Saturday, May 31, 2014

Bearcat Notables - Northwest's Ironman Ryan Abernathy starts every game for 3 seasons, concludes senior season, career .300+ batter

Bearcat Notables - Northwest's Ironman Ryan Abernathy starts every game last 2 seasons, started & played 45 of 50 games his first season, concludes senior year, career .300+ batter

A remarkable baseball player concluded his collegiate career in 2014 with an exemplary career athletic performance.  Ryan Abernathy could be known as Northwest's Ironman having started every single game the past two seasons and 45 of the 50 games his first season at Northwest Missouri State University.  At 5'10", Abernathy patrolled the Bearcat outfield with stunning precision and aggression.  Passionate.  Gritty.  Edgy.  A ballplayer.  One of a kind.  Ryan was Northwest's #3 hitter and played Center Field all season in 2014.  Everybody knew how bad Ryan wanted to get on base every time there was a bang-bang play at first that didn't go his way because, on occasion, first base coach Mike Creason needed to deflect the umpire's attention.  Ryan is the B2R's kind of baseball player.

In total, Ryan's remarkable career concluded as follows:

In 2014, Ryan hit .302, scored 35 runs, 51 hits, 12 doubles, 1 home run, 26 RBIs, .391 slugging, 20 walks, 7 times hit by a pitch, .394 on-base percentage, 8 stolen bases in 10 attempts;

In 2013, Ryan hit .319, scored 51 runs, 58 hits, 13 doubles, 3 triples, 6 home runs, 34 RBIs, .522 slugging, 27 walks, 10 times hit by a pitch, .432 on-base percentage, 14 stolen bases in 17 attempts;

In 2012, Ryan hit .378, scored scored 49 runs, 71 hits, 17 doubles, 2 triples, 1 home run, 24 RBIs, .505 slugging, 18 walks, 5 times hit by a pitch, .445 on-base percentage, 11 stolen bases in 14 attempts.

Kudos to Ryan on an exemplary collegiate career.  In the B2R's humble opinion, Ryan is deserving of Northwest's Athletic Hall of Fame designation.

Go Cats!!
###

Friday, May 30, 2014

Bearcat Notables - Zach Ferreira earns first collegiate start, 4th on team in batting

Bearcat Notables - Zach Ferreira earns first collegiate start, 4th on team in batting

Zach Ferreira burst on to the scene at Northwest Missouri State University earning the starting Third Base job as a true freshman in fall ball and early spring practice.  The Whittier, California, native did not disappoint and was 4th on the team in batting amongst the regular starters after appearing in all 46 games this season (45 starts).  The product of La Habra High School was not a vocal rah-rah guy but brought his lunch pail attitude with a workman-like mentality at practice and during the games.  Zach let his athletic play do the talking for him.  Nice.  Confident.  Pleasant to talk to.  Always curteous.  Matter-of-fact.  The B2R describes it as a quiet swagger.  Let's talk about the swagger:  Zach has a little bravado in him.  In one game during the series against Missouri Southern.  There was some back and forth between the Southern bench and Zach over a particular at bat.  Zach rocked a gapper then flipped his bat that sent a Southern coach over-the-top.  Zach didn't back down but didn't appreciate the talk either.  Attaboy Zach.

In total, Zach hit .310, scored 18 runs, 48 hits, 11 doubles, 1 home run, 23 RBIs, .400 slugging, 15 walks, 2 hit by pitches, .378 on-base percentage, and only 3 errors in all 46 games.

Zach earned his first collegiate start on February 10, 2014 against Northwestern Oklahoma State University.

The B2R congratulates Zach on an exemplary 2014 season.

Go Cats!
###

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Bearcat Notables - Austin Wulff earns first start, leads team in home runs

Bearcat Notables - Austin Wulff earns first collegiate start in 2014, leads team in home runs

A B2R shout-out to Austin Wulff earned his first collegiate start for the Bearcats on February 14, 2014, when Northwest played Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma.  Once Austin earned the starting Left Field job, he did not relinquish it and proved to be an offensive power surge for the 'Cats while playing a solid defensive Left Field.  Austin led the team in home runs.

In total, Austin appeared in 44 games, started 43 games, scored 34 runs, 42 hits, 11 doubles, 7 home runs, 32 RBIs, .490 slugging, 14 walks, 7 hit by pitches, .362 on-base, stolen 2 bases in 3 attempts.

Defensively, Austin only committed 3 errors in 44 games.

Austin is a graduate from Omaha's Millard West High School.

Congratulations to Austin Wulff on an exemplary freshman season with the Bearcats.

Go Cats!!
###

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

NorthwestBearcats.com - Ryker Fox & Jon Pomatto earn All Conference distinction



 The B2R congratulates seniors Jon Pomatto and Ryker Fox for an exemplary 2014 NCAA season.  Both players earned All Conference honors following their athletic performances.  Ryker Fox developed into the team's Ace pitcher in 2014.  Jon Pomatto developed into the team's offensive juggernaut and all-around performer leading the team in saves in 2014.
Kudos to Jon Pomatto and Ryker Fox.  To read more about the two, please click on the link below.

NorthwestBearcats.com

Go Cats!!
###

NorthwestBearcats.com - 14 Bearcats earn MIAA academic honors



MARYVILLE, Mo. - Fourteen members of the Northwest Missouri State University baseball team earned MIAA academic honor roll accolades on Thursday.

These members include Ryan Abernathy (business management and marketing, 3.95 gpa), Patrick Brady (nanoscience: nanoscale chemistry, 3.70 gpa), Ben Bruck (agricultural business, 3.12 gpa), Garrett Fort (marketing, 3.11 gpa), Steven Garber (marketing and business management, 3.41 gpa), Blake Hardegree (physical education, 3.04 gpa), Rob Henrichs (business management, 3.16 gpa), Paul Johnson (business management, 3.51 gpa), Eric McGlauflin (finance:  financial management, 3.46 gpa), Derek Meyer (business management, 3.69 gpa), Adam Pennington (wildlife ecology and conservation, 3.24 gpa), Alex Singleton (marketing, 3.43 gpa), Tanner Smith (management information systems, 3.33 gpa) and Andrew Trout (psychology, 3.11 gpa).


You can read more by clicking on the link below:



NorthwestBearcats.com



Go Cats!!

###

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Bearcat notables - Nikko Pablo earns first collegiate start as pitcher & 2B


Bearcat notables - Nikko Pablo earns first collegiate appearance, first collegiate start as pitcher & 2B

The B2R salutes Nikko Pablo for his hard work and determination. 

Nikko earned his first collegiate playing experience on February 10th when Northwest defeated Northwest Oklahoma State.  Nikko pitched 1.0 inning.
Nikko Pablo earned his first collegiate start as a pitcher when the 'Cats played Missouri Southern in game 2 on April 5, 2014.  Nikko worked 4.0 innings and struck-out 5 batters.

Nikko Pablo earned his first collegiate start at Second Base when the 'Cats played Central Missouri in Maryville on April 12, 2014.  At the plate, Nikko went 2 for 3 with a RBI and a run scored.  Nikko did not commit an error in the game.

In total, Nikko appeared in 20 games throughout the 2014 NCAA season.  As a pitcher, Nikko appeared in 9 games with 2 starts with 14 strike-outs and only 6 walks.  At Second Base, Nikko appeared in 11 games and earned 9 starts with a .400 batting average, .500 slugging, .459 on-base, and was 1-1 in stolen base attempts.  Nikko only had 2 errors in the 20 games he played in 2014.

A hearty B2R shout-out to Nikko Pablo for earning his first collegiate starts.

Go Cats!!
###

Monday, May 26, 2014

Happy Memorial Day. Thank you to our Service Women and Men of the US Armed Forces


The B2R wanted to take a moment and wish everybody a very Happy Memorial Day.  In addition, I wanted to thank each and every member of the US Armed Forces.  Thank you for your commitment and sacrifices to keep our nation free and prosperous.  We love you.




One of the great memories I will have of the 2014 season is the continuing tribute the baseball team made to the service members of US Armed Forces in honor of the late Matt Mason by wearing camouflage jerseys with the American Flag throughout the season.  Matt Mason was an alumnus of Northwest Missouri State and played 2 seasons for the Bearcats baseball team.  Several people contributed funds to make the tribute possible.  All funds used to purchase the jerseys were privately donated.  A big thank you to the Maryville Pride Lions Club whose contribution was the final and necessary amount to make the project a successful one.




In the Spring of 2012, the Bearcats baseball team was the first varsity sport to wear a tribute jersey in honor of the US Armed Forces with funds donated by 7 Bearcat alums, namely Bob Sundell, Bob Rice, Brit and Ryley Westman, Brian Kever, Jon Henne, Jr., and John White.  Then, in 2014, the Bearcats baseball team was the first varsity sport to make a special tribute jersey to the US Armed Forces a regular jersey with funds raised through private fundraisers & donations in the summer and fall of 2013.  All efforts were to pay tribute to the sacrifices of those lives losts defending freedom including the late Matt Mason.  The jerseys will be continuing and regular jerseys used into the future.  The only varsity sport at Northwest to do so.

The camouflage jerseys are a small, yet very important reminder, that freedom isn't free and the sacrifices made by Americans are astounding so that we enjoy those freedoms.


Happy Memorial Day.
Go Cats!!
###

Sunday, May 25, 2014

Bearcats split with Pitt State, miss play-offs


Bearcats split with Pitt State, miss play-offs

Northwest split the 4-game series with Pitt State on the weekend of April 25-26 but fell a game or so short of making the MIAA post-season baseball tournament despite finishing with an overall record of 23-23.  The Bearcats finished with a 17-20 MIAA record and in 9th place.

In Game 1, Northwest lost to Pitt State by the score 5-2 on Friday, April 25, 2014.  Your Bearcats starting nine were Brandon Huske, SS, Nikko Pablo, 2B, Ryan Abernathy, CF, Eric McLaughlin, DH, Austin Wulff, LF, Steven Garber, 1B, Jon Pomatto, RF, Blake Hardegree, C, Zack Ferreira, 3B, and your starting pitcher was Austin Warren.

Offensively, Northwest scored 2 runs off of 5 hits, 0 RBIs, 4 walks, 6 strike-outs, and left 6 runners on base.  Your offensive star was Nikko Pablo, who went 2 for 4 in the game.  Austin Wulff, Steven Garber, and Zack Ferreira each earned a hit in the game.

Defensively, Northwest committed 1 error and did not turn a double-play.

Pitching, Austin Warren earned the start and picked-up the loss to see his 2014 record go to 2-5.  In total, Austin worked 6.1 innings, allowed 6 hits, 5 runs (only 2 earned), 2 walks, 2 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and did not hit a batter.  Blane Reutter came into the game in the 7th inning and worked the final 0.2 inning, 0 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, and 0 strike-outs.  Blane did not throw a wild pitch, throw a balk, or hit a batter.

In game 2, Northwest lost by the score 4-3 in a 9-inning game.  Your Bearcats starting nine were Brandon Huske, SS, Nikko Pablo, 2B, Ryan Abernathy, CF, Eric McLaughlin, DH, Austin Wulff, LF, Steven Garber, 1B, Jon Pomatto, RF, Blake Hardegree, C, Zack Ferreira, 3B, and your starting pitcher was Kole Klocko.

Offensively, Northwest scored 3 runs off of 11 hits, 3 RBIs, 3 walks, 4 strike-outs, and left 8 runners on base.  Your three offensive stars were Nikko Pablo, who went 2 for 4 in the game with 2 RBIs, Austin Wulff, who went 2 for 4 with 1 RBI and a run scored, and Zack Ferreira, who went 2 for 4 with a run scored in the game.  Also of note, Brandon Huske, Ryan Abernathy, Eric McLaughlin, Steven Garber, Jon Pomatto each earned a hit in the game.  Austin Wulff hit his 7th home run of the year.

Defensively, Northwest committed 2 errors in the game and turned 1 double-play.

Pitching, Kole Klocko earned the start in the game but picked-up the loss to see his 2014 record move to 1-4.  In total, Kole worked 4.2 innings, allowed 1 hit, 2 runs, only 1 earned, 3 walks, 2 strike-outs, 0 balks, 0 wild pitches, but hit 4 batters.  In the 5th inning, Daulton Perry came into the game and worked 2.0 innings, allowed 2 hits, 2 runs (both unearned), 0 walks, 1 strike-out, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.  In the 7th inning, Bex Trout came into the game and worked 1.1 inning, allowed 2 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, 3 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and did not hit a batter.  In the 9th inning, Blane Reutter came into the game and worked 1.0 inning, allowed 0 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, 0 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.

In game 3, Northwest beat Pitt State 11-2 in a 7-inning game.  Your starting Bearcat nine were Brandon Huske, SS, Nikko Pablo, 2B, Ryan Abernathy, CF, Eric McLaughlin, DH, Austin Wulff, LF, Steven Garber, 1B, Jon Pomatto, RF, Blake Hardegree, C, Zack Ferreira, 3B, and your starting pitcher was Ryker Fox.

Offensively, Northwest scored 11 runs off of 15 hits, 10 RBIs, 6 walks, 4 strike-outs, and left 9 runners on base.  Your offensive star of the game was Jon Pomatto, who went 3 for 4 with 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored in the game.  Of note, 5 other Bearcats had multi-hit games in the game:

Ryan Abernathy went 2 for 3 with 2 runs scored and a walk;
Austin Wulff went 2 for 3 with 3 runs scored a walk and a RBI;
Steven Garber went 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs, 2 runs scored, and a walk;
Blake Hardegree went 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs and a run scored; and
Zack Ferreira went 2 for 3 with a walk and a RBI.

Defensively, Northwest committed 1 error (Hardegree) and turned 2 double-plays in the game.

Pitching, Ryker Fox threw a gem and earned a complete game victory for the Bearcats.  In total, Ryker worked 7.0 innings, allowed 11 hits, 2 runs (both earned), 2 walks, 6 strike-outs, 2 wild pitches, 0 balks, and hit 1 batter.  With the win, Ryker's 2014 record moved to 7-3 on the year.

In game 4, Northwest defeated Pitt State 8-2 in a 9-inning game.  With the victory, Northwest's 2014 record advanced to 23-23 meaning it was the best record the Bearcats had earned in 4-5 years.  Your starting Bearcat nine were Brandon Huske, SS, Alex Singleton, LF, Ryan Abernathy, CF, Eric McLaughlin, DH, Steven Garber, 1B, Jon Pomatto, RF, Garrett Fort, 2B, Zack Douglas, C, Zack Ferreira, 3B, and your starting pitcher was Daulton Perry.

Offensively, Northwest scored 8 runs off of 14 hits, 8 RBIs, 3 walks, 2 strike-outs, and left 11 runners on base.  Your two offensive stars of the game were Brandon Huske, who went 3 for 5 with a RBI, and Ryan Abernathy, who went 3 for 5 with 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored.  Of note, Garrett Fort went 2 for 5 with 3 RBIs and a run scored.  Also in the game, Alex Singleton, Eric McLaughlin, Steven Garber, Jon Pomatto, Zack Douglas, and Zack Ferreira, each earned a hit in the game.

Defensively, Northwest committed 2 errors in the game (Huske and Singleton).

Pitching, Daulton Perry earned the start and win to see his 2014 record move to 3-0 on the year.  In total, Daulton worked 6.0 innings, allowed 2 hits, 1 run (unearned), 1 walk, 2 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.  Blane Reutter came into the game in the 7th inning and worked 2.0 innings, did not allow a hit or a run, walked 1 batter, struck-out 2, and did not throw a wild pitch, a balk, or hit a batter.  Jon Pomatto came into the game in the 9th inning and worked 1.0 inning, allowed 2 hits, 1 earned run, 0 walks, 0 strike-outs, and did not throw a wild pitch, a balk, or hit a batter.




The 'Cats 2014 season came to an end following the Pitt State Series.  Keep checking the B2R for tributes to the 2014 senior class.  Despite not making the play-offs, the 2014 senior class has a lot to be proud of with the team finishing with its best record in 7 seasons including 2014.

The B2R wants to take a moment to thank all of the 2014 seniors for being great guys and representing Northwest Missouri State University so well in the class room, in the community, and on the playing field.  I will miss each and every one of you very much.  Please keep in touch.

Once a Bearcat, always a Bearcat.

Go Cats!!
###