Wildcats And Javelinas Exchange Shutouts To Split Saturday Twin Bill

ABILENE - Junior second baseman Chuck Duarte drove in the game-winning run for the second consecutive night, this time giving the Abilene Christian baseball team a 1-0 walk-off victory over Texas A&M-Kingsville Saturday at Crutcher Scott Field.

But on this occasion Duarte's hit didn't even have to leave the infield as his high chopper to the left side of the mound tailed away from Kingsville closer Cameron Dullnig (1-1). By the time Dullnig got a glove on the ball his only play was at third base, but with no one covering the bag his only hope was to beat Rodge Macy there for the force out.

Macy, however, slid in ahead of Dullnig and was ruled safe right as Kyle Conwell crossed home plate.

ACU's run was its first and only of the afternoon as it was shutout in game one, 11-0, behind a 7.0 inning complete game from Adam Aspaas (5-1).

The Wildcats (16-12, 4-3 LSC) mustered only five hits off Aspaas, including two singles each from Duncan Blades and Duarte. Conwell also doubled in the first inning off Aspaas, who recorded one strikeout and 16 ground ball outs.

Starter Jordan Herrera and reliever Sam Malchar allowed all 11 runs between the first four innings. Kenny Herman then came in to pitch the fifth and delivered 2.0 scoreless innings with three Ks, and Kregg Snook pitched a 1-2-3 seventh.

ACU's stellar pitching continued into game two as Austin Palmer and Clint Cooper (4-2) combined on a four-hit shutout.

Palmer faced the minimum nine batters through the first three innings, and then left at least one runner stranded in scoring position from the fourth to sixth innings.

The Javelinas (14-7, 3-4 LSC) appeared ready to score in the seventh when they placed runners at second and third with two outs, but Duarte made a sensational play on Mario Siller's slow roller to record the 4-3 putout.

Kingsville again put two on in the eighth vs. Cooper, who responded to the threat with consecutive strikeouts of the No. 3 and 4 batters Taylor Taska and Trent Wagner.

ACU's eighth inning rally started with two outs when Conwell's single up the middle was followed by the third baseman Jake Mendiola's throwing error and an intentional walk to Blades.

Dullnig's loss was his first of the year, however, his season ERA remains at 0.00.

Dallas Ponder started game two for Kingsville and struck out two through 5.1 innings.

ACU and Kingsville conclude their four-game series Sunday at 1:35 p.m.

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A&M Kingsville 11, Abilene Christian 0 (Mar 24, 2012 at Abilene, TX) (Game 1)
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