UT Tyler baseball on a roll

[utpatriot82]

Down To The Final At Bat, Patriots Sweep #14 Texas Lutheran

March 3, 2007

Stats Game One -- Stats Game Two

 

The University of Texas of Tyler won a double-header from #14 Texas Lutheran in dramatic fashion, staying undefeated with a sweep of the previously undefeated Bulldogs 7-5, 6-5.

 

With the double-header win, The Patriots (12-0) swept #14 Texas Lutheran, giving the Bulldogs their first loss in a sweep since 2004. Patriots head coach James Vilade says it was emotional two days.

 

“The intensity was there the whole weekend,” Vilade said. “Both teams have to be pretty exhausted by now, but that was a huge series for us.”

 

“It’s one of those things that when you see that matchup early, it was of interest to a lot of people because of Texas Lutheran’s ranking, and we were both undefeated. This was a huge three games for our program,. It shows a lot of what this team is made of. You couldn’t point to one guy all weekend who carried us, guys just took turns stepping up and carrying the load.”

 

Game One: UT Tyler 7, #14 Texas Lutheran 5

 

After falling behind 4-1, the Patriots rallied with a four-run fifth to take the lead. Kendall Fox (SO/Carrollton, TX) walked to lead the inning, then was driven in by Andrew Damewood (JR/Plano, TX). Joseph Towns (SO/Carrollton, TX) doubled in Brett Amyx (SR/Coppell, TX), then Michael Caggiano (FR/Sugarland, TX) hit a two-run homer to take the lead for good. Towns would add a two RBI double in the sixth.

 

Brett Holland (SO/Lindale, TX) got the win, going five strong innings. He gave up four hits and four runs, three of those earned. Patrick McClure (SR/Hillsboro, TX) and Blake Burnett (SR/Bremond, TX) came in for the final two innings to close the door.

 

“Holland threw the ball really well,” Vilade said. “McClure was great, he had a lot of good pitches, and Burnett came in in a tough situation and got the save. Twice now, he’s come in to finish the game with guys on base and done a great job for us.”

 

The Patriots again outhit TLU 10-to-6, with Towns going 3-for-4 with 3 RBI.

 

Game Two: UT Tyler 6, #14 Texas Lutheran 5

 

The Patriots didn’t lead game two until the final at-bat, but pulled out a sensational win in the bottom of the ninth for the 6-5 win.

 

With the score tied at four going into the final frame, the Bulldogs scored on a wild pitch to take a one-run lead. In the Patriots ninth, Fox singled and took second on a wild pitch, then Clay Copeland (SR/White Oak, TX) walked. With two runners on, Damewood hit a sensational drive down the third base line for a two RBI walk-off double.

 

“That was great motivation for our team, the crowds were great all weekend. It starts with getting the leadoff hitter on, Fox really drove one into left field. Clay got a walk, and gave Damewood a chance at the plater, and he really got ahold of it. It was legit.”

 

Michael Stutts (SR/Rockwall, TX) pitched three innings of three-hit ball in relief for the win. Damewood finished 2-for-5 with three RBI, and Chris Goss (JR/Waco, TX) also added a pair of RBI.

[Polar_Bear]

Vilade does an excellent job annually with that squad.

 

I will be glad when the Patriots are able to compete in the post season. Isn't this the last year they are on probation?

[catscratchfever]

why are they on probation?

[tbone44]

school hasn't had a team long enough

[TexasAG09]

damewood is good..played with him last year..can drop some bombs if theyre not careful..