Lakeland College

Novak walk-off gives Muskies sixth straight win

Athletics - posted on 5/1/2011

The Lakeland College baseball team has now won six straight games following their doubleheader sweep of Marian University on Sunday afternoon.

The Muskies (12-18, 7-11 NAC) continue to play spoiler winning game one 8-7 and games two 4-3 on a David Novak (Algoma, Wis.) walk-off RBI double.

In game one, the Muskies sent senior right-hander Matt Katzman (Sauk Prairie, Wis.) to the mound. Katzman tossed six innings, allowing two runs on five hits, with three strikeouts and six walks. Freshman righty Matt Weller (Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.) made his fourth appearance of the season, tossing one third of an inning, allowing three runs, two earned, on two hits while walking two.

Freshman Derek Loomans (W, 1-0) (Waupun, Wis.) got the win for the Muskies, pitching one inning, allowing two runs on two hits and walking two. Senior Andrew "Woody" Schartner (Sv. 2) (Sturgeon Bay, Wis.) got the save, allowing just one hit and striking out three batters in 1.2 innings.

While Lakeland was out hit, 10-8, they managed to get the win with two big innings, scoring four runs in the fourth on two hits and two Marian errors, with Garrett Vincetich-Morris (Janesville, Wis.) delivering with a bases loaded two RBI single to give the Muskies a 4-1 lead.

Marian would start to come back, tying the game at five with a three run seventh, but Lakeland fought right back, scoring three more in the seventh as well. Morris again came through for the Muskies, delivering a two-out bases loaded single to score two more runs, giving the Muskies the 8-5 lead.

The Muskies would win the game 8-7 following two Marian runs in the eighth before Schartner closed the door. The Muskies had eight hits but also committed three errors in game one.

To see what Katzman, Schartner, Novak, and Vincetich-Morris have to say about their performance, click here.

In game two, junior right-hander Mike Ruzek (Manitowoc, Wis.) got the ball, tossing nine innings and allowing just three runs, two earned on eight hits while walking and striking out three. Schartner (W, 2-3) got the win, throwing two shutout innings, allowing one walk and striking out two batters.

The Muskies took a 2-1 lead into the ninth, but after an intentional walk loaded the bases, Marian got a two RBI single to take a 3-1 lead.

Lakeland would battle back in their half of the ninth, as freshman Ryan Boettcher (Bonduel, Wis.) beat out a would-be double-play that allowed Morris to score the tying run.

Novak, celebrating his 23rd birthday, got the big hit in the 11 inning, as he doubled down the right field line to drive in Boettcher for the win, 4-1.

Vincetich-Morris led the Muskies at the plate as he went a combined 4-7 with four RBI's and one run scored. Novak was 3-10 with two big RBI's and one run scored.

To see what Ruzek, Schartner, Novak, and Vincetich-Morris have to say about their performances, click here.

The Muskies return to action on Thursday, May 5, as they travel to Kenosha, Wis. for a nonconference double-header against Carthage College. First pitch is set for 3 p.m.

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