Feb. 24, 2001

Game 1 Box Score
Game 2 Box Score

COLLEGE STATION, Texas -- Defending Big 12 champion Baylor began its title defense Saturday by sweeping a doubleheader from rival Texas A&M, winning 2-1 in 11 innings and 11-5.

With the sweep, the Bears improve to 11-3 overall, 2-0 in conference play, while the Aggies fall to 3-7 overall, 0-2 in Big 12 action.

Freshman David Murphy smacked a single to left field and drove in the winning run in game one to break a 1-1 deadlock and give the Bears the 2-1, 11-innings victory Saturday afternoon at Olsen Field.

In the nightcap, Mark Saccomanno went 3-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI to pace a 10-hit attack for the Bears. Baylor led 2-0 and 4-2 before taking a 6-5 lead into the eighth inning. The Bears put the game away with a run in the eighth and a four in the ninth, keyed by Kelly Shoppach's bases-loaded triple.

Starter Josh Scott (2-1) picked up the win with seven innings of work, while Paul Thorpe pitched a pair of scoreless frames for his first save. A&M starter Joe Hart (1-1) allowed six runs on five hits in 4 1/3 innings for the loss.

After two scoreless innings in game one, Baylor jumped on the board with a run in the third. Mark Saccomanno reached base on an error by the shortstop and Chris Durbin walked to put runners in scoring position. Kelly Shoppach, who was 3-for-5 on the day, singled in Saccomanno to put the Bears up 1-0.

Although the Aggies countered with a run in the seventh, the teams would be tied at 1-1 headed into the 11th inning. With two outs, Bears rightfielder Steve Dorneman singled and then stole second. Saccomanno walked to put runners at first and second and set up Murphy's single to score the game-winning run.

Closer Zane Carlson came on in the bottom of the 11th to strike out the side and preserve the win.

Junior righty Justin Taylor (2-1) got the win for Baylor, while Carlson earned his second save of the season. Texas A&M reliever Chris Russ (1-1) took the loss.

The Bears and Aggies conclude their three-game series Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Baylor Ballpark.