WACO, Texas – Stephen F. Austin baseball mounted a significant comeback Tuesday night, tying the game at 8 against Baylor after trailing by as many as five runs. However, a stolen home plate in the eighth inning proved decisive as the Bears ultimately defeated the Jacks 9-8 at Magnolia Field at Baylor Ballpark.
Rally Falls Short
The Jacks utilized seven pitchers, with Seanan Farney starting the game. Despite fanning four batters, including a full inning of strikeouts, Baylor took an early lead with two solo home runs. The Bears extended their advantage in the third inning with a run-scoring double and a two-run home run.
SFA began to close the gap in the fifth inning. Ethan Adkisson and Cooper Schneider both reached base on walks before Cermodrick Bland hit a three-run home run, bringing the score to 5-3. Baylor quickly responded with back-to-back doubles in their half of the inning, regaining a 8-3 lead.
Sixth-Inning Surge
The Jacks weren’t finished, erupting for five runs in the sixth inning. Five hits, combined with walks to Coby DeJesus and Adkisson, tied the game at 8-8. Jhett Creel, Schneider, and Bland all contributed singles during the rally, with Schneider plating two runs and Adkisson drawing a bases-loaded walk.
Adrian Rubio maintained the tie, delivering a five-pitch strikeout after issuing a pair of walks to load the bases in the sixth.
In the eighth inning, Bland walked and Creel was hit by a pitch, with Bland then stealing third base. However, the Jacks were unable to capitalize as Baylor turned a double play. The Bears then took the lead when Brady Janusek stole home. SFA was retired in order in the ninth.
Looking Ahead
The Jacks will now travel to Recent Orleans to begin Southland Conference play with a three-game series against the Privateers, starting February 27 at Maestri Field. Coverage will be available at www.SFAjacks.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the game?
The final score was Baylor 9, Stephen F. Austin 8.
Who started on the mound for Stephen F. Austin?
Seanan Farney started on the mound for Stephen F. Austin.
When and where will SFA play their next series?
SFA will play a three-game series against New Orleans beginning February 27 at Maestri Field.
Given the Jacks’ ability to rally against a Big 12 opponent, what adjustments might they build to secure victories in their upcoming Southland Conference series?
