April 18, 2008

Sheldon Nearing Records with Seventh Win

Lopers Have Five Run Fifth

       Kearney, Neb. – Junior Ryan Sheldon had another dominating performance on the mound and senior catcher Griff Watson had a three run double to lead the Nebraska-Kearney baseball team to a 7-4 win over Colorado State-Pueblo Friday night at Memorial Field.

      The Lopers, in the running for the Plains Division title of the RMAC, improve to 22-20 (15-14 RMAC) while the Thunderwolves fall to 20-23 (11-18 RMAC).

      A 6-6, 235 lbs. right hander from Kearney High, Sheldon gave up a two run homer to Thomas Cordova in the first but allowed only five hits and two runs over the next eight innings.

      The transfer from Barton County C.C. (Kan.) finished the night with 10 strikeouts and a walk, his third straight home start with a double digit strikeout total. Like many of his other starts this year, Sheldon got stronger in the late innings as five of his "K's" came over the final three innings.

      Sheldon is now 7-3 on the year (78.2 IP) with 78 strikeouts. With three starts likely remaining, he has a chance to break the UNK season records for wins (eight), innings pitched (89.0) and strikeouts (93).

      Offensively tonight, the Lopers pounded out 15 hits but left 12 runners on base. UNK had the bases loaded in the first inning, with no out, but Pueblo starter Jesus Hernandez got a strikeout and double play to end the threat.

      Like Sheldon, Hernandez tossed a complete game (8.0 IP, 15 hits, five ER, 7 K's, three walks).

      The blue and gold finally broke through in the fourth when Arizona senior Tyler Keeble (2 for4) hit a run scoring single down the right field line and Lincoln junior Brad Hull (3 for 4) followed with  a run scoring infield single.

      UNK then broke the game open with a five run fifth inning. The set featured five hits and one CSUP error that led to two runs. Watson (2 for 4, two runs) gave UNK a two run lead when he cleared the bases with a double that went right down the left field line.

      Later, he would score on a single from Colorado senior Joe Gonzales (2 for 5). Also for the Lopers, Gretna senior Joe Nowaczyk would go 2 for 5.

      The two teams play a double header starting at 1:00 p.m. tomorrow. Pictured below are Sheldon-Watson.