Gonzaga University
#8 Texas A&M
Bulldogs Comeback Stopped By Texas A&M Bullpen
2/26/2011 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Feb. 26, 2011
COLLEGE STATION, Texas - A rally in the eighth inning couldn't complete the comeback as the Gonzaga University baseball team dropped a 4-2 non-conference game to nationally-ranked Texas A&M University Saturday.
The Bulldogs fell to 0-5 this season while the Aggies, ranked No. 8 by Collegiate Baseball newspaper, No. 13 in the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association and No. 21 in Baseball America, improved to 6-0.
Left-hander Marco Gonzales (0-2) went seven innings and allowed four runs, three earned, on six hits. He struck out two and walked three. Right-hander Mark Phillips pitched a scoreless eighth inning, striking out one.
The Bulldogs produced eight hits in the game, led by shortstop Steven Halcomb and second baseman Keegan Acker who both went 2-for-3. Catcher Cameron Edman and pinch hitter Maxx Garrett each drove in a run.
The Aggies used four pitchers. Michael Wacha (2-0) went seven innings, allowed five hits and struck out six. Estavan Uriegas relieved Wacha in the eighth but was pulled out after allowing two hits. Nick Fleece allowed one hit in one inning and Ross Stripling struck out three in the ninth to earn his second save of the year.
Catcher Gregg Alcazar went 2-for-3 with a RBI to lead the Aggies who produced six hits. First baseman Jacob House also produced an RBI.
The Aggies got on the scoreboard early in the game. With two out in the first inning and runners on first and third, the Bulldogs attempted to pick off Matt Juengel at first base but Krey Bratsen stole home on the play. First baseman Andy Hunter made the throw home but was too late. Juengel also stole second for a double steal.
Texas A&M scored three runs on two singles and a fielding error by right fielder Tyler Chism in the third inning.
The Bulldogs offense awoke in the eighth inning. Second baseman Keegan Acker led off the inning with a double down the left field line, third baseman Eric Lane singled to center field, advancing Acker to third. Pinch hitter Garrett drove in Acker with a sacrifice fly to right field. Edman hit an RBI triple to left center field, driving Lane in from first. After Hunter was hit-by-pitch, Chism lined into a double play to first baseman Jacob House to end the inning.
The series concludes Sunday with a 10:05 a.m. first pitch. Right-hander Cody Martin is expected make his first start for the Bulldogs.
