**Editor's note - A special thank you to Jim Cronin for his photography and the sports information folks at Northwest Missouri State University for the statistics and game notes for whom this memorial greatly relied on.
Maryville, MO - When you win a conference championship for the first time in 35 years, you deserve special recognition in the B2R. Your Northwest Missouri State Bearcat baseball team won the 2018 MIAA Conference regular season championship following a dream season. A cast of amazing first year players and productive upper-classmen created a potent offense, a lock down bullpen, and solid defense. The result was a 25-11 MIAA record with regular season sweeps of Emporia State, Washburn, Missouri Western, Missouri Southern, and Southwest Baptist. Here is a celebratory memorial of the fighting Bearcats of Northwest Missouri State University who were led by Head Coach Darin Loe, Assistant Coach Mike Creason, and Graduate Assistant Anthony Caenepeel. In this memorial, you will read about the 2018 Bearcats baseball team's fight, resilience, and swagger. They believed they could win and did not back down to anyone. For that, they are champions. For the team, this memorial is dedicated.
The story of the 2018 Bearcat baseball team starts with one of the coldest winters in recent memory with frigid temperatures lasting from spring practice through April. The Bearcats were forced indoors to practice due to weather conditions up and through the time they hit the road to open the season in Fort Smith, Arkansas. The Bearcats season started slowly as the team had to get their game timing down and lost their first four games by a combined total of 43-7. The Bearcats adjusted quickly and finished the second half of the opening road trip with a record of 3-2. In the second half of the opening road swing, the Bearcat pitching and defense got their legs under them and allowed a combined total of 12 runs in those five games - a mere 2.4 runs per game. Even though your Bearcats returned to Maryville with a 3-6 opening road swing, the team headed into conference play with some momentum and the seeds were planted for a heckuva ride for the next three months.
Bearcats sweep Emporia State to open conference play
Mother nature forced Northwest and Emporia to move the series from Maryville to Emporia, Kansas, that started with a single game on a Friday to a double-header on Sunday. The series had Northwest as the home team but reported accounts from Bearcats fans of the Emporia State Public Address announcer's announcements and music selection made it clear the Green and White were on the road. The Bearcats were not intimidated or amused. Game 1's exciting 14-inning walk-off win was the punch to the mouth Northwest had in mind for the rest of the MIAA in 2018.
In game 1, Northwest beat Emporia State 3-2 in a 14-inning game. Northwest would score 2 runs in the 2nd inning and 1 run in the 14th. Emporia State scored 1 run in the 5th and 1 run in the 6th innings. The Bearcats earned 13 hits compared to Emporia's 9 hits. Neither team committed an error. Newcomer Hudson Bilodeau went 3 for 6 with 1 RBI. Upper-classmen Luke Hassman (3-6), Alixon Herrera (2-5 with game winning hit), and Kevin Handzlik (2-5 plus a walk) provided the Bearcat offense. Joe Hietpas worked 7.0 innings, allowed 2 runs on 6 hits, walked 4 and struck-out 8. Quintin Van Ackeren retired all 11 batters he faced between the 8th inning and 11th inning. Jacob Wagner earned the win and worked the final 3.1 innings, allowed 0 runs, 3 hits, walked 1 and struck-out 3 batters.
In game 2, Northwest held on for a 7-6 victory to sweep the double-header. The Bearcats committed 3 errors in the game but the offense and pitching carried the day. Senior Landon Figg went 3 for 4 with 1 RBI and a run scored in the game. Senior Alixon Herrera went 1 for 2 plus 2 walks, 2 RBIs, and scored 2 runs. Newcomer Derek Hussey earned 2 walks in the game. Newcomer Joe Funkhouser earned the win with his 2.2 innings of scoreless relief and allowed only 1 hit, 3 walks, and 1 strike-out. Newcomer Trevor Dudar got the final 4 outs of the game for Northwest and allowed no runs, 1 hit, 1 walk, and struck-out 3 batters.
In game 3, Northwest beat Emporia State 12-11 in an epic extra-innings back and forth game that ended with another wild walk-off. Hudson Bilodeau hit 2 home runs including the walk-off 2-run bomb in the bottom of the 12th inning to sweep the series. Senior Hudson Bilodeau went 3 for 5 with 2 home runs, 5 RBIs, scored 2 runs, and walked once to pace the Bearcat offense. Senior Luke Hassman went 4 for 6 with 2 RBIs and scored 2 runs in the game. Senior Aaron Barratt went 3 for 5 with a double, scored 2 runs, stole 1 base, and earned a walk. Senior Alixon Herrera went 2 for 5 with 1 home run, 2 RBIs, scored 1 run, and earned 1 walk. Senior Kevin Handzlik went 4 for 6 with a home run. Senior Jacob Wagner worked 4.1 innings of relief and allowed only 1 run, 5 hits, walked 1, and struck-out 5 batters. Senior Trevor Dudar picked-up the win after he worked a scoreless 1.0 inning of relief.
Following the exciting series sweep, your road warrior Bearcat baseball team would stay on the road to Hays, Kansas, to take on the Fort Hays State Tigers in a 3-game series.
Bearcats win 2nd straight conference series on the road 2-1 againt Ft. Hays State
In one of the warmest days Northwest would play in all season (65 degrees), the Bearcat offense erupted to score 13 runs in 7 innings to set the tone in Hays, Kansas. Northwest would use timely hitting, solid defense, and a lights out bullpen to win 2 of the 3 games in the series.
In game 1, Northwest won 13-1 in 7 innings. The Bearcats record moved to 4-0 in MIAA play and 7-6 overall with the win. Senior Alixon Herrera went 3 for 4 with 4 RBIs, scored 3 runs, with 2 doubles and 1 walk. Senior Joseph Hietpas worked a complete game victory with 7.0 innings, 13 strike-outs, and allowed only 1 run, 1 walk, and a mere 7 hits. Junior Logan Rycraft went 2 for 5 with 3 RBIs, scored 1 run, earned 1 walk, and with a double. Senior Kevin Handzlik went 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs. Senior Hudson Bilodeau went 1 for 3 with 2 RBIs. Junior Mondesi Gutierrez went 1 for 2 with 2 walks, hit by a pitch, and scored 2 runs in the game. Senior Luke Hassman scored 3 runs and earned 2 walks in the game.
Northwest lost game 2 to Fort Hays State 4-2 to mark their first conference loss in 2018. Brad Roberts had a terrific day and worked 7.0 innings, allowed 3 runs off of 6 hits and struck-out 8 batters. The Bearcat offense was paced by Junior Mondesi Gutierrez who went 2 for 3 and scored 1 run on the day.
The Bearcats win the series with a 11-4 win on Sunday. Junior Jay Hrdlicka went 3 for 3 with 3 doubles, 2 RBIs, scored 2 runs, and drew 2 walks in the game. Northwest improved to 8-7 overall, 5-1 MIAA with the win. Bearcat pitching carried the day thanks to Eddy Kraber (3.0 IP, 1 run, 2 Ks, 2 BBs), Quintin Van Ackeren (3.0 IP, 2 runs, 2 Ks, 0 BBs), and Trevor Dudar (2.2 IP, 0 runs, 0 H, 2 Ks, 0 BBs). Mondesi Gutierrez went 2 for 4 with 6 RBIs, scored 2 runs, and earned a walk. Kevin Handzlik went 2 for 6 and scored a run in the game. Logan Rycraft went 1 for 4 with 2 walks. In total, Northwest scored 11 runs off of 11 hits in the game to win the series.
Not wanting to dump the apple cart, Northwest would stay on the road for a mid-week non-conference game against William Jewell to end the 16-game season opening road trip.
Northwest dropped road contest at William Jewell to close season opening road trip
From the warmest games of the season to the coldest, Northwest traveled to Liberty, Missouri, to play William Jewell where any body part exposed to the elements turned blush and painful. In the end, William Jewell carried the day to win 6-5 in an extra-inning affair. The Bearcats fell to 8-8 overall with the loss.
Mondesi Gutierrez finished the day 4 for 4 with a double, 2 RBIs, and scored 2 runs in the game. Hudson Bilodeau went 2 for 5 with 2 RBIs in the game. Joe Funkhouser started the game and worked 3.2 innings, allowed 3 runs, 7 hits, 3 walks, and 2 strike-outs. Senior Jimmy McElwain worked 1.1 inning of scoreless relief, did not allow a hit, did not walk anyone, and struck-out 3 batters. Senior Hondo Pearcy worked 2.2 innings of scoreless relief and allowed 2 hits, 2 walks, and struck-out one batter.
Despite the loss, Northwest's spirits were high as they returned to Maryville to prepare for their 2018 home opener against Northeastern State University.
Bearcats sweep double-header & win NSU series in home opening weekend
Northwest picked-up a pair of wins to sweep the opening double-header and to win the home opening series of 2018 against Northeastern State University. The Bearcats improved to 10-9 overall, 7-2 MIAA with the series win. Solid pitching and defense carried the day for Northwest this series.
The Bearcats won game 1 by the score 4-1. Northwest scored 1 in the 1st inning, 1 in the 2nd inning, and 2 in the 3rd inning to carry the day. Joseph Hietpas (7.2 IP, 1 R, 6 H) was the workhorse for the Bearcats and Trevor Dudar (1.0 IP, 0 R) picked-up the save with a scoreless inning of relief. The Bearcat defense did not commit an error in the game.
The Bearcats won game 2 by the score 3-1. Northwest scored 1 in the 4th inning and 2 in the 8th inning. Logan Rycraft paced the offense with his 2 for 3 performance with 1 run scored and included a triple. Brad Roberts (6.0 IP, 1 R, 5 H, 1 BB, and 5 Ks) provided the quality start Northwest needed to win the game. Quintin Van Ackeren (2.0 IP, 0 R) picked-up the win thanks to his scoreless relief outing. Trevor Dudar (1.0, 0 R) picked-up his 5th save on the year.
Northwest Missouri State fell in game 3 against Northeastern State by the score 3-2. Eddy Kraber (6.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 4 Ks) had a quality start but picked-up the loss in the game. Quintin Van Ackeren game into the game in the 7th inning and worked 3.0 innings of scoreless relief to keep Northwest in the game. Van Ackeren only allowed 1 hit and struck-out 2 batters in his outing. Jay Hrdlicka (2 for 5), Landon Figg (2 for 4 with 1 BB), and Matt Schingel (2 for 4) paced the Bearcats offense in the game.
Encore - Northwest would stay in Maryville for one more game against non-conference opponent William Jewell following the series win against Northeastern State.
Bearcats win midweek non-con game against William Jewell to close home stand
The Bearcats beat William Jewell 12-10 on a mid-week non-conference game to end their 2018 home opening home stand. Nathan Russell (4.1 IP, 2 R, 4 H) had a solid outing for Northwest in the game. Jimmy McElwain (1.1 IP, 1 R, 1 H) picked-up the win. Logan Rycraft (4 for 5 with 2 runs scored), Hudson Bilodeau (2 for 3, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 1 run scored), and Kevin Handzlik (2 for 5, 2 RBIs, 1 SB, and scored 1 run) all paced the Bearcat offense against a pesky Cardinal team.
Well that was fun - Northwest concluded a brief 4-game home stand with the win against William Jewell. The Bearcats would travel to St. Charles to take on Lindenwood for a 3-game series.
Bearcats use a 9th inning comeback to win game 1 but lose series at Lindenwood
Northwest used a late-game rally to win game 1 of the Lindenwood series by the score 10-6. The Bearcats trailed 6-5 heading into the top of the 9th inning but scored 5 runs to win the game. Northwest would score 3 runs in the 6th, 2 in the 8th, and 5 in the 9th innings. Bearcats scored 10 runs off of 15 hits and committed 1 error. Landon Figg (3 for 5 with 3 runs scored), Luke Hassman (3 for 5 with 3 RBIs, 2 runs scored, and hit a home run), Kevin Handzlik (3 for 5 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored), Mondesi Gutierrez (2 for 5, 2 RBIs, and 1 run scored), Aaron Barratt (2 for 4 with 1 run scored), and Matt Schingel (2 for 5 with 2 RBIs) all paced the Bearcat offense.
The Bearcats lost games 2 & 3 of the Lindenwood series. In game 2, Northwest fell 9-7. Landon Figg (3 for 3 with 2 walks), Hudson Bilodeau (2 for 3 with 2 walks), Kevin Handzlik (2 for 5 with 1 RBI), and Aaron Barratt (2 for 4 with 1 RBI, 1 SB, and scored 1 run) paced the offense in the game. In game 3, the Bearcats fell 7-2. Aaron Barratt (2 for 4 with 1 run scored, 1 double, 1 SB) and Logan Rycraft (1 for 3, 2 BBs, 1 RBI) paced the offense for Northwest. With losing the Lindenwood series, Northwest fell to 12-11 overall, 8-4 MIAA.
One extreme to another - Northwest spent the weekend in St. Charles which is the eastern most point in the MIAA. Following the series, the Bearcats would travel to Kearney, Nebraska, which is one of the western-most points in the MIAA.
UNK takes Northwest to the woodshed, wins 17-1 in mid-week clash
The University of Nebraska-Kearney Lopers baseball team beat Northwest 17-1 in Kearney, Nebraska, during a mid-week conference game. The Bearcats fell to 12-12 overall, 8-5 MIAA with the loss. It was gut check time for your Bearcats. Were they the team that swept Emporia State or getting run-ruled by the Lopers. The Bearcats scored their only run of the game in the 3rd inning. UNK scored in every inning including multiple runs in all but one inning of the run-ruled shortened game. Northwest managed 4 hits and did not commit an error in the game. Offensively, Logan Rycraft led the way in the game and finished 1 for 2 with a walk and a run scored. Hudson Bilodeau went 1 for 4 with 1 RBI.
Your 2018 Bearcats baseball team was a resilient bunch and they did not have time to feel sorry for themselves following a tough game in Kearney. Northwest would stay on the road and travel to Topeka, Kansas, for a 3-game weekend series against Washburn.
Your 2018 Bearcats baseball team was a resilient bunch and they did not have time to feel sorry for themselves following a tough game in Kearney. Northwest would stay on the road and travel to Topeka, Kansas, for a 3-game weekend series against Washburn.
Bearcats respond - sweep Washburn
Bearcats played smart baseball and responded following the loss to Kearney by sweeping Washburn in Topeka. Northwest won game 1 by the score 9-5 in Topeka. Mondesi Gutierrez went 3 for 4 with 2 runs scored, 1 RBI, and 2 doubles. Hudson Bilodeau went 2 for 5 with 1 RBI. Kevin Handzlik went 2 for 5 with 2 runs scored, 1 triple, and 2 RBIs. Derek Hussey went 2 for 3 with 1 walk, 2 RBIs, 2 SB, and a run scored. Joseph Hietpas worked 5.1 IP, allowed 2 ER, 5 H, and struck-out 10 batters. Northwest scored 9 runs off of 13 hits and did not commit an error.
The Bearcats beat Washburn in game 2 by the score 6-3. Northwest scored early and often in this game. The Bearcats scored 2 runs in the 1st inning, 3 runs in the 5th inning, and 1 run in the 8th inning. Northwest scored their 6 runs off of 7 hits and committed 1 error. Hudson Bilodeau went 3 for 4 with 1 RBI, scored 2 runs, a double and a walk. Brad Roberts worked 6.2 IP and allowed only 1 run and struck-out 4 batters in the game.
The Bearcats win game 3 to sweep series on the road in Topeka by the score 8-3. Northwest improved to 15-12 overall, 11-5 MIAA with the sweep. The Bearcats scored 1 run in the 1st, 4 in the 3rd, 1 in the 4th, 1 in the 6th, and 1 in the 9th innings. Northwest scored their 8 runs off of 13 hits and did not commit an error. Mondesi Gutierrez went 3 for 5 with 1 run scored, 1 RBI and a double. Luke Hassman went 3 for 4 with 3 RBIs, 1 run scored, 1 walk and a double. Logan Rycraft went 2 for 3 with 2 runs scored, a sacrifice and a stolen base. Eddy Kraber worked 7.0 IP and allowed only 3 runs and struck out 5 batters.
Northwest would return home to take on rival Missouri Western.
Northwest dropped both games of a double-header to lose game 2 by the score 6-0 and game 3 by the score 12-3. Northwest's record fell to 17-14 overall. In game 1, Northwest managed 6 hits and committed 2 errors. Offensively, Kevin Handzlik led the way by going 2 for 3 in the game. In game 3, Northwest managed 3 runs off of 8 hits and committed 2 errors. Hudson Bilodeau was huge at the plate and went 2 for 5 with a run scored and a double. Landon Figg finished the game 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs. Derek Hussey went 2 for 4 with 1 RBI and a double.
Mother nature forced a change to the weekend series against Pitt State in Maryville and the Gorillas took full advantage of it. The Bearcats and Gorillas played a double-header on a Thursday and a single game on Friday. The series was originally set to begin with a single game on Friday, a single game on Saturday, and a single game on Sunday. Pitt State swept the 3-game series and proved to be a gut-check time for the Bearcats. Having lost all 3 games of the series, Northwest's record fell to 20-18 overall, 15-9 MIAA.
Pitt State swept the double-header to take games 1 & 2 in Maryville. In Game 1, Pitt State won 16-3 in a lopsided affair. The Bearcats would score a single run in the 2nd, 5th, and 6th innings. Pitt State would score 4 runs in the 1st inning, 6 runs in the 5th inning, 1 run in the 6th inning, 1 run in the 7th inning, and 4 runs in the 9th inning. The Bearcats committed 3 errors in the game. In the game, Hudson Bilodeau went 2 for 3 with 1 RBI and a double, Kevin Handzlik went 2 for 3 with 1 run scored, Logan Rycraft went 2 for 4 with 1 run scored, Landon Figg went 1 for 3 with a walk, and Aaron Barratt went 1 for 3 with 1 run scored.
In game 2, Pitt State defeated Northwest by the score 5-0. The Bearcats were held to 6 hits and committed 2 errors in the game. Pitt State scored 2 runs in the 1st inning, 1 run in the 2nd inning, 1 run in the 8th inning, and 1 run in the 9th inning. Derek Hussey went 2 for 3 with a walk in the game. Hudson Bilodeau, Mondesi Gutierrez, Landon Figg, and Luke Hassman all earned a hit in the game.
Bearcats dropped game 3 by the score 8-3. Northwest would score all of their runs in the 1st inning. Pitt State scored 4 runs in the 3rd inning, 2 runs in the 4th inning, 1 run in the 6th inning, and 1 run in the 9th inning. The Bearcats committed 1 error in the game. Hudson Bilodeau went 2 for 4 with 1 run scored and a triple. Landon Figg went 2 for 2 with 1 run scored and 2 walks. Aaron Barratt went 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs and a double. Kevin Handzlik went 1 for 3 with 1 RBI and 1 walk.
Northwest did not have time to lick their wounds as they were set to travel to Kearney, Nebraska, and face the UNK Lopers with whom gave the Bearcats a thumping in game 1 of the series. Something happened inside the team between Friday following game 3 and Tuesday's double-header in Kearney, Nebraska. Your Bearcats went to UNK an determined bunch and played the games with passion.
Brad Roberts was the show in Game 2 as he led the Bearcats to a 4-1 victory over Southern. Northwest scored 1 run in the 1st inning and 3 runs in the 2nd inning. The Lions scored 1 run in the 3rd inning. The Bearcats scored their 4 runs off of 8 hits and committed 1 error. Aaron Barratt went 2 for 4 in the game. Hudson Bilodeau went 1 for 3 with 1 run scored, 1 RBI, 1 walk, and a home run. Mondesi Gutierrez went 1 for 4 with 2 RBIs in the game. Derek Hussey went 1 for 3 with 1 stolen base, 1 run scored, and a walk. Brad Roberts worked 8.0 innings, allowed only 3 hits, 1 run, and struck-out 8 Lions.
In Game 3, Northwest used late game heroics and a shutdown bullpen to win the game and sweep the series by the score 7-6. Southern scored 5 runs in the 1st inning and 1 run in the 6th inning. Northwest scored 4 runs in the 2nd inning, 2 runs in the 4th inning, and 1 run in the 8th inning. Northwest scored its 7 runs off of 11 hits and did not commit an error. Luke Hassman went 3 for 5 with 2 RBIs, 1 double, and 1 run scored. Logan Rycraft went 3 for 4 with 1 RBI, 1 run scored, and 1 stolen base. Aaron Barratt went 2 for 5 with 2 runs scored, 1 RBI, 1 double, and 1 stolen base. Hudson Bilodeau went 1 for 4 with 1 walk. Kevin Handzlik went 1 for 4 with 1 walk, 1 double, and 1 run scored. Derek Hussey went 1 for 4 with 2 RBIs and 1 run scored in the game.
Road warriors return home to finish 2018 regular season with rival Missouri Western - Northwest concluded its perfect 5-game road trip with a 5-0 record. The Bearcats will head home for their final regular season homestand to play game 3 against Missouri Western in a mid-week conference match-up.
Your Northwest Missouri State Bearcats baseball team earned 11 All-MIAA awards following the 2018 championship season. Joe Hietpas, Trevor Dudar, and Hudson Bilodeau were all named to the All-MIAA First team. Brad Roberts and Luke Hassman were all named to the All-MIAA Third Team. Jacob Wagner, Kevin Handzlik, Mondesi Gutierrez, Logan Rycraft, Landon Figg, and Aaron Barratt each earned All-MIAA Honorable Mention team.
The Bearcats win game 3 to sweep series on the road in Topeka by the score 8-3. Northwest improved to 15-12 overall, 11-5 MIAA with the sweep. The Bearcats scored 1 run in the 1st, 4 in the 3rd, 1 in the 4th, 1 in the 6th, and 1 in the 9th innings. Northwest scored their 8 runs off of 13 hits and did not commit an error. Mondesi Gutierrez went 3 for 5 with 1 run scored, 1 RBI and a double. Luke Hassman went 3 for 4 with 3 RBIs, 1 run scored, 1 walk and a double. Logan Rycraft went 2 for 3 with 2 runs scored, a sacrifice and a stolen base. Eddy Kraber worked 7.0 IP and allowed only 3 runs and struck out 5 batters.
Northwest would return home to take on rival Missouri Western.
Northwest beats Mo West in game 1, 8-4
Your Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats baseball team continued their offensive explosion and defeated rival Missouri Western State University by the score 8-4 in a mid-week conference clash. The Bearcats improved to 16-12 overall, 12-5 MIAA with the win.
Northwest scored its 8 runs off of 15 hits and committed 2 errors in the game. Hudson Bilodeau went 3 for 4 with a double and a run scored. Landon Figg went 3 for 4 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored. Mondesi Gutierrez went 2 for 4 with 3 RBIs, 1 run scored and a double. Aaron Barratt went 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored, 1 RBI, and a home run. Derek Hussey went 2 for 4 with 1 run scored, 1 SB, 2 RBIs and a triple. The Bearcats scored 2 runs in the 1st, 1 run in the 2nd, 2 in the 5th, and 3 in the 8th innings.
Following the game, Northwest faced a non-conference opponent for a 3-game weekend series in Maryville in Northern State.
Northern State trips up Northwest to take mid-season non-con series
Northwest Missouri State rode a lot of momentum into a mid-season non-conference weekend series with Northern State University in Maryville. The Bearcats won game one by the score 9-2 but lost games 2 & 3. In game 1, Northwest scored 2 runs in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, & 4th, and 1 run in the 7th inning. The Bearcats scored their 9 runs off of 9 hits and did not commit an error. Mondesi Gutierrez (2 for 5, 2 runs scored, 2 RBIs, 2 SB) was the offensive spark plug in the game. Brad Roberts earned the start and worked 7.0 IP and only allowed 2 runs on 4 hits while striking out 11 batters.
Northwest dropped both games of a double-header to lose game 2 by the score 6-0 and game 3 by the score 12-3. Northwest's record fell to 17-14 overall. In game 1, Northwest managed 6 hits and committed 2 errors. Offensively, Kevin Handzlik led the way by going 2 for 3 in the game. In game 3, Northwest managed 3 runs off of 8 hits and committed 2 errors. Hudson Bilodeau was huge at the plate and went 2 for 5 with a run scored and a double. Landon Figg finished the game 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs. Derek Hussey went 2 for 4 with 1 RBI and a double.
Following the tough series against Northern State, your Bearcats would have to rebound quickly as MIAA baseball powerhouse University of Central Missouri would roll into town next weekend for a critical conference series. The 2018 Bearcat baseball team would not disappoint and another epic conference weekend was a few days away.
Bearcats walk-off & take series against UCM on statement weekend
Your Northwest Bearcat baseball team put to rest any doubt that they were contenders for a conference championship with a series win against the Central Missouri Mules in Maryville. It was a statement weekend. The Emporia State sweep happened over a month ago and occurred in the opening week of conference play. The 2018 Bearcat baseball team made a statement this weekend that they were here to win. The series started with the Bearcats winning both games of a double-header to start the series. The Bearcats had a walk-off win in extra innings in Game 1. Northwest would follow game 2 with a one-sided victory. Central would salvage a win in game 3. Northwest's record would move to 19-15 overall, 14-6 MIAA with the series win against Central.
In game 1, Northwest would score 1 in the 2nd, 3 in the 3rd, 4 in the 5th, and 1 in the 10th innings. The Bearcats scored their 9 runs off of 12 hits and committed 5 errors. Hudson Bilodeau went 2 for 4 with 1 RBI, 1 walk, 2 runs scored, and 1 double. Mondesi Gutierrez went 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored, 1 RBI, and a double. Landon Figg went 2 for 5 with 2 RBIs and 1 run scored in the game. Luke Hassman went 1 for 2 with 2 walks, 2 runs scored, 2 RBIs, and a home run.
In game 2, Northwest won 8-3. The Bearcats scored 3 in the 2nd, 4 in the 3rd, and 1 in the 7th innings. Northwest scored its 8 runs off of 12 hits and did not commit an error. Hudson Bilodeau went 3 for 4 with 1 walk, 2 RBIs, and a double. Landon Figg went 2 for 5 with 1 RBI, 1 run scored, and a home run. Luke Hassman went 2 for 3 with a walk and a run scored. Kevin Handzlik went 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored, a double, 1 RBI, and a walk. Aaron Barratt went 2 for 4 with 3 RBIs, 2 runs scored, a walk, and 2 home runs. Brad Roberts threw a complete game victory for Northwest while striking-out 7 batters and allowing only 3 runs.
Northwest lost game 3 by the score 7-5. The Bearcats scored 1 run in the 3rd, 3 in the 5th, and 1 in the 8th innings. Northwest scored their 5 runs off of 9 hits and committed 3 errors. Hudson Bilodeau went 3 for 4 with 2 runs scored and a double. Mondesi Gutierrez went 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs. Aaron Barratt went 2 for 4 with 1 run scored, 1 RBI, and hit his 5th home run on the year.
No time to relax now - Northwest concluded a statement weekend but rival Missouri Western was waiting for a return trip to St. Joseph for game 2 of that pivotal series.
Bearcats beat Griffon on road during mid-week conference action
Your Bearcat baseball team beat the Missouri Western Griffons by the score 13-9 in St. Joseph during a mid-week conference game. Northwest's record moved to 20-15 overall, 15-6 MIAA with the win.
Northwest scored 5 runs in the 2nd, 4 runs in the 4th, 1 in the 5th, 1 in the 6th, and 2 in the 9th. The Bearcats scored their 13 runs off of 18 hits and committed 3 errors. Luke Hassman went 5 for 6 with 2 runs scored and 3 RBIs. Matt Schingel went 3 for 5 with 1 RBI and 2 runs scored. Logan Rycraft went 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs and 1 run scored. Hudson Bilodeau went 2 for 5 with 3 runs scored, 1 RBI, 1 walk and a double. Derek Hussey went 2 for 3 with 2 walks, 1 SB, and scored 2 runs. Mondesi Gutierrez went 2 for 5 with 4 RBIs and 1 run scored. Kevin Handzlik went 1 for 3 with 1 SB and 2 walks.
Gorillas in the mist - Northwest returns home to take on Pitt State. Weather again affected when the games would be played.
Pitt State sweeps Northwest in gut check weekend
Mother nature forced a change to the weekend series against Pitt State in Maryville and the Gorillas took full advantage of it. The Bearcats and Gorillas played a double-header on a Thursday and a single game on Friday. The series was originally set to begin with a single game on Friday, a single game on Saturday, and a single game on Sunday. Pitt State swept the 3-game series and proved to be a gut-check time for the Bearcats. Having lost all 3 games of the series, Northwest's record fell to 20-18 overall, 15-9 MIAA.
Pitt State swept the double-header to take games 1 & 2 in Maryville. In Game 1, Pitt State won 16-3 in a lopsided affair. The Bearcats would score a single run in the 2nd, 5th, and 6th innings. Pitt State would score 4 runs in the 1st inning, 6 runs in the 5th inning, 1 run in the 6th inning, 1 run in the 7th inning, and 4 runs in the 9th inning. The Bearcats committed 3 errors in the game. In the game, Hudson Bilodeau went 2 for 3 with 1 RBI and a double, Kevin Handzlik went 2 for 3 with 1 run scored, Logan Rycraft went 2 for 4 with 1 run scored, Landon Figg went 1 for 3 with a walk, and Aaron Barratt went 1 for 3 with 1 run scored.
In game 2, Pitt State defeated Northwest by the score 5-0. The Bearcats were held to 6 hits and committed 2 errors in the game. Pitt State scored 2 runs in the 1st inning, 1 run in the 2nd inning, 1 run in the 8th inning, and 1 run in the 9th inning. Derek Hussey went 2 for 3 with a walk in the game. Hudson Bilodeau, Mondesi Gutierrez, Landon Figg, and Luke Hassman all earned a hit in the game.
Bearcats dropped game 3 by the score 8-3. Northwest would score all of their runs in the 1st inning. Pitt State scored 4 runs in the 3rd inning, 2 runs in the 4th inning, 1 run in the 6th inning, and 1 run in the 9th inning. The Bearcats committed 1 error in the game. Hudson Bilodeau went 2 for 4 with 1 run scored and a triple. Landon Figg went 2 for 2 with 1 run scored and 2 walks. Aaron Barratt went 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs and a double. Kevin Handzlik went 1 for 3 with 1 RBI and 1 walk.
Northwest did not have time to lick their wounds as they were set to travel to Kearney, Nebraska, and face the UNK Lopers with whom gave the Bearcats a thumping in game 1 of the series. Something happened inside the team between Friday following game 3 and Tuesday's double-header in Kearney, Nebraska. Your Bearcats went to UNK an determined bunch and played the games with passion.
Bearcats use walk-off to sweep Nebraska-Kearney; wins series in mid-week action
It was a good day for a walk-off. Your Bearcats traveled to Kearney, Nebraska, to play a double-header against the Lopers to finish the regular season series against that conference opponent. Northwest's magic flashed again in a walk-off to win game 1 by the score 9-8. Northwest score 1 run in the 1st inning, 7 runs in the 6th inning, and 1 run in the 9th inning. The Bearcats committed 1 error in the game. Mondesi Gutierrez went 2 for 5 with 1 stolen base in the game. Landon Figg went 2 for 5 with 4 RBIs, 1 run scored, a double, and a grand slam. Luke Hassman went 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs, 1 run scored, 1 stolen base, and 2 walks. Hudson Bilodeau went 1 for 4 with 1 stolen base, 3 runs scored, and drew a walk. Aaron Barratt went 1 for 4 with a double, 1 walk, 1 RBI, and a run scored. Matt Schingel went 1 for 5 with 1 RBI in the game. Derek Hussey went 1 for 3 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored in the game. With a tie game in the bottom of the 9th, Bilodeau walked and then stole 2nd base. Gutierrez would move Bilodeau to 3rd base with a single to left field. Gutierrez would then steal 2nd base. Hassman singled to right field to score Bilodeau for the Bearcat win.
Your Bearcats carried the momentum of the exciting walk-off win in game 1 to win game 2 by a comfortable margin, 13-4. Northwest scored 13 runs off of 20 hits. The Bearcats defense committed 1 error in the game. Aaron Barratt went 4 for 5 with 3 runs scored and 2 RBIs. Hudson Bilodeau went 3 for 4 with 2 runs scored, 2 doubles, and a walk in the game. Luke Hassman went 3 for 6 with 1 RBI and scored 2 runs. Mondesi Gutierrez went 2 for 6 with 1 RBI and scored 1 run. Kevin Handzlik went 2 for 4 with a double, 2 runs scored, and 1 RBI. Derek Hussey went 2 for 5 with 1 RBI, 1 double, and 1 run scored. Logan Rycraft went 2 for 5 with 1 RBI, 1 run scored, and a double.
Northwest improved to 22-18 overall, 17-8 MIAA with the double-header sweep.
Heading into the Lions' den - Northwest travels to Joplin for a weekend series against Missouri Southern.
Bearcats sweep Southern
Northwest's success became official after traveling to Joplin and knocked-off MIAA baseball power Missouri Southern at their place with a 3-game sweep. Southern's coach did not handle it well. Northwest used terrific pitching, a light's out bullpen, and timely hitting to win all 3 games. With the sweep, Northwest's record moved to 25-18 overall, 20-9 MIAA.
Northwest's Ace Joseph Hietpas delivered an outstanding performance and the Bearcats defeated Southern 4-3 to take game 1 of the 3-game road series in Joplin. Northwest scored all 4 of its runs in the 1st inning. Southern scored 1 run in the 2nd inning and 2 runs in the 4th inning. Northwest committed 3 errors in the game. Hudson Bilodeau went 3 for 5 with 1 run scored in the game. Luke Hassman went 2 for 4 with 1 run scored, a double, and 1 RBI. Kevin Handzlik went 2 for 3 with 1 RBI, 1 walk, and a double. Joseph Hietpas worked 6.2 innings, allowed 3 runs and struck-out 7 batters. Trevor Dudar picked-up his 9th save of the season after pitching a clean 9th inning.
Brad Roberts was the show in Game 2 as he led the Bearcats to a 4-1 victory over Southern. Northwest scored 1 run in the 1st inning and 3 runs in the 2nd inning. The Lions scored 1 run in the 3rd inning. The Bearcats scored their 4 runs off of 8 hits and committed 1 error. Aaron Barratt went 2 for 4 in the game. Hudson Bilodeau went 1 for 3 with 1 run scored, 1 RBI, 1 walk, and a home run. Mondesi Gutierrez went 1 for 4 with 2 RBIs in the game. Derek Hussey went 1 for 3 with 1 stolen base, 1 run scored, and a walk. Brad Roberts worked 8.0 innings, allowed only 3 hits, 1 run, and struck-out 8 Lions.
In Game 3, Northwest used late game heroics and a shutdown bullpen to win the game and sweep the series by the score 7-6. Southern scored 5 runs in the 1st inning and 1 run in the 6th inning. Northwest scored 4 runs in the 2nd inning, 2 runs in the 4th inning, and 1 run in the 8th inning. Northwest scored its 7 runs off of 11 hits and did not commit an error. Luke Hassman went 3 for 5 with 2 RBIs, 1 double, and 1 run scored. Logan Rycraft went 3 for 4 with 1 RBI, 1 run scored, and 1 stolen base. Aaron Barratt went 2 for 5 with 2 runs scored, 1 RBI, 1 double, and 1 stolen base. Hudson Bilodeau went 1 for 4 with 1 walk. Kevin Handzlik went 1 for 4 with 1 walk, 1 double, and 1 run scored. Derek Hussey went 1 for 4 with 2 RBIs and 1 run scored in the game.
Road warriors return home to finish 2018 regular season with rival Missouri Western - Northwest concluded its perfect 5-game road trip with a 5-0 record. The Bearcats will head home for their final regular season homestand to play game 3 against Missouri Western in a mid-week conference match-up.
Bearcats sweep Griffons on Military Appreciation Day
Late game heroics and a shutdown bullpen helped the Bearcats defeat the Griffons in a mid-week game 3 clash by the score 8-7. Western scored 2 runs in the 3rd inning and 5 runs in the 4th inning. Northwest scored 1 run in the 1st inning, 3 runs in the 3rd inning, 2 runs in the 6th inning, and 2 runs in the 7th inning. The Bearcats improved to 28-18 overall, 21-9 MIAA. The Bearcats scored their 8 runs off of 10 hits and committed 2 errors. Mondesi Gutierrez had a monster game and went 3 for 4 with 3 runs scored, 4 RBIs, and 2 home runs. Kevin Handzlik went 2 for 3 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored. Hudson Bilodeau went 1 for 5 with 1 run scored. Luke Hassman went 1 for 3 with 1 run scored. Aaron Barratt went 1 for 3 with 1 RBI. Matt Schingel went 1 for 4 with 2 RBIs. Derek Hussey went 1 for 4 with 1 stolen base. Logan Rycraft earned 2 walks, scored 1 run, and stole 2 bases. Trevor Dudar tied a Northwest Missouri State University school record when he earned his 12th save of the year for the most saves in a single year.
Bearcats vs. Bearcats - Southwest Baptist University is set to come to Maryville for the final regular season home series of 2018. Northwest has a chance to win the MIAA Conference regular season championship and sits in 1st place with 2 series left. Most importantly, the Southwest Baptist series is Senior Day weekend.
Northwest sweeps SBU on Senior weekend
In a series that featured a little bit of everything, Northwest's seniors go out on top with a sweep over Southwest Baptist. Also important, and historic in a sense, Northwest positioned itself for a winner take series against Central Oklahoma next weekend for the MIAA regular season conference championship. With the 3 wins in the Southwest Baptist series, Northwest's record moved to 29-18 overall, 24-9 MIAA.
Northwest won game 1 over Southwest Baptist by the score 19-15. The Bearcats scored 2 runs in the 1st inning, 8 runs in the 4th inning, 2 runs in the 5th inning, 3 runs in the 6th inning, 3 runs in the 7th inning, and 1 run in the 8th inning. Northwest scored their 19 runs off of 17 hits and committed 4 errors in the game. Mondesi Gutierrez continued his hot streak and went 4 for 5 with 4 RBIs, 3 runs scored, 2 doubles, and 1 home run. Luke Hassman went 4 for 5 with 3 runs scored, 1 RBI, 1 double, and 1 triple. Hudson Bilodeau went 3 for 6 with 2 RBIs, 1 run scored, and 1 home run. Aaron Barratt went 2 for 5 with 5 RBIs, 2 runs scored, and 1 home run. Landon Figg went 1 for 5 with 1 walk, 2 runs scored, and 2 RBIs. Kevin Handzlik went 1 for 4 with 3 runs scored, 2 walks, and 1 RBI. Matt Schingel went 1 for 2 with 2 walks, scored 3 runs, and hit his 1st collegiate home run. Derek Hussey went 1 for 3 with a double, 2 runs scored, and 3 RBIs.
Northwest won game 2 by the score 14-3 in a run-rule shortened game. Northwest scored 2 runs in the 1st inning, 3 runs in the 3rd inning, 1 run in the 4th inning, 2 runs in the 5th inning, and 6 runs in the 6th inning. Northwest scored its 14 runs off of 16 hits and did not commit an error in the game. Kevin Handzlik was perfect at the plate and went 4 for 4 with 3 runs scored and 3 RBIs. Mondesi Gutierrez went 3 for 4 with 1 RBI, 1 walk, and scored 3 runs. Hudson Bilodeau went 2 for 4 with 1 run scored and 1 walk. Landon Figg went 2 for 3 with 1 RBI, 1 walk, and scored 3 runs. Aaron Barratt went 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs, 2 runs scored, 1 walk, and 1 home run. Matt Schingel went 2 for 3 with 1 run scored and 3 RBIs. Luke Hassman went 1 for 4 with 1 run scored and 1 RBI. Brad Roberts threw a complete game for the win. In total, Brad worked 7 innings, allowed 3 runs and struck-out 10 batters.
In game 3, Northwest won 4-0 to sweep the series. Northwest scored 1 run in the 1st inning, 1 run in the 3rd inning, 1 run in the 4th inning, and 1 run in the 8th inning. Northwest scored their 4 runs off of 10 hits and committed 1 error in the game. Landon Figg was perfect at the plate and went 4 for 4 with 1 RBI and 3 doubles. Hudson Bilodeau went 1 for 4 with 1 run scored, 1 double, and is currently on a 23-game hitting streak. Luke Hassman went 1 for 4 with 1 RBI. Kevin Handzlik went 1 for 4 with 1 run scored. Aaron Barratt went 1 for 4 with 1 double. Matt Schingel went 1 for 3 with 1 double and 1 RBI. Logan Rycraft went 1 for 4 with 1 double and 1 RBI. Quintin Van Ackeren picked-up the win and worked 7.0 innings, allowed 4 hits, 0 runs, and struck-out 4 batters. Trevor Dudar earned his 13th save of the season to put him as the all-time leader in saves in a single season.
Road trip for a conference championship - Northwest travels to Central Oklahoma with a chance to win a MIAA regular season championship.
Northwest earns first conference championship since 1983
Despite going 1-2 on the weekend at Central Oklahoma, Northwest won a share of the 2018 MIAA conference regular season championship. It is the first conference championship that Northwest has won since 1983. A historic season at Northwest by this bunch of Bearcats.
Northwest lost game 1 by the score 17-0. The Bearcats managed 4 hits and committed 2 errors in the game. Bilodeau, Figg, Handzlik, and Schingel all earned a hit in the game.
Northwest won game 2 by the score 9-8 to claim a share of the MIAA conference regular season championship in comeback fashion. Central Oklahoma scored 6 runs in the 1st inning, 1 run in the 2nd inning, and 1 run in the 9th inning. Northwest scored 1 run in the 2nd inning, 6 runs in the 4th inning, 1 run in the 6th inning, and 1 run in the 8th inning. The Bearcats scored their 9 runs off of 10 hits and committed 1 error in the game. Kevin Handzlik went 2 for 3 with 2 runs scored, 1 RBI, and 1 home run. Derek Hussey went 2 for 3 with 3 runs scored and 1 RBI. Logan Rycraft went 2 for 3 with 1 run scored, 1 RBI, and 1 double. Hudson Bilodeau went 1 for 2 with 2 RBIs, 1 double, 1 triple, and 1 run scored. Mondesi Gutierrez went 1 for 3 with 2 RBIs and 1 double. Luke Hassman went 1 for 4 with 1 run scored. Aaron Barratt went 1 for 4 with 2 RBIs, 1 double, and 1 run scored. Brad Roberts picked-up his 7th win of the season. Trevor Dudar earned his 14th save of the season.
Northwest lost game 3 by the score 8-3. The Bearcats concluded their regular season record at 30-20 overall, and 25-11 MIAA. Northwest scored 2 runs in the 7th inning and 1 run in the 9th inning. Northwest had 9 hits and committed 3 errors in the game. Hudson Bilodeau went 3 for 5 with 3 RBIs, 1 run scored, and 1 home run. Kevin Handzlik went 2 for 4. Luke Hassman went 1 for 4. Logan Rycraft went 1 for 4 with 1 run scored. Jacob Wagner worked 3.0 innings of shut-out relief and allowed only 3 hits and struck-out 1 batter.
Next up - Northwest earned the #2 seed in the MIAA tournament and will face #7 seed Emporia State in the first round on the campus of Central Missouri.
Northwest goes 0-2 in MIAA post-season tournament; finishes year at 30-22
Northwest entered the MIAA post-season tournament as the #2 seed but had a tough go. Northwest faced two teams that the Bearcats swept earlier in the regular season. Both teams managed to win 1 of the 4 total games played in 2018. It just so happened to be during the MIAA tournament. A great season. One for the record books at Northwest Missouri State University.
Northwest fell in the first round of the MIAA tournament to Emporia State by the score 15-2. Northwest scored both of its runs in the 5th inning in the run-ruled shortened game. The Bearcats committed 2 errors in the game. Bilodeau, Handzlik, Barratt, Hussey, and Rycraft all earned a hit in the game. Jake Lewis earned a walk and scored a run in the game.
Northwest fell to Missouri Western in the 2nd round of the MIAA tournament by the score 4-0. The loss would be the last game for your Bearcats championship 2018 season. Northwest smashed 5 hits and committed 1 error in the game. Landon Figg went 2 for 4 with a double. Hudson Bilodeau went 2 for 4 in the game. Handzlik went 1 for 3 with 1 walk and 1 stolen base. Aaron Barratt and Derek Hussey each earned a walk in the game.
Northwest earns 11 All-MIAA awards
Your Northwest Missouri State Bearcats baseball team earned 11 All-MIAA awards following the 2018 championship season. Joe Hietpas, Trevor Dudar, and Hudson Bilodeau were all named to the All-MIAA First team. Brad Roberts and Luke Hassman were all named to the All-MIAA Third Team. Jacob Wagner, Kevin Handzlik, Mondesi Gutierrez, Logan Rycraft, Landon Figg, and Aaron Barratt each earned All-MIAA Honorable Mention team.
Hietpas set Northwest school records for career strike-outs and innings pitched. In 2018, he threw 83 innings and struck-out 108 batters. Trevor Dudar set Northwest school record for saves in a single season in 2018. Dudar threw 31.2 innings, struck-out 31 batters, picked-up 14 saves, and had an ERA of 2.27. Hudson Bilodeau hit .392 as a catcher with 69 hits, 31 RBIs, 15 doubles, 2 triples, 5 home runs, and a fielding percentage of .983 with 309 put-outs.
Brad Roberts threw 95 innings and had a 3.79 ERA with 7 wins and 103 strike-outs. Luke Hassman was a designated hitter and hit .304 with 56 hits, 37 runs scored, 9 doubles, 1 triple, 2 home runs, and 34 RBIs. Jacob Wagner worked 61 innings as a relief pitcher and had a 2.51 ERA with 46 strike-outs. Kevin Handzlik appeared as a first baseman and hit .323 with 60 hits, 27 RBIs, 7 doubles, 1 triple, and 2 home runs. Mondesi Gutierrez hit .293 with 56 hits, 45 RBIs, 13 doubles, 3 triples, and 3 home runs. Logan Rycraft hit .225 with 41 hits, 5 doubles, 1 triple, and scored 22 runs. Landon Figg hit .286 with 55 hits, 9 doubles, 27 RBIs, 37 runs scored, and 5 home runs. Aaron Barratt hit .289 with 48 hits, 29 runs scored, 12 doubles, 33 RBIs, and 9 home runs.
 |
| SP - Brad Roberts - All-MIAA 3rd Team |
 |
| DH - Luke Hassman - All-MIAA 3rd Team |
 |
| 1B - Kevin Handzlik - All-MIAA Honorable Mention |
 |
| INF - Mondesi Gutierrez - All-MIAA Honorable Mention |
 |
| RP - Jacob Wagner - All-MIAA Honorable Mention |
 |
| INF - Logan Rycraft - All-MIAA Honorable Mention |
 |
| OF - Aaron Barratt - All-MIAA Honorable Mention |
 |
| 3B - Landon Figg - All-MIAA Honorable Mention |
Trevor Dudar and Hudson Bilodeau NCBWA, D2CCA, & ABCA All-Region honors
Hudson Bilodeau earned NCBWA First Team, D2CCA, and ABCA First Team as a catcher.
Trevor Dudar earned NCBWA, D2CCA, and ABCA Second Team as a relief pitcher.
Hudson Bilodeau signs contract to play professional baseball
Following the 2018 season, Bearcat Catcher Hudson Bilodeau signed a contract to play professional baseball with the Santa Fe Fuego of the PECOS League. Hudson is currently hitting .429, scored 14 runs, 18 hits, 3 doubles, 10 RBIs, 6 walks, 6 hit by pitches, and stole 1 base so far this season.
Snubs
Despite the championship season, the MIAA selected Damon Day as the 2018 Conference Coach of the Year. Damon Day coached Nebraska-Kearney this season as he has for several years. Prior to the 2018 NCAA season, the University of Nebraska system elected to terminate its baseball program. The entire UNK baseball team played 2018 knowing it was their last season in existence. The Conference awarded Day for guiding his team to a successful season. While all due credit should be given to Day handling a very poor decision by the University of Nebraska system, the conference got it wrong. Northwest's head coach Darin Loe recruited then guided his team to a conference championship for the first time since 1983 and deserved recognition as the coach of the year. In the end, Northwest's Darin Loe and Central Oklahoma's head coach each deserved co-coach of the year for guiding their teams to a share of the 2018 MIAA regular season championship.
Despite Northwest playing in one of the toughest NCAA Division 2 conferences in America, and being situated in the upper-Midwest, the NCAA selection committee disregarded the Bearcats' success in conference play and did not award a post-season bid to the NCAA Division 2 tournament following the season. It is a shame because the Bearcats played with grit and passion all year and deserved a chance to play in the NCAA tournament.
2018 statistics
| Player | avg | gp-gs | ab | r | h | 2b | 3b | hr | rbi | tb | slg% | bb | hbp | so | gdp | ob% | sf | sh | sb-att | po | a | e | fld% |
| Bilodeau,Hudson | .387 | 47-43 | 173 | 32 | 67 | 16 | 1 | 4 | 27 | 97 | .561 | 20 | 3 | 25 | 1 | .455 | 2 | 5 | 2-4 | 294 | 29 | 6 | .982 |
| Herrera,Alixon | .367 | 15-14 | 49 | 8 | 18 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 14 | 27 | .551 | 7 | 3 | 6 | 2 | .475 | 0 | 0 | 0-0 | 84 | 7 | 1 | .989 |
| .333 | 1-1 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | .333 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .333 | 0 | 0 | 0-0 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 1.000 | |
| Handzlik,Kevin | .323 | 52-52 | 192 | 32 | 62 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 27 | 78 | .406 | 24 | 1 | 31 | 4 | .395 | 3 | 5 | 5-6 | 360 | 17 | 4 | .990 |
| Hassman,Luke | .295 | 52-52 | 190 | 37 | 56 | 9 | 1 | 2 | 34 | 73 | .384 | 21 | 13 | 34 | 4 | .398 | 2 | 3 | 1-2 | 52 | 3 | 5 | .917 |
| Figg,Landon | .288 | 52-52 | 198 | 37 | 57 | 10 | 0 | 5 | 29 | 82 | .414 | 28 | 5 | 46 | 1 | .388 | 1 | 3 | 3-4 | 41 | 86 | 14 | .901 |
| Gutierrez,Mondesi | .284 | 52-52 | 197 | 39 | 56 | 13 | 3 | 3 | 45 | 84 | .426 | 17 | 6 | 32 | 5 | .356 | 2 | 8 | 11-12 | 101 | 106 | 21 | .908 |
| Barratt, Aaron | .283 | 50-47 | 173 | 29 | 49 | 12 | 0 | 7 | 33 | 82 | .474 | 9 | 4 | 31 | 3 | .332 | 1 | 7 | 7-9 | 93 | 4 | 4 | .960 |
| Hussey,Derek | .248 | 46-35 | 113 | 24 | 28 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 16 | 33 | .292 | 22 | 4 | 30 | 1 | .380 | 3 | 0 | 10-11 | 71 | 2 | 1 | .986 |
| Rycraft,Logan | .226 | 52-52 | 186 | 22 | 42 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 19 | 49 | .263 | 21 | 3 | 31 | 4 | .311 | 2 | 9 | 8-10 | 94 | 130 | 12 | .949 |
| Hrdlicka,Jay | .224 | 24-22 | 76 | 13 | 17 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 23 | .303 | 19 | 0 | 25 | 2 | .379 | 0 | 0 | 0-1 | 18 | 2 | 0 | 1.000 |
| Schingel,Matt | .197 | 40-37 | 127 | 14 | 25 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 19 | 30 | .236 | 9 | 3 | 50 | 0 | .262 | 2 | 6 | 0-2 | 74 | 3 | 6 | .928 |
| Wilkinson,Luke | .111 | 8-1 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | .111 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | .273 | 0 | 0 | 0-0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 |
| Howard,Nick | .091 | 7-1 | 11 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | .091 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | .091 | 0 | 0 | 0-0 | 4 | 1 | 1 | .833 |
| Easley,Aaron | .077 | 6-2 | 13 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | .077 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 0 | .200 | 0 | 0 | 0-0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 |
| Velasco,Jake | .000 | 5-2 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | .111 | 0 | 0 | 0-0 | 4 | 5 | 2 | .818 |
| Lewis,Jake | .000 | 8-1 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | 4 | 1 | 4 | 1 | .455 | 0 | 0 | 0-0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 |
| Olson,Tim | .000 | 24-0 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | .000 | 0 | 0 | 0-0 | 5 | 3 | 1 | .889 |
| Gastner,Matt | .000 | 2-0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | 0 | 0 | 0-0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 |
| Totals | .279 | 52-52 | 1736 | 299 | 485 | 87 | 9 | 27 | 273 | 671 | .387 | 208 | 46 | 364 | 28 | .368 | 18 | 47 | 47-61 | 1340 | 466 | 85 | .955 |
| Player | era | w-l | app-gs | cg | sho | sv | ip | h | r | er | bb | so | 2b | 3b | hr | ab | b/avg | wp | hbp | bk | sfa | sha |
| Dudar,Trevor | 2.25 | 3-0 | 27-0 | 0 | 0/1 | 14 | 32.0 | 24 | 9 | 8 | 12 | 31 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 115 | .209 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| Wagner,Jacob | 3.32 | 4-1 | 32-0 | 0 | 0/1 | 0 | 62.1 | 79 | 33 | 23 | 6 | 48 | 11 | 0 | 1 | 255 | .310 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 10 |
| Roberts,Brad | 3.71 | 7-6 | 17-16 | 2 | 0/0 | 0 | 102.0 | 109 | 52 | 42 | 29 | 106 | 14 | 3 | 9 | 395 | .276 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 6 |
| VanAckeren,Quintin | 4.50 | 4-2 | 15-5 | 0 | 0/1 | 0 | 46.0 | 59 | 35 | 23 | 8 | 31 | 7 | 2 | 5 | 194 | .304 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| McElwain,Jimmy | 4.62 | 1-0 | 14-0 | 0 | 0/0 | 0 | 25.1 | 28 | 18 | 13 | 8 | 21 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 99 | .283 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Hietpas,Joseph | 5.74 | 8-4 | 16-16 | 2 | 1/0 | 0 | 84.2 | 85 | 66 | 54 | 61 | 110 | 18 | 1 | 5 | 328 | .259 | 12 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Funkhouser,Joe | 6.75 | 1-1 | 4-1 | 0 | 0/0 | 0 | 9.1 | 13 | 11 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 39 | .333 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Cronin,Jarret | 6.75 | 0-0 | 6-0 | 0 | 0/0 | 0 | 5.1 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 23 | .348 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Pearcy,Hondo | 8.10 | 0-0 | 2-0 | 0 | 0/0 | 0 | 3.1 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 15 | .467 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Russell,Nathan | 8.21 | 1-2 | 13-3 | 0 | 0/0 | 0 | 34.0 | 52 | 34 | 31 | 17 | 22 | 9 | 0 | 8 | 145 | .359 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Kraber,Eddy | 9.41 | 1-6 | 11-11 | 0 | 0/0 | 0 | 36.1 | 69 | 48 | 38 | 14 | 26 | 11 | 3 | 6 | 171 | .404 | 1 | 10 | 0 | 3 | 5 |
| Spitzmiller,Max | 18.00 | 0-0 | 5-0 | 0 | 0/0 | 0 | 5.0 | 13 | 14 | 10 | 5 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 28 | .464 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Otto,Cole | 18.00 | 0-0 | 2-0 | 0 | 0/0 | 0 | 1.0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | .250 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Totals | 5.20 | 30-22 | 52-52 | 4 | 2/1 | 14 | 446.2 | 547 | 333 | 258 | 176 | 410 | 94 | 13 | 42 | 1811 | .302 | 26 | 41 | 5 | 13 | 31 |
Attaboy & Tip of the Cap
Your 2018 Northwest Missouri State University Bearcat baseball team made you proud with a lot of fight, passion, grit, tenacity, determination, and swagger. They swept MIAA powers Emporia State and Missouri Southern. They beat eventual MIAA post-season tournament champions Central Missouri 2 games to 1 in the regular season. They fought hard for themselves and the university. The B2R wanted to memorialize the hard work and sacrifices made by your 2018 Bearcats baseball team with this Ode to their season. Thank you for being Bearcats. Thank you for believing in yourselves. In this conclusion, the B2R will quote one of my favorite Bearcats, Starting Pitcher Joseph Hietpas, with a quote I first heard from him:
"There is nothing better than being a Bearcat. Believe that."
Go Cat!!
###
