March 30, 2001

TOLEDO, OH - Toledo (12-11, 2-1 MAC) fell to Ball State (11-12, 4-0 MAC) today in the opener of a four-game series at Scott Park.

The Rockets attempted to rally by scoring single runs in the seventh, eighth and ninth innings but came up short. In Toledo's final at-bat, junior CF Tony Miller doubled to right center with one out to drive in sophomore 2B Taylor Eckel but was thrown out at third base on the play.

Miller (3-for-5, 1 run, 1 RBI) led the way for UT offensively to extend his hitting streak to eight games. Other Rockets registering multiple-hit outings were Eckel (2-for-4, 2 runs, 1 RBI), junior RF Jay Juras (2-for-3, 1 run) and freshman C Mitch Maier (2-for-4, 1 RBI).

After both teams were held scoreless the first two innings, the Cardinals plated three runs in the third and fourth innings for a 6-2 lead to knock Rocket starter Kris Barnswell (2-2) out of the game.

Ball State's Bryan Bullington (4-1) earned the victory with a complete-game effort, scattering 12 hits while fanning 10.

The two teams square off again tomorrow at Scott Park in a doubleheader beginning at 1:00 p.m. The series finale will take place on Sunday, April 1 at 2:00 p.m.