The Tigerpen

Tag: Memphis

  • 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.

  • Memphis Claims Monstrous Win to Kickoff Weekend Series on the Road

    Memphis Claims Monstrous Win to Kickoff Weekend Series on the Road

    TAMPA, FLA – The University of Memphis tigers began their three-game series against the University of South Florida Bulls tonight. They started the weekend on a very good note, obtaining 16-7 victory.

    The win was crucial, but another main story coming out of this game was Memphis second baseman Daunte Stuart. Stuart went 5-5 at the plate and managed to hit for the cycle. This skyrocketed his season average to .351 on the season. Matt Riser praising him post game saying “Story of the night, Daunte Stuart.”

    Stuart opened up the scoring for the Tigers. A solo homerun from him gave Memphis a 1-0 lead in the top of the second. USF would respond very quickly with a RBI single from Drew Brutcher that would give USF a 2 run lead in the home half of the inning.

    Memphis responded as Austin Baskin blasted his fourth long ball of the year to give the Tigers a 4-3 advantage on the road. The scoring in the third did not stop there; as a double by Pierre Seals drove in another run to extend the lead to two.

    The tigers would continue to pour it on.  An RBI from shortstop Jake Curtis drove in two more for Memphis. This would cause a USF pitching change, bringing Dominick Madonna in for the Bulls.

    This would not however put a stop to the on onslaught coming from the Tigers’ bats. Brennan DuBose smacked his fifth home run of the year, making it 9-3 in third, with nobody out. Memphis recorded eight runs on seven hits in the third alone.

    Things continued to roll for Riser’s squad. Jacob Compton hit a 2 run shot in the top of the fourth to give Memphis an even bigger cushion.

    Seth Cox hit a 2-run homer in the top of the fifth to keep the scoring streak alive. This made for five Memphis homers from five different players. A couple more RBI’s in the fifth from Jacob Compton and Pierre Seals made the score 15-3.

    USF was able to muster up four runs to cut the lead, but Memphis took one right back to get a 16-5 win. The Tigers ended up with 16 runs on a whooping 16 hits.

    After the game, head coach Riser said, “I’m really proud of our offense, they were about as locked in on a Friday night as they could possibly be. They had a great approach.”

    They face the USF Bulls again tomorrow at 1 p.m. at Red McEwen Field in Tampa, Florida.

  • Memphis Baseball Falls to No.21 Mississippi State in explosive offensive battle

    Memphis Baseball Falls to No.21 Mississippi State in explosive offensive battle

    Brock Busick/University of Memphis Athletics
    Memphis Tiger Pierre Seals scores Tuesday against Mississippi State on an RBI ground out by Jake Curtis.


    The Memphis Tigers baseball team lost against No.21  Mississippi State Tuesday at Dudy Noble Field by a score of 17-9. The win puts the Tigers a game under .500 (11-12) and Mississippi State improves to (16-6) on the season. 

    Cade Davis drew the start and had a solid performance through three innings, allowing three runs on four hits and tailing a strikeout. 

    “We did a good job coming out early and Cade Davis was pretty good,” Memphis head coach Matt Riser said. “I know he gave up a couple of homers but at the end of the day, I thought he pitched well.” 

    A double by Jacob Compton to right field led to Riley Davis’ single to third that drove in Compton and allowed Brennan DuBose to score and gave the Tigers a 3-2 lead after an error by the left fielder. That was the first error of the season for Logan Kohler and it came against his former Memphis team. 

    The Tigers took a 9-3 advantage in the fifth inning after a two-run double by Jacob Compton. Memphis tallied five consecutive hits at the top of the fifth to start the inning and had the Bulldogs on the ropes. 

    Seven hits in the fifth inning included five singles, one double, and a home run. Seth Cox hit a three-run home run to extend the Tiger’s lead, and then Compton doubled to center which drove in Austin Baskin and Daunte Stuart. 

    But the Bulldogs responded with seven runs of their own at the bottom of the fifth inning to take a 10-9 lead into the sixth. 

    Connor Hujsak drew a walk, which scored David Mershon from third with the bases loaded. Mississippi State Amari Larry (0-3) got his first hit of the night to tie the game 9-9. Then Johnny Long scored with the bases loaded as Dakota Jordan got hit.

    Memphis struggled to score after the fifth inning. While the Bulldogs added a run in the sixth and four runs in the seventh. Hujsak hit a home run with runners on second and third to put the Bulldogs up 15-9. 

    After the game, Coach Riser spoke of the team’s defense and miscommunication heading into the conference play. 

    “These middle innings are killing us, and we have to be better, not only on the mound but also defensively,” said coach Matt Riser. “We have to do a good job of getting some things fixed these next couple of days to get ready for conference play.” 

    UP NEXT 

    The Memphis Tigers are back in action Friday against South Florida in Tampa, Florida at Red McEwen Field. This marks the Tigers first conference series of the season. First pitch is set for 5:30 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+. 

  • 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.  

  • Tigers Win Second Game in a Row after 5 Game Losing Streak

    Photo by: Matthew A. Smith

    The University of Memphis Tigers beat the Arkansas State Red Wolves 13-7 in Jonesboro on Wednesday advancing to a 9-10 record.  This is the Tigers second consecutive win following a five-game losing streak they broke Tuesday.

    “I thought we did a really good job of putting back-to-back strong midweek games together,” said head coach Matt Riser. “To get back on track and sweep a pair of different midweek opponents was good to see.”

    To start the game the Tigers allowed three runs to cross, but would get three quick outs to close the top of the inning.  The Tigers would respond with six runs in the bottom of the inning.  Of those six runs, four came from long balls. Pierre Seals fired a homer to left field bringing himself, Jacob Compton, and Austin Baskin all the way around diamond.  Immediately following, Seth Cox would bring himself home with a single run homer out to left field.

    Tigers would only allow one run in the second and would end the top of the inning with a pick off at second base.  Then after two early outs Daunte Stuart would hit a home run to bring himself and Baskin home. Cox would later hit a single into left field allowing Compton to score.  The Tigers would later close the inning with a 9-4 lead.

    Arkansas State came out in the third and scored two runs of their own, but Memphis would match them with a double from Will Marcy that brought home Jake Curtis.  Then, Austin Baskin smacked a ball to right field allowing Marcy to run home.

    Both Memphis and Arkansas State would go scoreless for the next three innings and the Red Wolves wouldn’t be able to score again until the ninth inning.  The Tigers were able to break their scoreless streak in the seventh with two runs from Stuart and Compton.

    After a five-game losing streak, the Tigers were finally able to pickup some wins in these midweek games.  The Tigers head to New Orleans, Louisiana to play the University of New Orleans  in a three game weekend series starting Friday.

  • 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. 

  • Jake Curtis Shines Light on the Leadership in Memphis Tigers Baseball Locker Room

    Jake Curtis Shines Light on the Leadership in Memphis Tigers Baseball Locker Room

    Memphis Tigers RHP/INF Jake Curtis spoke about the leaders in the Tigers locker room. Curtis is a Memphis legacy, as his father and uncle suited up for the Tigers back in their colligate days.

    Curtis started his college career at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, Illinois. While in Springfield, he boasted a .184 batting average alongside a 2.86 ERA. Since coming to Memphis, he is now coming off a season where he had a .266 average at the plate and a 2.60 ERA on the mound.

    He has already had a few accolades under his belt throughout his college career including: Rawlings Juco All-American 2B, MWAC Player of the year, and Region 24 player of the year.

    This is Cutris’ second season with the Tigers. His younger brother is expected to join the team next season. He has had a short stint with Memphis so far, but he already been very vocal on his leadership roles within the program.

    During his tenure, Curtis has already had multiple head coaches and seen some roster shakeups. He is very optimistic about this season’s culture behind the scenes.

    “It means a lot to have a coach that always has our back and we have felt that since day one,” Curtis said. “It’s good to see that we are headed in the right direction.”

    Baseball can be a very individualist sport, but a team must have a strong sense of leadership behind the scenes. 

    Curtis has been a leader during his time with the Tigers. He said that the entire senior class has adopted a leadership role on the team and is trying to teach the younger guys.

    “It is big to have a leader,” Curtis said. “As for this team, we don’t have an individual leader, we have multiple. Really it is the senior class that has been here, people that have been here even longer than me. They’ve been around it and we understand what skip wants from us, and that makes it a lot easier.”

    He added that accountability is key to his role as a leader on the team because everyone has to feel responsible for their actions.

    “Obviously, seniors are going to make mistakes too, so that’s why we got a lot of leaders,” Curtis said. “The good thing about this team is that we’ll hold each other accountable.”

    This is also Coach Matt Riser’s first season with the Tigers and his seniors have had as many as three head coaches during their time at Memphis.

    “They have shown that even if with their third head coach and the third system, they have been very selfless,” Riser said. “Tell me what to do and tell me where to go and I will do that to the best of my abilities.”

    Even though it is only the beginning of his second season with the university, Curtis has adapted to his leadership well and takes pride in it. He and the rest of the senior class have gained these roles and are embracing them.

    “I just want to make a difference and put this program in the direction that we want and get us back on the winning page,” Curtis said.