HUNTSVILLE – Sometimes the winds just don't blow in your favor.
That was the case for Sam Houston on Saturday afternoon as Abilene Christian got a leadoff, solo home run to sneak in just inside the right-field pole for a 12-11 win in 11 innings on a blustery day at Don Sanders Stadium.
Sam Houston (3-15) had trailed 11-9 entering the ninth inning, but scratched across two runs on a leadoff homer from Jace Martinez and a 2-out single from Ryan Franden to force extra innings; however, they could not capitalize on a golden opportunity an inning later and ACU (14-5) capitalized in the top of the 11th when Seth Hardcastle poked an opposite-field home run over the fence for what proved to be the game-winner.
The Kats had their chance to snag the win in the 10th when they loaded the bases with just one out, but reliever Blaine Palmer got Blake Brown to go down on strikes and Brady Christensen to fly out harmlessly to keep the game going. Palmer followed with a clean bottom of the 11th to register his first win of the season.
The loss went to Sam Houston's Noah Kendrick, despite a valiant effort in relief. After starter Devin Bennett made it through 4.1 solid innings with three strikeouts and no walks, the next three bullpen arms allowed seven runs over the next 2.2 innings before Kendrick entered to start the eighth with the Kats down 11-9.
He went on to strike out two and walk just one in 4.0 innings, allowing just two hits on 62 total pitches.
The Bearkat offense was also able to take advantage of the conducive conditions, registering 11 runs on 14 hits, including a season-high three home runs. Both Martinez and Addison Smith slammed their first home runs in their Bearkat careers, while Brady Christensen picked up two of his three RBI on a mammoth 2-run blast in the seventh.
Martinez continued his strong weekend at the plate by going 3-for-5 with a pair of runs scored and two extra-base hits, while Brown and Christensen had two hits apiece.
UP NEXT
The Kats will try to salvage the final game of the series with ACU on Sunday afternoon. First pitch is set for noon from Don Sanders Stadium. The game can be heard on the Bearkat Sports Network or locally over the airwaves on KSHU 90.5 FM.
