University of Memphis Athletics
University of Memphis
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Mississippi St
Tigers Can't Get Started, Fall To #25 Bulldogs 14-2
Mar 07, 2000 | Baseball
March 7, 2000
Memphis, Tn - After two straight losses, the University of Memphis baseball team (2-11) dropped a 14-2 decision to the #25 team in the country on Tuesday night, the Bulldogs of Mississippi State (10-2). The Bulldogs jumped on the board early scoring three runs in the first and never looked back. This was the Tigers worst loss of the year, after dropping a game to Middle Tennessee State 12-4, in late February.
Memphis would not score their first run until the bottom of the second, when senior first baseman/designated hitter Nate Sams hit a solo blast (third of the year) off the top of the left field wall, and the Tigers trailed 3-1. Mississippi State scored seven more runs before Memphis answered back in the bottom of the sixth. Sophomore center fielder Paul Reuer, led off with a double to center field and later advanced to third when junior shortstop Gabe Interiano grounded out to second. The next batter was sophomore second baseman Daniel Uggla, who grounded out to the shortstop, but not before Reuer would score the Tigers last run of the game, making the score 10-2. Memphis wouldn't get any closer and allowed MSU to score four more runs in the seventh and ninth innings before the game was over.
As a team Memphis, recorded only three hits compared with 18 for Mississippi State. It wasn't actually a case of poor hitting, but rather excellent fielding on the part of the Bulldogs. MSU lead the nation last year in fielding percentage and Memphis got a first-hand glimpse of their stellar all-around defense.
For the Tigers, Reuer led the way going 1-for-2, scoring a run and drawing two walks. Sophomore catcher Barrett Smith (White Station H.S.) also went 1-for-2, and recorded the first Memphis hit when he singled to right field in the bottom of the fourth.
It was junior pitcher/designated hitter Jonathan Leicester who took the loss for the Tigers leaving him at 0-3 on the season. Leicester who started the game, went 3 and ? innings facing 20 batters and allowing seven runs on eight hits, and walked three while striking out four. For MSU, Mark Freed who started the game got the win and he improved to 3-0 on the year.
Coach Jeff Hopkins was unavailable for comment after the game.
Memphis will play Mississippi State once more tomorrow at 2 p.m. at USA Stadium in Millington.
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