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BRADENTON, Fla. – After a big inning lifted Eastern Illinois baseball to victory each of the last three days there was a reversal of fortune Wednesday, as Akron rode a five-run third to an 11-1 win against the Panthers on day five of their spring break trip.

 

Four singles, a walk, wild pitch and sacrifice fly allowed Akron (7-5) to open up an eight-run lead with its big rally. An inning earlier, the No. 9 hitter in the Zips' lineup connected for a two-out, two-run homer.

 

Richie Derbak finally got the Panthers (3-8) on the board with a two-out, run-scoring single in the sixth inning. The sophomore collected two of EIU's five hits on the day, extending his hitting streak to six games. Jordan Tokarz has also hit in six straight after singling in his second at-bat.

Brett Nommensen, meanwhile, saw his team-best eight-game hitting streak come to an end with an 0-for-3 showing.

 

Akron starter Frank Turocy (3-1) did not surrender an earned over eight strong innings. The junior right-hander struck out three and issued just one walk. He also pitched over four Akron errors.

 

Brian Morrell (0-1) was charged with the loss in his first start of the season. Mike Recchia took over with one down in the third and proceeded to work 3 2/3 innings. Ryan Green and Scott Foley worked the seventh and eighth innings, respectively.

The Panthers continue their string of eight games in eight days Thursday morning with a 9 a.m. contest against in-state rival Illinois State. The game marks the first of two EIU-ISU meetings this month. The two teams are also slated to square off in Normal on March 26.