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MARSHALL SPORTS
Herd's Farrell mows down EKU
Marshall's Shane Farrell throws a pitch as the Herd takes on Eastern Kentucky during the baseball game on Wednesday, April 15, 2009, at the Kennedy Center.
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HUNTINGTON — The first half of the Marshall University baseball season wasn’t kind to sophomore pitcher Shane Farrell as the Westlake, Ohio, native lost his first six decisions.
On Wednesday, though, things couldn’t have been better.
Farrell pitched a complete game, allowing one run on six hits striking out 11 batters, to lead Marshall past Eastern Kentucky, 5-1, on George T. Smailes at the YMCA Kennedy Center.
In the first inning, the Thundering Herd offense gave Farrell all the run support he needed. Victor Gomez hit a three-run home run over the center-field wall to give Marshall (15-20) a 3-0 lead.
Eastern Kentucky scored its run in the second inning. Any momentum the Colonels were hoping to build was shut down by Farrell, who picked off a runner at first base and struck out Richie Rodriguez for the third out.
Marshall coach Jeff Waggoner was pleased with Farrell’s performance.
“He has his confidence back,” Waggoner said. “His velocity looked good and he had great rhythm. He gave himself an advantage by getting ahead on counts and did a good job against their leadoff hitters.”
Farrell notched his first victory of the season.
He showed great command on the mound, throwing strikes and being consistent with his delivery.
“It’s easy to get in a rhythm with the defense playing well,” Farrell said. “I had good stuff out there today. It gives me confidence. I struggled early on and lost some confidence, this win will help.”
Marshall will travel to play fourth-ranked Rice in a three-game Conference USA series beginning Friday. Despite having a 5-7 conference record, Waggoner feels his team is right in the thick of things.
“People need to realize we are fifth right now in one of the best conferences in the country,” Waggoner said. “We’re a game out of fourth place, if you finish in the top four you might get a regional bid. So it’s not as bad as it appears.”
Strong pitching against one of the nation’s best programs will be essential for Marshall. If the Herd starters can perform on the mound as Farrell did Wednesday, Marshall could be major test for Rice.
Eastern Kentucky (19-14) was led by Aaron Barrows with two hits. Paintsville, Ky., native Matt Fyffe started for the Colonels, throwing one inning and losing the decision.
