FORT WORTH, TEXAS (02.24.10) - After missing opportunity after opportunity early in its Wednesday afternoon game against Texas Wesleyan, the UT Dallas baseball team dug itself such a large hole that the Comets couldn't take advantage of the one opportunity they finally got.
UTD (3-3) scored five runs in the top of the 9th off a critical bases-loaded error and an ensuing two-run homer from outfielder
Colton Wood to overcome an 8-3 deficit, but couldn't hold on in the bottom of the frame, falling 9-8 to the Rams (5-3) at LaGrave Field.
Had things gone the Comets' way earlier in the game, the five-run 9th could have been nothing more than an exclamation mark on a strong showing against their cross-Metroplex rivals. But UTD gave up five unearned runs through the game's first eight innings off four ill-timed errors; and failed to convert themselves with key hits on offense, stranding 10 runners – five in scoring position – that allowed TWU to move out to an early lead.
.jpg" alt="" />The errors overshadowed some decent pitching performances up and down the Comet roster. Relievers
Cameron Brown, Andrew Noble, John Howard, Ryan Miner and
Adam Spinn gave up just two earned runs over the game's final seven innings, but four other runs scored following UTD errors and let the game get out of control. Brown and Noble combined to allow just three hits and no earned runs over their four-inning stint midway through the game.
UTD's problem, though, was that they couldn't take advantage in their turn at the plate. UTD left runners in scoring position in each of the first four innings. Before finally coming through with their first clutch hit – a two-run homer from third baseman
Joseph Killgore in the 5th, the Comets were down 3-0 after an unearned run in the 1st and a 2-RBI single given up with two outs in the second.
After UTD pulled to within 3-2 on the Killgore HR, TWU was able to answer the Comets' early rally with two more unearned runs in the bottom of the 5th. A potential double-play ball led to a bases-loaded situation and eventually allowed the Rams to bring two runs home and make it 5-2. The Rams, who finished the day with eight stolen bases, then got their leadoff hitter to third base with just one out in the 7th and he was able to add to the score with a sacrifice fly. The Rams added to their totals in the 8th when pitcher
Ryan Miner (L, 0-1) made an errant throw to third base on a double-steal attempt and allowed two more unearned runs to come home.
With the end of the game seemingly a formality at an 8-3 deficit, UTD came up in the 9th and immediately loaded up the bases with a pair of walks and a single.
Kyle Guest then lashed a double to left field that scooted under the glove of the fielder and allowed all three runners to come up. With Guest standing at second, Wood then came up and sent his first home run of the season over the leftfield wall to tie the score.
The excitement from the rally didn't last long. TWU's leadoff hitter got on in the bottom of the 9th, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt and scored the deciding run on a one-out single through the right side off the first batter UTD closer
Adam Spinn faced.
The Comets, who matched TWU with a 10-hit afternoon, got eight of those hits from Killgore and Guest, who had four each.
UTD returns to its home field this weekend for a three-game series against Schreiner University.
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