CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - Texas State jumped out to an early 7-0 lead and rolled to a 15-10 victory over UT Arlington to reach the championship game of the 2010 Southland Conference Baseball Tournament at Whataburger Field.
The Bobcats (38-21) will play Lamar Saturday at 6 p.m., CDT, in a game that will be televised on the Southland Conference Television Network. Texas State is making its second consecutive appearance in the title game though lost last year to Sam Houston State. Lamar lost in the title game to the Bearkats in 2008. Texas State has won the tournament three times previously.
In the win over UT Arlington (29-31) on Saturday, the Bobcats pounded out 20 hits and played error free. Third baseman Kyle Kubitza was 3-for-5 and drove in four runs. Shortstop Jason Martinson, catcher Andrew Stumph and second baseman Clint Vest also had three hits. Designated hitter Jeff McVaney was 2-for-5, but drove in five runs thanks to a pair of home runs.
After pulling out to a 7-0 lead, UT Arlington climbed back into the game with four runs in the bottom of the second to make it a 7-4 game. After Texas State took an 11-4 lead, the Mavs scored four in the sixth to pull within three. The Bobcats outscored UTA 4-2 over the final three innings.
Lee Colon got the win for Texas State after a 5.2-inning start to improve to 5-3 on the year. He allowed eight runs on seven hits, walked seven and struck out seven. Fielding Pittman pitched the final 3.1 innings to earn his first save of the season. Jason Mitchell took the loss after allowing seven runs on six hits in his two-inning start. His record slipped to 7-6. UT Arlington used five pitchers in the game, trying to extend its season.
Eight of the nine Mavericks starting position players had a hit, including Michael Choice and Jake Pinchback who each had two hits. UTA committed three errors in its season-ending loss.
Texas State can become the first team since 2006 to win the Southland tournament after losing its opening-round game. The Bobcats lost 13-2 to Nicholls in its opener on Wednesday and have fought back to beat Stephen F. Austin, Nicholls and UT Arlington twice. The Mavericks claimed the 2006 title after opening the tournament with a loss.
Texas State coach Ty Harrington
"We're on our fifth game in four days which is a lot for any team in the country especially pitching wise. I thought Lee Colon gave us a good performance which allowed us to have a chance today. The secret of the game may have been Fielding Pittman coming in today after throwing last night. He showed a great amount of courage."
"Like every other team you set your goals at winning a title before the season begins, which last year we didn't win the tournament championship after winning the regular season. That has been something these guys put in front of themselves since it gives you the automatic bid into the tourney. After Wednesday, it seemed like a long shot but we've battled back and have the opportunity tonight."
UT Arlington coach Darin Thomas
"I didn't have any doubt that we'd fight back but in the end we just came up a little bit short. Credit Texas State for adding to their lead every time we closed the gap a little bit, I'm proud of our guys effort today when they easily could have folded."
"Getting into the tournament with the pitching injuries we went through, having a kid sign before school started in addition to our slow start this season, was an accomplishment getting to the last day. Given everything, I felt we played as well as we could today. I'm proud of their effort."