Scorpion Errors Costly in 5-1 Loss to Texas A&M-Kingsville
Posted February 7, 2008
KINGSVILLE -- A three-run eighth inning marred by four Scorpion errors lifted Texas A&M University-Kingsville to a 5-1 victory over UTB/TSC Friday, February 8, at Nolan Ryan Field.

It was the first-ever baseball meeting between the two schools. UTB/TSC remained winless at 0-9 while TAMUK improved to 2-1.

"Our pitchers did a great job, but if we pick up the baseball, we win the game," Scorpion coach Joel Barta said. "We can't expect our pitchers to go out there and do their job and then we don't make the plays defensively."

With the Javelinas leading by a 2-1 score entering the eighth inning, the Scorpions' best chance of keeping the score was hurt by defensive lapses. The Javelinas scored three runs with only two hits and four Scorpion errors. All three runs scored were unearned.

UTB/TSC made six errors in the game, the highest of the season. TAMUK led 1-0 in the first inning on an unearned run, and scored its only earned run in the sixth to break a 1-1 tie.

The Scorpions tied the game in the second inning when Brian Dombeck and Tyler O'Neal each singled, and Dombek scored on a throwing error.

UTB/TSC got a solid pitching performance by starter Julian Moya, who went four innings, and allowed only two hits and one unearned run. Jesus Mendoza (0-2), the second of four pitchers, got the loss.

The Scorpions had five hits from five different players.

"We've got to make changes," Barta said. "Some other guys are going to get some opportunities. There's just some changes that have to be made. This is college baseball."

The Scorpions return home Feb. 15-16 for a four-game series against The University of Houston-Victoria, which is participating in the NAIA for the first time this season.