Maryville, Mo. - During the course of a zany, emotionally-charged ninth inning, the Bearcat baseball team turned a potentially embarrassing conclusion to its 2012 season into one it could celebrate vigorously.
Hitless through the first 8 1/3 innings, the Bearcats broke through for their only two hits of the game in the ninth inning and used both to beat Lincoln 1-0 in walk-off fashion Sunday in the regular season finale.
In Game 3, Northwest beat Lincoln 10-2 to see its 2012 record advance to 17-32, 16-23 MIAA in an overcast sky and warm weather in front of 65 or so fans. The game time started at 10am instead of the original noon start because of threatening weather expected Sunday afternoon in the Nodaway County area. Carson Smith earned the start in Game 3 and picked-up the win to see his 2012 record improve to 3-3. In total, Carson worked 6.0 innings, allowed 7 hits, 2 unearned runs, 0 walks, and struck-out 4 batters. Nick Caldrone came in to close out the game and pitched a near flawless performance going 1.0 innings, allowing 1 hit, 0 runs, and struck-out 2 batters.
Defensively, the Cats committed 2 errors which led to 2 unearned runs.
Offensively, Northwest scored 10 runs off of 13 hits, 6 RBIs, 5 walks, 8 strike-outs, and left 9 runners on base. JJ Baccari and Cameron Bedard led the way offensively for the 'Cats: Cameron went 3 for 4 with 2 RBIs, 2 runs scored, and 2 stolen bases; JJ went a perfect 3 for 3 (including a double), a walk, and a run scored. Other offensive highlights include Jake Kretzer's 2 for 4 performance (including a triple), 3 RBIs, and a run scored; and Jon Pomatto's 2 for 3 performance with a run scored and a walk. Also in the game, Ryan Abernathy (a double), Eric Swain (a run scored), and Geno DeAngelis (plus 2 walks and a run scored), all earned a base hit in the game.
In Game 4, Northwest beat Lincoln in a thrilling 1-0 walk-off to close out the 2012 season with a final record of 18-32, 17-23 MIAA. In an all-out, dominant, big balls performance, Jace Anderson earned the start and complete game shut-out victory going 9.0 innings, allowing 6 scattered hits, 0 runs, 1 walk, 7 strike-outs, and hit 1 batter. Jace concluded his 2012 record at 3-7. Jace's performance was absolutely necessary for the Bearcats to win Game 4 as the Lincoln pitcher had a no hitter going into the Bottom of the 9th inning.
Defensively, the Bearcats played a superior game and did not commit an error.
Offensively, your heroes were Cameron Bedard and Ryan Abernathy. Ryan Abernathy had a clutch single up the middle but then made a heads-up play to advance to second when Lincoln did not get the ball back in as quickly as possible. Then came up Cameron. Cameron had a single to Right Field. I was standing near the 3rd base dugout. I saw Ryan Abernathy motoring around 3rd base right as the Right Fielder is picking up the ball and I thought to myself "Stop, Ryan, Stop" but that's why Ryan is an All-Conference baseball player and the B2R takes pictures. Ryan played to win the game. Ryan beat the tag and the Bearcats win in walk-off fashion. I know I was fist-pumping such an exciting play. A tip of the cap to Travis Green who came in the game in the top of the 9th inning and completed a clutch strike'em-out/throw'em-out double play after the Lincoln lead-off batter reached 1st after getting hit by a pitch. That was another fist-pumping moment.
Check back soon for the B2R's 2012 season review. Also, the B2R will follow the Bearcats playing summer ball as best as the Internet allows. I spoke to as many guys as I could this weekend to get an idea where they are playing. Summer league ball clubs' websites are notoriously slow at updating their websites with current information until the season starting so complete details (who is playing where) may not be available until after Memorial Day.
The B2R has taken approximately 1,000-ish photos for the 2012 season. I am willing to send to anyone interested (it will be via a Wal-Mart share since I upload to that company). Just let me know and give me your email address if you are interested. I also know that Pam Bedard was been a true saint at taking pictures of the guys, too. She has been uploading and sharing the photos via a Facebook account: Nwmsubaseball Photo's. It comes at no cost to anyone wishing to have photos of their favorite Bearcat baseball player.
On a personal note, this weekend was bittersweet for the B2R. I fully admit I get pretty attached to these guys. I like seeing the parents that regularly come to every game, too (Bedards, Andersons, Bradys, McGlauflins). I'm going to miss the seniors. I'm going to miss Chase Anderson's goofy mustache. Landinn's faux-hawk. Nick's full-fledged beard and 'stache. Geno's antics to keep every body's spirits up. Sean's tenacity & grit. Chris Green's quiet demeanor with Friday night talent nursing a shoulder injury one year then playing the next year not fully recovered from Tommy John. I'm going to miss talking hunting & cameras with Josh Parrish. But I'm grateful for the chance of meeting and getting to know you guys. Thank you for being Bearcats. Thank you for giving Northwest everything you had, every time.
In Game 1, Northwest beat Lincoln University 4-2 to see their 2012 record advance to 16-31, 15-21 MIAA on a beautiful sunny day in front of 88 fans. Chris Green had a dominant performance as he pitched a complete game (7.0 innings), allowing 6 hits, 2 runs (both earned), 2 walks, and 8 strike-outs. Chris was pitching absolute filthy stuff as he induced 9 ground-outs on top of his 8 strike-outs.
Defensively, the Cats were charged with 1 error but it did not lead to an unearned run.
Offensively, Northwest scored 4 runs off of 7 hits, 4 RBIs, 1 walk, 1 strike-out, and left 6 runners on base. Cameron Bedard led the way with a 2 for 3 performance and 1 RBI. Geno DeAngelis had a clutch at bat and officially went 1 for 1 in the game with 2 RBIs (a double). Steven Garber (a double), Tyler Durant, Jake Kretzer, and Landinn Eckhardt all earned a base hit in the game.
In Game 2, Northwest lost 4-6 to see its 2012 record fall to 16-32, 15-23 MIAA in front of 92 fans. Defensively, the Cats had a tough game and were charged with 4 errors which led to 5 unearned runs (the difference in the game). Chase Anderson fell into some hard luck but statistically performed very well as he worked 7.2 innings, allowed 6 hits, 5 runs (only 1 earned), 2 walks, and 6 strike-outs. Josh Parrish came in the 8th inning to close out the game and worked 1.1 innings, allowed 3 hits, 1 unearned run, 0 walks, and 3 strike-outs.
Offensively, Northwest scored 4 runs off of 10 hits, 3 RBIs, 2 walks, 4 strike-outs, and left 6 runners on base. Cameron Bedard and Eric McGlauflin led the way offensively. In the game, Cameron went 2 for 3 with a run scored and a stolen base. Eric McGlauflin went 2 for 4 (including a double), 1 run scored. Also in the game, Ryan Abernathy (a double), Eric Swain (a double), Tyler Durant (2 RBIs), Steven Garber (a walk & a RBI), Jake Kretzer (a triple), and JJ Baccari (a walk) all earned a base hit in the game.
Following the game, the Maryville Pride Lions sponsored the 2012 Spring Baseball BBQ where members of the Maryville Pride Lions donated food and drinks, plus grilled-up some tasty brats and burgers for the team, their families, and Northwest Staff. In total, 125 burgers, 150 brats, 275 buns, 3 gallons of potato salad, 112 bottles of water, 40 prounds of ice, 3 boxes of a variety of chips, 10 dozen cookies, 2 bottles of ketchup, 2 bottles of mustard, were all consumed by the masses.
After everybody finished their meal. Coach Loe spoke to the group thanking players and families for all of their hard work and dedication. A special memento was given to the Seniors (a specialized bat and a team signed framed 16x20 collage poster of photographs from the 2012 season). Coach Loe thanked the seniors for all of their hard work and dedication to Northwest Missouri State University and said he was going to miss them.
Coach Loe also handed out team awards for the 2012 season:
Geno DeAngelis #33
Spirit of the Bearcat
For exemplary work ethic, dedication, and hustle during the 2012 NCAA Baseball season
Eric Swain #2
Newcomer of the Year
For exemplary athletic performance in his first year at Northwest Missouri State University during the 2012 NCAA Baseball Season
Chase Anderson #29
Most Valuable Pitcher
For exemplary athletic performance during the 2012 NCAA Baseball Season
Chase is a back-to-back recipient of the Most Valuable Pitcher award
Ryan Abernathy #6
Most Valuable Player
For exemplary athletic performance during the 2012 NCAA Baseball Season
Lincoln University 7-37, 7-28 MIAA (11th in Conference)(Last Place in Conference) Location: Jefferson City, Mo. 65101
Founded: 1866
Enrollment: 3,200
Colors: Navy Blue & White
Nickname: Blue Tigers
Series Schedule:
2-game double-header on Saturday, May 5, 2012, first pitch set for 1pm;
2-game double-header on Sunday, May 6, 2012, first pitch set for 12pm.
This weekend's series marks the final 4 games for both teams of the 2012 NCAA season as neither club qualified for post-season tournament.
This weekend's series' highlights include Senior Weekend festivities as 6 seniors will play their finals games as Bearcats including Chris Green, Sean Brady, Josh Parrish, Nick Caldrone, Landinn Eckhardt, and Geno DeAngelis.
Northwest vs. Lincoln comparison
Team Batting
Northwest Missouri (4th place in MIAA) with .318 batting average
Lincoln (11th Place in MIAA) with .249 batting average
Team Slugging %
Northwest Missouri (3rd in MIAA) with .469
Lincoln (11th in MIAA) with .317
Team On-Base %
Northwest Missouri (3rd in MIAA) with .406
Lincoln (11th in MIAA) with .326
Runs Scored
Northwest Missouri (2nd in MIAA) with 311
Lincoln (11th in MIAA) with 124
Hits
Northwest Missouri (2nd in MIAA) with 470
Lincoln (11th in MIAA) with 314
RBIs
Northwest Missouri (4th in MIAA) with 272
Lincoln (11th in MIAA) with 113
Stolen Bases
Northwest Missouri (6th in MIAA) with 53
Lincoln (8th in MIAA) with 45
Team ERA
Northwest Missouri (8th place in MIAA) with 6.38 ERA
Lincoln (11th place in MIAA) with 7.66 ERA.
Batters Struck Out
Northwest Missouri (9th in MIAA) with 197
Lincoln (11th in MIAA) with 191
Runners Picked-off
Northwest Missouri (2nd in MIAA) with 14
Lincoln (9th in MIAA) with 5
Team Fielding
Northwest Missouri (9th place in MIAA) with .951 fielding percentage
Lincoln University (11th place in MIAA) with 9.36 fielding percentage
Errors
Northwest Missouri (3rd in MIAA) with 81
Lincoln (1st in MIAA) with 97
Individual Batting Leaders:
Eric McGlauflin is 3rd amongst all MIAA conference players with a .404 batting average
Ryan Abernathy is 4th amongst all MIAA conference players with a .400 batting average
Ryan Abernathy is #1 in the MIAA with 68 hits during 2012 play
Ryan Abernathy is #4 in the MIAA with 46 runs scored
In Game 1, Northwest lost 5-6 to see their 2012 record fall to 14-29, 13-20 MIAA in front of a nice crowd of 102 fans on a cloudy day. Chase Anderson earned the start and went 5.2 innings, allowing 10 hits, 5 runs (all earned), 2 walks, and 3 strike-outs. Josh Parrish came in the top of the 8th to close out the game but picked-up the loss in the game. Josh worked 1.1 innings, allowed 1 hit, 1 unearned run, 1 walk, 1 intentional walk, 1 wild pitch, 1 strike-out, and all 3 outs were ground-outs (except the strike-out of course).
Defensively, the Cats were charged with 1 error which led to 1 unearned run.
Offensively, the Cats scored 5 runs off of 9 hits, 4 RBIs, walked 2 times, struck-out 5 times, and left 7 runners on base. Ryan Abernathy led the way offensively and went 3 for 4 with a run scored. Other highlights include Tyler Durant's 2 for 3 performance with 1 RBI and Cole Mapes 2 for 3 performance. The B2R digs the long-ball so special props to Charlie Krueger who went 1 for 1 in a pinch-hitting role (home run) with 2 RBIs and 1 run scored.
In Game 2, Northwest lost 8-12 to see their 2012 record fall to 14-30, 13-21 in front of another nice crowd of 112 fans in partly cloudy conditions. Jace Anderson earned the start but saw his 2012 record fall to 2-7 after working 4.0 innings, allowing 10 hits, 9 runs (4 earned), 2 walks, and 2 strike-outs. Nick Caldrone came in to pitch the final 5.0 innings and close out the game. Nick allowed 5 hits, 3 runs (all earned), 2 walks, 0 strike-outs, and 1 wild pitch.
Defensively, the Cats had a tough game. 4 errors which led to 5 unearned runs.
Offensively, the Cats scored 8 runs off of 12 hits, 8 RBIs, 5 walks, 7 strike-outs, and left 7 runners on base. Eric McGlauflin led the way with a 3 for 4 performance (including a double), 2 RBIs, 1 run scored, and 1 walk. Other offensive stars included Ryan Abernathy's 2 for 5 performance with 2 runs scored, Tyler Durant's 2 for 5 (including a double) performance with 2 RBIs, 1 run scored, and Luke Lawyer's clutch triple that resulted in 3 RBIs.
In Game 3, Northwest won a thriller 9-8 in walk-off fashion to see their 2012 record climb to 15-30, 14-21 MIAA. Chris Green earned the start but did not factor into the decision as he worked 5.0 innings, allowed 7 hits, 5 runs (3 earned), 3 walks, 4 strike-outs. Josh Parrish came in to close out the game and worked 2.0 innings, allowed 4 hits, 3 runs (all earned), 1 walk, and 0 strike-outs.
Defensively, Northwest was charged with 1 error which did not lead to an unearned run.
Offensively, the Bearcats scored 9 runs off of 12 hits, 9 RBIs, 0 walks, 4 strike-outs, and left 6 runners on base. The Bearcats were led by Jake Kretzer's walk-off heroics where he hit a walk-off grand slam. In total, Kretzer went 3 for 3 with 4 RBIs and 2 runs scored (including a double and a home run). Other offensive stars of the game included Eric McGlauflin's 3 for 4 performance with 1 RBI and 1 run scored. Eric Swain went 2 for 4 (including a home run) with 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored.
In Game 4, Northwest lost 5-7 to see their 2012 record fall to 15-31, 14-22 MIAA. The loss officially eliminated the Bearcats from post-season contention. Carson Smith earned the start but picked-up the loss as his 2012 record fell to 2-3 after he worked 7.2 innings, allowed 10 hits, 7 runs (all earned), 1 walk, 4 strike-outs, 1 wild pitch, and hit 1 batter. Chase Anderson came in to close out the game and keep the 'Cats chances alive and worked 1.1 innings, allowed 0 runs, 0 hits, 0 walks, and 0 strike-outs.
Defensively, the Cats were charged with 1 error in the game.
Offensively, the 'Cats scored 5 runs off of 14 hits, 5 RBIs, 3 walks, 7 strike-outs, and left 11 runners on base. The 2 offensive stars of the game were Eric Swain's 3 for 5 performance with 1 RBI, and Steven Garber's 3 for 4 performance with 1 RBI, 1 run scored, and 1 walk. JJ Baccari also had a nice game with a 2 for 3 outing.
Next up: Final series of 2012 vs. Lincoln University in Maryville. Senior weekend.
