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Tuesday - February 26, 2008

Game 4: UT-Pan American at Texas

I listened to Craig and Keith on the radio off-and-on as I went in and out of my office this afternoon. I was thinking about heading to Disch-Falk for the latter 3rd of the game or so but got a call from my dad saying it was very cold and windy. Since I did not think to put a heavy coat or blanket in my car this morning, I decided to stay at work. I really wish I had something like TiVo for the radio...so I could pause things whenever I have to step away from my desk or am concentrating on something else. Keith and Craig frequently repeat things that happen...but not always.

The game was rather uneventful until the top of the 2nd when Jeremy Johnson managed to hit an infield single (swinging bunt) down the 3b line with runners at 1b and 3b. The Horns waited or the slowly-hit ball to roll foul. But, it stayed fair (kept fair by the wind, according to Keith), scoring the run and putting runners at 1b and 2b with an out. Said runners were then stranded at 2b and 3b. Horns down 0-1 going into the bottom of the 2nd.

I left my office for a bit and came back in the top of the 4th to find the Horns had tied the game in the bottom of the 3rd. Travis Tucker reached on a 6-4 fielder's choice, stole 2b, and scored on a single by Michael Torres.

Brandon Workman struck out the side in the 4th...for 8 strikeouts through the 4th. Way to go, Brandon!

I had to leave my office for about 30 or 40 minutes and got back to find the score tied at 2. Almost immediately, Brandon Belt hit a bases-loaded 1-out single to score two. Russell Moldenhauer singled to drive in Preston Clark and put runners at 1b and 2b. Whew. 'Got back just in time! Kevin Keyes then walked to load the bases (the 4th walk of the inning). The Broncs changed their pitcher at that point (3rd pitcher of the inning) and the new pitcher proceeded to walk David Hernandez to drive Belt in for the 5th run of the inning, putting the Horns up 6-2. Travis Tucker ended the rally with a line drive to 3b that the third baseman turned into a double play by stepping on the 3b bag.

Texas scored a couple more in the 6th while I was away. Jordan Danks reached on a 1-out single and moved to 2b when Kyle Russell walked. Preston Clark hit a sac bunt to 3b to move the runners to 2b and 3b. Brandon Belt then singled to drive Jordan and Kyle in. Russell Moldenhauer then walked. That's when I got back to my office to hear one of the Broncs' assistant coaches being ejected for arguing with the 2b umpire. (UPDATE: Mom and Dad said the argument took place with the 1b, not 2b, umpire after the assistant coach complained that the ump at 1b did not make a ball/strike signal regarding whether or not the batter went around when he tried to check his swing. The ump said he did make the call. The assistant did not think so. The ump made a second call to toss the coach. Heh.) The head coach had apparently argued with the home plate ump earlier in the inning. 'Sounded like the Broncs weren't at all happy with the job the umpires were doing. Kevin Keyes struck out swinging to end the inning.

Hunter Harris went to the mound to start the 7th. Brandon Workman did a great job as the starter; he went 6 innings while giving up 2 earned runs on 6 hits with 11 strikeouts and 1 walk. Wow. I think Keith said he threw 81 pitches. Hunter retired the first batter he faced but walked the 2nd who then stole 2b and moved to 3b on a wild pitch. He scored on a ground out to ss. The final Broncs batter flew out to lf. Texas up 8-3.

The Horns scored two more in the bottom of the 7th but I didn't hear the details.

The Horns went on to win the game 10-3. The teams meet up again tomorrow at 2:30. Hook 'em!

Posted by Joanna at 6:36 PM