Bearcat alum Jordan Bischel has his Northwood University baseball team 1 win from the College World Series

"Just like last night night, tonight was just an outstanding college baseball game. Matt Stojkov was tremendous and we had several key hits. Our team will be excited to be a part of a fun day on Monday." Jordan Bischel, Head Coach, Northwood University in Midland, Michigan.

Midland, MI - Bearcat alum Jordan Bischel has guided his Northwood University baseball team to the steps of the NCAA Division 2 College World Series. Bischel's team is one win away from a trip to Grand Prairie, Texas. Northwood will play in the Midwest Regional Tournament Championship on Monday (May 22) at 12 pm. Their opponent will be determined tomorrow, as Wayne State, Kentucky Wesleyan and Quincy are the remaining teams.

Jordan Bischel spent three seasons as the pitching coach for Northwest Missouri State University as he worked on his graduate studies from 2010 to 2012. Thanks to Coach Bischel and other Bearcat coaches, Northwest's pitching staff registered a MIAA leading 3.44 team ERA in 2011 and a berth in the MIAA conference tournament in 2010.

Back to Northwood - Northwood University is 46-11 this season with a 26-6 conference record. Northwood beat Tiffin to win the GLIAC tournament prior to the NCAA tournament. It was the first time Northwood won the conference tournament in school history. Northwood entered the tournament as the #1 seed because they also were the GLIAC Conference regular season champions for the first time in school history. Northwood finished with 39 wins (a school record) and 26 conference wins (a school record) this season. Bischel was named the GLIAC Coach of the year on May 10th.

Coach Bischel is in his 3rd year as head coach of Northwood University. Entering the 2017 season, Bischel had a 53-47 record at Northwood and 127-92 record as a head coach. Prior to coaching at Northwood, Jordan was the head coach at Midland University in Fremont, Nebraska, for two seasons. Bischel's first team at Midland University made an 18 wins improvement from the previous year. Bischel's second team at Midland University set conference and school record for most wins in a season.

Personal - Despite being a Green Bay Packers fan, Jordan is a great person. All kidding aside, Jordan and Katie are passionate Packers fans when they are away from the baseball field. Katie earned her graduate degree at Northwest Missouri State as well. The couple just welcomed twin boys this spring. Its been a terrific spring for the Bischel family.

So Bearcat fans, jump on the Northwood University bandwagon and cheer on a Bearcat family doing great things in life and college baseball.

Go Cats!!
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Northwest Missouri State University - Caenepeel adds D2CCA All-Region honor

Northwest Missouri State University - Caenepeel adds D2CCA All-Region honor: Northwest Missouri State University senior pitcher Anthony Caenepeel has been named to the D2CCA All-Central Region second team.

Go Cats!!
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Northwest Missouri State University - Caenepeel earns NCBWA All-Region honor

Northwest Missouri State University - Caenepeel earns NCBWA All-Region honor: Northwest Missouri State University senior pitcher Anthony Caenepeel has been named to the 2017 NCBWA All-Central Region second team.

Go Cats!!
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Northwest Missouri State University - Baseball has 23 named to MIAA Honor Roll

Northwest Missouri State University - Baseball has 23 named to MIAA Honor Roll: The Northwest Missouri State University baseball team had 23 student-athletes named to the MIAA Academic Honor Roll in a release from the league office.

Earning honors for the Bearcats were 

Joseph Hietpas (Business Management), 

Joey Scott (Marketing), 

Kevin Handzlik (Accounting), 

Matt Schingel (Finance: Financial Services), 

Logan Moose(Business Management), 

Tim Olson (Finance: Financial Management), 

Nick Howard (Applied Health: Exercise Sci), 

Jay Hrdlicka (Biology: Biomedical Sciences), 

Dane Appel (Middle School), 

Luke Wilkinson (Business Management), 

Brad Roberts (Business Management), 

Ozzie Adams (Business Management), 

Bryce Shea (Applied Health: Exercise Sci), 

Aaron Barratt (Recreation: Corp Rec/Wellness), 

Ross Davis (Recreation: Rec & Park Mgt), 

Austin Battaglia (Marketing), 

James Holler (MBA: General Management), 

Kolby Greenslade (Emergency & Disaster Mgmt), 

Jake Lewis(Business Management), 

Jimmy McElwain (Agricultural Business), 

Austin Wulff (Business Management), 

Anthony Caenepeel (History) and 

Alec Heebner (Sciences Meta Major-Deciding).

Go Cats!!

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MIAA Tournament - Western tops Northwest 4-3 to eliminate Bearcats

Photo courtesy of bearcatsports.com
The 2017 Northwest Missouri State University varsity baseball team

Joplin, Mo. - Another 1-run classic game between proud rivals as Northwest and Western battled each other for 9 innings in a back and forth clash on Saturday in an elimination game at Joplin, Missouri. Missouri Western beat Northwest Missouri State 4-3 in another instant classic. Both teams played exemplary defense in this game. The defensive edge went to Northwest on Saturday but Western got a clutch 2-run triple in the 8th inning to score the go ahead runs. Anthony Caenepeel had another huge performance in his final outing as a Bearcat. Anthony worked 7 innings and allowed only 2 runs against a potent Griffon line-up. The B2R cannot be more proud of the Bearcat baseball team. Unless there is some major shake-up in the regional rankings, Northwest's 2017 season is over. Your Bearcat baseball team finished 2017 with a 32-20, 20-18 MIAA.

A defensive highlight in this game - Logan Rycraft had the defensive play of the game in the B2R's opinion. With the game on the line, the Western batter his a hot shot between short stop and third base. Landon Figg at third base dived and missed the ball. With Figg still on the ground, Logan Rycraft dove knee first to back-hand a grounder now in short left field. Logan caught the ball clean and was able to hop to his feet. All in rhythm, Logan threw a laser and hit James Holler, who was stretched as far as his 6'3" frame could stretch for a called out 6-3 play. Wow. It was a hopping up and down fist pumping kind of play. Attaboy Rycraft.

Offensively, James Holler was Northwest's most valuable player. James went 3 for 4 (including a double) with 1 RBI and 1 run scored in the game. Landon Figg went 2 for 5 (including a double) with 1 run scored on the day. Garrett Fort went 1 for 5 (a double) and scored a run in the game. Ozzie Adams went 1 for 5 on the day. Alixon Herrera went 1 for 5 with 1 RBI in the game. Jay Hrdlicka went 1 for 3 (a double) on the day. Tim Olson scored a run as a late-game pinch runner. Austin Wulff earned a walk as a late-game pinch hitter. Kevin Handzlik went 1 for 3 (a double) with 1 RBI in the game. Logan Rycraft earned a walk in the game. In total, Northwest scored 3 runs off of 10 hits, 3 RBIs, 3 RBIs, 3 walks, 7 strike-outs, and left 12 runners on base.

Defensively, Northwest did not commit an error in the game. In the B2R's opinion, the Bearcats played their best defense of the season in this MIAA tournament. So many defensive highlights as well as making all the plays you are supposed to make.

Pitching, Anthony Caenepeel earned the start and did a masterful job. Caenepeel worked 7.0 innings, allowed 6 hits, 2 runs, 2 walks, 6 strike-outs and hit 2 batters. In the 8th inning, Nikko Pablo came into the game and worked 2.0 innings, allowed 1 hit, 2 runs, 2 walks and hit 1 batter in the game. Nikko picked-up the loss for his efforts to see his 2017 record end at 5-3.

NWMSU's article on the game - http://www.bearcatsports.com/news/2017/5/13/baseball-mo-west.aspx?path=baseball

NCAA selection show - The NCAA Division 2 baseball regional selection show is available on-line this Sunday, May 14, 2017, at 9pm CST. You can watch the show by clicking on this link:

http://www.ncaa.com/liveschedule/2017/05/15

If Northwest does not make the NCAA regional, Saturday's game was the last game as Bearcat baseball players for James Holler, Ozzie Adams, Kolby Greenslade, Garrett Fort, Austin Wulff, Anthony Caenepeel, Nikko Pablo, Bryce Shea, and Austin Battaglia. As sad as it is to see these Bearcats finish their baseball careers at Northwest, the great thing is they are not going away. They are simply adding "alum" to their title as Bearcat baseball player. This senior class has a lot to be very proud of including building a cohesive team that cared for everybody from starters to red shirts, going to the play-offs two seasons in a row, winning MIAA pitcher of the year and best season since 2005.

The B2R is going to miss seeing these seniors suit up for the green and white but I am excited to see each one of these guys have continued success in their lives. The B2R is excited to see these guys get married one day, start families, begin careers, and run into them from time to time when they return to the 'Ville. The B2R will miss the parents of these seniors as they all came to as many games as they could. I get pretty attached to good people and each one of these seniors were blessed with amazing parents. Hopefully, our paths will cross at the alumni baseball golf tournament and tailgates. I will miss the parents and the players. Even the ones that are Cardinals fans. From the bottom of my heart, thank you all for being Bearcats. Thank you for giving it everything you had. Thank you for being such positive role models for the kids at the ballpark.

Thank you.

Once a Bearcat, always a Bearcat.

Go Cats!!
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MIAA Tournament - Barratt's 9th inning & Northwest's pitching and defense beat SBU

Joplin, Mo. - A key defensive substitution in the 9th inning proved huge for Northwest as the green Bearcats beat SBU 6-4 in an MIAA tournament elimination game on Friday in Joplin. SBU had Northwest's number this season as the purple Bearcats previously swept the regular season series against Northwest in April. If you had to take losing 3 of 4 games against a conference opponent but picking which game you won, this would be it. SBU took an early lead going into the 3rd inning. Northwest erupted for 5 runs in that frame and kept SBU an arm's length away for the rest of the game thanks to another terrific bullpen. In this elimination game, both squads played exemplary defense. SBU matched the defensive playing level of Missouri Western in every way. The biggest defensive play was by a Northwest Missouri State Bearcat. In the 9th inning, Coach Loe made some defensive substitutions by moving Kolby Greenslade from right field to left field and inserting Aaron Barratt in right field. Nikko Pablo came into the game to close it out for Northwest. The first SBU batter managed to single up the middle on a 1-2 count to put a runner on first with no outs. Here is the play of the day: the second SBU batter flied out to right fielder Barratt and the SBU runner got a little too far from 1st base to get a jump in case the ball hit the ground. Barratt caught the ball and immediately fired a throw to James Holler waiting on first base a moment before the SBU runner could return to the base to double him off. 2 outs, bases cleared. Aaron ROY Barratt, ladies and gentlemen. A key descriptive point here on Barratt's throw - it was a rocket and it hit Holler in the glove between the NORTH and the WEST of his shirt. One of the hardest throws by an outfielder the B2R has ever seen. Oh baby, what a play.

Northwest advances to Saturday's elimination game and most likely play the loser of the Lindenwood/Missouri Western game. It is expected the game will start at 9am on Saturday.

Offensively, Garrett Fort was Northwest's most valuable player. Garrett went 2 for 5 and scored 1 run. Fort hit the ball hard in every at bat. He is playing at a whole other level in this MIAA tournament. Alixon Herrera also had an ATTABOY kind of day and went 2 for 4 with 1 RBI and scored a run. Herrera also hit the ball hard every at bat. Herrera is also playing at a whole other level in this MIAA tournament. Jay Hrdlicka was a man on a mission in this game with a huge double to score a run. Hrdlicka went 1 for 2 with 1 RBI and 2 walks in the game. A masterful performance by Hrdlicka. Kevin Handzlik went 1 for 2 with 1 RBI, 1 walk and scored 1 run in the game. Handzlik provided a big spark to the Northwest line-up in the game. Ozzie Adams plays baseball like he had a pot of coffee before every inning. I mean wowza. That guy sprints every where he goes. His energy is to the moon and back. Ozzie Adams went 1 for 3 with 1 RBI, scored 1 run and earned 1 walk in the game. Landon Figg went 1 for 4 in the game. James Holler went 1 for 3 with 1 RBI and scored 1 run. Kolby Greenslade went 1 for 4 with 1 RBI and scored 1 run. Kolby is just a terror on the base paths. In total, Northwest scored 6 runs off of 10 hits, 6 RBIs, 4 walks, 1 strike-out and left 7 runners on base.

Defensively, Northwest did not commit an error and in fact had many defensive star plays.

Pitching, Joseph Hietpas earned the start and picked up the win to see his 2017 record go to 5-4. Hietpas worked 5.2 innings, allowed 7 hits, 3 runs, 4 walks, 4 strike-outs, 1 wild pitch and he hit a batter. In the 6th inning, Jacob Wagner came into the game with runners on base and induced a ground out to hold onto the Bearcat lead. Wagner worked 0.1 of an inning (huge play to keep SBU from scoring), no hits, no runs in a clutch performance. Eddy Kraber came into the game and worked 2.0 innings, allowed 3 hits, 1 run and 1 walk in the game. Nikko Pablo picked-up his 11th save of the season and worked 1.0 inning, allowed 1 hit and no runs.

NWMSU's article on the game - http://www.bearcatsports.com/news/2017/5/12/baseball-sbu.aspx?path=baseball

Next - Northwest will play the loser of the Lindenwood/Missouri Western game on Saturday at 9am in Joplin. It will be an elimination game.

Go Cats!!
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MIAA tournament - Western walks off in extras

Joplin, Mo. - A classic baseball game between two proud rivals in Joplin ended with Missouri Western walk-off win in extra innings over Northwest Missouri State 1-0 in the MIAA tournament in Joplin on Thursday. Both squads pitching staffs were exemplary but the defense played by each squad was the some of the best the B2R has ever seen. Western had a third baseman that played at a professional level. Northwest's Garrett Fort played at a Darin Erstad level of center field and one of the best performances I have seen. There was a 2-hour plus severe weather delay because of lightening and heavy rain. 

With the loss, Northwest will move to an elimination game. Presently, Northwest's elimination game will be on Friday. Northwest will play against Southwest Baptist University in that elimination game. Winner's season stays alive. Loser's season is over. Severe weather has impacted the tournament so game times are going to vary based on weather conditions.

Offensively, Landon Figg and Kolby Greenslade were Northwest's most valuable players in the game. Landon Figg went 2 for 4 in the game. Kolby Greenslade went 2 for 4 in the game. Garrett Fort went 1 for 4. Jay Hrdlicka went 1 for 4. Logan Rycraft went 1 for 3 with 1 walk. Alixon Herrera earned a walk. In total, Northwest did not score a run, earned 7 hits, 2 walks, 7 strike-outs, and left 6 runners on base.

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

NWMSU's article on the game - http://www.bearcatsports.com/news/2017/5/11/baseball-mo-west.aspx?path=baseball

Pitching, Anthony Caenepeel earned the start and did an exemplary job. Severe weather forced a 2 hour plus delay so Caenepeel could not go any further in the game because of the long delay. In total, Caenepeel worked 5.0 inning, allowed 2 hits, no runs, no walks and 5 strike-outs. After the rain delay, Austin Battaglia came into the game in the 6th inning and worked 2.0 innings, allowed 1 hit, 0 runs, 0 walks, hit 1 batter and 1 strike-out. In the 8th inning, Nikko Pablo came into the game and worked an exemplary performance before allowing the only run in the game. Nikko worked 2.2 innings, allowed 3 hits, 1 run, 0 walks, 1 strike-out and hit 1 batter. Nikko's record is now 5-2 on the year.

Go Cats!!

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Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association - MIAA ANNOUNCES BRACKET AND SEEDING IN BASEBALL

Kansas City, Missouri - Your Bearcat baseball team earned the 7th seed to the MIAA post-season tournament thanks to their 31-18, 19-16 MIAA record. The MIAA recently announced the bracket and seeding to its post-season tournament.

Here is the link from the MIAA official website - (below)

Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association - MIAA ANNOUNCES BRACKET AND SEEDING IN BASEBALL: Kansas City, Mo. – Emporia State won the MIAA regular season championship last weekend and will be the top seed in the MIAA Baseball Tournament as the bracket and seeding were announced today.

Northwest will play the #2 seed Missouri Western on Thrusday, May 11, 2017, at 12:30pm. Should the Bearcats win the game, they will play again on Friday, May 12, 2017, at 4pm. Should Northwest lose the game against the Griffons, they will play Friday, May 12th at 9am. It is a double elimination tournament. Missouri Southern is hosting the tournament.

Go Cats!!
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Bearcat great Scott Kurtz congratulates Anthony Caenepeel on record

Maryville, Mo. - Bearcat great Scott Kurtz came down to Maryville from Clarinda, Iowa, to congratulate Anthony Caenepeel on breaking his 48-year single season strike-out record. Caenepeel set the new benchmark in his start on Friday against Fort Hays State. The single season strike-out record was the second record of Mr. Kurtz that Caenepeel broke this season. Earlier this season, Caenepeel set the new benchmark for career strike-outs. Mr. Kurtz and Caenepeel are arguably the two most dominant pitchers in the history of Northwest Missouri State University varsity baseball program.

Mr. Kurtz approached Head Coach Darin Loe after his meeting with the team following Game 3's victory on Sunday. The two baseball elders smiled at each other and spoke as the team dispersed to collect their belongings. Coach Loe called for Caenepeel to come over and introduced him to Mr. Kurtz. Caenepeel smiled, shook Mr. Kurtz's hand, and the two visited in the foul territory of left field. The B2R was allowed to take a few photographs of this historic and class exchange between the two pitchers.

Mr. Kurtz's two records (single season strike-outs and career strike-outs) lasted for 48 years. That feat will never be broken. The B2R looked through available statistical records to put into words how dominant of a pitcher Mr. Kurtz was during his playing days between 1966 and 1969. During the record setting 1969 season, Northwest played 24 total games. Northwest played 49 games this season and will start the MIAA post-season tournament on Thursday. Of the 24 games Northwest played in 1969, four games were against now NCAA Division 1 teams in Creighton University and Missouri State. Northwest lost both games to Creighton by the scores of 2-5 and 1-10. Northwest lost both games to Missouri State by the scores 3-4 and 2-5. Obviously by the scores, the 1969 Northwest Bearcats were a hard fighting and scrappy bunch of ball players.

Baseball statistical record keeping has improved tremendously since the 1960s. The B2R could only find pitching statistics going back to 1969 from available records. In 1969, your Bearcat baseball team finished with a 11-13 record (remember those 4 games against now D1 teams). Mr. Kurtz led that 1969 team in his senior season with 4 wins and 97 strike-outs in 58 innings pitched. The only statistic that Mr. Kurtz did not lead Northwest that season was earned run average with Mr. Tim Milner's 2.55 tops on the team. During Mr. Kurtz's playing days at Northwest, the Bearcats played in 27 games in 1966, 18 games in 1967, 21 games in 1968, and 24 games in 1969.

Anthony Caenepeel transferred to Northwest Missouri State from North Central Missouri College in Trenton, Missouri. Caenepeel played three seasons for Northwest, 2015, 2016, and 2017. In the 2017 season where Caenepeel set the new benchmark for single season strike-outs, he pitched a team leading 94.2 innings, a team leading 103 strike-outs, and a team leading 8 wins. Caenepeel averages 1.09 strike-outs per inning pitched this season. For comparison, Mr. Kurtz averaged 1.67 strike-outs per inning pitched in 1969.

Caenepeel and Mr. Kurtz seemed genuinely happy visiting that sunny Sunday afternoon. Mr. Kurtz was gracious to personally congratulate Caenepeel. The class and brotherhood shared by Bearcats was very moving to the B2R. Both pitchers had mutual respect for each others' accomplishments. Following a few photographs, Coach Loe and the B2R walked away from the two men. They continued to talk with warm smiles on their faces. The B2R took one last photograph which ended up being my favorite. Its my favorite because I feel it captures a common slogan here at Northwest Missouri State University, "Once a Bearcat, Always a Bearcat."

Go Cats!!
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Figg's homer lifts Bearcats to sweep

Maryville, Mo. - In another beautiful day in Maryville, Missouri, Landon Figg's late-game heroics gave Northwest the lead and propelled the Bearcats to a 5-4 win in Game 3 on Sunday to sweep the series against Fort Hays State University. Landon Figg actually drove in 2 runs in the game. The Bearcat bullpen was also huge in the game as 5 relievers accounted for 5.2 innings and only allowed 2 runs. Northwest is now 31-18, 19-16 MIAA with the win. The Bearcats finished in 7th place in the MIAA standings.

Offensively, Landon Figg was Northwest's most valuable player in the game. Landon went 1 for 3 (a home run) with 2 RBI, 1 sacrifice, and scored 1 run in the game. Figg started at third base where he has played all year. Ozzie Adams earned a walk in the game. Kevin Handzlik earned a walk and stole a base in the game. James Holler went 1 for 3 with a walk and 2 runs scored in the game. Alix Herrera went 1 for 2 (a double) with 1 RBI, 1 sacrifice, 1 walk, and scored 1 run in the game. Kolby Greenslade was hit by a pitch in the game. Austin Wulff went 1 for 4 with 1 stolen base and 1 RBI in the game. Logan Rycraft went 1 for 3 with 1 RBI and scored 1 run in the game. In total, Northwest scored 5 runs off of 5 hits, 5 RBIs, 4 walks, 4 strike-outs, and left 5 runners on base.

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

Pitching, Brad Roberts earned the start but did not factor in the decision. Brad worked 3.1 innings, allowed 7 hits, 2 runs, 1 walk, 6 strike-outs and 2 wild pitches in his outing. Eddy Kraber came into the game in the 4th inning and worked 2.2 innings of scoreless relief. Eddy allowed only 1 hit, no runs and struck-out 1 batter in his performance. In the 7th inning, Bryce Shea came into the game and worked 0.1 of an inning, allowed 2 hits, 2 runs and 1 walk in his outing. Jacob Wagner came into the game in the 7th inning with 1 out and worked 0.2 of an inning, allowed 1 hit, no runs, no walks and struck-out 2 batters. In the 8th inning, Austin Battaglia came into the game and worked 1.0 inning of scoreless relief. Battaglia earned the win for his efforts to see his 2017 record move to 5-0. Austin allowed no hit, no runs, 1 walk and 2 strike-outs in his outing. In the 9th inning, Nikko Pablo came into the game to close it out for Northwest and pick-up his 10th save on the season for his efforts. Nikko worked 1.0 inning, allowed no hits, no runs, no walks and struke-out 2 batters.

NWMSU's article on the game - http://www.bearcatsports.com/news/2017/5/7/baseball-wins-regular-season-finale.aspx?path=baseball

Next - Your Bearcat baseball team finished the season with a 31-18, 19-16 MIAA record and 7th place in the MIAA standings. Northwest earned a berth in the MIAA post-season tournament in Joplin during May 11-14. Northwest will play the #2 seed Missouri Western on Thursday, May 11th at 12:30pm. The MIAA post-season tournament is a double-elimination tournament. 

Go Cats!!

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Cats clinch play-offs, win 5-2

Maryville, Mo. - Your Bearcat baseball team beat the Fort Hays State by the score 5-2 on Saturday in Maryville to win Game 2 of the series. Joseph Hietpas had an exemplary outing to help Northwest win the game by limiting Hays to a mere 2 runs after 7 innings pitched on a beautiful day at Bearcat baseball field. Northwest is now 30-18, 18-16 MIAA after Saturday's win. It was announced at the game after the final score that Northwest clinched a play-off berth in the MIAA post-season tournament. In January 2017, the MIAA baseball coaches picked Northwest to finish in 9th place. Congratulations to your Bearcat baseball team for earning a trip to the play-offs.

Offensively, Ozzie Adams, James Holler, Kolby Greenslade, & Aaron Barratt were the most valuable players in the game. Ozzie Adams went 2 for 4 (including a double) and scored 1 run in the game. James Holler went 2 for 4 with 1 stolen base and 1 RBI on the day. Kolby Greenslade went 2 for 4 and scored 1 run in the game. Aaron Barratt went 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs, 1 stolen base and scored 2 runs on the day. Garrett Fort went 1 for 3 in the game. Landon Figg went 1 for 4 with 1 RBI on the day. Jay Hrdlicka went 1 for 3 with 1 stolen base and 1 walk and scored 1 run in the game. Logan Rycraft went 1 for 3 with a sacrifice and 1 RBI on the day. In total, Northwest scored 5 runs off of 12 hits, 5 RBIs, 2 walks, 4 strike-outs, and left 6 runners on base. 

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

Pitching, Joseph Hietpas earned the start in the game. Joseph had an exemplary outing and held Fort Hays State to a mere 2 runs in 7.0 innings pitched. In his 7.0 innings, Joseph allowed 5 hits, 2 runs, 3 walks and 8 strike-outs. In the 8th inning, Austin Battaglia came into the game and worked 1.0 inning. Austin did not allow a hit or a run and earned the victory for his efforts. Austin's 2017 record moved to 4-0 on the season. In the 9th, Nikko Pablo came into the game and worked 1.0 inning to pick-up his 9th save of the season. In total, Nikko allowed no hits, no runs, no walks and 1 strike-out.

NWMSU's article on the game - http://www.bearcatsports.com/news/2017/5/6/baseball-saturday-fhsu.aspx?path=baseball

Next - Your Bearcat baseball team will play its last home game of the 2017 season on Sunday, May 7, 2017, at 1pm.

Go Cats!!

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K-aenepeel breaks 48-year single season strike-out record as Bearcats beat Fort Hays

Maryville, Mo. - Anthony "K"aenepeel struck-out 9 batters to break the 48-year single season strike-out record at Northwest Missouri State University to lead the Bearcats over Fort Hays State 13-7 on Friday in Maryville. The Bearcats offense carried the day as they scored 13 runs in 9 innings to keep a pesky and proud Fort Hays State ball club at arm's length away. Fort Hays took an early 2-0 lead going into the bottom of the 2nd inning but Northwest tied the game in the bottom of the frame. Hays then tacked on another run in the top of the third to take a 3-2 lead. The score would remain 3-2 until the bottom of the 5th inning when Northwest erupted and scored 8 runs to take a 10-3 lead. Not giving up, Hays scored another 2 runs in the top of the 6th inning to narrow Northwest's lead to 10-5. The Bearcats would score another 2 runs in the bottom of the 6th inning to increase their lead to 12-5. Northwest scored another run in the bottom of the 7th inning to change the score 13-5. Finally in the 9th, Hays scored two more runs before Jacob Wagner closed the door for a final score of 13-7. Whew, what a game.

The great Scott Kurtz set the single season strike-out record for Northwest Missouri State University in 1969 at 97.

Offense, Ozzie Adams was Northwest's most valuable player in the game. Ozzie went 3 for 5 with 1 RBI and 2 runs scored in the game. Garrett Fort went 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs, 2 runs scored and 1 walk on the day. Landon Figg went 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs and a run scored in the game. James Holler earned a walk, a RBI, and scored a run in the game. Kevin Handzlik went 1 for 4 with a walk and 2 runs scored on the day. Kolby Greenslade went 2 for 4 with 1 RBI, 1 walk and 1 run scored in the game. Jay Hrdlicka went 1 for 3 with 2 RBIs, 2 runs scored and a walk on the day. Aaron Barratt went 2 for 4 with 1 RBI, 1 run scored and 1 walk in the game. Logan Rycraft went 1 for 2 with 1 RBI, 1 run scored and 1 walk on the day. In total, Northwest scored 13 runs off of 14 hits, 11 RBIs, 7 walks, 4 strike-outs, and left 7 runners on base.

Defensively, Northwest committed 1 error that led to 1 unearned run in the game. 

Pitching, Anythony Caenepeel earned the win to see his 2017 record move to 8-5. Caenepeel worked 8.1 innings, allowed 11 hits, 7 runs (6 earned), 1 walk, 9 strikeouts and 2 balks. Jacob Wagner came into the game in the 9th inning with 1 out and 2 runners on base. Wagner shut down Hays without allowing a run. Wagner worked 0.2 of an inning without allowing a hit or a run. 

NWMSU's article on the game - http://www.bearcatsports.com/news/2017/5/5/baseball-friday.aspx?path=baseball

Next - Northwest now sits in 7th place with Friday's win. The top 8 teams advance to the MIAA post-season tournament in Joplin. It is a 3-team race for the final 2 play-off spots. Missouri Southern and Pitt State are in 8th place and 9th place respectively. The 8th place finisher will have to play #1 Emporia State who is having an amazing year. Game 2  versus Fort Hays is a must win for Northwest if they want to control their post-season destiny. Game 2 is also Senior Day as Northwest will recognize 9 Bearcats. With names like Caenepeel, Pablo, Greenslade, Fort, Adams, Wulff, Holler, Battaglia, and Shea, playing their final home games at Northwest Missouri State University expect the B2R to cry like a 4-year-old.

Go Cats!!

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Handzlik & Pablo power Northwest past William Jewell in extras

Liberty, Mo. - The game took extra innings but Northwest beat William Jewell 6-3 thanks to Kevin Handzlik's terrific day at the plate and Nikko Pablo's clutch four innings of scoreless relief. Northwest used 9 pitchers and 11 position players in the 11 inning affair. William Jewell's pitching did a terrific job of holding Northwest's offense to three runs after nine innings as the Cardinals managed to tie the game in the bottom of the 8th inning. After a scoreless 9th and 10th innings, the Bearcats scored three runs in the top of the 11th. Northwest is now 28-18, 16-16 MIAA, on the year.

Offensively, Kevin Handzlik was the most valuable player. Handzlik went 3 for 4 with 4 RBIs, 1 sacrifice and was hit by a pitch. James Holler went 2 for 4 with 1 walk and a stolen base. Garrett Fort went 1 for 4 with 2 walks and scored two runs. Landon Figg went 1 for 5 with 1 walk and scored 1 run. Luke Wilkinson earned a RBI with his at bat as a in-game substitution. Jay Hrdlicka hit a home run and went 1 for 4 with 1 RBI and scored 1 run. Logan Rycraft went 1 for 4 with 1 walk and scored 2 runs. In total, Northwest scored 6 runs off of 9 hits, 6 RBIs, 5 walks, 10 strike-outs and left 10 runners on base.

Defensively, Northwest committed two errors that led to one unearned run in the game. 

Pitching, nine Bearcats pitched but Nikko Pablo was the star on the mound in the game. Nikko came into the game in the 8th inning and shut the Cardinals down. In total, Nikko worked 4.0 innings, allowed 0 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, 3 strike-outs and hit 1 batter. Pablo is now 5-1 on the year after picking-up the decision in this game. Quintin VanAckeren earned the start in the game and did a good job in his 2.0 innings of work. In total, VanAckeren allowed 1 hit, 0 runs, 1 walk, 1 strike-out and 1 wild pitch in his outing. Joseph Hietpas came into the game in the third inning and worked 1.0 inning, allowed 0 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks and struck-out 1 batter. In the 4th inning, Bryce Shea came into the game and worked 1.0 inning. Shea allowed 1 hit but no runs or walks. In the 5th, Brad Roberts came into the game and worked 0.2 of an inning, allowed 3 hits, 1 run and 1 wild pitch. Jacob Wagner came into the game to finish off the inning and worked 0.1 of an inning without allowing a hit or a run. In the 6th inning, Cole Otto came into the game and worked 1.0 inning and allowed 1 hit and 1 run. In the 7th inning, Austin Battaglia came into the game and worked 1.0 inning without allowing a hit or a run and struck-out 1 batter. In the 8th inning, Jimmy McElwain came into the game but had a tough day. McElwain allowed 1 hit, 1 run and 1 walk without recording an out in his performance. Loe then brought in Nikko Pablo to finish out the game.

NWMSU's article on the game - http://www.bearcatsports.com/news/2017/5/2/baseball-william-jewell.aspx?path=baseball

Next - The play-offs starts now and the MIAA horse race to the finish is coming down the stretch with this final weekend. Central Oklahoma, Missouri Southern, and Pitt State are all hot and climbed back into the play-offs this past weekend to push Northwest into 9th place. Eight teams advance to the MIAA conference post-season tournament. UCO, MSSU, and PSU all stand at 17-16 records. Northwest stands at 16-16. The Bearcats will treat this weekend's series against Fort Hays State as a winner takes all. Because the Bearcats must win the series. In other words, play-offs baby. Grab a good seat at Bearcat baseball field this weekend and bring your outdoor voices to cheer on the boys as this season is coming down to a photo finish.

Northwest will play Fort Hays State this weekend. Game 1 is Friday, May 5th at 3pm. Game 2 is Saturday, May 6th at 2pm. Game 3 is Sunday, May 7th at 1pm. Senior Day is Saturday before Game 2 as Northwest honors the seniors playing in their final home weekend series.

Go Cats!!

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Emporia State sweeps double-header

Emporia, Kansas - Emporia State swept a double-header and the series against your Bearcat baseball team on Friday. Mother nature took out game 3 in the rain-soaked shortened series. Emporia's offense lapped Northwest in the road series. Northwest is now 27-17, 16-16 MIAA on the year.

Game 1:

Emporia State won 10-4.

Offensively, Kolby Greenslade and Kevin Handzlik were the most valuable players in the game. Kolby went 3 for 4 and played in left field. Kevin Handzlik went 3 for 4 with 1 RBI and played as the designated hitter. Ozzie Adams went 1 for 5 with 2 RBIs and 1 run scored as the second baseman. Landon Figg went 1 for 5 with 1 RBI at third base. Aaron Barratt went 1 for 4 at right field. James Holler, Jay Hrdlicka, and Logan Rycraft each earned a walk in the game. In total, Northwest scored 4 runs off of 10 hits, 4 RBIs, 3 walks, 8 strike-outs, and left 8 runners on base.

Defensively, Northwest committed 2 errors that led to 3 unearned runs in the game.

Pitching, Joseph Hietpas picked-up the loss to see his record go to 4-4 on the year. In total, Joseph worked 1.0 innings, allowed 1 hit, 4 runs (only 2 earned), 5 walks, 1 strike-out and 1 wild pitch in the game. Austin Battaglia came into the game in the 2nd inning and worked 1.1 inning, allowed 5 hits, 5 runs (4 earned), 1 walk and 0 strike-outs. Jimmy McElwain came into the game in the 3rd inning and worked 3.2 innings, allowed 3 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks and 2 strike-outs. In the 7th inning, Cole Otto came into the game and worked 2.0 innings, allowed 2 hits, 1 run, 1 walk, hit 1 batter and 1 strike-out.

Game 2:

Emporia State won 15-5.

Offensively, Landon Figg was the most valuable player in the game. Landon went 3 for 4 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored in the game. Kolby Greenslade went 2 for 3 with 1 run scored and played in left field. Ozzie Adams went 2 for 4 and scored 1 run as the second baseman. Garrett Fort earned 2 walks and scored 1 run as the lead-off batter. James Holler went 1 for 3 with 3 RBIs, 1 walk and 1 run scored in the game. Austin Wulff went 1 for 2. Alixon Herrera went 1 for 3 with 1 walk. In total, Northwest scored 5 runs off of 10 hits, 5 RBIs, 4 walks, 3 strike-outs, and left 9 runners on base.

Defensively, Northwest committed 2 errors in the game.

Pitching, Brad Roberts picked-up the loss in the game. His record now stands at 6-5 on the year. In total, Brad worked 1.0 inning, allowed 5 hits, 10 runs, 5 walks and 1 wild pitch. In the 2nd inning, Eddy Kraber came into the game and worked 4.0 innings, allowed 1 hit, 0 runs, 2 walks, 1 strike-out and hit 1 batter. In the 6th inning, Bryce Shea came into the game and worked 1.0 inning, allowed 0 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks and struck-out 1 batter. In the 7th inning, Nikko Pabo came into the game and worked 0.2 of an inning, allowed 6 hits, 5 runs, 2 walks and 1 strike-out in the game.

Game 3 was cancelled due to weather and will not be made up.

Next - Northwest will travel to Liberty, Missouri, to play William Jewell on Tuesday, May 2, 2017, at 3:30pm. Northwest will then return home to Maryville for the final home series of the year against Fort Hays State. The 3 game series is set to begin on Friday, May 5th at 3pm. Senior Days is Saturday, May 6th at 2pm. Game 3 is Sunday, May 7th at 1pm.

Go Cats!!

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