MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (Interstat) — Hayden Bailey pitched a complete-game two-hit shutout Friday afternoon and evening as Central Michigan defeated Akron 3-0 in a Mid-American Conference game at Bill Theunissen Stadium.

Bailey struck out eight batters and walked one while allowing just two hits over nine innings. He threw 91 pitches and did not allow an earned run. The victory improved Central Michigan to 18-27 overall and 9-11 in conference play. Akron fell to 19-29 and 8-12.

The Chippewas broke a scoreless tie in the bottom of the third inning. Jonathan Fleaka led off with a double to left center and advanced to third on a bunt single by Prout. Prout’s bunt was fielded by Akron pitcher Elijah Griffith, whose throw to first base sailed wide, allowing Fleaka to score on the throwing error. The run was unearned.

Central Michigan added a run in the sixth. With one out, Webb singled to left field and Bowman doubled to left, putting runners on second and third. Krzciok then lifted a sacrifice fly to right center, scoring Webb to make it 2-0.

The Chippewas sealed the game in the seventh. Fleaka was hit by a pitch, Prout walked and Parker Munday relieved Griffith. After a strikeout, Verburg walked to load the bases. A wild pitch by Munday allowed Fleaka to score the third run.

Akron managed only two hits in the game. Phillips singled in the seventh and Mathison singled in the ninth. The Zips did not advance a runner past first base until the seventh, and Bailey retired the side in order in the first, second, fourth, fifth and eighth innings.

Elijah Griffith took the loss despite holding Central Michigan hitless through the first two innings. He allowed two hits and two runs, one earned, over six innings with two strikeouts. Munday and Landon Vandegrift each pitched a scoreless inning of relief for the Zips.

Harrison Bowman went 2 for 4 with two doubles for Central Michigan. Brady Krzciok drove in a run with his sacrifice fly. Fleaka also doubled. Spencer Verburg singled in the first. The Chippewas outhit the Zips 8-2.

The game was the first of a three-game series. The teams are scheduled to meet again Saturday and Sunday.

Interstat’s game simulator had projected a final score of Akron 4, Central Michigan 2. Interstat’s ELO system gave Central Michigan a 63.20 percent probability to win.