April 3, 2009

Final Stats

Conway, AR - The Texas State Bobcats scored three runs in the top of the first to pose a threat the Central Arkansas Bears just could not match and the team walked away with a 5-2 victory over the foe Friday night at the refurbished UCA Field.

The Texas State Bobcats scored three runs in the top of the first to pose a threat the Central Arkansas Bears just could not match and the team walked away with a 5-2 victory over the foe Friday night at the refurbished UCA Field.

The Bears dedicated its new stadium in front of a record 732 fans. With the win, Texas State improves to 18-9 on the season and 9-4 in Southland Conference action, while UCA falls to 14-13 and 6-7, respectively. The Bobcats share the No. 1 spot with Southeastern Louisiana only after the Lions 8-6 win over UT Arlington tonight.

Texas State launched its 3-0 lead in the top of the first on a two-out rally with help from UCA's mound. Jeremy Cloud hit Paul Goldschmidt on a full count and walked Keith Prestridge in the next at-bat. Spenser Dennis followed the offering with an RBI single through the left side to score Goldschmidt and Kyle Livingstone's double down the left line scored the two left on for Texas State's edge.

The Bears answered in the bottom of the second with a pair of doubles that trimmed the lead to 3-1, but the Bobcats brought back the three-run margin in the top of the fifth.

Jason Martinson opened the frame with a single up the middle, but was retired shortly thereafter on a close, close 6-4 fielder's choice. With Tyler Sibley safe on first base, Bret Atwood doubled to deep left field bring him home.

In the top of the seventh, Martinson got his revenge with a solo homer to left field to give Texas State a 5-1 lead.

The lead held after an inning of scoreless relief from Lance Loftin and two out into the bottom of the ninth. Zach Dickson initiated the Bears late comeback with a single laced up the middle and Josh Huffman drew a four-pitch walk in the next at-bat. Michael Russo was brought in and struck out Richey Irvin to shut down the charge.

Kane Holbrooks was credited with the win and improved to 6-0 after his seven-inning stay on the mound. Holbrook struck out seven batters, including one in the bottom of the second to leave two of his eight batters on.

Russo earned his fourth save in the decision.

Livingstone and Martinson led the team at the plate with a pair of hits each.

Tomorrow's game against Central Arkansas is set for 2 p.m. and live stats will be available.