WILSON, NC (February 6, 2011) – The Kutztown University baseball team had its game go into extra innings for the second consecutive day as it fell to Barton College 8-7 in 15 innings on Sunday at Nixon Field. (BOXSCORE)
If nothing else, the Golden Bears gave themselves plenty of opportunities to win in what would be the final game of their opening weekend of the 2011 season. The second game of the scheduled doubleheader was cancelled due to the overwhelming length of the first one. KU's 15-inning marathon lasted four hours, 51 minutes and featured nine pitchers for a total of 515 pitches.
Kutztown (1-2 overall) had three separate chances to put the Bulldogs away but were unable to find that extra spark. It held one run leads in the 7th and 11th innings, and a two run advantage in the 8th before Barton was able to counter with an offensive attack of its own. Despite the loss, head baseball coach Chris Blum couldn't be happier with his team.
“Out of the 12 years we've been coming down here, this is one of the best outings we've had,” said Blum. “I thought the guys certainly looked ready and we saw some great things on both the pitching and hitting side to our team. A lot of guys got opportunities to play this weekend and we're excited heading forward in the season.”
KU got out to an early 4-0 lead as it got contributions from many of its supporting cast. Corey Buletza (St. Clair, PA/Pottsville) and Kyle Stoudt (Mertztown, PA/Brandywine Heights) had back-to-back RBI doubles in third inning, and Mike Dugan (Ocean City, N.J./Ocean City) was able to bring in a run as well on a fielder's choice.
Matt Albaugh (Hatfield, PA/North Penn) and Cody Montz (Schuylkill Haven, PA/Schuylkill Haven) each added a pair of hits. Montz currently leads the team with a .625 average.
The Golden Bears are still one of the top teams in Division II, ranked in the top ten in three national polls. KU is ranked fifth by PING! Baseball and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA), and ninth by Collegiate Baseball. They are also ranked first in the Atlantic Region by the NCBWA.
Buletza had a great day at the plate on Sunday. He had a game-high five hits and three RBI's for KU. Buletza now holds a .471 average through the first three games and his continuance to get on base in the leadoff hole certainly gives the team a strong chance at scoring runs.
Kutztown will get some time off before its next game as it now prepares to play in the Newport News Apprentice Tournament in Newport News, Virginia.
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