LAWTON, Okla. (April 6, 2012) — After splitting a pair of games Thursday, Cameron and Texas A&M-Kingsville repeated the feat Friday. The Aggies won game one 5-3, but fell 3-2 in 14 innings in game two, splitting the weekend series.
“We were able to capitalize on their mistakes in game two to take the victory,” said Head Coach Todd Holland. “We should have won the second game. We had our chances but didn’t pull it out.”
Clay Vandelaan took the mound in game one, allowing six hits and three runs over 4.1 innings to pick up his fourth victory of the season. The offense picked up four timely hits and took advantage of four Javelina errors to score its five runs.
Cameron (18-18, 7-8) jumped out first in the seven inning game, as Brad Blumer reached on an error, scoring Tyler Cox in the process for the first run of the game.
The Aggies attacked again in the third inning, again capitalizing on a defense miscue. Blumer and Kevin Waukau walked to begin the inning, followed by Benshell Garcia who reached on an error to load the bases. Cox stepped up next and lined a clean single to right center, scoring Blumer. Kevin Lum added to the lead, singling through the left side to score Garcia and Waukau. CU carried a 4-0 lead into the bottom of the inning.
But Kingsville (21-9, 9-6) responded, picking away the Cameron’s lead by scoring a run in the third, fourth and fifth innings, bringing the game to 4-3 heading into the sixth inning.
The Black and Gold added an insurance run in the sixth, as Lum reached on an error and came around to score on a pass ball.
Aaron Kleekamp came in for the final inning to pick up his fourth save of the season.
The final game of the series turned out to be a 14-inning pitcher’s duel, as the teams combined to use eight pitchers throughout the game. CU starter Mike Carlson went 8.1 strong innings, allowing six hits and two runs. Wade Myatt took the loss in the game, allowing three hits and one run over 2.1 innings.
Carlson allowed runs to the home team in the first and second innings, but then the Javelinas were held off the boards until the 14th inning.
The Aggies picked up runs in the third and eight innings, as Josh Dawson and Blumer each singled to bring in CU’s only runs of the game.
The Black and Gold has opportunities in the game, failing to score with the bases loaded in the ninth; as well as stranding runners in the 10th and 11th innings.
“Carlson threw a great game,” Holland said. “There were times late when we should have scored and taken control, but we didn’t. I hope that doesn’t come back to us.”
Cameron will return home next week to host Abilene Christian in a four game series. The opening pitch is set for 3 p.m. Thursday.
For more information on Cameron’s baseball team, visit www.cameronaggies.com.
