Series Re-cap - Missouri Western

Series Re-Cap - Missouri Western State University

Northwest lost 3 of 4 games to Western in the final weekend of the 2015 NCAA Division 2 regular season. Northwest finished 2015 season with a 20-28 season, 15-21 MIAA conference record, good for 10th in the standings.  Northwest finished 2 games back for the 8th and final play-off spot for the MIAA tournament.  Despite losing 3 of 4 to the Griffons, it was a very entertaining series with every game including an exciting finish.

It is always tough to see the year conclude knowing the seniors are playing their final games as Bearcats.  The B2R gets attached to all the Bearcats.  Keep checking the B2R during the summer as I promise to include some neat player profiles from the 2015 season.  A great big thank you to all the Bearcats, the fans, the families, the Athletics Department, and the University Leadership Team for supporting the Bearcats baseball team.

Game 1 - Western defeated Northwest by the score 3-2.  Anthony Caenepeel earned the start for Northwest and worked a complete game.  In total, Anthony worked 6.0 innings, allowed 5 hits, 3 runs (only 2 earned), 0 walks, 7 strike-outs, 1 wild pitch, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.

Defensively, Northwest committed 2 errors and did not turn a double-play.

Offensively, Derek Meyer and Paul Johnson were your most valuable players for Northwest.  Derek Meyer went 2 for 3 with a run scored in the game.  Paul Johnson went 2 for 3 with a run scored, a walk, and a stolen base.  Nick Gotta went 1 for 3 with a walk.  Garrett Fort went 1 for 3 with a RBI and was hit by a pitch.  Steven Garber went 1 for 4.  Kolby Greenslade went 1 for 3.  In total, Northwest scored 2 runs off of 8 hits, 1 RBI, 2 walks, 6 strike-outs, and left 10 runners on base.

Game 2 - Northwest defeated Western by the score 2-1.  Joseph Hietpas earned the start and the win while Carson Smith picked-up his 8th save in 2015.  In total, Joseph worked 7.0 innings, allowed 2 hits, 1 run (earned), 2 walks, 6 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and did not hit a batter.  In the 8th inning, Austin Battaglia came into the game and worked 0.1 inning, allowed 1 hit, 0 runs, 0 walks, 0 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.  Carson Smith came into the game in the 8th inning and worked 1.2 inning, allowed 1 hit, 0 runs, 1 walk, 3 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.

Defensively, Northwest committed one error and did not turn a double-play.

Offensively, Nick Gotta was your most valuable player in the game.  Nick went 1 for 3 with a run scored and 2 walks.  Garrett Fort went 1 for 4 and was hit by a pitch.  Paul Johnson went 1 for 5 with a run scored.  Steven Garber went 1 for 3 with a RBI and a walk.  Austin Wulff went 1 for 3 with a walk in the game.  In total, Northwest scored 2 runs off of 5 hits, 1 RBI, 6 walks, 9 strike-outs, and left 10 runners on base.

Game 3 - Western defeated Northwest 6-5.  Brad Roberts worked 2.1 innings, allowed 6 hits, 3 runs (all earned), 0 walks, 1 strike-out, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.  Patrick Brady worked 3.2 innings, allowed 2 hits, 1 run (earned), 2 walks, 3 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he hit 1 batter.  Carson Smith worked the final 1.2 innings, allowed 3 hits, 2 runs (both earned), 2 walks, 2 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.

Defensively, Northwest did not commit an error or turn a double-play in the game.

Offensively, Paul Johnson was the most valuable player for Northwest.  Paul went 4 for 4 (including a double) with a run scored and 2 RBIs.  Garrett Fort went 2 for 5 (including a triple) with 2 runs scored.  Nick Gotta went 1 for 4 with a run scored and a walk.  Steven Garber went 1 for 4 with a run scored and a RBI.  Kolby Greenslade went 1 for 4 in the game.  In total, Northwest scored 5 runs off of 9 hits, 3 RBIs, 3 walks, 3 strike-outs, and left 9 runners on base.

Game 4 - Western defeated Northwest 4-3.  Nikko Pablo worked 3.0 innings, allowed 6 hits, 3 runs (all earned), 0 walks, 0 strike-outs, 1 wild pitch, 0 balks, and he hit 2 batters.  Austin Battaglia worked 2.0 innings, allowed 3 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, 1 strike-out, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he hit 1 batter.  Rob Henrichs worked 3.1 innings, allowed 3 hits, 1 run (earned), 2 walks, 2 strike-outs, 2 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.

Defensively, Northwest committed 1 error and turned 1 double-play.

Offensively, Northwest's most valuable player was Austin Wulff.  Austin went 4 for 5 with a run scored.  Paul Johnson went 3 for 4 (including a double) with a run scored.  Luke Wilkinson went 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs in the game.  Kolby Greenslade went 1 for 2 with 2 walks.  Steven Garber went 1 for 3 with 2 walks and a run scored.  Nick Gotta went 1 for 5 in the game.  In total, Northwest scored 3 runs off of 12 hits, 3 RBIs, 5 walks, 9 strike-outs, and left 13 runners on base.

Go Cats!!
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Northwest Celebrates Seniors

In a bitter sweet moment, Northwest Missouri State University recognized 7 seniors playing their final home game this week.  Here are some photos of Senior Day 2015 - 

Thank you Steven Garber, Paul Johnson, Carson Smith, Blake Hardegree, Patrick Brady, Kole Klocko, and Tanner Smith.   Thank you for being Bearcats.  We love you.

Go Cats!!

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Mid-Week Re-Cap - Midland University

Midland University defeats Northwest 13-5

Midland University defeated Northwest by the score 13-5 in a non-conference mid-week game in the Maryville marking the Bearcats last regular season home game in 2015.  Patrick Brady earned the start but picked-up the loss to see his 2015 record move to 0-1.  In total, Patrick worked 1.2 innings, allowed 6 hits, 7 runs (all earned), 2 walks, 1 strike-out, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he hit 2 batters.  Taylor Bruch came into the game in the 2nd inning and worked 1.1 inning, allowed 0 hits, 0 runs, 2 walks, 3 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.  Jimmy McElwain came into the game in the 4th inning and worked 2.0 innings, allowed 4 hits, 3 runs (only 1 earned), 0 walks, 4 strike-outs, 1 wild pitch, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.  Hondo Pearcy came into the game in the 6th inning and worked 1.0 inning, allowed 0 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk, 1 strike-out, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.  Jacob Wagner came into the game in the 7th inning and worked 0.2 inning, allowed 1 hit, 1 run (earned), 0 walks, 0 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.  Brad Roberts came into the game to finish out the 7th inning and worked 1.1 inning, allowed 3 hits, 2 runs (both earned), 0 walks, 1 strike-out, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.  Nikko Pablo came into the game to work the 9th inning and worked 1.0 inning, allowed 0 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk, 1 strike-out, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter in the game.

Defensively, Northwest committed 1 error and turned 1 double-play in the game.

Offensively, Nick Gotta was the team's most valuable player after he went 2 for 3 (including a double) in the game.  Adam Pennington went 1 for 1 with a run scored and a RBI in the game as a pinch hitter.  Zach Douglas went 1 for 2 with a run scored.  Austin Wulff went 1 for 3 with a run scored and a walk in the game.  James Holler went 1 for 4 with a run scored.  Kevin Handzlik went 1 for 3 with a RBI in the game.  In total, Northwest scored 5 runs off of 7 hits, 3 RBIs, 6 walks, 6 strike-outs, and left 8 runners on base.

Go Cats!!

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Series Re-Cap - Washburn

Series Re-Cap - Washburn

Washburn defeated Northwest all four games of the series on April 16 & 17, 2015, in Maryville.  Bearcat pitching, defense, and offense all had a tough series against the Ichabods.  In the end, Northwest fell to 19-24, 14-18 MIAA on the year, good for 9th place in the Conference.  Lindenwood lost 3 of 4 games versus Nebraska-Kearney so the Lions are essentially 1 game ahead of the Bearcats for the 8th and final play-off spot.  Northwest will need to win 2 or 3 games against Missouri Western this weekend plus some help to make the play-offs.

Game 1 - Washburn defeated Northwest by the score 7-2 after the Ichabods jumped out to an early lead and kept the 'Cats offense in check.  Anthony Caenepeel earned the start in the game but picked-up the loss to see his 2015 record move to 4-2.  In total, Caenepeel worked 4.0 innings, allowed 6 hits 5 runs (all earned), 4 walks, 3 strike-outs, 2 wild pitches, 0 balks, and did not hit a batter.  Patrick Brady came into the game in relief and worked the final 3.0 innings, allowing 5 hits, 2 runs (only 1 earned), 0 walks, 4 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.

Defensively, Northwest was charged with 2 errors and turned 1 double-play.

Offensively, Kevin Handzlik and Kolby Greenslade were your most valuable players for Northwest.  Kevin Handzlik went 2 for 2 with a walk in the game.  Kolby Greenslade went 2 for 3 with a run scored in the game.  Steven Garber went 1 for 3 (a double) and 1 RBI in the game.  Nick Gotta went 1 for 3 with a run scored and a walk.  Austin Wulff went 1 for 2 with a walk in the game.  In total, Northwest scored 2 runs off of 7 hits, 1 RBI, 3 walks, 3 strike-outs, and left 6 runners on base.

Game 2 - Washburn defeated Northwest by the score 10-3.  Joseph Hietpas earned the start for Northwest.  In total, Joseph worked 5.1 innings, allowed 5 hits, 3 runs (2 earned), 3 walks, 7 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and did not hit a batter.  Austin Battaglia came into the game in the 6th inning and worked 1.0 inning, allowed 1 hit, 1 run (earned), 0 walks, 1 strike-out, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and did not hit a batter.  Carson Smith came into the game in the 7th inning and worked 1.0 inning, allowed 5 hits, 5 runs (3 earned), 0 walks, 2 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and hit 1 batter.  Jimmy McElwain came into the game in the 8th inning and worked 0.2 of an inning, allowed 0 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, 1 strike-out, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he hit a batter.  Hondo Pearcy came into the game in the 9th inning and worked 1.0 inning, allowed 2 hits, 1 run (unearned), 0 walks, 1 strike-out, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and did not hit a batter.

Defensively, Northwest was charged with 4 errors and did not turn a double-play.

Offensively, Paul Johnson and Steven Garber were your most valuable players in the game.  Paul Johnson went 2 for 4 (a home run) with a run scored and a RBI in the game.  Steven Garber also went 2 for 4 (including a home run) with a run scored and a RBI in the game.  Garrett Fort went 1 for 4 (a home run) with a run scored and a RBI.  Derek Meyer went 1 for 1 in a pinch hitting role.  Blake Hardegree went 1 for 3 and Adam Pennington went 1 for 1 in the game, too.  Kevin Handzlik went 1 for 3 in the game.  In total, Northwest scored 3 runs off of 9 hits, 3 RBIs, 0 walks, 5 strike-outs, and left 6 runners on base.

Game 3 - Washburn defeated Northwent by the score 9-5.  Nikko Pablo earned the start in the game but picked-up the loss to see his 2015 record move to 3-4.  In total, Nikko worked 6.1 innings, allowed 8 hits, 7 runs (all earned), 3 walks, 6 strike-outs, 1 wild pitch, 0 balks, and hit 1 batter.  Carson Smith came into the game in the 7th inning and worked 0.2 inning, allowed 3 hits, 2 runs (both earned), 1 walk, 1 strike-out, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.

Defensively, Northwest did not commit an error and did not turn a double-play.

Offensively, Nick Gotta and Paul Johnson were the Bearcats most valuable players in the game.  Nick went 2 for 4 with a run scored in the game.  Paul Johnson went 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs.  Austin Wulff went 1 for 2 with 2 runs scored and 2 walks in the game.  Garrett Fort went 1 for 3 in the game.  Kolby Greenslade went 1 for 2 with 2 RBIs.  Luke Wilkinson went 1 for 3 with a run scored.  In total, Northwest scored 5 runs off of 8 hits, 4 RBIs, 3 walks, 3 strike-outs, and left 6 runners on base.

Game 4 - Washburn defeated Northwest by the score 13-5.  Brad Roberts earned the start in the game but picked-up the loss to see his 2015 record move to 2-5.  In total, Brad worked 4.1 innings, allowed 7 hits, 6 runs (all earned), 4 walks, 5 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.  Rob Henrichs came into the game in the 5th inning and worked 2.2 innings, allowed 2 hits, 5 runs (all earned), 5 walks, 1 strike-out, 2 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he hit 2 batters.  Kole Klocko came into the game in the 8th inning and worked 2.0 innings, allowed 2 hits, 2 runs (both earned), 2 walks, 1 strike-out, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.

Defensively, Northwest committed 2 errors and did not turn a double-play.

Offensively, Luke Wilkinson was the Bearcats' most valuable player in the game.  Luke went 3 for 5 in the game.  Steven Garber went 2 for 5 in the game.  Austin Wulff went 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs and a walk in the game.  James Holler went 2 for 5 in the game.  Derek Meyer went 2 for 4 in the game.  Nick Gotta went 1 for 3 with 2 runs scored and a walk.  Garrett Fort went 1 for 4 with a run scored, 2 RBIs, and 2 walks in the game.  Kolby Greenslade went 1 for 5 with a RBI in the game.  In total, Northwest scored 5 runs off of 15 hits, 5 RBIs, 4 walks, 5 strike-outs, and left 15 runners on base.

Go Cats!!

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B2R Exclusive - Campaign for Steven Garber for MIAA Hitter of the Week (April 10-12)

MESSAGE TO MIAA COMMISSIONER DR. BOB BOERIGTER & THE SELECTION COMMITTEE FOR THE MIAA HITTER OF THE WEEK

It would be a travesty of justice if the MIAA did not award the April 10-12 MIAA Conference Hitter of the Week to Northwest Missouri State Bearcat Steven Garber.  Steven is a Senior from Chino Hills, California.  During the 4-game weekend series versus Emporia State, Steven batted .529 (9 of 17) with 7 runs scored, 8 RBIs, and 3 home runs against the perennial powerhouse.  All of this was on the road.  Also worth noting, Steven did not commit an error while starting every game at first base.

Do the right thing MIAA and name Steven Garber as the MIAA Hitter of the Week for April 10-12.

Go Cats!!

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Series Re-Cap - Emporia State

Series Re-cap - Emporia State wins series in walk-off

Northwest lost its first conference series this weekend at Emporia State but it took some good fortune for the Hornets to do so.  The story of the Northwest/Emporia series came down to a tough day for starting pitching, late game offensive heroics, and defensive miscues by both teams.  In the end, Emporia made the plays it needed to win the games.  However, of note is the fact that the Bearcats came back from a 9-4 deficit in game 4 to tie the game in the 8th inning.

Game 1 - Emporia State defeated Northwest by the score 5-4 in a thrilling game.  Both teams' starters struggled in the game but both teams' bullpens pitched outstanding as neither team scored after the 3rd inning.  For Northwest, Anthony Caenepeel earned the start but picked-up his first loss of the season.  In total, Anthony worked 4.2 innings, allowed 6 hits, 5 runs (all earned), 4 walks, 6 strike-outs, 1 wild pitch, 0 balks, and he hit 2 batters.  Austin Battaglia came into the game in the 5th inning and threw 1 terrific inning of relief.  In total, Austin worked 1.0 inning, allowed 1 hit, 0 runs, 1 walk, 2 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.  Senior Patrick Brady came into the game in the 6th inning and worked over 2 masterful innings without allowing a run.  In total, Pat worked 2.1 innings, allowed 2 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, 5 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.

Defensively, Northwest committed 1 error and did not turn a double play.

Offensively, Paul Johnson was the most valuable offensive player for the Bearcats in the game.  The Senior went 2 for 4 (including a home run) with 1 run scored, and 4 RBIs in the game.  Nick Gotta smashed a double and scored a run.  Garrett Fort also had a hit and scored a run in the game.  Austin Wulff had a hit in the game.  Kevin Handzlik also had a hit in the game.  Derek Meyer went 1 for 3 with a run scored in the game, too.  In total, Northwest scored 4 runs off of 7 hits 4 RBIs, 0 walks, 7 strike-outs, and left 4 runners on base.

Game 2 - Northwest beat Emporia State by the score 8-6.  Joseph Hietpas earned the start for Northwest.  In total, Hietpas worked 5.2 innings, allowed 6 hits, 6 runs (all earned), 2 walks, 6 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.  Carson Smith came into the game in the 6th inning and picked-up the save.  In total, Carson worked 1.1 inning, allowed 2 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk, 1 strike-out, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.

Defensively, Northwest committed 1 error and did not turn a double play.

Offensively, Steven Garber was Northwest's most valuable offensive player.  Steven went 4 for 4 with 3 runs scored and 3 RBIs including a home run.  James Holler went 2 for 3 (including a double) with a walk and a run scored in the game.  Kevin Handzlik went 1 for 3 with 2 runs scored, 1 RBI, 1 walk, including a home run.  Austin Wulff went 1 for 3 with a RBI, a double, and a walk.  Nick Gotta had a hit, scored a run, and a stolen base.  Kolby Greenslade also had a hit in the game.  In total, Northwest scored 8 runs off of 10 hits, 5 RBIs, 4 walks, 9 strike-outs, and left 8 runners on base.

Game 3 - Emporia State defeated Northwest by the score 11-6.  The 4th inning got away from the Cats as Emporia State scored 6 runs.  Brad Roberts earned the start for Northwest.  Brad worked 3.1 innings, allowed 4 hits, 6 runs (5 earned), 4 walks, 2 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.  In the 4th inning, Rob Henrichs came into the game in relief but did not record an out.  In total, Rob allowed 2 hits, 3 runs (all earned), 1 walk, 0 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.  Luke Wilkinson came into the game but also did not record an out.  Luke allowed 1 hit, 1 earned run, 1 walk, 0 strike-out, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.  Patrick Brady then came into the game and worked 1.1 inning, allowed 2 hits, 1 earned run, 3 walks, 2 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.  Austin Battaglia then came into the game with 1 out left in the 5th inning and worked the final 1.1 inning, allowed 0 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, 0 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.

Defensively, Northwest committed 2 errors and did not turn a double-play.

Offensively, Steven Garber was Northwest's most valuable player.  Steven went 2 for 4 with a run scored and a RBI.  Nick Gotta went 1 for 4 (a home run), 2 runs scored, and a RBI.  Garrett Fort went 1 for 3 with 2 runs scored and a walk.  Paul Johnson went 1 for 3 with a run scored and a RBI.  Kolby Greenslade had a hit and 2 RBIs in the game.  Austin Wulff and Blake Hardegree each had a hit in the game.  In total, Northwest scored 6 runs off of 8 hits, 5 RBIs, 2 walks, 5 strike-outs, and left 7 runners on base.

Game 4 - Emporia State defeated Northwest 10-9 with a walk-off sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 9th inning in what was a thrilling comeback by your Northwest Missouri State Bearcats.  Nikko Pablo earned the start in the game and had a tough day.  But, Nikko battled like a champion and gave it his best like he always does.  Northwest's bullpen combined to allow only 2 runs in 6 innings of play.  Northwest's offense battled and battled thanks to Senior Steven Garber.  In the end, Emporia had the bases loaded with 1 out and the Hornets batter hit a deep fly ball into left field to score the winning run.

Pitching - Nikko earned the start and worked 2.2 innings, allowed 9 hits, 8 runs (only 5 earned), 0 walks, 1 strike-out, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he hit 3 batters.  Austin Battaglia came into the game in the 3rd inning and worked 3.1 innings, allowed only 2 hits, 1 run (earned), 2 walks, 3 strike-outs, 1 wild pitch, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.  In the 7th inning, Carson Smith came into the game and worked 2.2 innings, allowed 3 hits, 1 run (earned), 1 walk, 2 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.

Defensively, Northwest committed 1 error and did not turn a double play.

Offensively, Steven Garber was Northwest's most valuable offensive player in the game.  Steven hit 2 home runs in the game, went 3 for 5 with 3 runs scored and 4 RBIs.  But for Steven's 2 home run explosion, Austin Wulff would have been your most valuable offensive player.  Austin went 4 for 4 with 2 runs scored and a walk.  Not to be outdone, Kolby Greenslade went 4 for 5 with a run scored and a RBI in the game.  Garrett Fort went 3 for 5 with 2 runs scored and a RBI in the game.  Blake Hardegree went 1 for 2 with 2 RBIs in the game.  Luke Wilkinson also had a hit in the game, too.  In total, Northwest scored 9 runs off of 16 hits, 9 RBIs, 2 walks, 7 strike-outs, and left 11 runners on base.

Next up for Northwest - Northwest will play a 4-game series against Washburn in Maryville on the weekend of April 17-19.  Washburn is one spot ahead of Northwest in the standings and both teams are fighting for their post-season goals.  This will be an epic match-up this weekend.  You will not want to miss it.  First pitch is Friday, April 17, 2015, at 3pm at the Bearcat baseball field.

Go Cats!!
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