Plan your road trips now: Northwest releases 2017 NCAA schedule

Plan your road trips now: Northwest releases 2017 NCAA schedule

Maryville, Mo. - According to bearcatsports.com, your Northwest Missouri State University varsity baseball program released its 2017 NCAA schedule. Northwest will play a 50-game schedule in 2017 with a terrific line-up of top quality competition destined for epic series after epic series. Bring your popcorn and get a good night's sleep because 2017 looks to be an outstanding year of exciting collegiate baseball.

Northwest will open its 2017 NCAA regular season by traveling to Alva, Oklahoma, on February 3, 4, and 5, to take on Fort Hays State and Northwestern Oklahoma State University. Following those three games, Northwest will then travel to Fort Smith, Arkansas, to play a mid-week game at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith on February 7, 2017. Following Fort Smith, Northwest will travel to Arkadelphia, Arkansas, to play Ouachita Baptist University, Henderson State University, and Truman State University, on February 9, 10, and 11. The Bearcats will then return home for practice before hitting the road to Edmond, Oklahoma, to play a 3-game series at Oklahoma Christian University on February 17, 18, and 19. Following Oklahoma Christian University, Northwest will start its MIAA conference slate and take on Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, on February 24, 25, and 26.

Northwest plays its home opener on March 3, 4, and 5, and takes on Lindenwood University. Following Lindenwood, Northwest is set to stay in Maryville the next weekend and will host Washburn University on March 10, 11, and 12. The Bearcats will then play a mid-week non-conference game versus William Jewell on Wednesday, March 15. Northwest is then set to play Rockhurst University in Kansas City on Saturday, March 18, and then in Maryville on Sunday, March 19. The Bearcats will then play a mid-week game versus Nebraska-Kearney on March 21. Northwest will stay in Maryville that weekend to play the University of Central Missouri on March 24, 25, and 26. Following the Mules' series, Northwest will travel to Kearney, Nebraska, to play a mid-week game on March 29. The Bearcats will end March and start April with a weekend series at Pitt State on March 31, April 1, and April 2. 

In April, Northwest will play a mid-week game versus Nebraska-Kearney in Maryville on April 4. Then, the Bearcats will host Missouri Southern on April 7, 8, and 9. Following Southern, Northwest will play a mid-week game versus Missouri Western in St. Joseph on April 11. The Bearcats will then travel to Bolivar, Missouri, to play Southwest Baptist on April 13, 14, and 15. Northwest will then host Missouri Western in Maryville in a mid-week match-up on April 18. The Bearcats will stay in Maryville that weekend to host the University of Central Oklahoma on April 21, 22, and 23. Following UCO, Northwest will travel to St. Joseph to play Missouri Western in a mid-week game on April 26. The Bearcats will then drive to Emporia, Kansas, to play the Hornets in a 3-game weekend series on April 28, 29, and 30. 

In May, Northwest will play a mid-week non-conference game versus William Jewell in Liberty, Missouri, on May 2nd. The Bearcats will then conclude the 2017 NCAA regular season by hosting Fort Hays State on May 5, 6, and 7.

The B2R cannot wait for 2017. Your calendar is now ready to follow the best college baseball team in the history of the world.

Pack your popcorn and get your sleep.

Go Cats!!

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Exciting News - Northwest Multipurpose Complex to boost NWMSU Baseball, student engagement, competitive advantage, & economic development

Photo courtesy of nwmissouri.edu

Maryville, Mo. - Northwest's strategic plan and Forever Green comprehensive campaign has changed the game for your Northwest Missouri State University varsity baseball program. The University's strategic plan took a remarkable step on election day in November 2016. The final step needed to accomplish a major component of Northwest's strategic plan required a little team work. Just as team work wins on the baseball diamond, the University and City of Maryville joined forces that forever changed the ball game for your Northwest Bearcats baseball team.

Photo courtesy of nwmissouri.edu

Imagine a northern school with an expansive indoor facility for a coaching staff to recruit, retain, engage, compete, and develop Bearcat baseball players. The rest of the MIAA is on notice that the Bearcats  baseball team's hard nose, blue collar, tremendous work ethic is now not the only obstacles they have to overcome to win. Now, the MIAA has to complete with a Northwest team that is able to practice full speed at full distances in the winter and spring, and, recruit baseball players that want to play at the next level.

Photo courtesy of nwmissouri.edu

Background - Northwest Missouri State University entered an agreement with the City of Maryville where the City proposed a transient guest tax on all hotel rooms rented in the City. The transient guest tax was a ballot issue that required voters' majority support to go into effect. The agreement called for part of the proceeds to go to Northwest to use in its Multipurpose Complex and the rest to promote tourism or economic development for the greater Maryville community. In return, Northwest and the City entered a lease agreement for the City to use the complex for trade shows and other large-scale events. The Northwest Multipurpose Complex is mostly funded through commitments from the University, private donors, and community supporters. The multipurpose complex is the single largest public-private partnership in the University's 111-year history.

Photo courtesy of nwmissouri.edu

For the University, the multipurpose complex changes the game beyond varsity sports. The 137,250 square foot complex will have recreation and event space, an indoor flooring system, a 100-yard practice turf, a 300-meter indoor competition track, spectator seating, and tiered meeting rooms. Northwest's club sports and student organizations will use the facility. It will be able to host high school and intercollegiate track events. Everything from concerts to early January varsity baseball drills with outdoor temperatures below freezing, the multipurpose complex will most certainly be a tremendous boost to Northwest athletics, student engagement, competitive advantage, and economic development.

Photo courtesy of nwmissouri.edu

Media coverage - To read more about Northwest's multipurpose complex, please click on the hyperlink below:

Plans for Northwest Multipurpose Complex unfolding to boost student engagement, competitive advantage, economic development: For decades Northwest Missouri State University has been a leader among its peer institutions in the areas of recruitment and retention. Now, as the race to attract and keep students continues to evolve and a strong partnership with the city of Maryville works to boost economic development, Northwest is shaping plans for a facility that will meet a multitude of University and community needs.

Go Cats!!
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Ode to Nick Gotta

Ode to Nick Gotta

Maryville, Mo. - The B2R is pleased to present an ode to arguably one of the great Bearcat baseball players. The B2R put together a collage of photographs taken of Nick Gotta during his playing days at Northwest Missouri State University as a thank you and commemorative act to one of the best. Nick Gotta is from San Diego, California, and transferred to Northwest from Fullerton Community College. The 5'10", 170 lbs, Californian was proud of his hometown and home State. Gotta always made time for the kids at the ball park and earned the respect from opponents for his scrappy and blue collar play. Fan favorite. Nick completed his senior season at Northwest this past Spring.

Ladies and Gentlemen, from San Diego, California, Short Stop, #4, Nick, Gotta.

Go Cats!!

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Northwest Missouri State University - Register for the 2016 Bearcat baseball golf tournament

Northwest's Varsity Baseball Program to hold annual golf tournament on September 25

Maryville, Mo. - Northwest Missouri State University's Varsity Baseball Program will hold its annual golf tournament on Sunday, September 25, 2016, at 10:00am at the Mozingo Lake Golf Course in Maryville. Whether you are a Bearcat baseball alumni, Bearcat baseball fan, Bearcat fan, or have a business trying to spread the word about your products or services, this golf tournament is for you with sweet goody bags, silent auction items, jolly times and good cheer at a bargain price.

$80 per golfer will get you a sweet t-shirt, goody bag, 18 holes at one of the premier golf courses around, golf cart, and range balls. Add in the fact you are supporting 50 blue collar Northwest student-athletes working on their degrees and busting their butts to make us proud and you have the perfect reason to grab your significant other and make a weekend of it in Maryville with some golf to finish it all off on Sunday.

Sponsorships are available with the best value being the Home Run package for $500.00 which includes a foursome registration, signage on a hole, game used jersey, name on the T-shirt, T-shirt, commemorative print, and recognition in the goody bag.

The Northwest baseball golf tournament is the perfect way to generate leads for your business. Call Coach Darin Loe at 660-562-1352 to make arrangements.

Below is a link to the Northwest Athletics' Department release on the golf tournament with links to register on-line and flyers for the sponsorships.

Northwest Missouri State University - Register for the 2016 Bearcat baseball golf tournament: The Northwest Missouri State University baseball team will host its 2016 Golf Tournament on Sunday, Sept. 25, at 10 a.m. at the Mozingo Lake Golf Course in Maryville, Mo.

If you haven't heard recent news, Northwest has announced an amazing cooperative effort with the City of Maryville to build an indoor events and multi-purpose practice facility. Northwest Missouri State University President John Jasinski has forged a working relationship with local leaders the likes the B2R has not ever seen before and his hard work is paying off. Check out your source for all things Northwest by visiting the Athletics' Department official website at www.bearcatsports.com to see all the details.

Go Cats!!
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Northwest Missouri State University - Handzlik headlines Bearcats' MIAA academic honors

#6 Kevin Handzlik

Northwest Missouri State University - Handzlik headlines Bearcats' MIAA academic honors: The Northwest baseball team placed 18 student athletes on the MIAA's Academic honor roll. Kevin Handzlik was named an MIAA Scholar Athlete.

Go Cats!!
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Northwest Missouri State University - Five Bearcats earn All-MIAA baseball honors

Photo courtesy of bearcatsports.com - Your source for Bearcat athletics

Northwest Missouri State University - Five Bearcats earn All-MIAA baseball honors: Five members of the Northwest Missouri State University baseball team earned All-MIAA honors from the conference office on Thursday.

Go Cats!!

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Northwest Missouri State University - Baseball ends season with loss in MIAA third round

Photo courtesy of the Barratt family

Northwest Missouri State University - Baseball ends season with loss in MIAA third round: The Northwest Missouri State University baseball team fell to Missouri Western, 12-3, on Saturday afternoon in the third round of the MIAA Tournament in St. Charles, Mo.

Go Cats!!
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Play-offs Opposition Research - University of Central Missouri

Play-offs Opposition Research - University of Central Missouri

Maryville, Mo. - The key to the Bearcat baseball team's success against Central Missouri is the one facet of the game they have the most control over - defense. Should the Bearcats play high quality defense and avoid what every other MIAA conference team has done this season (give UCM 1.19 extra runs per game via errors), the Bearcats can win their match-up with the Mules.

UCM offense - The Mules are ranked as the 10th best offense according to the MIAA website with a batting average of .300, and average 7.21 runs per game. The 7.21 runs per game does include unearned runs where the opposing team erred that later resulted in the run scoring. UCM scored 277 earned runs for an average of 6.02 runs per game. As a result, opposing teams have given the Mules 1.19 extra runs in every game played this season.

In comparison, Northwest has averaged 6.18 runs per game.

UCM pitching - The strength of the Mules baseball program is its pitching. The Mules are the #1 ranked pitching squad in the MIAA with a team ERA of 3.88.

In comparison, Northwest has a team ERA of 5.13 which is good for 5th in the MIAA.

UCM fielding - The Mules have the 4th ranked defense in the MIAA with a .967 fielding percentage.

In comparison, Northwest has the 10th ranked defense with a .956 fielding percentage.

Go Cats!!

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Northwest Missouri State University - Baseball earns eighth seed for 2016 MIAA Tournament

Northwest Missouri State University - Baseball earns eighth seed for 2016 MIAA Tournament: The Northwest Missouri State University baseball team has earned the eighth seed in the 2016 MIAA Baseball Championship Tournament.

Go Cats!!
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FHSU sweeps series

Hays, KS - Fort Hays State defeated Northwest 9-8 in Hays, Kansas, to sweep the series on Saturday, May 7, 2016. The game took 2 hours and 25 minutes to complete. The announced attendance of 125 fans enjoyed the game in beautiful sunny and 80 degree weather. With the loss, Northwest's record fell to 24-26, 19-20 MIAA. With the win, FHSU's record ended at 23-26, 17-21 MIAA. Fort Hays used two innings to do all the damage they needed to win the game when they scored 4 runs in the 4th and 5 runs in the 5th. Northwest would score in 5 different innings but came one run short of tieing the game. All nine Bearcat starters hit at least 1 base hit in the game. The difference in the game was the defense as Northwest was charged with 2 errors that led to 4 unearned runs.

Offense - Jay Hrdlicka was the Bearcat MVP in Game 3. In total, Jay went 3 for 5 (including a home run and a double) with 1 RBI and 2 runs scored as the DH. Ozzie Adams went 3 for 4 with 2 runs scored and a walk as the second baseman. Jake Lewis went 3 for 5 (including a double) with 1 RBI as catcher. Kevin Handzlik went 2 for 5 with 2 RBIs as the first baseman. Nick Gotta went 1 for 4 with 1 RBI, 1 run scored, and 1 walk as short stop. Garrett Fort went 1 for 4 with 2 runs scored and a sacrifice hit as center fielder. James Holler went 1 for 5 with 2 RBIs as the left fielder. Aaron Barratt went 1 for 5 with a run scored as the right fielder. Nick Howard went 1 for 5 with 1 RBI at third base. In total, Northwest scored 8 runs off of 16 hits, 8 RBIs, 2 walks, 1 strike-out, and left 10 runners on base.

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

Pitching - Brad Roberts earned the start for Northwest but a series of bloop doinks and an error led to 4 unearned runs in the game. In total, Brad worked 6.1 innings, allowed 12 hits, 9 runs (5 earned), 1 walk, 4 strike-outs, and hit 1 batter in the game. Jimmy McElwain came into the game in the 7th inning and worked the final 2 outs. In total, Jimmy worked 0.2 of an inning, allowed 1 hit and no runs. In the 8th inning, Carson Smith came into the game and worked a perfect 1.0 inning, allowed no hits, no runs, and no base runners.

Next - The Bearcats earned the 8th seed in the MIAA post-season tournament. This season the MIAA baseball post-season will match-up the top 8 teams in a double-elimination tournament. The winner will be the MIAA Conference Championship. The tournament will be played on the campus of Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri. St. Charles is a western suburb of St. Louis, Missouri. The tournament will start May 12, 2016, and a champion will be crowned no later than Sunday, May 12, 2016. According to the MIAA website, Northwest will play Central Missouri at 4pm on Thursday, May 12, 2016. Should the Bearcats win, they will play the winner of Missouri Southern/Missouri Western on Friday, May 13, 2016, at 7:30pm. Should Northwest lose to Central Missouri, the Bearcats will play the loser of Missouri Southern/Missouri Western on Friday, May 13, 2016, at 12:30pm.

Go Cats!!
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Northwest 1 game away from winning MIAA Conference Record

Northwest 1 game away from winning MIAA Conference Record

Hays, Kansas - Fort Hays State won Game 1 and Game 2 from Northwest to take the series. Fort Hays is not going to make the play-offs so this is the Tigers final series. The Tigers have played with exceptional focus and solid pitching. Despite a meltdown from the Tigers Head Coach in Game 2 where he lost his mind over where he appeared to argue a balk, the Tigers team showed fantastic poise and did an outstanding job of playing defense, smart base running, and timely hitting. Despite the two losses, Northwest is 1 game away from a winning MIAA Conference record. The Bearcats sit at 19-19 Conference record. To win Game 3, Northwest will have to overcome FHSU Senior Day. Stay tuned, its going to be an epic ride...

Game 1

FHSU won 7-3 to take Game 1. NWMSU's had a tough day playing defense and committed 4 errors. The tough defense spoiled an excellent outing by Anthony Caenepeel.

Offense - Kevin Handzlik was the MVP for Game 1. Kevin went 3 for 4 (including a triple) with 1 RBI in the game. Garrett Fort went 1 for 3 (including a double) with 2 RBIs and 1 walk in the game. Jake Lewis went 1 for 3 with 1 run scored and 1 walk in the game. Jay Hrdlicka went 1 for 4 as DH. James Holler went 1 for 4 with 1 run scored in the game. Nick Gotta pick-up a walk in the game. In total, Northwest scored 3 runs off of 7 hits, 3 RBIs, 3 walks, 4 strike-outs, and left 6 runners on base.

Defense - Northwest was charged with 4 errors in the game which led to 3 unearned runs.

Pitching - Anthony Caenepeel got the start and worked 6.0 innings, allowed 13 hits, 6 runs (only 3 earned), 0 walks and 6 strike-outs. Nikko Pablo worked 1.0 inning, allowed 1 hit, 1 earned run, 1 strike-out, 1 wild pitch, and hit 1 batter. Jimmy McElwain worked 1.0 inning, allowed 1 hit and no runs.

Game 2

FHSU won 4-3 to take Game 2. Northwest had the game tieing run at 3B in the 8th inning but a bang-bang play at the play prevented Northwest from scoring that run. Northwest was hitting the ball but seemingly right at the defenders.

Offense - Nick Gotta with the MVP for Game 2. Nick went 4 for 5 with 1 run scored while playing short stop. Kevin Handzlik went 2 for 3 while playing first base. James Holler also had an outstanding day at the plate and went 2 for 4 with 1 run scored in the game. Garrett Fort went 2 for 5 with 1 RBI while playing center field. Jay Hrdlicka went 2 for 4 as the DH. Jake Lewis picked-up a walk in the game. In total, Northwest scored 3 runs off of 12 hits, 2 RBIs, 1 walk, 2 strike-outs, and left 9 runners on base.

Defense - Northwest was not charged with an error in the game. 

Pitching - Joseph Hietpas earned the start in Game 2. In total, Joe worked 6.0 innings, allowed 6.0 innings, allowed 10 hits, 4 runs (all earned), 3 walks, 8 strike-outs, and hit 1 batter. Ross Davis worked 0.2 of an inning and did not allow any hits or runs but hit 1 batter. Nikko Pablo came into the game and worked 1.1 inning, allowed 2 hits but no runs in the game.

Next - Game 3 is Saturday in Hays, Kansas, at 1pm.

Go Cats!!

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Opposition Research - Fort Hays State

OPPOSITION RESEARCH - FORT HAYS STATE

Maryville, Mo. - Your Northwest Missouri State University Bearcat baseball team concludes its 2016 NCAA regular season today when they travel to Hays, Kansas, to play the Tigers of Ft. Hays State in an extremely important 3-game series. Game 1 is Thursday, May 5, 2016, at 7pm. Game 2 is Friday, May 6, 2016, at 5pm. Game 3 is Saturday, May 7, 2016, at 1pm. Northwest's 2016 record stands at 24-23, 19-17 MIAA, and 7th place in the MIAA baseball standings. Fort Hays State is 20-26, 14-21 MIAA, and 12th in the MIAA baseball standings. The Tigers are mathematically eliminated from the MIAA post-season tournament. 

It will be senior weekend for Fort Hays as they say goodbye to 10 seniors. 

Offense - Fort Hays is led by Alex Weiss with his .362 batting, .465 slugging, and .420 on-base percentage. As a team, Fort Hays is hitting .309, slugging .452, on-base .391.

Defense - Fort Hays is fielding .958.

Pitching - As a team, Fort Hays is pitching 7.28 ERA.

NWMSU Offense - As a team, Northwest is hitting .277, slugging .374, on-base .380.

NWMSU Fielding - As a team, Northwest is fielding .957.

NWMSU Pitching - As a team, Northwest is pitching 5.09 ERA.

Team by Team comparison -

FHSU batting - .309
NWMSU batting - .277

FHSU slugging - .452
NWMSU slugging - .374

FHSU on-base - .391
NWMSU on-base - .380

FHSU fielding - .958
NWMSU fielding - .957

FHSU Pitching - 7.28 ERA
NWMSU Pitching - 5.09 ERA

Go Cats!!
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Northwest falls to Quincy, 11-8

Maryville, Mo. - Quincy University defeated Northwest Missouri State University 11-8 on Tuesday, May 3, 2016, in Maryville. The 9-inning game took 2 hours and 50 minutes to complete and was played in beautiful 70 degree sunny weather in front of a crowd of 45 people. Northwest threw a lot of guys from the bullpen against a formidable offense. Quincy was a very impressive team  and hit 4 home runs in the game. To the Bearcats credit, they hung in there allowing so many runs. Both teams played solid defense. Quincy scored 7 runs in the top of the 7th inning to inflict most of the damage. In the end, Northwest could not add any runs in the 9th and Quincy escapes Maryville with a 3-run victory.

Offense - Several Bearcats contributed equally to score Northwest's 8 runs in this game. Nick Gotta earned 2 walks, scored 2 runs, and stole 1 base in the game. Jay Hrdlicka picked-up 1 hit, scored 1 run, and stole 1 base in the game. Ozzie Adams went 1 for 4 with 1 walk and scored 2 runs in the game. Jame Holler went 1 for 3 with 2 RBIs, 1 stolen base, got hit by a pitch, and 2 runs scored in the game.  Kevin Handzlik went 1 for 3 with 3 RBIs in the game. Jake Lewis went 1 for 3 (a home run) with 3 RBIs, got hit by a pitch, and scored 1 run in the game. Aaron Barratt picked-up a walk in the game. Garrett Fort hit a double in the game. Kolby Greenslade picked-up 2 walks in 2 times at the plate. Austin Wulff went 1 for 2 as a late game pinch hitter and defensive substitution. In total, Northwest scored 8 runs off of 7, 8 RBIs, 6 walks, 7 strike-outs, and left 5 runners on base.

Defense - Northwest was not charged with an error in the game.

Pitching - Nikko Pablo earned the start and worked 3.0 innings, allowed 2 hits, 2 earned runs, 1 walk, and 5 strike-outs in the game. Jimmy McElwain came into the game in the 4th inning and had another outstanding outing. In total, Jimmy worked 1.2 inning, allowed 1 hit, 0 runs, 0 walks, hit 1 batter, and struck-out 2 batters. Ross Davis came into the game in the 5th inning and worked 1.1 inning, allowed 1 hit, 2 earned runs, 1 walk, 2 strike-outs, and 1 wild pitch in the game. Jacob Wagner came into the game and record 1 out. In total, Jacob worked 0.1 of an inning, allowed 4 hits, 5 earned runs, and hit 1 batter in the game. Bryce Shea came into the game in the 7th and worked 1.2 inning, allowed 3 hits, 2 earned runs, and struck-out 2 batters in the game. Carson Smith came into the game in the 9th inning and achieved a "Carson Hat Trick." In total, Carson worked 1.0 inning, allowed 1 hit, 0 runs, 1 walk, 2 strike-outs, and 1 wild pitch. For those keeping score at home, a "Carson Hat Trick" consists of 2 strike-outs and 1 wild pitch.

Next - Northwest travels to Hays, Kansas to play the final MIAA Conference series of the 2016 NCAA regular season this weekend. The Bearcats and Fort Hays Tigers will play a 3-game series. Presently, Game 1 is set for Friday.

NWMSU's magic number to make MIAA post-season tournament - 1.

Go Cats!!
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Northwest Missouri State University - Pablo repeats as MIAA/AstroTurf Pitcher of the Week

Northwest Missouri State University - Pablo repeats as MIAA/AstroTurf Pitcher of the Week: For the second straight week, Northwest Missouri State University junior Nikko Pablo was named the MIAA/AstroTurf's Pitcher of the Week.

Go Cats!!
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Opposition Research - Quincy University

Opposition Research - Quincy University

Maryville, Mo. - Your Northwest Missouri State University Bearcat baseball team will play its final non-conference game on Tuesday, May 3, 2016, versus Quincy University at Bearcat baseball field. First pitch is set for 3pm. Quincy University is having an outstanding 2016 season. This game is very important in the regional rankings due to the quality Quincy University baseball program. Quincy's 2016 record stands at 33-11, 17-7 Conference, good for an over-all winning percentage of .750. Quincy is 16-6 in road contests this season. Quincy has won 18 of their past 24 games. Quincy University comes into the game with a triple threat baseball team including a potent offense, solid defense, and outstanding pitching staff. The Bearcats primary task will be to keep the baseball in the park against the Hawks, and, the defense will have to turn every play to avoid extra at bats to win the day.

Offense - Quincy is led by Senior right fielder Ryan Snyder who is batting .468 with 60 runs scored, 74 hits, 16 doubles, 2 triples, 18 home runs, .937 slugging percentage, 26 walks, 5 hit by pitches, 21 strike-outs, only 2 times hit into a double play, .541 on-base percentage, 7 stolen bases in 12 attempts, and has only committed 4 errors this season. Snyder recently broke the Quincy University school record for home runs in a single season. Quincy's offense has two other batters that have double-digit home runs this season for a murderer's row 3-4-5 line-up. David Jacob is batting .414 with 10 home runs, .671 slugging percentage, and .500 on-base percentage. Jake Walters is batting .351 with 10 home runs, .643 slugging percentage, and .424 on-base percentage. As a team, Quincy is batting .338, slugging .553, and on-base .416 percent.

Defensive - Quincy is fielding at .956 and averages 1.54 errors per game.

Pitching - Its hard to predict who will be the starting pitcher for a mid-week non-conference game for Quincy as the Hawks need 4 starters for their weekend conference games. There are 5 pitchers that have started the most games for Quincy this season. Presuming 4 are your normal weekend starters, the 5th came into the Sunday game to throw 4.0 innings. There are two other pitchers with 2 starts each named Cole Crawford and Dalton Overstreet. If the B2R were to guess, I suspect either Crawford, Overstreet, or Shull will get the starting nod against the Bearcats on Tuesday. As a team, Quincy's ERA is 4.25 and opponents are batting .269 off of them.

Entering the 2016 season, Quincy was pre-season pick #1 in their respective division of the Great Lakes Valley Conference (West Division) with 1 vote more than second place Drury University. Quincy was ranked #12 in the nation by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers' Association entering the season. Quincy was also ranked #22 by College Baseball newspaper heading into the 2016 season.

Quincy is coming off a terrific season in 2015 having advanced all the way to the NCAA Midwest Regional. Quincy earned their fourth 40-win season in their history in 2015 and finished with a record of 40-17. Quincy finished second in the GLVC Championship Tournament in 2015. 

Quincy Head Coach Josh Rabe - Josh Rabe is entering his sixth season as head coach of Quincy University's baseball program. Rabe was named the GLVC Coach of the Year after the 2015 season. Rabe was a two-time All American at Quincy University and played between 1998-2000.

Go Cats!!
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ESU sweeps series; NW's magic number is 1

ESU sweeps series; NW's magic number is 1

Maryville, Mo. - Finals week, graduation, Senior Day, and the Emporia State Hornets all compounded on the Bearcats this weekend and resulted in ESU sweeping the 3-game series in Maryville. Emporia State is an outstanding baseball team with the B2R's opinion is one of the great coaches in baseball, Bob Fornelli. Judging by the errors, it appeared to the B2R that the guys were just mentally out of gas especially in Game 3. The silver-lining of this however is since the games got moved up to Thursday and Friday, the team can reload, regenerate, and refocus for the last regular season series in the 2016 NCAA season. The Bearcats have a non-conference mid-week game on Tuesday that hopefully can get some playing time for reserves and then the Bearcats travel to Hays, Kansas, where Northwest needs 1 more MIAA Conference win to secure a spot in the MIAA post-season baseball tournament in St. Louis.

Despite the series result, this season's Bearcat baseball team is a special group of guys from all walks of life spanning the country to further their education at Northwest Missouri State University. Essentially forgotten by the other MIAA coaches in the pre-season poll, these Bearcats have scratched and clawed their way to 7th place in the Conference standings. In every essence this team embodies what is great about America and our Country's beginning. America began from hard working families, driven by faith, that overcame every imaginable adversity. The elements were against them, they faced opposition with more resources than they had, yet the Americans hung in there, survived, and prospered. Now apply that to a rag-tag bunch of Bearcats that others scoffed at and dismissed. What those other MIAA coaches found out was their bricks and mortar were a long way from the heart. These Bearcats have heart and a can do attitude to lay it on the line when the game starts. These Bearcats know a NCAA baseball game is not a test you take in a class, or a game decided on paper, but one where passion has a funny way of trumping the odds. In this election year, many will attempt to define America in a way that likely benefits them. At its core, America is great because we, the people, are great, comprised of heart, faith, and hard work, to make our mark with the time our good Lord will give us. As America prospers because of the working woman and man with love in their hearts, faith in their soul, and a work ethic to do good, so has been the reason for the Bearcat baseball team's success. With this ornery bunch of Bearcats embodying the values of America, they are in result the embodiment of America's team.

1 more Conference win.

Game 2

Emporia State defeated Northwest 7-1 in Game 2 of the series.

Offensively, Kolby Greenslade was Northwest's MVP in Game 2 as he went 2 for 4 at the plate. Kevin Handzlik went 1 for 4 with 1 RBI in the game. Garrett Fort went 1 for 2 with 1 walk and 1 run scored in the game. Aaron Barratt picked-up 2 walks in the game. In total, Northwest scored 1 run off of 4 hits, 1 RBI, 3 walks, 8 strike-outs, and left 8 runners on base.

Defensively, Northwest was charged with 3 errors which allowed 3 unearned runs in the game.

Pitching, Joseph Hietpas earned the start but picked-up the loss despite a quality start against the Hornets. Joe's 2016 record fell to 4-3. In total, Hietpas worked 7.0 innings pitched, 6 hits, 3 runs (all earned), 2 walks, 6 strike-outs in the game. Jacob Wagner came into the game in the 8th inning. In total, Jacob worked 0.2 of an inning, allowed 2 hits, 3 runs (only 1 earned though), 0 walks, 0 strike-outs, and 1 wild pitch in the game. Bryce Shea came into the 8th and worked 1.1 inning, allowed 3 hits, 1 unearned run, 0 walks, and 3 strike-outs.

Game 3

Emporia State defeated Northwest 7-2 in Game 3 of the series. 

Offensively, Garrett Fort was Northwest's MVP in Game 3. Fort went 1 for 3 with 1 RBI in the game. Kolby Greenslade went 1 for 3 with 1 walk and 1 run scored in the game. Aaron Barratt and Jake Lewis both went 1 for 4 in the game. Ozzie Adams went 1 for 3 with a walk. In total, Northwest scored 2 runs off of 5 hits, 2 RBIs, 2 walks, 6 strike-outs, and 7 runners left on base.

Defensively, Northwest was charged with 5 errors which led to 3 unearned runs in the game. 

Pitching, Brad Roberts earned the start but picked-up the loss to see his 2016 record fall to 4-3. In total, Brad worked 5.0 innings, allowed 9 hits, 7 runs (4 earned), 3 walks, and 6 strike-outs. In the 6th, Jimmy McElwain came into the game and did an outstanding job. Jimmy worked 2.1 innings and did not allow a hit or a run. Jimmy did not walk anyone either. In the 8th inning, Carson Smith came into the game and worked 1.2 inning, allowed 0 hits, 0 runs, and 0 walks. Carson has perfected a new term the B2R will use on occasion, "the Carson hat trick." Carson accomplished a "Carson hat trick" in Game 3 with 2 strike-outs and 1 wild pitch.

Next - Northwest plays its final home contest of the 2016 season on Tuesday, May 3, 2016, at 3pm, on the campus of Northwest Missouri State University.

Go Cats!!

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Hornets win Game 1

Maryville, Mo. - Emporia State defeated Northwest Missouri State on Thursday, April 28, 2016, to win Game 1 of the series by the score 4-2 in Maryville. The game took 2 hours and 10 minutes to complete in front of 74 fans. It was a cloudy day with the high in the mid-50s during the contest. Emporia took advantage of a strong wind and belted three 1-run home runs in the game. The Hornets hit a home run in the 4th inning, 6th inning, and 7th inning. Northwest had chances especially late in the game but could not capitalize those chances into more runs. Emporia's defense was outstanding in this game with the relay defense nailing Bearcat runners attempting to take the extra base in multiple occasions and the infield turning 2 double-plays in the game. Northwest defense was also up to the task and played a solid game to limit the Emporia scoring chances.

Offense - Three Bearcats shared the MVP honors for Northwest in Game 1. First, Jay Hrdlicka went 2 for 3 (including a double) and was hit by a pitch as the Bearcat DH. Second, Jake Lewis went 2 for 4 (including a double) with 1 run scored while playing catcher. Third, Garrett Fort went 2 for 3 (including a double) with 1 RBI while playing center field. James Holler went 1 for 3 with 1 walk while playing third base. Kevin Handzlik went 1 for 4 (a double) and played first base. Aaron Barratt picked-up 1 RBI, 1 run scored, and 1 stolen base in the game. Finally, Kolby Greenslade went 1 for 2 with 1 walk and played left field. In total, Northwest scored 2 runs off of 9 hits, 2 RBIs, 2 walks, 3 strike-outs, and left 5 runners on base.

Defense - Northwest was not charged with an error in the game.

Pitching - Anthony Caenepeel earned the start in Game 1 and worked a complete game. Anthony picked-up the loss and his 2016 record fell to 5-8. Anthony was a workhorse and did an outstanding job keeping the Bearcats in the game. In total, Anthony worked 9.0 innings, allowed 5 hits, 4 runs (all earned), 1 walk, 7 strike-outs, 1 wild pitch, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter. Anthony threw 133 pitches in the game.

NWMSU Athletics Department story link - http://www.bearcatsports.com/news/2016/4/28/baseball-vs-emporia-state-april-28.aspx

Next - Northwest will play Games 2 & 3 against Emporia State on Friday, April 29, 2016, in a double-header commencing at Noon on the campus of Northwest Missouri State University.

Go Cats!!
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Opposition Research - Emporia State

Opposition Research - Emporia State

Maryville, Mo. - Your Northwest Missouri State University Bearcat baseball team returns to Maryville to play the final home weekend series in 2016. The Bearcats will take on the Emporia State Hornets in a 3-game series. All games will be played on the campus of Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville. Game 1 will occur Thursday, April 28, 2016, at 3pm. Games 2 & 3 will occur on Friday, April 29, 2016, with Game 2's start at Noon and Game 3's starts at 3pm.

Northwest enters the Emporia State series with a record of 24-19, 19-14 MIAA. The Bearcats are in 5th place in the MIAA Conference standings. Emporia State enters the series with a 2016 record of 30-14, 22-11 MIAA. The Hornets are in 4th place and have clinched a play-off spot in the MIAA post-season tournament.

Emporia State University Hornets - ESU was predicted to finish in 2nd place according to the baseball coaches of the MIAA institution members. The Hornets entered the 2016 season with a return of 5 position players, 3 starting pitchers, and 4 relievers, that finished the 2015 NCAA regular season with a 39-16, 23-12 MIAA Conference standings. The 2015 Hornets made the NCAA Central Regional for the 2nd straight year. The 2016 Hornets return MIAA Player of the Year candidate 1B Evan Koehler. Koehler hit .368 with 14 home runs & 68 RBIs in 2015. Hornets return OF Dalton Wheat who hit .317, 2 home runs, 16 RBIs, and 33 runs scored in 2015. OF Wade Hanna hit .284 with 7 home runs, 36 RBIs, and 36 runs scored in the game. Finally, OF Jonny Hodges hit .358 with 2 home runs, 17 RBIs in 35 games as a freshman.

Garrett Brummett was the Hornets anchor on the weekend rotation in 2015 returned for 2016. Brummett went 5-3 in the w-l record, with a 5.63 ERA,  Brummett went to the bullpen for the 2015 post-season and earned 2-0 recrd, with an ERA of 1.26. 

ESU Head Coach Bob Fornelli - Fornelli enters his 13th season as the Head Coach of ESU this season. Fornelli has won nearly 800 games entering his 20th season of coaching baseball. During his tenure at Emporia State University, ESU has made 10 trips to the NCAA Regional and 2 world series appearances. 

2016 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%
Wheat,Dalton	.395	43-42	162	39	64	14	4	4	47	98	.605	21	7	26	1	.479	2	3	16-19	56	3	2	.967
Francis,Derek	.394	36-26	99	21	39	10	1	6	35	69	.697	7	2	13	3	.429	4	0	3-3	2	3	3	.625
Perkins,Tucker	.377	30-13	61	20	23	2	0	2	12	31	.508	9	2	7	0	.472	0	1	4-4	11	10	0	1.000
LaMunyon,Daniel	.347	40-38	147	48	51	12	1	5	27	80	.544	13	7	25	1	.420	2	1	12-16	17	62	5	.940
Koehler,Evan	.342	43-43	161	51	55	12	0	19	60	124	.770	28	5	37	2	.449	2	2	7-8	321	35	3	.992
Hodges,Jonny	.338	31-13	68	17	23	3	0	1	12	29	.426	7	0	9	1	.395	1	1	2-5	28	1	2	.935
Hanna,Wade	.333	42-42	162	48	54	10	5	4	27	86	.531	17	4	37	0	.405	2	2	10-11	93	1	4	.959
Dean,BJ	.331	41-36	148	36	49	12	2	9	35	92	.622	12	4	28	3	.389	3	0	5-5	45	4	0	1.000
White,Alex	.320	37-28	97	10	31	5	1	0	19	38	.392	9	3	15	2	.391	1	3	1-2	29	52	5	.942
Ashmore,Levi	.315	44-44	184	47	58	13	0	6	30	89	.484	16	5	14	7	.385	0	3	8-9	50	119	7	.960
McBroom,Ryan	.315	39-23	92	27	29	10	1	4	23	53	.576	8	0	22	3	.366	1	1	3-3	48	44	1	.989
Byfield,Braxon	.314	21-12	51	7	16	2	0	0	9	18	.353	7	2	13	1	.417	0	1	0-0	119	5	2	.984
Steen,Taylor	.270	33-32	100	17	27	3	0	0	17	30	.300	12	3	8	2	.365	0	2	1-1	249	19	2	.993
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Shaw,Zac	.800	1-1	5	2	4	0	1	0	4	6	1.200	1	0	1	0	.833	0	0	0-0	1	3	0	1.000
Palmore,Tyler	.333	4-0	3	2	1	0	0	1	3	4	1.333	1	0	0	0	.500	0	0	0-0	0	3	1	.750
Doyle,Denver	.250	5-0	4	2	1	0	0	0	2	1	.250	0	0	2	0	.250	0	0	0-0	2	0	0	1.000
Gile,Aaron	.227	14-3	22	5	5	1	1	0	2	8	.364	2	1	7	1	.320	0	0	0-0	8	0	0	1.000
Cairns,Tanner	.000	3-0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	0	0	0	0	.000	0	0	0-0	0	2	0	1.000
Harjo,Jagger	.000	1-0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	0	0	1	0	.000	0	0	0-0	0	0	0	.000
Sjolander,Connor	.000	2-0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	1	0	0	0	1.000	0	0	0-0	0	0	0	.000
Davies,Shane	.000	1-0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	0	0	0	0	.000	0	0	0-0	0	3	0	1.000
Plank,Jordan	.000	2-0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	0	0	0	0	.000	0	0	0-0	5	9	0	1.000
Tetuan,Jacob	.000	1-0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	0	0	0	0	.000	0	0	0-0	2	5	0	1.000
Totals	.338	44-44	1568	400	530	109	17	61	364	856	.546	171	45	265	27	.414	18	20	72-86	1107	422	40	.975
Opponents	.281	44-44	1461	210	410	61	8	46	199	625	.428	142	46	363	18	.361	9	22	52-61	1089	465	72	.956

LOB - Team (335), Opp (363). DPs turned - Team (26), Opp (35). CI - Team (0), Opp (2). IBB - Team (0), Opp (4). Picked off - Ashmore,L. 2, Wheat,D. 1, Byfield,B. 1, White,A. 1, LaMunyon,D. 1.

Go Cats!!
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