HUNTSVILLE – The difference between winning and losing through nine games has been razor thin for the Sam Houston State baseball team. On Tuesday against Baylor at Don Sanders Stadium, the Bearkats ended up on the wrong side, as the Bears capitalized when it counted to down Sam Houston 5-1.
The Bearkats (3-6) needed just two pitches to record as many outs in the ninth but a two-out walk was followed by three straight hits and an error, plating three Baylor (5-3) runs and put a previously one-run game out of reach.
“They outplayed us,” second-year head coach Matt Deggs said. “I thought they attacked the zone and made every routine play. We were in a 2-1 ballgame with two outs in the ninth and had a walk and we weren't able to overcome it. We've got to be able to overcome that.”
Making his fourth career start, right-handed pitcher Greg Belton was saddled with the loss, allowing four hits and two earned runs over 4 1-3 innings. The senior struck out one and walked two. Kyle Ott (1-0) earned the win for the Bears, pitching a predetermined three innings, allowing one hit and no runs while fanning four and walking another.
The Bears struck first in the second inning, thanks to a two-out home run from Aaron Dodson. An inning later, a leadoff walk, sacrifice bunt, passed ball and sacrifice fly manufactured a second run without tallying a hit in the frame.
Sam Houston's lone run came in the seventh. Junior third baseman Matt Broadbent roped a double down the left field line to open the frame and came home to score two batters later on a Spence Rahm groundout. Broadbent, who finished 1-for-3, is hitting .440 (11-for-25) on the Kats current six-game home stand including three runs scored and nine RBIs.
Freshman pitcher Jordan Cannon was impressive in 4 1-3 innings of relief for Belton. The right-hander held the Bears hitless over his first three innings. Then, in the eighth, after allowing consecutive singles to put runners on second and third with no outs, Cannon clamped down. Against the heart of the order, the Centerville product forced a fielder's choice – on a ball that ricocheted off his glove and eye – followed by an infield fly ball and line out to center field.
“Jordan Cannon gave a great effort,” Deggs said. “He is tough as a boot. He came in and really stabilized the game. He gave us an opportunity to get back in the game.”
Sam Houston totaled just four hits, the lowest since having as many in the season opener at sixth-ranked Louisiana. Despite the struggles, senior designated hitter Zach Smith went 1-for-3 on the night and has recorded a hit in all nine games for the Bearkats.
“Smitty is a good hitter,” Deggs said. “He's older and mature as a senior. He is playing with a good rhythm and pace to himself. He is a big force in our lineup.”
In the loss, sophomore Bryce Johnson's hit streak ended at 21 games. The streak, which began on April 26, 2015, is tied for fourth with Todd Sebek (2007-08) in program history. However, with his first-inning hit by pitch, the center fielder extended his reached base streak to 23 games.
Sam Houston concludes its seven-game home stand on Wednesday against Rice. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. between the Owls and Bearkats. Right-hander Jordan Church will make his second start of the season for the Kats. Tickets are on sale by visiting GoBearkats.com or calling (936) 294-1729.
“These guys will wake up tomorrow ready to go,” Deggs said. “It's disappointing tonight because they've had a taste of victory against a really good team. You could break down all nine games and say the Bearkats were right there in the wins and the losses. It's a matter of playing a complete game. The guys will come out and give a great effort.”
