FlyerHoops.net - Flyers fall to A&M, face TCU in elimination game

June 2, 2012

Matthew Schwade
FlyerHoops.net Publisher

It was a rough go all the way around for the Dayton Flyers yesterday in the College Station Regional, despite what the score said. The Flyers offense couldn't get the big hit with runners in scoring position, and Mike Hauschild didn't have his best command as Dayton dropped to the loser's bracket in a 4-1 loss to host Texas A&M.

The top of the Aggies order produced yesterday, at one time getting seven hits in nine at-bats. Right fielder Tyler Naquin led off the game for TAMU with a double and then was plated by two-hole hitter Matt Juengel.

Mikey Reynolds drew a bases loaded walk in the third inning, pushing across the Aggies' second run. Hauschild managed to get out of the inning without any further damage though as Texas A&M stranded six through three innings.

First baseman Jacob House hit some lasers, finishing 3-for-5 on the day with a run scored and an RBI single in the fourth inning to give TAMU a 3-0 advantage.

Dayton's offense meanwhile had problems of their own driving in runs. The Flyers had a total of six men left on in the second, third, and fourth innings. They'd finish leaving nine men on for the game.

Most of their hits against projected first rounder Michael Wacha, however, came with two outs.

"We couldn't get a runner in scoring position with less than two outs, and couldn't get a big two-out hit," Coach Tony Vittorio said. "Without a doubt, our guys battled, but just couldn't get that big hit."

The lone bright spot was Mike Hauschild settled in, kept his team within striking distance, and effectively ate some innings up for the Dayton pitching staff.

"I really didn't have my stuff and when I missed, they hit it hard," Hauschild said. "Once I started making my pitches towards the end of the game, I was able to get them out. At the beginnng, I didn't have much going for me."

He finished with seven innings worked, five strikeouts, three earned runs, and four walks on 135 pitches.

Dayton's lone run came in the bottom of the eighth when C.J. Gillman ripped a double on reliever Estevan Uriegas' first pitch. He'd later score on a violent collision at the plate after A.J. Ryan reached on an error to the second baseman.

Gillman's head was gashed open by catcher Troy Stein's left shin-guard after Gillman scored on a head-first slide into the plate. Amazingly, he'd get a wrap around his head and finish the game. He'd get stitched up following the loss.

"I'm really proud of how our guys competed today, maybe just a little bit overmatched," Vittorio explained. "That play at the plate with C.J. kind of exemplified what our team is all about."

Wacha (9-1) received the win in 7.1 innings pitched, striking out nine and scattering five hits.

"I think the difference in the game was we keep a quality at-bat chart, and we were at 30-35%, and we need to be around 55% to win a game," Vittorio noted. "Hats off to Texas A&M, their pitching did a great job against us."

Dayton will be back in action today at 1:35 PM EST when they'll face off with Texas Christian in an elimination game. The Flyers will have first team all-conference selection Tim Bury on the mound.

"We have 10 seniors and so every pitch is important to them," Vittorio said. "We'll be fighting for quality at-bats (against Texas Christian), trying to get on base. We're excited about the game and want to put some pressure on TCU."

FEATURED PRODUCT

Dayton Flyers 48"x60" Focus Series Acrylic Triple Woven Blanket Throw

Dayton NEWS

[More]

Latest Headlines:

Resources:

Click to see job openings »


			Quick links: Latest Team Rankings Free Text Alerts Member Services