Hietpas exits early, Bearcats lose 8-4

Tahlequah, Oklahoma - Northwest's starting pitching allowed 7 runs in the first 3 innings and the Bearcat offense could not keep pace as the Northeastern State University Riverhawks beat the Bearcats 8-4 to open MIAA Conference play at 0-1 in 2017. The game took only 2 hours and 33 minutes to complete at Rousey Field in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. The Bearcat defense committed 2 errors to not help the situation. Add in only 8 hits, 2 walks, and 2 RBIs by the Bearcat offense and you have a recipe for a tough day on the baseball diamond. With the loss, Northwest's record falls to 8-2, 0-1 MIAA. Fear not Bearcat fans as Anthony Caenepeel will pick-up the ball to start Game 2 for Northwest on Saturday. The boys will be fired-up and the B2R predicts a tough day for the Riverhawks. Add in an offense itching the score runs and a defense ready to pounce on every ball in play, and the ingredients are ready for a Bearcat victory. Although a tough day for Joe, he is a team leader and will make adjustments to have a successful outing next week. Joe's work ethic and tenacity is second to none. Although the Riverhawks carried the day today, Northwest will be ready to grab Game 2 on Saturday.

Offensively, three Bearcats tied for the most valuable players. First, Garrett Fort went 2 for 5 in the game. Second, Alix Herrera went 2 for 4 (including a double) with 1 RBI and 1 run scored on the day. Third, Logan Rycraft went 2 for 3 with 1 run scored in the game. Ozzie Adams picked-up a hit and a RBI as well as was hit by a pitch on the day. Kevin Handzlik had a double, a walk, and a run scored in the game. In total, Northwest scored 4 runs off of 8 hits, 2 RBIs, 3 walks, 9 strike-outs, and left 7 runners on base in the game.

Defensively, Northwest committed 2 errors that led to 1 unearned run.

Pitching, Joseph Hietpas earned the start for Northwest but had a tough day. In total, Hietpas worked 2.1 innings, allowed 8 hits, 7 runs (6 earned), 1 walk, 2 strike-outs, 0 balks, 0 wild pitches, and did not hit a batter. In the 3rd inning, Eddy Kraeber came into the game and did an outstanding job for the Bearcats. In total, Eddy worked 5.1 innings, allowed 5 hits, 1 run, 1 walk, and 3 strike-outs.

NWMSU's article of the game - http://www.bearcatsports.com/boxscore.aspx?id=4775

Next - Northwest remains in Tahlequah for Game 2 of the series on Saturday, February 25, 2017, at 2pm