Bearkats Open Home Slate with Houston Tuesday
2/18/2013 4:31:00 PM | Baseball
The Sam Houston baseball team will take the field at Don Sanders Stadium for the first time this season as they host the Houston Cougars Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.
The Bearkats bounced back to finish off last weekend's Bobcat Classic with a 10-9 win over hosts Texas State. The Kats lost close games Fri. to Tulane, 2-0, and Sat. to Missouri State, 3-2.
The Cougars are 2-1 after winning a home series against Northeastern.
This is the 153rd meeting between the two schools and the series is tied at 76 apiece after a split last season.
PITCHING MATCHUP:
RHP Tyler Eppler (Sam Houston State) vs. RHP Aaron Garza (Houston)
The Kats faced an outstanding transfer pitcher in Tulane's Tony Rizzotti Friday night. The sophomore righty struck out five while only allowing one hit over nine innings.
SHSU battled against another tough starter Saturday as Missouri State's Cody Schumacher allowed just one run over seven innings while striking out nine batters. Ryan O'Hearn drove in Luke Plucheck for the first Bearkat run of the season.
The tournament finale was a wild one as the Kats took an 8-1 lead over Texas State before an eight-run seventh inning gave the Bobcats a 9-8 lead. Luke Plucheck hit a two-run double in the top of the ninth to regain the lead and give the Bearkats a 10-9 victory.
Anthony Azar, who split time at first base and catcher, led the team offensively by batting .364, with four RBI, and scoring two runs. Carter Burgess and Jessie Plumlee each batted .333 and Kevin Miller hit .308 with two runs driven in.
Jason Simms pitched four scoreless innings in relief against Missouri State allowing just one hit and striking out three. Freshman Logan Boyd also had a strong relief outing, going 2.1 scoreless innings against Texas State.
Caleb Smith, Cody Dickson and Andrew Godail were the Kat starters over the weekend. Smith allowed one run in 4.2 innings vs. Tulane. Dickson gave up three runs in four innings vs. Missouri State and Godail gave up one run in five innings vs. Texas State.
Following the Houston game Tuesday, the Kats will host Louisiana-Monroe for a three-game series at Don Sanders Stadium.
Purchase your 2013 Bearkat Baseball Season Tickets for all 30 home games by calling 936-294-1729 or by visiting www.gobearkats.com. Single game tickets to each exciting home contest at Don Sanders Stadium are also available for purchase.
