Kraber, Holler, Fort, and Bearcat D all shine in victory over UNK

Maryville, Mo. - Eddy Kraber's gem, Northwest's defense, plus Garrett Fort's and James Holler's exemplary offensive production carried the Bearcats to a 11-1 win over the University of Nebraska-Kearney in Maryville on Tuesday, March 21, 2017. Eddy demonstrated the poise of an upper classman after UNK managed to load the bases with the first 3 batters of the game. With 0 outs, Eddy induced a double play with the next batter and UNK scored 1 run on the play. With 2 outs and a runner on 3rd, the next UNK Loper lined-out to the short stop. The double play may have very well changed the entire course of the game. After the 1st inning, Kraber would not allow another run. Kraber picked-up his first win as a Bearcat for his effort. Eddy's 2017 record now stands at 1-0 with a 3.38 ERA. 

The Bearcat defense was solid again and did not commit an error in the game. Northwest's defense is now fielding at a .968 %.

Northwest's offense put pressure on UNK nearly the entire game. The Bearcats would score runs in every inning except one. Garrett Fort led off the game with a home run. In the same inning, James Holler hit a double and 1 Bearcat scored as a result. Jay Hrdlicka earned another Bearcat run with a ground-out up the middle 4-3. After 1 inning, Northwest led 3-1. Northwest's offense kept humming along and the Bearcat defense and pitching staff locked down to stop any additional Loper runs. The game was called in the 7th inning due to the run rule.

Northwest is now 15-8, 4-6 MIAA after Tuesday's victory over UNK.

Offensively, James Holler was your most valuable player in the game. In total, James went 3 for 4 (including a double and a home run) with 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored on the day. Garrett Fort went 2 for 5 (including a double and a home run) with 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored in the game. Logan Rycraft went 1 for 2 with a sacrifice and 2 RBIs and a walk on the day. Ozzie Adams went 1 for 3 with 1 RBI and 2 walks in the game. Landon Figg went 1 for 4 with a run scored on the day. Jay Hrdlicka earned 2 walks, scored 2 runs, and had 1 RBI in the game. Kevin Handzlik went 1 for 3 and scored 1 run in the game. Kolby Greenslade went 1 for 3 (a double) with 1 RBI, 1 run scored, and 1 walk on the day. In total, Northwest scored 11 runs off of 10 hits, 9 RBIs, 8 walks, and left 5 runners on base.

Defensively, Northwest did not commit an error in the game.

Pitching, Eddy Kraber earned his first victory as a Northwest Missouri State University Bearcat for an exemplary performance on Tuesday against the University of Nebraska-Kearney. Kraber's record now stands at 1-0 on the year. Eddy allowed 1 run in the 1st inning as UNK earned 3 straight hits to load the bases to start the game. With the bases loaded, 0 outs, Eddy collected himself to induce a 4-3 double play on the next batter. 1 UNK Loper scored but the Bearcats traded that run for 2 outs and changed the complexion of the inning. After the double play, the next Loper batter lined-out to Northwest's Rycraft at short stop to end the inning. Eddy would go on to pitch an additional 5 innings without allowing another run. In total, Kraber went 6.0 innings, allowed 4 hits, 1 run, 1 walk, 3 strike-outs, 1 wild pitch, and he hit a batter. In the 7th inning, Jacob Wagner came into the game and worked 1.0 inning, allowed 1 hit, 0 runs, 0 walks, and he hit a batter. Wagner induced a 6-4-3 double play to face 4 batters in his relief effort.

NWMSU's article on the game - http://www.bearcatsports.com/news/2017/3/20/baseball-unk.aspx?path=baseball

UNK's article on the game - http://www.lopers.com/news/2017/3/21/baseball-bearcats-strike-first.aspx

Next - The University of Central Missouri comes to Maryville for a huge 3-game series. As of March 21st, Central is 10-3 in the MIAA and essentially 1 game back of 1st place Emporia State in the standings. Central is 18-5 on the year. Game 1 is Friday, March 24, 2017, at 3pm. Game 2 is Saturday, March 25, 2017, at 2pm. Game 3 is Sunday, March 26, 2017, at 1pm. All games will be played at Bearcat baseball field.

Go Cats!!

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