April 29, 2006

Box Score

The West Texas A&M University baseball team defeated nationally ranked host Abilene Christian University in game one of their double header, 4-3. The win allows WTAMU to clinch the third and final spot in the South Division in the Lone Star Conference tournament. The Buffs have never reached the postseason since joining the LSC.

WTAMU advances to 25-25 on the year and 10-7 in LSC-S action. ACU, ranked #4 in the nation, drops to 38-13 on the season and 11-6 in LSC-S play.

The Wildcats took a 2-0 lead into the fourth inning until WTAMU sophomore infielder Brian Schupp led off the inning with a double and later scored on a sacrifice fly to centerfield by senior infielder Drew Conley.

The Buffs would then take a 3-2 lead following solo home runs by Schupp and LSC-South Co-Hitter of the Week Matt Ray in the sixth inning. It was Schupp's fifth blast of the year along with Ray's third.

After ACU tied the game 3-3 in the bottom of the eighth, sophomore catcher Caleb Palmer led off the top of the ninth with a double. After freshman Dusty Corley entered the game to run for Palmer, Corley advanced to third on junior outfielder A.J. Knight' sacrifice bunt. Junior Gabe Gonzales knocked in Corley with a sacrifice fly to right field, giving the Buffs the go ahead lead and the win, 4-3.

Sophomore starter Cody Sessions threw six innings of lights out pitching, but received no decision. He allowed two runs, only one earned, while striking out three Wildcats.

Senior Brandon Wright who threw two innings, allowing the earned run in the eighth, earned the win, moving him to 5-2 on the year. Senior Patrick Wallis closed out the ninth, earning his fifth save of the season.

WTAMU still has three more games this weekend in Abilene. Game two will be at approximately 5 p.m., while they will finish the regular season Sunday, April 30, starting at noon.

The LSC tournament will be hosted by Abilene Christian and will begin Saturday, May 6. More details to come as soon as they are available.