May 2, 2008

Final Stats

SAN MARCOS - Mike Hart contained Stephen F. Austin to two runs throughout six inning of play, but a three-run homer in the seventh frame spoiled the Texas State Bobcats victory over the Lumberjacks Friday evening at Jaycees Field. With the 6-3 dropped decision the `Cats fall to 24-20 overall and 14-8 in the Southland Conference.

Texas State left a runner on base in the top of the first and second inning, while SFA (20-25; 7-14 SLC) followed through in their respective halves, scoring in the bottom of both to take a 2-0 lead. Kevin Crabtree belted a solo homer in the first inning and a centerfield sacrifice fly plated Matt Whatley, who reached on a single to right field in the bottom of the second.

Paul Goldschmidt trimmed the gap by one in the top of the fourth when he scored on a sac hit from Lance Loftin after opening the frame with a double down the left line.

The `Cats tied the game in the top of the seventh when Aaron Fuller laced his first home run of the season to right field. With one out, Thomas Field doubled down the left line and Elliott Babcock followed the hit with a single up the middle, nearly scoring Field, but the shortstop was called out at on a close call at the plate. With Babcock on second, SFA exchanged Lance Luetge for Kevin Thomas, and two wild pitches gave the `Cats a 3-2 advantage.

The command was short lived and on two outs in the bottom of the seventh, the `Jacks followed back-to-back singles with a Kevin Crabtree homer to steal a 5-3 ball game. SFA sent one final run across the plate to close out the eighth.

Heath Konesheck snagged two strikeouts and forced Goldschmidt to fly out to retire the `Cats final attempt. The closer earned his second save of the season with the effort. Luetge was credited with the win after pitching 6.2 innings and allowing seven hits and three runs.

Hart took the loss for Texas State. After seven full innings on the mound, the `Jacks notched eighth hits and scored five runs off the hurler.

Adam Witek went 3-for-3 with one RBI to head the `Cats venture at the plate. Witek also added his 12th stolen base of the season in the outing.

Saturday's contest is slated for a 2 p.m. start at Jaycees Field.