UT Arlington Eliminated in NCAA Regional in Loss to Baylor

UT Arlington Eliminated in NCAA Regional in Loss to Baylor

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WACO, Texas – A special season for UT Arlington came to an end with a hard-fought 11-6 NCAA Regional loss to Baylor on Saturday afternoon at Baylor Ballpark.

The third-seeded Mavericks had the regional hosts down in their own ballpark, but the No. 1 seed closed with a flurry to remain alive in the double-elimination tournament. UT Arlington (36-25) lost both games over the weekend in its first NCAA postseason berth since 2006.

Despite the disappointing finish, the Mavericks have plenty to celebrate in 2012. The Mavericks claimed the Southland Conference Tournament championship to earn an automatic NCAA berth, won the sixth-most games in school history, and had a number of standout individual performances.

Baylor, the Big 12 regular season champion and a No. 4 national seed, found itself down 5-4 before stringing together seven straight runs to advance into Sunday's first game.

The Mavericks fell into a quick 3-0 hole after starter John Beck hit Baylor leadoff hitter Nathan Orf. Two batters later, Josh Ludy hit a slice down the right-field line that curved around the fair side of the foul pole. A two-out single by Cal Towey scored Dan Evatt, who walked and advanced to second on a wild pitch.

UTA had its chances to get on the board in the early innings. Preston Beck and Michael Guerra were at the corners with two outs in the first, but Preston Morrow grounded out to end the threat.

The Mavericks cashed in an inning later on Travis Sibley's infield hit to score Matt Shortall. It could be been a much bigger inning if not for a nicely-turned double-play on a hard grounder down the first-base line by Greg McCall with runners on first and second.

Preston Beck cut the Baylor lead to 4-2 with a monster solo shot in third. The junior right fielder sent a shot high over the pole in right, making up for a similar drive in the first that sailed foul. Beck's 14 home runs are tied for fifth all-time in UTA history for a single season.

John Beck's outing was done with two outs in the fourth. After hitting Orf for the second time, UT Arlington coach Darin Thomas turned to Adam Boydston. The lefty reliever, normally the closer, was used to keep the Mavericks in the game.

In the bottom of the fourth, the game became even closer. Jake Pinchback and Ryan Walker delivered a two-out singles to tie the score 4-4 to chase Baylor starter Trent Blank. Bears reliever Brad Kuntz entered to face Beck, who walked for the second time. Guerra couldn't put the Mavericks in front, popping up with the bases loaded to end the inning.

Shortall did give UTA that lead in the fifth, driving his sixth homer of the season over the wall in right-center. The smash by the sophomore designated hitter also gave the Mavericks their first lead at any point in the regional.

That advantage was short lived, as Baylor tied the game at 5-5 in the sixth. The Bears would rack up another five runs in the seventh and eighth innings.

The Mavericks came into the regional riding the high of a SLC tournament title and a seven-game winning streak. UTA is 1-10 all-time in five NCAA trips.