UT wins rubber match against Ball State

The University of Toledo’s baseball clinched their third Mid-American Conference West Division series with two wins over Ball State this weekend.

The Rockets (17-26, MAC 10-8) sit tied for second place in the MAC West Division with only nine conference games remaining.

“The guys put in work all year,” said Head Coach Cory Mee. “Our goal has been to get better from the beginning, to the end of the year in hopes of playing our best baseball down the stretch.”

The series started on a down note, with the Rockets dropping Friday’s opening game by a score of 4-3.

Down 4-2 going into the top of the ninth inning, Toledo was able to make things interesting by scoring off a BSU error. However, UT could not capitalize on the Cardinals mistakes and leaving runners on first and second to end the game.

“One thing I’ve been impressed with is how we’ve competed from the first pitch to the last pitch of each game,” Mee said. “We’ve played a lot of games that come down to the last pitch.”

In game two, the Rockets bounced back behind the efforts of LHP Steven Calhon defeating Ball State 6-1.

Calhoun (4-4) dominated on the mound. The lefty sat down nine on just five hits and gave up an unearned run in nine innings of work.

He was recognized for his performance winning the MAC West co-pitcher of the week award as he holds a measly 2.57 ERA.

“He was working down in the zone, throwing all of his pitches for strikes,” said Mee. “He’s done an outstanding job for us.”

After a slow start, Toledo jumped out to a 3-0 in the top of the fourth. Centerfielder John Martillotta doubled to left center, knocking in two runs.

UT’s offense was able to tack on three more in the sixth putting the game out of reach.

“We’ve been playing better over the past month,” Mee said. “We’re getting great pitching performances and really swinging the bats well.”

Shortstop Deion Tansel and third baseman Nate Langhais paced the Rockets with three hits apiece.

Tansel missed the first 15 games of the season with a broken hand. Since returning, he has batted .301 — good for second best batting average on the team.

“Offensively, not only does he get on base, he steals bases and puts himself in scoring position, and he can drive in runs,” Mee said. “When Deion returned to the lineup, defensively it stabilizes our team. He’s an outstanding defensive shortstop.

“He makes the routine plays and everyday he makes a spectacular, ESPN web gem kind of play.”

Toledo took the rubber match winning 8-3. Starter RHP Caleb Schillace gave UT five strong innings, giving up one earned run and seven hits.

The Rockets took a 3-1 lead in the top of the sixth before seeing the game tied again in the bottom half of the inning.

UT would break the tie quickly in the seventh inning. With the bases loaded, catcher AJ Montoya had a bases clearing triple to right center breaking the spirits of the Cardinals.

Relief pitcher RHP Andrew Marra (2-1) was credited with the win.

“We’ve been playing better over the past month,” Mee said. “We’re getting great pitching performances and really swinging the bats well.”

UT will take on arch-rival Bowling Green on Wednesday, April 29 at Scott Park. First pitch is scheduled for 3:05 p.m.