Senior pitcher Tyler Kapa excelled in Eastern Michigan University’s baseball win over the University at Albany, with Kapa achieving a Mid-American Conference record for the season by striking out 11 batters. His impressive performance on Saturday, April 19, included no runs allowed, walking only two batters. The 9-7 victory for the Eagles secured a series win against Albany at Varsity Field in Albany, New York.
Ty Stecko contributed offensively with a 3-for-5 performance, one double, and an RBI. Kapa, originating from Waterford, Michigan, marked his NCAA Division I career high and gathered his third win for the season. Freshman Fischer Hendershot also played a crucial role, achieving his third save by securing the final out.
The game started with the Eagles scoring in the second inning and building a significant lead by the seventh inning. Eastern’s offense was boosted by contributions from players like John Hale, Devan Zirwas, and Brendan Kleiman. By the seventh inning, they extended the lead to 8-2. Despite Albany’s three late runs, Hendershot managed to maintain the Eagles’ lead in the ninth inning to end the game in favor of Eastern Michigan.
Eastern Michigan’s win brought their record to 16-18 overall with a 9-9 standing in the MAC, while Albany fell to 11-23 and 3-9 in the America East Conference.
Throughout the game, Eastern Michigan’s pitchers delivered 14 strikeouts, the second-best performance this season for them, allowing just five hits from Albany’s batters. High notes in the game included Stecko extending his hitting streak to five games and Kleiman getting his 22nd RBI this year.
The Eagles have victories in both of their games against Albany this season, having played three total against them historically. After this away series, Eastern will face Youngstown State at home in a non-conference game on April 22.
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