Cincinnati Bearcats Drop Elimination Game to Memphis

The Bearcats couldn't get out of the hole they dug themselves into Wednesday night. After a five-run first for both teams, Cincinnati would give up nine more runs to make the score 14-9. The big blows came in the fifth and sixth innings as they gave up a combined seven runs, while only scoring one run to counter the Memphis attack.

Senior Ryan Atkinson gave up five runs in the first and in came freshman Andrew Zellner. Zellner had to relieve Atkinson in the first inning with Atkinson only getting one out while allowing five runs on four hits. Zellner gave up a run in the second, and then allowed four of the seven runs in the fifth and sixth innings. Pitching struggled against a high-caliber Memphis offense that seemed to find every gap, which was stressful to watch.

The Bearcats offense did what it could, scoring nine runs. Freshman Treg Haberkorn had two hits, and two RBI's, while fellow freshman Kyle Mottice earned two hits of his own and three RBI's. Junior Devin Wenzel had a home run in the first inning, giving him number five on the year. Junior Ian Happ wasn't able to get much going at the plate Wednesday night, walking in two of his five at bats. He had one hit, along with a RBI and scored one run during the game.

The Bearcats finished the year at 15-41, in a definite rebuilding year with the program fielding 22 freshmen and one lone senior. We will look to recap the year later next week, and take time to think of a very important question. Should American Athletic Conference Player of the Year Ian Happ stay or go? The junior has a lot to think about in the upcoming weeks/months. Without a doubt, if Happ stays for his senior year, this team has potential next season. It was a learning experience this year for the freshmen, but after getting this year under their belts, they can improve over their final three years of collegiate baseball. Three years that could be very exciting as a Bearcats baseball fan.