Mistakes Prove Costly in Eagles’ Split
April 23, 2003

Complete Box Scores
Game 1     Game 2

In a doubleheader that featured 19 errors, Ashland and West Liberty State not only had to battle each other and the elements, but they were forced to battle themselves in games where errors proved to be costly for both dugouts.

Both the Eagles and Hilltoppers could not be happy with the way each team played, but both managed to take home one game in their two-game series at Donges Field on Tuesday (Apr. 22).

West Liberty State won game one, 10-8, highlighted by an eight-run fifth inning. James Gaskin led the Hilltoppers with four hits and one run scored while Josh Steorts and Matt Garman each added two hits and two RBI apiece.

John Hamilton picked up his second win of the season after hurling 5.2 innings, allowing eight runs on 11 hits. Matt Brown pitched a perfect 1.1 innings afterwards for the save.

The Eagles were led by Bryce Bednarczyk (Hebron, OH/Columbus State C.C.) and Chris Skibinski (Schererville, IN/Seton La Salle) who each added two hits. Bednarczyk scored two runs while Skibinski contributed by knocking in two runs.

Jon Krugman (Mason, OH/Columbus State C.C.) suffered the loss as he threw four innings allowing seven runs on six hits. He struck out five hitters and only issued one walk. He is 4-3 on the year.

Tim Hinchliffe (Ontario, Canada/Glen Oaks C.C.) added a double and two runs scored and Brock Wiskochil (Holland, OH/Columbus State C.C.) knocked home two runs with a double.

In game two, AU took advantage of 10 West Liberty State miscues in route to a 9-5 victory. Skibinski led the charge with two hits, three runs scored and one RBI while Allen Ayers (Columbus, OH/St. Charles Prep) and Brandon Cornell (Columbus, OH/Bishop Watterson) each tripled for the Eagles.

Ryan Douglas (Loveland, OH) took the victory after pitching four innings and giving up five runs on six hits while striking out six batters. He is 3-2 on the season. Matt Pignato (Akron, OH/Revere) picked up his first save of the season with pitching three perfect innings. He struck out four hitters.

Mike Coss helped out the Hilltoppers with three RBI and Pat Hudkins scored two runs.

Jared McArdle suffered the loss for West Liberty State as he threw six innings allowing nine runs – two of which were earned – and eight hits. He fell to 0-5.

Ashland is now 26-15-1 on the season and still fighting for a berth in the NCAA Division II regional tournament. West Liberty State is 14-19.

The Eagles will travel to Wayne State this weekend (Apr. 26-27) for a four-game set against the Warriors. Game time on Saturday is slated for 1 p.m. and 12 p.m. on Sunday.