May 8, 2010
Final Stats
The University of Texas-Pan American baseball program (14-29, 3-15) struggled to maintain a lead in both games as the Houston Baptist Huskies defeated the Broncs 16-12 in Game 1 and 4-3 in Game 2 this Saturday (May 8) afternoon at Edinburg Baseball Stadium.
"The guys played hard and we are getting better with each game. But just like last night, we need to learn to hold onto a lead. We are better than we were last year and next year we want to be better than we are this year. We need to be able to hand the big wins and handle the big losses," head coach Manny Mantrana said.
Houston Baptist 16, UTPA 12
After scoring 10 runs in the bottom of the second, the Broncs held a 10-3 lead, but lost it as Houston Baptist scored eight runs in the last two frames of play.
In the bottom of the second, the Broncs scored the first three runs of the frame on bases loaded walks. Abraham Garcia then hit a bases clearing triple to score Angel Ibanez, Billy Donaho, and Bryant Elliott. Vincent Mejia followed with a ground out to short driving in Garcia. Garrett Bivone, Ryan Vest, and Alex Carnall scored the Broncs remaining runs of the inning.
Houston Baptist scored three more runs in the third and slowly crept up on the Broncs. Texas-Pan American managed to score two more runs in the fourth and sixth, but a four-run sixth on the Huskies part tied the score at 12 runs apiece. Kyle Kotchie gave up the Huskies winning runs and was tagged with the loss (2-6) in 1 2/3 innings of work.
HBU took the final lead on a bases clearing triple by Derek Smith to take Game 1 of the doubleheader.
Broncs lead-off hitter Angel Ibanez finished 2-for-4 with an RBI, run scored, and a stolen base. Garrett Bivone went 2-for-3 with two runs scored, a double, and a stolen base. Bryant Elliott finished 2-for-3 with two RBIs and a run scored.
In 1 2/3 innings of work, Houston Baptist's Matt Warren was credited with the win (2-3). Warren gave up only one hit.
Houston Baptist 4, UTPA 3
It was a pitcher's duel throughout most of Game 2 this Saturday (May 8) afternoon at Edinburg Baseball Stadium with no recorded runs through the seventh inning. The Huskies scored an eye-opening run for the Broncs on a RBI double by Derek Smith.
Texas-Pan American responded with three runs in the bottom of the eighth as Mike McCarthy crossed the plate on a Jamie Storey wild pitch. Alex Carnall then scored on an RBI single by Angel Ibanez, who then in turn scored on a Vincent Mejia ground out to the pitcher.
Leading 3-1 heading into the top of the ninth, Leo Chang (0-6), who was charged with the loss, hit Derek Smith to load the bases. Chang pitched an effective 8 2/3 innings, for a season-high, while fanning four.
"Leo threw very well today, but we just need to work on him closing. He held us on through most of the game," said Mantrana.
Houston Baptist's Blake Doerr then drove in the tying run on a two-run single to left field. Smith scored the winning run for the Huskies on a single by Zeke Zikeli.
Mike McCarthy finished 2-for-4 with a run scored, while Angel Ibanez went 1-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored. Abraham Garcia finished 2-for-3.
Houston Baptist's Jake Gonzalez (2-0) was awarded the win with 1 2/3 innings of work on the hill and one strikeout.
The Broncs close out the four-game set this Sunday (May 9) with first pitch slated for 12 noon.
UTPA Media Relations
