Jr. B2R throws out 1st pitch at Mizzou baseball game on 3/2/16

Columbia, Mo. - The B2R and family traveled to Columbia, Missouri, on March 2nd, to watch the Mizzou Tigers baseball team play the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluffs in a mid-week non-conference match-up between two quality NCAA Division 1 teams. The Tigers won the game 2-0. Before the game started the Mizzou game day staff invited Jr. B2R to throw-out the first pitch of the baseball game. Note Jr. B2R representing THE Northwest Missouri State University coat and Bearcat N-paw...Go Cats!!

Wait a minute...is there a resemblence with Jr. B2R's pitch with a fellow Bearcat...

Yes sir!!!!

Go Cats!!
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Northwest wins Game 2 vs UNK to even the series, 6-1

Northwest wins Game 2 vs UNK to even series, 6-1

Maryville, Mo. - Your Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats baseball team defeated the University of Nebraska at Kearney Lopers 6-1 on Tuesday, March 29, 2016, in Maryville at Bearcat baseball field to win Game 2 and tie the 3-game series at one-game each. Game 2 was moved to Tuesday, March 29, 2016, at 2pm due to rain for Wednesday's forecast. The game took 2 hours and 35 minutes to complete. The announced attendance was 107 people that sat through high winds and 60 degree weather. With Tuesday's win, Northwest's 2016 record stands at 14-13, 9-8 MIAA.

The story of Game 2 features James Holler and Anthony Caenepeel. The two Juniors had All-Conference Player and Pitcher of the Week-caliber performances. Anthony put the team on his right arm and pitched lights out. Holler sprayed the baseball all over the outfield for a perfect 3 for 3 afternoon with 3 doubles and 4 RBIs.

Tuesday's game was scoreless until the 4th winning when James Holler doubled down the left field line to score Kevin Handzlik for a 1-0 Bearcat lead. With James Holler standing at third base and Derek Meyer at first, Aaron Barratt bunt singled down the third base line to score Holler for a 2-0 lead, Meyer advancing to second and Barratt at first. Then in the 5th inning, Holler doubled down the right field line to score Kevin Handzlik and Jake Lewis for a 4-0 Bearcats' lead. Derek Meyer then doubled down the left field line to score Holler and Northwest leading 5-0 after five innings. In the 7th inning, James Holler, again, doubled to center field and scored Kevin Handzlik to make the game's score 6-0 Bearcats. The Lopers would take on 1 run in the 9th inning to make the final score 6-1.

Offense - James Holler was Northwest's MVP in Game 2 on Tuesday. In total, James went 3 for 3 (including 3 doubles), 4 RBIs, got hit by a pitch one time, and 2 runs scored in the game. Kevin Handzlik went 3 for 4 with 3 runs scored in the game. Derek Meyer went 2 for 2 (including a double), 1 RBI, and 1 walk while playing the role of the designated hitter. Garrett Fort went 1 for 3 with 1 sacrifice and 1 stolen base while playing center field. Aaron Barratt went 1 for 4 with 1 RBI while playing right field. In total, Northwest scored 6 runs off of 10 hits, 6 RBIs, 3 walks, 4 strike-outs, and left 8 runners on base.

Defense - Northwest was charged with 1 error in the game.

Pitching - Anthony Caenepeel was the man of the day for Northwest in a thrilling 8.0 inning performance. With the win, Anthony's 2016 record climbed to 3-4. In total, Anthony worked 8.0 innings, allowed 6 hits, 1 run (earned), 2 walks, 13 strike-outs, 1 wild pitch, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter in the game. Anthony did not allow a run through the 8th inning but ran out of game in the 9th. Coach Loe tried to get his pitcher a complete game but UNK loaded the bases and Carson Smith was asked to close out the game. Carson came into the game and worked the final 1.0 inning, allowed 0 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk (run charged to Anthony), 1 strike-out, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.

NWMSU's box score - http://www.bearcatsports.com/boxscore.aspx?id=4353

Next - Northwest stays in Maryville for a weekend series against Pitt State. The Bearcats and Gorillas will match-up in a 3-game series. Game 1 is Friday, April 1 at 3pm. Game 2 is Saturday, April 2 at 2pm. Game 3 is Sunday, April 3 at 1pm.

Go Cats!!
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Featured Rookie - Jake Lewis

Featured Rookie - Jake Lewis

Maryville, Mo. - Today's featured rookie is Jake Lewis. Jake is from Council Bluff, Iowa, and transferred to Northwest from Indian Hills Community College. The Junior stands 6'00" and weighs 205 lbs. Jake bats left-handed and throws right-handed. He has played mostly first base or catcher for the Bearcats this season. Jake is my kind of ball player. The guy reminds me of baseball players in the '80s when opponents weren't so buddy-buddy on the bases. Jake has no interest in striking up conversation with the opponent at first base. Frankly, it looks like he is angry the opponent is standing on his base. That is my kind of guy. He doesn't talk a lot but it looks like he could tussle at any moment should the opponent say the wrong word. I seriously think Jake would run through a wall if you asked him to do it. Here is how I imagine the conversation would go:

Coach - Jake, the team needs you to run through a wall.

Jake - With or without a batting helmet?

Coach - Without.

Pause...rumble-rumble-rumble [SLAM]

Jake is an Outdoorsman. Avid hunter. I imagine he could fix an emergency splint 5 miles in a forest as well as he throws out runners attempting to steal a base. Jake also knows he way around a grill and can fire-up the tastiest treats with any protein your heart desires - geese, duck, beef, chicken, fish. Heck, I'm willing to bet Jake can take kidney beans and make them taste like a KC Strip. The B2R does not throw around the word - Tailgate legend - often, but Jake is the kind of guy I want playing catcher, in a fox hole, in a dark alley, at a tailgate, and anywhere else with me on my team.

So far in 2016, Jake is batting .253, appeared and started 25 games (out of a possible 26), 79 at bats, 15 runs scored, 20 hits, 5 doubles, 1 home run, 14 RBIs, .354 slugging %, 10 walks, hit by a pitch 4 times, 10 strike-outs, .362 on-base percentage, 3 stolen bases in 7 attempts, and a .993 fielding percentage.

So, if you see a guy wearing #22 for Northwest with the steely-eye look that would make John Wayne jealous at the baseball field, that is Jake Lewis, and I am glad he is a Bearcat.

Bearcat Nation, I introduce - Jake Lewis.

Go Cats!!
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Featured Rookie - Jay Hrdlicka

Featured Rookie - Jay Hrdlicka

Maryville, Mo. - Today's featured rookie is red-shirt freshman Jay Hrdlicka. Jay stands 5'11" and weighs 180 lbs. He is a proud graduate from Valley High School in West Des Moines, Iowa. Jay's best position is Catcher but his bat is so good he has been playing designated hitter in most of the games this season. He bats left-handed and throws right-handed. Off the field, Jay is as engaging a young man as you will find who is great with kids, seemingly always with a smile, and just a great person with a kind heart. He is a humble person that works very hard for everything he gets. Jay has been blessed with a wonderful and talented family. The B2R learned about Jay's younger brother and it wouldn't surprise anyone to see him on the big stage one day in the future. 

On the field, Jay's passion and intensity burns inside him leading to a remarkable focus and athletic-maturity rare for his age. Great teammate. Popular with the guys. High baseball IQ. While you will find Jay standing on the edge cheering on his teammate, he is not a demonstrative or rah-rah kind of player. Jay is great at the plate initiating contact with the baseball. He has struck-out 14 times in 25 games as a freshman with a terrific on-base percentage of over .350 meaning he finds a way on base more than 1 out of 3 times.

In Jay's first year at Northwest Missouri State University, he red-shirted and did not see any game action.

So far in 2016, Jay is 9th on the team in batting average among regular players and appeared in all but one game. In total, Jay is batting .242, appeared in 25 games with 25 starts, 91 at bats, 13 runs scored, 22 hits, 6 doubles, 15 RBIs, .308 slugging percentage, 17 walks, 14 strike-outs, .355 on-base percentage, 4 sacrifice hits, 2 stolen bases in 2 attempts, only committed 1 error for a fielding percentage of .979.

While West Des Moines, Iowa, may not have a Runza, they gave us #13 Jay Hrdlicka and that is even better. Bearcat Nation, I introduce to you, Jay Hrdlicka.

Go Cats!!

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Happy Easter from the B2R

He is risen. Happy Easter from the B2R.

UCM wins Game 3 & Series

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

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.

 Next - Northwest finally gets some home cooking as the Bearcats play the University of Nebraska-Kearney on Wednesday, March 30, 2016, at 2pm, for Game 2 of the mid-week conference series in the Bearcat baseball field. Then, Northwest stays at home for a 3-game series with Pittsburgh State University. Game 1 is Friday, April 1, 2016, at 3pm. Game 2 is Saturday, April 2, 2016, at 2pm. Game 3 is Sunday, April 3, 2016, at 1pm.

Go Cats!!
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Cardiac Cats force extras but lose in the 10th

Cardiac Cats force extras but lose in 10th

Warrensburg, Mo. - Central Missouri defeated Northwest 6-5 after the Bearcats forced extra innings in a brilliant comeback in the 9th on Friday in Warrensburg. Heading to the top of the 9th inning, Northwest was down 4-1 and Central brought in their closer. What happened next was an epic flurry of emotions to cap an exciting college baseball game. 

In the 9th, Nick Gotta legged-out an infield single to start the inning. Kolby Greenslade reached first base on a fielder's choice with Gotta getting thrown out at second base. With one out, Ozzie Adams singled to center field and Greenslade advanced to second base. With runners on first and second base and one out, Jake Lewis walked to load the bases. Aaron Barratt then singled to center field to score Greenslade and make the score 4-2 UCM lead with the bases still loaded and one out. Garrett Fort then reached first base on a fielder's choice with Barratt being thrown out at second base (6-4) for the second out but, importantly, Ozzie Adams scored to change the score to 4-3 UCM. UCM then throws a wild pitch and Jake Lewis scored to tie the game 4-4. Garrett Fort advanced to second base on the wild pitch as well. Derek Meyer then grounded out to end the inning.

In the 10th, James Holler singled to center field to lead off the inning. Jay Hrdlicka executed a perfect sacrifice bunt to advance the runner to second base. With one out, Nikko Pablo came into the game as a pinch runner for Holler. In a rush of excitement I cannot adequately describe, Nick Gotta singled to center field and Nikko Pablo flew home touching home plate ahead of the tag for Northwest to take a 5-4 lead. After a flurry of pressure, UCM got out of the inning without any further runs allowed. In the bottom of the 10th, UCM scored two runs with the game winning run scoring with 2 outs and a fly ball that was just out of the reach of a diving Garrett Fort. A UCM dog pile at second later and the final score was 6-5 UCM. You have to love college baseball. The thrill of a 9th inning rally, a 10th inning lead, and the heartbreak of a walk-off loss. Best thing - we get another crack at the Mules on Saturday in Game 3.

Offense - Nick Gotta was the offensive MVP for Northwest in Game 2. Gotta went 3 for 4 with 1 RBI, 1 run scored, 2 walks, and 2 stolen bases. Gotta was the spark-plug for the Bearcats offense in a remarkable performance. Ozzie Adams went 2 for 6 with 1 run scored while playing second base. Kolby Greenslade went 1 for 4 with 1 run scored, 2 walks, and 1 stolen base. Aaron Barratt went 1 for 1 with 1 RBI in a pinch hitting role late in the game. James Holler went 1 for 5 while playing both right field and third base. In total, Northwest scored 5 runs off of 8 hits, 4 RBIs, 8 walks, 3 strike-outs, and left 14 runners on base.

Defense - Northwest was charged with 4 errors in the game which led to 2 unearned runs.

Pitching - Anthony Caenepeel earned the start for Northwest in Game 2 and did an outstanding job. In total, Anthony worked 6.1 innings, allowed 9 hits, 4 runs (3 earned), 1 walk, 3 strike-outs, 2 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter. In the 7th inning with 1 out, Hondo Pearcy came into the game and also did an exemplary job in relief. In total, Hondo worked 1.2 innings, allowed 0 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk, 1 strike-out, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he hit 1 batter. Carson Smith came into the game in the 9th to force the game into extras. In total, Carson worked 1.2 innings, allowed 2 hits, 2 runs (1 earned), 1 walk, 1 strike-out, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he hit 1 batter.

NWMSU Athletics' Dept story link - http://www.bearcatsports.com/news/2016/3/25/baseball-at-central-missouri-march-25.aspx

Next - Northwest plays Game 3 of the UCM series on Saturday. First pitch is set for 1pm. Stay tuned to www.bearcatsports.com for any last minute changes in game time due to a rain forecast this afternoon in Warrensburg.

Go Cats!!

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Central Missouri wins Game 1

Central Missouri wins Game 1

Warrensburg, Missouri - Northwest's bullpen faltered late and the Bearcats could not match the Mules offense as Central Missouri won Game 1, 16-6. Joseph Hietpas picked-up his first loss in 2016 and saw his season record fall to 3-1. The Bearcats jumped on the Mules Friday starter with 3 runs in the first but Central kept pace and scored 3 runs of their own in the bottom of the frame. The score got out of hand in the 7th inning when Central scored 7 runs. The Bearcats had good energy and kept plugging away scoring 1 run in the 7th and 2 runs in the 8th, but they could not keep pace with the Mules on Thursday afternoon. Defensively, Northwest had a tough day as well with three errors which led to five unearned runs.

Offense - Garrett Fort was Northwest's offensive MVP in Game 1. In total, Fort went 3 for 4 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored while playing second base. Ozzie Adams went 2 for 4 (including a double) with 1 run scored while playing second base. Nick Gotta went 1 for 4 with 1 walk in the game. Kolby Greenslade went 1 for 5 in the game. Nick Howard went 1 for 4 (including a double) with 2 RBIs and 1 run scored in the game. Derek Meyer went 1 for 3 with 1 walk in the game as the designated hitter. James Holler went 1 for 4 (including a double) with 1 RBI while playing first base. Aaron Barratt went 1 for 4 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored while playing right field. In total, Northwest scored 6 hits off of 11 hits, 6 RBIs, 4 walks, 8 strike-outs, and left 8 runners on base.

Defense - Northwest was charged with 3 errors in the game. The Bearcats turned 1 double play in the game. The errors led to 5 unearned runs. 

Pitching - Joseph Hietpas earned the start in the game. Joe picked-up the loss in the game. In total, Joseph worked 6.0 innings, allowed 10 hits, 8 runs (5 earned), 2 walks, 3 strike-outs, 2 wild pitches, 0 balks, and did not hit a batter. Nikko Pablo came into the game in the 7th inning with the bases loaded and only recorded 1 out. In total, Nikko worked 0.1 inning, allowed 4 hits, 4 runs (2 earned), 1 walk, 0 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter. John Osborne came into the game with 1 out in the 7th inning and worked 0.2 of an inning, allowed 1 hit, 2 runs (both earned), 1 walk, 0 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter. Jimmy McElwain came into the game in the 8th inning and worked 0.1 of an inning, allowed 2 hits, 2 runs (both earned), 1 walk, 0 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.

NWMSU website story link - http://www.bearcatsports.com/news/2016/3/24/baseball-at-central-missouri-march-24.aspx

Next - Game 2 between Northwest and Central will be 4pm on Friday, March 24, 2016, in Warrensburg.

Go Cats!!

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Spring Break 2016 - Bearcat baseball WOK party

Spring Break 2016 - Bearcat baseball WOK party

Maryville, MO - The Bearcat baseball coaches and their wives put together a WOK party for the team during Spring Break. Mrs. Creason took charge with coordinating the event. It was great for everybody to relax and hang-out over food and fellowship with their teammates. While things were getting prepared, the guys were outside throwing around a football, playing two-ball, and enjoying the outdoors. A thunderstorm came through and forced the cooking in a covered garage. That did not deter the night's fun. As the B2R looked throughout the room, it was heart-warming to see all the smiles and people enjoying each other's company. The food was great. The company was even better.

The WOK party was set-up on a trailer equipped with several red bricks that essentially radiated heat. 7 large metal disc woks with legs were placed for people to stand and cook their food. In the seven stations, charcoal was placed under each wok for the heat source. The woks were each placed over a pyramid of charcoal. On the other side of the covered garage was a couple of tables set-up with a spread that would make a major league baseball team jealous. On one of the tables were 28 pounds of chopped sirloin steak and 16 pounds of chicken breast. There were several bowls that you could put your meat in, and, over 1 dozen different sauces or marinades to soak or cook the meat or chicken including soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, Frank's Red Hot Sauce, Tapatio, bbq sauces, A1 Steak Sauce, Italian dressing, and others. Then, there were chopped vegetables that you could also cook in your wok including green peppers, red peppers, yellow peppers, onions, peas, tomatoes, as well as eggs, white rice, and brown rice. The white rice and brown rice were already cooked. The player would essentially grab 3 bowls (meat, veggies, rice) and wait for a wok station. Once at the wok station, several containers of cooking oil were placed for cooking. The player would then put the meat on, cook it, add the egg and veggies, cook it, then add the rice at the end. While you are cooking, you would stand and chat with your neighbor. For dessert, a big sheet of marble cake with green & white butter-cream frosting with "Bearcats baseball" and the N-paw written gave everyone a a sweet ending to the night. The cake was supposed to feed 100 people. The 35-ish baseball players could not tackle the cake and there were a few pieces left at the end of the night.

It was great to see the team have so much fun, eating great food, and enjoying themselves. It is also great to see all the different MLB teams' hats the guys were wearing - Royals, Twins, Mets, Blue Jays, just to name a few. I even saw one NHL hockey hat of the Anaheim Ducks. Most importantly, its great to see the guys outside of their jerseys and see them as college kids having a home cooked meal. I am certain the team will take away fond memories of the Spring Break 2016 WOK party well into the future. I am also proud the team is treated like family with several individuals working hard to give the players such an incredible experience at Northwest Missouri State University. Once a Bearcat, Always a Bearcat.

Go Cats!!

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Veteran Profile - Jimmy McElwain

Veteran Profile - Jimmy McElwain

Maryville, Mo. - The B2R features in today's Veteran Profile Sophomore pitcher Jimmy McElwain. Jimmy comes from Springfield, Nebraska. The athletic pitcher stands 6'00" tall and weighs 190 pounds graduated from Platteview High School. Jimmy red-shirted in 2014. In 2015, McElwain appeared in 4 games, threw a 3.86 ERA, worked 4.2 innings, allowed 7 hits, 4 runs (only 2 earned), 0 walks, 5 strike-outs, 1 wild pitch, 1 hit batsman, and did not commit a balk.

So far in 2016, McElwain has a 0.00 ERA, worked 1.0 inning, allowed 0 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk, 1 strike-out, 0 wild itches, 0 balks, and he has not hit a batter in 2016.

One of the B2R's fondest memories of the 2015 NCAA season was the road series at Emporia State. Jimmy McElwain was the life of the post-game meal. Hilarious. A bit of a prankster. Great teammate. I don't think Jimmy knows a stranger because of his engaging personality. Jimmy took advantage of every chance he got in 2015 with some effectively wild stuff on the mound. Here is hoping Jimmy gets some additional opportunities in 2016.

Go Cats!!

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