The Miami University baseball team (18-19, 4-8 Mid-American Conference (MAC)) defeated the University of Dayton Flyers 13-8 behind a strong performance from its bullpen and snapped a four-game losing streak in the process.

“We played well defensively and had some guys step up on the mound,” Head Coach Dan Simonds said. “Which we need, because you have to throw up zeros.”

Freshman starter Clay Cinnamon had a rough go, giving up six runs in 2.1 innings. However, the bullpen, led by freshman Ryan Powers, came through and gave up only four hits and two runs in the final 6.2 innings.

Powers pitched 3.2 innings of one hit ball and gave up no runs.

“Ryan Powers did a tremendous job of just shutting the door for three or four innings,” Simonds said.

Freshman Brian Thene and senior Joe Neff each pitched a scoreless inning of relief. Neff pitched the final inning, while Thene was able to get the ’Hawks out of the seventh inning on just eight pitches.

The whole team got involved in the offensive showing, especially in the six-run seventh inning. The Red and White also benefited from the Flyers’ five errors.

“We got some bunts down and it ends up being a big inning for us,” Simonds said. “In both situations those were sacrifice bunts, not trying to get singles. It is the little things.”

Senior right fielder Bryce Redeker led the offensive charge for the RedHawks, going 2-4 with two runs and two RBIs. Leadoff hitter and senior center fielder Ryan Brenner also made sure to bring his bat going 1-3 with two runs, two RBIs and two walks.

“I’m just trying to make sure I stay through the middle and hit the ball back up the middle,” Redeker said. “That’s what our coaching staff preaches.”

Cleanup hitting junior Kevin Bower lived up to his spot in the batting order, going 2-5 and bringing home a game-high three RBIs. Freshman shortstop Scott Slappey seemed to be a target for Dayton pitchers as he was hit by three pitches but still managed to go 2-2 with two runs and two RBIs. Sophomore third baseman Dan Walsh was just 1-4, but scored a game-high three times to round out the scoring effort.

“We feed off each other a lot,” Redeker said. “We like to think our hitting is contagious.”

The RedHawks will remain at home for the final three games of their current nine-game home stand and will host MAC East Division rival Bowling Green State University (BGSU).

“The win is very big for us because we need to get some momentum going into the weekend,” Redeker said.

Bowling Green enters the series with a 15-21 overall and 4-8 in the MAC. In its most recent series, it took two of three games against MAC East leader Kent State University. BGSU and Miami are currently tied for fourth place in the MAC East.

The RedHawks swept BGSU in their three-game series last year in Oxford by a combined margin of 10-5.

First pitch is set for 6 p.m. Friday, 3 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday.