Game 1 - Oklahoma Christian University walked-off the field with a come from behind victory 8-7 to win game 1 of the series in dramatic fashion. The defeat spoiled a terrific day for Joseph Hietpas. In the game, Northwest had a 7-1 lead going into the bottom of the 9th. A tough day for the Bearcat bullpen resulted in OCU scoring 7 runs in the bottom of the 9th to win the game. There were no errors in the game so it came down to a bullpen that got tight and couldn't execute their pitches. Tip your cap to OCU. While the loss stung, its important for the overall season success to see which pitchers best match-up in certain situations. Adjustments will be made and the Bearcats will be fine.
Offensively, the Bearcats had an outstanding day with several extra-base hits. Ozzie Adams wast the offensive MVP for Northwest in game 1. Ozzie went 3 for 5 (including a double) with 3 RBIs in the game. Garrett Fort also went 3 for 5 (including 1 double) with 1 RBI, 1 stolen base, and 1 run scored on the day. Kevin Handzlik went 2 for 4 (including 1 double) with 1 run scored in the game. Luke Hassman went 1 for 4 with 1 RBI from a home run and 1 run scored on the day. Jay Hrdlicka had a fine day at the plate. In total, Jay went 2 for 3 including a home run with 2 RBIs, 1 stolen base, was hit by a pitch, and scored 2 runs in the game. Alix Herrera went 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored in the game. Logan Rycraft went 1 for 3 on the day. In total, Northwest scored 7 runs off of 14 hits, 7 RBIs, 0 walks, 9 strike-outs, and left 7 runners on base.
Defensively, Northwest did not commit an error in the game.
Pitching, Joseph Hietpas had some tough luck in the game and did not factor into the decision. Joseph worked 6.2 innings, allowed 4 hits, 1 run, 4 walks, 5 strike-outs, and 1 wild pitch in the game. With 2 outs in the 7th inning, Jacob Wagner came into the game and worked 0.1 inning, allowed 1 hit, 0 runs, 0 walks, and 1 strike-out. In the 8th inning, Jimmy McElwain came into the game and pitched 1.0 inning. Jimmy allowed 0 hits, 0 runs, and walked 1 batter in an excellent outing. Bryce Shea came into the game in the 9th inning but had a tough outing. Bryce worked 0.2 of an inning, allowed 2 hits, 3 runs, 1 walk, 1 strike-out, and 1 wild pitch. Nikko Pablo came into the game to get the final out but could not stop OCU's momentum. Nikko did not record an out and allowed 4 hits, 4 runs, and hit 1 batter in the walk-off loss.
Tomorrow is a new day. Northwest will turn the page and come out firing on all cylinders for games 2 and 3.
Game 2 - Anthony Caenepeel was the man, again, and worked a complete game victory for Northwest to take game 2 by the score 7-1. The game was 7 innings by agreement since the two teams elected to play a double-header due to forecasted weather in Edmond on Sunday. For his efforts, Anthony's record advanced to 3-0 on the year. It was Anthony's 2nd strong argument to be the MIAA pitcher of the week in 3 weeks. Add in plenty of Bearcat offense and Northwest evened the series to force a deciding game 3. Northwest's focus and execution following game 1 was huge and an encouraging sign for the season.
Offensively, James Holler was Northwest's most valuable player in game 2. On the day, James went 2 for 4 Iincluding a double) with 2 RBIs. Alix Herrera went 2 for 3 (including a double) with 1 run scored in the game. Garrett Fort went 1 for 1 (a double) with 3 runs scored, 2 walks, 1 stolen base, and was hit by a pitch. Ozzie Adams had the biggest hit of the game and went 1 for 3 (a double) with 3 RBIs, 1 run scored, and 1 walk on the day. Landon Figg went 1 for 4 with 2 RBIs and 1 run scored in the game. Kevin Handzlik went 1 for 4 on the day. Luke Hassman went 1 for 3 with 1 run scored in the game. In total, Northwest scored 7 runs off of 9 hits, 7 RBIs, 3 walks, 5 strike-outs, and left 4 runners on base.
Defensively, Northwest did not commit an error in the game.
Pitching, Anthony Caenepeel made a second consecutive excellent argument why he should be MIAA pitcher of the week. Anthony worked a complete game victory to see his 2017 record advance to 3-0 on the year. Anthony allowed 8 hits, 1 run, 1 walk, and 8 strike-outs in the game.
With the series tied 1-1, Northwest will turn to Brad Roberts to win the deciding game 3.
Game 3 - Brad Roberts and the Bearcat offense worked together to win game 3 by the score 6-4. This story is a continuation of the lessons learned in game 1. A couple of defensive miscues resulted in 2 unearned runs and keep OCU in striking distance of taking the lead. But, behind Coach Darin Loe's keen strategy and cool stewardship, the Bearcats hung there despite the added pressure of a tightening game to win the day and series. Actually, Northwest's defense had its first tough day of the series in game 3 but the Bearcat offense and pitching proved too much for Oklahoma Christian University. With the game 3 victory, Northwest's record now stands at 8-2 on the year.
Offensively, Northwest jumped all over OCU's starting pitcher to knock him out of the game after recording only 1 out. James Holler was Northwest's most valuable offensive player in the game. James went 2 for 3 (including a double) with 2 RBIs, 2 walks, and 1 run scored in the game. Kevin Handzlik went 2 for 5 with 1 run scored on the day. Jay Hrdlicka went 2 for 4 in the game. Luke Hassman went 2 for 3, was hit by a pitch, had a sacrifice, and scored 1 run in the game. Alix Herrera went 1 for 5 with 1 RBI in the game. Garrett Fort went 1 for 5 (a double) with 1 walk and 1 run scored on the day. Ozzie Adams went 1 for 4 (a double) with 2 RBIs, 1 run scored, and 1 walk in the game. Landon Figg went 1 for 4 with 1 walk and 1 run scored on the day. In total, Northwest scored 6 runs off of 12 hits, 5 RBIs, 7 walks, 7 strike-outs, and left 13 runners on base.
Defensively, Northwest committed 2 errors in the game.
Pitching, Brad Roberts had a terrific day for Northwest to win the series' deciding game 3. In total, Brad worked 6.0 innings, allowed 5 hits, 1 run, 0 walks, 5 strike-outs, and hit 2 batters in the game. Eddy Kraeber had another excellent outing and worked 2.0 innings, allowed 4 hits, 3 runs (only 1 earned), 0 walks, and 1 strike-out in the game. In the 9th, Nikko Pablo came into the game to pick-up his 3rd save of 2017. Nikko worked 1.0 inning, allowed 0 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk, and 1 strike-out in the game.
NWMSU Athletics Department stories on the weekend -
Next - Your Northwest Bearcat baseball team begins MIAA conference play this upcoming weekend. The 'Cats travel to Tahlequah, Oklahoma, to play a 3-game series against Northeastern State University. A great opportunity for Northwest to respond to all the coaches that voted them to finish 9th in the MIAA this season starts this weekend. How will Northwest respond? Find out starting with game 1 on Friday, February 24, 2017, at 2pm.
Go Cats!!
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