March 29, 2009

Final Stats

SAN MARCOS - A four-run sixth inning gave Stephen F. Austin the extra push it need to hold off a weekend sweep as the Texas State Bobcats fell 7-4t the final game of the three-game series Sunday afternoon. Despite the loss, Texas State won two-out-of-three game to claim the series and are now tied for first place in the Southland Conference standing with an 8-4 league record.

Texas State shifts to 16-9 overall and SFA improves to 8-16 overall and 3-8 in SLC play.

Tyler Sibley took an aggressive edge on the base paths to help the Bobcats open with a two-run margin. After being hit by a pitch, the lead-off stole second and third base and trotted home on Kyle Livingstone's double straight down the left line. Livingstone's hit also drove in Paul Goldschmidt who drew a 3-2 walk.

SFA answered with a pair of runs themselves in the top of the third by taking advantage of a Bobcat error. After back-to-back singles put runners on, Ben Theriot tried to erase the damage on a pickoff to first, but a wild throw gave Brian Ferguson the chance to score from second. Jeff Kello shifted to second and an RBI single from Zach Gardner knotted the game at 2-2.

The Bobcats reclaimed the lead in the bottom of the frame when Sibley launched a triple to left center to score Laurn Randell. Randell, who went 2-for-4 as the lone Bobcat with a multi-hit game, opened the inning with a single to centerfield. The go-ahead run for the Bobcats came in the bottom of the third on a sacrifice fly from Kyle Kubitza.

The 4-2 edge held out for a pair of innings, but SFA's bats went to work and four hits brought in four runs to give the foe a two-run lead.

Sean Meyers led the Lumberjacks at the plate with a 4-for-5 outing and led off the crucial inning with a double to left field. The senior advanced to third on a balk and initiated the scoring on a ground out. SFA followed with two more hits and it set the scene for Joe Staley's first homer of the season, a three-run shot to lift SFA to a 6-4 lead.

The Jacks tacked on the final run in the top of the ninth and Texas State attempted the comeback in their half of the inning.

Richar Folmer issued a pair of walks but got Kubitza, who represented the tying run, to fly out to centerfield to hold off the Bobcats chances.

Folmer earned his third save of the season, while Chris Court was credited with his first win of the season.

Borski was handed his first loss of the season after working 5.2 innings. The sophomore allowed six runs, four of which were earned, off eight hits to the Lumberjacks. Borski managed five strikeouts in the appearance, as well.

Texas State will shake the loss as they prepare for a Tuesday meeting with No. 8 Baylor. First pitch against the Bears is set for 6:30 p.m. at Ferrell Stadium in Waco, Texas.