Spartan Baseball Continues to Roll In S.C.

Photo from MSU Baseball Facebook Page

By Sean Gagnier
@SeanGagnier 

Following a sweep of the first day of the First Pitch Invitational in Greenville, S.C. over Miami-Ohio and Furman on Friday, the Spartans took on the Paladins of Furman once again on Saturday and once again came out on top by a score of 6-2.

Saturday's affair wasn't as easy as the Spartans had hoped, it dragged into the 11th inning when Michigan State was able to plate four runs to break the 2-2 tie and extend their record in the First Pitch Invitational to 3-0.

Jordan Keur got the Spartans started in the first with an RBI single and Ryan Krill hit his first collegiate home run in the third to get the green and white out to a 2-0 lead. The Paladins got a run back in the bottom of the third but were unable to plate another run until the eighth inning to tie the game.

David Garner got his second start of the season for the Spartans on Saturday and bounced back from his lackluster start against No. 15 Louisville last weekend. In his five innings of work against Furman Garner struck out six, giving up three hits and allowing just one run. Despite his impressive day Garner was not credited with a decision in the game.

In the 11th inning, the Spartans broke the game open and scored four runs while recording just one hit. Justin Scanlon got a single to lead off the inning then Torsten Boss drew a walk and Keur was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Andy Johnson drew a walk with the bases loaded before a Paladin error scored another Spartan run. The Spartans rally was topped off when Jimmy Pickens was hit by a pitch and Ryan Jones drew a walk with the bases loaded.

With the 6-2 lead in hand LHP Jeff Kinley tossed the final four innings of the game and earned his first career victory. During Kinley's four innings of work he fanned four and struck out three while only surrendering one run. 

The Spartans will look to finish the First Pitch Invitational perfect with their final game on Sunday when they take on Miami-Ohio for the second time. Michigan State beat the RedHawks 13-2 on Friday.