Warrensburg, Mo. - The University of Central Missouri defeated Northwest Missouri State baseball team 8-7 in Warrensburg to win Game 3 & the series on Saturday, March 26, 2016. Northwest's offense came through and averaged 6 runs per game in this series but the trademark pitching and defense fell on tough times and UCM capitalized on those mistakes. In a series that featured two 1-run losses to UCM, Northwest typically strong defense allowed a weekend total of 7 unearned runs due to errors. Ironically, Game 3 was Northwest's strongest defensive performance of the series but UCM used the long ball to win the day.
As the B2R reflects on the UCM series, I took away several positives:
1) Offense is coming around and scoring enough runs to win baseball games;
2) Energy and focus - The dugout was full of of energy and the guys were toe-to-toe with the #1 team in the MIAA on the road;
3) NWMSU fans were vocal, traveled well, and cheered on the cats on the road series.
4) Jay Hrdlicka was pretty good at first base;
5) James Holler played three positions this weekend - third, right field, and first - and did all extremely well;
6) Jake Lewis could be the key to Northwest's season for the intangibles he brings - offense and defense - and his mental toughness and back-alley street toughness could take the team to a whole new level.
7) Brad Roberts took a big step in Game 3 - while statistically not his best performance, Brad took ownership of the game when UCM was stealing signs, called out to his catcher, and made adjustments. Brad said it out loud and I am very excited to see where he goes from here. I like what I see in that mental toughness and bravado.
Game 3 was Northwest's best defensive performance of the series (frankly of the entire week). If the Bearcats keep that edge and focus this week, I feel the team can defeat UNK and win the Pitt State series.
Offense - Ozzie Adams was the Bearcats MVP in Game 3. In total, Ozzie went 3 for 5 (including a double) and 2 RBIs in the game. James Holler went 2 for 4 with 1 walk and 1 run scored in the game. James Holler (aka - the man with 1,000 baseball gloves) played first base on Sunday which was his third position played in the series. Nick Gotta went 1 for 3 with 1 walk in the game. Kolby Greenslade picked up 2 RBIs and 1 run scored in the game. Jake Lewis went 1 for 5 in the game. Nick Howard earned a walk in the game. Garrett Fort went 1 for 5 with 1 run scored in the game. Jay Hrdlicka went 1 for 3 with 1 walk and 2 runs scored in the game. Aaron Barratt went 1 for 3 (including a double) with 2 RBIs, 2 runs scored, 1 walk, and 1 stolen base. In total, Northwest scored 7 runs off of 10 hits, 6 RBIs, 5 walks, 9 strike-outs, and left 10 runners on base in the game.
Defense - Northwest was charged with 1 error in the game and turned 1 double-play.
Pitching - Brad Roberts earned the start for Northwest and was about 1 pitch away from getting out of the 7th inning with the lead. In total, Brad worked 7.0 innings, allowed 9 hits, 7 runs (all earned), 3 walks, 5 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit anyone. Carson Smith came into the game in the 8th inning and worked 1.0 inning, allowed 3 hits, 1 run (earned), 1 walk, 1 strike-out, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.
NWMSU's Athletics' Department story link - http://www.bearcatsports.com/news/2016/3/25/baseball-at-central-missouri-march-26.aspx
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| This photo was actually from Game 2 but it is definitely a highlight for the B2R of the entire series. Nikko Pablo scored the lead run for Northwest in the 10th inning and this was the team's reaction. |
Go Cats!!
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