April 2, 2010
Box Score
NILES, Ohio - The UIC baseball team could not overcome a 10-run third inning by the Youngstown State Penguins on Friday afternoon as they dropped the opening contest of a three-game set, 20-8.
The Penguins (11-11, 3-1 Horizon League) tagged UIC (6-15, 2-2 Horizon League) starter Rafael Garcia for 12 runs (11 earned) on 13 hits in 3.0 IP.
Garcia was relieved in the fourth inning by freshman Charlie Weinberg who surrendered four runs in two innings of work while striking out one.
The Flames grabbed some much-needed momentum when they posted four runs in the fifth inning and three more in the sixth to cut Youngstown State's lead to five.
Andy Leonard started off the fifth with a double, his second of three on the day. Ty Rubio immediately followed with a two-bagger of his own to plate Leonard and he would come around to score when the next batter, leadoff man Steve McGuiggan, hit the third straight double for the Flames off YSU starter Aaron Swenson.
Jason Ganek and Matt Serna later added an RBI each in that inning.
The sixth inning was highlighted for UIC by Nathan Orf's two-run single that brought Rubio and McGuiggan around to score. Following that inning, it was 12-7 Youngstown State.
The Flames would get no closer than, however, as the Penguins tacked on six more in the bottom of the stanza to increase the lead to 11.
Swenson picked up the win for Youngstown State, his fifth of the season. He leads the Horizon League in that department this year.
The two squads will be back on the field tomorrow for a doubleheader beginning at 10:00 a.m. CT. You can watch the game live on the Horizon League Network at www.horizonleaguenetwork.tv.
Fans can listen to podcasts featuring exclusive interviews with UIC head coaches, staff and student-athletes for free on iTunes by searching "UIC Flames."
Fans wishing to learn more about affordable and flexible UIC ticket plans are encouraged to call 312-413-UIC1 or visit www.uicflames.com and click on the "Tickets" tab on the Flames home page.
