Series Re-Cap - Washburn

Series Re-Cap - Washburn

Washburn defeated Northwest all four games of the series on April 16 & 17, 2015, in Maryville.  Bearcat pitching, defense, and offense all had a tough series against the Ichabods.  In the end, Northwest fell to 19-24, 14-18 MIAA on the year, good for 9th place in the Conference.  Lindenwood lost 3 of 4 games versus Nebraska-Kearney so the Lions are essentially 1 game ahead of the Bearcats for the 8th and final play-off spot.  Northwest will need to win 2 or 3 games against Missouri Western this weekend plus some help to make the play-offs.

Game 1 - Washburn defeated Northwest by the score 7-2 after the Ichabods jumped out to an early lead and kept the 'Cats offense in check.  Anthony Caenepeel earned the start in the game but picked-up the loss to see his 2015 record move to 4-2.  In total, Caenepeel worked 4.0 innings, allowed 6 hits 5 runs (all earned), 4 walks, 3 strike-outs, 2 wild pitches, 0 balks, and did not hit a batter.  Patrick Brady came into the game in relief and worked the final 3.0 innings, allowing 5 hits, 2 runs (only 1 earned), 0 walks, 4 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.

Defensively, Northwest was charged with 2 errors and turned 1 double-play.

Offensively, Kevin Handzlik and Kolby Greenslade were your most valuable players for Northwest.  Kevin Handzlik went 2 for 2 with a walk in the game.  Kolby Greenslade went 2 for 3 with a run scored in the game.  Steven Garber went 1 for 3 (a double) and 1 RBI in the game.  Nick Gotta went 1 for 3 with a run scored and a walk.  Austin Wulff went 1 for 2 with a walk in the game.  In total, Northwest scored 2 runs off of 7 hits, 1 RBI, 3 walks, 3 strike-outs, and left 6 runners on base.

Game 2 - Washburn defeated Northwest by the score 10-3.  Joseph Hietpas earned the start for Northwest.  In total, Joseph worked 5.1 innings, allowed 5 hits, 3 runs (2 earned), 3 walks, 7 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and did not hit a batter.  Austin Battaglia came into the game in the 6th inning and worked 1.0 inning, allowed 1 hit, 1 run (earned), 0 walks, 1 strike-out, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and did not hit a batter.  Carson Smith came into the game in the 7th inning and worked 1.0 inning, allowed 5 hits, 5 runs (3 earned), 0 walks, 2 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and hit 1 batter.  Jimmy McElwain came into the game in the 8th inning and worked 0.2 of an inning, allowed 0 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, 1 strike-out, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he hit a batter.  Hondo Pearcy came into the game in the 9th inning and worked 1.0 inning, allowed 2 hits, 1 run (unearned), 0 walks, 1 strike-out, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and did not hit a batter.

Defensively, Northwest was charged with 4 errors and did not turn a double-play.

Offensively, Paul Johnson and Steven Garber were your most valuable players in the game.  Paul Johnson went 2 for 4 (a home run) with a run scored and a RBI in the game.  Steven Garber also went 2 for 4 (including a home run) with a run scored and a RBI in the game.  Garrett Fort went 1 for 4 (a home run) with a run scored and a RBI.  Derek Meyer went 1 for 1 in a pinch hitting role.  Blake Hardegree went 1 for 3 and Adam Pennington went 1 for 1 in the game, too.  Kevin Handzlik went 1 for 3 in the game.  In total, Northwest scored 3 runs off of 9 hits, 3 RBIs, 0 walks, 5 strike-outs, and left 6 runners on base.

Game 3 - Washburn defeated Northwent by the score 9-5.  Nikko Pablo earned the start in the game but picked-up the loss to see his 2015 record move to 3-4.  In total, Nikko worked 6.1 innings, allowed 8 hits, 7 runs (all earned), 3 walks, 6 strike-outs, 1 wild pitch, 0 balks, and hit 1 batter.  Carson Smith came into the game in the 7th inning and worked 0.2 inning, allowed 3 hits, 2 runs (both earned), 1 walk, 1 strike-out, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.

Defensively, Northwest did not commit an error and did not turn a double-play.

Offensively, Nick Gotta and Paul Johnson were the Bearcats most valuable players in the game.  Nick went 2 for 4 with a run scored in the game.  Paul Johnson went 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs.  Austin Wulff went 1 for 2 with 2 runs scored and 2 walks in the game.  Garrett Fort went 1 for 3 in the game.  Kolby Greenslade went 1 for 2 with 2 RBIs.  Luke Wilkinson went 1 for 3 with a run scored.  In total, Northwest scored 5 runs off of 8 hits, 4 RBIs, 3 walks, 3 strike-outs, and left 6 runners on base.

Game 4 - Washburn defeated Northwest by the score 13-5.  Brad Roberts earned the start in the game but picked-up the loss to see his 2015 record move to 2-5.  In total, Brad worked 4.1 innings, allowed 7 hits, 6 runs (all earned), 4 walks, 5 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.  Rob Henrichs came into the game in the 5th inning and worked 2.2 innings, allowed 2 hits, 5 runs (all earned), 5 walks, 1 strike-out, 2 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he hit 2 batters.  Kole Klocko came into the game in the 8th inning and worked 2.0 innings, allowed 2 hits, 2 runs (both earned), 2 walks, 1 strike-out, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.

Defensively, Northwest committed 2 errors and did not turn a double-play.

Offensively, Luke Wilkinson was the Bearcats' most valuable player in the game.  Luke went 3 for 5 in the game.  Steven Garber went 2 for 5 in the game.  Austin Wulff went 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs and a walk in the game.  James Holler went 2 for 5 in the game.  Derek Meyer went 2 for 4 in the game.  Nick Gotta went 1 for 3 with 2 runs scored and a walk.  Garrett Fort went 1 for 4 with a run scored, 2 RBIs, and 2 walks in the game.  Kolby Greenslade went 1 for 5 with a RBI in the game.  In total, Northwest scored 5 runs off of 15 hits, 5 RBIs, 4 walks, 5 strike-outs, and left 15 runners on base.

Go Cats!!

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B2R Exclusive - Campaign for Steven Garber for MIAA Hitter of the Week (April 10-12)

MESSAGE TO MIAA COMMISSIONER DR. BOB BOERIGTER & THE SELECTION COMMITTEE FOR THE MIAA HITTER OF THE WEEK

It would be a travesty of justice if the MIAA did not award the April 10-12 MIAA Conference Hitter of the Week to Northwest Missouri State Bearcat Steven Garber.  Steven is a Senior from Chino Hills, California.  During the 4-game weekend series versus Emporia State, Steven batted .529 (9 of 17) with 7 runs scored, 8 RBIs, and 3 home runs against the perennial powerhouse.  All of this was on the road.  Also worth noting, Steven did not commit an error while starting every game at first base.

Do the right thing MIAA and name Steven Garber as the MIAA Hitter of the Week for April 10-12.

Go Cats!!

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Series Re-Cap - Emporia State

Series Re-cap - Emporia State wins series in walk-off

Northwest lost its first conference series this weekend at Emporia State but it took some good fortune for the Hornets to do so.  The story of the Northwest/Emporia series came down to a tough day for starting pitching, late game offensive heroics, and defensive miscues by both teams.  In the end, Emporia made the plays it needed to win the games.  However, of note is the fact that the Bearcats came back from a 9-4 deficit in game 4 to tie the game in the 8th inning.

Game 1 - Emporia State defeated Northwest by the score 5-4 in a thrilling game.  Both teams' starters struggled in the game but both teams' bullpens pitched outstanding as neither team scored after the 3rd inning.  For Northwest, Anthony Caenepeel earned the start but picked-up his first loss of the season.  In total, Anthony worked 4.2 innings, allowed 6 hits, 5 runs (all earned), 4 walks, 6 strike-outs, 1 wild pitch, 0 balks, and he hit 2 batters.  Austin Battaglia came into the game in the 5th inning and threw 1 terrific inning of relief.  In total, Austin worked 1.0 inning, allowed 1 hit, 0 runs, 1 walk, 2 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.  Senior Patrick Brady came into the game in the 6th inning and worked over 2 masterful innings without allowing a run.  In total, Pat worked 2.1 innings, allowed 2 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, 5 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.

Defensively, Northwest committed 1 error and did not turn a double play.

Offensively, Paul Johnson was the most valuable offensive player for the Bearcats in the game.  The Senior went 2 for 4 (including a home run) with 1 run scored, and 4 RBIs in the game.  Nick Gotta smashed a double and scored a run.  Garrett Fort also had a hit and scored a run in the game.  Austin Wulff had a hit in the game.  Kevin Handzlik also had a hit in the game.  Derek Meyer went 1 for 3 with a run scored in the game, too.  In total, Northwest scored 4 runs off of 7 hits 4 RBIs, 0 walks, 7 strike-outs, and left 4 runners on base.

Game 2 - Northwest beat Emporia State by the score 8-6.  Joseph Hietpas earned the start for Northwest.  In total, Hietpas worked 5.2 innings, allowed 6 hits, 6 runs (all earned), 2 walks, 6 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.  Carson Smith came into the game in the 6th inning and picked-up the save.  In total, Carson worked 1.1 inning, allowed 2 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk, 1 strike-out, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.

Defensively, Northwest committed 1 error and did not turn a double play.

Offensively, Steven Garber was Northwest's most valuable offensive player.  Steven went 4 for 4 with 3 runs scored and 3 RBIs including a home run.  James Holler went 2 for 3 (including a double) with a walk and a run scored in the game.  Kevin Handzlik went 1 for 3 with 2 runs scored, 1 RBI, 1 walk, including a home run.  Austin Wulff went 1 for 3 with a RBI, a double, and a walk.  Nick Gotta had a hit, scored a run, and a stolen base.  Kolby Greenslade also had a hit in the game.  In total, Northwest scored 8 runs off of 10 hits, 5 RBIs, 4 walks, 9 strike-outs, and left 8 runners on base.

Game 3 - Emporia State defeated Northwest by the score 11-6.  The 4th inning got away from the Cats as Emporia State scored 6 runs.  Brad Roberts earned the start for Northwest.  Brad worked 3.1 innings, allowed 4 hits, 6 runs (5 earned), 4 walks, 2 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.  In the 4th inning, Rob Henrichs came into the game in relief but did not record an out.  In total, Rob allowed 2 hits, 3 runs (all earned), 1 walk, 0 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.  Luke Wilkinson came into the game but also did not record an out.  Luke allowed 1 hit, 1 earned run, 1 walk, 0 strike-out, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.  Patrick Brady then came into the game and worked 1.1 inning, allowed 2 hits, 1 earned run, 3 walks, 2 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.  Austin Battaglia then came into the game with 1 out left in the 5th inning and worked the final 1.1 inning, allowed 0 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, 0 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.

Defensively, Northwest committed 2 errors and did not turn a double-play.

Offensively, Steven Garber was Northwest's most valuable player.  Steven went 2 for 4 with a run scored and a RBI.  Nick Gotta went 1 for 4 (a home run), 2 runs scored, and a RBI.  Garrett Fort went 1 for 3 with 2 runs scored and a walk.  Paul Johnson went 1 for 3 with a run scored and a RBI.  Kolby Greenslade had a hit and 2 RBIs in the game.  Austin Wulff and Blake Hardegree each had a hit in the game.  In total, Northwest scored 6 runs off of 8 hits, 5 RBIs, 2 walks, 5 strike-outs, and left 7 runners on base.

Game 4 - Emporia State defeated Northwest 10-9 with a walk-off sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 9th inning in what was a thrilling comeback by your Northwest Missouri State Bearcats.  Nikko Pablo earned the start in the game and had a tough day.  But, Nikko battled like a champion and gave it his best like he always does.  Northwest's bullpen combined to allow only 2 runs in 6 innings of play.  Northwest's offense battled and battled thanks to Senior Steven Garber.  In the end, Emporia had the bases loaded with 1 out and the Hornets batter hit a deep fly ball into left field to score the winning run.

Pitching - Nikko earned the start and worked 2.2 innings, allowed 9 hits, 8 runs (only 5 earned), 0 walks, 1 strike-out, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he hit 3 batters.  Austin Battaglia came into the game in the 3rd inning and worked 3.1 innings, allowed only 2 hits, 1 run (earned), 2 walks, 3 strike-outs, 1 wild pitch, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.  In the 7th inning, Carson Smith came into the game and worked 2.2 innings, allowed 3 hits, 1 run (earned), 1 walk, 2 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.

Defensively, Northwest committed 1 error and did not turn a double play.

Offensively, Steven Garber was Northwest's most valuable offensive player in the game.  Steven hit 2 home runs in the game, went 3 for 5 with 3 runs scored and 4 RBIs.  But for Steven's 2 home run explosion, Austin Wulff would have been your most valuable offensive player.  Austin went 4 for 4 with 2 runs scored and a walk.  Not to be outdone, Kolby Greenslade went 4 for 5 with a run scored and a RBI in the game.  Garrett Fort went 3 for 5 with 2 runs scored and a RBI in the game.  Blake Hardegree went 1 for 2 with 2 RBIs in the game.  Luke Wilkinson also had a hit in the game, too.  In total, Northwest scored 9 runs off of 16 hits, 9 RBIs, 2 walks, 7 strike-outs, and left 11 runners on base.

Next up for Northwest - Northwest will play a 4-game series against Washburn in Maryville on the weekend of April 17-19.  Washburn is one spot ahead of Northwest in the standings and both teams are fighting for their post-season goals.  This will be an epic match-up this weekend.  You will not want to miss it.  First pitch is Friday, April 17, 2015, at 3pm at the Bearcat baseball field.

Go Cats!!
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Military Appreciation Day - April 4, 2015 - Slide Show

Go Cats!!
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Series Re-Cap - Lindenwood University

Series Re-Cap - Lindenwood University

Northwest split the 4-game series with Lindenwood in Maryville this past weekend.  On Saturday, April 4, 2015, Northwest celebrated Military Appreciation Day with the Missouri National Guard.  The Missouri National Guard brought a military grade armored vehicle and field artillery canon along with several Guardsmen to visit with folks.  In addition, the Guard also cooked hot dogs and hamburgers for fans and gave away free of charge.  They also gave away shirts.  Northwest celebrated all the Bearcat players with families in the military.  Northwest also recognized alumnus Matt Mason for his ultimate sacrifice protecting our Country.  Matt Mason played baseball for Northwest before he graduated, joined the Navy S.E.A.L.s and fought in multiple tours overseas.

Northwest played with a lot of heart and grit and battled through a lot of adversity.  Because of their efforts, Northwest earned a walk-off victory in a thrilling game 4 of the series on Saturday.  With the win, Northwest is now 18-17 overall and 13-11 MIAA.  As of Easter Sunday, Northwest sits in 7th place in the MIAA and would travel to play 2nd place Nebraska-Kearney in the 1st round of the MIAA post-season tournament if the season ended today.  However, the season does not end today.  Northwest is also about 2 games back from being the 4th seed and hosting the 1st round play-off series.  With 3 MIAA series left in the season, anything is possible and 2015 is looking to have a photo finish with exciting moments every step of the way.

Game 1 - Northwest lost game 1 of the Lindenwood series by the score 16-9.  Despite the score, it was a tied game heading into the 9th inning.  After Lindenwood got a couple of clutch hits, the bottom fell out from the Cats.  This was one of those games where you tip your cap to the opponents - they hit our best.  But Friday is a new day and a key double-header is awaiting the two squads as both are fighting for the play-offs.

Pitching - Anthony Caenepeel earned the start for the Bearcats but had a tough day.  AC worked 5.1 innings, allowed 10 hits, 8 runs (all earned), 1 walk, 5 strike-outs, 1 wild pitch, 0 balks, and hit 1 batter.  In the 6th inning, Austin Battaglia came into the game and worked 2.0 innings, allowed 1 hit, 0 runs, 2 walks, 2 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and did not hit a batter.  In the 8th inning, Carson Smith came into the game and worked 1.1 inning, allowed 6 hits, 7 runs (all earned), 1 walk, 0 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and did not hit a batter.  Jacob Wagner came into the game in the 9th inning with 2 outs and worked 0.1 inning, allowed 2 hits, 1 run (earned), 1 walk, 0 strike-outs, 1 wild pitch, 0 balks, and did not hit a batter.

Defensively, Northwest committed 3 errors and did not turn a double-play.

Offensively, Steven Garber was Northwest's most valuable player in the game.  Steven went 3 for 5 with 3 RBIs, 2 runs scored, and 2 home runs.  In addition, Nick Gotta went 2 for 5 with a run scored and a stolen base.  Kolby Greenslade went 2 for 3 with 2 runs scored, a walk, hit by pitch, and a stolen base.  Kevin Handzlik went 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs, and a sacrifice bunt.  Garrett Fort went 1 for 4 (a triple) with 2 RBIs and a run scored.  Nick Howard went 1 for 4 with a RBI, a run scored and1 hit by pitch.  In total, Northwest scored 9 runs off of 11 hits, 8 RBIs, 2 walks, 7 strike-outs, and left 8 runners on base.

Game 2 - Northwest won game 2 by the score 6-2 with a clutch pitching performance by Nikko Pablo.  Nikko is a Sophomore from Stockton, California.  Nikko worked a complete game gem and picked-up his 3rd win of the season.  In total, Nikko worked 9.0 innings, allowed 6 hits, 2 runs (both earned), 3 walks, 7 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.

Defensively, Northwest committed 2 errors and did not turn a double play.

Offensively, Steven Garber, Paul Johnson, and Kevin Handzlik were your most valuable offensive players for the Bearcats.  Steven Garber went 2 for 4 with a home run, a run scored, and a RBI.  Paul Johnson went 2 for 4 (including a double) with 3 runs scored and a stolen base.  Kevin Handzlik went 2 for 3 with a double in the game.  Nike Gotta went 1 for 4 with a RBI, a walk, and a stolen base.  Kolby Greenslade went 1 for 3 (a double) with 2 RBIs, and a walk.  Garrett Fort went 1 for 4 with 2 runs scored and a stolen base.  In total, Northwest scored 6 runs, off of 9 hits, 4 RBIs, 3 walks, 7 strike-outs, and 8 runners left on base.

Game 3 - Northwest lost game 3 by the score 6-2.  Joseph Hietpas earned the start for Northwest and worked a complete 7-inning game.  In total, Joe worked 7.0 innings, allowed 7 hits, 6 runs (only 4 earned), 3 walks, 2 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.

Defensively, Northwest committed 1 error and turned 2 double-plays.

Offensively, Northwest only managed 2 hits in the game.  Derek Meyer went 1 for 3 in the game.  James Holler hit his 1st home run of 2015 and belted in Northwest's only 2 runs.  James Holler went 1 for 4 with 1 run scored and 2 RBIs.  Other offensive highlights, Austin Wulff earned 3 walks and scored 1 run.  Steven Garber earned a walk and got hit by a pitch twice in the game.  Garrett Fort earned 1 walk and got hit by a pitch.  In total, Northwest scored 2 runs off of 2 hits, 2 RBIs, 8 walks, 1 strike-out, and left 11 runners on base.

Game 4 - Good things come to those that wait.  Northwest split the 4-game series in a thrilling fashion on Saturday, April 4, 2015, with a 7-6 walk-off win.  Brad Roberts earned the start for the Northwest.  In total, Brad worked 4.2 innings, allowed 8 hits, 6 runs (all earned), 0 walks, 4 strike-outs, 2 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.  In the 5th inning, Rob Henrichs came into the game and worked 0.2 of an inning, allowed 0 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk, 1 strike-out, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.  In the 6th inning, Carson Smith came into the game and worked 1.2 inning, allowed 1 hit, 0 runs, 0 walks, 1 strike-out, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.  In the 6th inning, Carson was  pitching with a runner on 2nd.  Carson forces the Lindenwood batter to hit a fly ball into center field for the 2nd out.  The Lindenwood runner tagged on the play and attempted to take 3rd.  Garrett Fort, a Sophomore from Ankeny, Iowa, threw a missile on target to Kevin Handzlik, who applied the tag for the 3rd out of the inning.  It was a game changer - a fist pump moment.  Carson was fired-up about the huge defensively play, and as soon as the umpire signaled the runner out at 3rd, he fist pumped the air and yelled "Let's go!!"  Oh baby, what a play.  With the walk-off, Carson picked-up his 4th win of the season.

Defensively, Northwest committed 3 errors and did not turn a double-play.

Offensively, there were so many heroes for Northwest in the game.  Austin Wulff hit a double in the bottom of the 6th when the Cats were down 6-3 to score 2 runs to bring Northwest within one run.  In total, Austin went 1 for 2 with 2 RBIs and a walk.  In the bottom of the 7th, Kevin Handzlik was the first batter for Northwest and singled to right field.  Nick Gotta executed a perfect sacrifice bunt and advance Handzlik to 2nd base.  Garrett Fort singled to center field and Handzlik scored to tie the game.  Paul Johnson then hit a double to left center field to score Garrett Fort to win the game for Northwest.  In total, Paul Johnson went 2 for 2 with 2 runs scored, got hit by a pitch twice, and a RBI.  Garrett Fort went 1 for 3 with 2 runs scored, was hit by a pitch, and a RBI.  Steven Garber went 1 for 2 with a run scored, a RBI, and a walk.  James Holler went 1 for 3 with a stolen base.  Blake Hardegree went 1 for 3 with a run scored, a RBI, and hit his 1st home run of the season.  Kevin Handzlik went 1 for 3 with a run scored in the game.  In total, Northwest scored 7 runs off of 8 hits, 6 RBIs, 2 walks, 4 strike-outs, and left 4 runners on base.

Go Cats!!
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Coach Darin Loe - a middle relief and spot starter in minor league baseball

"Loe looks good"

The B2R's crack research staff unearthed a real gem on Northwest's all-time leader in baseball wins, Darin Loe.  A dashingly handsome Darin Loe must have caught a lot of attention as well as his athletic prowess caught by a local newspaper.

The B2R enjoyed the scouting report on Coach Loe:

"His control, a problem last season, has improved since Pilots coaches made minor adjustments in his mechanics.  In 59 innings, Loe has struck out 56 and walked 31.

Loe was a middle reliever and spot starter for the Peninsula Pilots, the Seattle Mariners Single-A farm team in Hampton, Virginia.

The article went on to say:

"Loe has been one of the few consistent players.  Used as a middle relief pitcher and spot starter, he is tied for the team lead in appearances with 25.  He has a 3-2 record with a 3.80 earned run average and 3 saves."

Here is a young Darin Loe's take on what it meant to be a spot starter from a middle relief pitcher:

"For a while there I was throwing every other day but with these starts I've had to take days off and rest," Loe said."

Well said, Coach.  Well said.

The B2R loves Coach and had to share it with the B2R nation.

Go Cats!!

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Mid-week Re-Cap - Cardiac Cats win again in extras, beats Peru State 8-7

CARDIAC CATS WALK-OFF WIN IN TEN

BEATS PERU STATE 8-7

Northwest defeated Peru State with a thrilling 10-inning walk-off game that lasted nearly three hours on Tuesday afternoon at Bearcat baseball field on the campus of Northwest Missouri State University.  The weather was in the 70s, clear, and calm, which was a perfect setting for an exciting game.  The Cardiac Cats deserve their name with so many late game or extra inning victories.  Several Bearcats are responsible for the win - Freshman Kevin Handzlik had the game winning hit in the Bottom of the 10th inning; Carson Smith picked-up the win and had 2.1 innings of clutch pitching without allowing a run; Austin Wulff, Garrett Fort, and Nick Gotta were hitting the ball hard and getting on base nearly every time.  With so many heroes, this was most certainly a team win.  With the win, Northwest's 2015 record climbs to 16-15.  With the loss, Peru State falls to 21-8.

Pitching, Northwest used 9 pitchers in the game.  Carson Smith was the most valuable pitcher and picked-up the win for his efforts.  Carson's 2015 record now stands at 3-0 with a 0.76 ERA in 23.2 innings of work.  Against Peru State, Carson worked 2.1 innings, allowed 2 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, 1 strike-out, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.  Joseph Hietpas earned the start in the game and worked 1.0 inning, allowed 2 hits, 1 unearned run, 0 walks, 2 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.  Brad Roberts came into the game in the 2nd inning and worked 1.0 inning, allowed 2 hits, 1 run (earned), 0 walks, 0 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.  In the 3rd inning, Jimmy McElwain came into the game and worked 1.0 inning, allowed 3 hits, 1 run (earned), 0 walks, 0 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.  In the 4th inning, Austin Battaglia came into the game and worked 1.0 inning, allowed 1 hit, 0 runs, 0 walks, 2 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he hit 1 batter.  In the 5th inning, Alex Cross came into the game and worked 1.0 inning, allowed 3 hits, 1 run (earned), 0 walks, 0 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.  In the 6th inning, Patrick Brady came into the game and worked 1.0 inning, allowed 0 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, 0 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not 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, 0 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.  In the 8th inning, Luke Wilkinson came into the game and worked 0.2 of an inning.  Luke allowed 4 hits, 3 runs (all earned), 0 walks, 1 strike-out, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.  With 2 outs in the 8th inning, Carson Smith came into the game to close it out.

Defensively, Northwest committed 3 errors and turned 3 double-plays.

Offensively, Nick Gotta and Austin Wulff were the most valuable players for the Bearcats in the game.  Nick Gotta went 2 for 3 (including a triple) with 3 RBIs, a run scored, a walk, and a sacrifice bunt.  Austin Wulff went 3 for 4 with 1 RBI, 2 runs scored, and 1 walk.  Steven Garber went 1 for 4 (a double) with 1 RBI, 1 run scored, and 1 walk.  Paul Johnson went 1 for 4 with a stolen base and was hit by a pitch.  Kevin Handzlik had the bit hit of the game to score the winning run in the bottom of the 10th inning.  Garrett Fort went 1 for 2 with 1 RBI, 1 run scored, and 2 walks.  In total, Northwest scored 8 runs off of 9 hits, 8 RBIs, 8 walks, 3 strike-outs, and left 6 runners on base.

Next up for the Bearcats - There will be little rest for the Bearcats as they will face Lindenwood on Thursday, April 2, 2015, and play a critical 4-game series in Maryville.  Northwest is just ahead of Lindenwood in the MIAA standings.  Lindenwood is on the outside looking in for a MIAA post-season play-off berth.  Northwest is in a 3-way tie for the last play-off spot.  This series will most certainly be an epic clash between two clubs fighting for their post-season lives.  The Bearcat baseball field is where it is all at this week.  The series starts with a single 9-inning game on April 2nd with first pitch at 2pm.  Then, there will be a double-header on Friday, April 3, 2015, with first pitch at 1pm.  The series will conclude on Saturday, April 4th with a single 9-inning game.  First pitch for the April 4th game will be at Noon.  The games were moved one day in observance of Holy Easter on Sunday, April 5, 2015.

Go Cats!!

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