SAN ANTONIO – It is not often that a pair of complete-game pitching performances are overshadowed. In a doubleheader sweep at Incarnate Word on Friday, the Sam Houston State baseball program found a way to do so.
The Bearkats notched 10 stolen bases – second in program lore – in a 12-3 Game 1 victory before proceeding to set a school record with 30 hits, including a team-record 7-for-7 performance from freshman Clayton Harp, with a 23-3 route in the second game.
Sam Houston's 23 runs are tied for second all-time and are the most since March 11, 1993 against Illinois State. Meanwhile, Harp, who logged a hit in the first, second, fourth, fifth, seventh, eighth and ninth innings, finished the second game as the team leader with five RBIs and four runs scored.
“It's unbelievable,” Harp said. “It's awesome just knowing all the guys that are pros who have been here and all these big names … it's really neat to do it as a freshman. I'm not trying to do too much but when I get my chance, I want to take my shot.”
The Bearkats (20-16, 13-4 Southland) scored in seven different innings in the second game, including pouring on five runs in the fifth and six runs in the eighth. Eight players logged multi-hit games including Bryce Johnson (2 for 3), Harp (7 for 7), Lance Miles (3 for 5), Jaxxon Grisham (2 for 3), Robie Rojas (3 for 4), Jordan Cannon (2 for 2), Taylor Beene (2 for 3) and Andrew Fregia (2 for 4).
In the opener, Sam Houston scored a pair of runs in the first two innings but fell behind 3-2 after a two-run third for Incarnate Word (10-26, 3-11 SLC). However, the Kats scored a combined seven runs over the next three innings and tacked on a trio in the final frame to blow it open.
“We came out and exchanged jabs early,” second-year head coach Matt Deggs said. “Then, we showed what we're made of. There is a lot of toughness on this team. To travel all the way to Lubbock and go through what we went through and drive back another 5 ½ hours against a team that has been playing better, says a lot.”
Riley McKnight, Fregia and Miles all finished 3 for 5 as Miles led the charge with three RBIs. The Bearkats capitalized on five walks and as many hits by pitch while totaling 14 hits from seven different players.
On the mound, Sam Odom (5-0) was once again dominant, shaking off three runs through the first three innings to hold UIW scoreless over the final six frames. The right-hander permitted just six hits, three runs (two earned) and a walk while fanning seven.
The Kats tagged UIW starter Denson Hull (0-2) for six hits and four runs in 3 2-3 innings. Relievers Austin Preiss and Jake Bedevian were unable to stop the bleeding, each pitching 2 1-3 innings. Preiss allowing five hits and as many runs while Bedevian gave up three hits and three runs.
“The hitters today were nasty,” Deggs said. “We competed and got our swings off all day. We had great extension and working together. Since I was eight years old, I have been in this game, and I've never seen a guy get seven hits in one game. I'm so proud of that kid. He works hard and his time came and he's living proof that when your time comes, you can make the most if it.”
In Game 2, Sam Houston starter Heath Donica (6-2) was solid, giving up just six hits and three runs while walking a pair and striking out a season-high nine hitters. The storyline was not as magical for the Cardinals who saw a pair of pitchers allow nine runs including starter John Shull (2-3).
“I thought Odom and Donica pitched their tails off,” Deggs said. “They did a great a great job of commanding the fastball and locating a second pitch. They were able to put guys away when they had them on the ropes.”
The Bearkats, who out-hit UIW 53-12 in the two games, will look for the sweep on Saturday. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Sullivan Field with Sam Houston right-hander Riley Gossett (3-0, 3.55 ERA) heading to the mound against UIW's Cody Richey (0-3, 8.35 ERA).
