The Tigerpen

Tag: Matt Riser

  • Tigers Offense Shows Off on Saturday – Memphis Evens the Series Against UTSA

    Tigers Offense Shows Off on Saturday – Memphis Evens the Series Against UTSA

    The Memphis Tigers have bounced back after their loss on Friday night. Against the conference-leading UTSA Roadrunners, they scored twelve runs, while only giving up five. A balanced offense was the key as the Tigers scored in six of the nine innings with a total of eight players contributing a run.

    Both teams started off quick as each one scored a run early in the first inning. UTSA contributed another run in the second, but just as it looked as both teams would go blow for blow, the Tigers blew the game wide open. A total of five runs in the second saw Memphis jump up in front big – a lead that they would not give up for the whole game. Coach Riser was more than pleased with his offense after the game: “The hitters did a really good job of digging in. They had some big at-bats for us with big moments early.”

    Austin Baskin slides home for a Tigers run. He added another one later on. Photo: Florian Krempel

    Starting pitcher Seth Garner had a good showing on the day. After giving up the two runs in the first two innings, he would only allow two more runs during his five played innings. Although the Tigers defense had a couple of easy errors with pitches sailing high over first base, UTSA was not able to capitalize completely.

    Luke Ellis pitching in the last inning. He finished the game for the Tigers. Photo: Florian Krempel

    The Tigers offense on the other side did not take the foot of the gas pedal as they continued their scoring after the big second inning. Over the next four, they added another six runs to put the game out of reach. Something that, according to coach Riser was immensely important: “We knew, we had to keep the pressure on UTSA. We did a really good job with that.”

    When Seth Garner’s day was over, Luke Ellis filled in on the mount. He continued the great pitching performance for Memphis. Over the last four innings, he only allowed one more run for UTSA. The combination of Garner and Ellis already worked for the second time after the same duo finishing off Rice University last Saturday. Coach Riser was full of praise for the tow after the game: “Both of them did a fantastic job. The helped us to get through some difficult stuff today as we did not play great defense today.”

    The Tigers offense was on form on Saturday. They scored a total of twelve runs. Photo: Florian Krempel

    With using only two pitchers on the day, coach Matt Riser looked forward to having a full bullpen for tomorrow’s rubber match. The Roadrunners, on the other hand, had to burn through another five pitchers on the day. After using the same amount yesterday, tomorrow’s pitching will be something to keep an eye on.

    Matt Riser hopes for his team to put on a good showing in all aspects of the game: “We did pitch really well and swung the bat really well. Let’s put all aspects of the game, also the defense, together tomorrow and go win the series.”  

    The series decider between the Memphis Tigers and the UTSA Roadrunner will kick off at 1 pm at FedEx Park.

  • Tigers Rally Falls Short In Series Opener Against UTSA

    Tigers Rally Falls Short In Series Opener Against UTSA

    After a slow start, both teams would combine for 12 runs starting in the sixth inning. Memphis would tie the game in the eighth, but a four-run ninth inning for the UTSA Roadrunners would secure them the 9-6 win to open the series.

    The Tigers would strike first in the bottom half of the opening frame after a sac fly from Jacob Compton would drive in the first run of the game.

    Then in the top of the second, a single from Mason Lytle would bring Hector Rodriguez to knot the game at 1-1.

    Lytle would continue his contributions with a triple in the fourth, which he go on to score after a sac fly from Alexander Olivio, giving the Roadrunners a 2-1 lead.

    The sixth inning would see the offenses wake up for both teams, as UTSA would start it off by hanging three runs on the board after a single from Olivio would drive in Lytle. Then later in the inning a single from Diego Diaz would bring in two more runners to make 5-1.

    The Tigers would claw back in the bottom half of the inning with a lead off single by Austin Baskin. Then, Pierre Seals would bring him in with a two-run home run, to bring it to 5-3.

    The Roadrunners would go scoreless in the seventh and eighth. But a deep drive to left by Brennan DuBose would bring it to 5-4 in the bottom of the seventh. Then with Daunte Stuart on first, Seals would hit a single into center field, with the fielder struggling to pick it up, Stuart would score. Making 5-5 going into the ninth inning.

    All the moment for the Tigers would stop there with them allowing four runs, with three errors committed. The Tigers would commit six throughout the entire game with Coach Matt Riser saying afterwards, “You make six errors in a ballgame, it makes extremely difficult to win.”

    The Tigers would attempt another in the bottom of the ninth with DuBose scoring of a Jake Curtis sac fly, but it would not be enough as the fall 9-6.

    The play again tomorrow at home with the game starting at 2 P.M.

  • Memphis Shuts Down Rice to Complete Sweep

    Memphis Shuts Down Rice to Complete Sweep

    Photo Credit: Brock Busick/Memphis Athletics

    The Memphis Tigers defeated the Rice Owls 2-1 in the finale game of the series to complete the series sweep Sunday.

    It was the first series sweep of the season for the Tigers and the first road conference series sweep in over than a decade. After this weekend they find themselves back at a .500 record of 17-17.

    “Great weekend, just really proud of the guys,” head coach Matt Riser said after the game.

    Caden Robinson started the game for the Tigers and continued the solid pitching the Tigers had all series.

    The Tigers got all the scoring they needed in the top of the second inning when Jacob Compton doubled home Daunte Stuart.

    Compton was brought home by a Shane Cox single to give the Tigers a 2-0 lead.

    All Rice could muster offensively was a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the third inning to make it a 2-1 game.

    Robinson was solid throughout his time on the mound, going 4 innings while giving up one run, four hits, one walk, and three strikeouts.

    Logan Rushing replaced Robinson in the fifth inning but gave up back-to-back walks in the sixth inning, causing him to be relieved and finishing 1.1 innings pitched with no runs, no hits, two walks, and one strikeout.

    Jackson Lyons was brought in with one out in the sixth with two men on, and he only had to face one batter in his appearance when he got a double play to end the sixth inning.

    It was one of many clutch plays on defense that the Tigers had in the series, which has been a problem for the Tigers this season.

    “That’s been our achilles heel all year in all honesty…this weekend it showed.” Coach Riser said.

    Jake Curtis the took to the mound from his shortstop position to keep the lead for closer Brayden Sanders.

    Curtis would do just that with a solid seventh inning before getting into some trouble in eighth with runners at second and third.

    Curtis would work his way out of it with a Rice baserunner being thrown out at home and then got a groundout for the final out to keep the lead going into the ninth.

    Brayden Sanders, who has been lights out for the Tigers all season, was brought in complete the game for the Tigers.

    Sanders would let the first two batters in the ninth get on base but was able to work around it to get the three outs and get his seventh save of the season.

    The Tigers will now take their momentum to Bear Stadium in Conway, Arkansas on Tuesday to take on Central Arkansas at 6 pm.

  • ‘I Live Off Adrenaline’: Brayden Sanders is Memphis’ Guy for the Big Moments

    ‘I Live Off Adrenaline’: Brayden Sanders is Memphis’ Guy for the Big Moments

    With more than half of the season played, the Tigers are still not sure where the team is standing. Bright flashes with big wins are promptly followed by devastating losses only a few days later. So far the Bullpen especially lacks any form of consistency. To one guy this does not apply – Brayden Sanders. He is coach Riser’s man when things get tight.

    It is the seventh inning of game one against Florida Atlantic. David Warren has just delivered the best outing of his career as starting pitcher. He tallied seven innings, over a hundred pitches thrown and only one run allowed. But now, his arm gets tired. The score is 2 – 1 for Memphis and the bases are loaded for FAU. What now? For head coach Matt Riser, it is clear what to do. It is time for Brayden Sanders: “When Brayden is in the game, you know it is over.”

    And so, it comes: Although FAU loads the bases twice in the last two innings, they are not able to score another run. After the final pitch the Tigers’ dugout erupts – a 2 – 1 victory for Memphis. After the game, Sanders talked about his performance: “As a closer, it is the best feeling ever. It is everybody’s dream. It is the best feeling in baseball.”

    Brayden Sanders after his game-winning pitch against FAU. Jacob Morgan/Tigerpen

    While Memphis’ season continues to be up-and-down, Brayden Sanders is one bright spot for the Tigers. So far, he has appeared in eleven games and has pitched for 16.1 innings. During these appearances, he only allowed three runs for the opponent. His ERA right now is at 1.65 and he has recorded a whopping 26 strikeouts.

    His personal success also translates onto the whole team: From the eleven games he has played in, the Tigers won eight. In six of the matches, he was credited with a save, supporting the argument of coach Riser: When Brayden Sanders is in the game, the game is over most of the time.

    Sanders was born in Olive Branch in Mississippi. He started his college career in Ole Miss in 2021. Before that, he attended Lewisburg High School, where he played baseball for the Patriots. During his time there, he started to show his potential: In March 2020, he pitched a complete game no-hitter, striking out 13 and driving in two runs himself. In his junior season, which was cut short due to the COVID-pandemic, he recorded a 1.71 ERA while striking out 27 hitters in only 16 innings. He improved these numbers even more in his senior campaign to a 1.50 ERA and 58 strikeouts in 37 innings.

    With those stats he was ranked as the number four RHP and the number 10 overall player in Mississippi coming out of high school. After he spent his first semester at Ole Miss, he transferred to Northwest Mississippi Community College. For the Rangers, he appeared 13 times on the mound. During that, he struck out 53 batters across 36.1 innings. His season high came against Wallace State, when he recorded eight strikeouts in the game. Prior to the 2023 season, he signed with the Memphis Tigers.

    Now, one season later, head coach Matt Riser values his skills as the closer highly. After the win against FAU, he had nothing but praise for Brayden Sanders: “If you want to win a championship or have an opportunity to win championships, you got to have a guy that can finish games. Brayden has proven that time and time again.”

    What Sanders also has shown time and time again this season, is that he can stay focused on the bench during long games and take over when he is needed. “I have a routine that I do every single game, whether I come in or not. This keeps me in the game and lose, in case they need me in the eighth or the ninth inning”, he said after the FAU game.

    Brayden Sanders right before a pitch. Jacob Morgan/Tigerpen

    When his name gets called, Sanders has to deliver. For that, he often tries to remind himself that he is good enough and feed off the trust that his coach and his team have in him. Shortly before the pitch, he then shuts his head off: “I really don’t try to think too much, when I am out there. I don’t want a lot going through my mind out there,” said Sanders.

    Then, he approaches each pitch individually. “I hit them with my best stuff. When they hit it, I trust my defense. When they swing and miss or I walk them, then I get the next batter,” said Sanders. A strategy that seems to be working.

    Brayden Sanders loves team sports. He needs to feel the trust by his team to deliver consistently. Likewise, he also tries to pick up his teammates. Like in the game against Florida Atlantic: In the ninth inning, Jake Curtis missed a critical catch to load the bases for FAU once more. But Sanders stayed calm: “I told him: “Don’t worry, I got you”. And then I got out there and had his back.”

    As the season progresses, the Tigers will definitely continue to turn to Brayden Sanders, when things get close. His ability to finish games might prove to be essential, if the team can become more consistent and stay in the game till the end. His team and most of all coach Riser rely on their best closer: “What he has overcome all year long and he continues to perform: I am just really proud of that young man.”

  • Tigers Win Series Opener in 15

    Tigers Win Series Opener in 15

    Photo Credit: Brock Busick/Memphis Athletics

    The Memphis Tigers defeat the Rice Owls in Houston in the series opener 4-3 in a 15-inning marathon.

    David Warren took the mound for the Tigers as a starter, and the start looked rather ominous as the right-handed senior let in the first run of the game on a single in the bottom of the first inning.

    Fortunately, the Tigers were able to answer right back in the next half-inning on a double steal play that saw Pierre Seals steal second which allowed Daunte Stuart a free lane to steal home.

    A back and forth affair began when the Owls scored again on an RBI single in the next half-inning to give them a 2-1 lead.

    Then, that was quickly answered back in the top of the third when Will Marcy scored on an RBI groundout by Austin Baskin to tie the game at two.

    After that, Warren seemed to settle in and really dominate the Owls lineup. Through the next five innings, Warren would only allow one hit to give the Tigers’ bats multiple chances at taking the lead.

    Meanwhile, the Tigers were having their struggles against Rice’s starting pitcher Parker Smith who also settled on the mound after a shaky start

    What started out looking like another offensive shootout for the Tigers, turned into a pitcher’s duel and just waiting to see who would break through first.

    That answer would come in the top of the eighth when Austin Baskin came through yet again with a sacrifice fly to score Will Marcy to give the Tigers a 3-2 lead.

    Warren now had a chance to have a complete game shutout. He began the bottom of the ninth on the mound, but after a leadoff double, he was pulled from the game for closer Brayden Sanders.

    The runner would subsequently come across the plate to tie the game, leaving Warren with a stat line of 8+ innings, giving up seven hits, three runs, one walk, and three strikeouts.

    “I was really proud of Dave…to be able to pitch into the ninth was huge,” head coach Matt Riser said.

    Sanders would get out of the ninth with the game still tied, taking the game to extras. He then would get out of a bases loaded jam in the 10th to keep the game alive.

    JT Durham was tabbed as the pitcher for the extra innings, and he would deliver in a big way. Durham shut down the Owls’ offense for the majority of the extra innings to once again give the Tigers a chance.

    That chance would finally come in the 15th when Will Marcy singled home Alex Fernandes to give the Tigers’ a 4-3 lead.

    Durham would get the first out of the bottom of the 15th before being pulled, giving a stat line of 4.1 innings pitched, no runs, three hits, two walks, and three strikeouts.

    “The only way we win that is if JT did what he did, throwing up zeroes.” Riser added.

    Jake Curtis was switched from the infield to pitcher to close out the game. Curtis would get the final two outs to finally close this game out for the Tigers.

    The Tigers now have a chance to clinch the series on Saturday at 2 p.m. at Reckling Park in Houston, Texas on ESPN+

  • How Has the Memphis Locker Room Reacted to a Losing Season up to this Point?

    How Has the Memphis Locker Room Reacted to a Losing Season up to this Point?

    MEMPHIS – The University of Memphis baseball team went through a lot changes during this past off season. The team saw a few seniors graduate but replaced them with some very good acquisitions in the transfer portal. The biggest move that the team made was naming Matt Riser as their head coach for their 2024 campaign.

    There was a lot of hope surrounding this squad early before this season started. They added some quality players while bringing back some upper classmen to maintain their culture. Riser had a lot of success Southeastern Louisiana, and the goal was for that success to roll over into Memphis.

    So far, this season has been very up and down for the Tigers. They have had some quality wins and have shown that they do not quit and can erase big leads. The team has also blown some double digit run leads in late innings and has had some bullpen liabilities. They are never truly out of a game, but no lead feels exactly safe either.

    The pitching woes have been a story all season long. The Tigers have had some decent starting pitching, but the bullpen has been giving up some big innings. “Real difficult to have success when your bullpen comes out and pitches like that (after Memphis’ loss to FAU). We got to stay in ballgames, obviously disappointing,” said Riser.

    Memphis currently sits at 13-17. Conference play just started, and the team is 2-6 through the four games. They do have big home matchups coming up against Ole Miss and Mississippi State. If they can start winning some conference games and knock off these teams, they could start to make some noise towards the end of the year.

    “Not a whole lot to say right now, it’s a matter of doing now,” said coach Matt Riser. “You get to a point in time where either you can do it or you can’t do it. That’s the point we’re at now.”

    The season a is a little over the halfway point now. Memphis seems to think that it is do or die time for their team. Coach Riser said that some changes are going to have to be made right now in order for this team to turn things around.

    “There has to be (major lineup changes). Some things have to shake up a little bit. We don’t have a whole lot to shake it with to be honest with you, what you see is what you got. There will be a few guys that get some more opportunities,” said Riser.

    The locker room as well has a feel that is now the time for them to turn things around. Closing pitcher Brayden Sanders said, “After every game we tell ourselves that we are 0-0. The next one is the one that matters. We just got to attack it day by day.”

    It will be very interesting to see how Memphis responds in the back half of this season. Their next game is at home against Ole Miss on April 2nd, at 6 p.m. “We’ve got 48 hours to reflect and see what we want to do. We are at the halfway point,” said Riser.

  • Home Run Festival at FedEx Park – FAU Evens the Series Against the Tigers

    Home Run Festival at FedEx Park – FAU Evens the Series Against the Tigers

    The Memphis Tigers have lost the second game of their series against Florida Atlantic. After the low scoring first match, game two proved to be a home run-festival as FAU hit a total of seven with Memphis adding one more. The Tigers had a chance to come back late into the game, but fell short for the final result of 5-13.

    After the series opener saw a pitching masterclass from David Warren and Brayden Sanders, the Tigers could not replicate the same success. Starting pitcher Luke Ellis had an off day as FAU started the game with two home runs bringing the score to 5-0 after the top of the second inning. The Tigers had their chance to answer in the bottom of the second and took it. They scored five runs evening up the score. Another one-run home run for FAU in the third meant the end of the game for Luke Ellis. Coach Riser commented on his showing after the game:

    “We saw it pretty early. He did not have his best stuff today,” said Riser. But, I thought, we did pick him up pretty well afterwards”.

    Relieving him was Seth Garner, who pitched well on the day. Over the next five innings, he only allowed to more runs for FAU.

    Always a step quicker – a FAU player slides to reach base. Photo: Jacob Morgan

    The supposed turning point of the game of the game came in the bottom of the seventh inning, as the Tigers loaded up the bases down three with only one out. But just like in game one of the series, Memphis was once again unable to cash in on the situation as they left all three runners stranded. After the game, coach Riser was frustrated with the situation.

    “We got to be better off the bench pinch hitting,” said Riser. “We got to be more productive in these situations.”

    A series recap of the Tigers’ series against Florida Atlantic.

    The missed opportunity in the seventh also meant that the Tigers were only able to score in one of the nine innings. After their big second, the Memphis offense went completely quiet, although there were a lot of chance to add to the scoring.

    All eyes on the ball – Daunte Stuart and the Memphis Tigers. Photo: Jacob Morgan

    After the seventh, FAU further extended their lead as they added another five runs bringing the final score all the way up to 13-5. This leaves the series tied at 1-1. Sunday will see a rubber match to decide the first conference home series of the Memphis Tigers. After game two, coach Riser already looked forward to the decider.

    “Tomorrow is a must-win. We get Caden Robinson, we feel good about the matchup. It will be a good one.”

    Due to the travelling schedule of FAU, Sunday’s game will be moved up one hour. So, the first pitch will no longer be happening at 1 pm. The series decider between the Memphis Tigers and Florida Atlantic University will start at 12 pm at FedEx Park.

  • Memphis Tigers Win Pitchers Duel to Open Series Against Florida Atlantic

    Memphis Tigers Win Pitchers Duel to Open Series Against Florida Atlantic

    The Memphis Tigers and Florida Atlantic Owls went toe-to-toe tonight to start a three game conference series. The Tigers bested the Owls 2-1 behind a pitching gem from David Warren.

    Warren pitched 7.1 innings, and during that threw 10 strikeouts and only 4 hits and 1 earned run. 7.1 innings pitched and 10 k’s are both career highs for the senior pitcher. Matt Riser had a high praise for Warren postgame, “Its gotta be the best outing of his career.”

    Warren also spoke highly of himself. When asked when he felt like tonight was going to be a good night for him, he kept his response short “When I came out honestly.”

    The Tigers only scored in the second inning after a Pierre Seals solo homerun to left center. Then after a Jake Curtis double, Brennan DuBose doubled himself to drive in another run. The two runs proving all they needed.

    The Owls would try to threaten the Tigers lead as Andrew Mckenna hit a lead off homerun to make it 2-1 in the fourth.

    The Owls got bases loaded in the eighth inning, but would end up lining out and leaving three baserunners on. The Tigers also had the bases loaded in the eighth but also were not able to do anything with it.

    Brayden Sanders came in to pitch in the eighth for the Tigers and picked up where Warren left. He was the one that got them out of the bases loaded jam in the eighth, and would have to do it again in the top of the ninth.

    With the bags full for the Owls Dalton Frank worked a full count against Sanders. Having to throw a strike, Sanders did just that, striking out Frank to end the game and secure the victory. Sanders spoke about the play after the game “I don’t want a lot going through my mind, it was just another pitch for me. 3-2, I was going to attack him with my best stuff.”

    Up Next

    The Tigers continue their homestand against the Owls tomorrow night with first pitch at 6 P.M. The game will also be streaming on ESPN+.

  • 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.

  • Memphis Loses Low-Scoring Rubber Match and The Series Against USF Bulls

    Memphis Loses Low-Scoring Rubber Match and The Series Against USF Bulls

    TAMPA, FLA – The Memphis Tigers have lost the final game of their conference series against USF 3-5. With that, they also drop their first series against a conference opponent. All signs were looking up for the Tigers following a massive game on offense Friday night, but the momentum could not be carried through the rest of the weekend.

    “We had a great Friday night,” said Memphis head coach Matt Riser. “Just Saturday and Sunday did not play good defense. We have to be better defensively.”

    This game started out on a positive note. Will Marcy drove in his fifth double of the year in the leadoff spot. Riley Davis brought him home later in the inning during his first plate appearance of the weekend.

    In the top of the second, Marcy came to the plate and delivered once again. He shot a ground ball between the first and second basemen to bring in Brennan DuBose. The Tigers would maintain this 2-0 lead after the first two innings.

    USF began to respond and the Memphis bats slowed down. The Bulls were able to salvage one run in the third, while the Tigers hung zeros across the board. South Florida kept rolling and were eventually able to knot the game up at 2 heading into the fifth inning.

    A fielder’s choice hit by Eric Snow of USF gave his Bulls a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the fifth. After allowing runs three innings in a row, the Tigers saw their lead completely disappear.

    That is not where the scoring stopped for USF in the fifth. Marcus Brodil hit an RBI single to double the lead later on in the inning.

    In the sixth, Memphis started causing some chaos on the basepaths. Daunte Stuart went from first to third after a steal followed by a wild pitch. Jonah Sutton cashed in that run with his first hit of the season. South Florida’s lead was now just 4-3.

    USF would go on to load the bases in the 8th. The Memphis defense allowed only one of those runs to score, giving themselves a chance in the 9th only down two runs.

    Memphis did not capitalize, however. They ended the ball game going three up and three down, with three straight strikeouts.

    Memphis is traveling home to face Lipscomb at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26, at FedEx Park.