Bobcats Run-Rule Lamar in Game 2 of Series

A 12-1 run-rule victory over the Lamar Cardinals on Saturday afternoon marked the 350th career victory for Head Coach Ty Harrington, and ensured the third straight series victory over Southland Conference opponents this season. The win put Texas State's overall record at 13-8 and a 6-2 mark in the SLC. The weather (with the wind howling in toward home) and the exciting come from behind finish the previous night set the tone for what many thought would be a two sided pitching duel and another close finish, but the Bobcats ended that idea in the first inning when they posted a five spot. This only foreshadowed the theme of the next few innings and the rest of the game as the game ended after an abrupt seven innings due to the mercy rule. Michael Russo completed all seven innings using the ground ball and the Cardinals' lack of patience to keep his record at a spotless 3-0 for the 2010 season, and many Bobcat hitters put in a collective effort to spark what was arguably the most impressive all around offensive effort all season.

The 'Cats picked up right where they left off from Friday night's rally as they posted a five run first inning sparked by a bases loaded single off the bat of Designated Hitter Jeff McVaney, with RBI singles immediately following from Kyle Kubitza and Laurn Randell. Russo made quick work of the Lamar early on and for most of the game with the help of 3 ground ball double plays spread out through the seven innings. Two of them came in the 6-4-3 variety started by the brilliant glove of shortstop Jason Martinson. The second inning was much like the first for the Bobcats offensively, as Atwood reached on an error in shallow right field allowing Jeff McVaney and Kyle Kubitza to further the damage with back to back doubles to right field. That play was followed immediately by another Laurn Randell single, which eventually chased the Cardinals freshman starter Jonathon Dziedzic out of the game, giving him his first loss of the season.

Cardinal reliever Zach Boulanger didn't post much success either as the Bobcats jumped on him in the third inning, posting a four spot which would be the last bit of offense from the Bobcats. The third was highlighted by a Bret Atwood double and another Kyle Kubitza RBI single, notching the third hit in as many innings. Michael Russo spread out eight hits, one earned run, and five strikeouts throughout the seven inning complete game, with the only run for the Cardinals coming in the seventh inning (although a diving attempt by Laurn Randell nearly sewed up a shut-out). Either way, the Bobcats got to cut out the final two innings of the game easily bringing Coach Ty Harrington to the 350 win plateau as he climbs on toward a taller one.

The game lasted less than 2 hours (1hr and 57 mins) and featured a relatively large saturday afternoon crowd of 814. With the victory the Bobcats look to stay hot at the plate and will go for the series sweep tomorrow afternoon at 1:00. The pitching match-up will feature Eric Harrington (3-0) and Bobcat lefty Lee Colon (2-1). The action can be heard on KTSW 89.9, the only station for Texas State Bobcat Baseball. It can also be heard on the internet at www.ktsw.net and www.txstatebobcats.com.

-Weston Warner, KTSW Sports Staff Writer