Akron, Ohio -- Akron built an 8-0 lead and went on to defeat the Youngstown State baseball team 11-1 in seven innings on Tuesday afternoon at Skeeles Field.
The Zips took a commanding lead early with six runs in the bottom of the first inning before adding single runs in the third and the fourth. The Penguins plated their lone run in the top of the sixth before Akron struck for three runs in the bottom of the seventh to collect the non-league win in walk-off fashion.
Brady Shannon doubled for the Penguins offensively while Nathan Beckley and Alex Jang each recorded a base hit.
YSU starter Brevin Smith suffered the loss after allowing six runs on five hits in the first inning. Kale Wemer was responsible for one earned run while posting new career highs with four strikeouts and 4.2 innings pitched out of the bullpen. Braedon Davis surrendered three runs on three walks in his lone inning of work.
Akron jumped in front by scoring six runs on five hits in the bottom of the first inning. Kelton Phillips and Gabe Mathison drew back-to-back walks, and Phillips scored from second on an RBI single from Brody Chrisman. After a strikeout, Brady Bowen doubled home Mathison and Chrisman to begin a string of three straight RBI doubles for the Zips. Prince DeBoskie hit the final double of the inning, stole third and scored on a sacrifice fly from Kyle McConachie to give Akron a 6-0 advantage.
The Zips pushed their lead to 7-0 with a single run in the bottom of the third inning. Brady Bowen hit a leadoff single, advanced to second on a single from Mitchel Szymczak and scored on a throwing error when DeBoskie reached on a fielder's choice. Akron increased its lead to 8-0 in the home half of the fourth on an inside-the-park home run by Chrisman.
The Penguins got on the scoreboard with a single tally in the top of the sixth inning. Beckley reached with a two-out single and scored when Teddy Ruffner drew a bases-loaded walk.
Akron plated three runs without a hit in the bottom of the seventh to enact the seven-inning run rule. Blake Bowen drew a leadoff walk before Brady Bowen and Szymczak were each hit by a pitch to load the bases. DeBoskie's RBI groundout brought home the first run of the frame before Brady Bowen and Szymczak each scored on a wild pitch to give the Zips the walk-off victory.
Akron starter John Allen allowed one hit over four scoreless innings on the mound to earn the win. He retired the first 11 batters he faced before Shannon's two-out double in the top of the fourth inning. Josiah Ross permitted one run in one inning of relief before Parker Munday came on to work a scoreless top of the seventh.
Brady Bowen went 3-for-3 at the plate with a double, two RBIs and three runs scored to lead Akron offensively.
The Penguins will continue a six-game road stretch on Wednesday with a non-league contest at Central Michigan. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Keilitz Field at Theunissen Stadium in Mount Pleasant, Mich.
