Opponent Analysis - Central Missouri Mules

The Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats have a measuring stick series this weekend as they take on the University of Central Missouri Mules in Maryville with a single 9-inning game on Friday (first pitch at 2pm), a double-header on Saturday (first pitch at 1pm), and a single 9-inning game on Sunday (first pitch at noon). 

The Mules are presently ranked 2nd in NCAA Division 2 baseball polls.  Central Missouri is 11-1 overal this year with a 7-1 conference record.  The Mules won 3 of 4 against Missouri Western in Warrensburg before winning all 4 games against Truman State in Kirksville.  The Mules are also a perfect 8-0 on the road so far this season. 

As a team, Central Missouri is batting .344, scored 101 runs (8.4 runs per game), earned 141 hits (11.75 hits per game), 27 extra base hits including home runs (a little over 2 per game), slugging .432, 75 walks, 19 hit by pitches (7.8 free passes per game), 56 strike-outs (4.6 Ks per game), on-base % is .462, and have stolen 31 bases in 41 attempts (2.58 stolen bases per game & 3.42 attempts per game).  The Mules are a superior offense with 4 players batting .400 or above, 9 players with an on-base % of .400 or above, and 8 players slugging .400 or above.

Central Missouri has committed 15 errors (a little over 1 error per game), and are fielding at a .966 clip. 

Central Missouri's pitching prowess is as equally exemplary as its offensive statistics.  The Mules have a team ERA of a rediculous 2.56, allowed 29 earned runs (2.42 ER per game), 30 walks & 12 hit batsmen (3.5 per game), 89 strike-outs (7.42 Ks per game), allowed 23 extra-base hits (almost 2 per game), and opponents are batting a mere .253 against them.

Offensive leaders are as follows:

Brad Wilson
BA - .469
GP/GS - 11/9
R - 7, H - 15, 2B - 4, 3B - 1, HR - 0, RBI - 13, SLG% - .656, BB - 5, HBP - 4, K - 4, OB% - .585, SB/Att - 2/3

Gabe Thibodeau (transfer from Clarendon College)
BA - .448
GP/GS - 8/8
R - 8, H - 13, 2B - 4, 3B - 0, HR - 0, RBI - 6, SLG% - .586, BB - 9, HBP - 1, K - 3, OB% - .575, SB/Att - 3/5

Jordan Coons (transfer from Coastal Carolina)
BA - .405
GP/GS - 12/12
R - 17, H - 17, 2B - 2, 3B - 0, HR - 0, RBI - 9, SLG% - .452, BB - 8, HBP - 5, K - 6, OB% - .545, SB/Att - 4/4

Albert Selanders
BA - .400
GP/GS - 10/9
R - 12, H - 14, 2B - 5, 3B - 0, HR - 1, RBI - 8, SLG% - .629, BB - 4, HBP - 0, K - 1, OB% - .450, SB/Att - 4/4

Bret Schwartz
BA - .391
GP/GS - 12/12
R - 12, H - 18, 2B - 1, 3B - 0, HR - 0, RBI - 4, SLG% - .413, BB - 13, HBP - 2, K - 3, OB% - .541, SB/Att - .4/5

John Oropeza
BA - .378
GP/GS - 12/12
R - 10, H - 17, 2B - 3, 3B - 0, HR - 1, RBI - 13, Slg% - .511, BB - 7, HBP - 0, K - 7, OB% - .444, SB/Att - 3/3

Ben Cox
BA - .350
GP/GS - 8/6
R - 7, H - 7, 2B - 0, 3B - 0, HR - 0, RBI - 2, SLG% - .350, BB - 4, HBP - 0, K - 2, OB% - .458

Kevin Gratza
BA - .318
GP/GS - 8/4
R - 5, H - 7, 2B - 1, 3B - 0, HR - 1, RBI - 7, SLG% - .500, BB - 1, HBP - 1, K - 3, OB% - .375, SB/Att - 0/1

Jon Cotter (transfer from Colby Community College)
BA - .300
GP/GS - 12/11
R - 7, H - 12, 2B - 1, 3B - 0, HR - 1, RBI - 10, SLG% - .400, BB - 8, HBP - 3, K - 11, OB% - .451, SB/Att - 4/7

Pitching Leaders are as follows:

Travis Unthank (transfer from Neosho County Community College)
ERA - 1.84
W/L - 1/0
App/GS - 6/0, CG - 0, SV - 2, IP - 14.2, H - 10, ER - 3, BB - 7, K - 9, 2B - 1, 3B - 0, HR - 0, opponent BA .213, hit 2 batters;

Kurtis Schuyler
ERA - 2.16
W/L - 2/0
App/GS - 3/3, CG - 1, IP - 16.2, H - 14, ER - 4, BB  3, K -12, 2B - 1, 3B - 0, HR - 0, Opponents' BA .241, hit 3 batters

Lee Stoppelman (transfer from Longview Community College)
ERA - 2.70
W/L - 1/0
App/GS - 3/1, CG - 0, IP 13.1, H - 12, ER - 4, BB - 1, K -16, 2B - 4, 3B - 0, HR - 0, Opponents' BA .226, hit 3 batters

Chris Fitzpatrick
ERA - 0.00
W/L - 2/0
App/GS - 2/2, IP - 10.0, H - 12, ER - 0, BB - 2, K - 11, 2B - 2, 3B - 0, HR - 0, Opponents BA - .300, WP - 1, HBP - 0

Kyle Jackson (transfer from the University of Kentucky)
ERA - 0.00
W/L - 2/0
App/GS - 2/1, IP - 9.1, H - 5, ER - 0, BB - 3, K - 8, 2B - 2, 3B - 0, HR - 0, Opponents' BA .161, WP - 1, Hit 1 batter

Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats Baseball team has an overall record of 5-11 so far in the 2012 season.  The Bearcats are 5-9 on true road games and 0-2 at neutral site games.  Northwest has a 4-4 conference record versus MIAA opponents.  Northwest won 3 of 4 against Fort Hays State in Hays, Kansas, only to lose 3 of 4 to Emporia State at Emporia, Kansas.

As a team, Northwest is batting .318, scored 133 runs (8.3 runs per game), earned 176 hits (11 per game), 62 extra-base hits (3.88 per game) out of which there have been 23 home runs hit by Bearcats (1.44 per game)(Eric Swain leading the team with 6, Travis Green/Jake Kretzer/Steven Garber all tied with 4), Slugging % is .519, BB - 71 + HBP - 27 = 98 (6.13 free passes per game), K - 114 (7.13 per game), OB% - .417, SB/Att - 21/30 (1.31 SB per game at 1.88 attempts per game).

Offensive Leaders are as follows:

Ryan Abernathy
BA - .443
GP/GS - 15/15
R - 19, H - 27, 2B - 8, 3B - 1, HR - 1, RBI - 9, SLG% - .656, BB - 8, HBP - 3, K - 7, OB% - .528, SB/Att - 4/6

Cameron Bedard
BA - .411
GP/GS - 15/15
R - 14, H - 23, 2B - 2, 3B - 0, HR - 1, RBI - 12, SLG% - .500, BB - 12, HBP - 1, K - 8, OB% - .522, SB/Att - 1/2

Cole Mapes
BA - .500
GP/GS - 7/1
R - 3, H - 4, 2B - 1, 3B - 0, HR - 0, RBI - 1, SLG% - .625, BB - 1, K - 2, OB% - .556

Nathaniel Horton
BA - .444
GP/GS - 10/5
R - 6, H - 8, 2B - 0, 3B - 0, HR - 0, RBI - 2, SLG% - .444, BB - 5, HBP - 1, K - 2, OB% - .583,
SB/Att - 1/1

Eric Swain
BA - .387
GP/GS - 16/16
R - 18, H - 24, 2B - 7, 3B - 1, HR - 6, RBI - 19, SLG% - 823, BB - 8, HBP - 2, K - 9, OB% - .459, SB/Att - 1/1

Eric McGlauflin
BA - .357
GP/GS - 15/15
R - 11, H - 20, 2B - 5, 3B - 0, HR - 1, RBI - 12, SLG% - .500, BB - 11, HBP - 1, K - 10, OB% - .464, SB/Att - 1/2

Travis Green
BA - .353
GP/GS - 13/10
R - 12, H - 12, 2B - 5, 3B - 1, HR - 4, RBI - 11, SLG% - .912, BB - 4, HBP - 4, K - 8, OB% - .476, SB/Att - 0/2

Jake Kretzer
BA - .283
GPGS - 15/14
R - 12, H - 15, 2B - 1, 3B - 0, HR - 4, RBI - 16, SLG% - .528, BB - 1, HBP - 6, K - 17, OB% - .361, SB/Att - 3/3

Charlie Krueger
BA - .267
GP/GS - 9/3
R - 2, H - 4, 2B - 1, 3B - 0, HR - 0, RBI - 2, SLG% - .333, BB - 4, HBP - 1, K - 3, OB% - .450, SB/ATT - 2/3

Defensively, the Bearcats have committed 35 errors (2.19 per game) that has led to 25 unearned runs (giving opponents an additional 1.56 runs per game). 

As a team, Northwest has an ERA of 8.48, have thrown 1 complete game, earned 2 saves, allowed 194 hits (12.13 hits per game), allowed 119 earned runs (7.44 per game), 56 walks + 8 hit batters = 64 (4 free passes per game), 76 strike-outs (4.75 per game), Opponents are batting .350 off of the Bearcats, and have thrown 13 wild pitches (0.81 per game).

Pitching Leaders are as follows:

Chris Green
ERA - 5.57
W/L - 2/1, App/GS - 4/4, CG - 1, IP 21.0, H - 22, ER - 13, BB - 8, K - 13, Opponents are batting .265

Josh Parrish
ERA - 5.14
W/L - 0/1, App/GS - 7/0, SV - 2, IP - 14.0, H - 15, ER - 8, BB - 2, K - 6, Opponents are batting .273

Chase Anderson
ERA - 7.17
W/L - 2/2, App/GS - 4/4, IP 21.1, H - 32, ER - 17, BB - 9, K - 11, Opponents are batting .327

Jace Anderson
ERA - 8.57
W/L - 0/2, App/GS - 4/4, IP - 21.0, H - 39, ER - 20, BB - 7, K - 14, Opponents are batting .398

Nick Caldrone
ERA - 6.75
W/L 0/0, App/GS - 8/0, IP - 6.2, H - 6, ER - 5, BB - 7, K - 4, Opponents are batting .273

Carson Smith
ERA - 8.38
W/L - 0/1, App/GS - 6/0, SV - 1, IP - 9.2, H - 18, ER - 9, BB - 5, K - 8, Opponents are batting .391

Team Comparison

                       NWMSU                       UCM              ADV
BA                  .318                               .344                UCM
SLG%             .519                              .432                NWMSU
OB%               .417                              .462                UCM
FLD%             .940                               .966               UCM
ERA                8.48                               2.56               UCM

Go Cats!!
###

Postcards from a far

Request for postcards:

Everybody knows that the B2R is an international sensation.  Why wouldn't it be?  When you discuss the best university in the world and the best sport in the world you have a match-up that captivates THE world.  From all corners of our great nation, throughout the entire world, people are checking in to see how the Bearcats Baseball team is doing.  With all of this well known, the frequent visitors will know I refer often to my boy Alex.  Well, we are discussing with Alex how great this world really is and got on the topic of postcards from one of our trips home from school.  This got me to thinking: how about a B2R request for a postcard from the readers' home state (if you live in the United States of America) or country (if you live in another country besides the United States of America).

So, if you are willing to write "Go Bearcats" on a postcard where you are from and mail it to us, we will greatly appreciate it.  I foresee even a post about the final results, too.  Please know that if you are kind enough to send a postcard that you do so at your own expense (from buying the postcard to paying for the postage) which means you are a true saint...and you will not get paid back for it.

Please mail the postcards to:

Alex Rice
PO Box 364
Maryville, MO 64468

Go Cats!!
###

Weekend Recap - Emporia State

Opening Thoughts - Northwest lost 3 of 4 to Emporia State this past weekend in Emporia, Kansas.  Emporia entered the weekend series ranked #16 in the NCAA Division 2.  My expectations going into this series were the Hornets would be the toughest test the Bearcats had faced so far this season.  I also thought Northwest's pitching and offense could muster a weekend split of the series at 2 games each.  Looking at the statistics, Northwest scored enough runs to split the series but the pitching wasn't there in games 1, 2, & 3.  Games 1 & 3 you chalk up Emporia playing a better baseball game.  Chris Green did his best but Emporia's offense is incredible and even Chris couldn't keep them from scoring.  Game 3 was just a woodshed moment for Bearcat pitching.  A couple of the Bearcat pitchers did not record an out despite facing multiple batters.  You have to tip your cap to Emporia in Game 3, call uncle, and go get'em in the fourth and final game.

Game 2 stings because the Bearcats had the lead going into the bottom of the last inning.  I think one of the final lessons a team that is transitioning into a winning team learns is handling the pressure of a late game lead:  the tendency is to, perhaps, tighten up, press, while the other team is playing believing it can come back.  We all gain confidence after we've done something a couple of times and had success.  This too will come for the Bearcats, and when they play with confidence as to their abilities late in the game, the Bearcats will be trading Game 2's walk-off loss to a Game 2 victory and a series split with a top 20 team on the road.  In my opinion, the bottom line that the Bearcats should take away from this series is that they can win on the road at a top 20 powerhouse.  When you look at each game, you can see where the Bearcats should be walking out of Emporia with 2 wins had they executed a few pitches and made some plays in the final frame.  Believe this:  The Bearcats keep fighting, they will have another chance at the Hornets where more marbles will be on the table.

I am glad to see some of the young Bearcat pitchers making their debuts this season.  I thought a lot of the new guys were thrown into the middle of a M.A.S.H. unit and told to stop the bleeding.  A B2R shout-out to Jacob Raffaele, Adam Funke, Austin Bergert, and Tyler Barth for all doing a very good job in their Bearcat debuts.  There is nothing more fun to watch then a pitcher that forces a coach to put him in, or keep him in, because of how well he is executing his pitches.

In Game 1, Northwest (4-9 Overall, 3-2 MIAA) lost 3-8 to Emporia (7-3 Overall, 3-2 MIAA) in a game that took 2:45 to complete in front of 135 fans.  Chris Green took the loss and saw his season record fall to 2-1 after he worked 5.0 innings, allowed 9 hits, 8 runs (7 earned), 3 walks, and 2 strike-outs.  Jacob Raffaele made his Bearcat debut and pitched 1.0 inning, allowed 0 hits, 0 runs, and 1 walk in a fine performance. 

Defensively, the Bearcats allowed 1 unearned run and committed 2 errors.

Offensively, the Bearcats only mustered 4 hits and 1 walk, but were very efficient with those hits and walk by scoring 3 runs.  Northwest only left 4 runners on base and had 4 strike-outs in the game.  The Bearcats scored all 3 runs in the final frame so give credit to Emporia's Brandon Faulkner for a dominant performance.  Statistically, Faulkner is the best pitcher the Bearcats have faced all season.  Northwest's offensive leaders include:

Ryan Abernathy went 1 for 4;
Cameron Bedard went 0 for 2, but earned the only walk for the Bearcats in the game;
Eric McGlauflin went 1 for 3 with a run scored;
Cole Mapes went 1 for 1 with a run scored in a pinch hitting role;
Jake Kretzer went 1 for 3 with 1 RBI;
Travis Green and Jon Pomatto both got hit by a pitch.

In Game 2, Northwest (4-10, 3-3 MIAA) lost to Emporia State (8-3, 4-2 MIAA) 6-9 in a heartbreaker fashion in a game that took 2:45 to compete in front of 145 fans.  Jace Anderson had arguably his best outing of the year and was doing outstanding until he ran into trouble in the Bottom of the 7th inning (Jace's last inning).  Jace worked 6.1 innings, allowed 9 hits, 4 runs (3 earned)(2 of which came in the bottom of the 7th inning), 2 walks, and 3 strike-outs.  Carson Smith picked up the loss and saw his season record fall to 0-1.  Carson worked 2.0 innings, allowed 5 hits, 5 runs (all earned), 1 walk, 2 strike-outs.  Carson allowed 1 run when he first came in the game in the Bottom of the 7th inning, cruised through the 8th inning, but the wheels came off the bottom of the 9th where Emporia scored a walk-off home run. 

Defensively, the Bearcats allowed 1 unearned run and committed 3 errors.

Offensively as a team, Northwest scored 6 runs, hit 7 base hits, 5 RBIs, 3 walks, 12 strike-outs, and left 5 runners on base.  The offensive leaders are as follows:

Tyler Durant went 2 for 3 (1 2b) with 1 run scored and 1 walk;
Eric Swain went 1 for 3 (home run) with 1 RBI, 1 run scored, and 1 walk;
Cameron Bedard went 1 for 4 with 1 RBI;
Travis Green went 1 for 4 (a double) with 1 RBI;
Steven Garber went 1 for 3 (a double) with 1 RBI and 1 walk;
Jake Kretzer went 1 for 4 with 1 RBI and 1 walk.

In Game 3, Northwest (4-11, 3-4 MIAA) lost to Emporia State (9-3, 5-2 MIAA) by a score of 3-16 in a game that took 1:54 to complete in front of a good crowd of 235.  Marcus Garrett had a tough outing and took the loss in the game.  Marcus' record fell to 0-2 on the year.  Statistically, Marcus faced 5 batters but did not record an out, pitched 0.0 innings, allowed 4 hits, 5 runs (all earned) and 1 walk.  Nick Caldrone came in relief of Marcus to stop the bleeding and pitched 1.0 innings, allowed 4 hits, 3 runs (all earned), 1 strike-out, and faced 7 batters (he made it through 2 batters in the 2nd inning).  Sean Brady came in relief of Nick, faced 4 batters, but did not record an out, pitched 0.0 innings, allowed 2 hits, 4 runs (all earned), 1 walk, and hit 1 batter.  Adam Funke made his Bearcat debut and got the Bearcats some much needed innings as Adam worked 3.0 innings, allowed 7 hits, 4 runs (all earned), and 1 strike-out.  Austin Burgert made his Bearcat debut and worked a near perfect inning, in total, he pitched 1.0 innings, allowed 1 hit and 0 runs while facing 4 batters.  Tyler Barth also made his Bearcat debut and a perfect 1.0 inning, allowing no hits, no runs, and struck-out 3 batters.

Defensively, the Bearcats committed 1 error.

Offensively, Northwest scored 3 runs off of 8 hits and left 5 runners on base.  The offensive leaders were as follows:

Eric Swain went 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored by hitting 2 home runs;
Steven Garber went 1 for 1 with 1 RBI (a double) and got hit by a pitch;
Eric McGlauflin went 1 for 2 with 1 run scored and a walk;
Abernathy, Durant, Eckhardt, and Kretzer all got a base hit in the game.

In Game 4, Northwest (5-11, 4-4 MIAA) beat Emporia State (9-4, 5-3 MIAA) 10-6 in a game that took 2:45 to complete in front of another good crowd of 345 fans.  The two positive stories of the game are (1) the bats and (2) pitching.  The downer story of the game is the Bearcats committed 4 errors that led to 4 unearned runs.  The most important story is the Bearcats won the game.

Chase Anderson earned the victory and saw his record improve to 1-2 in arguably his finest performance this season.  In total, Chase worked 7.1 innings, allowed 9 hits, 5 runs (only 1 earned), 3 walks, 3 strike-outs, and faced 37 batters.  Chase induced 12 ground-outs and 6 fly-ball outs in the performance.  Josh Parrish worked the final 1.2 innings, allowed 2 hits, 1 earned run, 1 strike-out.  Parrish induced 3 ground-ball outs.

Defensively, the Bearcats committed 4 errors in the game which resulted in 4 unearned runs.

Offensively, Northwest scored 10 runs off of 15 hits, 4 walks, 1 stolen base, and 7 strike-outs.  The Bearcats left 6 runners on base.  The offensive leaders are as follows:

Eric Swain went 3 for 4 (including a double and a home run) with 2 RBIs, 2 runs scored, 1 walk;
Ryan Abernathy went 4 for 5 (including a double) with 2 RBIs, 2 runs scored;
Cameron Bedard went 3 for 5 with 2 RBIs and 1 run scored;
Jake Kretzer went 3 for 5 (including a home run), 2 RBIs, and 2 runs scored;
Jon Pomatto went 2 for 3 with a run scored.

Big series this weekend...Central.  Home opening weekend.  Let's cheer on our 'Cats.

Go Cats!!
###

Weekend Analysis - Emporia State

Weekend Analysis - Emporia State
First Pitch Friday, March 9, 2012, 3:00pm; First Pitch Saturday Game 1 1:00pm, First Pitch Game 2 Saturday 3:30pm, First Pitch Sunday 12:00pm.
Emporia's Season record is 6-3, 3-1 in Emporia, 3-2 away, 2-2 in MIAA.
Offensively, the Hornet can rake and rake big.  The team is hitting at a .344 clip, scored 69 runs (7+ per game), hit 4 total homeruns, Slugging .475, OB% is .393.  The 2012 leaders are as follows:

Dorain Williams, #4
batting average is .500
GP/GS is 8/8
R - 11
H - 16
2B - 4
3B - 2
HR - 1
RBI - 7
Slg% - .844
BB - 3
K - 4
OB% - .543

Eric Dawson, #5
BA - .455
GP/GS - 8/8
R - 6
H - 15
2B - 1
3B - 0
HR - 1
RBI - 11
Slg% - .576
BB - 0
K - 1
HBP - 1
OB% - .457

Ashton McCoy, #2
BA - .447
GP/GS - 9/9
R - 9
H - 17
2B - 3
3B - 1
HR - 0
RBI - 11
Slg% - .579
BB - 2
HBP - 2
K - 1
OB% - .500

Beau Poston, 3
BA - .429
GP/GS - 6/6
R - 7
H - 9
2B - 2
3B - 0
HR - 0
RBI - 3
SLG% - .524
BB - 4
HBP - 1
K - 1
OB% - .519

Joe Kornbrust, 22
BA - .351
GP/GS - 9/9
R - 7
H - 13
2B - 2
3B - 1
HR - 0
RBI - 7
Slg% - .459
BB - 1
HBP - 0
K - 7
OB% - .359

Joe Vaskas, 34
BA - .321
GP/GS - 7/7
R - 5
H - 9
2B - 2
3B - 0
HR - 2
RBI - 9
SLG% - .607
BB - 2
HBP - 0
K - 4
OB% - .355

Caleb Compton, 10
BA - .313
GP/GS - 8/8
R - 6
H - 10
2B - 3
3B - 0
HR - 0
RBI - 5
SLG% - .406
BB - 3
HBP - 0
K - 5
OB% - .371

Defensively, the Hornets have committed 12 errors in 9 games and are fielding at a clip of .966 as a team.

Pitching, the team has a 4.93 ERA, allowed 80 hits, 43 runs, 42 earned runs, 24 walks, 43 strike-outs, 17 extra-base hits.  The 2012 leaders are as follows:

Brandon Faulkner
W/L - 2-0
ERA - 2.35
CG - 1
IP - 15.1
H - 9
R - 4 (all earned)
BB - 5
K - 8
Extra Base hits - 1

Zach Gove
W/L - 1-1
ERA - 5.14
IP - 7.0
H - 8
R - 4 (all earned)
BB - 6
K - 6

Derek Brooks
W-L - 2-0
ERA - 5.51
IP - 16.1
H - 25
R - 11 (10 earned)
BB - 4
K - 8


NWMSU has a team record of 4-8 in 2012, 4-6 on the road, 0-2 in neutral site games, and they have yet to play a home game.  As a team, the Bearcats are hitting at a .327 clip with 111 runs, 141 hits, 51 extra-base hits, 96 RBIs, Slg% .536, 61 BB, 23 HBP, 83 K, .433 OB%.  The 2012 leaders are as follows:

Ryan Abernathy - .457 BA, started 11 of 12 games, 16 runs, 21 hits, 7 2b, 1 3b, 1 HR, 7 RBI, Slg% is .717, 8 BB, 2 HBP, 5 K, OB% is .554;
Cam Bedard - .452 BA, started 11 of 12 games, 13 runs, 19 hits, 2 2b, 0 3b, 1 HR, 9 RBI, .571 Slg%, 11 BB, 1 HBP, 7 K, OB% .574;
Travis Green - .440 BA, started 7 of 9 games, 11 runs, 11 hits, 4 2B, 1 3B, 4 HR, 10 RBI, Slg% is 1.160, 4 BB, 3 HBP, 4 K, OB% is .563;
Eric McGlauflin - .386 BA, started 11 of 12 games, 8 runs, 17 hits, 5 2b, 0 3B, 1 HR, 12 RBI, .568 SLG%, 8 BB, 1HBP, 8 K, OB% is .481;
Eric Swain - .367 BA, started all 12 games, 13 runs, 18 hits, 6 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 14 RBI, .653 SLG%, 6 BB, 2 HBP, 7 K, .441 OB%.

Defensively the Bearcats have committed 25 errors in 12 games (over 2 per game) and are fielding at a rate of .944.

Pitching - the Bearcats have a team ERA of 7.98, have allowed 142 hits, 105 runs (86 earned runs), 44 BB, 60 K, 59 extra base hits.  The 2012 leaders are as follows:

Chris Green -
ERA - 3.38
W/L - 2/0
CG - 1
IP - 16.0
H - 13
R - 7
ER - 6
BB - 5
K - 11

Nick Caldrone
ERA - 3.18
App - 7
IP - 5.2
H - 2
R - 3
ER - 2
BB - 7
K - 3

Carson Smith
ERA - 4.70
App - 5
IP - 7.2
H - 13
R - 6
ER - 4
BB - 4
K - 6

Josh Parrish
ERA - 5.11
App - 6
IP - 12.1
H - 13
R - 10
ER - 7
BB - 2
K - 5

Overall Team comparisons

                       NW                 ESU
OB%              .433                 .393               NW
SLG%            .536                 .475               NW
SB/Att            19/26               17/25             NW
Fielding%        .944                 .966              ESU
ERA                7.98                 4.93              ESU
BB                  44                     24                ESU
K                    60                     43                NW

Overall Advantage - NW

Go Cats!!
##

Weekend Recap: Fort Hays State Tigers (Highlight Video)

Opening Thoughts:  First and foremost, Northwest hits 16 home runs and wins 3 of 4 ON THE ROAD where the guys were tested in 3 of the 4 games.  Northwest came out on top in 2 of the 3 hotly contested games for a clutch series victory.  I cannot be more proud of these Bearcats for a couple of reasons:

1) Fight & Heart.  Heart & Fight.  However you want to say it.  These Cats are doing something that hasn't happened in a while...get the first lead of the game.  That means a whole new set of pressure then what they may be accustomed to from past experiences.  The 'Cats keep scratching and clawing and punching away until the last out.  No quit.

2) Fox-hole, bunker brotherhood mentality.  This is the 2nd weekend that I've seen the other team attempt to go after one of the Bearcats.  The whole team had his back each time.  I see leadership from upper-classmen, even those that aren't getting as much playing time as they'd like.  I see young guys stepping up.  I see guys that believe they can win and take it personally if one of their own is attacked.  If you have talented kids that work hard and care about each other...the sky is the limit.

3) Role-models for the kids - I know they are college students, but the Bearcats are absolutely great with the kids.  There were 4 or so Bearcat youngsters running around the stadium.  The Bearcats made sure to hand out knuckles and high fives.  The Bearcats also had some patience when it was time to get warm in the bullpen, a couple of the youngsters were not paying attention, and the guys worked around them until they noticed and moved without getting upset or short with them.  These guys are a helluva lot of fun to root for.

Alex and I made the trip for Saturday's double-header.  Alex got to give knuckles to the guys as they were running back from jogging to the fence then to the dugout.  2 very emotional and exciting games.  Alex and I left Maryville around 9am and returned home Sunday morning around 1:15am.  It was well worth the trip to see our Bearcats.  I came home tired, happy, and hoarse.  Read below to see why:  Go Cats!!

The B2R Chow line is very successful.  Every weekend with a double-header, the guys have had lunch ready to go for them.  This weekend, the guys got a little extra treat.  Heck, you set a new team record for runs scored in a game, you get a special treat from the B2R chow line.  A big thank you to everyone who has contributed to the cause.  If you haven't contributed, do not feel bad.  This is not an obligation thing.  We are doing for our team what the other teams do not...that's the point.  We love our guys and the guys appreciate it very much.  I can't tell you how many thank yous I receive every time setting up.  What the guys don't really know is, I'm the one making out on the deal because it makes me feel like we contribute to the team.  Go Cats!!

With so many home runs, I had to put together a little diddy with some special effects.  I hope you like the 1812 Overture and dig the slide show.  My wife says I'm a geek.  She's right but I think this is a suuwwwweeeeeeet video:

In Game 1, Northwest set a new TEAM RECORD for runs scored by scoring 29 runs against Fort Hays in a lopsided 29-3 victory.  The new record broke the previous record set at 28 runs scored on March 11, 2007 versus Minnesota Crookston and April 2, 1990, versus Missouri Western.  Offensively, Northwest hit 8 home runs in the game, had an additional 5 extra-base hits on top of the home runs, got hit by a pitch 7 times, and stole 1 base in the offensive assault on the Tigers.  On top of all the above, Northwest left 13 runners on base.  Take your pick on the offensive star in this game but I'll start with my top 2:

Travis Green went 4 for 5 with 5 RBIs, 4 runs scored,  3 Home runs, 1 double; and
Eric McGlauflin went 5 for 6 with 3 RBIs, 3 runs scored, 1 double.

Other very important offensive stars include:

Eric Swain went 3 for 3 with 4 RBIs, 3 runs scored, 1 walk, 1 double, 1 home run, 1 sacrifice fly, 2 hit by pitches;
Ryan Abernathy went 2 for 4 with 3 runs scored, 1 walk;
Cameron Bedard went 2 for 4 with 3 RBIs, 4 runs scored, 2 walks, 1 home run;
Jon Pomatto went 2 for 5 with 3 RBIs, 4 runs scored, 2 walks, 2 home runs;
Steven Garber went 1 for 1 with 4 RBI, 1 run scored, 1 home run (GRAND SLAM);

The Northwest offense forced Fort Hays State to burn through 7 pitchers.

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

Bearcat Ace Chris Green earned the complete game victory moving his season record to 2-0.  Chris pitched 7.0 innings, allowed 7 hits, 3 runs (all earned), 1 walk, 2 strike-outs, 2 wild pitches.  The GANG GREEN (Chris Green pitching to Travis Green catching) proved too much for the Tigers to handle this day.

In Game 2, Northwest lost a heart-breaker 8-9 on a bang-bang play at 1st base.  Carson Smith had gotten the 'Cats out of a jam with the winning run on 3rd with 1 out by getting the 2nd out.  Add in a dribbler and a bang-bang play at 1st that the ump called safe and you have a Fort Hays victory.  Both squads had cleared the benches with Northwest players protesting the call, followed by a late entry by Fort Hays Tigers to celebrate the victory after the umps emphatic call.  Some Tigers began to make derogatory statements towards the Bearcat players and tempers flared.  The Northwest coaching staff got the guys to return to the dugout but the Tigers just fired-up the 'Cats.  Offensively, the Bearcats hit 2 home runs for a weekend total of 10 home runs so far.  Nathaniel Horton went 2 for 3 with 2 runs scored.  Jake Kretzer went 2 for 4 with 3 RBIs, 1 run scored, 1 home run, and 2 stolen bases.  Travis Green went 1 for 2 with 2 RBIs, 2 runs scored, 2 walks, and 1 home run.  Eric Swain went 1 for 3 with 1 RBI, 1 run scored, 1 walk, 1 double, 1 stolen base.  Eric McGlauflin went 1 for 3 with 2 RBIs, 1 walk, and 1 stolen base.  Alex Singleton went 1 for 4 with a run scored and a stolen base. 

Defensively, the Bearcats were charged with 2 errors but there were some misplayed balls counted as hits that should have been made.

Marcus Garrett received a no decision and worked 4.2 innings, allowed 9 hits, 7 runs (6 earned), 2 walks, 1 strike-out, and hit 1 batter.  Nick Caldrone came in relief and worked 0.1 inning, allowed 1 hit and got 1 strike-out.  Josh Parrish came in to close the game and worked 1.1 innings, allowed 3 hits, 2 runs (both earned), and 1 strike-out.  Tough luck Carson Smith came in to get the Cats out of a jam and worked 0.1 inning, allowed a hit (according to the ump anyway) but the run was charged to Josh Parrish.

In Game 3, the Bearcats won 12-10 in a game where they were fired-up from the transaction of Game 1 of the doubleheader.  The Bearcats jumped out to a huge lead early in the game only to see Fort Hays chip away at it inning by inning to the point where the 'Cats were hanging on to a 12-10 lead with 2 outs in the final frame with runners on 2nd and 3rd and the winning run at the plate.  A dribbler in front of the catcher, a routine throw to 1st base, and the Bearcats pick-up a big victory on the road.  Offensively, the Bearcats hit 4 home runs to add to the weekend total of 14 home runs so far.  The two stars of the game were as follows:

Ryan Abernathy went 3 for 4 with 1 RBI, 2 runs scored, 1 walk, 1 home run, and 1 stolen base;
Cameron Bedard went 3 for 4 with 1 RBI, 2 runs scored, and 1 stolen base;
Steven Garber went 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs, 2 runs scored, and 2 home runs

Other offensive stars include:

Eric Swain went 1 for 3 with 1 RBI, 2 runs scored, 1 walk, 1 double;
Eric McGlauflin went 1 for 3 with 1 RBI, 1 run scored, 1 walk;
Travis Green went 1 for 4 with 1 RBI, 1 run scored;
Tyler Durant went 1 for 4 with 2 RBIs, 1 run scored and 1 double;
Jake Kretzer went 1 for 4 with 3 RBIs, 1 run scored, 1 home run.

Defensively, Northwest was charged with 2 errors in the game.

Chase Anderson picked-up a Win and moved his season record to 1-2 after he worked 5.0 innings, allowed 8 hits, 5 runs (4 earned), 2 walks, and 2 strike-outs.  Sean Brady had a tough outing, did not record an out in the game, allowed 3 hits, 3 runs (only 1 earned), and threw 2 wild pitches.  Nick Caldrone came in to relieve Sean and worked 0.1 inning, allowed 0 hits, 1 run (unearned), and gave-up 1 walk.  Carson Smith picked-up his first collegiate save and worked 1.2 innings, allowed 3 hits, 1 earned run, 1 walk, and 2 strike-outs.

In Game 4, Northwest wins the road series outright with another narrow 12-11 victory in Hays, Kansas.  The game lasted 2 hours and 40 minutes, played in front of 101 people, and the weather was sunny and 60s.  Northwest hit another 2 home runs to push the weekend's total to an amazing 16.  Offensively, Steven Garber, Eric Swain, and Ryan Abernathy were the big men on campus.  Steven Garber went 2 for 5 with 4 RBIs, 2 runs scored, and 1 home run.  Eric Swain went 3 for 5 with 2 RBIs, 3 runs scored, and 1 home run.  Ryan Abernathy went 2 for 4 with 3 runs scored, 1 walk, and 2 doubles.  Other offensive stars included:

Cam Bedard went 1 for 4 with 1 RBI, 1 double, and he got hit by a pitch;
Eric McGlauflin went 1 for 2 with 1 RBI, 1 run scored, 3 walks, and 1 double;
Tyler Durant went 1 for 4 with 1 RBI, 1 run scored.

In total, 3 Bearcats got hit by a pitch.

Defensively, Northwest was charged with 2 errors.

Jace Anderson got the start but did not factor into the decision as he worked 3.2 innings, allowed 11 hits, 8 runs (all earned), 2 walks, and 3 strike-outs.  Nathaniel Horton picked-up his first victory of the season to move his 2012 record to 1-1 and worked 1.2 innings, allowed 3 hits, 3 runs (all earned), 0 walks, 1 strike-out, 2 wild pitches.  The star of the game was Josh Parrish who picked-up his first save of the 2012 season in a clutch performance.  Parrish worked 3.2 innings, allowed 0 hits, 0 runs, and struck-out 2 batters.  If this game is an indication that Josh, the coaches, or both were able to make an adjustment...ladies and gentlemen, we've got a team that will win a conference championship.

Go Cats!!

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New Uniforms

Go Cats!!
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Ode to Mustache March

Go Cats!!
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