HUNTSVILLE – The story is not over but the Sam Houston State baseball team, along with some help 400 miles away in Conway, Ark., helped write the start to a fairytale regular-season ending on Friday night.
Moments after the Bearkats took a 2-1 lead against Houston Baptist in the eighth, the eventual final, the buzz started circulating around Don Sanders Stadium. Southeastern Louisiana, who was deadlocked with the Bearkats atop the conference standings, lost 3-2 at Central Arkansas.
“I didn't find out until we punched out the last hitter,” second-year head coach Matt Deggs said. “I think Coach (Shane) Wedd had been sitting on it for about two innings. Everyone went crazy. We still have to finish this thing tomorrow. We're going to be champions regardless but these boys want to come out and finish what they started.”
Earlier in the day, Sam Houston (36-19, 23-6 SLC) defeated the Huskies (24-28, 12-17) 6-3, and knew entering the doubleheader, it controlled its own destiny with the Bears also knocking off the Lions in Friday's opener. Now, with a one-game lead and one to play – Saturday at 1 p.m. – the Bearkats look to make the title their own.
Unlike the opener, which saw a mix of power and manufactured runs, the second game was dominated by pitching. Sam Houston starter Riley Gossett was masterful, permitting just two hits and one run (none earned) in 7 2-3 innings. The freshman did not allow a hit until the sixth while walking two and fanning five.
“It's a great feeling,” Gossett said of the league title. “I like to be a part of a winning team. I chose this school for a reason. I knew we could do it. My teammates had my back throughout the entire season. I just kept the fastball down low and the breaking ball with two strikes finally came through for me.”
With the score tied at one heading to the eighth, senior Spence Rahm, who had struck out swinging in consecutive at-bats and was making his first start in 16 days, fell behind 1-2. Then, the senior, who will be honored along with five others on Saturday, drove a double into the corner.
Taylor Beene proceeded to lay down a first-pitch bunt, a ball that could only be fielded by pitcher Christian Thames (3-6). The left-hander looked to third but with no one covering, spun and threw errantly to first, allowing pinch runner Jaxxon Grisham to race home for a one-run advantage.
“We had a lot of heroes step up today,” Deggs said. “A guy that's 0 for 2 and hasn't played in a couple weeks, this is what I'm talking about with responding and grinding. He hit a two-strike double down the right field line. That's what this team is all about.”
Sam Houston jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first thanks to a two-out RBI single from Zach Smith, who finished 1 for 2, reaching base twice. Bryce Johnson came in to score on the play after advancing to second on a Riley McKnight sacrifice bunt and Lance Miles groundout to second.
Right-handed freshman Jordan Cannon (1-0) recorded his first collegiate win, entering in the eighth with two outs and a runner on first. The Centerville product allowed a single to his first hitter but shut the door with a crucial fly-out to center field, battling back from a 3-0 count.
Senior Greg Belton, who recorded a save in the opener, followed suit in the finale. The right-hander pitched the final frame, allowing just a two-out hit. Belton's two saves moved him up to sole possession of second place in team lore for saves in a season with 12.
The win marked Sam Houston's fourth Southland Conference regular-season championship in five seasons. Even more remarkable, it comes for a unit that included an everyday lineup featuring six to seven new faces, including anywhere from four to six freshmen.
“I can't tell you how good it feels with all the work we've put in,” Johnson said. “We've had guys step up. This guy right here (Gossett) can pitch non-stop. It's unbelievable as a freshman. None of us gave up. We just kept grinding, which is what Coach Deggs preaches.”
This year's club started the season 6-12 overall and 2-4 in league play. Since that time, the squad has rattled off 22 wins in 25 conference games and found itself at or near the top statistically in every phase of the game – including now, the standings.
“We still have a lot of baseball in front of us but life is about persevering, responding and getting back up when you get knocked down,” Deggs. “We embraced the challenge and found some joy in being tested because we knew it would develop our perseverance. They love to compete. Where we may lack in experience and talent, you can never underestimate the bond of brotherhood.”
