Feb. 29, 2000

Box Score

Memphis, Tn - Two quick home runs in the first and second innings gave the Tigers a two-run lead to begin their game against the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State (2-4), but it wasn't enough as Memphis fell again, this time losing 12-4. Both teams combined for four home runs, with two for the Tigers and two for the Blue Raiders. Memphis is still searching for their first win of the season as they now stand at 0-9.

In his first at bat sophomore second baseman Daniel Uggla, slammed a solo home run to left field that gave Memphis a 1-0 lead after the first. Senior designated hitter Nate Sams, would follow Uggla's lead by hitting a solo shot of his own to left center that made the score 2-0 with Memphis looking to take this one for a win. The lead was short lived however, as redshirt-freshman pitcher Joshua Cartwright would give up three runs on a bases loaded double to left field giving Middle Tennessee a 3-2 lead, going into the bottom of the fourth. The Blue Raiders would score five more unanswered runs in the next two innings before the Tigers would get one of their own in the bottom of the fifth, when senior shortstop Stephen Frix (White Station H.S.) doubled off the left field wall scoring sophomore center fielder Paul Reuer who reached on an error by the shortstop. Memphis would only score one more run the entire game, after junior third baseman Tyler Shelton ripped his first double of the year driving in Sams for the Tigers last run, closing the gap slightly 11-4.

Uggla went 1-for-2, with a home run, a walk and one RBI, while senior catcher Craig Hopkins went 1-for-1 with a single after replacing starting sophomore catcher Barrett Smith midway through the game.

Cartwright took the loss after being pulled in the third after facing 11 batters, giving up three runs on six hits and walking only one. His record now stands at 0-2 on the season. Freshman pitcher Andy Witten making only his second appearance for the Tigers, faced 18 batters and allowed seven runs on five hits. Witten did however, strike-out seven batters in his longest duty for Memphis, as of late. For the Blue Raiders, it was Kris Lammers grabbing the win making his record 1-0 on the season.

Coach Jeff Hopkins after the loss, "With the wind in center field, they took advantage of it and we didn't match them. Their home runs had men on base and ours did not."

These two teams square-off again tomorrow at 2 p.m. at Nat Buring Stadium.