Tuesday, February 28, 2012

NorthwestBearcats.com: Ryan Abernathy named MIAA Baseball Student-Athlete of the Week


Kansas City, MO - Northwest Missouri State University sophomore Ryan Abernathy was named MIAA baseball student-athlete of the week for the week of February 21-27 as announced by the league office on Tuesday.

Abernathy, the Bearcats' Centerfielder, went 10 for 16 with 4 doubles, a triple and five RBIs on the Bearcats trip to Oklahoma last weekend. The Chesterfield, Missouri, native finished the weekend with a .700 on-base percentage and a 1.000 slugging percentage.

Read more by visiting the official website of Bearcats Athletics by clicking this link: NorthwestBearcats.com

Go Cats!!
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Monday, February 27, 2012

Opponent Analysis - Fort Hays State - March 2, 3, 4


Fort Hays State enters this weekend's series with a 1-2 record having taken West Texas A&M to a third and deciding game last weekend before falling 6-9.  The games were played at West Texas A&M.  This weekend is Fort Hays' first home series and it is the conference opener for both squads.  Offensively, the Tigers have an on-base percentage of .398, slugging .421, 16 walks, 16 strike-outs, and have stolen 6 bases in 7 total attempts.  The statistical offensive leaders for the Tigers are as follows:

Sheldon Howell -
GP/GS - 3/3
Batting Average - .583
AB - 12
R - 3
H - 7
3B - 2
RBI - 2
SLG - .917
BB - 1
K - 2
OB% - .643
SB/Att - 1/1



Nash Smith
GP/GS - 3/3
AB - 12
R - 3
H - 6
2B - 3
RBI - 4
SLG% - .750
BB - 2
K - 0
OB% - .600
SB/Att - 2/2



Mace Krol
GP/GS - 3/3
AB - 12
R - 4
H - 4
3B - 1
RBI - 3
SLG% - .583
BB - 2
K - 2
OB% - .467
SB/Att - 1/1



Kelton Rule
GP/GS - 2/2
AB - 6
R - 2
H - 2
3B - 1
RBI - 2
SLG% - .667
BB - 3
K - 1
OB% - .556



Ryan Busboom
GP/GS - 3/3
AB - 13
R - 1
H - 4
RBI - 2
SLG% - .308
BB - 2
K - 1
OB% - .400

Defensively, the Tigers have committed only 2 errors and are fielding at a .982 clip.

Pitching:  The Tigers have  a team ERA of 8.64, W/L of 1/2, allowed 33 hits in 25 innings pitched, 24 earned runs, 10 walks, 17 strike-outs, they've allowed 7 homeruns in 3 games, and opponents are batting .320 off of their pitching.  The statistical leaders are as follows:



Shawn Lewick
ERA - 1.69
IP - 5.1
H - 3
ER - 1
BB - 2
K - 6



Tayler Davis
ERA - 4.50
Save - 1
IP - 4.0
H - 3
ER - 2
BB - 1
K - 2



Andy Lewton
ERA - 5.40
W/L - 1/0
IP - 5.0
H - 7
ER - 3
BB - 0
K - 5
Opponents are batting - .318


Northwest Missouri State enters this weekend's series with a 1-7 record (1-5 on the road and 0-2 at neutral site games).  Offensively, the Bearcats are batting at a .301 clip with 50 runs scored, 86 hits, 18 doubles, 3 triples, 2 home runs, 39 RBIs, SLG% is .406, 39 walks, 12 batters hit by a pitch, 57 strike-outs, grounded into 7 double plays, OB% is .403, stolen 10 bases in 17 attempts.

The offensive statistical leaders are as follows:


Cameron Bedard
Batting Average - .481
GP/GS - 7/7
AB - 27
R - 4
H - 13
2B - 1
RBI - 4
SLG% - .519
BB - 8
K - 6
OB% - .600



Ryan Abernathy
Batting Average - .467
GP/GS - 7/7
AB - 30
R - 8
H - 14
2B - 5
3B - 1
RBI - 6
SLG% - .700
BB - 5
K - 3
OB% - .568
SB/Att - 3/4



Travis Green
Batting Average - .429
GP/GS - 6/4
AB - 14
R - 4
H - 6
2B - 3
3B - 1
RBI - 2
SLG% - .786
BB - 2
HBP - 3
K - 1
OB% - .579
SB/Att - 0/2



Charlie Krueger
Batting Average - .364
GP/GS - 6/2
AB - 11
R - 2
H - 4
2B - 1
RBI - 2
SLG% - .455
BB - 4
HBP - 1
K - 2
OB% - .563
SB/Att - 2/3

Defensively, the Bearcats have committed 19 errors and are fielding at a .938 clip.

Pitching, the Bearcats have a team ERA of 7.62 having worked 67.1 innings pitched, 93 hits, 57 earned runs, 35 walks, 45 strike-outs, 22 doubles, 4 triples, 12 home runs, opponents are batting .332 off of them, have thrown 7 wild pitches, hit 4 batters, and committed 2 balks.

The Statistical leaders are as follows:



Chris Green
ERA - 3.00
W/L - 1/0
App/GS - 2/2
IP - 9.0
H - 6
ER - 3
BB - 4
K - 9
allowed 1 double, 1 triple, and 1 homerun
has thrown 1 wild pitch, 1 balk, and hit 1 batter.


Jace Anderson
ERA - 7.36
W/L - 0/2
App/GS - 2/2
IP - 11.0
H - 19
ER - 9
BB - 3
K - 8
2B - 6
HR - 3
Opponents are batting .388 off of him
Has thrown 3 wild pitches and hit 1 batter



Chase Anderson
ERA - 11.00
W/L - 0/2
App/GS - 2/2
IP - 9.0
H - 15
ER - 11
BB - 4
K - 6
Opponents are batting .366 off of him
has thrown 2 wild pitches


Nick Caldrone
ERA - 3.60
W/L - 0/0
IP - 5.0
H - 1
ER - 2
BB - 6
K - 2
2B - 1
has thrown 1 wild pitch and hit 1 batter
Opponents are batting .077 off of him


Carson Smith
ERA - 4.76
W/L - 0/0
App/GS - 3/0
IP - 5.2
H - 9
ER - 3
BB - 3
K - 4
2B - 1
HR - 1
Opponents are batting .360 off of him.

Team by Team Comparison:

                           NWMSU at Fort Hays State      Advantage
Batting Avg          .301        at  .298                      NWMSU
Runs                    50           at  23                         NWMSU
SLG%                 .406        at  .421                      FHSU
BB                      39           at  16                         NWMSU
K                        57           at  16                         FHSU
OB%                  .403        at   .398                     NWMSU
SB/Att                10/17      at   6/7                       FHSU
FLD%                .938        at   .982                     FHSU
ERA                   7.62        at   8.64                     NWMSU
BB                      35          at   10                        FHSU
K                        45          at   17                        NWMSU

Go Cats!!!

###

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Weekend Recap - Northeastern State and Arkansas Tech


Opening Thoughts - A promising start fizzled into a frustrating weekend for our Bearcats.  For the series, Northwest's pitching allowed 7 home runs, Northwest's defense committed 10 errors, which resulted in 7 unearned runs in games where the Cats lost by 3 runs in game 2 and 4 runs in game 3.  Northwest's offense scored enough runs in every game to win but defensive laps and poor pitch location cost the Cats as their overall record fell to 1-7 on the year.  The good news is, when the Bearcats focus on their defense they win the game.  The bad news is, when the Bearcats do not focus on their defense, the pitching gets infected and the Bearcats offense cannot score enough runs to keep up.  While you can't expect an offense to hit more then 4 home runs in a game, you can expect a defense to focus and not commit 3 errors in 3 straight games.  I'll tell everybody until I am blue in the face that the Bearcats have the talent to be MIAA Conference Champions but I want to see better focus on the field.  I want to see faces getting in front of the batted balls and either getting bloody, bruised, or field the ball cleanly.  Knocking the ball down with your body is as much a badge of honor as getting hit by a pitch in the batter's box.  Period.  Conference Season starts this weekend in Hays, Kansas.  Anything is possible if you believe.  I believe that we will win.  Go Cats!!



In Game 1 versus Northeastern State of Oklahoma, the Bearcats won 12-6 in a 9-inning game that took 2:58 minutes to complete.  The announced attendance was 50 and the weather was cool and breezy.  Chris Green moved his record to 1-0 on the year and worked 4.0 innings, allowed 3 hits, 4 runs (3 earned), 4 walks, 4 strike-outs, 1 wild pitch, and hit 1 batter.  Nick Caldrone had a fine relief outing and worked 2.0 innings, allowed 1 hit, 0 runs, 1 walk, and 0 strike-outs.  Nathaniel Horton came in relief of Caldrone and pitched 1.2 innings, allowed 1 hit, 2 runs (both earned), 3 walks, and 1 strike-out.  Josh Parrish closed out the game and pitched 1.1 innings, allowed 1 hit, 0 runs, 1 walk, and 0 strike-outs.  Defensively, the Bearcats were charged with one error by Chris Green.  Offensively, the Bearcats were paced by Cameron Bedard and his 2 for 4 performance with 2 walks and 2 RBIs, Ryan Abernathy and his 3 for 4 performance, 1 RBI, 3 runs scored, and 2 walks, and Charlie Krueger's 3 for 3 performance with 2 runs scored, 2 stolen bases, and 2 walks.  In addition, Jon Pomatto had a stellar offensive day with his 2 for 4 performance, 1 RBI, 3 runs scored, 1 walk, 1 stolen base, and 1 strike-out.  Tyler Durant went 1 for 5 with 1 RBI, and 1 run scored.  Jake Kretzer got hit by a pitch and had 1 walk in the game.  In total, the Bearcats scored 12 runs off of 11 hits, 8 RBIs, 9 walks, 4 strike-outs, and left 9 runners on base. 

In Game 2, the Bearcats lost 5-8 to the Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys on Saturday, February 25, 2012, in a game that lasted 2:54, the weather was mild and clear, and the announced attendance was 50.  Jace Anderson fell to 0-2 on the year and worked 6.0 innings, allowed 12 hits, 7 runs (6 earned), 2 walks, 5 strike-outs, 3 wild pitches, and hit 1 batter.  Pat Brady made his 2012 (and I believe his Bearcat) debut and pitched 1.0 inning, allowed 0 hits, 0 runs, walked 1 batter, and struck-out 2 batters.  Charlie Krueger came in to relieve Brady and pitched 0.2 innings, allowed 3 hits, 1 earned run, 0 walks, and 0 strike-outs in the game.  Nick Caldrone finished out the game and pitched 0.1 inning, and earned 1 strike-out with out a hit or run.  Defensively, the Bearcats were charged with 3 errors in the game.  Offensively, there were 6 major contributors in the game including Ryan Abernathy's 2 for 4 performance with 1 stolen base and 1 walk, Cameron Bedard's 3 for 4 with 1 run scored and 1 walk, Eric Swain's 2 for 4 performance with 1 run scored, Eric McGlauflin's 3 for 5 performance, Luke Lawyer's 2 for 4 performance, and Jon Pomatto's 2 for 4 performance with 1 run scored, 2 stolen bases, and 1 walk. 

In Game 3, the Bearcats lost 9-13 to Northeastern State of Oklahoma in a game that lasted 2:57 and was sunny, mild, and breezy.  The announced attendance was 75 fans.  Marcus Garrett fell to 0-1 on the year (not 1-1 as indicated in the official statistics) and pitched 5.1 innings, allowed 5 hits, 8 runs, 7 earned, 5 walks, 5 strike-outs, and hit 1 batter.  Nick Caldrone came in to relieve Garrett and pitched 1.0 inning, allowed 0 hits, 2 earned runs, 2 walks and 1 strike-out.  Carson Smith came in to close the game out and pitched 1.2 innings, allowed 5 hits, 3 runs (2 earned), 2 walks, and 1 strike-out.  Defensively, the Bearcats played their 2nd straight sloppy game and were charged with 3 errors.  Offensively, the Bearcats were led by Eric Swain's 2 for 5 performance with 1 run scored and 2 RBIs, Eric McGlauflin's 2 for 4 performance with 2 RBIs, first home run of the year, 1 run scored, 1 walk, and 1 strike-out, and Jake Kretzer's 2 for 4 performance with 2 RBIs, 3 runs scored, first home run of the year, got hit by a pitch, and 1 strike-out.  Also of note, Ryan Abernathy went 1 for 3 with 1 RBI, 1 run scored, 1 walk, got hit by a pitch, and 2 strike-outs, and Landinn Eckhardt's 1 for 3 performance with 2 RBIs.  

In Game 4, Northwest lost to Arkansas Tech 7-14 in a game that lasted 2:46 with windy and cool weather conditions.  The announced attendance was 50 fans.  Chase Anderson fell to 0-2 on the year and pitched 3.1 innings, allowed 5 hits, 6 runs (all earned), 3 walks, 3 strike-outs, and 2 wild pitches.  Josh Parrish came in to relieve Chase and pitched 2.2 innings, allowed 4 hits, and 5 runs (only 2 earned).  Tyler Barth made his Bearcat debut and pitched 0.1 inning, allowed 2 hits, 1 earned run, and had 1 balk.  Nick Caldrone came in to relieve Barth and pitched 0.2 innings, allowed 0 hit, 0 runs, 2 walks, and 1 wild pitch.  Pat Brady closed out the game and pitched 2.0 innings, allowed 4 hits and 2 earned runs.  In total, the pitching allowed 4 home runs in the game.  Defensively, the Bearcats had their 3rd straight sloppy game and were charged with 3 errors.  Offensively, the Bearcats were paced by Ryan Abernathy's 4 for 5 performance with 3 RBIs and 1 run scored, Nathaniel Horton's 3 for 4 performance with 1 run scored, and 1 walk, and Travis Green's 3 for 4 performance (2 doubles and 1 triple, too) with 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored.  Also of note for Northwest's bats, Eric Swain went 1 for 5 with 1 RBI, Eric McGlauflin went 1 for 4 with 1 walk, Geno DeAngelis went 1 for 3 witn 1 run scored, Jake Kretzer went 1 for 3 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored, and Jon Pomatto went 1 for 3 with a run scored and a walk. 


Go Cats!!!

###

Monday, February 20, 2012

Weekend Recap - Central Oklahoma


Opening Thoughts - Our beloved Bearcats took it on the chin this weekend losing all 4 games to Central Oklahoma Bronchos.  Whether this next statement is encouraging or frustrating, the Bearcats should have/could have won at least 2 of the games had they played solid defense in those games.  In a series where there were 2 games lost by 1 run each, and a third game lost by 2 runs, the Bearcats allowed 9 unearned runs.  Add in the fact that UCO played its 7-10th games of the year versus Northwest's 1-4th games, and UCO enjoys the prime recruiting market of OKC and arguably the premier D2 school in Oklahoma, Northwest has got to take away that it can swing with anybody in the nation, and, the Cats need to play better defense.  I saw the guys get frustrated when something didn't go there way.  I saw the coaches get fired-up if there was a break down.  Bottom line:  The Cats have the will and want to to do remarkable things this year so long as they channel that fire towards their opponents and not at self-doubt.  I'll say this - there were close to as many Bearcat fans as there were Bronchos fans and the Bearcat fans were there during the warm-ups while Bronchos fans showed-up fashionably late.  As I looked around right before opening pitch on Sunday, there was more green than Blue.

On another note, if anybody ever has the opportunity to road trip to a baseball road series, take advantage of it.  I had the opportunity to go with my boy Alex, 5 years old, and we had a blast.  Weather was great, the guys were super-great with Alex handing out knuckles and high-fives at every moment.  We followed the bus to where ever the team had dinner for the night so eating dinner with 35 or so college kids was quite the sight.  Alex was invited to sit next to Josh Parrish and Austin Burgert at CiCis Pizza one evening and he had a blast.  The guys were true saints, engaged alex with conversation, and at point when asked by the two pitchers what is Alex's favorite position in baseball, Alex looked puzzled, then paused, and finally said, "I like to hit."  More than Austin or Josh may ever know, young Alex felt on top of the world and a big deal because he got to hang with some Bearcats.  That's why it is my privilege, and my honor, to root for this team and these players.



In Game 1, the Bearcats lost 5-6 in 12 innings despite a stellar performance by Ace Chris Green in a game that took 3 hours and 9 minutes to complete in front of 100 fans in cloudy and cool temperatures.  In the game, Chris pitched 5.0 innings, allowed 3 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, 5 strike outs, 0 wild pitches, and 1 balk.  Carson Smith came in relief of Chris and did a really good job going 3.0 innings, allowing 4 hits, 2 runs (only 1 earned), 1 walk, and 1 strike out.  Josh Parrish had a tough outing going 2.0 innings pitched, allowed 5 hits, 3 runs (all earned), 1 walk, and 2 strike-outs.  Nathaniel Horton got tagged with the loss in the game and pitched 1.2 innings, allowed 1 hit, 1 run (earned), 1 walk, and 2 strike-outs.  Defensively, the Bearcats looked rough, were only charged with 2 errors, but several misplays that were counted as hits for the home team should have been outs for the Bearcats.  Offensively, the Bearcats were paced by Tyler Durant's 3 for 6 night, 2 RBIs, Cameron Bedard's 2 for 5 with 1 run scored, and Eric Swain's 2 for 5, with a walk, and a run scored.  Jake Kretzer, Eric McGlauflin, Ryan Abernathy, Travis Green, and Charlie Krueger each collected one hit in the game.  In total, the Bearcats scored 5 runs off of 12 hits, scored 5 RBIs, 3 walks, and 11 strike-outs.  Ryan Abernathy stole 1 base.

In Game 2, the Bearcats lost 3-13 in a cool and wet Saturday afternoon with an announced attendance of 100 fans.  Sean Brady made his return from a shoulder injury that robbed him of the 2011 season.  Sean worked 3.1 innings, allowed 8 hits, 5 runs (all earned), 0 walks, and 1 strike-out. Nick Caldrone came in the 4th inning to close it out for Sean although there is no mention of him in the box score.  This is an error on behalf of the Stats person.  I think Nick may have even pitched the 5th inning but my memory may fail me.  What I do know is Nick Caldrone came in the game but was not credited with statistics in the game.  Marcus Garrett came in, I believe, the 6th inning to finish the game.  Marcus is credited with working 4.1 innings, allowing 9 hits, 8 runs, 5 earned, 3 walks, 3 strike-outs.  This was Marcus' Bearcat debut.  Defensively, the Bearcats were tagged with 4 errors.  Offensively, the Bearcats were paced by Cameron Bedard's 3 for 3 performance with 1 RBI, and Nathaniel Horton's 2 for 4 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored performances.  Cole Mapes, Jake Kretzer and Eric Swain each collected 1 hit in the game.  In total, the Bearcats scored 3 runs, 8 hits, 3 RBIs, 3 walks, 7 strike-outs, and left 7 on base.  Alex Singleton was charged with 1 caught stealing.

In Game 3, the Bearcats lost 1-3 in a very good game on a bright and sunny day.  A gorgeous day and a gorgeous performance by Jace Anderson who worked 5.0 innings, allowed 7 hits, 3 runs (all earned), 1 walk, 3 strike-outs, in a very gutty performance.  Nick Caldrone had another clutch performance and worked a stellar final innings, 1.0 innings pitched, 1 hit, 0 runs, and 3 strike-outs.  Defensively, the Bearcats played the best over-all game of the series and had zero errors.  Offensively, 4 Bearcats each picked-up 1 hit respectively in Ryan Abernathy, Nathaniel Horton, Luke Lawyer, and Jon Pomatto.  In total, the Bearcats scored 1 run in 4 hits with 0 RBI, 5 walks, and 11 strike-outs.  Jon Pomatto stole a base and JJ Baccari was charged with one caught stealing.

Before Game 2 of the Doubleheader, the team had sub sandwiches, chips, and drinks.  Early that morning, the team had to board the bus to head to the field at 9:00am, and the time of the break was 1:30pm, so the guys were ready for a bite to eat.  The guys really appreciated it.  Thanks to all the Bearcat fans that made it happen.  On a quick side note, the home team didn't have such fan support so boo-yeah, fear the paw.


In Game 4, the Bearcats lost 8-9 in the final game of the 4-game series to fall to 0-4 on the year.  Chase Anderson got the start and worked 5.2 innings, allowed 10 hits, 9 runs, 5 earned runs, 1 walk, 3 strike-outs.  Josh Parrish worked 1.1 innings of stellar relief, allowed 0 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, and 0 strike outs.  Carson Smith worked a perfect final frame with 1.0 inning pitched, allowed 0 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, and 2 strike-outs.  Defensively, the Bearcats had another tough game and were charged with 3 errors.  Offensively, Eric McGlauflin led the way with 3 for 5 hitting, 2 RBIs, and 2 runs scored.  Followed closely by Eric Swain (2 for 5, 1 RBI, 1 run scored, and a walk), Ryan Abernathy (2 for 6 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored), and Travis Green (2 for 5).  Cam Bedard went 1 for 3 with 1 RBI, 1 run scored, and 3 walks.  Tyler Durant went 1 for 3 with a run scored and 2 walks.  Jon Pomatto went 1 for 5 with a run scored.  In total, the Bearcats scored 8 runs, 12 hits, 5 RBIs, 6 walks, 8 strike-outs, and left 13 runners on-base.  Ryan Abernathy and Tyler Durant each had 1 stolen base, and Travis Green was charged with 1 caught stealing. 


Next-up:  Bearcats head back to Oklahoma to take on Northeastern State of Oklahoma and Arkansas Tech (2 games each).  Stayed tuned for this week's opponent's profile.

Go Cats!!

###


Sunday, February 12, 2012

B2R Chow Line Team


The B2R is again coordinating Bearcat Baseball fans to join and help bring the team a snack on the days the guys play a double-header this season.  The coaches are busy making adjustments, the guys are focusing on their next at bat, and everybody really appreciates it when a couple of Bearcat fans bring subs, chips, and water, into the dugout before the start of game two.  To pull this off for the entire season there are two things that need to happen:

1) About $20 or so from parents, fans, supporters to equal around $900.00 (you will be amazed how you can stretch the dollar and feed the team a wholesome snack for $2-$3 per kid for 12 weekend series);
2) Parents to help take food into the dugout, or pick-up the food and take to the dugout on the road trips the B2R cannot make (for example - the weekend of Feb 24-26 the B2R cannot go...brother is getting married - we're thrilled but I think they made the B2R a part of the wedding on purpose...baseball season).

If you are willing to help in any way, message me.  If you're not able to throw in a couple of bucks, no worries because this is Bearcat Baseball and we are family.  If you are going on a road trip that I can't make and are willing to go pick-up the subs, that's what I'm talking about.

As far as this weekend, I've got it taken care of.  The weekend of 2/24-2/26 is where the B2R Chow Line Team will need to help.

Thanks for supporting the kids.

Go Cats!!!

###

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

2012 Season Opener - University of Central Oklahoma - February 17, 18, 19 - Edmond, Oklahoma


2012 Season Opener - February 17, 18, 19
at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, Oklahoma;
Single game on February 17 at 1pm, double header on February 18 at 12pm, single game on February 19 at 12pm;
Distance from Maryville - 438 miles according to Google Maps;
Mascots - Bearcats (NWMSU) at Bronchos (UCO);
2012 Bronchos scouting report:

The 2011 UCO Bronchos finished 2011 on a high note winning 14 of their last 17 games to finish with a 24-23 record under then 1st-year head coach Dax Leone.  The 2012 Bronchos have 12 players returning from 2011 including 5 position starters and five pitchers.  UCO signed 21 recruits that will compete for playing time in 2012.  In total, the 2012 UCO Bronchos have 12 seniors featuring returning position starters Kevin Blue, Tucker Brown, Derik Grimes, Keegan Morrow and Austin Rycroft along with pitchers Uriah Fisher, Josh Rolan, Aaron Rosborough, and Ryan Wagner.

According to reports available via the internet, UCO expects to compete for a NCAA Division 2 playoff berth in 2012.  UCO is playing the 2012 season as an independent before joining the MIAA in the 2012-2013 academic year.

Position by Position analysis:

Catcher - According to reports, there is a lot of depth at this position and perhaps a rotation of sorts.  All indications are that Junior transfer Eric Garza will most likely be your opening series starter with Junior Jordan Corn, Sophomore Kaleb Hoffman and freshman Tanner Bell competing for back-up/playing time.

First Base - Barring the unforeseen, Senior Austin Rycroft is likely your opening weekend starter at 1st Base after slugging 10 home runs playing mostly in Right Field in 2011.  In addition, Senior Derik Grimes can play either 1st Base or 3rd Base.  In 2011, Derik Grimes played primarily at 3rd Base and hit .344.

Second Base - Returning offensive leader plays at 2B in Senior Tucker Brown, called a "fantastic defender", he hit .363 with 17 doubles, 32 RBIs in 2011.

Third Base - Looks like UCO intends to move the 2011 Starting Short Stop over to 3B in 2012 in Senior Kevin Blue.  In 2011, Blue his .287 with 8 doubles and 22 RBIs.

Shortstop - All signs point to a Senior Transfer Cory Proctor starting at Shortstop with Junior Brayden Little as the back-up (or whomever has the hot bat).

Outfield - Senior Keegan Morrow returns as the clear starter in Center Field.  In 2011, Morrow started at CF all season and earned 2nd Team All-Lone Star Conference honors.  He hit .360 with 7 doubles, 27 RBI and 12 stolen bases.  A couple of Junior College transfer look to start in LF & RF respectively in Junior JP Maples and Cameron Mavroulis.  Both Maples and Mavroulis had very successful junior college careers.

Pitching - 3 main starters are back from 2011 in Senior Uriah Fisher, Josh Rolan and Aaron Rosborough.  Fisher started 11 games, 2nd-Team All-LSC pick, 3/4 record with a 3.62 ERA (7th best in League).  Both Rolan and Rosborough went 4/3 as part-time starters in 2011.  Junior Edgar Lopez is expected to crack the starting rotation in 2012 barring injury or other setback.

In relief, Senior Ryan Wagner appeared in 41 games in his career.  Wagner had 1 save and a 1.12 ERA in 2011.  Tuck is expected to be the closer after going 2-0 with 1 save and a 2.33 ERA in 2011.  Either way you crack it, UCO looks solid from the 8th inning on in 2012.

2012 Stats - There are no 2012 stats yet for UCO as the Bronchos play their first game of the season this weekend at Austin College.  Of the 50 games slated on the Bronchos schedule, only 18 are in Edmond, Oklahoma.  UCO is a tough cookie at home with an overall record of 189-81-1 in Edmond in the last 10 years.  The UCO baseball field was renamed Wendell Simmons Field in honor of long-time coach who retired in 2010 and had a stellar 633-374-1 record in 19 years at UCO.

2012 Stats for NWMSU - There are no 2012 stats yet for NWMSU as the Bearcats do not play until they travel down to Edmond, Oklahoma, on February 17-19, 2012.

Comments - I've got a feeling Coach Loe is pretty close to setting his starting OF and Rotation for the UCO series.  The big big big thing for the Bearcats is that the Starting Rotation will need to buck the trend from the last 4 or so years and have the starters (1) go deep into the game, and (2) keep the team in the game.  The Bearcats defense will have to improve on its .957 fielding percentage in 2011.  Less extra chances means less pitches by the starters resulting in deeper in the game.  I've loved what I've seen from Eric Swain at SS.  Cam Bedard has proven he can play near flawless 2B.  Lando at Catcher.  The corner infield positions and outfield positions are anybody's guess.  Offensively, the team seems to be hitting the ball real well in spring camp.  The quality of depth at NWMSU is so fantastic that I can probably name you the 2-deep at every position and not dispute why one should start over the other.  I think UCO is a good measuring stick game to see how the Bearcats pitching, defense, and offense are doing in 2012.  I also think 2-2 is a realistic, yet required, outcome of the 4-game series.  I am certain if the Bearcats can start 2-2 following the UCO series that that will be the best start since 2009.


Go Cats!!
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