April 2, 2006
Box Score
NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The UT-Arlington pitching staff held Stephen F. Austin scoreless for the first 23.1 innings of the weekend series and the Mavericks offense came through when it needed to as they completed the three-game sweep with a 5-3 victory Sunday afternoon at Jaycee Field. The victory keeps the Mavs unbeaten in 10 conference games, establishing a new school record for best start to a conference season.
The Mavs (14-16, 10-0 SLC) got on the board in the second inning as Robby Winn golfed an 0-2 pitch over the left field fence for a solo home run, the first of his career.
SFA (6-26, 2-13 SLC) put a strong threat together in the fifth inning as they loaded the bases with one out. UTA starter Austin Bridges got himself out of the jam by striking out Kevin Croft and getting Jeremy Arterburn to pop out to first base.
UTA used the momentum to increase their lead as they plated two runs in the sixth inning. James Smith started things with a base on balls and Adam Moore followed with a single through the left side. After a double steal, Smith scored from third on a balk from SFA starter Sammy Hardwick. With one out, Danny Slinkman drove in the second run with a single through the left side.
The Jacks scored their first runs of the series in the sixth as Zach Gardner singled into the hole at short and Clay Britton tripled into the corner in right field. Pinch hitter Chase Sadler drove in the second run with a sacrifice fly to left field.
UTA got two runs back in the seventh as Brock Wilson singled up the middle and Jerry Fisher walked. Daniel Rieder reached as the pitcher's throw was high to first on the sacrifice bunt. With one out, Fisher scored on a wild pitch and Moore drove in Rieder with a groundout back to the mound.
SFA answered in the home-half of the inning as Steven Hill doubled to right center and Croft followed with an RBI double to left center.
Bridges (3-3) picked up the victory as he allowed two runs on seven hits in 5.1 innings. Hardwick (0-4) took the loss after giving up three runs on five hits in 5.1 innings. Kyle Gainley earned his first career save as he struck out four over the final 2.1 innings.
Winn and Slinkman led the offense with two hits and an RBI each.
The Mavs return to the diamond on Tuesday, April 4 as they travel to take on #14 Oklahoma. First pitch is set for 7 p.m. at L. Dale Mitchell Park.
