The Tigerpen

Tag: college-baseball

  • 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. 

  • 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 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+.

  • Tigers Win Rollercoaster Game Against Bowling Green

    Tigers Win Rollercoaster Game Against Bowling Green

    The Memphis Tigers Baseball team have evened the series against Bowling Green after a close 14-13 win.  New transfer Will Marcy hit the deciding single in the bottom of the Ninth as the Tigers showed resilience after losing an early ten point-lead.

    During the first four innings, Memphis held Bowling Green scoreless while scoring in every single outing. The Tigers offense started on fire scoring multiple runs with Riley Davis hitting a three-run home run. This led to a 10-0 lead after four inning. The fifth inning seemed to be the turning point for BGSU, as batter Nathan Archer hit a Grand slam to bring the life back into the offense. This sparked a flame as Bowling Green scored seven runs in the top of the sixth inning to take the lead for the first time on the afternoon with 11-10.

    After Archer’s Grand slam, the Tigers pulled their starting pitcher Luke Ellis. During the next innings, the Tigers went through Jonah Posey, Seth Garner and Kylan Strepter at pitcher, but none of them could keep the Bowling Green hitters from scoring. So, after the eighth inning, BGSU led the game 13-12.

    • Breydan Sanders celebrates after getting two big strikeouts in the ninth inning. Photo: Florian Krempel
    • Seth Cox with a big hit to the left outfield. Photo: Florian Krempel

    Tigers head coach Matt Riser made the deciding pitcher change at the start of the ninth inning and went with Brayden Sanders. This proved to be the right decision as Sanders had two huge strikeouts to get out of the top of the ninth. After the game, Riser praised Sanders’ qualities.

    “He is a closer. We had him ready to come in and we needed him today. He is one of our best arms and we need to get him more out there in these situations”.

    After going scoreless for three of the four innings from the fifth to the eighth, the Tigers offense showed off when they were needed in the last inning. Coach Riser said, he had to get his guys back into the game after the eleven points run by BGSU.

    “I told them: Just relax and go play for me,” said Riser. “We played really good in the beginning, now let’s play good at the end of the game.”

    After a Pierre Seals walk and a single by Alex Fernandes, the Tigers managed to tie the game. With the bases loaded, it was NC State transfer Will Marcy at bat. His walk-off single drove in the deciding run for the 14-13 victory for the Tigers.

    After the game, coach Riser explained that he hopes that this game also has a mental effect on the team after losing a similar game to Little Rock the week before.

    “Definitely a game that can swing the momentum. Now, we won one like that. This gives us more confidence to go out late in these close games.”

    Tomorrow will be the third game in the series with the Tigers hoping to win their first weekend matchup. At the press conference, Matt Riser highlighted the importance of tomorrow’s match.

    “Sunday is the day you put your heart out on. You need to win Sunday. If you win Sunday, you either winning the series or sweeping the series nine times out of ten.”

    Sunday’s game will see Caden Robinson making his second start of this season. Coach Riser said he trusts in Robinson to finish out the series Sunday.

    “To have that guy on Sunday, a guy, who works with a great tempo and fills the zone up. We feel very good about it.”

    The final game of the series against Bowling Green will start at 1 pm at FedEx Park.

  • 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.

  • Memphis Baseball Drops Season Opener in 13 Inning Marathon

    Memphis Baseball Drops Season Opener in 13 Inning Marathon

    JACKSONVILLE, ALA ­– University of Memphis baseball lost a 13-inning season opener Friday to Jacksonville State, the two teams first-ever meeting. The Gamecocks hit a walk-off home run

    Jacksonville State brought out RHP Austin Cornelius to start the game on the mound.  This was his first ever colligate start, despite appearing out of the bullpen 23 times last season.

    Early in the game, Jacob Compton recorded the first hit of the 2024Tigers season, Compton smashed a double to deep left field.

    RHP David Warren was the starting pitcher for coach Matt Riser’s Tigers Friday afternoon. He did not have the best start, giving up an early triple to the Gamecocks. 

    This one cuts a little deep, you don’t expect to go 13 innings on opening night. The good thing that showed out of it was that we fought, and there’s no question about that.

    Matt Riser, Memphis Baseball Coach

    Caleb Johnson’s triple was later cashed in by a Brennen Norton RBI single. JSU led Memphis 1-0 after one inning.

    The Tigers responded immediately. Daunte Stuart drew his 110th collegiate walk, followed by a Seth Cox double early in the second inning. Catcher Brennan DuBose cashed in both of those runs with an RBI double.

    The Gamecocks started getting some momentum in the bottom of the fourth inning.  Freshman Gabe Young hit a 1-out triple, which called for a Tigers mound visit. Following the meeting, pitcher David Warren recorded the next two outs in just two pitches to hold on to the Tigers one run lead.

    JSU was threatening again in the bottom of the fifth, with back-to-back singles and just one out. Memphis once again found their way out of the jam with a 6-4-3 double play to end the inning.

    In the top of the sixth, Memphis got its first long ball of the season. DH Seth Cox hit a three-run shot to deep center allowing Memphis to take a 5-1 lead.

    Jacksonville State answered instantly. Memphis grabbed pitcher Brandon Chorezelewiski from the bullpen.  Chorezelewiski gave up a walk and a hit quickly. Gabe Young then smacked an RBI double to cut the lead down to 3. Coach Riser pulled Chorezelewiski before he could record an out. JSU would score two more runs on a sacrifice and a passed ball in the bottom of the 6th.

    In the eighth inning, JSU’s Bear Madliak tied the game with an RBI double. Memphis could not get anything going on offense since the sixth inning. The score was then 5-5.

    Memphis got some things going in the 9th, but eventually left two runners stranded.  JSU went down in order to send us into extra innings.

    Neither team could generate a lot of offense in extras.  JSU in fact struck out 8 Memphis batters in a row across extra innings.

    Finally, in the bottom of the 13th inning, Brennan Norton of Jacksonville State hit a walk off home run to deep left field.  Memphis fell to 0-1 to start the 2024 season. 

    “This one cuts a little deep, you don’t expect to go 13 innings on opening night,” Riser said after the game. “The good thing that showed out of it was that we fought, and there’s no question about that.”

    The Tigers take on the Gamecocks again today at 2 p.m. on ESPN +.