May 23, 2009

Final Stats

Corpus Christi, Texas - Southland Conference Tournament Most Valuable Player Matt Shelton spent 5 2/3 innings on the mound and held Texas State's offense to just four scoreless hits in his stint while helping Sam Houston State to its third-straight SLC Tournament title with a 7-1 win Saturday night at Whataburger Field.

Sam Houston State, 36-22, earned the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament with the win and the Bobcats, 41-15, will await the decision of a possible at-large bid by the NCAA Regional Selection Committee. The 64-team field will be announced Monday, May 25 at 11:30 a.m. on ESPN.

Texas State was held to just one run for only the second time this season. Lamar took an 8-1 victory over the team on March 20 and Texas State's offense has capitalized on its lofty offense for the remainder of the season.

In the top of the second inning Lance Loftin broke open a scoreless two innings on two outs with a solo homer to deep left center. The Bobcats managed just five more hits, three of which came in the top of the ninth on two outs as well, for the team's last chance at a comeback.

Shelton faced three batters in the third, fourth, fifth and seventh frame and retired the side in the top of the sixth on strikes after putting Jason Martinson on base with a hit-by-pitch to open the inning.

The Bearkats answered with three-straight scoring innings to take a 6-0 lead by the bottom of the fifth and added their final run in the bottom of the seventh for the game.

Tyler Sibley, Paul Goldschmidt, Kyle Kubitza, Ben Theriot and Jason Martinson all joined Loftin with a single hit in the contest.

Braeden Riley went 4-for-5 to lead Sam Houston's 14-hit attack.

Garret Carruth took the loss for Texas State, going 3 2/3 inning and allowing five runs off seven hits.

Texas State named three people to the 2009 All-Southland Conference team: 1B Paul Goldschmidt, SS Jason Martinson and OF Bret Atwood.