FRESNO, Calif. (March 13) -- For the second time in as many days, Miami University's baseball team squandered a last-inning lead in a 10-7 loss to Illinois Tuesday afternoon. With the setback, Miami fell to 0-2 at the Pepsi/Johnny Quik Classic, while Illinois evened its tournament record at 1-1.

Once again, Miami opened the contest with a run when center fielder Clark Mace (London, Ohio/Madison Plains) doubled in right fielder Jason Knoedler (Springfield, Ohio/Springfield/Lincoln Land C.C.). The RedHawks have scored at least one run in each of its four contests during its current west-coast trip.

Miami went on to tally seven runs on 10 hits in the first three innings of the contest to take a 7-2 lead. The outburst was highlighted by a five-run, six-hit third inning. Second baseman Zach Schmidt (Cincinnati, Ohio/McNicholas) capped the eruption with a two-run double.

RedHawk starter Billy Kieninger (Xenia, Ohio/Xenia) scattered 10 hits over eight innings to take a 7-4 advantage into the ninth. However, after Kieninger walked Illini center fielder Brady Ballard to lead off the ninth, Miami went to the bullpen. Illinois (6-6) went on to notch six runs against two RedHawk relievers to hand Miami the defeat.

Every Miami starter collected a hit in a balanced offensive attack. Mace led the RedHawks, going 3-for-5 with an RBI and run scored.

Miami looks for its first win in the Pepsi/Johnny Quik Classic Wednesday versus the University of Portland. First pitch is scheduled for 10 a.m. (PST).