OXFORD, Ohio (March 21) -- Led by junior Russ Bayer's (Naperville, Ill./Naperville North) 11th-career complete game, Miami University's baseball team defeated Xavier University 4-1 Wednesday afternoon at Stanley G. McKie Field.

Bayer allowed only four hits in the effort, while striking out five and walking just two. Xavier could only muster a first-inning unearned run as the southpaw evened his 2001 record at 1-1.

Miami, too, was having trouble collecting base hits, tallying just three in the game's first six innings and five for the game. However, the RedHawks took advantage of five Musketeer errors, including two in the fifth, when the Red and White grabbed a 3-1 advantage. First baseman Brady Nori (Middletown, Ohio/Middletown) notched the inning's big blow, a two-run single to right that gave Miami (8-9) the lead for good.

Those runs would be all Bayer needed as he retired 13 straight Musketeers from the third through the seventh innings. Xavier (7-14) threatened in the ninth after Bayer walked his first two batters to open the final frame, but a double play and a strikeout secured the complete game and Miami victory.

Miami ventures to Clarksville, Tenn. this weekend to take on Ohio Valley Conference-favorite Austin Peay. Games are set for 2 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday.