In its first Mid-American Conference weekend series of the year, the BG baseball team failed to produce much offense, getting swept by Western Michigan.
The Falcons managed only six runs in the three-game series, losing games 4-3, 10-3 and 1-0.
Even in the sweep, the Falcons were able to find some positives.
Friday starter Cody Apthorpe, mired in a season-long slump, tossed his best start of the season, allowing three runs in five innings. He allowed only three hits, but walked four batters without recording a strikeout.
BG also received a strong start from Andrew Lacinak on Sunday. He threw 6 1/3 innings, allowing one unearned run on three hits and two walks.
The Falcons’ bullpen also had a strong weekend. It allowed only two earned runs during the span of 10 2/3 innings pitched in the three games.
But defense continued to be a big problem for the Falcons, as they committed five errors in the three games, leading to three unearned runs. One of those runs was the only run scored in Sunday’s loss.
Also, Ethan McKenney, making his first start since a complete-game, five-hitter against Eastern Kentucky a week ago, was shelled for seven runs in two innings Saturday.
Offensively, Jake Thomas continued to be strong at the top of the BG lineup, getting hits in all three games, hitting 4-for-10 on the weekend with two RBI.
Brian Bien also had one of his strongest weekends of the season, going 5-for-7 at the bottom of the BG lineup, driving in three runs and scoring a run.
The Falcons drop to 8-14 overall and 0-3 in MAC play. The Falcons finished this past season 11-14 in the MAC.
BG is back in action Tuesday afternoon, as it travels to East Lansing, Mich. for a matchup with Michigan State. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m.
