Power surge helps lift Penguins

John Koehnlein hit the second over-the-fence homer of his career to key YSU past Toledo.

By RYAN JONES

Vindicator correspondent

NILES — After John Koehnlein cracked his first career home run against Kent State as a freshman he wasn’t sure he’d ever hit another.

It isn’t because Koehnlein lacks confidence or ability (he ranks fifth in career hits at YSU), but rather because he is a self-described “singles hitter.”

But in Tuesday’s game against Toledo — more than three years after his first long ball — the Penguins lone senior went deep in the fifth inning as YSU posted a 12-7 victory over the Rockets.

It was the third career home run for Koehnlein, who was credited with an inside-the-park variety last season.

The 6-foot-2 outfielder, who went 2-for-4 with a homer, a triple and three runs scored, has grown accustomed to his teammates’ heckling.

“The guys hassle me about it all the time,” he said. “Of all the days for me to hit one out, on a day like today where there was no wind was fun.

“Normally, I’m not the type to get the extra base hits. Usually if I get extra bases it’s more because of luck, or because I use my speed to leg something out.”

YSU (15-34) coach Rich Pasquale said he’s proud of the way his team has stepped up as the season has progressed.

“They are handling whatever we throw at them,” Pasquale said. “I’ve got guys coming up to me and telling me they’ll do anything to help the team win, even if it’s not something their most comfortable doing.

“Tonight’s win should give us a lot of confidence heading into the Horizon League Tournament. We beat a Toledo team that is well coached and has a 14-10 MAC record.”

Koehnlein set the tone when he tripled down the right field line to lead off the bottom of the first inning. Two batters later, Koehnlein scored on Jeremy Banks’ single up the middle for a 1-0 lead.

Toledo scored four runs in the second frame to take a 4-1 lead, but the Penguins answered when Eric Hymel and David Leon scored on a Toledo error to make it 4-3.

The Rockets scored two in the sixth to go ahead 7-4, but RBI singles by Leon and C.J. Morris in the bottom half of the inning tied the game at seven.

After relief pitcher Jim Kinnick (Fitch) shut out Toledo in the seventh and eighth innings, the Penguins exploded for five runs in the bottom of the eighth to take charge.

Hymel and Jacke Healey hit RBI singles, Banks a two-run single and Jonathan Crist a RBI double as YSU took a 12-7 lead.

“We needed a game where we hit the heck out of the ball,” Koehnlein said about having 14 hits. “We unloaded on the ball tonight.

“Lately out hitting has been down in the dumps, so this was good to have.”

Pasquale said he was pleased with his pitchers’ performances.

“We had a plan and we were able to stick to it,” he said. “We needed [starter] Trent Wood to go five innings and even though he gave up five runs, only one was earned.

“Jim Kinnick did a tremendous job in relief, and Anthony Munoz closed it out. It’s great to watch Jim compete and Anthony gets more confidence every time he goes out there for us.”

Banks had two hits and three RBI’s for the Penguins, while Joe Iacobucci led the team with and Hymel scored twice.

Kinnick (2-1) earned the win and combined with Munoz to throw three scoreless innings of relief.

Mark Lapikas (Ursuline) led the Rockets, going 3-for-5 with a homer, a double and two runs scored.