The Tigerpen

Tag: AAC

  • 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. 

  • The AAC Off to Slow Start With 18-20 Record.

    The AAC Off to Slow Start With 18-20 Record.

    It has been a rough start to the season for the AAC. With the first weekend of games done the AAC’s combined record is below .500.

    East Carolina University Pirates

    They opened their season at home against the Rider Broncos. The Pirates pulled off the three game sweep, outscoring the Broncos 30-2. Then on Tuesday they faced Campbell losing that game 6-7. They face North Carolina this upcoming weekend.

    University of North Carolina at Charlotte 49ers

    The 49ers also started their 2024 campaign at home, taking on Virginia Tech. The 49ers struggled losing their first two games to the Hokies, but taking the last on Sunday. After losing the weekend series they bounced back with a 24-1 win over Davidson. They stay home to face West Virginia.

    University of Texas at San Antonio Roadrunners

    The Roadrunners battled the Mavericks of UT Arlington with the series ending in a 2-2 tie. It was a close series as three of the four games only being decided by 1 run. They then traveled to Tarleton St. losing the one game 10-14. They now go east to play in the Sugarland Classic.

    Florida Atlantic University Owls

    The Owls took on the no. 6th ranked Vanderbilt Commodores to start the season. They were able to upset in one game winning 5-4 on Saturday. That would be the only game that weekend they would win as they would lose to Vanderbilt 11-1 in the final game of the series. They have their home opener against Towson next.

    University of South Florida Bulls

    The Bulls had three of their five games this past week canceled or postponed. The two games they were able to play they lost to UCONN and Indiana St. They take on Marist College this weekend at home.

    Wichita State University Shockers

    The Shockers went south to Little Rock to take on the Trojans for their opening series. They would win the series 2-1 and outscored the Trojans 36-10 over the three games. They go further south this weekend to play in the Jax College Baseball Classic.

    Rice University Owls

    The Owls hosted the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to start the season. However, it did not go to plan as they lost all three games. They did win their midweek game beating Sam Houston St. 7-3. They now go to Lafayette, LA to face the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns.

    Tulane University Green Wave

    The Green Wave were one of four teams to out right win their weekend series. They had Northwestern come into town and won their Saturday and Sunday games. They then hosted Nicholls St. on Tuesday, winning that game 3-2. This weekend they play at home once again to take on UC Irvine in a three game series.

    University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazers

    The Blazers also enjoyed a winning weekend against Kennesaw St. taking the last two games of the series. They took on Auburn on Wednesday, losing to the Tigers 2-7. They face Southeastern Louisiana this weekend at home.