Stouffer, Aggies break out the bats to defeat Buckeyes

By Jack Molitor - June 03, 2007

It was a day to remember for Texas A&M junior Blake Stouffer. He hit for the cycle, nailing a home run, a triple, a double, and a single, and compiled six RBIs in the process. This was a major factor in lifting the Aggies to a 10-4 victory over the Ohio State Buckeyes.

A&M got a solid performance from starting pitcher Kirkland Rivers. Rivers pitched four innings and allowed three runs, but the way the Aggies scored was a real boost.

The Aggies struck first in the first inning on a single by Stouffer to drive in his first run. Two innings later the Aggies broke the game open when Stouffer smacked a three-run homer run to give them a 4-0 lead.

Ohio State starter J.B. Shuck struggled and surrendered six runs in five innings. The Buckeyes fought back in the fourth inning with two runs and fifth inning with another run to cut the lead to 5-3.

Team captain Matt Angle had two hits and scored a run, and Cory Rupert added a two-run home run to provide a spark for the Buckeyes.

However, A&M scored in five straight innings from the third to the seventh. Stouffer added his RBI triple and double in those frames to notch his second cycle performance of the season. His six RBIs made the difference in the 10-4 final score.

Josh Stinson and Luke Anders also cranked out homers for A&M. Closer Gary Campfield came in and held the Buckeyes to one run in the last five innings.

The loss eliminates the Buckeyes from the tournament. The Aggies will now wait for the night game, where they will play the winner of last night's game, Louisiana Lafayette. That game will be held at 7 p.m. at Olsen Field.

The Aggies need to win that game to stave off elimination. If they do, they will play the Cajuns again in a deciding game on Monday.