Friday, March 31
Illinois 9 Purdue 7
Illini 1B Dave Schultz goes 3 for 4 with 2 RBI. Brian Blomquist earns the win and improves to 2-2. Matt Whitmore gets save number five. Purdue's offense is led by SS Mitch Hilligoss and Eric Wolfe with three hits a piece.
Michigan State 17 Indiana 7
Steve Gerstenberger was 5 for 5 with six RBI, scored three times and steals his second base of the year in leading the Spartans offense. MSU OF Ryan Basham goes 4 for 4 (one hit was his second homer), scores three, drives in three and steals a base, as well. IU's offense was led by LF Jay Brandt who homered (his third), had two hits, two runs, two RBI and stole two bases.
Ohio State 12 Iowa 5
Buckeye 2B Jason Zoeller hit a triple and a homer, knocked in three OSU runs and scored twice to pace the Ohio State attack. Zoeller was one of six Buckeyes to collect two hits on the day. OSU starting pitcher Dan DeLucia improved to 4-1. Iowa CF Nate Price went 4 for 5 and scored three runs.
Michigan 6 Northwestern 2
Craig Murray (3-1) tossed a complete game to open Big Ten play for the Wolverines. The righthander fanned seven Wildcats, walked only one and yielded nine hits in his nine innings of work. Doug Pickens and Derek VanBuskirk each had a pair of hits to lead the Michigan offense. Caleb Fields and Anthony Wycklendt each banged out a pair of hits for NU.
Penn State 7 Minnesota 3
The Nittany Lions opened the Big Ten campaign with a big road win at Minnesota. DH James Leitgeb had two hits and two RBI for Penn State. Lance Thompson, Scott Gaffney and Brian Ernst each had two hits for PSU. Gary Amato got the win in relief. Sean Kommerstad had a pair of hits for the Gophers.
Saturday, April 1
Illinois 3 Purdue 2 (Game One)
Purdue 10 Illinois 4 (Game Two)
Righthander Jake Toohey (2-2) pitched six innings of seven hit ball in the opener. Illinois closer Matt Whitmore got his second save in as many games. Eric Wolfe had another two hit contest for the Boilermakers.
In game two, Wolfe went 3 for 3 while Purdue DH Jordan Comadena hit his first homer and drove in three Boilermaker tallies. Brent Courdon improved to 2-2 on the year. Lars Davis and Dominic Altobelli each had a pair of hits for Illinois. Illini SS Shawn Roof stole three bases in the doubleheader.
Michigan State 2 Indiana 1 (Game One)
Indiana 12 Michigan State 7 (Game Two)
MSU's Jeff Gerbe pitched a seven inning complete game. He allowed four hits and no earned runs. Alan Cattrysse and Sean Walker drove in the Spartans runs.
IU CF Reggie Watson led the Hoosiers offensive charge in the nightcap. Watson went 4 for 4, scored twice, knocked in two and stole two bases. DH Cameron Satterwhite had three hits, three runs and two RBI. Joe Vicini notched his third triumph of the year. MSU freshman catcher Kyle Day went 3 for 3.
Iowa 7 Ohio State 1 (Game One)
Ohio State 6 Iowa 4 (Game Two)
Senior Jeff Maitland went the distance yielding only eight hits over seven innings and allowing one walk. The win moved Maitland's record to 3-0. Iowa SS Jason White had a pair of hits and scored twice. OSU's Jason Zoeller had two more hits as did 1B Eric Fryer.
In the nightcap, Fryer moved back behind the dish and drove in a pair of OSU runs and did DH Adam Schneider. Cory Luebke (3-2) pitched six innings fanning six and allowing nine hits. Rory Meister came in an notched his third save.
Northwestern 5 Michigan 0 (Game One)
Northwestern 4 Michigan 2 (Game Two)
Wildcat starters Dan Brauer and George Kontos each pitched complete game triumphs in the doubleheader sweep. Brauer (1-1) allowed five hits, four walks, but no runs in the seven inning shutout. Michigan lefty Paul Hammond also went the distance, but his offense couldn't crack Brauer's dominance. Antonio Mule had two hits for NU. Nate Recknagel did the same for U of M.
Kontos picked up in the second game where Brauer left off. The NU righthander tossed his own seven inning complete game allowing seven hits and both Michigan runs. Surprisingly, it was Kontos first win of the year (1-5). Northwestern SS Tommy Finn drove in two runs. Michigan CF Eric Rose had a pair of doubles amongst his three hits.
Penn State 12 Minnesota 2 (Game One)
Minnesota 5 Penn State 0 (Game Two)
PSU 2B Matt Cavagnaro homered and drove in five runs to lead PSU over Minnesota in game one. Cory Wine drove in two and had three safties in the opener for Penn State. Mark Wyner pitched a complete game for the Nittany Lions. In seven innings, Wyner struck out nine Gopher batters, giving up the two Minnesota runs while allowing only three hits and three walks.
Minnesota avoided the doubleheader sweep primarly behind the relief work of Tyler Oakes. In five innings of relief work, Oakes allowed the only Nittany Lion hit of the game, issued only a single free pass and yielded no runs. Andy Hunter and Kyle Baran each drove in a pair of Gopher runs. Baran had four RBI in the doubleheader.
Sunday, April 2 (as of now)
Purdue @ Illinois
Michigan State 9 Indiana 8, 10 inn.
In a game I actually saw (more on that in a later post), the Go-Go Hoosiers couldn't catch the Spartans. After watching IU tie the score by plating runs in the eighth (2) and ninth, MSU's Steve Gerstenberger tripled in the tenth and advanced home on a wild pitch to win the game.
The two teams combined to steal eleven bases on fifteen attempts. IU's Jay Brant, Reggie Watson and Keith Haas had two a piece. Adam Tripp homered for MSU and was one of three Spartans with two RBI on the day. Freshman Kyle Day had three Spartan hits. David Treager had three hits for the Hoosiers and DH Cameron Satterwhite went yard for IU in the loss.
Ohio State 15 Iowa 1
The Buckeyes offense returned to high gear Sunday afternoon. Ronnie Bourquin went 4 for 4 with three RBI to lead the potent OSU attack. Bourquin, Jacob Howell (three hits, two RBI) and Jedidiah Stephen (two hits, three RBI) each homered for Ohio State. Freshman sensation J.B. Shuck moved to 4-0 on the year. Shuck pitched eight innings of one hit, one run baseball, while striking out eight Hawkeyes.
Northwestern @ Michigan
Penn State @ Minnesota
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Girl Meets College Baseball
Blogger extraordinare Samara apparently ventured out to Ray Fisher Stadium last weekend for Michigan's homestand. Go check out her review of the game (in spite of her shots at my guys from Oakland University) and her great photos. I think I may have to add her to the staff at BTH.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Conference Action Begins
It's another sign that spring must be here--Big Ten Conference baseball play has finally arrived. This weekend's opening slate of games looks like this:
Indiana (7-11) @ Michigan State (9-9)
Northwestern (3-15) @ Michigan (11-7)
Purdue (11-6) @ Illinois (11-6)
Ohio State (12-5) @ Iowa (10-8)
Penn State (4-16) @ Minnesota (10-8)
If forced to select the series of the weekend, I'd take the battle between Purdue and Illinois. The Boilermakers have been steady throughout the pre-season. Amongst their early victories is a triumph over # 7 North Carolina. The Illini enter the Big Ten portion of their schedule red hot. They are returning home from a 7-0 road trip.
Friday's opener features two of the best arms in the conference. In a battle of righthanders, Illinois' Brian Blomquist (1-2) takes on Purdue's Jay Buente (3-0). Blomquist, a pre-season all-conference selection, has a 2.16 ERA. Buente's 1.70 ERA is good for third in the Big Ten, while his 36 strikeouts pace the conference.
In the other games, conference leader Ohio State travels to Iowa. If the Hawkeyes' starters, led by Jeff Maitland (2-0, 2.30), can keep the Buckeyes' bats in check until closer Tim Gudex arrives, then Iowa may prove triumphant. Gudex is leading the Big Ten in wins (3) and saves (4). However, not only does OSU lead the conference in team batting average, but the Buckeyes pitching staff leads the Big Ten in team ERA, as well.
Freshman J.B. Shuck leads the entire conference in ERA at a dazzling 1.12. OSU sophomore Cory Luebke is ninth overall at 2.96. Friday starter Dan DeLucia has three wins and is holding opponents to a .228 batting average. Both Shuck and DeLucia are tied for the conference lead in wins.
I'll defer to each university's weekly release (see link on school above) for previews on the Wolverines playing host to NU, the Hoosiers trip to East Lansing and Penn State's visit to Minnesota. I would, however, like to provide a few additional links for your reading pleasure.
David Murray of the Michigan Daily provides this inspirational story on Michigan walk-on Matt Fisher. Daily Collegian staff writers Corey Mclaughlin and Chris Weeden look ahead to Penn State's Big Ten schedule.
Brandon Castel of The Lantern provides a recap of Ohio State's midweek home win over Toledo. Butler's 6-5 win over Indiana is the topic of review by Jake Brown of the Indiana Daily Student. Enjoy the weekend.
Indiana (7-11) @ Michigan State (9-9)
Northwestern (3-15) @ Michigan (11-7)
Purdue (11-6) @ Illinois (11-6)
Ohio State (12-5) @ Iowa (10-8)
Penn State (4-16) @ Minnesota (10-8)
If forced to select the series of the weekend, I'd take the battle between Purdue and Illinois. The Boilermakers have been steady throughout the pre-season. Amongst their early victories is a triumph over # 7 North Carolina. The Illini enter the Big Ten portion of their schedule red hot. They are returning home from a 7-0 road trip.
Friday's opener features two of the best arms in the conference. In a battle of righthanders, Illinois' Brian Blomquist (1-2) takes on Purdue's Jay Buente (3-0). Blomquist, a pre-season all-conference selection, has a 2.16 ERA. Buente's 1.70 ERA is good for third in the Big Ten, while his 36 strikeouts pace the conference.
In the other games, conference leader Ohio State travels to Iowa. If the Hawkeyes' starters, led by Jeff Maitland (2-0, 2.30), can keep the Buckeyes' bats in check until closer Tim Gudex arrives, then Iowa may prove triumphant. Gudex is leading the Big Ten in wins (3) and saves (4). However, not only does OSU lead the conference in team batting average, but the Buckeyes pitching staff leads the Big Ten in team ERA, as well.
Freshman J.B. Shuck leads the entire conference in ERA at a dazzling 1.12. OSU sophomore Cory Luebke is ninth overall at 2.96. Friday starter Dan DeLucia has three wins and is holding opponents to a .228 batting average. Both Shuck and DeLucia are tied for the conference lead in wins.
I'll defer to each university's weekly release (see link on school above) for previews on the Wolverines playing host to NU, the Hoosiers trip to East Lansing and Penn State's visit to Minnesota. I would, however, like to provide a few additional links for your reading pleasure.
David Murray of the Michigan Daily provides this inspirational story on Michigan walk-on Matt Fisher. Daily Collegian staff writers Corey Mclaughlin and Chris Weeden look ahead to Penn State's Big Ten schedule.
Brandon Castel of The Lantern provides a recap of Ohio State's midweek home win over Toledo. Butler's 6-5 win over Indiana is the topic of review by Jake Brown of the Indiana Daily Student. Enjoy the weekend.
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Quick Saturday Recap
Zach Boswell goes 2 for 4 with a pair of RBI in leading Indiana past Hartford, 4-2. Iowa splits a doubleheader with IUPUI-Ft. Wayne. The first contest went the Hawkeyes way, 5-1, but the second affair was Ft. Wayne's, 1-0, in ten innings. Jeff Maitland improved to 2-0 on the year in the opener allowing six hits in seven innings while fanning seven. (That's far too long a sentence. My apologies.)
Michigan State dropped Western Illinois, 7-0. Ryan Basham had three RBI and two hits on the afternoon. Minnesota beat Missouri State, 11-5. Mike Mee and Andy Hunter each had three hits and Jeff DeSmidt and Sean Kommerstad had three RBI a piece.
Ohio State swept a doubleheader from Vermont. The Buckeyes took game one, 14-1. Game two saw OSU prevail, 6-5. Big Ten Player of the Week Ronnie Bourquin had three hits and drove in five in the opener. Wes Schirtzinger had two hits and the GWRBI in the nightcap. Purdue pounded Chicago State, 16-6. Ryne White had three hits, including his first homerun, and four RBI. Neal Gorka also went yard for the Boilermakers.
In the last score I have been able to track down, Michigan slipped past Oakland, 9-8. Mike Schmidt had a homer amongst his three hits for the Wolverines. The teams will play a doubleheader tomorrow as poor weather forced one of today's tilts to be moved.
Michigan State dropped Western Illinois, 7-0. Ryan Basham had three RBI and two hits on the afternoon. Minnesota beat Missouri State, 11-5. Mike Mee and Andy Hunter each had three hits and Jeff DeSmidt and Sean Kommerstad had three RBI a piece.
Ohio State swept a doubleheader from Vermont. The Buckeyes took game one, 14-1. Game two saw OSU prevail, 6-5. Big Ten Player of the Week Ronnie Bourquin had three hits and drove in five in the opener. Wes Schirtzinger had two hits and the GWRBI in the nightcap. Purdue pounded Chicago State, 16-6. Ryne White had three hits, including his first homerun, and four RBI. Neal Gorka also went yard for the Boilermakers.
In the last score I have been able to track down, Michigan slipped past Oakland, 9-8. Mike Schmidt had a homer amongst his three hits for the Wolverines. The teams will play a doubleheader tomorrow as poor weather forced one of today's tilts to be moved.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Links For The Weekend
I've decided to stay up a bit longer and provide some links to the weekend's games. The national perspectives aren't available until tomorrow, so they go missing tonight. Games of note to me, Northwestern at Pepperdine and Penn State's visit to Arizona State. Two Big Ten clubs facing off against a couple of traditional college baseball powers.
I'm also intrigued by Minnesota's battle with Missouri State. Didn't the Bears knock Ohio State out of the NCAA field a few years back? Back when they were still Southwest Missouri State? Seems to me like they did. Maybe a Buckeye or Bear baseball follower can confirm my recollection?
Friday 03/24/06
Illinois @ Cornell 9:30 AM
Ohio State @ Vermont 10:00 AM
Northwestern @ Pepperdine 12:00 PM
Ohio State @ Vermont 1:00 PM (Game Two)
Hartford @ Indiana 3:00 PM
Oakland @ Michigan 3:05 PM
Minnesota @ Missouri State 7:00 PM
Penn State @ Arizona State 9:00 PM
Saturday 03/25/06
Northwestern @ Pepperdine 11:00 AM
Western Illinois @ Michigan State 12:00 PM
Chicago State @ Purdue 1:00 PM
IUPU-Fort Wayne @ Iowa 1:00 PM
Oakland @ Michigan 1:05 PM
Minnesota @ Missouri State 2:00 PM
Michigan State @ Western Illinois 2:00 PM
Hartford @ Indiana 3:00 PM
Chicago State @ Purdue 3:30 PM (Game Two)
Penn State @ Arizona State 6:00 PM
Oakland @ Michigan TBA (Game Two)
IUPUI-Fort Wayne @ Iowa TBA (Game Two)
Sunday 03/26/06
Northwestern @ Pepperdine 11:00 AM
Hartford @ Indiana 12:00 PM
Western Illinois @ Michigan State 12:00 PM
Penn State @ Arizona State 12:00 PM
IUPU-Fort Wayne @ Iowa 1:00 PM
Chicago State @ Purdue 1:00 PM
Minnesota @ Missouri State 1:00 PM
Oakland @ Michigan 1:05 PM
I'm also intrigued by Minnesota's battle with Missouri State. Didn't the Bears knock Ohio State out of the NCAA field a few years back? Back when they were still Southwest Missouri State? Seems to me like they did. Maybe a Buckeye or Bear baseball follower can confirm my recollection?
Friday 03/24/06
Illinois @ Cornell 9:30 AM
Ohio State @ Vermont 10:00 AM
Northwestern @ Pepperdine 12:00 PM
Ohio State @ Vermont 1:00 PM (Game Two)
Hartford @ Indiana 3:00 PM
Oakland @ Michigan 3:05 PM
Minnesota @ Missouri State 7:00 PM
Penn State @ Arizona State 9:00 PM
Saturday 03/25/06
Northwestern @ Pepperdine 11:00 AM
Western Illinois @ Michigan State 12:00 PM
Chicago State @ Purdue 1:00 PM
IUPU-Fort Wayne @ Iowa 1:00 PM
Oakland @ Michigan 1:05 PM
Minnesota @ Missouri State 2:00 PM
Michigan State @ Western Illinois 2:00 PM
Hartford @ Indiana 3:00 PM
Chicago State @ Purdue 3:30 PM (Game Two)
Penn State @ Arizona State 6:00 PM
Oakland @ Michigan TBA (Game Two)
IUPUI-Fort Wayne @ Iowa TBA (Game Two)
Sunday 03/26/06
Northwestern @ Pepperdine 11:00 AM
Hartford @ Indiana 12:00 PM
Western Illinois @ Michigan State 12:00 PM
Penn State @ Arizona State 12:00 PM
IUPU-Fort Wayne @ Iowa 1:00 PM
Chicago State @ Purdue 1:00 PM
Minnesota @ Missouri State 1:00 PM
Oakland @ Michigan 1:05 PM
Back To Blogging
I'll never catch up on my week long absence, so instead of explaining or whining over my departure, I think I'll just pick up my baseball blogging where I left off. Here are some Big Ten baseball links I've stumbled upon.
The Daily Collegian's Chris Weeden looks at Penn State's red hot hitting Scott Gummo. Ryan Long of The Daily Iowan notes the Hawkeyes are still looking to go yard.
Of course, as spring reaches this portion of the world after the teams arrive, the cancellations and postponed games appear with greater frequency. IU vs. Valpo, Iowa vs. IPFW, Purdue vs. Indiana State and Penn State's home opener vs. Bucknell all got affected by the elements. No, I won't begin ranting about the inequity of it all. Not today, anyway.
Somewhat to my surprise, I see Purdue garnered some Top 25 votes in the coaches poll. Sure, it's only seven votes, but if the Boilermakers can keep up their early season pace, I would suspect a Top 25 spot isn't out of the question.
I'll apologize in advance to both of us as I may not have time for the usual weekend preview link post. I've got a retirement party tomorrow night and various other adult responsibilities to attend to this weekend. I hope to sneak over to Ann Arbor to watch Oakland (the school that let me in) and Michigan do battle Saturday afternoon. If I make it out to Ray Fisher Stadium, hopefully, I'll have some photos to share. As always, thanks for stopping in.
The Daily Collegian's Chris Weeden looks at Penn State's red hot hitting Scott Gummo. Ryan Long of The Daily Iowan notes the Hawkeyes are still looking to go yard.
Of course, as spring reaches this portion of the world after the teams arrive, the cancellations and postponed games appear with greater frequency. IU vs. Valpo, Iowa vs. IPFW, Purdue vs. Indiana State and Penn State's home opener vs. Bucknell all got affected by the elements. No, I won't begin ranting about the inequity of it all. Not today, anyway.
Somewhat to my surprise, I see Purdue garnered some Top 25 votes in the coaches poll. Sure, it's only seven votes, but if the Boilermakers can keep up their early season pace, I would suspect a Top 25 spot isn't out of the question.
I'll apologize in advance to both of us as I may not have time for the usual weekend preview link post. I've got a retirement party tomorrow night and various other adult responsibilities to attend to this weekend. I hope to sneak over to Ann Arbor to watch Oakland (the school that let me in) and Michigan do battle Saturday afternoon. If I make it out to Ray Fisher Stadium, hopefully, I'll have some photos to share. As always, thanks for stopping in.
Friday, March 17, 2006
The Weekend Ahead
I know the majority of you are far too pre-occupied with March Madness to spend much time here this weekend, but hits have been fairly steady at Big Ten Hardball and I'd like to take this moment to thank those of you who stop in. I've noticed that many visitors are from Big Ten country and I hope that's indicative of the interest in college baseball in this portion of the land. Again, thanks for clicking over.
I've altered the weekend links format just a bit. I've provided the listing by school and not by day. I'm not sure if I like it or not. I'm also including links to some national perspectives. (Although, I suspect my heavy emphasis on linking led to a recent investigation of BTH as a potential spammer. Obviously, I was cleared of all charges.)
Here's what lies ahead for the Big Ten this weekend.
Illinois
Friday vs. Northern Iowa
Saturday vs. Illinois-Chicago
Sunday vs. Massachusetts
Indiana
Friday: Hoosiers 10 Vermont 6 (box)
Saturday vs. Illinois-Chicago
Iowa
Friday vs. Notre Dame (yes, again.)
Michigan
Friday: Wolverines 3 George Washington 0 (box)
Saturday vs. Winthrop
Sunday vs. Wagner
Michigan State
Friday, Saturday & Sunday @ Ohio
Minnesota
Friday, Saturday & Sunday @ Louisiana-Lafayette
Northwestern
Saturday & Sunday @ Santa Clara
Ohio State
Sunday vs. Massachusetts
Purdue
Friday: Boilermakers 7 St. Louis 1 (box)
Saturday & Sunday @ St. Louis
Penn State (.pdf file)
Saturday & Sunday @ Furman
On to the rest of the nation, where Baseball America's Will Kimmey gives his take on the weekend. In Breadcrumbs Back To Omaha, Boyd Nation provides his usual array of stats and his guess at the tournament field. Amongst other things, CSTV.com's Eric Sorenson wonders aloud in his Thursday's Thoughts about the make-up of the tournament field, as well.
Enjoy all the hoops and baseball action.
I've altered the weekend links format just a bit. I've provided the listing by school and not by day. I'm not sure if I like it or not. I'm also including links to some national perspectives. (Although, I suspect my heavy emphasis on linking led to a recent investigation of BTH as a potential spammer. Obviously, I was cleared of all charges.)
Here's what lies ahead for the Big Ten this weekend.
Illinois
Friday vs. Northern Iowa
Saturday vs. Illinois-Chicago
Sunday vs. Massachusetts
Indiana
Friday: Hoosiers 10 Vermont 6 (box)
Saturday vs. Illinois-Chicago
Iowa
Friday vs. Notre Dame (yes, again.)
Michigan
Friday: Wolverines 3 George Washington 0 (box)
Saturday vs. Winthrop
Sunday vs. Wagner
Michigan State
Friday, Saturday & Sunday @ Ohio
Minnesota
Friday, Saturday & Sunday @ Louisiana-Lafayette
Northwestern
Saturday & Sunday @ Santa Clara
Ohio State
Sunday vs. Massachusetts
Purdue
Friday: Boilermakers 7 St. Louis 1 (box)
Saturday & Sunday @ St. Louis
Penn State (.pdf file)
Saturday & Sunday @ Furman
On to the rest of the nation, where Baseball America's Will Kimmey gives his take on the weekend. In Breadcrumbs Back To Omaha, Boyd Nation provides his usual array of stats and his guess at the tournament field. Amongst other things, CSTV.com's Eric Sorenson wonders aloud in his Thursday's Thoughts about the make-up of the tournament field, as well.
Enjoy all the hoops and baseball action.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
IU, Iowa Win
Indiana rolled over Fairfield, 15-2, today. IU's Zach Boswell hit his second homerun of the campaign and collected four RBI. Hoosier 3B Steve Head went 4 for 5. Clint Crosier notched his first win going six innings striking out nine batters.
Travis Sweet's walk-off double led Iowa past Southern Illinois, 4-3. Hawkeye closer Tim Gudex posted his second win.
Travis Sweet's walk-off double led Iowa past Southern Illinois, 4-3. Hawkeye closer Tim Gudex posted his second win.
Radio Waves
Campus Newspaper Coverage
I found three reviews of the Big Ten college baseball weekend from the respective college newspapers.
Jason Grodsky of the Daily Illini pens this review of Illinois' weekend.
Michigan Daily's David Murray looks back on how the Wolverines fared with a special emphasis on Craig Murray's outing.
The week that was for Penn State baseball is recalled by Corey Mclaughlin of the Daily Collegian.
Jason Grodsky of the Daily Illini pens this review of Illinois' weekend.
Michigan Daily's David Murray looks back on how the Wolverines fared with a special emphasis on Craig Murray's outing.
The week that was for Penn State baseball is recalled by Corey Mclaughlin of the Daily Collegian.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Playing Catch Up
I'm pressed for time, but I do want to review what has happened since Saturday. Illinois lost to Notre Dame, 4-2, on Sunday. The Illini got then got pounded on by Texas A&M, 11-1. Josh Lewis pitched a complete game gem as Indiana won on Monday, 3-1, over Northern Iowa. Today, the Hoosiers lost in ten innings to Bradley, 6-5.
Louisiana-Lafayette beat Iowa Sunday, 3-2, and the Hawkeyes fell again Monday. Notre Dame beat Iowa, 6-2. Michigan beat Pacific Sunday by a 13-9 count. Minnesota shoutout Illinois State in the final game of the Metrodome Tournament, 9-0. The Gophers won again today beating New Orleans, 6-4.
Ohio State knocked around Bethune-Cookman on Sunday, 9-1. Saturday's game between Purdue and Missouri that got interrupted by bad weather resumed Sunday and the Tigers prevailed, 22-2. There was another weather delay in the regularly scheduled Sunday contest, but the Boilers rebounded from the earlier pounding and won, 8-6. After taking two of three from the Tigers, Purdue beat Missouri State today, 7-5.
Aaron Markowitz of Penn State was named the Big Ten Pitcher of the Week. Ohio State's Matt Angle got the nod as conference Player of the Week.
Louisiana-Lafayette beat Iowa Sunday, 3-2, and the Hawkeyes fell again Monday. Notre Dame beat Iowa, 6-2. Michigan beat Pacific Sunday by a 13-9 count. Minnesota shoutout Illinois State in the final game of the Metrodome Tournament, 9-0. The Gophers won again today beating New Orleans, 6-4.
Ohio State knocked around Bethune-Cookman on Sunday, 9-1. Saturday's game between Purdue and Missouri that got interrupted by bad weather resumed Sunday and the Tigers prevailed, 22-2. There was another weather delay in the regularly scheduled Sunday contest, but the Boilers rebounded from the earlier pounding and won, 8-6. After taking two of three from the Tigers, Purdue beat Missouri State today, 7-5.
Aaron Markowitz of Penn State was named the Big Ten Pitcher of the Week. Ohio State's Matt Angle got the nod as conference Player of the Week.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Saturday Results And Standouts
It was an ugly Saturday for most of the Big Ten. Texas-San Antonio beat Illinois, 9-3. Notre Dame crushed Iowa, 16-2. Baylor pounded Michigan, 16-0. Rhode Island dropped Michigan State, 7-4. Penn State dropped both ends of their doubleheader with Toledo, 6-5, and Bethune Cookman. Purdue was losing, 5-0, at Missouri before lightning and rain brought the game to a halt.
Two Big Ten teams did prevail Saturday. Minnesota provided a win in shutout fashion over Ball State, 2-0. Ohio State also triumphed beating Northern Iowa, 9-6.
Shy of much overall team success, let's look at some individual performances. Illini 2B Ryan Hastings went 3 for 5. Lars Davis drove in two of Illinois' three tallies. Michigan State SS Troy Krider went 4 for 4. Cole DeVries was the star of Minnesota's victory. The Gopher righthander pitched a complete game four hit shutout. Buckeye SS Jedidiah Stephen went 4 for 4 with a pair of RBI in OSU's win. Stephen is 9 for 12 with seven runs scored and four RBI in Ohio State's three games so far this weekend. (Right now, Stephen looks like the Player of the Week. DeVries and Purdue's Buente will battle for Pitcher of the Week honors.)
From the opposition, UTSA's Lee Todesco had three RBI vs. Illinois. Baylor's Beamer Weams (a great name) and Tim Jackson each had a pair of hits and three RBI in their route of Michigan. Dave Savard had two hits and three RBI for Rhode Island. Notre Dame's Danny Dressman had three hits and drove in five Irish runs over Iowa.
Two Big Ten teams did prevail Saturday. Minnesota provided a win in shutout fashion over Ball State, 2-0. Ohio State also triumphed beating Northern Iowa, 9-6.
Shy of much overall team success, let's look at some individual performances. Illini 2B Ryan Hastings went 3 for 5. Lars Davis drove in two of Illinois' three tallies. Michigan State SS Troy Krider went 4 for 4. Cole DeVries was the star of Minnesota's victory. The Gopher righthander pitched a complete game four hit shutout. Buckeye SS Jedidiah Stephen went 4 for 4 with a pair of RBI in OSU's win. Stephen is 9 for 12 with seven runs scored and four RBI in Ohio State's three games so far this weekend. (Right now, Stephen looks like the Player of the Week. DeVries and Purdue's Buente will battle for Pitcher of the Week honors.)
From the opposition, UTSA's Lee Todesco had three RBI vs. Illinois. Baylor's Beamer Weams (a great name) and Tim Jackson each had a pair of hits and three RBI in their route of Michigan. Dave Savard had two hits and three RBI for Rhode Island. Notre Dame's Danny Dressman had three hits and drove in five Irish runs over Iowa.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Friday Night Fireworks
Friday is often the day of the week premier pitching match-ups occur. However, last night was exception to that rule. A number of Big Ten teams and, unfortunately, their opponents, had impressive offensive showings. Iowa (Jeff Maitland) and Purdue (Jay Buente) did slow the Friday night hit parade, but their are plenty of big boxscores around the rest of the conference for you to review.
Illinois outslugged Louisiana-Lafayette, 14-12. Big Ten batting average leader Lars Davis collected three more hits, as did Ryan Snowden, pacing the Illini's thirteen hit attack. Luke Obokowicz earned the win.
Texas-San Antonio downed Iowa, 3-1. Hawkeye starter Jeff Maitland went seven innings allowing only four hits, but didn't figure in the decision. 2B Travis Sweet had the only RBI for Iowa.
It was the Amos Ramon Show in Louisiana Tech's win over Michigan, 13-7. Ramon, had four hits including his fourth homer, scored three times, drove in two, stole a base and picked up the save for LTU. Derek VanBuskirk went 3 for 3 for Michigan. Doug Pickens and Nate Recknagel homered for the Wolverines.
Minnesota defeated Vermont, 11-5, in the first game of the Metrodome Tournament. Gopher freshman LF Matt Nohelty had two hits, two RBI, scored three and stole three bases. Fellow freshmen Bryan Jost (3 RBI) and Nate Hanson (2 for 3, 2 RBI, 2 runs) also had big nights for Minnesota. Brian Bull notched his first win of the year going six innings while allowing a single run.
Ohio State swept a doubleheader from Lehigh. The Buckeyes won game one, 17-10. CF Matt Angle had five RBI and stole two bases for OSU. Buckeye RF Wes Schirtzinger went 4 for 5. Cory Luebke, the defending Big Ten Pitcher of the Week, got roughed up a bit, but earned his second victory of 2006.
Game two was another hit fest. OSU prevailed in the finale, 13-6. Eric Fryer had three Buckeye RBI. 3B Ronnie Bourquin had three hits in the nightcap. Bourquin went six for ten with four runs scored and four RBI in the twinbill. Jedidiah Stephen also had two strong performances going 5 for 8 with six runs and two RBI.
Jay Buente made his claim for Big Ten Pitcher of the Week in leading Purdue past Missouri, 7-0. Buente allowed four hits over eight innings while fanning nine Tiger batters. 2B Eric Osborn had two more hits raising his average to .478.
It took eleven innings, but Penn State topped Bethune Cookman, 6-5. Matt Cavagnaro drove in the winning run for the Nittany Lions in the 11th. Sophomore Paul Hawkins got the win for PSU.
Illinois outslugged Louisiana-Lafayette, 14-12. Big Ten batting average leader Lars Davis collected three more hits, as did Ryan Snowden, pacing the Illini's thirteen hit attack. Luke Obokowicz earned the win.
Texas-San Antonio downed Iowa, 3-1. Hawkeye starter Jeff Maitland went seven innings allowing only four hits, but didn't figure in the decision. 2B Travis Sweet had the only RBI for Iowa.
It was the Amos Ramon Show in Louisiana Tech's win over Michigan, 13-7. Ramon, had four hits including his fourth homer, scored three times, drove in two, stole a base and picked up the save for LTU. Derek VanBuskirk went 3 for 3 for Michigan. Doug Pickens and Nate Recknagel homered for the Wolverines.
Minnesota defeated Vermont, 11-5, in the first game of the Metrodome Tournament. Gopher freshman LF Matt Nohelty had two hits, two RBI, scored three and stole three bases. Fellow freshmen Bryan Jost (3 RBI) and Nate Hanson (2 for 3, 2 RBI, 2 runs) also had big nights for Minnesota. Brian Bull notched his first win of the year going six innings while allowing a single run.
Ohio State swept a doubleheader from Lehigh. The Buckeyes won game one, 17-10. CF Matt Angle had five RBI and stole two bases for OSU. Buckeye RF Wes Schirtzinger went 4 for 5. Cory Luebke, the defending Big Ten Pitcher of the Week, got roughed up a bit, but earned his second victory of 2006.
Game two was another hit fest. OSU prevailed in the finale, 13-6. Eric Fryer had three Buckeye RBI. 3B Ronnie Bourquin had three hits in the nightcap. Bourquin went six for ten with four runs scored and four RBI in the twinbill. Jedidiah Stephen also had two strong performances going 5 for 8 with six runs and two RBI.
Jay Buente made his claim for Big Ten Pitcher of the Week in leading Purdue past Missouri, 7-0. Buente allowed four hits over eight innings while fanning nine Tiger batters. 2B Eric Osborn had two more hits raising his average to .478.
It took eleven innings, but Penn State topped Bethune Cookman, 6-5. Matt Cavagnaro drove in the winning run for the Nittany Lions in the 11th. Sophomore Paul Hawkins got the win for PSU.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Weekend Links
Welcome to the usual Thursday night fare, a look at the upcoming weekend. Tonight, I've tossed in an extra side dish, a peek at Monday's slate. Only two games against ranked opponents dot the Big Ten schedule-Michigan at # 27 Baylor and Illinois at # 21 Texas A&M. Purdue and Northwestern are both idle this weekend.
FRIDAY
Illinois vs. Louisiana-Lafayette
Dan Hartleb's squad travels to San Antonio for four games in the Collegiate Baseball Classic.
Ohio State vs. Lehigh (Doubleheader)
It's four games in three days in Clearwater, Florida for OSU.
Michigan @ Louisiana Tech
The Wolverines are in the Quala-T Imprints Baylor Classic. Ok, it's a kind of cheesy name.
Iowa @ Texas-San Antonio
The Hawkeyes are also part of the Collegiate Baseball Classic in San Antonio.
Purdue @ Missouri
The Boilermakers get a weekend set vs. the Tigers.
Vermont @ Minnesota
Catamounts visit as part of the Metrodome Tournament.
Bethune Cookman vs. Penn State
Nittany Lions have three games in two days.
SATURDAY
Toledo vs. Penn State
Bethune Cookman vs. Penn State
The split doubleheader ends PSU weekend.
Iowa vs. Notre Dame
The Irish play another of their five Big Ten opponents this spring.
Illinois @ Texas-San Antonio
Illini face tournament hosts, the Roadrunners.
Michigan @ # 27 Baylor
Bears have a fan site.
Michigan State vs. Rhode Island
It's the lone contest of the weekend for the Spartans.
Ball State @ Minnesota
BSU's Brad Miller was selected by Baseball America as the pre-season MAC Player of the Year.
Ohio State vs. Northern Iowa
Buckeyes' SS Jedidiah Stephen has a hit in each of OSU's first six contests.
Purdue @ Missouri
Simmons Field is a fan run Mizzou baseball site.
SUNDAY
Illinois vs. Notre Dame
Does the Lars Davis hit parade continue vs. ND?
Indiana vs. Eastern Illinois
Iowa vs. Louisiana-Lafayette
ULL plays almost as many Big Ten schools as Notre Dame.
Michigan vs. Pacific
Ed Sprague, a favorite of mine, is the head coach at Pacific.
Illinois State @ Minnesota
Ohio State vs. Bethune Cookman
Purdue @ Missouri
MONDAY
Illinois vs. # 21 Texas A&M
Indiana vs. Northern Iowa
Iowa vs. Notre Dame
ND, again? Just join the conference already.
FRIDAY
Illinois vs. Louisiana-Lafayette
Dan Hartleb's squad travels to San Antonio for four games in the Collegiate Baseball Classic.
Ohio State vs. Lehigh (Doubleheader)
It's four games in three days in Clearwater, Florida for OSU.
Michigan @ Louisiana Tech
The Wolverines are in the Quala-T Imprints Baylor Classic. Ok, it's a kind of cheesy name.
Iowa @ Texas-San Antonio
The Hawkeyes are also part of the Collegiate Baseball Classic in San Antonio.
Purdue @ Missouri
The Boilermakers get a weekend set vs. the Tigers.
Vermont @ Minnesota
Catamounts visit as part of the Metrodome Tournament.
Bethune Cookman vs. Penn State
Nittany Lions have three games in two days.
SATURDAY
Toledo vs. Penn State
Bethune Cookman vs. Penn State
The split doubleheader ends PSU weekend.
Iowa vs. Notre Dame
The Irish play another of their five Big Ten opponents this spring.
Illinois @ Texas-San Antonio
Illini face tournament hosts, the Roadrunners.
Michigan @ # 27 Baylor
Bears have a fan site.
Michigan State vs. Rhode Island
It's the lone contest of the weekend for the Spartans.
Ball State @ Minnesota
BSU's Brad Miller was selected by Baseball America as the pre-season MAC Player of the Year.
Ohio State vs. Northern Iowa
Buckeyes' SS Jedidiah Stephen has a hit in each of OSU's first six contests.
Purdue @ Missouri
Simmons Field is a fan run Mizzou baseball site.
SUNDAY
Illinois vs. Notre Dame
Does the Lars Davis hit parade continue vs. ND?
Indiana vs. Eastern Illinois
Iowa vs. Louisiana-Lafayette
ULL plays almost as many Big Ten schools as Notre Dame.
Michigan vs. Pacific
Ed Sprague, a favorite of mine, is the head coach at Pacific.
Illinois State @ Minnesota
Ohio State vs. Bethune Cookman
Purdue @ Missouri
MONDAY
Illinois vs. # 21 Texas A&M
Indiana vs. Northern Iowa
Iowa vs. Notre Dame
ND, again? Just join the conference already.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Number Crunching And Other News
Yes, it's far too early for OPS numbers. However, college baseball season is rather short, so let's look at a few figures realizing they mean even less than usual. The Big Ten OPS leaders, unofficially, of course, are as follows:
Lars Davis, Illinois 1.211
Ryan Basham, Michigan State 1.196
Ronnie Bourquin, Ohio State 1.192
Antonio Mule, Northwestern 1.188
Doug Pickens, Michigan 1.179
Wes Freie, Iowa 1.167
Eric Osborn, Purdue 1.132
Adam Tripp, Michigan State 1.129
Andy Hunter, Minnesota 1.110
Steve Head, Indiana 1.079
Troy Krider, Michigan State and Alan Cattrysse, Michigan State 1.071
Brian Ernst, Penn State 1.002
These are the only players above the magical 1.000 mark. Davis, the Illinois catcher, is pacing the conference in batting average at .571, which just happens to be the identical number as his slugging percentage, and on base percentage at .640. Michigan's Pickens is leading the conference in slugging percentage at an impressive .731.
In other Big Ten baseball news, IU's Tracy Smith earned victory number one. Penn State beat Lehigh today, 4-0. Nittany Lions' starter Aaron Markowitz pitched a complete game shutout.
Three members of the Minnesota Golden Gophers were named to the Dairy Queen Classic All-Tournament Team: 2B Luke McLean, SS Dan Lyons and OF Mike Mee . Robert Mews of the Minnesota Daily recaps the Gophers play over the weekend. Other DQ Classic recaps from Arizona, Notre Dame and Nebraska perspectives.
Here's a Kentucky perspective on UK's sweep of the Wildcats from Northwestern.
A Southern Florida angle on Illinois' sweep of the Bulls is also online.
Indiana Daily Student writer Jake Brown reviews IU's winless weekend at the hands of Miami (FL).
Dan Feldman of the Michigan Daily writes about the Wolverines disappointment with their 3-4 record.
The Big Ten announced this week's Pitcher of the Week is Cory Luebke of Ohio State and the Player of the Week is Michigan State's Ryan Basham.
Lars Davis, Illinois 1.211
Ryan Basham, Michigan State 1.196
Ronnie Bourquin, Ohio State 1.192
Antonio Mule, Northwestern 1.188
Doug Pickens, Michigan 1.179
Wes Freie, Iowa 1.167
Eric Osborn, Purdue 1.132
Adam Tripp, Michigan State 1.129
Andy Hunter, Minnesota 1.110
Steve Head, Indiana 1.079
Troy Krider, Michigan State and Alan Cattrysse, Michigan State 1.071
Brian Ernst, Penn State 1.002
These are the only players above the magical 1.000 mark. Davis, the Illinois catcher, is pacing the conference in batting average at .571, which just happens to be the identical number as his slugging percentage, and on base percentage at .640. Michigan's Pickens is leading the conference in slugging percentage at an impressive .731.
In other Big Ten baseball news, IU's Tracy Smith earned victory number one. Penn State beat Lehigh today, 4-0. Nittany Lions' starter Aaron Markowitz pitched a complete game shutout.
Three members of the Minnesota Golden Gophers were named to the Dairy Queen Classic All-Tournament Team: 2B Luke McLean, SS Dan Lyons and OF Mike Mee . Robert Mews of the Minnesota Daily recaps the Gophers play over the weekend. Other DQ Classic recaps from Arizona, Notre Dame and Nebraska perspectives.
Here's a Kentucky perspective on UK's sweep of the Wildcats from Northwestern.
A Southern Florida angle on Illinois' sweep of the Bulls is also online.
Indiana Daily Student writer Jake Brown reviews IU's winless weekend at the hands of Miami (FL).
Dan Feldman of the Michigan Daily writes about the Wolverines disappointment with their 3-4 record.
The Big Ten announced this week's Pitcher of the Week is Cory Luebke of Ohio State and the Player of the Week is Michigan State's Ryan Basham.
Midweek Match-Ups
3/7/06
Penn State vs. Lehigh
Indiana @ Indiana State
Michigan State @ Florida International
3/8/06
Penn State @ Jacksonville
Xavier @ Indiana
North Dakota State @ Minnesota
Michigan State @ Miami (FL)
3/9/06
Michigan State vs. Seton Hall
Penn State vs. Lehigh
Indiana @ Indiana State
Michigan State @ Florida International
3/8/06
Penn State @ Jacksonville
Xavier @ Indiana
North Dakota State @ Minnesota
Michigan State @ Miami (FL)
3/9/06
Michigan State vs. Seton Hall
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Weekend Recaps
Saturday
Illinois 7 South Florida 3
Lars Davis went 4 for 5 and Chase Kliment hit his first homer to lead Illinois past the Bulls. Jake Toohey notched the win (1-1). Matt Whitmore earned his first save.
# 24 Miami (FL) 7 Indiana 2
Hurricane starter Manny Miguelez pitched a complete game one hitter.
Louisiana-Lafayette 14 Iowa 9
The Rajun Cajuns knock Iowa from the undefeated ranks. Wes Freie was the bright spot for the Hawkeyes' offense scoring twice and driving in a run.
Georgia Southern 4 Michigan 3
Brett Pelfrey drove in three and Griffin Benedict homered to lead Georgia Southern past Michigan. Adam Abraham went 2 for 3 for Michigan.
Michigan State 6 Lehigh 3
Coach David Grewe earned his first Spartan victory. Ryan Basham had two hits and two RBI for MSU. Jeff Gerbe's seven innings of one run baseball got him the win.
Minnesota 8 Notre Dame 0
Cole DeVries picked up the win, Bill Johnson earned a save for the Gophers. Nate Hanson got two RBI in the win.
Kentucky 12 Northwestern 7
Antonio Mule and Jake Owens each went 4 for 5 with two RBI, but NU fell to Kentucky. UK catcher Sean Couglin went yard twice nd scored four times to help the Wildcats to their second straight win over Northwestern.
Jacksonville 4 Ohio State 3
OSU closer Rory Meister walked in the winning run. Jacob Howell had two of OSU's four hits on the day. Dan DeLucia went eight innings allowing a single run, but didn't figure in the decision. D.J. Ackley pitched eight solid innings for Jacksonville, as well, but he didn't figure in the decision, either.
# 3 North Carolina 5 Purdue 2
UNC starter Daniel Bard was the story Saturday. Bard tossed a complete game victory yielding five hits, two runs, issuing only a solitary walk and striking out 13 Purdue batters. Eric Osborn had two hits including his first homer for Purdue.
Bowling Green 5 Penn State 4
BGSU scored four in the ninth to beat PSU. Brian Ernst went 3 for 4 for the Nittany Lions.
Sunday
Illinois 7 South Florida 6
Shawn Roof, Chase Kliment and Ryan Snowden each had a two hits to lead the Illini (3-3) to a sweep over USF (4-9).
Western Michigan 12 Ohio State 11
Matt Angle has five hits and two RBI, Eric Fryer has three hits and three RBI, but OSU falls to the Broncos. Matt Bolton and Nathan Marquardt each have three hits and two RBI to pace the WMU offense.
Kentucky 10 Northwestern 3
1B Ryan Strieby collects four hits, including a homer, and four RBI to lead UK past NU. Antonio Mule had three more hits for Northwestern (3-8).
Iowa 6 Evansville 4
Travis Sweet went 3 for 4 to pace a balanced Iowa (5-1) offense.
# 24 Miami (FL) 6 Indiana 4
Danny Valencia homered, scored twice and drove in a pair to lead the Hurricanes past IU. Tad Reida led the Hoosiers (0-6) with three hits in four at bats.
# 3 North Carolina 7 Purdue 3
Reid Fronk, Chad Flack and Matt Spencer all had two hits a piece for UNC. The Heels' Andrew Miller went seven innings fanning 10 Boilermakers. Mitch Hilligoss had two RBI for Purdue (2-3).
Michigan 9 LeMoyne 4
Eric Rose drove in three runs, Leif Mahler and Doug Pickens had two RBI for the Wolverines (3-4). Andrew Hess pitched 5.1 innings and got the victory.
Penn State 17 Sacred Heart 2
The Nittany Lions earned their first win of 2006. Brian Ernst followed his three hit Saturday performance with a four hit affair on Sunday.
Illinois 7 South Florida 3
Lars Davis went 4 for 5 and Chase Kliment hit his first homer to lead Illinois past the Bulls. Jake Toohey notched the win (1-1). Matt Whitmore earned his first save.
# 24 Miami (FL) 7 Indiana 2
Hurricane starter Manny Miguelez pitched a complete game one hitter.
Louisiana-Lafayette 14 Iowa 9
The Rajun Cajuns knock Iowa from the undefeated ranks. Wes Freie was the bright spot for the Hawkeyes' offense scoring twice and driving in a run.
Georgia Southern 4 Michigan 3
Brett Pelfrey drove in three and Griffin Benedict homered to lead Georgia Southern past Michigan. Adam Abraham went 2 for 3 for Michigan.
Michigan State 6 Lehigh 3
Coach David Grewe earned his first Spartan victory. Ryan Basham had two hits and two RBI for MSU. Jeff Gerbe's seven innings of one run baseball got him the win.
Minnesota 8 Notre Dame 0
Cole DeVries picked up the win, Bill Johnson earned a save for the Gophers. Nate Hanson got two RBI in the win.
Kentucky 12 Northwestern 7
Antonio Mule and Jake Owens each went 4 for 5 with two RBI, but NU fell to Kentucky. UK catcher Sean Couglin went yard twice nd scored four times to help the Wildcats to their second straight win over Northwestern.
Jacksonville 4 Ohio State 3
OSU closer Rory Meister walked in the winning run. Jacob Howell had two of OSU's four hits on the day. Dan DeLucia went eight innings allowing a single run, but didn't figure in the decision. D.J. Ackley pitched eight solid innings for Jacksonville, as well, but he didn't figure in the decision, either.
# 3 North Carolina 5 Purdue 2
UNC starter Daniel Bard was the story Saturday. Bard tossed a complete game victory yielding five hits, two runs, issuing only a solitary walk and striking out 13 Purdue batters. Eric Osborn had two hits including his first homer for Purdue.
Bowling Green 5 Penn State 4
BGSU scored four in the ninth to beat PSU. Brian Ernst went 3 for 4 for the Nittany Lions.
Sunday
Illinois 7 South Florida 6
Shawn Roof, Chase Kliment and Ryan Snowden each had a two hits to lead the Illini (3-3) to a sweep over USF (4-9).
Western Michigan 12 Ohio State 11
Matt Angle has five hits and two RBI, Eric Fryer has three hits and three RBI, but OSU falls to the Broncos. Matt Bolton and Nathan Marquardt each have three hits and two RBI to pace the WMU offense.
Kentucky 10 Northwestern 3
1B Ryan Strieby collects four hits, including a homer, and four RBI to lead UK past NU. Antonio Mule had three more hits for Northwestern (3-8).
Iowa 6 Evansville 4
Travis Sweet went 3 for 4 to pace a balanced Iowa (5-1) offense.
# 24 Miami (FL) 6 Indiana 4
Danny Valencia homered, scored twice and drove in a pair to lead the Hurricanes past IU. Tad Reida led the Hoosiers (0-6) with three hits in four at bats.
# 3 North Carolina 7 Purdue 3
Reid Fronk, Chad Flack and Matt Spencer all had two hits a piece for UNC. The Heels' Andrew Miller went seven innings fanning 10 Boilermakers. Mitch Hilligoss had two RBI for Purdue (2-3).
Michigan 9 LeMoyne 4
Eric Rose drove in three runs, Leif Mahler and Doug Pickens had two RBI for the Wolverines (3-4). Andrew Hess pitched 5.1 innings and got the victory.
Penn State 17 Sacred Heart 2
The Nittany Lions earned their first win of 2006. Brian Ernst followed his three hit Saturday performance with a four hit affair on Sunday.
Friday, March 03, 2006
Purdue Stuns # 3 UNC, Iowa Still Undefeated
A ninth inning bunt single by Spencer Ingaldson lifted Purdue past # 3 North Carolina, 5-4. Ingaldson, the Boilermakers' backstop, Mitch Hilligoss, Ryne White and Eric Osborn each had two hits a piece. One of Hilligoss hits was his first homer of the year. Chris Toneguzzi picked up the win in relief for Purdue.
Iowa remains undefeated after dropping Northwestern State, 2-0. Jeff Maitland allowed two hits over six innings to earn the win. Tim Gudex posted his second save of '06. Freshman Wes Freie drove in both Hawkeye runs.
UNC-Asheville bested Michigan, 8-6. Doug Pickens remains redhot, hitting his second homerun of the campaign. Drew Taylor lasted only 2.1 innings for Michigan (2-3). Asheville's Elliott Arrington had three hits, scored two and drove in two for the Bulldogs.
Ohio State thumped UNC-Greensboro, 12-2. Eric Fryer had three hits and three RBI. Adam Schneider collected four RBI on three hits. Sophomore Cory Luebke posted his first win for the Buckeyes (2-2).
Kentucky pounded Northwestern, 19-3. Collin Cowgill homered and had three RBI, Sean Couglin also homered for UK and drove in two. Craig Snipp went eight innings striking out nine to get the win. Antonio Mule had two RBI, Jake Owens had three hits for NU.
Miami (FL) is currently beating Indiana, 4-0, in the fifth inning.
Illinois is up on South Florida, 3-0 in the 8th. Ryan Hastings has two hits thus far. Chase Kliment has a pair of RBI for the Illini.
Iowa remains undefeated after dropping Northwestern State, 2-0. Jeff Maitland allowed two hits over six innings to earn the win. Tim Gudex posted his second save of '06. Freshman Wes Freie drove in both Hawkeye runs.
UNC-Asheville bested Michigan, 8-6. Doug Pickens remains redhot, hitting his second homerun of the campaign. Drew Taylor lasted only 2.1 innings for Michigan (2-3). Asheville's Elliott Arrington had three hits, scored two and drove in two for the Bulldogs.
Ohio State thumped UNC-Greensboro, 12-2. Eric Fryer had three hits and three RBI. Adam Schneider collected four RBI on three hits. Sophomore Cory Luebke posted his first win for the Buckeyes (2-2).
Kentucky pounded Northwestern, 19-3. Collin Cowgill homered and had three RBI, Sean Couglin also homered for UK and drove in two. Craig Snipp went eight innings striking out nine to get the win. Antonio Mule had two RBI, Jake Owens had three hits for NU.
Miami (FL) is currently beating Indiana, 4-0, in the fifth inning.
Illinois is up on South Florida, 3-0 in the 8th. Ryan Hastings has two hits thus far. Chase Kliment has a pair of RBI for the Illini.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
The DQ Classic And Other Weekend Games
The University of Minnesota plays hosts to one of the nation's better tournaments this weekend--The Dairy Queen Classic. The Gophers host Arizona, Notre Dame and # 4 Nebraska. After a three game tilt with highly ranked Florida State a week ago, John Anderson's squad gets another stern test at home in the Metrodome. Coach Anderson and the Minnesota athletic department deserve credit for bringing in some of college baseball's top powers.
Looking at the rest of the weekend schedule, Indiana gets a tough road trip to Coral Gables. The Hoosiers get three against traditional super-power Miami. Undefeated Iowa travels into Cajun country for three games. Purdue, coming off a Bayou adventure last weekend, gets to face off against #3 North Carolina in Chapel Hill.
Below is each schools' weekend schedule. If there is a link to a Big Ten program, it's that's university's preview of the weekend series. The opposition links are, as always, to that school's baseball homepage. This week, for no particular reason, I've chosen to use Collegiate Baseball Newspaper's rankings. Enjoy the weekend.
Illinois
@ South Florida (3 games)
Indiana
@ #27 Miami (FL) (3 games)
Iowa (@ Louisiana Cajun Classic)
Northwestern State, Louisiana-Lafayette, Evansville
Michigan
UNC-Asheville, Troy, South Alabama
Michigan State
Lehigh (Saturday & Monday), Sacred Heart (Sunday)
Minnesota (Dairy Queen Classic)
Arizona, Notre Dame, #4 Nebraska
Northwestern
@ Kentucky (3 games)
Ohio State (Kennel Club Classic)
Aoyama Gakuin (Japan/Exhibition), UNC-Greensboro, Jacksonville, Western Michigan
Purdue
@ # 3 North Carolina (3 games)
Penn State
Bowling Green, Sacred Heart, Central Michigan
Looking at the rest of the weekend schedule, Indiana gets a tough road trip to Coral Gables. The Hoosiers get three against traditional super-power Miami. Undefeated Iowa travels into Cajun country for three games. Purdue, coming off a Bayou adventure last weekend, gets to face off against #3 North Carolina in Chapel Hill.
Below is each schools' weekend schedule. If there is a link to a Big Ten program, it's that's university's preview of the weekend series. The opposition links are, as always, to that school's baseball homepage. This week, for no particular reason, I've chosen to use Collegiate Baseball Newspaper's rankings. Enjoy the weekend.
Illinois
@ South Florida (3 games)
Indiana
@ #27 Miami (FL) (3 games)
Iowa (@ Louisiana Cajun Classic)
Northwestern State, Louisiana-Lafayette, Evansville
Michigan
UNC-Asheville, Troy, South Alabama
Michigan State
Lehigh (Saturday & Monday), Sacred Heart (Sunday)
Minnesota (Dairy Queen Classic)
Arizona, Notre Dame, #4 Nebraska
Northwestern
@ Kentucky (3 games)
Ohio State (Kennel Club Classic)
Aoyama Gakuin (Japan/Exhibition), UNC-Greensboro, Jacksonville, Western Michigan
Purdue
@ # 3 North Carolina (3 games)
Penn State
Bowling Green, Sacred Heart, Central Michigan
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Michigan Beats UCF, 6-3
Senior OF Mike Schmidt homered and had four RBI in helping Michigan beat Central Florida, 6-3. Big Ten Player of the Week Doug Pickens went 2 for 3. Craig Murray went six innings allowing three hits and two earned runs to grab the win. Freshman Adam Abraham got his first save with three innings of relief work.
The game just ended, I followed it courtesy of GameTracker, so it's too early to have any links to official recaps or boxscores.
The game just ended, I followed it courtesy of GameTracker, so it's too early to have any links to official recaps or boxscores.
Scholarships Lost
Will Kimmey at Baseball America files this report on today's announcement that a number of schools are being hit with scholarship reductions for not meeting the Academic Progress Report. No Big Ten baseball programs are specifically mentioned, but some universities are appealing their case and as such have not had their names released.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Catching Up On The Weekend
Yes, I'm running behind. My apologies for that. It's not like I've gone totally blogging nuts. I still have some life sans Blogger. Anyway, to my loyal readers, I am sorry for not being more timely. Regardless, let's see if I can get a handle on what happened around the Big Ten this past weekend.
Clearly, Iowa was the Big Ten's big winner over the weekend. The Hawkeyes charged out of the gate at 3-0. Jack Dahm's squad dropped host Austin Peay, then Illinois State and finally Dayton to capture the Austin Peay Tournament.
CF Nate Price went six for fifteen, scored four times, drove in five and stole three bases to lead the Hawkeyes potent offense. Travis Sweet had six hits in fourteen at bats scored four times and had five RBI. Tim Gudex got off to a strong start, as well. The Iowa closer notched his first win and initial save of 2006 during the three game set.
Around the rest of the conference, Purdue split their opening weekend of games. The Boilermakers beat Louisiana-Lafayette, but lost to Kansas State. Purdue starter Jay Buente's eleven strikeout performance against ULL earned him the Big Ten Pitcher of the Week Award. The righthander went eight innings giving up three hits and three walks, but only a single run.
Ohio State fell to 1-2 with losses to Wake Forest and (then) #1 Florida before earning their first win, a 4-2 triumph over Missouri. Freshman J.B. Shuck went seven innings on Sunday allowing only three hits, an earned run, fanning six and yielding only a single walk. OSU reliever Rory Meister claimed the save over the Tigers.
Both Northwestern and Michigan came out of the gate at 1-2. NU dropped two of three to Louisville. Antonio Mule continued his strong start hitting .400 over the weekend for the Wildcats.
The Wolverines fell to UAB Friday, then split a Sunday doubleheader. South Alabama beat Michigan in Game 1, but Rich Maloney's team rebounded to defeat Troy in Game 2. OF Doug Pickens led Michigan's attack and garnered the Big Ten's Player of the Week honor. Pickens went five for eleven in the three games including his first homer and a GWRBI vs. Troy.
Illinois, Indiana, Michigan State, Minnesota and Penn State all went without a win. Lars Davis went seven for eleven with six RBI in the Illini's three defeats. 2B Ryan Hastings returned to the Illinois lineup, after missing all of '05, and had five hits over the three games.
Jay Brant began this year as he did last year, hitting. The IU leftfielder went yard twice over the weekend and had a three hit affair on Saturday. Michigan State's Adam Tripp probably had the Spartans highlight this weekend. The junior had two hits, including his first homer of the season, with three RBI and two runs scored on Saturday.
The Gophers fell in three straight to #6 Florida State. Gophers 1B Andy Hunter did collect six hits in eleven at bats, but it wasn't enough to help Minnesota avoid a sweep in Tallahassee. Penn State fell to 0-6 this season. OF Lance Thompson is still hitting, six for eleven in three games, but PSU's defense seems to be a problem so far.
Not a great weekend for the Big Ten. Some did earn strength of schedule points, (especially the Gophers and Buckeyes) but a few more win would have helped the conference come tournament time. However, last weekend is over and the next one is on the horizon. Perhaps, some better results will appear.
Clearly, Iowa was the Big Ten's big winner over the weekend. The Hawkeyes charged out of the gate at 3-0. Jack Dahm's squad dropped host Austin Peay, then Illinois State and finally Dayton to capture the Austin Peay Tournament.
CF Nate Price went six for fifteen, scored four times, drove in five and stole three bases to lead the Hawkeyes potent offense. Travis Sweet had six hits in fourteen at bats scored four times and had five RBI. Tim Gudex got off to a strong start, as well. The Iowa closer notched his first win and initial save of 2006 during the three game set.
Around the rest of the conference, Purdue split their opening weekend of games. The Boilermakers beat Louisiana-Lafayette, but lost to Kansas State. Purdue starter Jay Buente's eleven strikeout performance against ULL earned him the Big Ten Pitcher of the Week Award. The righthander went eight innings giving up three hits and three walks, but only a single run.
Ohio State fell to 1-2 with losses to Wake Forest and (then) #1 Florida before earning their first win, a 4-2 triumph over Missouri. Freshman J.B. Shuck went seven innings on Sunday allowing only three hits, an earned run, fanning six and yielding only a single walk. OSU reliever Rory Meister claimed the save over the Tigers.
Both Northwestern and Michigan came out of the gate at 1-2. NU dropped two of three to Louisville. Antonio Mule continued his strong start hitting .400 over the weekend for the Wildcats.
The Wolverines fell to UAB Friday, then split a Sunday doubleheader. South Alabama beat Michigan in Game 1, but Rich Maloney's team rebounded to defeat Troy in Game 2. OF Doug Pickens led Michigan's attack and garnered the Big Ten's Player of the Week honor. Pickens went five for eleven in the three games including his first homer and a GWRBI vs. Troy.
Illinois, Indiana, Michigan State, Minnesota and Penn State all went without a win. Lars Davis went seven for eleven with six RBI in the Illini's three defeats. 2B Ryan Hastings returned to the Illinois lineup, after missing all of '05, and had five hits over the three games.
Jay Brant began this year as he did last year, hitting. The IU leftfielder went yard twice over the weekend and had a three hit affair on Saturday. Michigan State's Adam Tripp probably had the Spartans highlight this weekend. The junior had two hits, including his first homer of the season, with three RBI and two runs scored on Saturday.
The Gophers fell in three straight to #6 Florida State. Gophers 1B Andy Hunter did collect six hits in eleven at bats, but it wasn't enough to help Minnesota avoid a sweep in Tallahassee. Penn State fell to 0-6 this season. OF Lance Thompson is still hitting, six for eleven in three games, but PSU's defense seems to be a problem so far.
Not a great weekend for the Big Ten. Some did earn strength of schedule points, (especially the Gophers and Buckeyes) but a few more win would have helped the conference come tournament time. However, last weekend is over and the next one is on the horizon. Perhaps, some better results will appear.
Friday, February 24, 2006
Friday Scores
I don't have all the final totals yet, but here are the scores as of this moment. Click on the links for recaps of each contest.
Wake Forest 6 Ohio State 2
Iowa 12 Austin Peay 10
UAB 5 Michigan 4
Charlotte 11 Indiana 3
East Carolina 4 Penn State 3
Florida State 5 Minnesota 0
Louisville 11 Northwestern 0 Game 1
Northwestern 5 Lousiville 4 Game 2
If time allows, I'll elaborate on these games later. Suffice to say, it wasn't a great day for the Big Ten. However, it's only the first of many more games.
Before I depart, a quick shout out to David at Swampball.com for providing a link here in his preview of tomorrow's Ohio State vs. #1 Florida tilt. Thanks, David.
Wake Forest 6 Ohio State 2
Iowa 12 Austin Peay 10
UAB 5 Michigan 4
Charlotte 11 Indiana 3
East Carolina 4 Penn State 3
Florida State 5 Minnesota 0
Louisville 11 Northwestern 0 Game 1
Northwestern 5 Lousiville 4 Game 2
If time allows, I'll elaborate on these games later. Suffice to say, it wasn't a great day for the Big Ten. However, it's only the first of many more games.
Before I depart, a quick shout out to David at Swampball.com for providing a link here in his preview of tomorrow's Ohio State vs. #1 Florida tilt. Thanks, David.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
The Gang's All Here
All ten conference schools take to the field this weekend. Bob Todd's Ohio State squad looks to have the most daunting challenge ahead, Wake Forest, #1 Florida and #12 Missouri, but a number of Big Ten baseball programs face some difficult competition to open the 2006 season.
Here's a look at the games with some links tossed in for your enjoyment. A great number of these games will be available via GameTracker and some are being broadcast on the 'net. (For Big Ten baseball homepages, look in the sidebar to the right.)
Friday
Wake Forest vs. Ohio State
Big weekend for Buckeyes begins with Deamon Deacons. Wake freshman Dustin Hood is hitting .455 with posting a .500 mark in both on base and slugging percentage. Matt Antonelli has gone yard twice and is slugging at a .667 clip. I'm guessing OSU will go with LHP Dan DeLucia in the opener.
Iowa @ Austin Peay
Here's the Hawkeye preview of the weekend. Baseball America tabs Austin Peay as the Ohio Valley conference winner this year. They also project APSU lefty Rowdy Hardy as the OVC Player of the Year. The name alone merits him some recognition.
UAB vs. Michigan
Wolverines open 2006 with Blazers. LHP Drew Taylor is scheduled to take the hill for Rich Maloney's team. Many will be wacthing for the debut of herladed freshman Zach Putnam.
Indiana @ Charlotte
Three game set marks the beginning of Tracy Smith's reign as IU head coach.
Penn State @ East Carolina (Friends of ECU Baseball, Unofficial ECU site)
Nittany Lions open up vs. ECU in first of three. PSU's Lance Thompson gets a chance to defend his conference player of the week award.
Minnesota @ # 6 Florida State (Section B, Unofficial FSU site)
Gophers travel to play three with #6 Seminoles. If OSU's three games aren't the most challenging for the Big Ten, then Minnesota's series with always strong FSU are. Brian Bull is scheduled to start for Minnesota. FSU counters with RHP Bryan Henry (2-0).
Illinois @ Stetson
Dan Hartleb begins his tenure as Illini head man vs. Hatters. All Big Ten starter Brian Blomquist will pitch the season opener for Illinois. Watch out for Stetson, they are a potential tournament team.
Michigan State @ Lamar
Spartans open '06 with four games in the Lone Star State. MSU's David Grewe is another Big Ten skipper making his debut this weekend.
Purdue @ Louisiana-Lafayette
Boilermakers get a weekend of Cajun cookin' to begin the new year. Look for Jay Buente to start on the mound for Purdue.
Northwestern @ Louisville
Cardinals host Wildcats in a Friday doubleheader and a single game Saturday. George Kontos will take the mound for NU in Game 1. Dan Brauer should be Game Two's starter for the Wildcats.
SATURDAY
Michigan State @ Lamar (Game 1)
Michigan State @ Arkansas State (Game 2)
Illinois vs. South Florida
Jake Toohey is Coach Hartleb's choice in game two. USF took two of three from Northwestern last weekend.
Iowa vs. Illinois State
ISU has two Baseball America all-conference selections: 1B Kyle O'Brien and SS Ryan Antesberger.
Michigan vs. Troy
Michigan will go with another lefthander on Saturday, Paul Hammond.
Ohio State vs. #1 Florida
OSU sophomore LHP Cory Luebke is the likely starter against the top team in the land. Florida is just plain loaded.
Purdue vs. Louisiana-Monroe
Brett Courdon is scheduled to be the Boilers' second starter.
Penn State vs. #18 North Carolina State
Minnesota @ #6 Florida State
It's Cole DeVries (Minnesota) vs. Michael Hyde (FSU) in the second tilt.
Northwestern @ Louisville
RHP Ryan Myers is due to start this game for NU. Cards have a heralded freshman in 3B Chris Dominguez.
Indiana vs. Charlotte
SUNDAY
Illinois vs. Western Carolina
WCU OF Steven Strausbaugh is a pre-season all-conference selection. Illini RHP Scott Shaw should take the mound in the finale of the three game set.
Iowa vs. Dayton
Flyers doubleplay combo Galen Schumm and Michael Massa were named to Baseball America's all-Atlantic 10 conference team.
Michigan vs. South Alabama
Ohio State vs. #12 Missouri
Michigan State vs. Kentucky
Purdue vs. Kansas State
Dan Sattler is the probable starter for Purdue.
Penn State vs. West Virginia
Minnesota @. #6 Florida State
The finale has Dustin Brabender against FSU's Barrett Browning.
Indiana @ Charlotte
That's it for previews. I've got other things to attend to, so I must move on. For next weekend, I'm going to look at altering this format some, probably sticking more to links. Anyway, I hope you all enjoy the first big weekend of action for Big Ten baseball. Thanks for stopping in.
Here's a look at the games with some links tossed in for your enjoyment. A great number of these games will be available via GameTracker and some are being broadcast on the 'net. (For Big Ten baseball homepages, look in the sidebar to the right.)
Friday
Wake Forest vs. Ohio State
Big weekend for Buckeyes begins with Deamon Deacons. Wake freshman Dustin Hood is hitting .455 with posting a .500 mark in both on base and slugging percentage. Matt Antonelli has gone yard twice and is slugging at a .667 clip. I'm guessing OSU will go with LHP Dan DeLucia in the opener.
Iowa @ Austin Peay
Here's the Hawkeye preview of the weekend. Baseball America tabs Austin Peay as the Ohio Valley conference winner this year. They also project APSU lefty Rowdy Hardy as the OVC Player of the Year. The name alone merits him some recognition.
UAB vs. Michigan
Wolverines open 2006 with Blazers. LHP Drew Taylor is scheduled to take the hill for Rich Maloney's team. Many will be wacthing for the debut of herladed freshman Zach Putnam.
Indiana @ Charlotte
Three game set marks the beginning of Tracy Smith's reign as IU head coach.
Penn State @ East Carolina (Friends of ECU Baseball, Unofficial ECU site)
Nittany Lions open up vs. ECU in first of three. PSU's Lance Thompson gets a chance to defend his conference player of the week award.
Minnesota @ # 6 Florida State (Section B, Unofficial FSU site)
Gophers travel to play three with #6 Seminoles. If OSU's three games aren't the most challenging for the Big Ten, then Minnesota's series with always strong FSU are. Brian Bull is scheduled to start for Minnesota. FSU counters with RHP Bryan Henry (2-0).
Illinois @ Stetson
Dan Hartleb begins his tenure as Illini head man vs. Hatters. All Big Ten starter Brian Blomquist will pitch the season opener for Illinois. Watch out for Stetson, they are a potential tournament team.
Michigan State @ Lamar
Spartans open '06 with four games in the Lone Star State. MSU's David Grewe is another Big Ten skipper making his debut this weekend.
Purdue @ Louisiana-Lafayette
Boilermakers get a weekend of Cajun cookin' to begin the new year. Look for Jay Buente to start on the mound for Purdue.
Northwestern @ Louisville
Cardinals host Wildcats in a Friday doubleheader and a single game Saturday. George Kontos will take the mound for NU in Game 1. Dan Brauer should be Game Two's starter for the Wildcats.
SATURDAY
Michigan State @ Lamar (Game 1)
Michigan State @ Arkansas State (Game 2)
Illinois vs. South Florida
Jake Toohey is Coach Hartleb's choice in game two. USF took two of three from Northwestern last weekend.
Iowa vs. Illinois State
ISU has two Baseball America all-conference selections: 1B Kyle O'Brien and SS Ryan Antesberger.
Michigan vs. Troy
Michigan will go with another lefthander on Saturday, Paul Hammond.
Ohio State vs. #1 Florida
OSU sophomore LHP Cory Luebke is the likely starter against the top team in the land. Florida is just plain loaded.
Purdue vs. Louisiana-Monroe
Brett Courdon is scheduled to be the Boilers' second starter.
Penn State vs. #18 North Carolina State
Minnesota @ #6 Florida State
It's Cole DeVries (Minnesota) vs. Michael Hyde (FSU) in the second tilt.
Northwestern @ Louisville
RHP Ryan Myers is due to start this game for NU. Cards have a heralded freshman in 3B Chris Dominguez.
Indiana vs. Charlotte
SUNDAY
Illinois vs. Western Carolina
WCU OF Steven Strausbaugh is a pre-season all-conference selection. Illini RHP Scott Shaw should take the mound in the finale of the three game set.
Iowa vs. Dayton
Flyers doubleplay combo Galen Schumm and Michael Massa were named to Baseball America's all-Atlantic 10 conference team.
Michigan vs. South Alabama
Ohio State vs. #12 Missouri
Michigan State vs. Kentucky
Purdue vs. Kansas State
Dan Sattler is the probable starter for Purdue.
Penn State vs. West Virginia
Minnesota @. #6 Florida State
The finale has Dustin Brabender against FSU's Barrett Browning.
Indiana @ Charlotte
That's it for previews. I've got other things to attend to, so I must move on. For next weekend, I'm going to look at altering this format some, probably sticking more to links. Anyway, I hope you all enjoy the first big weekend of action for Big Ten baseball. Thanks for stopping in.
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Heading Into Sunday
Penn State has dropped both games to Tulane, 9-4 on Friday, 11-0 today. (PSU recaps, Tulane recaps.) The Nittany Lions did outhit the Green Wave Friday evening, 13-9, but still came out on the short end. PSU OF Lance Thompson paced the Lions offense with three hits and a RBI. RF Brian Ernst also had three hits for PSU.
2B Brad Emaus homered and had three RBI for Tulane in the opener. Green Wave redshirt freshman OF Warren McFadden had two hits and three RBI, as well. Alan Stidfole took the loss, Brandon Gomes notched the victory.
Today's contest was dominated by Tulane RHP Sean Morgan. The sophomore struck out a career high eleven batters in six innings of work. The Wave also pounded out 15 hits. Cat Everett continued his strong start collecting three safties in Saturday's affair. (Note to self: Tulane is good. Very good.)
Nittany Lions' catcher James Spinelli was the bright spot on offense with two hits. PSU's Mark Wyner took the loss. (My apologies, Mark. PSU doesn't provide a link to your bio as of yet.)
On a happier note, Northwestern has a chance to win their series tomorrow. The Wildcats have split their two contests against VCU. (NU game one recap.) NU dropped the opener, 4-3. VCU's Scott Sizemore's two out double in the bottom of the ninth won it for the Rams.
Wildcats' DH Antonio Mule continued his fast start, hitting his second homer of the year. NU's George Kontos went seven innings allowing five hits and walking four. He allowed two runs, but only a single run was earned. Kontos didn't figure in the decision, Dan Schwartz took the loss, and wasn't the pitching story of game one. That belonged to Virginia Commenwealth's Harold Mozingo.
The Rams hurler fanned thirteen NU batters in seven innings. Mozingo yielded four hits and all three Wildcat runs. In spite of his prodigious strike out total, Mozingo didn't get a decision, either. The win went the reliever Brett Walker who only faced two batters.
Rams' LF Kwan Evans' three hits, including a round tripper, topped the VCU attack in the opening game of the three game set.
In game two, Northwestern scored twice in the ninth inning and three more in the tenth to topple VCU, 6-5. Centerfielder Aaron Newman led the offensive charge with three hits and two RBI for Northwestern. Jake Owens, Jake Wilson and Tommy Finn each had two hits a piece for NU.
The win went to Wildcat reliever Andrew Smith who pitched four innings. Starter Dan Brauer went five innings fanning seven and relinquishing only one run. Schwartz notched his first save of 2006. VCU starter John Leonard, like Brauer, also went five and struck out seven. The loss went to Rams' reliever Jared Bolden.
Sizemore remained a pain for NU pitchers in game two. The secondbaseman had two triples and scored three times. (Note: Sizemore is good. Very good.) Tim St. Clair also homered for the Rams.
Both the PSU vs. Tulane and NU vs. VCU series wrap up tomorrow.
I wouldn't count on me providing such link filled recaps on a regular basis, but I had the time today and college baseball players need all the publicity they can get. Even if its only a tiny blog like this one.
2B Brad Emaus homered and had three RBI for Tulane in the opener. Green Wave redshirt freshman OF Warren McFadden had two hits and three RBI, as well. Alan Stidfole took the loss, Brandon Gomes notched the victory.
Today's contest was dominated by Tulane RHP Sean Morgan. The sophomore struck out a career high eleven batters in six innings of work. The Wave also pounded out 15 hits. Cat Everett continued his strong start collecting three safties in Saturday's affair. (Note to self: Tulane is good. Very good.)
Nittany Lions' catcher James Spinelli was the bright spot on offense with two hits. PSU's Mark Wyner took the loss. (My apologies, Mark. PSU doesn't provide a link to your bio as of yet.)
On a happier note, Northwestern has a chance to win their series tomorrow. The Wildcats have split their two contests against VCU. (NU game one recap.) NU dropped the opener, 4-3. VCU's Scott Sizemore's two out double in the bottom of the ninth won it for the Rams.
Wildcats' DH Antonio Mule continued his fast start, hitting his second homer of the year. NU's George Kontos went seven innings allowing five hits and walking four. He allowed two runs, but only a single run was earned. Kontos didn't figure in the decision, Dan Schwartz took the loss, and wasn't the pitching story of game one. That belonged to Virginia Commenwealth's Harold Mozingo.
The Rams hurler fanned thirteen NU batters in seven innings. Mozingo yielded four hits and all three Wildcat runs. In spite of his prodigious strike out total, Mozingo didn't get a decision, either. The win went the reliever Brett Walker who only faced two batters.
Rams' LF Kwan Evans' three hits, including a round tripper, topped the VCU attack in the opening game of the three game set.
In game two, Northwestern scored twice in the ninth inning and three more in the tenth to topple VCU, 6-5. Centerfielder Aaron Newman led the offensive charge with three hits and two RBI for Northwestern. Jake Owens, Jake Wilson and Tommy Finn each had two hits a piece for NU.
The win went to Wildcat reliever Andrew Smith who pitched four innings. Starter Dan Brauer went five innings fanning seven and relinquishing only one run. Schwartz notched his first save of 2006. VCU starter John Leonard, like Brauer, also went five and struck out seven. The loss went to Rams' reliever Jared Bolden.
Sizemore remained a pain for NU pitchers in game two. The secondbaseman had two triples and scored three times. (Note: Sizemore is good. Very good.) Tim St. Clair also homered for the Rams.
Both the PSU vs. Tulane and NU vs. VCU series wrap up tomorrow.
I wouldn't count on me providing such link filled recaps on a regular basis, but I had the time today and college baseball players need all the publicity they can get. Even if its only a tiny blog like this one.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
A Look At The Weekend
Two Big Ten schools have games this weekend. Northwestern continues on with a three game set against Virginia Commonwealth. Penn State's season begins with a visit to New Orleans to take on #9 Tulane.
The Wildcats (1-2) have a tough battle with VCU (2-0) beginning Friday night. The Rams feature all-conference 2B Scott Sizemore. Sizemore (.364/12/56) is considered by some to be the front runner for the Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Year. Sergio Miranda, Sizemore's doubleplay partner, was also named a pre-season All CAA player by Baseball America.
RHP Harlod Mozingo (1-0) should probably take to the hill in Game 1. Mozingo was named BA's Pitcher of the Year and is also considered the best pitching prospect in the CAA. Northwestern will probably counter with George Kontos.
NU's Antonio Mule hit .400 versus South Florida last week earning the sophomore the Big Ten Player of the Week honor. Mule's teammate, Dan Schwartz was named Big Ten Pitcher of the Week for his win over USF.
The Nittany Lions season begins with a three game series versus the Green Wave (3-1). The series should be quite a test for Robbie Wine's squad, as Tulane is ranked as high as ninth nationally (NCBWA poll) and, in spite of their youth, clearly look like a tournament team again in 2006. The Green Wave squad also has the advantage of having four games under their belt including a victory over defending national champion, Texas. Not that they need any extra help.
Tulane is led offensively by three Baseball America pre-season all-conference selections: Mark Hamilton (1B), Brad Emaus (3B) and Nathan Southard (OF). The Wave can also boast of incoming freshman, Aja Barto (OF) who BA selected as it's Conference USA Freshman of the Year. Sophomore 2B Cat Everett has started '06 on fire. Everett is pacing the Green Wave with a .429 average through the first four contests.
Tulane doesn't lack for pitching promise, either. Sean Morgan went 6-1 with five saves a year ago and is another potential all-conference choice. Closer Daniel Latham led C-USA in saves last season with 13. He has already earned two saves this year. Stephen Porlier (7.0 IP), Billy Mohl (7.0 IP) and Trey Martin (4.0) have each earned a win in '06 and all three have an ERA of 0.00.
There is also a fan run site for Tulane baseball. WaveBaseball.com provides tons of coverage as does the official team site (link in first paragraph).
While Penn State is projected to finish in the bottom half of the Big Ten, there are reasons of optimism in Happy Valley. PSU has, on paper, a decent enough offense. Matt Lewis, Lance Thompson, Joe Blackburn and Scott Gummo had fine seasons in '05. Alan Stidfole (6-4) returns to anchor the Lions staff.
The series will be broadcast on the internet with a link at PSU's site. Gametracker is available for the series, as well.
The Wildcats (1-2) have a tough battle with VCU (2-0) beginning Friday night. The Rams feature all-conference 2B Scott Sizemore. Sizemore (.364/12/56) is considered by some to be the front runner for the Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Year. Sergio Miranda, Sizemore's doubleplay partner, was also named a pre-season All CAA player by Baseball America.
RHP Harlod Mozingo (1-0) should probably take to the hill in Game 1. Mozingo was named BA's Pitcher of the Year and is also considered the best pitching prospect in the CAA. Northwestern will probably counter with George Kontos.
NU's Antonio Mule hit .400 versus South Florida last week earning the sophomore the Big Ten Player of the Week honor. Mule's teammate, Dan Schwartz was named Big Ten Pitcher of the Week for his win over USF.
The Nittany Lions season begins with a three game series versus the Green Wave (3-1). The series should be quite a test for Robbie Wine's squad, as Tulane is ranked as high as ninth nationally (NCBWA poll) and, in spite of their youth, clearly look like a tournament team again in 2006. The Green Wave squad also has the advantage of having four games under their belt including a victory over defending national champion, Texas. Not that they need any extra help.
Tulane is led offensively by three Baseball America pre-season all-conference selections: Mark Hamilton (1B), Brad Emaus (3B) and Nathan Southard (OF). The Wave can also boast of incoming freshman, Aja Barto (OF) who BA selected as it's Conference USA Freshman of the Year. Sophomore 2B Cat Everett has started '06 on fire. Everett is pacing the Green Wave with a .429 average through the first four contests.
Tulane doesn't lack for pitching promise, either. Sean Morgan went 6-1 with five saves a year ago and is another potential all-conference choice. Closer Daniel Latham led C-USA in saves last season with 13. He has already earned two saves this year. Stephen Porlier (7.0 IP), Billy Mohl (7.0 IP) and Trey Martin (4.0) have each earned a win in '06 and all three have an ERA of 0.00.
There is also a fan run site for Tulane baseball. WaveBaseball.com provides tons of coverage as does the official team site (link in first paragraph).
While Penn State is projected to finish in the bottom half of the Big Ten, there are reasons of optimism in Happy Valley. PSU has, on paper, a decent enough offense. Matt Lewis, Lance Thompson, Joe Blackburn and Scott Gummo had fine seasons in '05. Alan Stidfole (6-4) returns to anchor the Lions staff.
The series will be broadcast on the internet with a link at PSU's site. Gametracker is available for the series, as well.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Nittany Lions Preview
Corey McLauglin, of The Digital Collegian, takes a look at Penn State's squad heading into this weekend's opening series versus Tulane.
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Wildcats Win In Extra Innings
In a game dominated by pitching and a lengthy rain delay, Northwestern collected it's first triumph of 2006. The Wildcats beat South Florida, 2-0, in thirteen innings Saturday afternoon. Dan Brauer started for the 'Cats (1-1) and went five innings allowing only one hit and fanning eight Bulls batters. Brauer was followed by Andrew Smith who pitched another five innings of three hit ball. Dan Schwartz went the final three allowing only a single safety to earn the win.
USF (1-1) sent five hurlers to the mound and struck out fifteen NU hitters, but couldn't muster any offense. Wildcats' 2B Jake Owens had hit second straight two hit contest to pace NU's offense. Geoff Dietz and Stanley Finch had an RBI a piece. (Boxscore)
The final game of the weekend series is slated for Sunday afternoon.
USF (1-1) sent five hurlers to the mound and struck out fifteen NU hitters, but couldn't muster any offense. Wildcats' 2B Jake Owens had hit second straight two hit contest to pace NU's offense. Geoff Dietz and Stanley Finch had an RBI a piece. (Boxscore)
The final game of the weekend series is slated for Sunday afternoon.
Wildcats Fall To USF, 5-2
Northwestern lost it's season opener to South Florida, 5-2, Friday night. (Here is the boxscore.)Ty Taborelli and Mike Consolmagno each drove in a pair of runs for USF. Jake Owens had two hits for the 'Cats.
Casey Hudspeth fanned ten NU batters and picked up the win. George Kontos, NU's starter, struck out six Bulls, but took the loss. The two teams play game two of their three game set this afternoon at Red McEwen Field.
Casey Hudspeth fanned ten NU batters and picked up the win. George Kontos, NU's starter, struck out six Bulls, but took the loss. The two teams play game two of their three game set this afternoon at Red McEwen Field.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
NU Opens Season Tomorrow
Northwestern will begin its 2006 campaign Friday with a game against South Florida. The Wildcats site provides this preview of their opener. The Bulls official site provides this brief look at the first game and attaches a PDF link for more information. The Adobe file is loaded with quality information. The game is the first of a three game weekend series between the two clubs.
As usual, the Friday night affair could be a very good pitching match-up. Casey Hudspeth is USF's starter while George Kontos counters for the 'Cats. The first pitch is slated for around 7:00pm tomorrow night. Unfortunately, it does not appear as their will be any radio, television or gametracker available.
As usual, the Friday night affair could be a very good pitching match-up. Casey Hudspeth is USF's starter while George Kontos counters for the 'Cats. The first pitch is slated for around 7:00pm tomorrow night. Unfortunately, it does not appear as their will be any radio, television or gametracker available.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
New Additions At Indiana
Jake Brown, of the Indiana Daily Student, pens this piece on Indiana new head coach, Tracy Smith. This is Smith's initial campaign with the Hoosiers.
In other baseball news from Bloomington, Smith has added two players from big time programs. Tad Reida and Brett Sager will play for IU this season after playing at Wichita State and LSU, respectively.
In other baseball news from Bloomington, Smith has added two players from big time programs. Tad Reida and Brett Sager will play for IU this season after playing at Wichita State and LSU, respectively.
Friday, February 03, 2006
Clemens Award Watch List Announced
Apparently, today is the day I find out about "Watch Lists". First, the NCBWA Stopper of the Year, now the Roger Clemens Award Watch List. The Clemens Award Watch List has been out a while, but I didn't see any mention of it. I probably never caught wind of it because no Big Ten pitcher made the list.
I'm kind of surprised that Illinois' Brian Blomquist didn't garner some pre-season love from the Clemens Award committee, but such is the life of a Big Ten hurler. I'd encourage you to check out the list even without any arms from our area.
A side note, USC's Ian Kennedy is pitching tonight against fellow Clemens Award nominee Jared Hughes of Long Beach State.
I'm kind of surprised that Illinois' Brian Blomquist didn't garner some pre-season love from the Clemens Award committee, but such is the life of a Big Ten hurler. I'd encourage you to check out the list even without any arms from our area.
A side note, USC's Ian Kennedy is pitching tonight against fellow Clemens Award nominee Jared Hughes of Long Beach State.
Meister Makes Watch List
The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association has released its Stopper of the Year Watch List. Rory Meister of Ohio State is the only Big Ten closer to garner a pre-season nod from the NCBWA. Here is the Buckeyes press release regarding Meister's recognition.
This Weekend
Baseball America's Will Kimmey previews the weekend match-ups. Of this weekend's games, the series I most look forward to is Cal State Fullerton @ Stanford. It's the kind of baseball battle, between two tradition powers, that made me a college baseball fan way back when. Besides, I like the Cardinal program.
The USC vs. Long Beach State series, with the Dirtbags hosting two of three, is probably the most significant match-up. Two ranked teams battling in an early season home and home and home series.
I feel for LBSU's Evan Longoria. Although one of the country's top players, being only one letter removed from comparisons to a Desperate Housewife must make life difficult.
The Rosenblatt Report's Kendall Rogers also provides a look ahead to this weekend's hardball action. He thinks the Tennessee vs. Florida Atlantic confrontation might be the best of the bunch.
The USC vs. Long Beach State series, with the Dirtbags hosting two of three, is probably the most significant match-up. Two ranked teams battling in an early season home and home and home series.
I feel for LBSU's Evan Longoria. Although one of the country's top players, being only one letter removed from comparisons to a Desperate Housewife must make life difficult.
The Rosenblatt Report's Kendall Rogers also provides a look ahead to this weekend's hardball action. He thinks the Tennessee vs. Florida Atlantic confrontation might be the best of the bunch.
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