EVANSVILLE - Despite a strong outing from its pitching staff, the University of Evansville baseball team could not get the offense it needed in a 3-2 loss to Murray State in midweek competition at German American Bank Field at Charles H. Braun Stadium on Tuesday night in Evansville.

"Obviously a disappointing loss in a crucial time of year. Clearly our offense is in a funk over the last three games as their starter tonight was in cruise control and we didn't have any answers," said Aces head baseball coach Wes Carroll. "Our pitchers were outstanding giving us a chance tonight. We will regroup and be ready for the final Valley weekend of the year." 

UE's starter on the night, Donovan Schultz, pitched five innings, allowing just five hits and three runs while recording a pair of strikeouts. Nate Hardman, Shane Harris, and Jakob Meyer all pitched in relief, combining for four shutout innings of work with five strikeouts, three of which came from Hardman.

Evansville generated just three hits on the day with Mark Shallenberger, Tanner Craig, and Danny Borgstrom all producing a hit each with Craig's coming on his 15th home run of the season.

Schultz was locked-in early in the contest, recording nine -straight outs through the first three innings, allowing the Aces to jump out to a 2-0 lead in the bottom half of the third on a two-run homer to center field from Craig. A half-inning later, Murray laid down back-to-back bunts to open the inning, ultimately pushing across three runs and take the one-run advantage.

The next five innings were dominated by the pitching with the two sides recording just three combined hits from the fifth through the ninth inning as Murray State held on for the 3-2 win.

The Aces will end the regular season this weekend with a three-game slate against Valparaiso at German American Bank Field at Charles H. Braun Stadium, beginning on Thursday night at 6 PM in Evansville.
 

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