Freshman Logan Tibbett shines in Badger pitching debut

Amarillo College competed in their second midweek game of the season on Tuesday at Western Oklahoma State College.

The Pioneers, who entered the contest with a 25-10 record, claimed a 7-2 win on their home field in Altus.

Western Oklahoma State recorded four of their nine hits in the first inning to take a 3-0 lead by the end of the frame.

The Badgers tied the Pioneers hit total (9) during the nine-inning contest, but committed two errors while the home team finished with a perfect fielding percentage.

Amarillo College left 10 baserunners stranded.

The Badgers deployed five pitchers during the game in preparation for their upcoming series against Midland College.

Logan Tibbett saw his first action on the mound of the spring and the freshman from Jenks High School displayed the immense potential he flashed before getting injured the week of AC’s first game.

The 6-foot-4 righty struck out two batters and allowed no hits or walks in the fifth and sixth frames. Both frames were 1-2-3 innings for the Tulsa native.

Badger assistant and pitching coach Garrett Cobb gave context to Tibbett’s performance on Tuesday.

“For that being his first outing, that’s phenomenal. He stepped in and was on the attack immediately. How quickly he got into the zone speaks to his ability, competitiveness, and preparation,” Cobb said. “The way he composes himself on and off the field is very professional. Getting to watch him back on the mound was pure joy.”

The Amarillo College pitching staff struck out nine batters and walked five.

Freshman starter Evan Peterson and sophomore Gabe Watson tallied three strikeouts apiece during the first four innings. Each pitcher threw two innings apiece.

Watson allowed no earned runs for his second consecutive stint as a reliever.

Remington Spoerl threw the seventh inning for the Badgers before Bryce Gilchrist took over pitching duties to begin the eighth frame.

Sophomore outfielder JP Hinojosa led AC with two hits. Seven Badger batters finished the game with one hit apiece. The group included Ryan Branch, Aidan Young, Zyon Hamilton, Jaxson Smith, Bret Deegan, Payton Bush, and Jacob Sullens.

Amarillo College’s overall record drops to 22-11 with the loss.

Up next for the Badgers is a four-game road series at Midland College on Friday, April 5 and Saturday, April 6.