Bearkats Crushed Lumberjacks 9-1 To Take Series
What a difference a game make.
After the Sam Houston Bearkats lost the first game of the double-header to Stephen F. Austin, the Bearkats returned the favor by defeating their arch-rivals by the score of 9-1. The win gave the Bearkats the series and improved their Southland Conference record to 2-1 (9-6 overall).
“There’s a huge difference at being 1-2 and 2-1,” head coach David Pierce said. “I know it’s only one game, but for us being a young team, it’s a big plus.”
The Bearkats struck first in the bottom of the second inning on a RBI single by shortstop Corey Toups that made it 1-0.
Third baseman Ryan Farney reached first on a fielders choice and advanced to third on a single by second baseman Jesse Plumlee.
An RBI double by designated hitter Jake Arrington increased the Bearkat lead to 2-0. First baseman Ryan O’Hearn led off the bottom of the third with a single and advanced to second on a ground out by catcher Anthony Azar.
The Lumberjacks scored the first run of the game in the top of the fourth inning on a bases loaded walk to left fielder Rene Moreda to cut the Bearkat lead to 2-1.
Right fielder Ricardo Sanchez led off the inning with an infield single and advanced to second on a throwing error by second baseman Jessie Plumlee. Designated hitter Freddy Villalobos walked to make it first and second. A sacrifice bunt by center fielder Rory Myers put both runners in scoring position to possible tie the score. Second baseman Bryce Cummings walked with two outs to load the bases that set up the Lumberjacks to score.
The Bearkats exploded for four runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to increase their lead to 6-1 on a two run triple by Arrington, an RBI single by left fielder Luke Plucheck and a sacrifice fly by Plumlee.
They added three more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to make it 9-1 on a miscue by short stop Michael Ruiz that allowed right fielder Greg Olson to score from third and a two run double by Azar.
“I think it was really important in the second game to get the lead,” coach Pierce said.
Starting pitcher Caleb Smith went six innings and got his first win of the season. He struck out seven batters and gave up a run on four hits. Reliever Brandon Bergen pitched three innings in relieve of Smith and got his second save of the year.
Starting pitcher Chase Greening got the loss for the Lumberjacks, his third of the season.
The Lumberjacks are now 1-2 in conference play (6-10 overall).
The Bearkats next game will be on Tuesday, March 13 as they will travel to Houston to face the University of Houston Cougars. Game time is at 6:30 p.m.
