Looney Inks With Knights

Canyon High School standout, TJ Looney, has decided to continue his education and playing career with the Knights.

Looney, a 6'6 right handed pitcher, comes to Northwood with a very high ceiling. "TJ has a tremendous up side, he already has an upper 80's fastball and he hasn't even scratched the surface of what he is capable of, we are extremely excited about him joining the program. I know TJ will only get better during his time here because of the character and work ethic that he demonstrates," Head Baseball Coach Jeremy Kennedy.

Looney is a product of the same hometown and high school as Knights pitching coach, Raymond Bergara.

Looney was a 2nd Team All-District selection after his junior campaign at Canyon.

Balich Accepts New Position

Knights Assistant Coach Justin Balich recently accepted a new coaching position with Southwestern College in Phoenix, AZ. The Phoenix native, returns home after one year as an assistant for the Knights. Balich began his career at Northwood in 2007 as a player after transferring from Phoenix College. Following graduation in 2008 he returned to Phoenix and went to work for the Fiesta Bowl. Balich returned in 2010 to begin his coaching career with his Alma Mater.

Balich was instrumental in the Knights 2008 run to a RRAC Championship. "Justin has been a key figure in getting the program to the point that it is today. He was a tremendous leader as a player and had an immediate impact on the program as a coach. Justin cares deeply about the program and we will certainly miss him. I am excited for him to take the next step in his coaching career, I know it will be a successful one. In my time in coaching Justin is the strongest team leader that I have had the opportunity to coach. I know he will take that same skill back to Arizona as he continues his journey," said Knights Head Coach Jeremy Kennedy.

Balich has accepted the Head Assistant position and will get the opportunity to recruit for the first year program. Justin will be back in Texas in January when the Eagles take on Northwood foes; Wayland Baptist University and Lubbock Christian University.

Knights Clubhouse Completed

The Knights will have a nice Christmas present to come back to in January when the team returns from the Christmas Holiday Break.


The new clubhouse was recently completed and will be polished up and ready for a great 2011 season when the team returns on January 10th. The new facility adds two new coaches offices, laundry/storage room, and locker room complete with 33 individual lockers. Along with the indoor space, the building has added significant covered storage for field maintenance equipment.


The Knights open their 2011 season on the road at the University of Houston-Victoria. You can catch the Knights at home on February 1st when they take on Southwest Assemblies of God. The Knights will then host the Red River/Sooner Conference challenge starting on February 3rd. The tournament will put RRAC members; Northwood University, Texas Wesleyan University, and LSU-Shreveport against SAC members; Oklahoma City University, Lubbock Christian University, and Wayland Baptist University.

Knights Add Two Quality Arms At Semester

The quality and depth of the Knights 2011 pitching staff will improve with the signing of two semester transfers, Gabe Gutierrez and Landon Stanford.

Gutierrez, a sophomore right handed pitcher, played for NJCAA powerhouse Central Arizona College in 2010. Gutierrez possesses a powerful fastball which got him drafted by the Atlanta Braves in 2009 out of Apollo High School in Phoenix, Arizona. Gutierrez was drafted by Braves Area Scout, Kris Knobenshue who worked on staff with Knight's coaches, Jeremy Kennedy and Bobby Garza, while at Dallas Baptist University.

Right handed pitcher Landon Stanford spent two years as a starter for McClennan College in Waco. Stanford also played alongside Knights outfielder, Nico Taylor, this summer for the TCL's McKinney Marshals.

Both, Gutierrez and Stanford are expected to have a significant impact on the 2011 staff.

The Colors Of Fall At Knights Field

Knights Strength and Conditioning Program

The 2010-2011 Knights are three weeks into their strength and conditioning program. Overall, they will get seven weeks of off season work in before they head home for the Christmas break. The Knight's season starts up on January 28th, when they travel to Victoria, TX to take on the University Of Houston-Victoria Jaguars.

Pitcher Jonathan McDonley

Shortstop JP Cazares Utility Kal Saldana
Center Fielder Kenny Frelow
Third Baseman Garrett Yates
Pitcher Garret Randle
Right Fielder Nico Taylor
Designated Hitter Cutter Forman

Knights Team With MLB Network and The Cal Ripken Foundation

Left to right: Raymond Bergara, Dennis Koenck, Justin Balich, Sean Casey, Adam Humes, Sean Ayala, Jaime Paxton, Cutter Forman, and Humberto Miranda

Before game 3 of the World Series in Arlington, several Knights players and coaches worked alongside Major League Baseball and the Cal Ripken Foundation to put on a youth baseball camp. The camp, which was free to the public, is a one of many activities that the World Series has brougth to the DFW area this week.

Knights with Orlando Hudson

Knights Fall World Series Begins Wednesday

The annual Knights Fall World Series will begin Wednesday at approximately 3pm. This years series matches Coach Garza's squad vs Coach Balich's squad.

The three game series will be played Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday(if necessary).

Arroyo Named NBC World Series All-American

New Knight signee, Edwin Arroyo, was recently named to the NBC World Series All-American Team after his Liberal BeeJays won the World Series in Wichita, Kansas Friday night. Arroyo was named the first team second baseman.

C - Jose Behar, Sedalia (MO) Bombers

C - Ben Harty, Haysville (KS) Heat

1B - Blake Bergeron, Liberal (KS) Bee Jays

2B - Edwin Arroyo, Liberal (KS) Bee Jays

3B - Chris Vopenik, Gunnison (CO) Colts

SS - Derek Jennings, Seattle (WA) Studs

OF - Gary Owen, Haysville (KS) Heat

OF - Aaron Bauman, Denver (CO) Cougars

OF - Matthew Young, San Diego (CA) Stars

UT - Joe Vaskas, Liberal (KS) Bee Jays

UT - Shain Stoner, San Diego (CA) Stars

DH - Mike Olsen, Denver (CO) Cougars

P - Taylor Thompson, Seattle (WA) Studs

P - Paul Gonzalez, Liberal (KS) Bee Jays

P - Kyle Cremers, Haysville (KS) Heat

P - Jesse Meaux, Santa Barbara (CA) Foresters

P - Adam Maddox, St. Joe (MO) Mustangs

Manager - John Martin, Liberal (KS) Bee Jays

Isabel Moved

Former Knight and current NY Yankee farmhand, George Isabel, received his first promotion this week as he was moved from the Dominican Summer League to the Yankee's Rookie League team in Florida.

Isabel received this promotion after dominating the DSL in 6 appearances. Isabel is one of two Knights currently playing professional baseball as RJ Harris is in his second season with the New York Mets organization.

Two Knights Still Alive At NBC World Series

Edwin Arroyo's Liberal Bee Jays and Chase Campell's League City Hornets are still alive after Friday at the NBC World Series in Wichita, Kansas.

Arroyo is hitting at a .300 clip through two victories. In his first game of the tourney he went 3-5 with a double and stolen base in a 9-7 victory over the San Diego Force. Arroyo is leading off and playing second base for the Bee Jays. There is another former Bee Jay middle infielder making a home in the DFW Metroplex, as Texas Ranger second baseman, Ian Kinsler was once a Bee Jay.

Campbell started the Hornets first game on the mound in the NBC earlier this week. Chase went 3.2 innings, giving up 7 runs on 5 hits, 4 walks, and 2 hit batters. The Hornets are currently 2-1 in the double elimination tournament.

Isabel Dominating Through First 5 Outings

Former Knight, George Isabel, has dominated the competition at the Rookie League level for the New York Yankees. Isabel, who made huge strides in his only year as a Knight, has been nearly unhittable through 11 innings of work in his first professional season.

The Yankees are taking it slow with George, to this point he as thrown once a week out of the pen. His latest outing was his longest as he went 3 innings, giving up one run on one hit, no walks and 5 punchouts.

Through his first 5 outings opponents are hitting just .175 while striking out 16 times to just 4 walks.

Knights Well Represented At NBC World Series

Several current and future Knights are playing in the NBC World Series over the next several days in Wichita, KS. The annual tournament brings together collegiate summer teams from around the country to compete for a National Championship. The storied tournament has alumni including the likes of Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Dave Winfield, Joe Carter, Ozzie Smith, Mark McGuire, and many many more.

Brendan Fleming....Red Shirt Freshman...RHP...Katy Collegians

Chase Campbell...Red Shirt Sophomore...RHP...League City Hornets

Edwin Arroyo...Junior...2B/SS...Liberal Bee Jays

Trent Montgomery...Senior...RHP...San Diego Waves

2010-2011 Recruiting Class Released

Name/Position/Previous School/Hometown/Classification

---brief description

Scott Tabrett/Corner Infield/Indiana Tech/New South Wales, Australia/Sr.

---big left handed bat that can play either corner infield position/middle of order type hitter

Edwin Arroyo/Middle Infielder/Clarendon College/Prujillo, Puerto Rico/Jr.

(Region 5 Player of the Year/NJCAA All-American 2nd Team)

---switch hitting middle infielder/great glove and proven leadoff hitter

Deric Hawkins/1B, OF/San Jacinto College/Houston, TX/Jr.

(2009 NJCAA All-American 2nd Team/2010 NJCAA National Runner Up)

---big left handed bat/can play outfield or first base/middle of order type hitter

Niko Taylor/Outfield/Texas State/McKinney, TX/So.

---big physical right handed hitter/corner outfielder/gap to gap power

Brad Padia/Utility/San Jacinto College/Hurst, TX/Jr.

(2010 NJCAA National Runner Up)

---big left handed bat/can play corner infield, outfield, and can catch

Will Fontnow/Outfield/San Jacinto College/Vidor, TX/Jr.

(2010 NJCAA National Runner Up)

---left handed hitter/table setter/can play any outfield position

Kenny Frelow/Outfielder/Magnolia HS/Magnolia, TX/Fr.
---right handed hitting center fielder/great defender/raw power/bright future

Garrett Yates/Infield/Jefferson College/Plano, TX/Jr.

---right handed hitter/utility infielder/hard nosed, experienced player

Isaac Maturino/Infielder/South Grand Prairie HS/Grand Prairie, TX/Fr.

---right handed hitter/middle infielder/hard nosed player/exciting future

Dennis Koenck/Utility/Bellaire HS/Houston, TX/Fr.

---switch hitter/physical hitter/untapped potential

Colton Brown/Outfield/Haltom HS/Haltom, TX/Fr.

---explosive athlete/high school quarterback

Tino Stewart/Outfield/Crowley HS/Forth Worth, TX/Fr.

---right handed hitter/explosive athlete/speed guy

Gage Grady/Outfield/LD Bell HS/Hurst, TX/Fr.

---left handed hitter/fundamental player

Edgar Valle/RHP/Cisco College/Miami, FL/So.

---powerful arm/huge upside/potential to have major impact on staff

Taylor Snodgrass/LHP, OF/Howard College/Lubbock, TX/Jr.

---left handed hitter/leadoff type hitter/will compete for innings in the outfield as well as on the mound

Jaime Paxton/RHP/LD Bell HS/Hurst, TX/Fr.

---big arm/high ceiling/potential to contribute as a freshman

Nick Harrison/RHP/UT-Tyler/Whitehouse, TX/Jr.
---big arm/one year out of TJ surgery/potential to pitch on weekends

Cole Ramsey/RHP/Willis Point HS/ Willis Point, TX/Fr.
---control pitcher/knows how to pitch/competitor

Brent Corley/LHP/TK Gorman HS/Tyler, TX/Fr.
---big lefty/high ceiling/HS teammate of current Knight Alex Permenter

Alan Traylor/Utl./Southern Arkansas/Dumas, TX/Sr.
---powerful right handed hitter/big arm/will complete at several positions

Knights New Practice Hat For 2010-2011

Knights Sign NJCAA All-American Edwin Arroyo

Knights program added another impact player on Monday with the signing of Clarendon Junior College middle infielder, Edwin Arroyo. Arroyo, from Trujillo, PR is projected to hit at the top of the Knights order and find a home at shortstop or second base.

Arroyo has the ability to play either position as he played short as a freshman and second as a sophomore. After his sophomore campaign he was showered with post season honors as he had the fifth highest batting average in the country.

2nd Team All-American Infielder

Region 5 Co-Player of the Year

Region 5 1st Team Infielder

Region 5 Big Stick Winner

Statistics at Clarendon College

2009 .339 18 doubles 2 triples 21 stolen bases 36 RBI

2010 .486 25 doubles 8 triples 20 stolen bases 58 RBI

Arroyo is currently playing summer ball for the Liberal Bee Jays in the Jayhawk League.

Knights Sign Big Stick In Scott Tabrett

The Knights offense made a big stride in reloading its powerful offense with the signing of corner infielder Scott Tabrett. Tabrett, the South Wales, Australia native, will compete at both third base and first base.

Tabrett has a track record of putting up big offensive numbers. Scott began his playing career at Clarendon Junior College. After two years he signed a baseball scholarship to attend TCU in the fall of 2009. After being declared athletically ineligible due to age technicalities he transferred to Indiana Tech for the spring term. Despite playing through a wrist injury, Tabrett was able to put up good numbers at ITU in only 38 games.

Tabrett, will be looked upon to fill the offensive void of 2nd Team All-American, Justin Coats.

Clarendon College

2008 .443 10 doubles 2 homeruns 34 RBI

2009 .438 11 doubles 15 homeruns 66 RBI

Indiana Tech

2010 .360 11 doubles 7 homeruns 35 RBI (38 games due to injury)

Former Knights Have Big Day

Thursday, July 8th was a big day for two former Knights, RJ Harris and George Isabel, who are currently chasing their dreams in professional baseball.

Isabel, who officially signed on July 8th with the Yankees, made his debut in style. George came out of the pen in the 8th inning and proceeded to strike out the side. Not bad for 1st game jitters. Isabel then came back and finished the 9th, over two inning of work he surrendered no runs on one hit, three strike outs and more importantly, no walks.

Harris, who quickly received a promotion to class A, Savannah in June, had his biggest night of the season as he went 2 for 3 with 3 runs scored a home run and 2 RBI.

Isabel Signs With Yankees

George Isabel,who just finished his junior year at Northwood University signed a minor league contract today with the New York Yankees. Isabel was in the Dominican Republic when he was offered a free agent contract and accepted.

Isabel, a Manhattan, NY native and transfer from Garden City Community College, had a good year for the Knights.

3.83 ERA 40 IP 48 K's .181 OBA

Isabel's year is best summed up as "constant improvement." After a rocky start, he was able to persevere through major mechanical changes. Through very hard work and dedication to improvement he was able to realize his childhood dream. "I don't know how many times I've heard people talk about my potential and I feel like today I took a huge step in reaching that potential I thought at times was unreachable," said Isabel.

Isabel is the second Knight to be recently signed by a New York team as former Knight RJ Harris was drafted in the 14th round a year ago by the New York Mets.

Knight's Pitchers Excelling In Canadian Summer League

Kane Kimrey(RRAC Pitcher of the Year), Corey Sartor, and Sean Ayala are experiencing great success this summer for the Melville Millionaires of the Western Major Baseball League in Canada.

Kimrey, coming off a great junior season for the Knights has pitched like an Ace once again for the Millionaires. 4-1 1.92 ERA with 26 K's and 3 BB in 23 innnings pitched.

Sartor, a mainstay out of the pen for the Knights, has been Mr. Consistent for the Millionaires. 3 saves 16 innings 1.62 ERA 15 K's 3 BB.


Ayala has also been consistent after a rough debut. 25 innings 16 K's 11 BB 4.21 ERA.

All three are expected to have major roles in 2011 at NU.

Knights Sign A Trio Of San Jacinto Gators

The Knights baseball team made significant improvements today with the addition of three San Jac Gators; Brad Padia, Will Fontnow, and Deric Hawkins. The Gators had a great year finishing runner up in the NJCAA World Series in Grand Junction, Colorado as all three signees played significant roles in their team's success.

Padia, a utility player from Grapevine, Tx is expected to compete at a variety of positions. He has the ability to catch, play corner infield, and outfield. Padia's biggest asset is his left handed bat. In 2010 Brad hit .330 with 9 doubles and 2 homeruns; after hitting .360 with 12 doubles in 2009. Padia transfered to San Jacinto from The University of San Diego.

Fontnow, an outfielder from Vidor, Tx hit 2nd for the Gators as they made their run through the World Series. Will, a left handed hitter, is expected to find a home in left or center field. In 2010 Will was the second leading hitter for the Gators; .366 12 doubles 8-8 stolen bases.

Hawkins, also a left handed swinger from St. Pius HS in Houston, Tx held down center field in his freshman year and played first base in 2010. In 2009 Hawkins was named Second Team NJCAA All-American after hitting .402 with 12 doubles, 22 Home Runs, and 66 RBI. Hawkins is expected to compete at first base and in the outfield while hitting in the middle of the Knight line-up.

Northwood University Announces Plans For New Clubhouse and Indoor Hitting Facility

Northwood University Provost, Dr. Kevin Fagan, announced today that the plan for a new clubhouse and indoor hitting facility will become a reality in 2010-2011.

The facility will include two coaches offices, locker room, and indoor hitting tunnels. It will be located behind the first base dugout where the current NU maintenance shed is located.

This latest improvement project does not have a ground breaking date but will be completed in the 2010-2011 academic year. The clubhouse project will continue NU's commitment to improving the baseball facility.

Recent improvements:
2006: New Infield
2008: New Sprinkler System
2009: New Outfield and Skin on Infield
2010: New Outfield Wall
2010-2011: New Clubhouse/Coaches Offices/Indoor Hitting

Coats Named NAIA Rawlings Gold Glove Second Baseman

Justin Coats continues to get the recognition that he deserves after his outstanding senior campaign as he now adds NAIA Rawlings Gold Glove Winner to his mantel.


Coats fielded .984 after commiting just 4 errors in 243 chances. His performance also set a new NU fielding percentage record for middle infielders. Coats broke the record of .981 set all the way back in 1990 by Mike Coulter.

For more information about the Rawlings Gold Glove Award: www.rawlings.com

Knights Land Two On All American Teams

After a spectacular season for the Knight's, Justin Coats, was honored as an NAIA 2nd Team All-American at second base. Coat's impressive offensive numbers where outdone only by his defensive performance as he made just 4 errors all season.

Also receiving recognition was Knight's outfielder Jeff Sakowski who was named to the Honorable mention All American list.

Coats becomes the third Knight to be honored with a Second Team recognition. In 1990 Brett Petite was a 2nd Teamer behind the plate and in 2000 Russell Lewis was also a 2nd Teamer at second base. Petite signed with the Cubs and Lewis signed with the Red Sox following their standout years.

Coats and Sakowski make the 2nd and 3rd All American honorees since Head Coach Jeremy Kennedy took over in 2008. Carey Crain was selected in 2009 following his record breaking season where he produced 81 RBI.

You can veiw the NAIA All American Teams by clicking on the following link: http://naia.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/060310aaa.html

Richter and Stout Named NAIA Scholar Athletes

Each year the NAIA names all the baseball players from around the country that qualify as a scholar athlete. Winners of the honor must a cumulative GPA between 3.5 and 4.0.

Randy Richter and Chaney Stout both graduated in May. Stout graduated as NU's 2010 valedictorian. This feat was more impressive considering Stout had held down a starting spot in the Knights line-up since his freshman year. He was slowed in his senior year due to chronic back issues.

Both Richter and Stout were instrumental in the programs turnaround, their character and leadership will be missed. The Knight's program is improved because of their contributions over the last four years.

Redding Has Big Debut For Dillas

May 30, 2010 - AMARILLO, TX – In his first professional game, Amarillo Dillas catcher Matt Redding went 2-3 with a double, a run and an RBI to help the Dillas defeat the San Angelo Colts 8-7 on Sunday night in front of 7,512 fans at the Amarillo National Bank Dilla Villa.

Dillas reliever Brent Buffa (1-0) got his first professional win as he allowed one run and two hits in two-and-a-third. Colts starter Chase Vacek (0-1) got the loss in his first professional start as he allowed all eight runs in three innings of work.

The Colts took an early lead in the first as Michael Pettibone scored on an error, Adam Hale brought home a run on an RBI double, while Jason Landreth scored on a wild pitch for a 3-0 lead.

The Dillas struck back in the first as Carlos Figueroa grounded out but brought home a run while TJ Warren singled home Alberto Cruz to bring the deficit to one run. In the second, the Dillas would take the lead as Redding doubled in his first professional at-bat, followed by singles by Adam De La Garza, Jermel Lomack and Joaquin Rodriguez to bring home three runs for a 5-3 lead.

Following a Colts run in the third, Amarillo struck again in the third. After Warren walked and Cory Wine reached on an error, Redding singled home Warren while Wine scored on a De La Garza sacrifice fly. Following a Lomack fielder’s choice, Rodriguez doubled him home for an 8-4 lead.

San Angelo would chip away at the lead with two runs in the fifth and another in the seventh to pull within a run, but the Amarillo relievers wouldn’t let the Colts get back in it. Dane Little shut down the colts in the eighth with two strikeouts, while Geronimo came in to finish off San Angelo with a perfect ninth inning to preserve the 8-7 victory.

With the win, the Dillas improve to 3-1, while the Colts fall to 1-3. Monday, Amarillo faces off against San Angelo for the third game of a four-game series at 7:05pm. The game can be heard on AudioSportsOnline by visiting www.myamarillodillas.com. Game time is tentative and is subject to blackout. Monday’s game is free admission courtesy of the Dillas.

Season tickets are still available and single-game tickets are available for purchase in-person by visiting the Dillas Front Offices at 801 S. Polk St. in downtown Amarillo or over the phone by calling (806) 342-0400. VISA and MasterCard accepted. For more information about season and individual game tickets, game times, promotions, marketing opportunities, full game schedule, and everything else Dillas, visit the “Official Website of the Amarillo Dillas” by logging onto www.myamarillodillas.com.

Knight's Matt Redding Signs Professional Contract

Knight's catcher, Matt Redding, signed with the Amarillo Dillas, of the United League, on Tuesday.

Redding was a two year started for the Knights after transfering in for his junior year. Redding is originally from Pointe Vedra, Florida and began his college career at Chipola College in Florida. While at Chipola Matt was part of a NJCAA National Championship squad.

In his senior campaign Redding hit .386. Redding will report wednesday and quickly hit the road for the season opener thursday at San Angelo.

You can follow Matt with the Dillas at www.myamarillodillas.com

Knights Land 9 Guys On RRAC All-Conference Teams

First Team All Conference
C...Johnny Aldaz jr.
1B...Adam Humes fr.
2B...Justin Coats sr.
OF...Justin Keithley sr.
OF...Jeff Sakowski sr.
UTL...Humberto Miranda sr.
P...Kane Kimrey jr.

Second Team All Conference
3B...JP Cazares jr.
P...Trent Montgomery jr.

Gold Glove Team
2B...Justin Coats sr.
3B...JP Cazares jr.
P...Kane Kimrey jr.

Sakowski and Walker Get RRAC Weekly Awards

WACO, Texas -- Jeff Sakowski of Northwood University (Texas) was recognized for the fourth time this season as the Red River Athletic Conference Baseball Player of the Week, this time for the dates of April 5-11. Kevin Chapman of the University of Texas-Brownsville and Northwood's Darby Walker were selected as the RRAC Baseball Co-Pitchers of the Week for the same dates.

Sakowski, a senior outfielder from Arlington, Texas, pounded out five home runs and drove in at least one run in each game of a 4-1 week for the Knights. His biggest outburst came with four hits, two homers and seven RBIs at the expense of Southwestern Assemblies of God University (Texas) in the second game of a three-game series. Sakowski collected three RBIs in the opener and two more in the final game of a Northwood sweep. He also drove in three runs in a double-header with Southern Nazarene University (Okla.) to bring his RBI total to 15 for the week. He was 10-for-19 at the plate (.526) with a slugging percentage of 1.421. Northwood rose to 35-9 overall and 8-2 in the RRAC North Division.

Walker, a junior right-hander from Irving, Texas, tossed a two-hitter for a 12-0 win over SAGU. He struck out seven hitters in seven innings and took a perfect game into the sixth inning.

Game 3 of Bacone Series Moved To Monday

Game three of the opening conference weekend versus Bacone College has been moved to Monday at 2pm due to inclement weather. The two teams split the first two games of the series.

Knights Settle For Split In 1st Conference Games

Justin Keithley had 11 RBI on the day.

The 2010 Red River Athletic Conference baseball schedule started to day for the Northwood Knights, winners of their last eight and 17 of the last 18 games. The situation was just right for a quick start to the conference season. Bacone College was the only thing standing in their way.
NU sent their ace, Trent Montgomery, to the mound in game one. BC scored two runs in the first to take a quick 2-0 lead. Northwood responded with a run in the second as Shane Bagley scored on a sacrifice fly by Matthew Redding. Bacone added single runs in the third and fourth innings to extend their lead to 4-1.
After two walks and a single, Justin Keithley delivered a bases loaded double to center to tie the score at 4-4. The rally was shortlived as Bacone scored four runs in the fifth against Montgomery. Corey Sartor came on in relief of Montgomey but the Knights couldn't overcome the deficit, losing the first game 8-5.
The Knights redeemed themselves in the second game as they pounded out 22 runs on 18 hits, 11 for extra bases. In the second inning, NU scored five runs on four hits including another bases loaded double by Keithley. Justin Coats followed with a double to score Keithley. BC rallied with eight runs in the third against starter Kane Kimrey. Down 8-5, the Knights responded with three more runs to tie the score.
With the game tied at 10-10, the Knights finally put BC away with a nine run fifth inning. Keithley remained the hot hitter with an RBI double and a three-run homerun in the inning. Coats added a two-run homerun to left-center. Johnny Aldaz put the game away with a two-run homerun, his second homer of the game, as the Knights cruised to a 22-10 victory.

Justin Coats Named National Player of the Week

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Bennett Whitmore of Concordia (Calif.) has been named the NAIA National Baseball Pitcher of the Week and Justin Coats of Northwood (Texas) has been NAIA National Baseball Player of the Week, the National Office announced Tuesday. Whitmore and Coats are the first honorees of the 2010 season based on their performances from March 8-14. The pair was chosen out of a pool of conference player of the week selections among 20 conferences.

Whitmore improved to 5-1 with a 2.84 ERA in 7.1 shutout frames in Concordia's 4-0 upset of second-ranked Point Loma Nazarene (Calif.). The senior hailing from Fresno, Calif., equaled a season-high with 10 strikeouts.

The leftie ranks first nationally in innings pitched (50.2), third in wins (5), sixth in total batters struck out (44) and 10th in inning pitched per game (7.238).

Coats helped lead the No. 25 Knights to six wins last week, totaling 10 hits in 16 at-bats (.625). He had one triple and three home runs, driving in 16 runs.

A senior second basemen from Texarkana, Texas, Coats is ranked ninth nationally in total runs scored (30).

The next Player of the Week announcement will be on March 23.

Coats and Abbl Named RRAC Player and Pitcher Of The Week

WACO, Texas -- Justin Coats of Northwood University (Texas) stood out as the Red River Athletic Conference Baseball Player of the Week for March 8-14, while Northwood's Frank Abbl and Michael Kline of Bacone College (Okla.) were named RRAC Co-Pitchers of the Week for the same dates.

Coats, a senior second baseman from Texarkana, Texas, drove in 16 runs on 10 hits as the Knights went 6-0 last week. He started the week with a pair of home runs and six RBIs in a 13-3 win over Texas College. On Friday, Coats continued with a 4-for-5 performance with five RBIs in a double-header sweep of the University of St. Mary (Kan.). He followed with another home run and four more RBIs as Northwood took another pair of games from St. Mary on Saturday. For the week, Coats batted .625 and scored nine runs. The Knights moved to 21-6 on the season.

Abbl, a junior right-hander from Wilcox, Ariz., made his first start of the year after returning from shoulder surgery and combined with the Knights' Corey Sartor on a five-inning no-hitter. For his part, Abbl threw four innings with four strikeouts and a walk en route to a 16-1 victory over Texas College.