The Wright State baseball team had an early 2-0 lead and later rallied to tie the game at 4-4, only to see host Illinois score the final four runs, three in the ninth, to claim the NCAA Champaign Regional title Monday by an 8-4 count.

The Raiders gained that 2-0 lead with a pair of runs in the third, a rally that started after the first two batters had been retired.  Andrew McCafferty reached on an error and scored as Sean Murphy executed the hit-and-run to perfection, doubling down the left field line.  Mark Fowler followed with a hit through the left side of the infield to plate Murphy.

Illinois took its first lead of the day with four runs in the top of the fifth, only to see WSU tie it in the bottom half of the frame.  Singles by Matt Morrow and McCafferty set the stage again for Murphy, who hit his second double of the contest, this time to the fence in right center, to drive in Morrow.  Murphy later scored on a Fowler hit to center.

The Fighting Illini, however, went back in front to stay with a run in the sixth and then added three insurance runs in the ninth.

Murphy paced the WSU offense with three hits, two RBI and two runs scored while Fowler had two hits and two RBI.

Wright State, which finished the campaign with a 43-17 record, became the first Horizon League team to ever play in a Division I regional final.

Five Raiders were selected to the regional All-Tournament Team in Murphy, Brodner, Roman, Fowler and Jack Van Horn.  Murphy hit .375 with five RBIs and five runs scored in four games while Brodner drove in three, Roman hit .375 with three RBI and three runs scored, Fowler hit .353 with five RBI and Van Horn pitched eight shutout innings with six strikeouts to defeat Notre Dame in advancing WSU to the regional final.

NCAA Champaign Regional All-Tournament Team

Sean Murphy, C, Wright State

David Kerian, 1B, Illinois (Most Outstanding Player)

Cavan Biggio, 2B, Notre Dame

John Brodner, 3B, Wright State

Mitch Roman, SS, Wright State

Ryan Bull, OF, Notre Dame

Will Krug, OF, Illinois

Mark Fowler, OF, Wright State

Mitch Longo, DH, Ohio

Drasen Johnson, P, Illinois

Jack Van Horn, P, Wright State