October 16, 2003
The Goblins and the Muckdogs each won a game on Thursday night in opening day action of the 2003 Texas A&M baseball Fall World Series that marks the end of fall practice for the Aggies.
The Muckdogs rode a strong pitching performance from junior transfer Zach Jackson to win game one, 3-2. Jackson lasted six full innings, allowing one run on four hits wile striking out two.
Freshman left-hander Doug Frame entered the game with two outs in the ninth and walked a man and allowed single to load the bases to keep the Goblins' hopes alive. Frame struck out the next hitter to strand all three runners and earn the save.
Brian Bowe led the way offensively for the Muckdogs as he went 1-2 with a homerun and two runs scored. Cliff Pennington went 2-for-4 with a double and a RBI. Pennington also made a highlight-reel play at shortstop when he snared a ball in the hole and threw out the runner from midair.
For the Goblins, Coby Mavroulis and Justin Ruggiano each had a pair of hits.
In game two, the Goblins used a five-run fifth to defeat the Muckdogs, 5-2.
Muckdogs starter Dan Donaldson carried a no-hitter through 4.2 innings, but the flood gates opened. Donaldson was pulled after a walk and four consecutive singles. The last three singles by Erik Schindewolf, John Infante and Mavroulis each plated a run.
The inning was not over, however. Ruggiano stroked a two-run double down the left-field line to score the fourth and fifth runs of the inning.
The Muckdogs bolted to an early lead in the first when they scored two runs off Goblins starting pitcher Brent Jackson. RBI singles from Justin Pouk and Bowe did the damage.
Jackson settled in after the rocky first and threw five strong innings, allowing five hits to earn the win.
Sophomore righty Ryne Tacker pitched a perfect sixth and seventh to earn the save for the Goblins. Tacker retired all six men he faced and struck out three in the process.
Games three and four of the series will be played Friday, October 17, with first pitch set for 5 p.m. Admission is free.
For rosters and more information on the 2003 Fall World Series, visit the official website for Texas A&M Athletics - AggieAthletics.com.