CLAREMORE, Okla. — The Newman baseball team lost two close games at the hands of Rogers State. The Jets were able to get to back in game 1 late but came up just short losing this game 4-3. In game 2 pitching for both sides was as good as it gets the Jets struggled offensively losing 2-0 in the second game.
Game 1
Key Sequence
The Jets (6-14) were looking at a three-run deficit going into the top of the seventh inning against the Hillcats (14-6), but the Hillcats' Spencer Bivens who went all seven was looking to get out of a jam late in the seventh after Newman scored two quick runs, Bivens was able to bear down and close the door on the Jets and get the victory.
How It Happened
-In the early parts of the game, the Jets were able to capitalize on the Hillcats mistakes Clay Druin was able to reach on an error by Brooks Douglass, later Brian Canfield was able to get a single to left fielder Derek Brumble moving him to second. Newman would capitalize on another Hillcats mishap when Druin scored on a passed ball giving the Jets a 1-0 lead.
-The Hillcats would get on the board in the bottom of the fourth, Brumble was able to reach on a fielder's choice and would advance to second on an error by shortstop Turner Lace, moving Bradley Degnan who singled earlier in the inning. Brendan Griffith walked to load the bases giving Rogers an opportunity to score a run. Another walk this time to Christopher Ford would score Brumble giving tying the game at one. A single by Matt Seubert would score two more giving the Hillcats a two-run lead. The Hillcats would tack on one more later when Griffith scored on a wild pitch the lead was now three.
-In the top of the seventh, Newman was able to begin their comeback attempt Easton Herring was able to start everything off with a single to second, bringing up Aaron Mack who would double to left center scoring Ked Bailey who pinch ran for Herring and the Jets were able to cut the lead in half. Paul Rupnik would single to center field to move Mack over setting up Druin for the run-scoring opportunity and he came through grounding out to second and scoring Mack, the Hillcats lead was now 4-3, but with some solid effort from start Bivens, the Hillcats were able to finish the game winning a one-run contest.
Game 2
Key Sequence
The Jets (6-14) were looking to get back in a one-run ballgame with the Hillcats (14-6) able to pitch their way out of some jams, Newman would struggle late at the plate hitting balls hard but unable to get anything started this gave Rogers State an opportunity to close the door and get the close game 2 victory 2-0.
How It Happened
-Both teams used pitching and defense to keep their team in the game but early in the fifth inning, the Hillcats were able to get on the board when Matt Seubert got things started with a home run to left center giving Rogers State the early 1-0 lead. Later in the eighth inning, the Hillcats would tack on another run when Bradley Degnan doubled to right field scoring Cale Backward and giving the Hillcats a 2-0 lead and later the hard-fought game 2 victory.
Notes
-The Jets were able to get some solid work from starting pitcher Roger Wilson who struck out 11 with one earned run keep the Jets in game 2.
What's Next
The Jets finish up the series with Rogers State tomorrow March 17th starting at noon.
