KOKOMO, Ind. - In a pair of low-scoring games, the IU Kokomo baseball team dropped both games of Thursday's doubleheader with Shawnee State. As a result, the Bears have earned the #3 seed in next week's RSC Championship, while the Cougars settle for the #4 seed.
Through 49 games, IU Kokomo holds an overall record of 30-19.
Game One (9 Innings): 3-1 Loss
- Blake Kimball got the start on the mound for IU Kokomo, his first start of the season. Kimball tossed six innings, allowing three earned runs on seven hits while walking one and striking out three.
- The Cougars scored their lone run of the game in the second inning, as Dylan Janke was hit-by-pitch, before his courtesy runner Garrett Lupoi scored from first on an RBI-double off the bat of Tahj Borom.
- Shawnee State would take the lead for good with a pair of runs in the fourth on two hits.
- The final run of the game came in the top of the sixth, as a pair of hits led to the Bears taking a 3-1 lead. Neither team would score in the final 3 1/2 innings, as Shawnee State closed out a 3-1 win.
- Nathan Stanley relieved Kimball in the second, tossing 1 2/3 scoreless innings.
- Asa Christie was perfect in his 1 1/3 innings of work, facing the minimum in his appearance.
Game Two (9 Innings): 5-0 Loss
- JT Holton got the ball in game two for IU Kokomo, his third start of the year and second start back from injury. Holton shoved to say the least, but ultimately took a no decision. His final line: 7 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 6 K.
- Shawnee State two-way Eric Oakes also dazzled on the mound, tossing eight innings of shut-out ball to keep the Cougars at bay.
- The first seven innings of game two were scoreless, but the Bears scored two in the eighth and three in the ninth to clinch the series win and the #3 seed in next week's conference tournament.Â
- Victor Fujiu entered in relief of Holton to begin the eighth, allowing two runs on three hits before stranding the bases loaded. Fujiu fell to 3-1 on the year with the loss.
- Brandon Bultemeier pitched the ninth, allowing three earned runs on three hits and a pair of walks.
For the latest news, updates, and information on the IU Kokomo Cougars, fans can visit IUKCougars.com. Fans can also stay up to date on the latest Cougar news by following @IUKAthletics onÂ
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