February 6, 2009
San Antonio – St. Mary’s University pounded out 25 hits and scored 24 runs as the Rattlers swept a Heartland Conference baseball doubleheader against Oklahoma Panhandle State University, 17-2, 7-1, Friday afternoon at V.J. Keefe Memorial Stadium.
In the first game the Rattlers batted around in the first two innings to take a 12-0 lead on the way to the 17-2 win. Mark Herrera (Fr., Victoria) tossed four strong innings to pick up the win in his first collegiate appearance. He allowed two runs on two hits and three walks, while striking out seven in four innings of work.
In the second game OPSU pushed the Rattlers early, but fell by a 7-1 count. All-American Scott Shimek (Sr., Shiner) went six innings allowing just one unearned run on three hits and three walks, while striking out eight to pick up his first win of the season. Courtney Behrend (Jr., Comfort) extended his scoreless innings streak to five with an inning of work.
Michael Brzezinski (Sr., Helotes) went a combined 3-of-4 with three RBI, five runs scored, two triples and five walks. Colin Stock (So., Klamath Falls, Ore.) went a combined 4-of-4 with four RBI, three runs scored, two doubles and a triple. In the first game 11 different Rattlers had at least one hit in the game.
With the sweep St. Mary’s improved to 3-0 overall and 2-0 in Heartland Conference play. OPSU fell to 1-4, 0-2. The two teams will return to action on Saturday to wrap up their four-game series with a doubleheader starting at noon.