News Summary

By Pete Conrad

OXFORD — It was a day for the celebration of opposites at Miami University's McKie Field, of longevity and youth.

Former Miami baseball player Clarence Wheeler threw the ceremonial first pitch in honor of his 100th birthday, which occurred a day earlier, and later freshman pitcher Tyler Melling chalked up his first collegiate victory as the RedHawks rolled past the Bowling Green Falcons 13-4 on Sunday.

Melling, making his fifth start, allowed three earned runs over 5 1/3 innings, striking out three and walking none for a Miami pitching staff which has struggled all season with inexperience.

"It came at a good time," Melling (1-2) said of his win. "I'm trying to come back from a back injury. I was out 3-4 weeks. I started against Buffalo last weekend, a controlled start (he pitched four innings). It felt better this weekend."

Although Melling has 16 strikeouts in 23 innings, his fastball isn't likely to make people forget about Nolan Ryan.

"I'm not a flamethrower by any means," said Melling, who grew up in Bellefontaine. "I like to hit spots, and if I do that, I have more success."

It also helps to be backed up by an offense that erupted for four runs in the fifth inning and five more in the sixth, and by a bullpen which allowed no runs over 3 2/3 innings.

First baseman Tommy Nurre led the offensive attack, going 3-for-3 with a pair of doubles and two RBIs. Jordan Petraitis was 2-for-5 with a double and two RBIs, Adam Eaton was 2-for-5 with a triple and an RBI, Brad Gschwind drove in three runs, and Chris Nadeau had a double and two RBIs.

Miami sophomore relievers Reece Asbury (1 1/3 innings) and Jamaal Hollis (two innings) also were impressive, combining to allow only two hits.

"It was great to see Hollis throw the ball well," Miami head coach Dan Simonds said. "He's a guy we have great expectations for."

The victory was the third in the last four games for Miami (15-27, 6-12 in the Mid-American Conference), which took 2-of-3 in its series with Bowling Green (20-18, 7-8 MAC).

Simonds just hopes there is enough time for Miami to earn a berth in the MAC Tournament. The RedHawks have nine MAC games remaining.

"We have beaten ourselves in a lot of ways, with guys who haven't had experience," Simonds said. "Now maybe it's coming around a little bit. I'm hoping it's not too late to make the playoffs. We're probably going to need some help and continue to play well."

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2197 or pconrad@coxohio.com.

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