University Star

Record crowds watched Texas State baseball sweep Notre Dame in three games last weekend, giving the team its fifth-consecutive shutout win.

The Bobcats, who are now ranked No. 21 in the nation by Baseball America, have not allowed a run in their last 50.1 innings. They are 13.2 frames away from the all-time NCAA record of 64. Texas State’s team ERA is 1.13.

“It’s unprecedented that we keep pitching at the level we are now,” Coach Ty Harrington said. “Anytime you can pitch like we’re pitching right now, you have a chance to win at a very high level. It’s fun to watch.”

The first game Friday was a 6-0 victory as Colton Turner, junior pitcher, collected his first win with six strikeouts in six and two-thirds innings. He dropped his season ERA to 0.44.

Juniors Andrew Stumph, catcher, and Nick Smesler, infielder, both scored a three-hit game.

Stumph knocked in three runs and freshman Brooks Orton managed to plate two Bobcats in a two-hit performance.

Travis Ballew, junior pitcher, threw a complete-game three-hit shutout the second game, notching a career-best 11 strikeouts for his third win of the season. His performance earned him Southland Conference Pitcher of the Week for the first time in his career.

“He was good from the first pitch on,” Harrington said. “His command of his breaker was unbelievable, and his competiveness, focus and determination to pitch tonight was above average for anybody. He wanted to be out there at the end of the game.”

The Bobcats went on to win 6-0. Orton had another big showing, going 2-4 with a pair of RBI.

The final game of the series took place Sunday. Kyle Finnegan, sophomore pitcher, took the mound. He surpassed his previous career high in strikeouts (six) in the third inning and ended the match with 12 over seven innings of work. He dropped his season ERA to 0.47, and remains undefeated in his career at 4-0.

Casey Kalenkosky, senior first baseman, had a big day at the plate in the series conclusion. He went 3-4, scored two runs and lengthened his hitting streak to 10 games. 

“I’m really just trying to put the barrel on the ball and let whatever happens happen from there,” he said. “I think our lineup is pretty dangerous, and they have made it a little bit easier for me to get good pitches to hit.”

Craig Biggio, former Houston Astro, was in attendance Saturday night to watch his son Conor Biggio play left field for the Irish.

“There’s some good fan support, and it’s really nice here,” Biggio said. “I’ve heard a lot about it, and it’s nice to have the opportunity to come out here and see it.”

The Bobcats look to continue their run Tuesday at home against No. 4 Rice. The pitching responsibility goes to senior Mitchell Pitts (1-1).