Aggies Drop Series Finale to Bears, 2-1

Sunday, April 11

Waco, Texas

2:00 PM

Texas A&M

20-10-1, 6-5-1

Baylor

19-11, 5-5

Texas A&M

Baylor

Apr 11, 2010 | Baseball

Box Score

By: Texas A&M Athletics

April 11, 2010

Final Stats

Rob Childress [mp3]

Michael Wacha [mp3]

WACO, Texas - Baylor used a couple of key two-out hits late in the game to lift the Bears to a 2-1 win over No. 23 Texas A&M Sunday afternoon before 2,928 fans at Baylor Ballpark.

Held in check for most of the day by Aggie starter Michael Wacha, Baylor cashed in its first at-bat with a runner in scoring position to tie the game in the sixth, then tacked on another two-out run in the seventh to take the lead for good.

With the loss, A&M fell to 20-10-1 and 6-5-1 in Big 12 play, while the Bears took the series and improved to 19-11 and 5-5.

"It was a disappointing day, without question," A&M coach Rob Childress said. "Michael Wacha pitched his tail off, and John Stilson did the same. They got two big hits with two outs and that was the difference in the game. You usually don't talk about that on Sunday. Give Baylor credit, they did a nice job. We definitely had our chances all weekend long, we just weren't able to finish."

A scoreless game through five, the Aggies took the lead in the sixth thanks to a bases-loaded walk to Kevin Gonzalez.

A&M's lead did not last long, however, as Baylor tied the game in their half of the inning. Logan Vick singled with one out and broke for second on the first pitch to Brooks Pinckard, who put a tailor-made double-play ball right at Aggie shortstop Brodie Greene. Greene's only play was to first for the second out, and Joey Hainsfurther cashed in by dribbling a single through the right side on the next pitch to make the score 1-1.

After reliever John Stilson got the first two Bears in the seventh, Tyler Collins picked up a single on the infield. The Baylor right fielder broke for second on the second pitch to Gregg Glime, who lined a double to right center field to plate Collins and give his team the lead for good.

Matt Juengel and Scott Arthur had two hits apiece on the afternoon. The Aggies were out-hit, seven to five, and finished the game 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position.

"It was very frustrating," Childress said. "The only way we're going to get through this is number one, stay together, and number two, keep working at it. I know this group and that's what they're all about. They've hung their hats on that since August and they'll continue to get after it come Tuesday against TCU."

Stilson (6-1) was touched for his first loss of the season, allowing the seventh-inning run over two frames of work. He gave up three hits and a walk while punching out three. Wacha had a strong start but did not factor in the decision, giving up four hits and a run over six innings of work. He walked one and fanned three and, over a good stretch of the middle of the game, retired 11 straight Baylor hitters.

Jon Ringenberg (1-0) earned the victory in relief after tossing two hitless innings. Brooks Pinckard recorded his eighth save after getting the final three outs of the game. Bear starter Willie Kempf went 5 1/3 and allowed four hits, a run and two walks while striking out five.

Texas A&M continues its four-game road swing on Tuesday when the Aggies head to Fort Worth to battle No. 11 TCU. First pitch at Lupton Stadium is set for 6:30 p.m. and the game will be televised nationally by The Mtn. (DirecTV Ch 616).

"This is a tough week ahead, and all you can do is stay in the moment," Childress said. "We'll get back, go to class on Monday, then get on the bus Tuesday and go play a very good TCU team. They are rolling right now and it's going to be a good challenge for us. I'm looking forward to it."