steal put both runners in scoring position, the Sycamores intentionally walked senior Ryan Faidley to load the bases with one out. However, Rodriguez got forced out at home on a fielder’s choice by junior Dustin Dunlop and sophomore Jeff Emerich grounded out to end the threat.

In the top of 15th, Faidley singled and stole second to get into scoring position with just one out. But, again, the Colonels were unable to drive him home as Dunlop and pinch-hitter freshman Sean Hagen both grounded out to third base.

Both teams stranded 16 runners apiece in the game.

EKU returns to action tomorrow in the finale of this weekend’s three-game series versus Indiana State. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.