TXST BASEBALL
Texas State was unable to overcome a five-run top of the sixth from the James Madison Dukes as the Bobcats dropped their first game of the series 9-4.
Despite clinching a spot in the conference tournament, the Bobcats overall record falls to 25-28 and their conference record drops to 13-15.
“For me, the guys didn’t show up tonight to get after it,” Head Coach Steven Trout said. “Focus wise, energy wise, all the above in a game that really mattered. It always matters, but it really matters for what we’re doing for next week and all the above. … But that’s on me. I’ll take all the credit for [the loss], and I promise you it’ll get fixed by tomorrow.”
James Madison jumped out on the Bobcats in the top of the first inning. The Dukes scored on a RBI single before hitting an RBI double to go up 3-0. James Madison then scored on another RBI single as the Bobcats found themselves trailing 4-0.
Texas State was held scoreless through the first four innings of play before finding much needed offense in the bottom of the fifth.
Ryne Farber scored first for the Bobcats, hitting into a fielder’s choice and allowing Travis Bragg to score from third.
With runners on the corners, Texas State tied the game. Junior third baseman Chase Mora connected with a three-run home run into left field as the Bobcats tied the game at 4-4. Mora is now tied with Casey Kalenkosky for most career home runs in a Bobcat uniform with 31.
Unfortunately for the Bobcats, the lead didn’t last long.
In the top of the sixth inning, Dukes retook the lead on an RBI double before extending the lead on a two-run RBI single.
James Madison extended the lead to 9-4 following a two-run RBI double.
Texas State was unable to score any more runs as the Bobcats dropped the first game to James Madison 9-4.
Trout was frustrated with the team’s performance and their seemingly lack of energy in a critical conference game where the Bobcats are looking to place in the top six of the conference standings and avoid playing in the single elimination part of the conference tournament.
“It’s a cop out [and] an excuse,” Trout said. “It’s [being] tired from coming back Tuesday or the weekend before or it’s 100 degrees. That’s just not being very tough. Just not showing up, taking pride in our program, taking pride in this place and finding a way to win the baseball game.”
The Bobcats will close out the series at home against James Madison 1 p.m. Saturday.
cmcwilliams @sanmarcosrecord.com Twitter: @ColtonBMc
