By Joshua Parrott, Sports Writer
Coming into last weekend’s three-game series, the Wildcat baseball team needed at least two wins over Texas A&M-Kingsville to keep afloat any hopes of a third straight appearance in the Lone Star Conference Post-Season Tournament.
Let’s just say the Wildcats got a little greedy.
The Wildcats swept the three-game series from Javelinas, clinching a spot in the Post-Season Tournament. ACU, now 33-14 overall and 13-7 in LSC South Division play, has an outside chance at clinching the division title but need West Texas A&M to sweep division leader Tarleton State this weekend. The Wildcats will need to sweep LSC cellar-dweller Eastern New Mexico.
Senior left-hander Brandon Shaw continued his dominance this season, allowing only seven hits and an earned run while striking out nine in a 4-1 victory in game one Friday night. Shaw was last week’s LSC South Division Pitcher of the Week after throwing a one-hit shutout April 5 against Dallas Baptist.
Sophomore utility player Ryan Barker, who added a two-run single in Friday’s first game, said ACU’s concentration has improved as the season has progressed.
“Towards the end of the season; the guys started going out there and realizing that with the talent we have we need to go out there and play our game,” said Barker, who is hitting .331 with seven home runs and 47 RBI this season.
Senior left-hander Robert Newland started just his third game of the season in Friday’s second game, scattering seven hits over 8 1/3 innings. The Javelinas scored five runs on Newland, though only one run was earned.
Barker said Newland played through some fielding miscues in the ninth inning to post his second win of the season.
“He’s a warrior,” Barker said. “For him to battle through just gives the defense more confidence. He takes control when he’s out on the mound.”
The Wildcats clinched a postseason spot Saturday afternoon with a 13-7 win over TAMU-Kingsville. The Wildcats pounded out 15 hits as senior catcher and designated hitter Chris Churchill added an RBI double and two-run home run in the rout of the Javelinas.
The Wildcats hit the road Friday and Saturday to close out the conference season, taking on the Greyhounds of Eastern New Mexico in Portales, N.M. The Wildcats have five non-conference games to close out the season before the LSC Post-Season Tournament May 1-4.
Senior right-hander Aaron Lawler said games against teams within the South Central region, including St. Mary’s and Dallas Baptist, help the team in the long run.
“They help us build momentum,” said Lawler, who leads the team with nine wins this season. “Those earlier wins were some regional games that have helped us out.”
Barker said it is important that the Wildcats look past the Greyhounds’ dismal record this season.
“Coach [Britt] Bonneau said it is the toughest place to play,” Barker said. “We can’t underestimate them. They’re tough on the road and even tougher at home.”
Barker added that expectations are still high for Wildcat baseball.
“A lot of outsiders expected more of us this season,” he said. “I think the seniors have shown a lot of leadership with this team. We have great chemistry, and it was key that the seniors kept us together this year.”
