UTB-TSC Capsules: Schaafsma strong for Scorpions in 1-0 loss to Texas Wesleyan
FORT WORTH — Mitch Schaafsma gave the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College another strong pitching performance, but a single run in the eighth inning was enough to lift Texas Wesleyan to a 1-0 victory Saturday at LaGrave Field.
UTB-TSC (10-2, 5-1 RRAC) had its six-game winning streak snapped by the Rams (5-5, 3-3).
The Scorpions, who received solid pitching performances from Danny Gidora and Kevin Chapman in a doubleheader sweep over TWU on Friday, were looking for a series sweep Saturday.
Schaafsma had a solid outing of seven innings, allowing only two hits. The Rams parlayed a single and double into the only run of the game in the bottom of the eighth inning.
Schaafsma’s line finished like this: eight innings, one earned run, four hits, six strikeouts and two walks. He threw 104 pitches. His earned run average is 1.38.
UTB-TSC has pitched solidly throughout the season. The Scorpions’ pitching staff has limited opponents to two runs or less in nine of the 12 games thus far this year. The team ERA is 1.68.
"I’m very pleased with our pitching all weekend," Scorpions coach Bryan Aughney said. "All three guys threw very well. Mitch allowed four hits and one run. You can’t ask for more than that."
The Scorpions had seven hits, two each by Joel Fernandez and Peter Maldonado, but could not manufacture a run. UTB-TSC’s best chance to score came in the first inning, when the Scorpions loaded the bases.
"My hat’s off to their pitching staff," Aughney said. "We had some opportunities early on. We didn’t execute. In one-run games, we’ve got to execute our offense and come up with some big hits and we didn’t do that today. We’ve got some things to work on offensively. We’re learn from it and build on it."
At 5-1, the Scorpions are right at the top of the conference standings and own the best season record in the RRAC.
"A 5-1 record is conference is all right, but it shows that we have some work to do and we’re not unstoppable," Aughney said.
UTB-TSC next plays The University of Texas-Pan American, its first NCAA Division I opponent of the season, at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Edinburg Baseball Stadium.
Golf
Scorpions host Lucio tournament in Laguna Vista
The largest field to attend a golf tournament hosted by the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College will begin play Sunday at the Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr. Intercollegiate Golf Tournament at South Padre Island Golf Club in Laguna Vista.
Seventeen men’s and women’s teams, 13 from NAIA programs and four from NCAA programs, will take part in the two-day, 36-hole tournament. There will be progressive tee times from the No. 1 and No. 10 holes beginning at 8 a.m. each day.
The tournament is the only appearance at home for the Scorpions women’s team. The Scorpions men’s team will play host to the Red River Athletic Conference Tournament on April 25-26 at the same course.
"I am more excited than anxious to show off the South Padre Island course," Scorpions golf coach Anthony Lopez said. "I am positive the teams will like the course as well as the area. This course is a challenge and competitive athletes like testing their skills."
Twelve teams will take part in the men’s division, led by two UTB-TSC teams playing on the course they practice on twice a week.
"In competitive golf, either collegiate or professional, it is a huge benefit to know the course you are playing," Lopez said. "Feeling comfortable on the course gives you a mental advantage. I always expect the men’s and women’s teams to perform well. Putting ourselves in a position to win the tournament on the second day is what we are all striving for."
The Scorpions are joined by RRAC opponents Northwood, Our Lady of the Lake, Texas Wesleyan, and University of the Southwest (N.M.)
Rounding out the field are NCAA Division I’s University of Texas-Pan American, NCAA Division II’s Texas A&M International, NCAA Division III Trinity, and NAIA members Lubbock Christian and Rogers State (Okla.) from the Sooner Athletic Conference, and NAIA independent University of Houston-Victoria.
Texas Wesleyan, the NAIA preseason ninth-ranked team, is favored in the men’s division.
"Texas Wesleyan has consistently been top 10 in the nation for many years now," Lopez said. "I like the way we are playing right now as well. We have some golfers coming alive at the right time."
Brothers Vince, Markus and Eric Cavazos and Anthony Milligan and Joseph Lucio will competing for the Scorpions’ Orange team. Adam Haley, Matt Cadriel, Matt Mah and Jeff Hoover will compete for the Blue team.
There are five teams in the women’s field. They include UTB-TSC and Northwood from the RRAC, Lubbock Christian and Rogers State from the SAC, and TAMIU from NCAA Division II.
Lubbock Christian is No. 13 in the NAIA poll and Northwood is ranked No. 18.
"Lubbock Christian is consistently ranked in the top 20 in the nation," Lopez said. "They will be a definite contender. We are just coming off a victory so we do have momentum on our side."
The Scorpions won the three-team Texas A&M International tournament last week in Laredo. Elizabeth Garza, Krystal Garza, Andrea Cadriel, Eneida Alonso and Pamela Lopez will compete for UTB-TSC.
