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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Series Re-cap - Pitt State

Series Re-cap - Pitt State University

Northwest split the weekend series at Pittsburgh State University at 2-2.  Northwest had terrific pitching in 3 of the 4 games and had a chance to win the series heading into Sunday's game.  In Sunday's game, Northwest's pitching had a tough day and the Bearcats offense took too long to heat-up and the Gorillas managed to salvage a split.  As of March 29, 2015, Northwest holds the final play-off spot for the MIAA post-season tournament.  Northwest is only 1 game back from 5th place (presently held by Missouri Western), and 1.5 games back from 4th place (Emporia State).  There is an absolutely HUGE conference series coming up for your Bearcats against Lindenwood University in Maryville this week.  Lindenwood is presently on the outside looking in for the MIAA post-season tournament.  They most certainly want to take over Northwest's spot in the standings.  Stay tuned Bearcat baseball fans, the final leg of the 2015 regular season is in play so expect a photo finish and mad dash for seeding all the way to last day of the regular season.

Game 1 - Northwest won game 1 of the Pitt State series 7-2 after a dominant pitching performance by Anthony Caenepeel.  Anthony worked 9.0 innings, allowed 9 hits, 2 runs (both earned), 0 walks, 8 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.  Pitt State did not score their first run until the 8th inning.  Pitt State scored their second run in the 9th inning.

Northwest did not commit an error and turned 1 double play.

Offensively, Paul Johnson and Steven Garber were the most valuable players in the game.  Paul Johnson went 3 for 4 with 3 runs scored.  Steven Garber went 3 for 4 with 2 RBIs and a run scored.  Luke Wilkinson went 1 for 1 with a home run with 2 RBIs and a run scored.  Nick Gotta went 1 for 5 with a run scored.  Derek Meyer went 1 for 4 in the game.  Garrett Fort went 1 for 4 in the game.  In total, Northwest scored 7 runs, 10 hits, 6 RBIs, 0 walks, 5 strike-outs, and left 4 runners on base.

Game 2 - Northwest lost game 2 of the Pitt State series 5-3.  Northwest's starting pitcher was Joseph Hietpas who cruised through 4 innings before running into trouble in the 5th.  Big Joe worked the first 4 innings and only allowed 1 run with 5 strike-outs.  That is really good for the first year Bearcat.  In total, Joe worked 4.2 innings, allowed 8 hits, 5 runs (all earned), 1 walk, 5 strike-outs, 1 wild pitch, 0 balks, and he hit a batter.  In the bottom of the 5th, Austin Battaglia came into the game in relief of Joe.  Austin worked 1.1 innings, allowed 3 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk, 1 strike-out, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.

Defensively, Northwest was charged with 1 error and did not turn a double play.

Offensively, Garrett Fort was the 'Cats most valuable player in the game.  In total, Garrett went 2 for 3 with 2 runs scored.  In addition, Paul Johnson hit his first home run of 2015 in the game.  Derek Meyer went 1 for 4 with 2 RBIs.  Steven Garber went 1 for 2 with a walk.  Nick Howard had a walk in the game.  Luke Wilkinson went 1 for 3 also in the game.  Austin Wulff went 0 for 1 but had two successful sacrifice bunts to advance the runner in the game.  In total, Northwest scored 3 runs off of 7 hits, 3 RBIs, 2 walks, 4 strike-outs, and left 6 runners on base.

Game 3 - Northwest won game 3 of the Pitt State Series, 9-3.  Brad Roberts was the Bearcats starter and picked-up the win in the game.  With the win, Brad evened his 2015 record at 4-4.  In total, Brad worked 5.1 innings, allowed 4 hits, 3 runs (only 1 earned), 1 walk, 2 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he hit 2 batters.  Carson Smith came into the game in the 6th inning for a non-save situation.  Carson worked the final 1.2 innings, allowed 2 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, 2 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.

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

Offensively, Derek Meyer, Steven Garber, and Austin Wulff were your most valuable players in the game.  Dererk Meyer went 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs, a stolen base, and a run scored.  Steven Garber went 2 for 3 (including a double) with 2 RBIs and a walk.  Austin Wulff went 2 for 3 with a RBI, 2 runs scored, and a walk.  Luke Wilkinson hit his 2nd home run of 2015 (and the series) and went 1 for 4 with 2 RBIs and a run scored in the game.  Garrett Fort went 1 for 3 with 2 runs scored, a walk, and a stolen base.  Kolby Greenslade went 1 for 4 (a double) with 2 runs scored and a stolen base.  Blake Hardegree went 1 for 1 with 2 RBIs in a pinch hitting opportunity in the game.  Paul Johnson had a hit in the game.  Nick Gotta went 1 for 3 with 2 walks and a run scored.  In total, Northwest scored 9 runs off of 12 hits, 9 RBIs, 5 walks, 10 strike-outs, and 9 runners left on base.

Game 4 - Northwest lost game 4 of the Pitt State series, 8-6.  Nikko Pablo was the Bearcats starting pitcher.  Nikko worked 4.1 innings, allowed 9 hits, 7 runs (all earned), 2 walks, 1 strike-out, 1 wild pitch, 0 balks, and did not hit a batter.  In the 5th inning, Austin Battaglia came into the game and only faced two batters.  Then, Patrick Brady came into the game and worked 1.1 inning, allowed 4 hits, 1 run (earned), 0 walks, 0 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and did not hit a batter.  In the 6th inning, Jimmy McElwain came into the game and worked 1.1 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 8th inning, Rob Henrichs came into the game and worked the final 1.0 inning, allowed 0 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, 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, Paul Johnson was the most valuable player for Northwest in the game.  Paul went 3 for 5 (including a triple) with a RBI in the game.  Nick Gotta went 2 for 5 (including a double) with a run scored and a RBI in the game.  Austin Wulff went 2 for 3 with a run scored, a RBI and a sacrifice fly.  Kolby Greenslade had 2 walks, 2 stolen bases, and a run scored in the game.  Garrett Fort also had 2 walks and a run scored in the game.  Derek Meyer went 1 for 5 with 2 runs scored and a RBI in the game.  In total, Northwest scored 6 runs off of 8 hits, 4 RBIs, 4 walks, 4 strike-outs, and left 7 runners on base.

Next up for Northwest - Northwest has a mid-week non-conference game versus Peru State on Tuesday, March 31, 2015.  Following that game, Northwest will play a 4-game series against Lindenwood in Maryville starting Thursday, April 2, 2015.

Go Cats!!
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Mid-week re-cap - Culver-Stockton & Quincy U

Culver-Stockton - Northwest lost to Culver-Stockton by the score 6-3 in Canton, Missouri.  In the game, a lot of the younger Cats got a chance for playing time.  Culver scored all six runs in one inning.  John Osborne earned the start in the game.  It was John's first start as a Bearcat.  John worked 2.1 innings, allowed 8 hits, 5 runs (all earned), 0 walks, 2 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he hit 2 batters.  Alex Cross came into the game in the 3rd inning and made his first appearance in 2015.  Alex worked 0.2 of an inning, allowed 1 hit, 1 unearned run, 1 walk, 0 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he hit one batter.  Patrick Brady came into the game in the 4th inning.  Patrick had a fantastic outing and kept Northwest in the game.  Patrick worked 3.0 innings, allowed 1 hit, 0 runs, 1 walk, 5 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he hit 1 batter.  In the 7th inning, Jimmy McElwain came into the game.  It was Jimmy's 2015 debut.  I also believe it was his Bearcat debut.  Jimmy did an outstanding job.  In total, he 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 8th, Taylor Bruch came into the game.  Taylor worked 1.0 inning, allowed 0 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, 0 strike-outs, 0 balks, 0 wild pitches, and he hit 2 batters.

Defensively, Northwest was charged with 1 error and did not turn a double-play.

Offensively, three Bearcats carried the team's weight in the game.  Steven Garber, Kevin Handzlik, and James Holler were the 'Cats most valuable players against Culver.  Steven went 2 for 3 with a walk.  Kevin Handzlik went 2 for 4 with a run scored.  James Holler went 2 for 3 with a run scored and a RBI.  In total, Northwest scored 3 runs off of 7 hits, 2 RBIs, 3 walks, 5 strike-outs, and 8 players left on base.

Quincy - After the Culver-Stockton game, Northwest boarded the team bus, crossed the state line into Illinois and played Quincy University for the 2nd game of a day-night double header.  Oh baby, what a way to end the night.  Northwest defeated Quincy University in a 13-inning marathon.  The game took 3 hours and 33 minutes.  The final score was 4-3.  Both teams had their chances but Northwest executed when it had to and the pitching was a sight to see.  Brad Roberts earned the start in the game and worked 2.0 innings, allowed 0 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk, 1 strike-out, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.  Austin Battaglia came into the game in the 3rd inning and worked 3.0 innings, allowed 2 hits, 1 run (earned), 0 walks, 2 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.  In the 6th inning, Luke Wilkinson came into the game and worked 2.0 innings, allowed 1 hit, 0 runs, 0 walks, 5 strike-outs, 1 wild pitch, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.  In the 8th inning, Jacob Wagner came into the game but did not record an out.  Jacob allowed 2 hits, 2 runs (both earned), 1 walk, 0 strike-outs, 0 wild pitches, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.  Carson Smith came into the game in the 8th and worked 4.0 innings, allowed 2 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, 2 strike-outs, 1 wild pitch, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.  In the 12th inning, Rob Henrichs came into the game and picked-up the win.  In total, Rob worked 2.0 innings, allowed 1 hit, 0 runs, 0 walks, 2 strike-outs, 1 wild pitch, 0 balks, and he did not hit a batter.

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

Offensively, Austin Wulff had 2 RBIs and Steven Garber had the go-ahead RBI as the two most valuable players for the Bearcats in the game.  Derek Meyer went 2 for 3 with a walk.  Aaron Barratt had 2 walks and a run scored in the game.  Paul Johnson went 2 for 5 with a stolen base and a walk.  Blake Hardegree went 1 for 5 with a run scored in the game.  In total, Northwest scored 4 runs off of 7 hits, 3 RBIs, 8 walks, 7 strike-outs, and left 8 runners on base.

Coming up - Northwest is 13-13, 9-7 MIAA so far in 2015.  On March 27, 28, and 29, the Bearcats will travel to Pitt State to play a 4-game weekend series.  This weekend's games are absolutely critical for the Cats as they fight, scratch, and claw for a play-off spot in the post-season tournament.  Pitt State is 7-16, 3-9 MIAA so far in 2015.  Pitt State and Northwest match-up pretty close in offensive, defense, and pitching so expect 4 thrilling games this weekend.

Go Cats!!
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Happy 41st Birthday Matt Mason

Happy 41st Birthday Matt Mason

The B2R wants to take a moment to celebrate Matt Mason.  He would have turned 41 years old today.  Matt died serving our country in Afghanistan on August 6, 2011.  Matt was a Chief Special Warfare Operator.

An American hero.  A Navy S.E.A.L.  An alumnus of Northwest Missouri State.  A Bearcat baseball player.  A husband.  A father.

In April 2012, the Bearcats baseball team became the first varsity sport Northwest Missouri State to commemorate the United States Armed Services by wearing special camouflage jerseys.  In 2014, the baseball team became the first varsity sport at Northwest Missouri State to make a camouflage jersey a regular and continuing part of their uniform to recognize and celebrate the sacrifices of the Matt Mason and the service members of the United States Armed Forces, past, present, and future.

Never Forget.

Go USA!!
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