East Michigan News

Senior Tyler Kapa made an impressive debut for Eastern Michigan University, striking out nine batters from the University of Pittsburgh over five innings. Despite his efforts, a strong sixth inning by Pittsburgh led to an 11-8 defeat for EMU in a non-conference game at Centennial Park.

Kapa's performance included allowing four earned runs on six hits and two walks before handing over to the bullpen. Sophomore Niko Kreuzer contributed with 2.1 scoreless innings, giving up just two hits.

Offensively, EMU was powered by senior Harrison Travis, who hit two home runs and drove in three runs. Junior Ty Stecko added a solo home run, while senior Logan Hugo went 2-for-3 with a triple, an RBI, and two walks.

Pittsburgh initially took the lead with three runs in the first inning thanks to A.J. Nessler's three-run homer and added another run in the second inning to make it 4-0. EMU responded with a four-run third inning, highlighted by Travis' two-run homer and Hugo's RBI triple.

The Eagles briefly led after Stecko's solo homer in the fourth and extended their advantage to 8-4 in the fifth with Travis' second home run and Kevin Krill's RBI single. However, Pittsburgh regained control in the sixth inning by scoring seven runs on two hits, four walks, and two hit batters. EMU failed to recover as they went hitless in the final three innings against Pittsburgh's bullpen.

"Eastern Michigan got a two-homer day from Travis," noted game reports. "Kapa fanned nine Panthers hitters."

Despite leaving ten runners stranded on base, EMU managed more hits than Pittsburgh but could not capitalize on those opportunities.

The series between Eastern Michigan and Pittsburgh will conclude on Sunday, February 16th at noon. Fans can listen to live coverage via Eagle All-Access or the Varsity Network.