Markham's Strong Outing Helps Bucs Down Eagles 11-1

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Starting pitcher Anthony Markham was stingy on the mound while the Buccaneer bats were hot as CSU downed the Coppin State Eagles by a score of 11-1 on Tuesday afternoon at CSU Ballpark. 

Markham gave up just two hits, the lowest mark of the season, and struck out a season-high eight batters in 7.0 innings to earn his third win of the season.  The Buccaneers (11-11, 0-3) ended the day with 10 hits; the 11th time this season they have reached double digits in hits.

Nick Chinners was 1-for-2 with two runs and two RBI.  His lone hit was a double, moving him into a tie for fourth place in CSU’s all-time records for career doubles with 41.  Leadoff hitter Tom Burkett was 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI, while Blake Hunt was 1-for-2 with two runs and two RBI. 

Ricky Ferri took the loss for the Eagles (2-16), giving up three hits and four earned runs in 4.0 innings.  Derek Richards pitched four innings in relief, giving up seven hits and two earned runs while striking out three.    Jesse Savage and Andrew Keissling each had a hit for the Eagles, but it was Chris Kashangaki who scored Coppin State’s lone run of the game. 

Burkett, who was hit by a pitch, put the Bucs on the board in the first inning on a sacrifice fly by Derek Smith.  Chinners then scored on a single by Walt Quattlebaum to put the Bucs up 2-0 in the first inning.    Hunt was able to add to the lead in the second inning when Chinners was walked with the bases loaded, making the score 3-0.  Smith then walked to score Cody Austin, putting CSU up 4-0 after two innings.

A triple by Savage scored Kashangaki to put the Eagles on the board in the fourth inning, thought the Bucs were still up 4-1.   

CSU retaliated two innings later, with Austin scoring on a triple by Brantley Meier to push the Bucs’ lead to four.  Meier scored on a Coppin State error, making the score 6-1.  Matt Still then singled to right field, advancing to second on the throw and driving home Chinners and Smith to put the score at 8-1.  Hunt singled to right field, scoring Still and Alex Tomasovich to put the Bucs up 10-1.  A single from Burkett brought Hunt home, putting the score at 11-1 in favor of CSU.

The Buccaneers will remain at home this weekend, hosting Big South foe Radford Friday through Sunday.  All games are slated for 2 p.m. starts at CSU Ballpark. 

Postgame Interview with Coach Stuart Lake