Edwards allows no earned runs in 7-2 win over Hilltoppers

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - Senior Chad Edwards guide the Blue Raiders throughout the game as they took a 7-2 win over rival Western Kentucky on Friday night.

Edwards (7-2) was stellar through eight innings allowing just two runs, both unearned, on five hits. The Paducah, Ky., native was prepared to come out in the ninth and finish the game but after the Blue Raiders scored four runs in the top of the inning head coach Steve Peterson decided to pull him after the extended wait.

"We got to where we have a chance to win series. It was a tight ball game and Chad Edwards was clutch tonight. He pitched an outstanding game in his home state and gave us a chance to win ball game. I know he wanted to finish but with the tournament coming up there was no sense in him coming back out after the long rest in the top of the inning," Peterson said. "I am tickled to death for Chad. He has been key for us down the stretch and I was glad he pitched so well for us tonight."

Senior Kevin Whittaker worked the ninth inning on the mound allowing just one hit in the outing.

On offense, the Blue Raiders had nine hits only two of which were for extra bases. Junior Bryce Brentz led the way going 3 for 5 with an RBI and scored a run.

Sophomore Justin Guidry also performed well on the night as he went 2 for 3 with one RBI and scored two runs.

The Blue Raiders improve to 34-20 and 18-11 in Sun Belt action while Western Kentucky is 34-21 and 15-14 in league play.

Shane Cameron took the loss on the mound for the Hilltoppers after allowing three runs on six hits in 7.1 innings of work but did strikeout five Blue Raider batters. Western Kentucky had six hits on the night with no one batter having more than one hit.

A single to right field by Guidry brought home the first run for the Blue Raiders as McDade scored from third. Then a sacrifice fly by Miller drove in Brentz from third and made it 2-0 in favor of Middle Tennessee. The Blue Raiders took a 3-0 lead after scoring three runs on three hits in the fourth.

Western Kentucky got on the board in the bottom of the inning after a fielding error by Miller allowed Robbins, who doubled, to score from second, 3-1. Payton who reached on the error scored from third after a hit by Wells closing the gap to one, 3-2.

The Blue Raiders extended their lead to three in the ninth after a one out two-RBI triple to centerfield by Robertson. A McDade single over the head of the first baseman brought in Robertson from third and made it a four run game. Then Brentz singled to right allowing Ford, who was hit by a pitch, to score from third. Middle Tennessee took a 7-2 lead after scoring four runs on three hits.

The two schools will play the rubber game of the series at 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 22. The game will be broadcast on CSS as the Sun Belt Game of the Week. Dick Palmer will have the call on WMOT 89.5 and goblueraiders.com.

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