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UT Tyler Still Unbeaten, Clinches ASC East Championship
Apr 15, 2007
Press Release posted by Texas-Tyler Permalink
The University of Texas at Tyler took a three-run lead in the first and never looked back in a 9-2 win over LeTourneau. With the win, the Patriots (34-0, 15-0) clinch their second American Southwest Conference East Division Championship. UT Tyler is the lone remaining undefeated Division III team in the country.
After Nate Jennings (SR/Granbury, TX) delivered the final pitch, catcher Zach James (SR/Palestine, TX) tackled him in the infield as the Patriots flooded Irwin Field in front of a standing ovation from their fans.
“To win it at home is special,” Patriots coach James Vilade said, “and it’s special for a lot of people. It’s special for the administration, for Bob and Mary Irwin, and all of the people who’ve supported this program. It’s just fun to share it with everybody in this town that’s been behind a team that can’t go to a national championship, but has played well all year.”
UT Tyler started off the game with a three-run first inning, as Andrew Damewood (JR/Plano, TX) hit his second hom run in two days. Damewood’s three run shot over the right field wall scored Kendall Fox (SO/Carrollton, TX) and Brett Amyx (SR/Coppell, TX), who had both reached on walks. The Patriots would never trail the game.
“My goal has always been to get a lead any way you can early in the ballgame,” Vilade said. “ Usually we’re a club that plays for one run late because of our bullpen. Damewood sets the tone for that whole game with that shot so early.”
“His home runs have been getting a little bit farther every time, so that’s good to see.”
Patriots all-time leading hitter Clay Copeland (SR/White Oak, TX) came up huge in the clincher, going four-for-four with two runs scored and an RBI. Damewood was also perfect in four at-bats, with a run and four RBI. Fox reached three times and scored every time.
On the mound, Brett Holland (SO/Lindale, TX) pitched six strong innings in the start, striking out eight. Holland did not surrender a hit until the fifth inning.
“Brett got off to a good start,” Vilade said. “He’s a ground ball guy, and got down in the zone and worked some quick innings. He’s been our seven inning guy, so we pulled him and went with Blake Burnett, and Patrick McClure, and then Nate Jennings late, so you know you’re in pretty good shape.”
With the win, the Patriots have wrapped up their second ASC East Championship in the past three years. UT Tyler is still undefeated, with four games remaining in the season, and with the loss by #1 Wooster (Ohio), is the only undefeated team left in NCAA Division III Baseball.
The Patriots wind up their home season Tuesday night with a game at Irwin Field against NAIA Southwest Assemblies of God. That game will be heard on the UT Tyler Sports Network.
After Nate Jennings (SR/Granbury, TX) delivered the final pitch, catcher Zach James (SR/Palestine, TX) tackled him in the infield as the Patriots flooded Irwin Field in front of a standing ovation from their fans.
“To win it at home is special,” Patriots coach James Vilade said, “and it’s special for a lot of people. It’s special for the administration, for Bob and Mary Irwin, and all of the people who’ve supported this program. It’s just fun to share it with everybody in this town that’s been behind a team that can’t go to a national championship, but has played well all year.”
UT Tyler started off the game with a three-run first inning, as Andrew Damewood (JR/Plano, TX) hit his second hom run in two days. Damewood’s three run shot over the right field wall scored Kendall Fox (SO/Carrollton, TX) and Brett Amyx (SR/Coppell, TX), who had both reached on walks. The Patriots would never trail the game.
“My goal has always been to get a lead any way you can early in the ballgame,” Vilade said. “ Usually we’re a club that plays for one run late because of our bullpen. Damewood sets the tone for that whole game with that shot so early.”
“His home runs have been getting a little bit farther every time, so that’s good to see.”
Patriots all-time leading hitter Clay Copeland (SR/White Oak, TX) came up huge in the clincher, going four-for-four with two runs scored and an RBI. Damewood was also perfect in four at-bats, with a run and four RBI. Fox reached three times and scored every time.
On the mound, Brett Holland (SO/Lindale, TX) pitched six strong innings in the start, striking out eight. Holland did not surrender a hit until the fifth inning.
“Brett got off to a good start,” Vilade said. “He’s a ground ball guy, and got down in the zone and worked some quick innings. He’s been our seven inning guy, so we pulled him and went with Blake Burnett, and Patrick McClure, and then Nate Jennings late, so you know you’re in pretty good shape.”
With the win, the Patriots have wrapped up their second ASC East Championship in the past three years. UT Tyler is still undefeated, with four games remaining in the season, and with the loss by #1 Wooster (Ohio), is the only undefeated team left in NCAA Division III Baseball.
The Patriots wind up their home season Tuesday night with a game at Irwin Field against NAIA Southwest Assemblies of God. That game will be heard on the UT Tyler Sports Network.