April 24, 2008

Box Score

CHICAGO, Ill. - In a slugfest featuring 40 hits and 36 runs, Chicago State topped the Flyers 19-17, Thursday afternoon in non-conference action.

Lewis (16-22) trailed 4-0 after one inning but rallied back with a five-run second. Chicago State added one in the second and four more in the fourth to take a 9-5 lead.

The Flyers produced a six-run fifth and added one more in the sixth, but two runs by the home team in both the fifth and sixth innings followed by a six-spot in the seventh put Chicago State in front for good.

Lewis tacked on four more in the eighth and one in the ninth, but couldn't get any closer. The Flyers had the bases loaded when the game ended on a groundout to shortstop.

Nine Flyers registered at least one hit in the game, but only three Flyers recorded extra-base hits. By comparison, Chicago State hit six doubles, one triple and three home runs.

Senior Mike Smith, who was 3-for-6 in the game, belted a grand slam during the Flyers six-run fifth inning. In the eighth, junior Jeffrey Ithal ripped a two-run triple and senior Brian Clancy smacked a run-scoring double.

Junior Ryan Reynolds went 3-for-5, Clancy, senior Bryan Druktenis, sophomore Joe Carbone and sophomore Ryan McManaman all had two hits in the game.

The Flyers 17 run outburst was the team's second highest total of the season. Lewis defeated Indiana University Northwest 24-1 on March 19.

The Flyers resume conference play this weekend, hosting Indianapolis in doubleheaders on Saturday and Sunday. Game time each day is Noon.