The Tigerpen

Tag: AAC baseball

  • Tigers Offense Wakes Up Too Late – Memphis Baseball Falls to Lipscomb

    Tigers Offense Wakes Up Too Late – Memphis Baseball Falls to Lipscomb

    Tough start into the week for the Memphis Tigers. Their late game surge was not enough to down the Lipscomb Bisons.

    The Bisons showed up early as the first hit of the game directly went out of the ballpark for a one-run home run. This would be the only highlight in the first innings as both teams remained quiet for the second. After the Tigers changed pitcher to Seth Garner, Lipscomb was able to drive in two more runs in the third inning.

    The Tigers, on the other hand, had a horrible offensive showing on the day. Until the bottom of the seventh inning, no runs were scored while the Bisons could rotate through four different pitchers without any effect. Coach Riser was disappointed with the offensive showing of his team.

    “We pitched well enough to win a ball game today,” said Riser. “We got to be better offensively.”

    Memphis Tiger Will Marcy gets hit by a pitch. Photo: Florian Krempel

    Lipscomb continued the onslaught and increased the lead to 6-0. Then, the Tigers seemed to wake up. Will Marcy and Seth Cox made the score 6-2 with two runs.

    The eigth inning could have been the turning point of the game as Memphis loaded the bases with no outs but could only cash in two runs from that. A sequence that frustrated coach Riser.

    “We are not bringing guys in that are in scoring positions, real simple,” said Riser. “We got to be better.”

    The Lipscomb Bisons on their way to scoring. Photo: Florian Krempel

    Coach Riser also complained about the lack of mental toughness in the team. He says that the team will need that, because their opponents in the second half will force them to play at a higher level.

    “The second half of the season is a meat grinder. You got to go out and play good baseball now to win games,” said coach Riser after the game.

    A chance to play good baseball is waiting just around the corner, as the Memphis Tigers next opponent is a conference rival in FAU. Coach Riser promised to not go easy on the team with a tougher schedule fast approaching.

    “This is not gonna be sunshine and rainbow and butterflies for the rest of the way out,” said Riser. “I am gonna ride them and I am gonna ride them hard, cause I expect more out of them.”

    Their next game this week will be at 6pm on Thursday, where the Tigers look to get back in the win column after two losses in a row.

  • Early Surge Propels Memphis to Friday Night Victory over New Orleans

    Early Surge Propels Memphis to Friday Night Victory over New Orleans

    Elisha Segars/Tigerpen
    Will Marcy looks to get on base for the Tigers during Friday’s game against UNO.

    The Tigers used a four-run first inning to take a lead that they would never relinquish, winning 5-4 over the New Orleans Privateers.  

    “We needed one like that where we just grinded it out,” said coach Matt Riser. “It was a great team effort.” 

    The first four batters of the game, Jake Curtis, Will Marcy, Austin Baskin and Daunte Stuart all reached base for Memphis before New Orleans could record an out. Stuart drove in Curtis with an RBI single, scoring the first run of the game. 

    Seth Cox delivered the biggest hit of the night, slapping a bases-clearing double down the left-field line to extend the Tigers’ lead to 4-0.  

    Starting pitcher David Warren gave the Tigers a quality outing in his fifth appearance of the season. He exited the contest after allowing two runs on four hits in seven innings. Warren would be tagged for two more runs after New Orleans scored a pair of his inherited baserunners on a double in the eighth inning.  

    After the first inning, Memphis only recorded one more hit the entire game. A sixth-inning single by Daunte Stuart proved to be massive, as he would come around to score on an errant pickoff attempt.  

    Relief pitcher Brayden Sanders closed the game for the Tigers. In his two-inning performance, he did not allow a run and only gave up one hit. Sanders struck out two New Orleans’ batters in the ninth inning and was awarded with his fourth save of the season. 

    The win is the third in a row for Memphis and brings them back to .500 on the season, with a record of 10-10. The Tigers and the Privateers will play a doubleheader on Saturday, starting at 2 p.m. due to the threat of inclement weather on Sunday.  

  • Memphis Mercy Rules North Alabama to End Losing Streak

    Memphis Mercy Rules North Alabama to End Losing Streak

    Roshawn Miller/Tigerpen

    The Tigers bounced back after a tough week, defeating the University of North Alabama Lions 16-2 in seven innings. The win snaps a five-game losing streak for Memphis. 

    “This is the type of game we needed,” said coach Matt Riser. “We did it in multiple ways, and the energy in our dugout was awesome.” 

    Starting pitcher Cade Davis put together a strong outing, allowing one run via a leadoff home run by North Alabama second baseman Jackson Ferrigno. In five innings of work, Davis recorded seven strikeouts and did not allow a walk. He received his first collegiate win for the effort. 

    North Alabama cycled through six different pitchers in the contest. All but one allowed multiple runs in their stints.

    The Tigers got the bats going early, tallying seven runs in the first three innings. Daunte Stuart and Seth Cox each drove in multiple runs with extra-base hits to give Memphis control of the contest. 

    Along with the 11 hits totaled by the Memphis offense, the North Alabama pitching staff allowed 14 Tiger batters to reach base via walk or hit-by-pitch.   

    North Alabama’s defense committed two costly errors, scoring multiple runs for Memphis and putting the game out of reach. 

    “We did a really good job of putting pressure on their defense,” said Riser. “We did the little things right to create situations for the big hits.” 

    Jacob Compton and Austin Baskin each drove in multiple runs with hits late in the game to extend the lead to double figures for Memphis. 

    Jackson Lyons entered in the sixth inning, relieving Cade Davis on the mound for the Tigers. Lyons gave up one run in two innings of work and sealed the seven-inning win for Memphis. 

    The victory over North Alabama is the second of the mercy rule variety for the Tigers this season and improves their record to 8-10. Memphis will return to action tomorrow against the Arkansas State Red Wolves at FedEx Avron Fogelman Field at 6 p.m. 

  • Memphis Falls in Extra Innings to Jackson State

    Memphis Falls in Extra Innings to Jackson State

    The Tigers fell short in a back-and-forth affair against Jackson State, losing 6-4 in 10 innings. Memphis finishes the weekend 0-3 and has dropped five consecutive contests.  

    “At some point we have to pick ourselves up,” said head coach Matt Riser. “The good news is we have games coming up to prove ourselves different, but we have to get collectively back together as a team.” 

    The Tigers continued their offensive struggles, tallying just four hits in the game. The lone highlight came when Jacob Compton launched a two-run shot over the right field fence. The home run was Compton’s third of the weekend and eighth of the season, leading all hitters in the AAC. 

    Starting pitcher Caden Robinson put together a solid outing, allowing one earned run on four hits in five innings. Two unearned runs scored in his tenure, both coming from errors by shortstop Jake Curtis.  

    “I thought Caden pitched his way through some tough situations,” added Riser. “We did not make a lot of plays behind him, but he handled it well and kept us in the game.” 

    The Memphis bullpen had another strong showing, holding Jackson State to one run in six innings of regulation. Logan Rushing, Kylan Stepter and Brayden Sanders each contributed and kept the game alive for the Tigers. 

    After Memphis failed to score in the bottom of the ninth inning, Jackson State took the lead on an RBI double by second baseman Myles White and extended it with an RBI single from Robert Tate II.  

    The Tigers were unable to match Jackson State in the bottom half of the inning, going down in order.  

    After the defeat, Memphis holds a record of 7-10 on the season. The Tigers return to action on Tuesday, when they face the University of North Alabama Lions at FedEx Park at 6 p.m. 

  • Tiger Bats Go Silent in Loss Against Presbyterian

    Tiger Bats Go Silent in Loss Against Presbyterian

    Memphis was defeated in their second game of the inaugural Grind City Classic by the Presbyterian Blue Hose. The 4-1 outcome marks the fourth consecutive loss for the Tigers. 

    “We are in a serious rut that we have to get out of,” said head coach Matt Riser. “It does not matter what happens, tomorrow is a day where you do not lose.” 

    Memphis’s offense was held to one run on five hits in the contest. The lone run of the game came via a no-doubt home run by Pierre Seals, his fifth of the season. The Tigers failed to string together hits, as they did not have multiple in any inning throughout the entire game. 

    Presbyterian starter Charlie McDaniel worked seven innings and gave up one run on three hits. Despite only recording three strikeouts, he coaxed weak contact to retire most of the Memphis hitters he faced.  

    Tigers starting pitcher Luke Ellis had a rocky outing, giving up four runs on seven hits in three innings. “We need him to take a step forward for us,” said Riser. Ellis received the loss for his effort. 

    Despite getting off to a rough start, Memphis was able to stay within reach, thanks to an outstanding relief performance from Seth Garner. Garner threw five scoreless innings, giving up no hits and striking out eight Presbyterian batters. 

    Kylan Stepter took the mound in the ninth and worked a scoreless inning, setting up the Tigers with a potential rally.  

    Duante Stuart reached base via an infield single, giving the Tigers momentum. However, Presbyterian reliever Kyle Mueller retired Jacob Compton and Pierre Seals, securing the save and the win for the Blue Hose.  

    With the loss, Memphis falls to 7-9 on the season. The Tigers will play their final game of the Grind City Classic against Jackson State on Sunday at 2 p.m.  

  • Memphis Drops Opening Game of the Grind City Classic to Butler

    Memphis Drops Opening Game of the Grind City Classic to Butler

    Friday’s matchup between the Memphis Tigers and the Butler Bulldogs was a back-and-forth affair that resulted in Butler prevailing 7-6.  

    “We have to quit being redundant in what we are doing,” said Memphis head coach Matt Riser. “It’s not about the opponent, it’s about us and fixing us.” 

    The battle was the first of three for both teams in the inaugural Grind City Classic. The Tigers were coming off a close 5-3 loss in the midweek to the Ole Miss Rebels, a game where they hung tight with one of the premier programs in the nation. 

    Each team totaled 10 hits, but the Bulldogs’ proved to be timelier. Both of their home runs, hit by Ian Choi and Ryan Drumm, drove in multiple runs and helped establish Butler’s biggest lead of the game.  

    Memphis first baseman Jacob Compton got the scoring going for the Tigers. He hit home runs in each of his first two at-bats, tallying three RBIs to give Memphis an early lead. His seven home runs this season are the most by any player in the AAC. 

    Starting pitcher David Warren put together a solid outing. In five innings of work, he gave up three runs on six hits while striking out five Butler batters.  

    Most of the offensive production for the Bulldogs came off JT Durham. Durham took the mound after Warren exited, and he allowed four runs on four hits in 1 1/3 innings. 

    Memphis entered the bottom of the eighth inning trailing 7-4 and had failed to score since the third inning. However, a solo home run from Aaron Smigelski gave the Tigers momentum in the waning moments of the game.  

    After Brandon Chorzelewski pitched a scoreless top of the ninth inning, Jake Curtis led off the bottom of inning with a double. Two batters later, Austin Baskin hit a double of his own, scoring Curtis and making it a one-run game, at 7-6. 

    Duante Stuart and Jacob Compton each had a chance to tie or win the game but were unable to do so. 

    The loss knocks Memphis under .500, at a record of 7-8. The Tigers will play their second game of the Grind City Classic on Saturday at 5 p.m. against the Presbyterian Blue Hose. 

  • Memphis Drops Series Finale to Wright State

    Memphis Drops Series Finale to Wright State

    Caden Robinson walks off the field after a rough outing. Photo by James Brisentine

    The Memphis Tigers lose the series finale to the Wright State Raiders 17-7. The Tigers were still able to win the series with their wins on Friday and Saturday, and their record now sits 7-6.

    “Obviously giving up 17 runs, it’s tough to win,” coach Matt Riser said after the game.

    The box score tells the tale, with Wright State scoring at least one run in every inning except the first and ninth.

    The first inning saw starter Caden Robinson breezing through the order with ease, only for the wheels to come off in second inning with six runs coming across to put the Tigers in a big hole early.

    Robinson loaded the bases early and was not able to recover, giving up three runs on two singles, a walk, and a bases clearing double.

    Memphis got a run back in the second inning to make it 6-1, but a two-run home run by the Raiders in the third inning marked the end of the day for Robinson. He exited with a line of 2 2/3 innings pitched, eight runs allowed on seven hits, three walks, and four strikeouts.

    JT Durham was inserted for a couple of innings of relief duty. He went 2 1/3 innings while giving up three runs (two earned) on three hits, one walk, and two strikeouts.

    An Austin Baskin RBI double in the fourth inning was all the offense the Tigers could muster in the middle third of the game, leaving Memphis in a 11-2 deficit.

    After Durham was pulled from the game, Riser turned to five different pitchers to close out the final four innings.

    Malik Harris, Brandon Chorzelewski, Waylon Sebren, Jonah Posey, and Ethan Vandament all took the mound in the final four innings for the Tigers

    “We need some of the guys in the pitching staff [to find their roles],” Riser said. “It might be just to get one or two outs for us.”

    The five pitchers combined for six runs on seven hits (all hits and runs were charged to Harris and Sebren), six walks, and two strikeouts.

    During that time, the Tigers offense tried to fight back with three-run sixth inning, courtesy of a two-run double by Daunte Stuart, followed by an RBI single from Jacob Compton to make it 12-5.

    It seemed that Wright State had an answer for every attempt at a comeback by the Tigers.

    Three runs by Memphis were met with a two-run home run in the next half-inning by Wright State to make it 14-5.

    Two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning by the Tigers made it 14-7. However, Wright State added three more runs of their own in the eight inning to push their lead to double digits.

    The Tigers are back in action on Wednesday when they travel to Oxford, Mississippi to take on the Ole Miss Rebels at 6:30 p.m. on SEC Network+.

  • Memphis Takes Game One vs Wright State

    Memphis Takes Game One vs Wright State

    Memphis wins their first game of their weekend series against Wright State 6-3. The victory improves their record to 6-5, while Wright State drops to 2-6. 

    The Tigers scored the first five runs of the game. They started off the bottom of the first inning with three runs from Austin Baskin, Will Marcy and Duante Stuart. Aaron Smigelski helped the Tigers score again with two RBIs in the bottom of the third, bringing the score to 5-0. 

    On the defensive side, Memphis once again played a game with no errors. For the first seven innings of the game, The Tigers did not allow a single run. However, momentum started to shift towards Wright State in the eighth, when the Raiders hit a solo home run. Moments later, they added a two-run home run, making the score 5-3. 

    Daunte Stuart scores run in the bottom of the first. (Photo by Ronald Todd).

    Aaron Smigelski responded to Wright State’s flurry of runs with one of his own, which gave Memphis a 6-3 cushion. This would be the last run either team scored, as the Tigers’ closer Breydan Sanders closed the game with two strikeouts and a save. 

    Although it was Sanders who closed out the game, David Warren was the primary pitcher for seven innings and led the team in strikeouts with three. Head coach Matt Riser said it was his hot start that gave the Tigers their early momentum. 

    “Dave [Warren] set the tone from the get-go,” said Riser. “I was really proud of his outing, one of the best of his career.” 

    David Warren practices his pitches for the next inning (Photo by Ronald Todd).

    Aaron Smigelski was another key player in the victory. His final stat line included 2 RBIs and a home run. In the previous game against UT Martin, he had a sac-fly that gave them the lead and ultimately changed the momentum of the game. He says that he and the team are getting better after the slow start they had in the beginning of the season. 

    “Each day we’re improving as team,” said Smigelski. “We’re learning how to find ways to win.” 

    The Tigers will play their second game against Wright State tomorrow at 2 p.m.

  • Tigers Drop Game One Against UT-Martin

    Tigers Drop Game One Against UT-Martin

    Photo by Ronald Todd

    The Memphis Tigers lost game one of their two-game series Tuesday against the UT-Martin Skyhawks 10-7, dropping them to a 4-5 record on the season.

    “We just have to find consistency,” said coach Matt Riser. “Either that or get these games off ESPN+, because these last two have been just terrible.”

    On a windy afternoon at FedEx Park, the game started out promising for Memphis. The Tigers took an early 3-0 lead, thanks to an Austin Baskin RBI single in the first inning and a two-run home run by Pierre Seals in the second inning.

    Cade Davis took the mound as the starter for the Tigers and was able to keep the Skyhawks at bay through the first four innings, only allowing a solo home run in the third inning.

    UT-Martin gave the run back in the fourth inning via another home run by Pierre Seals. The solo shot gave the Memphis native his fourth home run of the season and his second multi-home run game of the season.

    Unfortunately, the Skyhawks plated seven runs in the fifth inning, and Cade Davis was pulled from the game, giving him a final stat line of nine hits, eight runs (seven earned), one walk, and five strikeouts in 4 1/3 innings.

    “I thought Cade was fine. We just have to play better defense behind him.” Riser said. “Our defensive philosophy is to eliminate the big inning, and when you do what we did, not playing defense behind our pitcher and give up a seven-run inning, it makes it extremely difficult.”

    Reliever Seth Cole ended the fifth inning and began the sixth inning for the Tigers, but he was later pulled after giving up two more runs to UT-Martin extending their lead to 10-4 .

    Jackson Lyons took over ending the sixth inning, and pitching two more, giving up only one hit and one walk in his time on the mound.

    First baseman Jacob Compton cut into the Skyhawks lead in the bottom of the sixth with a solo home run over the video board in right field to make it a 10-5 game. It was the Olive Branch native’s third home run of the season.

    NC State transfer Will Marcy added another solo home run, his first with the Tigers, to make it 10-6 in the seventh inning.

    Relievers Brandon Chorzelewski and Kylan Stepter got the last four UT-Martin batters out with ease to give the Tigers a chance at some late-inning runs.

    Catcher Brennan DuBose gave the fans hope, continuing his hot streak with a solo home run in the ninth to make it 10-7. Unfortunately, that was all the team could muster in the ninth inning.

    The Tigers have a chance to split the series with UT-Martin on Wednesday at 4 p.m. at FedEx Park.

  • Memphis Wins Rubber Match Behind a High Scoring Offense

    Memphis Wins Rubber Match Behind a High Scoring Offense

    The Memphis Tigers faced Bowling Green today in the last game of the weekend series. The Tigers won today 13-7 behind an 8 run fourth inning.

    After dropping the first game and only scoring one run in that game Memphis’ offense stormed back. They scored 13 runs in the second game and the offensive power carried over into today’s game.

    “I’m proud of the guys for bouncing back after Friday night.”

    Matt Riser

    Memphis scored twice in the first inning but they really started piling on the score in the fourth inning. It started with Brennan DeBose hitting a grand slam making it 6-2. Doubles from Jake Curtis and Will Marcy helped extend the lead to 7-2. Then a dropped fly out in right field brings in two more runs across to make it 9-2. Then Jacob Compton scored after another double from Daunte Stuart moving to 10-2 to close out a big fourth inning for the Tigers.

    Bowling Green went through four pitchers in the fourth inning and ended up sending out eight pitchers in total in the game.

    Memphis continued to add on runs in the fifth as Curtis brought home Alex Fernandes. Curtis ended up bringing in 3 RBI’s on 4 for 5 hitting on the day.

    Bowling Green fought back into the game a bit in the sixth inning. It started with a run coming across to move it 11-3. But it did not end there as Leighton Banjoff hit a three run home run to move it to 11-6. Then to close it out DJ Newman drew a walk while bases were loaded to bring home another, making it 11-7.

    Then in the bottom of seventh Jake Curtis hit another double to bring home DuBose and Fernandes to close out the scoring for the game at 13-7.

    A series recap of the first Tigers home series of the season against Bowling Green State. Memphis won the series 2-1 to improve to 4-4 for the season.

    Some key players were Jake Curtis who ended up bringing in 3 RBI’s on 4 for 5 hitting on the day. Brennan DuBose also had a big going 2 for 5 with 4 RBI’s. Caden Robinson also had a good day on the mound. He had 2 strikeouts and gave up 2 walks over 5.1 innings. Riser said after the game “I was really confident to put that guy out on Sunday” in reference to Robinson.