Bearcats defeat Pitt State in Games 1 & 2, look to sweep on Sunday

BEARCATS DEFEAT PITT STATE IN GAMES 1 & 2, LOOK TO SWEEP ON SUNDAY

Maryville, Mo. - The Cardiac Cats don't make it easy on themselves but they sure do know how to put together 9 innings (sometimes more) to win a compelling ball game. The Bearcats defense has been frustrating but their tenacity, determination, and "want to" have been inspiring and captivating. I mean, these guys just don't quit no matter what is going on or the size of the deficit. How could you not love a team like that? Game 1 featured a one-sided score where the Bearcats kept Pitt State at an arm's length away. Game 2 featured a thrilling 7th inning comeback, terrific bullpen, and a convincing closer to shut down the Gorillas in the 9th. If Game 1 was a feel good game, you most certainly needed a nap and a hug after Game 2's thrilling finish.

Northwest looks to sweep the series with Pitt State in Game 3 on Sunday, April 3, 2016, at Bearcat baseball field on the campus of Northwest Missouri State University. Game 3 is very important to Northwest for a lot of reasons, please continue to read below to see why...

Game 1

Northwest defeated Pitt State 12-6 in Game 1 of the 3-game series against Pitt State in Maryville on Friday, April 1, 2016.

Offense - James Holler was the Bearcats MVP in Game 1. James hit a grand slam in the 1st inning. Wowza. Can I get a collective HOLLA-HOLLA-HOLLA?!? In total, James went 3 for 4 with 6 RBIs and 2 runs scored in the game. Derek Meyer also went 3 for 4 (including a home run) with 2 RBIs and 1 run scored in the game. Kevin Handzlik went 3 for 4 (including a double) with 1 RBI, 1 walk, and 2 runs scored in the game. Ozzie Adams went 3 for 5 (including 2 triples) with 1 RBI and 2 runs scored in the game. Garrett Fort went 2 for 5 with 1 RBI and 2 runs scored in the game. Nick Gotta went 1 for 4 (a double) with 1 walk and 1 run scored in the game. Jake Lewis went 1 for 1 (a triple) with 1 RBI and 1 run scored in the game. Aaron Barratt went 1 for 4 in the game. In total, Northwest scored 12 runs off of 17 hits, 12 RBIs, 3 walks, 7 strike-outs, and 6 runners left on base. 

Defense - Northwest was charged with 5 errors in the game. 

Pitching - Joseph Hietpas earned the start in Game 1 and picked-up the save for his efforts to see his 2016 record move to 4-1. In total, Joe worked 5.1 innings, allowed 8 hits, 5 runs (only 3 earned), 4 walks, 5 strike-outs, 4 wild pitches, o balks, and he did not hit a batter in the game. With the win, Joe's 2016 record advanced to 4-1 on the year. Austin Battaglia came into the game and worked 2.0 innings, allowed 1 hit, 1 run (earned), 0 walks, 1 strike-out, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter in the game. Nikko Pablo came into the game in the 8th inning and worked 0.2 of an inning, allowed 0 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, 1 strike-out, 1 wild pitch, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter in the game. Carson Smith came into the game in the 9th inning in a non-save situation and worked 1.0 inning, allowed 1 hit, 0 runs, 0 walks, 0 strike-outs, 0 balks, 0 wild pitches, and he did not hit a batter in the game. 

Game 2

The Cardiac Cats returned in dramatic forms in Game 2 to score 5 runs in the 7th inning to win Game 2 by the score 6-5.

Offense - James Holler was the Bearcats' MVP in Game 2. James went 3 for 3 (including a double) with 2 RBIs and a walk while playing first base. Kolby Greenslade went 2 for 5, 2 stolen bases, and 2 runs scored in the game. Garrett Fort went 2 for 4 (including a double) with 1 RBI and 1 run scored in the game. Nick Gotta went 1 for 4 with 1 RBI, 1 run scored, 1 stolen base, and 1 walk in the game. Jake Lewis went 1 for 4 with 1 walk and a run scored in the game. Austin Wulff went 1 for 1 (a triple) and scored a run as a late game pinch-hitter and played right field. In total, Northwest scored 6 runs off of 10 hits, 5 RBIs, 4 walks, 3 strike-outs, and left 8 runners on base.

Defense - Northwest was charged with 4 errors in the game. 

Pitching - Brad Roberts earned the start in Game 2 versus Pitt State. Brad worked 4.2 innings, allowed 8 hits, 4 runs (3 earned), 1 walk, 4 strike-outs, 1 wild pitch, and did not hit a batter. Hondo Pearcy came into the game in the 5th inning and worked 1.1 inning, allowed 1 hit, 1 run (earned), 1 walk, 1 strike-out, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter in the game. Hondo came into the game with runners on in the 5th inning and came up huge for Northwest as he got the 3rd out, stranded the runners, and kept Northwest in the game. Bryce Shea came into the game in the 7th inning, and worked 2.0 innings, allowed 1 hit, 0 runs, 0 walks, 1 strike-out, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter. For his efforts, Bryce picked-up the win in Game 2 and saw his 2016 record climb to 3-0. Attaboy Bryce! In the 9th inning, Carson Smith came into the game and worked 1.0 inning, allowed 0 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, 1 strike-out, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he was charged with hitting a batter. For his efforts, Carson picked-up a save, his 3rd in 2016 according to the box score.

Next - Northwest looks to sweep the series in Game 3 on Sunday, April 3, 2016. First pitch is 1pm at Bearcat baseball field on the campus of Northwest Missouri State University. Follow the Cats by clicking on www.bearcatsports.com

Game 3 is huge for Northwest as they continue to make their push for the post-season. Stay tuned to the B2R this week for analysis of what Northwest needs to do to make the MIAA post-season tournament. Again, Game 3 is huge for Northwest. Weather is supposed to be in the 70s and sunny. Head on down to the ballpark to cheer on the Bearcats.

Go Cats!!

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