Box Score
KALAMAZOO, Mich.- Sophomore right-hander Brian Stroud tied a career high with nine strikeouts and did not allow an earned run in Western Michigan's 9-1 win over Central Michigan Saturday. Pedro Dager went deep for his third home run of the season.
In one of his best performances in a Bronco uniform, Stroud limited Central Michigan to just four hits over eight innings. With great command of his breaking ball, he kept the Chippewas fooled recording eight of his nine strikeouts swinging. It was the second time this season Stroud racked up nine strikeouts in a game, sitting down as many against Eastern Michigan on April 18.
The Chips' lone run was unearned and didn't come until the seventh inning, at which point WMU already had a three-run lead. With the win, Stroud improved his record to 3-8 on the season.
In what started out as a pitcher's duel, Central Michigan's Steve Teno was also impressive in the first few innings. Teno struck out five in the first four innings and avoided a bases-loaded jam in the bottom of the first.
Held to just two hits until that point, Western Michigan finally wore into Teno in the fifth. Brad Wehrmeyer doubled and scored on a fielding error after a base hit by Kyle Galbraith. Dager stepped to the plate and delivered the big blow, a thunderous two-run home run to left field.
The Bronco offense put the game out of reach in the seventh, coming alive for six runs on five hits, scoring all with two outs. With two down, Galbraith drew a walk and Dager and Chris Lewis (RBI) hit back-to-back singles. Matthew Abro doubled to drive in two, and Jamie Simpson scored Abro with his first career triple. Teno would be replaced by Devan Kline, but the Bronco bats remained hot. Tim Cross hit an RBI double and eventually scored on a throwing error.
Kevan Hess took over for Stroud in the top of the ninth and sealed the Bronco victory, recording two of his three outs with strikeouts.
Western Michigan improves to 13-21 overall, 8-15 in the Mid-American Conference, while Central Michigan drops to 22-26, 10-13 MAC. WMU will look for a series win over the Chippewas for the second straight season in Sunday's decisive game three. First pitch is at 1 p.m.
Prior to Saturday's game, Western Michigan celebrated the 20th anniversary of it 1989 MAC Championship. Nearly half of the championship roster made its way back to Kalamazoo, as the past players and coaches were recognized on the field.
