HUNTSVILLE – For a second straight night, the Sam Houston State offense showed signs of things to come, this time accounting for a season-high 11 hits, but the mistakes were equally as costly, results in an 11-6 loss to No. 23 Texas Tech at Don Sanders Stadium on Wednesday.
“It's just a matter of this team learning to win,” second-year head coach Matt Deggs said. “We went out and took a 3-0 lead on a good ball club. The hitters really competed tonight. We had some long at-bats and had some big hits. Six runs on a night like this should be enough to get it done.”
While errors on routine plays proved to be the difference in Tuesday's 8-5 loss to UTSA, Wednesday's culprit came in the form of 10 walks and as many Texas Tech (4-1) two-out runs. Half of the walks occurred in the Red Raiders' 12-at bat, six-run third inning, all which came with two down.
“Not much to say except that you can't walk 10 and expect to win,” Deggs said. “I don't care if you're playing a little league team or playing someone in the Big 12, ACC or SEC; it won't get it done. The game swung in the third.”
Also for a second straight evening, the Bearkats (0-5) were off to the races early. In the second, third baseman Jake Vasquez reached on an error and second baseman Lance Miles churned a single to get things going. Making his first start, right fielder Mac Odom drew a walk and showed his speed, coming home from first on a bases-clearing single from Matt Broadbent to give Sam Houston a 3-0 lead.
The Bearkats gained ground back in the third thanks to an RBI double from Robie Rojas, plating Spence Rahm from first, and an RBI single for Hunter Hearn, the freshman's first base knock as a Bearkat, to make the deficit 6-5.
Making his first start, right-handed pitcher Jordan Church, who received the no decision, lasted 2 2-3 innings, allowing two hits and as many runs while striking out four and walking another four. The senior was pushed to 84 pitches by 15 hitters.
“They kind of worked me deep into the count,” Church said. “I was pitching behind a little bit. I thought we played good baseball early and gave ourselves a shot. It came down to the little things that we need to execute a little more but we'll get it done.”
Over the next 4 1-3 innings following Church's departure, the Sam Houston bullpen allowed eight earned runs behind 10 hits and five walks. The Red Raiders, who combined for 36 runs in their opening four-game series against Milwaukee, added a pair of runs in the fifth, one in the sixth and two more in the seventh.
Texas Tech starter Steven Gingery lasted just 1 2-3 innings, allowing five hits and as many earned runs, making way for Davis Martin (1-0) who picked up the win after tossing 1 2-3 innings, allowing one hit and a walk to a Sam Houston offense clicking early.
After raking in a 3-for-4 night on Tuesday, designated hitter Matt Broadbent tallied two more hits, adding three RBIs to up his total to a team-leading five. Meanwhile, sophomore Bryce Johnson, hitting in the leadoff role for the first time this season, put forth a 3-for-5 night, raising his average to .381 and keeping alive his 18-game hit streak, dating to April 26, 2015 against Oklahoma.
Johnson hopes to continue the streak when the No. 25 Sooners come to Huntsville for a three-game series beginning Friday at Don Sanders Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. in the opener with a 3 p.m. start on Saturday and 1 p.m. series finale.
Tickets are selling fast so fans are encouraged to secure seats by calling (936) 294-1729 or visiting GoBearkats.com. Chairback seating is priced at $12 and general admission is $10 while students and faculty receive free admission with a valid Bearkat OneCard.
“We always love big fan support,” Church said. “We love to see the community and students pulling for us. We're in a low spot right now but are getting things turned around. We're going to come out ready to play. It's always a good feeling having the support in the stands behind us.”
