Bad timing hurts Tigers against Mac

By Joe Warren

Nevada Daily Mail

The Nevada Tigers found out Monday just how much timing can make a difference in a baseball game.

Often on the diamond it is when you have the hits and when you commit the errors that means more than just the sheer quantity of each.

The Tigers gave up a manufactured run in the first and a big inning in the fourth, leading to a 5-0 loss to McDonald County in Anderson.

Statistically, it looked like Nevada got the better of the hosting Mustangs, as they out-hit McDonald County 6-4. Both teams committed three errors, so there was no advantage there.

Unfortunately for Nevada, their errors came in bad spots, coupled with walks and a hit batter that led to a four-run fourth inning.

By contrast, McDonald County's three errors did not hurt them as they handed Nevada their fourth Southwest Conference loss in five games.

"They're a good ball club," Nevada coach Jared Brown said. "They do everything right. They make very few mistakes."

McDonald County scored in the bottom of the first, using a single, stolen base another single to take a 1-0 lead.

Both teams exchanged scoreless frames until the bottom of the fourth when things came unraveled for Nevada.

Starter Brett Clark issued a walk and a single that was compounded by an error and a hit batter that chased him.

Jerrod Alexander came in and walked two batters before being relieved by Kevin Post.

Post retired the first three batters he faced, actually keeping the game closer than it could have been.

Post finished the game without allowing another run, but the Nevada sticks just could not break through for a big inning.

In the top of the fifth the Tigers looked like they would finally get the offense untracked, as they loaded the bases.

McDonald County just always made the big play when it was needed, and Nevada was kept off the scoreboard in the fifth and the rest of the game.

"We just had one unlucky inning and that kind of hurts," Brown said. "Then we left several runners on base."

Brown said he was happy with his pitchers and his team despite the rough outcome.

"Brett really did a good job for us, he just had some things happen in that fourth inning," Brown said. "All in all, I'm happy with their effort. The kids gave their all the entire game."

Brown said his team just continues to be a victim of bad luck.

"Just one out here or there, or being in the right spot," he said. "Baseball really is a game of inches."

The Tigers got a 2-for-3 performance at the plate from Post. Also collecting hits for the Tigers were Keith Overton, Heath Baker, Cody Thompson and Justin Reed.

Overton also hit a screamer between third and short that was caught on a dive in the fifth inning, which would have added to the bases loaded rally that eventually was snuffed by the Mustangs.

Nevada also continued to run the bases aggressively, stealing three more bases Monday.

Nevada's fortunes do not look to improve today as they are in action again against conference-leading Webb City. The Cardinals come to Lyons Stadium still undefeated in conference play.

Nevada will try to end Webb City's undefeated conference run as they send ace Cody Thompson to the mound.

"We're going to go right at them and do our best," Brown said.

Nevada has lost twice to Webb City this season already, losing 14-3 on April 9, and 9-7 on April 21.