NACOGDOCHES – The Abilene Christian Wildcats continued their dominance, cruising past Stephen F. Austin 11-2 on Wednesday night at Jaycees Field. The Wildcats extended their win streak to 9 games with an explosive offensive performance and strong pitching.
ACU capitalized on timely hitting and clean defensive play to overwhelm the Lumberjacks. After two scoreless innings, the Wildcats broke through with a three-run third inning. Designated hitter Diego Cardenas delivered a clutch two-run single, plating Reese Borho and Ranse Radtke. Moments later, Cardenas was caught stealing, but not before Nick Arias scored from third in a heads-up baserunning play that put ACU ahead 3-0.
The Wildcats padded their lead in the fifth inning. After Radtke reached an error and stole second, Borho doubled to deep center, driving in Radtke. Arias reached on a fielder's choice and promptly stole second, allowing Borho to score from third. Grant Watkins capped the inning with a run-scoring single to push the lead to 6-1.
ACU kept the pressure on in the sixth inning as Jack Nielsen walked and Ben Greer singled to start the frame. Radtke grounded out to shortstop, scoring Nielsen, and Borho reached on an error that allowed Greer to score as well, stretching the lead to 8-1.
Stephen F. Austin's lone bright spot came in the sixth, when Josh Ibe homered to left field, making it 8-2. However, ACU responded in the seventh with three more insurance runs. Maddox Miesse's sacrifice fly scored Watkins, and Radtke drove in two more with a single down the left-field line, extending the Wildcats' advantage to 11-2.
On the mound, starter Chandler Benson worked efficiently through three innings before turning things over to Iain Campa, who earned the win. Relievers Henry Cone and Caden Greanead combined for two perfect innings to close the game, ensuring the Wildcats' bullpen remained dominant.
The ninth inning was unable to be finished due to weather concerns.
The Wildcats' offensive leaders included Watkins going 3 for 5 with one RBI, Cardenas 2 for 4 with an RBI and Radtke with 3 RBIs. Borho added two hits, and two RBI, and scored twice to complete a well-rounded offensive display.
The Wildcats will be on the road once again this week, heading to Huntsville to challenge Sam Houston in a three-game series. The first pitch for the first game starts at 6:00 p.m. CT. Even though broadcasting will not be available for the series,
live stats will be available all weekend on
acusports.com/baseball.
