Oct. 11, 2008

Box Score

By Tyler Koonce, Sports Information Assistant

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - Matt Wagner and Blake Dirnberger blasted homers during a 5-run seventh inning, propelling the black team to an 11-10 victory in game two of the Steak & Beans World Series. An early pitcher's duel turned into a slugfest as the teams combined for 14 runs over the final three innings. The best-of-7 series is now tied at one game apiece.

Wagner's three-run shot down the right field line ingited the 5-run rally for the black team's offense in the third inning. Dirnberger's 2-run blast over the left field wall came three batters later.

The gray team closed to within one by plating four runs in the top of the eighth but would not get any closer.

After two more runs for the black squad in the bottom of the frame, Stephen Massie sent a 1-2 pitch over the left field wall, scoring two and again pulling gray to within one run. Following the homer, Jim Klocke was able to induce two ground balls from gray hitters to close the game.

Daniel Schuh (1-0) was credited with the victory after throwing two innings of middle relief. Klocke earned his first save of the intrasquad series, after retiring the final six hitters after entering the game with the bases loaded in the eighth inning.

Todd Strahlendorf started for the black team and was nearly unhittable in five innings of work. He allowed only one hit and struck out three while not issuing a walk.

James Leigh made the start for gray, going four and one-third innings and yielding only two earned runs. He also registered three strikeouts and walked only one hitter.

Corey Harness (0-1) took the loss for the gray team. He threw one and two-thirds innings of middle relief and exited the game with two runners on base prior to Wagner's go-ahead homer.

Wagner and Massie both went 2-for-4 with a game-high four RBIs for the respective teams.

Blake Slattery collected a game-best three hits and four stolen bases in addition to scoring two runs in the victory.

Nick Harris added two hits and three RBIs, including a game-tying 2-run single in the top of the seventh inning for the gray unit. Louie Haseltine scored three times for gray.

The series will resume with game three Friday. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. at Capaha Field. Game four will be at 12-noon next Saturday. Date and time for the fifth contest will be announced soon.