Stephen F. Austin
Texas-Arlington
Pitcher's Duel Goes in Favor of UTA
4/1/2006 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
April 1, 2006
NACOGDOCHES - A good, ole-fashion pitchers' duel is the best way to describe the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks' game against Texas-Arlington Saturday afternoon at Jaycees Field. Junior Brian Steinocher scattered eight hits over 9.0 innings surrendering only two runs and striking out eight, but unfortunately for the 'Jacks, UTA's Dillon Gee was just a bit better. Gee pitched 9.0 innings of shutout baseball to record the complete game victory as the Mavericks recorded a 2-0 decision over SFA. Gee allowed only six hits and struck out three, while walking only one in the victory.
The 'Jacks had some chances early in the game but were unable to produce a run. SFA had runners at the corners with only one out in the bottom of the first, but junior Clay Britton lined into a double play to end the inning. SFA also had runners at the corners in the third inning and was unable to scratch out a run.
It wasn't just SFA that had to face the realization of missed opportunities. Texas-Arlington loaded the bases with only one out in their half of the fifth, and Steinocher was able to work out of trouble unscathed. All told, the two starters stranded 14 runners on the afternoon.
Steinocher went back to the mound for the ninth inning and that is when UTA did its damage. After a leadoff single to Robby Winn and a walk to Collin Garner, the Mavericks executed the hit-and-run to perfection. Shortstop Kyle Rudy singled to right field to score pinch runner James Smith. UTA second baseman Jerry Fisher recorded the Mavs' other RBI with a sacrifice bunt back to the pitcher to post the final tally.
Junior Kyle Freeman finished the game 2-for-4 at the plate, while freshman Zach Gardner went 2-for-3. Junior Kevin Croft and freshman Gabe Garcia-Serrano recorded the other two hits for SFA.
The 'Jacks will close out the three-game series against Texas-Arlington Sunday afternoon. The game against the Mavs is slated to begin at 1 p.m. from Jaycees Field.
-SFA-
