April 11, 2009
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ARLINGTON, Texas - UT Arlington was one out away from their third Southland Conference sweep of the season but ended up losing in 10 innings, 2-1, to McNeese State on Saturday afternoon at Clay Gould Ballpark. UT Arlington (18-16, 11-7) starting pitcher Ryan Robinson matched career-highs with 10 strikeouts and nine innings pitched, but received a no-decision as the Cowboys (15-16, 6-12) snapped a five-game conference losing streak and avoided the series sweep.
It was a pitchers' duel from the start, with Robinson and McNeese State starting pitcher Tommy Luce combining for 17 strikeouts. Robinson exited after the ninth frame while Luce pitched 8.1 innings as both pitchers received a no-decision.
The Mavericks broke a scoreless tie in the sixth inning on senior Ryan Davis' RBI single to center field. It was the only run for the Mavs in the game, as UT Arlington stranded 13 base runners, marking a season-high.
Robinson, meanwhile, kept the Southland Conference's leading offense down his entire outing, as he struck out at least one batter in seven of his nine innings pitched. Robinson scattered nine base hits and did not walk a batter. He now owns a 0.37 ERA in 24.1 innings against SLC opponents.
Robinson and the Mavs were an out away from winning the game 1-0, but a single through the left side by first baseman Nick Eubanks in the top of the ninth inning with two outs sent the game into extra innings.
Sophomore relief pitcher Adam Boydston entered in the 10th inning and allowed lead-off hitter Sam Merrill to reach on a single up the middle. McNeese State then used Steven Irvine to advance Merrill to second base on a sacrifice bunt to third baseman Evan Raley with one out in the inning.
The Mavericks went to their bullpen to relieve Boydston with sophomore Rett Varner, who gave up a first-pitch single through the left side to Shon Landry which advanced Merrill to third base. Catcher Tony Coniglio drove in Merrill, with a sacrifice fly to center field, giving McNeese State the game-winning run.
The Mavericks had a chance to tie the game in the bottom of the 10th inning with Andrew Kainer leading off the frame with a single to left field, but would be stranded at second base after three straight strikeouts ended the game. UT Arlington's 11 strikeouts matched a season-high.
Kainer extended his hit streak to 21 games going 2-for-4 and Chad Comer notched his third multi-hit game this week going 2-for-4.
UT Arlington completes its four-game homestand hosting No. 7 Baylor on Tuesday, April 14, at Clay Gould Ballpark for a 6:30 p.m. first pitch. The Mavericks will return the trip the following day traveling to take on the Bears at Baylor Ballpark in Waco for a 6:30 p.m. first pitch.
