Sports Release
April 3, 1999

TARLETON STATE SWEEPS GREYHOUNDS
PORTALES, NM — Tarleton State University scored 8 runs in the 5th inning, including 4 on a grand slam by first baseman James Karcher, as the Texans defeated Eastern New Mexico University, 19-1, in the second game of a double-header at Greyhound Field, on Apr. 3.

The Texans, who won the first game, 11-6, swept the double-header. TSU improved to 24-13 overall and 7-1 in the Lone Star Conference South Division. ENMU fell to 14-25 overall and 0-6 in the LSC South.

Karcher’s home run highlighted Tarleton’s big fifth inning. The Texans led 3-0 going into the stanza, but took command of the game with 5 hits. Karcher’s homer plus a 3-RBI triple by second baseman Matt Cooper led the way. TSU added 3 runs in the sixth and 5 runs in the seventh.

Cooper earned 4 hits, 3 runs, and 6 RBIs in 5 at bats. He smacked a 2-run homer in the seventh inning. Karcher finished 3 for 6 with 5 RBIs and 2 runs scored. TSU starting pitcher Jeremy Dickinson (3-2) limited ENMU to 3 hits during the game, and held the Greyhounds scoreless until junior designated hitter Matt Masiarek (Brisbane, Australia/ Lamar C.C.) walked and scored an unearned run in the seventh.

ENMU’s hits — all singles — came from senior Sam George (CF, Eau Claire, WI/NM Military Inst.), junior Jeremy Neumann (C, Vixalia, CA/Victor Valley College) and freshman Luz Leal, Jr. (1B, Laredo, TX/Alexander Magnet H.S.). In the first game, Tarleton State built a 5-0 lead, but Eastern scored 4 runs in the second inning and added 1 run in the third inning to tie the game.

George hit a 3-RBI triple in the second inning, as ENMU took advantage of 3 walks and 1 error. In the third inning, senior shortstop Loren Wood (Everett, WA/Skajit Valley C.C.) walked, stole second base and scored on an RBI-single by freshman left fielder Andy Hostetler (Albuquerque, NM/Valley H.S.).

The Texans regained the lead in the fourth inning. Third baseman Craig Darder hit a 3-run homer, sending TSU on its way to a 4-run inning. And a 9-5 advantage.

ENMU first baseman Jeff Thibodeaux (Jr., Apple Valley, CA/Victor Valley College) singled and scored in the fifth, but the Greyhounds were unable to complete the rally. Tarleton State scored a pair of runs in the sixth inning to achieve the final margin of victory.

Thibodeaux, who doubled in the first inning, led Eastern with 2 hits in 4 at bats. The Texans received a 3 for 4 performance from right fielder Matt Arlett. Darder was 2 for 5 with 4 RBIs and 2 runs scored.

The Greyhounds return to action on Fri., Apr. 9 at 4:00 p.m. (MST), when they host Cameron University in an LSC South Division double-header. ENMU and Cameron will play a second double-header on Sat., Apr. 10. Game time at Greyhound Field is set for 12:00 p.m. (MST).