After an impressive 12-11, come-from-behind victory on Saturday, Coach Harrington and the Bobcats found themselves in first place atop the Southland Conference baseball standings by two games over the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks, despite a 7-6 loss on Sunday. The 'Cats were gearing up for a potential sweep going into Sunday's game with an undefeated Colton Turner taking the mound at 5-0. That being said, the 'Jax came out swinging Sunday afternoon, and with the help of a few costly errors and the premature ejection of junior third baseman Kyle Kubitza, the SFA Lumberjacks edged the Bobcats 7-6 to avoid the series sweep.
Stephen F. Austin star Bryson Myles continued to swing a hot bat for the 'Jax as he lead off Sunday's game with a solo blast over the net in left field on an 0-1 fastball offering from Colton Turner. SFA also collected three more hits in the top of the first, and added a run to notch an early 2-0 lead. Turner would immediately settle down after the initial first inning blues by coming hard inside on righties with his 2-seam fastball, as he sat down nine of the next eleven batters for the Lumberjacks.
After three flawless innings from SFA starter Zach Taylor, Andrew Stumph finally got the Bobcats on the board and cut the lead in half in the bottom of the fourth inning with a two out single up the middle, allowing Ory Kalenkosky to score. An inning later, Kubitza came up with two runners on and two outs to line one off of the right-centerfield wall; as the runners Tyler Sibley and Bret Atwood came around to score, tying the game at three, Kubitza slid head first into third with a triple only to see the ball scoot away from the 'Jax third baseman Bryce Cummings. Kubitza then headed home and greeted SFA catcher Jarid Scarafiottii with a hook slide, but to no avail as home plate umpire David Wellman not only called Kubitza out on the play, but in turn immediately tossed the junior out of the game without any hesitation and the game remained a 3-3 tie.
After the Lumberjacks scored two more of their own in the top of the sixth, Stumph continued to swing a hot stick and tied the game in the bottom half of the inning with a two-run homerun to left field that in turn chased SFA starter Zach Taylor out of the ballgame. With that, a few costly Bobcat errors and a relentless offense from the Lumberjacks the next inning put the 'Jax up 7-5, and that was all of the room that Jason West and the Purple and Black needed. West tossed the final three innings of the ballgame, and in doing so notched his fifth save. Bobcat senior right hander Fielding Pittman was credited with the loss, and Colton Turner got the no-decision to remain undefeated.
The loss still ensures the top spot in the Southland Conference with a record of 10-2 (19-8 overall) and with the series win, the Bobcats still have not lost a weekend series all year. The Bobats have dropped down in the RPI ratings from last week (No. 11) but are still in the Top 20 (No. 20).
The next four games for the 'Cats will be on the road in the state of Arkansas, as they take on University of Arkansas Wednesday night, and then head to Conway to take on Central Arkansas for a three game series. Also, stay tuned to the rest of the baseball season as Coach Ty Harrington is creeping up to career win number 400, needing only 6 more wins to reach the milestone.
Weston Warner, KTSW Sports
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Softball Breaks out Brooms to End Losing Skid
The Texas State Bobcats softball team completed a three game sweep over the Southeastern Louisiana Sunday in convincing fashion by run-ruling the Lady Lions 12-1. Only four and a half innings were played as the Bobcats put on a hitting clinic, starting with a quick three run bottom of the first, highlighted by a two RBI triple by designated player, senior McKenzie Baack, who later scored.
The Bobcats would go scoreless in the second, but with the top of the order returning in the third, Texas State got things going again. After scoring one and having two on, SLU brought in a new pitcher who only made matters worse with a passed ball and a wild pitch, and after it was all said and done, six Bobcats runs were across the plate.
Early this year, Purdue run-ruled the Bobcats 9-0 earlier, but in this case it was too early for the game to be called. So the Bobcats took advantage by allowing only two hits in the top of the fourth, letting no runs score and then in the bottom of the frame, they added three more runs to take a 12-0 lead entering the fifth inning.
Freshman pitcher Crystal Alaniz came in to "close" the game, and one final chance for the Lady Lions to make a comeback faded quickly, as Alaniz only gave up one run in the form of a home run to SLU designated player Jessie Brown. One run wouldn't be enough to keep the game going for Southeastern Louisiana and the Bobcats took their 18th win of the season.
Sophomore pitcher Anne-Marie Taylor had a no hitter through three innings and ended up pitching four complete while giving up no runs and only two hits while striking out four.
With this win the Bobcats continue their up and down season by improving their record to .500 (18-18) and maintaining an above .500 record in SLC play with an 11-7 record.
Karl Schoening, KTSW Sports
The Bobcats would go scoreless in the second, but with the top of the order returning in the third, Texas State got things going again. After scoring one and having two on, SLU brought in a new pitcher who only made matters worse with a passed ball and a wild pitch, and after it was all said and done, six Bobcats runs were across the plate.
Early this year, Purdue run-ruled the Bobcats 9-0 earlier, but in this case it was too early for the game to be called. So the Bobcats took advantage by allowing only two hits in the top of the fourth, letting no runs score and then in the bottom of the frame, they added three more runs to take a 12-0 lead entering the fifth inning.
Freshman pitcher Crystal Alaniz came in to "close" the game, and one final chance for the Lady Lions to make a comeback faded quickly, as Alaniz only gave up one run in the form of a home run to SLU designated player Jessie Brown. One run wouldn't be enough to keep the game going for Southeastern Louisiana and the Bobcats took their 18th win of the season.
Sophomore pitcher Anne-Marie Taylor had a no hitter through three innings and ended up pitching four complete while giving up no runs and only two hits while striking out four.
With this win the Bobcats continue their up and down season by improving their record to .500 (18-18) and maintaining an above .500 record in SLC play with an 11-7 record.
Karl Schoening, KTSW Sports
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Bobcats Stay in First as Sibley
Extends Hit Streak
Extends Hit Streak
With another Saturday afternoon win under their belts, Texas State baseball remains the Southland team to beat after a 12-11 victory over Stephen F. Austin. Hit after hit, the Bobcats came out on top for the second day in a row, scoring in all but three innings to stay in first place.
Lee Colon got the weekend start against the Lumberjacks, a new role for the senior, one that he traded his weekday starting duties over to junior right hander Mitchell Pitts, which proved to be a smart decision so far.
In the top of the first, Lumberjack all-star Bryson Myles came out swinging with a groundball single to left centerfield. Myles is easily one of the best players in the Southland Conference, and is also the NCAA leader in stolen bases, showing his wheels by advancing to second and third in the mere blink of an eye. He would come home to score on a base hit, but the hot Texas State bats made this lead short-lived.
The Bobcats drove in three runs in the bottom of the first with a Kyle Kubitza RBI double and RBI singles from Ory Kalenkoskey and Jeff McVaney to give Texas State a 3-1 lead.
Junior infielder Tyler Sibley extended his impressive hitting streak to 29 games with an RBI single back up the middle to tie the game in the fourth inning, and in the fifth, sophomore outfielder Corey Falvey blasted a 2-0 pitch over the left-field fence for his first home run on the season to give Texas State a 10-8 lead.
An unearned run in a wild seventh inning got SFA closer, but Texas State was able to maintain a 10-9 edge after an exciting run down got the ‘Cats out of a potentially game-blowing situation. With two runners on, senior reliever Joseph Dvorsky snared a come-backer and fired home to start the rundown, eventually getting one out between third and home. Senior centerfielder Bret Atwood came in from his position to apply the tag on the second runner at second base to end the inning.
A pair of runs in the bottom of the eighth gave the Bobcats some insurance, but the Lumberjacks brought it closer with two runs in the top of the ninth. Junior Dylan Adamek came in for Dvorsky to shut the ‘Jax down in the end, securing his first save of the season and the 12-11 win.
Another strong batter for the Bobcats was Catcher Andrew Stumph, who bumped his meek .212 batting average to .280 with a 4-for-4 day at the plate, also driving in two runs.
The win gives Texas State a 10-1 Southland Conference record and an overall mark of 19-9. Catch the series finale tomorrow on TxStateBobcats.com with the first pitch set for 1:00 PM.
Tyler Thomason, KTSW Sports
Lee Colon got the weekend start against the Lumberjacks, a new role for the senior, one that he traded his weekday starting duties over to junior right hander Mitchell Pitts, which proved to be a smart decision so far.
In the top of the first, Lumberjack all-star Bryson Myles came out swinging with a groundball single to left centerfield. Myles is easily one of the best players in the Southland Conference, and is also the NCAA leader in stolen bases, showing his wheels by advancing to second and third in the mere blink of an eye. He would come home to score on a base hit, but the hot Texas State bats made this lead short-lived.
The Bobcats drove in three runs in the bottom of the first with a Kyle Kubitza RBI double and RBI singles from Ory Kalenkoskey and Jeff McVaney to give Texas State a 3-1 lead.
Junior infielder Tyler Sibley extended his impressive hitting streak to 29 games with an RBI single back up the middle to tie the game in the fourth inning, and in the fifth, sophomore outfielder Corey Falvey blasted a 2-0 pitch over the left-field fence for his first home run on the season to give Texas State a 10-8 lead.
An unearned run in a wild seventh inning got SFA closer, but Texas State was able to maintain a 10-9 edge after an exciting run down got the ‘Cats out of a potentially game-blowing situation. With two runners on, senior reliever Joseph Dvorsky snared a come-backer and fired home to start the rundown, eventually getting one out between third and home. Senior centerfielder Bret Atwood came in from his position to apply the tag on the second runner at second base to end the inning.
A pair of runs in the bottom of the eighth gave the Bobcats some insurance, but the Lumberjacks brought it closer with two runs in the top of the ninth. Junior Dylan Adamek came in for Dvorsky to shut the ‘Jax down in the end, securing his first save of the season and the 12-11 win.
Another strong batter for the Bobcats was Catcher Andrew Stumph, who bumped his meek .212 batting average to .280 with a 4-for-4 day at the plate, also driving in two runs.
The win gives Texas State a 10-1 Southland Conference record and an overall mark of 19-9. Catch the series finale tomorrow on TxStateBobcats.com with the first pitch set for 1:00 PM.
Tyler Thomason, KTSW Sports
Bobcat Softball Back on Track After
Double Header Sweep
Double Header Sweep
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of sweeping a double header against a Southland Conference rival.
Well, maybe the feeling is just a bit sweeter when it comes after five consecutive losses. Either way, Saturday was definitely a day on which the Texas State Softball Team could breathe a sigh of relief after the squad handed the Southeastern Louisiana Lady Lions a pair of losses that brought their own three game win streak to a halt with a 5-3 Game One victory and a 6-4 win in Game Two.
Sophomore Anne Marie Taylor started the first game in the circle for the Bobcats and pitched superbly, recording seven strikeouts and allowing only one earned run over four and two-thirds innings. Freshman Crystal Alaniz went the rest of the way for Texas State getting her fourth save including two strikeouts.
The Bobcats were led on offense by the duo of sophomores Anna Hernandez and Haley Lemons, each with two hits. But the spark for Texas State came from an unlikely source in the second inning when junior catcher Megan Parten crushed her first career home run over the left field wall. Parten’s dinger came with Hernandez on base to give the Bobcats an early 2-0 lead.
From then on the ‘Cats played to a 3-3 tie with the Lions, with each team scoring the rest of their runs in the ballgame in the fifth and sixth innings, with Texas State tacking on some insurance in the sixth to seal the win.
The Bobcats started lightning-fast in Game Two with three runs in the top of the first. Lion’s starter Jessie Browne was yanked before she could even record one out. Just as it was in Game One, Hernandez came up big, driving in two of the three first inning runs with a ferociously hit single to right field. Not to be outdone by her teammate, Lemons was a perfect 3-for-3 with a run scored in the first, adding an RBI in the fourth.
Chandler Hall didn’t have her typical day in the circle but still picked up the win in four and two-thirds inning. She allowed four runs before making way for fabulous freshman Crystal Alaniz, who again went two and a third innings to pick up the save.
The two wins keep the Bobcats (17-18, 10-7 SLC) in sole possession of third place in the standings. After the series finale tomorrow, the Bobcats will host the Bears of Central Arkansas next weekend who are currently toiling in the bottom half of the Southland Standings. Each game of the series will be broadcast on 89.9 FM and on ktsw.net.
Aaron Alaniz, KTSW Sports
Well, maybe the feeling is just a bit sweeter when it comes after five consecutive losses. Either way, Saturday was definitely a day on which the Texas State Softball Team could breathe a sigh of relief after the squad handed the Southeastern Louisiana Lady Lions a pair of losses that brought their own three game win streak to a halt with a 5-3 Game One victory and a 6-4 win in Game Two.
Sophomore Anne Marie Taylor started the first game in the circle for the Bobcats and pitched superbly, recording seven strikeouts and allowing only one earned run over four and two-thirds innings. Freshman Crystal Alaniz went the rest of the way for Texas State getting her fourth save including two strikeouts.
The Bobcats were led on offense by the duo of sophomores Anna Hernandez and Haley Lemons, each with two hits. But the spark for Texas State came from an unlikely source in the second inning when junior catcher Megan Parten crushed her first career home run over the left field wall. Parten’s dinger came with Hernandez on base to give the Bobcats an early 2-0 lead.
From then on the ‘Cats played to a 3-3 tie with the Lions, with each team scoring the rest of their runs in the ballgame in the fifth and sixth innings, with Texas State tacking on some insurance in the sixth to seal the win.
The Bobcats started lightning-fast in Game Two with three runs in the top of the first. Lion’s starter Jessie Browne was yanked before she could even record one out. Just as it was in Game One, Hernandez came up big, driving in two of the three first inning runs with a ferociously hit single to right field. Not to be outdone by her teammate, Lemons was a perfect 3-for-3 with a run scored in the first, adding an RBI in the fourth.
Chandler Hall didn’t have her typical day in the circle but still picked up the win in four and two-thirds inning. She allowed four runs before making way for fabulous freshman Crystal Alaniz, who again went two and a third innings to pick up the save.
The two wins keep the Bobcats (17-18, 10-7 SLC) in sole possession of third place in the standings. After the series finale tomorrow, the Bobcats will host the Bears of Central Arkansas next weekend who are currently toiling in the bottom half of the Southland Standings. Each game of the series will be broadcast on 89.9 FM and on ktsw.net.
Aaron Alaniz, KTSW Sports
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Bobcats Open SFA Series with 10-3 "W"
Texas State baseball triumphed 10-3 Firday night in the first game of the weekend series against the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks after an upsetting loss against Missouri duing the week.
Junior pitcher Carson Smith started for the Bobcats but struggled in the first couple of innings. The Lumberjacks gained an unearned run at the top of the first inning by designated cleanup hitter Jarid Scarafiotti who. But as the game went on, Smith finally jumped into his grove and kept SFA from advancing any more runs. Smith went seven innings and allowed no earned runs and improved to 4-1 on the season with his fourth straight win.
The Lumberjacks wouldn’t score again until the seventh inning off of Texas State senior right hander Fielding .
Offense for the Bobcats took advantage of the SFA pitching staff and had senior left handed starter Tyler Herriage taken out early after giving up six runs, four of them earned, over 4 1/3 innings. Stephen F. Austin made six pitching changes throughout the game, thanks to offense such as that from Casey Kalenkosky, whose homer to left field in the third inning forced a call to the bullpen. The home run also broke the 155-inning streak for SFA not allowing a home run.
The offense continued to roll thanks to junior Isaac Nuti, who had a multi-hit day, helping the Bobcats lead the game and take advantage of their 6-1 score after five innings.
Strategy was key for Texas State and leading off the series with the first win was crucial in order to hold on to first place in the Southland Conference. Both SFA and Texas State had been tied for first with eight wins and one loss prior to Friday’s game, which could explain the high attendance of 1,077 fans at Bobcat Field.
KTSW will air Saturday’s game via Stretch Internet on TxStateBobcats.com, with the pregame beginning at 1:45 PM and via 89.9 FM KTSW Sunday at 12:45 noon.
Jessica Salinas, KTSW Sports
Junior pitcher Carson Smith started for the Bobcats but struggled in the first couple of innings. The Lumberjacks gained an unearned run at the top of the first inning by designated cleanup hitter Jarid Scarafiotti who. But as the game went on, Smith finally jumped into his grove and kept SFA from advancing any more runs. Smith went seven innings and allowed no earned runs and improved to 4-1 on the season with his fourth straight win.
The Lumberjacks wouldn’t score again until the seventh inning off of Texas State senior right hander Fielding .
Offense for the Bobcats took advantage of the SFA pitching staff and had senior left handed starter Tyler Herriage taken out early after giving up six runs, four of them earned, over 4 1/3 innings. Stephen F. Austin made six pitching changes throughout the game, thanks to offense such as that from Casey Kalenkosky, whose homer to left field in the third inning forced a call to the bullpen. The home run also broke the 155-inning streak for SFA not allowing a home run.
The offense continued to roll thanks to junior Isaac Nuti, who had a multi-hit day, helping the Bobcats lead the game and take advantage of their 6-1 score after five innings.
Strategy was key for Texas State and leading off the series with the first win was crucial in order to hold on to first place in the Southland Conference. Both SFA and Texas State had been tied for first with eight wins and one loss prior to Friday’s game, which could explain the high attendance of 1,077 fans at Bobcat Field.
KTSW will air Saturday’s game via Stretch Internet on TxStateBobcats.com, with the pregame beginning at 1:45 PM and via 89.9 FM KTSW Sunday at 12:45 noon.
Jessica Salinas, KTSW Sports
Friday, April 1, 2011
Bobcat Softball Trampled
by No. 8/9 Longhorns
by No. 8/9 Longhorns
It’s tough to win when you lose. Or something like that.
Stengelese aside, it’s also tough to make light of a struggling Texas State softball team (15-18; 8-7 SLC) that has followed a five game win streak with a current five game losing streak, the most recent being a 6-2 loss against the Texas Longhorns (29-3) in San Marcos Wednesday night. The ‘Horns put on a fireworks show with four homeruns to stretch their win streak to 13 games, their best since 2007.
Bobcat senior outfielder Allyce Rother laid down a bunt single in the second inning, bringing freshman shortstop Jordan Massek home from third to put the Bobcats on the board first. Rother also doubled to left field in the sixth on a ball that fell just inches fair to bring sophomore second baseman Anna Hernandez home for the only Texas State offense of the night.
Conversely, the long ball got it done for Texas.
The ‘Horns responded in the top of the third with a two run homer by senior catcher Amy Hooks, and in the fourth, the show continued with two solo shots and a two run blast by junior first baseman Lexy Bennett, who leads the Big 12 in batting average.
Junior pitcher Chandler Hall gave up all six of these runs on 10 hits in her 3 2/3 innings of work, and was also hitless at the plate. Sophomore Anne Marie Taylor came on in relief and was solid in shutting the ‘Horns down for the final 3 1/3 innings, striking out four and only allowing two hits.
The ‘Cats made a handful of comeback attempts but each time fell short, including the bottom of the seventh, leaving two runners on to end the game.
Texas State has only been outscored by ten runs during the losing streak, but also has left 34 runners stranded on the bags in that span. With that in mind, the pressure might be more fairly placed on the offense’s proverbial shoulders if the Bobcats want to make a run at an SLC four-peat in 2011.
Coach Ricci Woodard and the girls host the sixth-place Southeastern Louisiana Lions (14-15; 4-5 SLC) this weekend in San Marcos with game one of a double header tomorrow at 1:00 PM. Game two is at 3:00 PM with the final at noon on Sunday. Catch the live broadcast on 89.9 FM or ktsw.net.
Mason Robinson, KTSW Assistant Sports Director
Stengelese aside, it’s also tough to make light of a struggling Texas State softball team (15-18; 8-7 SLC) that has followed a five game win streak with a current five game losing streak, the most recent being a 6-2 loss against the Texas Longhorns (29-3) in San Marcos Wednesday night. The ‘Horns put on a fireworks show with four homeruns to stretch their win streak to 13 games, their best since 2007.
Bobcat senior outfielder Allyce Rother laid down a bunt single in the second inning, bringing freshman shortstop Jordan Massek home from third to put the Bobcats on the board first. Rother also doubled to left field in the sixth on a ball that fell just inches fair to bring sophomore second baseman Anna Hernandez home for the only Texas State offense of the night.
Conversely, the long ball got it done for Texas.
The ‘Horns responded in the top of the third with a two run homer by senior catcher Amy Hooks, and in the fourth, the show continued with two solo shots and a two run blast by junior first baseman Lexy Bennett, who leads the Big 12 in batting average.
Junior pitcher Chandler Hall gave up all six of these runs on 10 hits in her 3 2/3 innings of work, and was also hitless at the plate. Sophomore Anne Marie Taylor came on in relief and was solid in shutting the ‘Horns down for the final 3 1/3 innings, striking out four and only allowing two hits.
The ‘Cats made a handful of comeback attempts but each time fell short, including the bottom of the seventh, leaving two runners on to end the game.
Texas State has only been outscored by ten runs during the losing streak, but also has left 34 runners stranded on the bags in that span. With that in mind, the pressure might be more fairly placed on the offense’s proverbial shoulders if the Bobcats want to make a run at an SLC four-peat in 2011.
Coach Ricci Woodard and the girls host the sixth-place Southeastern Louisiana Lions (14-15; 4-5 SLC) this weekend in San Marcos with game one of a double header tomorrow at 1:00 PM. Game two is at 3:00 PM with the final at noon on Sunday. Catch the live broadcast on 89.9 FM or ktsw.net.
Mason Robinson, KTSW Assistant Sports Director
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Frogs Hop 'Cats in 3-1 Road Loss
Texas State represented the first game of a 13-game home stand for No. 11 Texas Christian University as the Horned Frogs came away with a 3-1 win over the Bobcats Tuesday at Lupton Stadium.
Coming into these games, the Bobcats understand that these Tuesday games, especially those against nationally ranked teams, are important for at-large bids come NCAA postseason selection time. Starting pitcher, senior Lee Colon, had a solid outing, giving up no runs as the Bobcats struck first with a run in the top of the second.
A combination of Bobcat defense and strong winds coming in from right field kept Texas State in the lead at 1-0 until the bottom of the seventh, when third baseman Kyle Kubitza made a two out, bases loaded error. Blame the bad hop. It hit Kubitza’s wrist and ended up in left field, resulting in three runs for the Frogs.
Those turned out to be the deciding runs in the ball game. While the Bobcats made some phenomenal comebacks during the Houston series, thanks to clutch home run hitting, there was little hope in this one to repeat that success as the wind prevented anything from leaving the park.
These two teams won't meet again during the 2011 regular season. However the Bobcats will surely love to see these Horned Frogs again down the road, when the stakes are much, much higher.
Karl Schoening, KTSW Sports
Coming into these games, the Bobcats understand that these Tuesday games, especially those against nationally ranked teams, are important for at-large bids come NCAA postseason selection time. Starting pitcher, senior Lee Colon, had a solid outing, giving up no runs as the Bobcats struck first with a run in the top of the second.
A combination of Bobcat defense and strong winds coming in from right field kept Texas State in the lead at 1-0 until the bottom of the seventh, when third baseman Kyle Kubitza made a two out, bases loaded error. Blame the bad hop. It hit Kubitza’s wrist and ended up in left field, resulting in three runs for the Frogs.
Those turned out to be the deciding runs in the ball game. While the Bobcats made some phenomenal comebacks during the Houston series, thanks to clutch home run hitting, there was little hope in this one to repeat that success as the wind prevented anything from leaving the park.
These two teams won't meet again during the 2011 regular season. However the Bobcats will surely love to see these Horned Frogs again down the road, when the stakes are much, much higher.
Karl Schoening, KTSW Sports
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