Creighton University
Northern Iowa
Bluejays Move Over .500 with 3-2 Win Against Northern Iowa
4/10/2009 10:00:00 PM | Baseball
OMAHA, Neb. - The Creighton baseball team improved to over .500 for the first time on the season (16-15, 8-2 MVC) with its 3-2 win over Northern Iowa, Friday at Rosenblatt Stadium. It was the team's eighth win in the last nine games.
The Jays did not get through the game without some adversity as starter Jeremy Hauer loaded the bases in the third, courtesy of a hit-by-pitch, a walk and single, with just one out. Luckily for the hometown fans, Elliot Soto fielded a ground ball to start the 42nd double play of the season for the team, and end the threat by Northern Iowa.
Creighton took advantage of the defensive stand in the bottom of the third as Nick Becker singled to start a one-out rally. Robbie Knight walked and Elliot Soto loaded the bases as UNI right fielder Levi Ferguson dropped a routine fly ball allowing everyone to move up one base. Darin Ruf took advantage of the miscue, doubling into the right-center gap. A bizarre play ensued as Soto nearly passed Knight on the basepaths, causing the two to reach home plate at about the same time. Panther catcher Jeff Taliafero tagged out Knight, but missed Soto, allowing two runs to score on the play.
Unfortunately the lead would not hold, as UNI pinch hitter Andy Steichen hit a two-run home run to right in the top of the sixth, tying the game at 2-2.
The Panthers threatened to take the lead in the top of the seventh as they loaded the bases with two outs. That is as far as the rally would go, as Bob Lackovic got Jason Summer to hit a line drive to center that Knight laid out for, making a highlight-reel catch, and keeping the game tied.
In the bottom of the inning Jimmy Swift led off with a single to right, and advanced to second on a passed ball. He came around to score on Scott Thornburg's single to center, giving Creighton the 3-2 lead. After a pair of walks to Becker and Knight loaded the bases, Soto struck out looking before Ruf flied to center, ending the inning.
Hauer finished the day going 6.0 innings, allowing two runs on seven hits. He struck out two and walked one, and received a no-decision. Lackovic (3-0) got the win, throwing 1.1 scoreless innings of relief, allowing one hit and two walks, while striking out one.
NOTES: Ruf's double moved him into a tie for 10th place on the all-time Bluejay list...He now has 249 hits, tying him for sixth on the career-CU list...Jeremy Hauer was moved into the Friday's starter role for the first time since March 6, against Stony Brook...Northern Iowa pitcher Nick Kirk retired the leadoff hitter in each of the first four innings...Steichen's pinch hit home run was the first pinch hit homer allowed by the Bluejays since May 6, 2008 against Missouri when Steve Gray did the trick...Soto extended his hitting streak to 11 games in the first with an infield single...Lackovic's two walks in the seventh tied a career-high...It was Creighton's first win this season win being out-hit by the opponent...Prior to Friday's game, CU was 0-11 in those games.
