Matt Speake hasn’t pitched like he’s capable of this season, but he pitched well enough to win.
The New Mexico Junior College sophomore did it again Tuesday morning in the Thunderbirds’ 12-9 victory over Cowley County (Kan.) Community College in the Alpine Bank Junior College World Series at Suplizio Field.
“(Speake) had a good freshman year,” New Mexico coach Ray Birmingham said. “He’s not having a great year this year, but he’s pitched good for us.
“He still hasn’t shown his slider. He struck out 120 last year, mostly with that pitch. We’ve looked under the bed, in the closet and can’t find it. If anyone knows where his slider’s at, call us.”
Even without it, Speake (11-2) was able to limit Cowley County, the 15th best hitting team in the country, to three earned runs on seven hits in 51⁄3 innings.
The right-hander did show his toughness in the fifth inning.
With two runs in, two outs and one runner on base, the Tigers’ Jason Sowers hit a line drive back at Speake, knocking him down in front of the mound.
Birmingham ran out, concerned for his pitcher’s well-being, but Speake popped back up and struck out the next batter on four pitches to end the inning and preserve New Mexico’s 4-3 lead.
“I tried to brace for it and keep it in front of me,” said Speake of the line drive that hit him on his right hand. “My adrenaline helped a lot. I didn’t feel it.”
The Thunderbirds gave Speake a lift with a four-run sixth inning, including a two-run home run by Luis Cruz for a 8-3 lead.
Cowley County chipped away at the lead again and got within two runs in the eighth but Trevor Harden, New Mexico’s starter in its World Series opener, came in to get the final two outs.
Harden worked through the ninth to pick up the save in his first outing in relief.
Harden, Speake and David Carpenter had plenty of run support from the offense, which leads the nation in hitting (.429 entering the World Series).
Kevin Atkinson was 3 for 6 with three RBI and a solo home run. Adalberto Santos was 2 for 6 with two RBI and a solo home run.
“We emphasize hitting,” Santos said. “At some point, our pitching and defense will catch up. When it does, no one will touch us.”
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Allen Gemaehlich can be reached via e-mail at agemaehlich@gjds.com.
