Here's what we've got for the weekend. Minnesota travels to East Lansing to take on Michigan State. In West Lafayette, Purdue hosts Michigan. Penn State travels to take on Northwestern. Ohio State's in Bloomington visiting Indiana. Illinois plays host to Iowa.
After last weekend, I've learned my lesson--no more predicitions. Well, no more predicitions this week, anyway.
Update: Ohio State has already beaten IU, 4-3. Adam Schneider had two RBI for OSU. Dan DeLucia posted his sixth triumph. The OSU lefty went 8.2 innings yielding seven hits, one walk and three earned runs. DeLucia also struck out five. Rory Meister got the save.
Michigan downed Purdue, 4-3. Zach Putnam pitched a complete game allowing seven hits, two walks, fanning six. Michigan CF Eric Rose had two hits and two stolen bases. SS Mitch Hilligoss went 3 for 4, hit his fourth HR and stole a base for Purdue.
Michigan State beat Minnesota, 7-6. MSU's Ryan Basham hit a walk-off single. Troy Krider had three hits, Alan Cattrysse collected three RBI for the Spartans. Minnesota's Andy Hunter homered and drove in three runs.
Update #2: Closer Matt Whitmore started Friday night and led Illinois to a 12-3 win over Iowa. Whitmore pitched 6.1 innings allowing three hits, four walks and three earned runs. Whitmore also struck out six. Ryan Hastings and Mike Rhode each went yard and drove in three runs.
Penn State walked into Northwestern and promptly bashed the Big Ten leaders, 12-1. Alan Stidfole twirled a complete game for the Nittany Lions. Stidfole yielded seven hits, no walks and only the single NU run. He also fanned five Wildcats. PSU's Lance Thompson and Brian Ernst each went 3 for 6. Nittany Lions' C Aaron Greenfield drove in three.
Friday, April 21, 2006
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Construction News
Another Big Ten baseball program has launched a campaign to upgrade it's facilities. Purdue has begun taking donations to renovate their home, Lambert Field.
Penn State's new park, which it will share with local minor league franchise, the Altoona Curve, is nearing completion. Michigan State is also raising money to upgrade Kobs Field, it's on campus baseball facility.
Penn State's new park, which it will share with local minor league franchise, the Altoona Curve, is nearing completion. Michigan State is also raising money to upgrade Kobs Field, it's on campus baseball facility.
Southeast Baseball On The Air
How did I miss this? SE Baseball.com is broadcasting a weekly show. No, you aren't going to get coverage of teams up here in the snowbelt, but it's still worth a listen if you love college baseball.
I've been contemplating a podcast or some audio posting, but after hearing Craig Jackson's deep, near perfect radio voice, my enthusiasm has diminished. I can't compete with that.
I've been contemplating a podcast or some audio posting, but after hearing Craig Jackson's deep, near perfect radio voice, my enthusiasm has diminished. I can't compete with that.
Photo Gallery, Part II
If you loved Sam's photos from last Friday night's Ohio State at Michigan game, and everyone did, then you'll love this crop of photos from Sunday's finale of that series.
Midterm Awards
I've always wanted to do a midterm conference award post. Today, I appear to have the time, so let's look at some potential award winners and other things of note as we approach the halfway point in the Big Ten schedule.
Surprise of the Year: Northwestern
Was there any other choice? The Wildcats conference run continues to amaze. Well, at least, it amazes me. Even with their 9-3 Big Ten mark, NU is only playing .375 overall (12-20). Although, in Northwestern's defense, I believe their strength of schedule was the highest in the conference heading into the year.
Coach of the Year: Rich Maloney, Michigan
This will probably change week to week. Prior to last week, this was Ohio State's Bob Todd's award. This week, Northwestern's Paul Stevens probably merits the honor (if being named my choice as Coach of the Year is an honor), but NU's non-conference record just can't be ignored. Maloney has a very young Michigan team contending for the regular season crown.
Freshman of the Year: J.B. Shuck, Ohio State
At 5-1 with a 1.50 ERA, Shuck would be a strong choice just as a pitcher, but he knows what to do with the bat, too. The OSU frosh is hitting .344 with 14 RBI. However, this is one exceptionally strong field of newcomers. Indiana's Cameron Satterwhite, Purdue's Ryne White and Kyle Day of Michigan State are right on Shuck's heels. There are another ten names on my list of candidates, as well.
Pitcher of the Year: Tim Gudex, Iowa
I haven't quite decided if I'm going to create two awards--one for starters, one for closers--so for now, it's still a combined honor. Gudex, 3-1, six saves and 0.96 ERA, gets the mid-season title. Illinois' closer Matt Whitmore is in the running, as are OSU's Shuck and Dan DeLucia, Minnesota's Cole DeVries, Iowa's Jeff Maitland, Purdue's Jay Buente and Indiana freshman Joe Vicini.
Player of the Year: Mitch Hilligoss, Purdue
Another good field of candidates, but Hilligoss is doing it all for the Boilermakers. The Purdue shortstop is leading the conference in batting average (.413), slugging percentage (.636), on base percentage (.497), hits (50), runs scored (T-41) and total bases (77). Hilligoss' teamate Eric Wolfe can make a claim for the title, too. Others on my short list today include Ohio State's Ronnie Bourquin, Northwestern's Antonio Mule and Michigan State's Ryan Basham.
Please don't send me hate mail because I overlooked your guy. Remember, it's only midterms. There is plenty of time for changes amongst my selections. Besides, my email address has apparently found it's way into spammers hands and my mailbox is filled with an unusually high volume of garbage. I'll never find your email in the midst of all that, anyway.
Surprise of the Year: Northwestern
Was there any other choice? The Wildcats conference run continues to amaze. Well, at least, it amazes me. Even with their 9-3 Big Ten mark, NU is only playing .375 overall (12-20). Although, in Northwestern's defense, I believe their strength of schedule was the highest in the conference heading into the year.
Coach of the Year: Rich Maloney, Michigan
This will probably change week to week. Prior to last week, this was Ohio State's Bob Todd's award. This week, Northwestern's Paul Stevens probably merits the honor (if being named my choice as Coach of the Year is an honor), but NU's non-conference record just can't be ignored. Maloney has a very young Michigan team contending for the regular season crown.
Freshman of the Year: J.B. Shuck, Ohio State
At 5-1 with a 1.50 ERA, Shuck would be a strong choice just as a pitcher, but he knows what to do with the bat, too. The OSU frosh is hitting .344 with 14 RBI. However, this is one exceptionally strong field of newcomers. Indiana's Cameron Satterwhite, Purdue's Ryne White and Kyle Day of Michigan State are right on Shuck's heels. There are another ten names on my list of candidates, as well.
Pitcher of the Year: Tim Gudex, Iowa
I haven't quite decided if I'm going to create two awards--one for starters, one for closers--so for now, it's still a combined honor. Gudex, 3-1, six saves and 0.96 ERA, gets the mid-season title. Illinois' closer Matt Whitmore is in the running, as are OSU's Shuck and Dan DeLucia, Minnesota's Cole DeVries, Iowa's Jeff Maitland, Purdue's Jay Buente and Indiana freshman Joe Vicini.
Player of the Year: Mitch Hilligoss, Purdue
Another good field of candidates, but Hilligoss is doing it all for the Boilermakers. The Purdue shortstop is leading the conference in batting average (.413), slugging percentage (.636), on base percentage (.497), hits (50), runs scored (T-41) and total bases (77). Hilligoss' teamate Eric Wolfe can make a claim for the title, too. Others on my short list today include Ohio State's Ronnie Bourquin, Northwestern's Antonio Mule and Michigan State's Ryan Basham.
Please don't send me hate mail because I overlooked your guy. Remember, it's only midterms. There is plenty of time for changes amongst my selections. Besides, my email address has apparently found it's way into spammers hands and my mailbox is filled with an unusually high volume of garbage. I'll never find your email in the midst of all that, anyway.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Wednesday Night Observations
I'm not sure where to begin or even end this post. I do know that it's been a pretty miserable midweek for Big Ten baseball squads. Oh, some have won, but a number of them, including the top two, failed to build on their successful weekends. Regardless, here are some links to baseball, Big Ten style.
Indiana literally ran all over Indiana State yesterday, 11-5. The Go-Go Hoosiers stole twelve bases. Don't believe me? Can't say that I blame you. My math skills are frequently called into question and, let's be honest, 12 is a ton of stolen bases in a single game. So, go count 'em yourself to make sure I did it right. (In ISU's defense, they did steal five bases of their own.)
Not surprisingly, IU's Reggie Watson led the charge with four steals. Watson entered the week as the Big Ten's leaders in stolen bases. As a team, IU leads in conference in stolen bases and attempts, thus my Go-Go Hoosiers title stays.
Iowa has split a pair of midweek affairs. The Hawkeyes lost to North Dakota State, 11-8. (That's a darn painful loss for the league and Iowa.) Rebounding, Iowa beat the Bisons today, 13-8. Skyler Moss homered and had five RBI in the Hawkeye victory.
Northern Iowa beat Minnesota, 9-6. Apparently, the teams around the conference are looking at crushing their RPI figures.
Speaking of RPI numbers, SE Baseball has it's adjusted RPI out for the week. Purdue comes in on top followed by Michigan. SE Baseball's Mark Etheridge also picks the NCAA Tournament field. I see Michigan in as the Big Ten automatic berth. Does anyone see another Big Ten squad in their field of 64?
One team not projected into the tournament is conference leader Northwestern. Why not? Mostly because of their non-conference record, which is below .500. NU's RPI didn't improve yesterday with a loss to Valpo, 7-3. I know it's a midweek game, but you just can't lose those type of games and expect to get much love from the selection committee.
Michigan, for the second straight week, endangered it's at large berth potential by losing a midweek game. Today, Eastern Michigan drilled the Maize and Blue, 9-3. No links are available yet, but Big Ten teams have to stop losing these midweek contests if they really hope to land two teams into the NCAA tournament.
Ohio State beat Oakland this afternoon, 8-2. Eric Fryer went 3 for 4. Sorry, no links for this game, either. I checked the GameTracker to obtain the score.
Illinois pounded on Illinois State, 8-3.
The Big Ten named it's Players of the Week.
Indiana literally ran all over Indiana State yesterday, 11-5. The Go-Go Hoosiers stole twelve bases. Don't believe me? Can't say that I blame you. My math skills are frequently called into question and, let's be honest, 12 is a ton of stolen bases in a single game. So, go count 'em yourself to make sure I did it right. (In ISU's defense, they did steal five bases of their own.)
Not surprisingly, IU's Reggie Watson led the charge with four steals. Watson entered the week as the Big Ten's leaders in stolen bases. As a team, IU leads in conference in stolen bases and attempts, thus my Go-Go Hoosiers title stays.
Iowa has split a pair of midweek affairs. The Hawkeyes lost to North Dakota State, 11-8. (That's a darn painful loss for the league and Iowa.) Rebounding, Iowa beat the Bisons today, 13-8. Skyler Moss homered and had five RBI in the Hawkeye victory.
Northern Iowa beat Minnesota, 9-6. Apparently, the teams around the conference are looking at crushing their RPI figures.
Speaking of RPI numbers, SE Baseball has it's adjusted RPI out for the week. Purdue comes in on top followed by Michigan. SE Baseball's Mark Etheridge also picks the NCAA Tournament field. I see Michigan in as the Big Ten automatic berth. Does anyone see another Big Ten squad in their field of 64?
One team not projected into the tournament is conference leader Northwestern. Why not? Mostly because of their non-conference record, which is below .500. NU's RPI didn't improve yesterday with a loss to Valpo, 7-3. I know it's a midweek game, but you just can't lose those type of games and expect to get much love from the selection committee.
Michigan, for the second straight week, endangered it's at large berth potential by losing a midweek game. Today, Eastern Michigan drilled the Maize and Blue, 9-3. No links are available yet, but Big Ten teams have to stop losing these midweek contests if they really hope to land two teams into the NCAA tournament.
Ohio State beat Oakland this afternoon, 8-2. Eric Fryer went 3 for 4. Sorry, no links for this game, either. I checked the GameTracker to obtain the score.
Illinois pounded on Illinois State, 8-3.
The Big Ten named it's Players of the Week.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
This Sport Needs A Preview Magazine
Don't ask me why, but as I was researching the information I posted this evening, I got to thinking that what college baseball needs (amongst other things) is a preview magazine. You know what I'm talking about. A full color, 'round the nation look at the sport. Complete with tons of lists--All-American teams, All-Conference teams, best middle infield, best starting pitching, best bullpens, best coaches, best stadiums, etc.---plus previews of the teams, schedules, recruiting, et al. You know, the works.
Basically, college baseball needs what basketball and football have. Now, I realize an initial foray into such a venture would have to be cautious. With the sport's regional popularity, guessing sales figures would be hard. Profits even harder to come by. Maybe the colleges themselves could sell the thing at the ballparks? Look, it may rub some folks the wrong way, but the game needs all the love it can get. It also wouldn't hurt if the sport looked like it mattered to some of us, which it does.
Each year college hoops and pigskin fans eagerly wait for their annual preview magazines to arrive. Some of them (my hand is raised) have even ordered them in advance and had the delivered to their homes. The release of such publications are a sign that the season isn't too far off and get fans excited about the new year. Why shouldn't college baseball have the same thing?
Now, one could argue that Collegiate Baseball and Baseball America both produce such an animal. Their previews are good, but both are newsprint and neither are comprehensive enough. Again, the negative types can suggest that's the best you can expect for a sport with such a minimal following. Aiming low isn't going to help the sport grow or create profits at non-revenue producing programs.
Following this sport is a bit of a challenge. Rosters change over often. Schedules are in flux far longer than in other sports. Recruiting news is just this side of non-existent. However, there are enough people out there, from the staffs at both CB and BA, to individuals like Boyd Nation, that we could muster a talented staff to assemble such a publication.
Of course, the bottom line is always the bottom line. I wish I could say with great confidence that such a publication would fly off the shelves, especially in places like Texas, Florida and California, but I can't. I can wish, however. And, right now, I dare to dream big.
Basically, college baseball needs what basketball and football have. Now, I realize an initial foray into such a venture would have to be cautious. With the sport's regional popularity, guessing sales figures would be hard. Profits even harder to come by. Maybe the colleges themselves could sell the thing at the ballparks? Look, it may rub some folks the wrong way, but the game needs all the love it can get. It also wouldn't hurt if the sport looked like it mattered to some of us, which it does.
Each year college hoops and pigskin fans eagerly wait for their annual preview magazines to arrive. Some of them (my hand is raised) have even ordered them in advance and had the delivered to their homes. The release of such publications are a sign that the season isn't too far off and get fans excited about the new year. Why shouldn't college baseball have the same thing?
Now, one could argue that Collegiate Baseball and Baseball America both produce such an animal. Their previews are good, but both are newsprint and neither are comprehensive enough. Again, the negative types can suggest that's the best you can expect for a sport with such a minimal following. Aiming low isn't going to help the sport grow or create profits at non-revenue producing programs.
Following this sport is a bit of a challenge. Rosters change over often. Schedules are in flux far longer than in other sports. Recruiting news is just this side of non-existent. However, there are enough people out there, from the staffs at both CB and BA, to individuals like Boyd Nation, that we could muster a talented staff to assemble such a publication.
Of course, the bottom line is always the bottom line. I wish I could say with great confidence that such a publication would fly off the shelves, especially in places like Texas, Florida and California, but I can't. I can wish, however. And, right now, I dare to dream big.
This Week's OPS Leaders
As the season progresses, the number of players with an OPS above 1.000 diminshes. Currently, we are down to six regulars with a mark above 1.000. The list begins with Mitch Hilligoss of Purdue. Hilligoss, the Boilermakers all-world shortstop, currently leads the Big Ten in batting average, on base percentage, slugging percentage, hits, total bases and hot dogs sold. Hilligoss also carries a 1.133 OPS number into the midweek games.
Hilligoss' teammate, Eric Wolfe is second in the conference in OPS. Wolfe is in at 1.079. Antonio Mule, the offensive leader of first place Northwestern, has an OPS of 1.076. Ohio State's Jedidiah Stephen comes in fourth at 1.060. Stephen's Buckeye teammate, Jacob Howell is next at 1.057. Although, Howell has missed the last several games. The final Big Ten regular posting an OPS figure above 1.000 is Michigan State's Ryan Basham. The Spartans' OF has a 1.039 OPS.
That rounds out the regulars. There are two players, Cameron Satterwhite of Indiana (1.014) and Jamey Embrey of MSU (1.149) who have OPS marks at this level, but neither has fifty at bats this season.
Hilligoss' teammate, Eric Wolfe is second in the conference in OPS. Wolfe is in at 1.079. Antonio Mule, the offensive leader of first place Northwestern, has an OPS of 1.076. Ohio State's Jedidiah Stephen comes in fourth at 1.060. Stephen's Buckeye teammate, Jacob Howell is next at 1.057. Although, Howell has missed the last several games. The final Big Ten regular posting an OPS figure above 1.000 is Michigan State's Ryan Basham. The Spartans' OF has a 1.039 OPS.
That rounds out the regulars. There are two players, Cameron Satterwhite of Indiana (1.014) and Jamey Embrey of MSU (1.149) who have OPS marks at this level, but neither has fifty at bats this season.
The (Somewhat) Usual Suspects
It's Tuesday (it is Tuesday, right?) and it's time for my usual assortment of links from the college student newspaper circuit. There might be some bonus coverage tossed in, but you know the drill.
Starting at the Daily Northwestern, where David Morrison offers up this on Wildcats' SS Tommy Finn.
Moving south from NU, Jason Grodsky of the Daily Illini previews the week ahead for Dan Hartleb's squad.
Making a hard right turn and heading west, Ryan Long of The Daily Iowan says the Hawkeyes baseball team is looking for some confidence.
Corey McLaughlin of the Daily Collegian looks at the path Seth Whitehill has taken to join Penn State's baseball program.
Indiana's game against Indiana State is previewed by Jake Brown of the Indiana Daily Student.
While Ohio State is no longer in the NCBWA Top 30, both the Buckeyes and Michigan, who swept OSU over the weekend, did get votes in this week's poll.
Here is Ian's post on our blogger meeting at Ray Fisher Stadium last Friday night. I invited someone to their very first college baseball game and I think he liked it. My work here is done.
Starting at the Daily Northwestern, where David Morrison offers up this on Wildcats' SS Tommy Finn.
Moving south from NU, Jason Grodsky of the Daily Illini previews the week ahead for Dan Hartleb's squad.
Making a hard right turn and heading west, Ryan Long of The Daily Iowan says the Hawkeyes baseball team is looking for some confidence.
Corey McLaughlin of the Daily Collegian looks at the path Seth Whitehill has taken to join Penn State's baseball program.
Indiana's game against Indiana State is previewed by Jake Brown of the Indiana Daily Student.
While Ohio State is no longer in the NCBWA Top 30, both the Buckeyes and Michigan, who swept OSU over the weekend, did get votes in this week's poll.
Here is Ian's post on our blogger meeting at Ray Fisher Stadium last Friday night. I invited someone to their very first college baseball game and I think he liked it. My work here is done.
Sunday, April 16, 2006
More Photos
Sam finally got flickr to work, technically her internet connection was the issue, not the host, and you can now view her photos of Friday night's Ohio State at Michigan game. Many thanks to Sam for providing the link and offering me the opportunity to use her work.
Weekend Games And Conference Standings
While I did not make it back out to Ann Arbor Saturday, I have found time to recap both Saturday and Sunday's Big Ten baseball action. After this weekend's results, I think I can start safely expecting the unexpected in conference play this season. Here's a brief review.
Northwestern took three of four from Illinois. After winning Friday night's contest (please refer to my recap post on that), NU won both ends of Saturday's doubleheader in Champaign, 7-3 and 7-6 in twelve innings. In the opener, Caleb Fields hit his second homer (one of his three hits) and Antonio Mule jacked homer number five for the 'Cats. Dan Brauer threw a 114 pitch seven inning complete game and improved to 3-1.
The nightcap saw Fields collect four hits in six at bats to pace NU's attack. Dan Schwartz earned his third win pitching six innings of relief work. Chase Kliment had two hits and two RBI for Illinois in the loss.
Illinois managed to avoid the sweep by capturing Sunday's game, 3-1. Kliment had two more hits Sunday to lead the Illini. NU's Fields went 2 for 4 and Anthony Wycklendt homered and doubled for the Wildcats. Jake Stewart pitched five innings of the rain shortened affair to gain the victory.
The Hoosiers and Boilermakers split their Saturday twinbill. IU captured Game One, 3-2. Zach Boswell went yard (his fourth) and drove in two runs. Josh Lewis (3-5) grabbed the win, Chris McCombs claimed the save (his third).
Purdue emerged victorious in the second game, 5-2. Mitch Hilligoss went 4 for 4 and stole his tenth base of the year in leading the Boilermakers' offense. Brent Courdon improved to 3-3. IU's McCombs, who saved the first game of the doubleheader, started and lost the second affair.
Sunday's game was all Purdue. The Boilermakers rolled to a 25-8 triumph over Indiana. Neal Gorka and Ryne White homered twice and banged out four hits a piece. Gorka drove in eight, yes, eight runs. White had five RBI and Hilligoss chipped in with four hits and four RBI of his own. Purdue starter Ricky Heines got the win.
Minnesota took game one of their Saturday DH with Iowa, 5-2. The Hawkeyes beat the Gophers, 3-1, in the nightcap. 3B Joe Maciej drove in two Minnesota runs. Dustin Brabender (3-4) earned the win. Andy Peters posted the save. Iowa's Jeff Maitland suffered his first defeat of the season.
Iowa 2B Travis Sweet went 2 for 2 with a RBI in the second game. Tim Gudex posted his sixth save.
Minnesota won again Sunday, 12-1, to take three of four from Iowa. For the Gophers, Maciej and Taylor VanderAarde each had two hits, two RBI and scored twice, DH Kyle Baran had three hits and three RBI. Cole DeVries fanned eight in 6.2 innings and bumped his record up to 4-2.
At State College, Michigan State needed extra innings in both games to sweep the doubleheader from Penn State. The Spartans won by scores of 9-5 and 6-4. Jeff Gerbe pitched all eight innings in the opener to post his fourth win against three defeats. MSU's Steve Gerstenberger had a three run triple and stole home on a double steal.
E.J. Daws hit his first homerun of 2006 and Ryan Basham went 3 for 4 to lead MSU to victory in Game Two. Mike Monterey (4-5) got the win in the nightcap. Lance Thompson drove in two PSU's runs.
Scott Gummo's double in the bottom of the ninth vaulted Penn State to victory Sunday, 12-11. The win also earned the Nittany Lions a weekend split with MSU. Nittany Lions OF Brian Ernst went 5 for 6. PSU's Scott Gaffney delivered his first win of the year in his first pitching performance of the campaign.
Arguably the most interesting results of the weekend came from Ray Fisher Stadium, where Michigan swept the series with #24 Ohio State. After a resounding win Friday night, the Wolverines swept Saturday's double dip with OSU. Michigan won game one, 7-1 and captured the second tilt, 2-1 in eight innings (which is extra innings for those unaware that the DH's are seven inning games).
Paul Hammond went the distance in the first meeting. Hammond (2-3) allowed five hits, struck out five and yielded only the single run. Mike Schmidt and Adam Abraham each went yard and drove in three runs.
SS Leif Mahler drove in the winning run in extra innings in the nightcap. OSU's Jake Hale and Michigan's Chris Fetter pitched strong outings, but it was Wolverine reliver Craig Murray who posted the win pitching the eighth inning. Schmidt and Buckeye CF Matt Angle each had a pair of hits.
Michigan swept the weekend series by claiming a 5-4 triumph today. Eric Rose drove in a pair of runs for the Wolverines. Andrew Hess (2-0) pitched seven innings, allowing eleven hits, but allowing only two runs. Buckeye freshman star J.B. Shuck took his first career loss (5-1). Michigan's Ben Jenzen threw two innings of relief work to merit his first save.
With this wacky weekend now in the books, let's see what the standings look like. Northwestern owns sole possession of first place in the Big Ten at 9-3 (12-19). Michigan, after it's sweep, has lifted itself into second place at 8-4 (20-12). Purdue holds onto the third spot at 7-5 (20-11). Fourth place belongs to the .500 clubs--Ohio State (20-11), Michigan State (17-15) and Minnesota (18-14). Each is 6-6 in the conference.
Iowa (15-17) and Penn State (11-23) are in at 5-7. Indiana is 4-8 (12-20) and Illinois is 4-9 (16-16).
Northwestern took three of four from Illinois. After winning Friday night's contest (please refer to my recap post on that), NU won both ends of Saturday's doubleheader in Champaign, 7-3 and 7-6 in twelve innings. In the opener, Caleb Fields hit his second homer (one of his three hits) and Antonio Mule jacked homer number five for the 'Cats. Dan Brauer threw a 114 pitch seven inning complete game and improved to 3-1.
The nightcap saw Fields collect four hits in six at bats to pace NU's attack. Dan Schwartz earned his third win pitching six innings of relief work. Chase Kliment had two hits and two RBI for Illinois in the loss.
Illinois managed to avoid the sweep by capturing Sunday's game, 3-1. Kliment had two more hits Sunday to lead the Illini. NU's Fields went 2 for 4 and Anthony Wycklendt homered and doubled for the Wildcats. Jake Stewart pitched five innings of the rain shortened affair to gain the victory.
The Hoosiers and Boilermakers split their Saturday twinbill. IU captured Game One, 3-2. Zach Boswell went yard (his fourth) and drove in two runs. Josh Lewis (3-5) grabbed the win, Chris McCombs claimed the save (his third).
Purdue emerged victorious in the second game, 5-2. Mitch Hilligoss went 4 for 4 and stole his tenth base of the year in leading the Boilermakers' offense. Brent Courdon improved to 3-3. IU's McCombs, who saved the first game of the doubleheader, started and lost the second affair.
Sunday's game was all Purdue. The Boilermakers rolled to a 25-8 triumph over Indiana. Neal Gorka and Ryne White homered twice and banged out four hits a piece. Gorka drove in eight, yes, eight runs. White had five RBI and Hilligoss chipped in with four hits and four RBI of his own. Purdue starter Ricky Heines got the win.
Minnesota took game one of their Saturday DH with Iowa, 5-2. The Hawkeyes beat the Gophers, 3-1, in the nightcap. 3B Joe Maciej drove in two Minnesota runs. Dustin Brabender (3-4) earned the win. Andy Peters posted the save. Iowa's Jeff Maitland suffered his first defeat of the season.
Iowa 2B Travis Sweet went 2 for 2 with a RBI in the second game. Tim Gudex posted his sixth save.
Minnesota won again Sunday, 12-1, to take three of four from Iowa. For the Gophers, Maciej and Taylor VanderAarde each had two hits, two RBI and scored twice, DH Kyle Baran had three hits and three RBI. Cole DeVries fanned eight in 6.2 innings and bumped his record up to 4-2.
At State College, Michigan State needed extra innings in both games to sweep the doubleheader from Penn State. The Spartans won by scores of 9-5 and 6-4. Jeff Gerbe pitched all eight innings in the opener to post his fourth win against three defeats. MSU's Steve Gerstenberger had a three run triple and stole home on a double steal.
E.J. Daws hit his first homerun of 2006 and Ryan Basham went 3 for 4 to lead MSU to victory in Game Two. Mike Monterey (4-5) got the win in the nightcap. Lance Thompson drove in two PSU's runs.
Scott Gummo's double in the bottom of the ninth vaulted Penn State to victory Sunday, 12-11. The win also earned the Nittany Lions a weekend split with MSU. Nittany Lions OF Brian Ernst went 5 for 6. PSU's Scott Gaffney delivered his first win of the year in his first pitching performance of the campaign.
Arguably the most interesting results of the weekend came from Ray Fisher Stadium, where Michigan swept the series with #24 Ohio State. After a resounding win Friday night, the Wolverines swept Saturday's double dip with OSU. Michigan won game one, 7-1 and captured the second tilt, 2-1 in eight innings (which is extra innings for those unaware that the DH's are seven inning games).
Paul Hammond went the distance in the first meeting. Hammond (2-3) allowed five hits, struck out five and yielded only the single run. Mike Schmidt and Adam Abraham each went yard and drove in three runs.
SS Leif Mahler drove in the winning run in extra innings in the nightcap. OSU's Jake Hale and Michigan's Chris Fetter pitched strong outings, but it was Wolverine reliver Craig Murray who posted the win pitching the eighth inning. Schmidt and Buckeye CF Matt Angle each had a pair of hits.
Michigan swept the weekend series by claiming a 5-4 triumph today. Eric Rose drove in a pair of runs for the Wolverines. Andrew Hess (2-0) pitched seven innings, allowing eleven hits, but allowing only two runs. Buckeye freshman star J.B. Shuck took his first career loss (5-1). Michigan's Ben Jenzen threw two innings of relief work to merit his first save.
With this wacky weekend now in the books, let's see what the standings look like. Northwestern owns sole possession of first place in the Big Ten at 9-3 (12-19). Michigan, after it's sweep, has lifted itself into second place at 8-4 (20-12). Purdue holds onto the third spot at 7-5 (20-11). Fourth place belongs to the .500 clubs--Ohio State (20-11), Michigan State (17-15) and Minnesota (18-14). Each is 6-6 in the conference.
Iowa (15-17) and Penn State (11-23) are in at 5-7. Indiana is 4-8 (12-20) and Illinois is 4-9 (16-16).
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Upset Friday
My self-proclaimed Rivalry Week, see previous post, got off to quite a bang yesterday. Depending on your perspective, you could argue that every result in Big Ten baseball play Friday was an upset. Now, not all upsets are equal (think nine seeds beating eight seeds in the NCAA basketball tournament), but it was a fairly surprising day around the conference.It begins for me in Ann Arbor where I spent Friday evening. When I heard that freshman Zach Putnam (photo top left, copyright Big Ten Hardball, btw) was going to make his first collegiate start for Michigan against #24 Ohio State, I thought two things. First, "Cool, I get to see Putnam make his first start". Second? "Giving a freshman his first start on Friday night against your hated rival, who just happens to be red hot, seems a tad risky". In the end, I learned why Rich Maloney coaches baseball and why I (poorly) write about it.
Putnam went 7.1 innings allowing only one OSU run and earned the win. Now, Putnam did get a bit of help for his mates. Michigan prevailed over #24 Ohio State, 14-3. Eric Rose and Mike Schmidt each had a pair of hits and drove in three runs for U of M. One of Schmidt's hits was his sixth homer of the year. If there was an offensive star for the Buckeyes, it was Matt Angle who had two hits and a RBI.
Back to Putnam for a moment. He started a bit rough, as one would expect from a freshman making his first start, but he settled down fairly quickly. Again, his run support probably did help, but college baseball can be a high scoring affair, so let's give the guy credit for keeping a potent OSU offense in check for seven innings.
I thought Putnam's off-speed stuff was the key. It appeared he kept the Buckeyes off balance most of the game. I didn't sit close enough to the radar gun folks to know what his fastball was clocked at, but Putnam impressed me more because he appeared to be a pitcher and not a thrower.
Dan DuLucia, OSU's starter, did get roughed up, but you can see why he's successful. He works fast and throws strikes. He's going to win quite a bit more before the season is done. I'm planning on heading back out to Ray Fisher Stadium today, so I'll hopefully have more to post about this series tonight.
Attention! We interrupt this post for some personal stuff and a shameless plug or two. At the game, I did get to meet a couple of fellow bloggers. Ian of Sweaty Men Endeavors , Fried Rice Thoughts and Motor City Sports Magazine and Sam of Blue Cats and Red Sox, Chicks Talk Football and Roar of the Tigers joined me (and Mrs. BTH) at The Fish.
My wife and Sam must have taken about four million photos of the game. Ok, maybe it was more like four hundred, not four million. It's still a ton-o-photos. Eventually, a link to most of all of them will appear in this space.
Ian and Sam are both intelligent, funny and very good writers. They actually know stuff that doesn't pertain to sports, as well. I strongly encourage you to check out their blogs. I also look forward to the next time we meet and discuss 80's music, the Detroit Lions, Sam's and my refusal to view Fever Pitch , blogging, and sports, in general.
We now return you to your regularly scheduled Big Ten Hardball post. Thank you for your patience.
Let's see if I understand this correctly. A team cranks out 26 hits and scores 18 runs and loses? Yep, you read that right--26 hits and 18 runs. And loses. Yet, that was Illinois' fate last night as Northwestern's magical (is it too soon to use that word?) season continues. Pat McMahon and Antonio Mule eached jacked a pair of dingers in leading NU past the Fighting Illini, 19-18. The win, combined with OSU's defeat, gives NU sole possession of first place in the Big Ten.
McMahon hit for the cycle and drove in six of Northwestern's 19 tallies. Mule had four hits and just as many RBI. From the blue and orange perspective, Joe Bonadonna went 4 for 4 and five of his teammates had three hits a piece, although it wasn't quite enough.
Upset #3, if you are counting: Indiana bests Purdue, 8-4. Jay Brant and Zach Boswell each went yard for IU. Doug Fleenor posted his first win of the year in relief. Amazingly, the Go-Go Hoosiers only stole one base Friday. I'm just not sure what to think about that. Purdue's Neal Gorka went 3 for 4 and homered in the loss.
It's difficult to consider Minnesota's 9-0 triumph over Iowa an upset, although the Gophers were lower in the standings heading into Friday night, but I am surprised that Iowa didn't muster any offense. Brian Bull worked the first seven innings and improved his record to 3-3. 2B Luke McLean's three RBI led the Golden Gopher attack.
An interesting item I found while reviewing the boxscore, there were six batters hit by pitch. Doesn't that seem like an unusually high figure?
In what I think constitutes a mild upset, Penn State clipped Michigan State, 10-9, in ten innings. PSU's James Leitgeb knocked in the winner in the tenth with a single. Gary Amato picked up his fourth win of the year in relief. Lance Thompson and Cory Wine eached collected three hits.
Ryan Basham, basically my Pick to Click this weekend, homered for the Spartans. MSU also stole six bases (Basham stole his eighth). Apparently, I may need to start calling MSU the Go-Go Spartans.
Saturday is doubleheader day around the Big Ten, so the conference race can get even more scrambled today.
Friday, April 14, 2006
Rivalry Weekend
If this weekend's Big Ten baseball match-ups were occcuring in football or basketball, ESPN would be touting it as Rivarly Week. Alas, it's baseball and I'm not even sure if any of the games are being broadcast locally let alone on cable giants. That doesn't, however, alter the fact that the hardball games beginning today feature some of the better rivalries in the conference.
In Bloomington, Purdue (5-3/18-9) takes on Indiana (2-6/10-18). This baseball series between the schools in basketball crazed Indiana should be good, as well. The Boilermakers, led by the big bats of Mitch Hilligoss and Eric Wolfe, take on the Go-Go Hoosiers. I have dubbed them the Go-Go Hoosiers because IU has three of the top four conference leaders in stolen bases. In addition to running like crazy, IU has freshman DH Cameron Satterwhite hitting .500 in Big Ten, which is tops in the league.
You have to like Purdue's chances this weekend. IU remains at the bottom of the Big Ten and Purdue is challenging for first place. However, this is an in-state rivalry game--whip out the cliches and let's sit back and see what happens.
Northwestern (6-2/9-18) in traveling down to Champaign to visit Illinois (3-6/15-13). The Wildcats hope to maintain the top spot in the Big Ten, while Illinois looks to play themselves back into the top half of the conference standings. NU's Antonio Mule has cooled off some, but is still amongst the better hitters in the Big Ten. Illinois' Matt Whitmore has taken over the conference lead in saves.
I like Illinois' depth a bit better, but if NU can get out in front, thus keeping Whitmore from being a factor late, the 'Cats could continue their unexpected run in conference play.
In what is usually the last Big Ten football match-up of the year, Michigan State (4-4/15-13) plays Penn State (3-5/9-21). The baseball version of this meeting will feature a battle of the Spartans' bats vs. the Nittany Lions pitching corps. The Lions staff has a number of strikeout artists and MSU can really hit. (I'm thinking Ryan Basham, MSU outfielder, is due for a big series.)
In all likelhood, the series will depend on when PSU is batting. If the host Lions can hit around the Spartans' staff, and cut down on their fielding mistakes, this series could go to Robbie Wine's squad.
No fancy pig trophy this time. Nope, it's Iowa and Minnesota in baseball action. The host Hawkeyes (4-4/14-14) find themselves one game better than rival Minnesota (3-5/15-13) heading into the weekend meeting. I suspect neither coach is pleased with this offense to this point, but both schools' pitching has been decent.
I like the depth of Minnesota's rotation, but Tim Gudex gives Iowa the edge in the bullpen. Whichever team hits better this weekend will probably win. (And, yes, I realize that's a genius observation on my part.) How about we call it a split series?
Then we get to the biggest Big Ten rivalry, #24 Ohio State at Michigan. On paper, the Buckeyes (6-2/20-7) have everything going their way heading into the weekend. OSU has tremendous starting pitching, a solid closer and their offense is on fire. About the only thing the Wolverines (4-4/16-12) get a check for is home field advantage.
Michigan's Rich Maloney has also made an interesting decision heading into tonight's opening game. Heralded freshman Zach Putnam is going to make his first start of the year against the nationally ranked Buckeyes in front of his hometown faithful. I have to admit I a bit surprised to see Coach Maloney start Putnam today, but it does making Friday night's game all that more intriguing.
Tonight's game is also the first BTH road trip of the season, so I am excited to see an Ohio State powerhouse roll into Ann Arbor and to get a look the the Wolverines' top recruit make his first career start. The young Wolverines can hit, but OSU pitching has just been so good, it's hard to imagine Michigan taking the series. Yet, this is rivalry week and as we know, upsets do happen.
Have a happy holiday weekend and enjoy the college baseball action.
In Bloomington, Purdue (5-3/18-9) takes on Indiana (2-6/10-18). This baseball series between the schools in basketball crazed Indiana should be good, as well. The Boilermakers, led by the big bats of Mitch Hilligoss and Eric Wolfe, take on the Go-Go Hoosiers. I have dubbed them the Go-Go Hoosiers because IU has three of the top four conference leaders in stolen bases. In addition to running like crazy, IU has freshman DH Cameron Satterwhite hitting .500 in Big Ten, which is tops in the league.
You have to like Purdue's chances this weekend. IU remains at the bottom of the Big Ten and Purdue is challenging for first place. However, this is an in-state rivalry game--whip out the cliches and let's sit back and see what happens.
Northwestern (6-2/9-18) in traveling down to Champaign to visit Illinois (3-6/15-13). The Wildcats hope to maintain the top spot in the Big Ten, while Illinois looks to play themselves back into the top half of the conference standings. NU's Antonio Mule has cooled off some, but is still amongst the better hitters in the Big Ten. Illinois' Matt Whitmore has taken over the conference lead in saves.
I like Illinois' depth a bit better, but if NU can get out in front, thus keeping Whitmore from being a factor late, the 'Cats could continue their unexpected run in conference play.
In what is usually the last Big Ten football match-up of the year, Michigan State (4-4/15-13) plays Penn State (3-5/9-21). The baseball version of this meeting will feature a battle of the Spartans' bats vs. the Nittany Lions pitching corps. The Lions staff has a number of strikeout artists and MSU can really hit. (I'm thinking Ryan Basham, MSU outfielder, is due for a big series.)
In all likelhood, the series will depend on when PSU is batting. If the host Lions can hit around the Spartans' staff, and cut down on their fielding mistakes, this series could go to Robbie Wine's squad.
No fancy pig trophy this time. Nope, it's Iowa and Minnesota in baseball action. The host Hawkeyes (4-4/14-14) find themselves one game better than rival Minnesota (3-5/15-13) heading into the weekend meeting. I suspect neither coach is pleased with this offense to this point, but both schools' pitching has been decent.
I like the depth of Minnesota's rotation, but Tim Gudex gives Iowa the edge in the bullpen. Whichever team hits better this weekend will probably win. (And, yes, I realize that's a genius observation on my part.) How about we call it a split series?
Then we get to the biggest Big Ten rivalry, #24 Ohio State at Michigan. On paper, the Buckeyes (6-2/20-7) have everything going their way heading into the weekend. OSU has tremendous starting pitching, a solid closer and their offense is on fire. About the only thing the Wolverines (4-4/16-12) get a check for is home field advantage.
Michigan's Rich Maloney has also made an interesting decision heading into tonight's opening game. Heralded freshman Zach Putnam is going to make his first start of the year against the nationally ranked Buckeyes in front of his hometown faithful. I have to admit I a bit surprised to see Coach Maloney start Putnam today, but it does making Friday night's game all that more intriguing.
Tonight's game is also the first BTH road trip of the season, so I am excited to see an Ohio State powerhouse roll into Ann Arbor and to get a look the the Wolverines' top recruit make his first career start. The young Wolverines can hit, but OSU pitching has just been so good, it's hard to imagine Michigan taking the series. Yet, this is rivalry week and as we know, upsets do happen.
Have a happy holiday weekend and enjoy the college baseball action.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
More TV Coverage Ranting
This time, I'm not the one ranting. Nope, this time devoted Texas baseball blogger and college baseball fan (and dare I say friend of Big Ten Hardball?), Joanna, apparently is just as up in arms over college baseball's television coverage as I am.
Midweek Games
Bradley beat Illinois, 6-5. Jason Grodsky, Daily Illini, provides a recap.
Indiana topped Xavier, 10-6. Indiana Daily Student writer Jake Brown provides a preview and a review of IU baseball.
#4 Nebraska tops Iowa, 16-14, in 13 innings. Michael Bruntz of the Daily Nebraskan reviews the slugfest from a Cornhusker perspective. The Daily Iowan's Ryan Long offers the Hawkeye recap.
Toledo beat Michigan, 10-9, in ten innings.
Michigan State dropped Western Michigan, 7-5.
Robert Morris prevailed over Northwestern, 14-8.
Purdue topped Illinois State, 9-8.
Penn State beat Duquesne, 12-6. Mark Myers of the Daily Collegian previews the game.
Robert Mews of the Minnesota Daily looks the the Gophers pitching staff.
#24 Ohio State beat Central Michigan, 8-5.
Indiana topped Xavier, 10-6. Indiana Daily Student writer Jake Brown provides a preview and a review of IU baseball.
#4 Nebraska tops Iowa, 16-14, in 13 innings. Michael Bruntz of the Daily Nebraskan reviews the slugfest from a Cornhusker perspective. The Daily Iowan's Ryan Long offers the Hawkeye recap.
Toledo beat Michigan, 10-9, in ten innings.
Michigan State dropped Western Michigan, 7-5.
Robert Morris prevailed over Northwestern, 14-8.
Purdue topped Illinois State, 9-8.
Penn State beat Duquesne, 12-6. Mark Myers of the Daily Collegian previews the game.
Robert Mews of the Minnesota Daily looks the the Gophers pitching staff.
#24 Ohio State beat Central Michigan, 8-5.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
On Campus
Here's a look at what some college newspapers, and one national scribe, are reporting about the Big Ten and college baseball, in general.
As usual, we find Chris Weeden penning (ok, typing) another Penn State baseball column for the Daily Collegian. This one is about PSU's Lance Thompson.
Weeden's mate at the Daily Collegian, Corey Mclaughlin, discusses Coach Robbie Wine's lineups.
Jason Grodsky, of the Daily Illini, looks at today's battle between Illinois and MVC leading Bradley.
The Daily Iowan's Ted McCartan gives us a look at versatile Hawkeye Travis Sweet.
Daily Northwestern staff writers review NU's win over Indiana on Monday.
Ohio State's series triumph over Illinois is the subject for Brandon Castel of The Latern.
Indiana's series defeat at the hands of Northwestern gets covered by Jake Brown of the Indiana Daily Student.
AP's Dennis Waszak, Jr. reports on the first-ever list of Hall of Fame nominees.
As usual, we find Chris Weeden penning (ok, typing) another Penn State baseball column for the Daily Collegian. This one is about PSU's Lance Thompson.
Weeden's mate at the Daily Collegian, Corey Mclaughlin, discusses Coach Robbie Wine's lineups.
Jason Grodsky, of the Daily Illini, looks at today's battle between Illinois and MVC leading Bradley.
The Daily Iowan's Ted McCartan gives us a look at versatile Hawkeye Travis Sweet.
Daily Northwestern staff writers review NU's win over Indiana on Monday.
Ohio State's series triumph over Illinois is the subject for Brandon Castel of The Latern.
Indiana's series defeat at the hands of Northwestern gets covered by Jake Brown of the Indiana Daily Student.
AP's Dennis Waszak, Jr. reports on the first-ever list of Hall of Fame nominees.
Hall Of Fame Nominees
The College Baseball Foundation released its list of nominees for induction into the College Baseball Hall of Fame. A number of representatives were from the Big Ten Conference. Dick Siebert (Minnesota), Barry Larkin (Michigan), Paul Molitor (Minnesota), Dave Winfield (Minnesota), Steve Arlin (Ohio State), Ray Fisher (Michigan) and George Sisler (Michigan) are amongst the forty-six men being considered for enshrinement this year.
The College Baseball Hall of Fame, located in Lubbock, Texas, will present it's inaugural class in late April and the induction ceremonies will occur in July.
The College Baseball Hall of Fame, located in Lubbock, Texas, will present it's inaugural class in late April and the induction ceremonies will occur in July.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Results And Conference Records
A quick review of Sunday and Monday. Northwestern beat Indiana today by a 4-3 score. Caleb Fields homered for the 'Cats. The two schools split Sunday's twinbill. Game one went to NU, 12-1. The Hoosiers claimed the nightcap, 3-2. (Note to self: IU freshman Cameron Satterwhite bears keeping an eye on. He's got six hits in his last three games.)
#24 Ohio State beat Illinois in Sunday's finale, 9-1. Freshman J.B. Shuck pitched a complete game. The Buckeyes Sunday starter is now 5-0.
Michigan beat Minnesota, 2-0, Sunday. Purdue beat MSU, 4-3. Penn State dropped Iowa, 11-10.
After two weekends of conference play, here is what we have. #24 Ohio State and surprising Northwestern sit atop the Big Ten at 6-2. Purdue follows at 5-3. We've got the usual logjam of teams at the .500 mark. Michigan, Iowa and Michigan State are all in at 4-4. Illinois, Penn State and Minnesota are at 3-5. Indiana finds itself at 2-6.
#24 Ohio State beat Illinois in Sunday's finale, 9-1. Freshman J.B. Shuck pitched a complete game. The Buckeyes Sunday starter is now 5-0.
Michigan beat Minnesota, 2-0, Sunday. Purdue beat MSU, 4-3. Penn State dropped Iowa, 11-10.
After two weekends of conference play, here is what we have. #24 Ohio State and surprising Northwestern sit atop the Big Ten at 6-2. Purdue follows at 5-3. We've got the usual logjam of teams at the .500 mark. Michigan, Iowa and Michigan State are all in at 4-4. Illinois, Penn State and Minnesota are at 3-5. Indiana finds itself at 2-6.
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Games Thus Far
Weather did in a couple of Big Ten contests Friday, so the schedule as been altered for the weekend. Here is what has occurred around the conference heading into Sunday afternoon.
Illinois managed to slow #24 Ohio State's offense some Saturday, but the Illini offense evaporated as the Buckeyes swept the twinbill. OSU took game one by a 4-1 score. Dan DeLucia posted his fifth win against only a single defeat by going the distance. DeLucia allowed six hits, three walks and struck out nine Illini batters. Buckeye backstop Eric Fryer went yard for the third time this season. Big Ten batting leader Ronnie Bourquin had two more safties and drove in a pair of runs.
Game two saw OSU prevail, 5-1. Cory Luebke followed in DeLucia's footsteps and tossed his own complete game. (Although, game two was only a seven inning affair as opposed to the opener which went nine.) Luebke yielded three hits and struck out seven. The lefthander improved his record to 4-2. Freshman J.B. Shuck and Jedidiah Stephen each had a pair of hits for OSU.
Northwestern continued its hot start in the Big Ten by dropping Indiana, 4-2. A trio of Widlcat hurlers managed to keep the Hoosiers running game in check and off the scoreboard. Caleb Fields had two RBI for the Wildcats. Pat McMahon homered and stole his third base for NU.
In Happy Valley, Iowa has beaten Penn State three times. Friday night's contest went Iowa's way, 6-1. Luke O'Loughlin posted his second victory going 7.2 innings. Wes Freie had three Hawkeye hits and scored twice. In Saturday's doubleheader, Iowa defeated the Nittany Lions by scores of 11-4 and 2-1.
The initial game saw Dusty Napoleon collect three hits, including a pair of doubles, and drive in three runs to lead Iowa's offense. Freie followed his three hit night with two more in Saturday's opener. Jeff Maitland made yet another pitch for first team all-conference by earning his fourth win of 2006. Maitland tossed a complete game yielding three runs on seven hits and fanning five.
Closer Tim Gudex claimed save number five in the final game. Aaron Seward got the win.
Michigan and Minnesota split their twinbill at the Metrodome. The Gophers took game one, 6-5. Keystone combination Luke McLean and Dan Lyons each drove in a pair of Minnesota runs in the opener. In the nightcap, the Wolverines shutout the Gophers, 2-0. Chris Fetter pitched a complete game for Michigan. He gave up only four hits, one walk and struck out three in his seven inning CG. Nate Recknagel went yard for Michigan.
The Wolverines won Friday night's series opener, 8-6. Derek VanBuskirk's homer capped a Michigan comeback from 6-0 down. VanBuskirk had three hits and drove in four of the six Michigan runs. Doug Pickens also had three hits for the U of M. Drew Taylor got the win in relief and Zach Putnam earned his first collegiate save.
Purdue has taken two of three from Michigan State this weekend. Friday night the Boilermaker bats came alive to the tune of a 10-1 triumph. Five Purdue batters had two hits a piece. Eric Wolfe and John Hunter each homered for Purdue. Jay Buente was the winner improving his record to 4-1.
On Saturday, Purdue won the first contest, 6-1. Mitch Hilligoss and Ryne White each knocked out a pair of hits and two RBI. Dan Sattler (3-3) posted the win for the Boilermakers.
Michigan State stopped the potential Boilers' sweep behind the pitching of John Dwan. Dwan tossed a complete game one hitter. The reshirt junior struck out six and allowed only a single free pass in the 4-0 MSU triumph. Troy Krider and Sean Walker had two hits a piece and Steve Gerstenberger drove in two Spartan runs.
Illinois managed to slow #24 Ohio State's offense some Saturday, but the Illini offense evaporated as the Buckeyes swept the twinbill. OSU took game one by a 4-1 score. Dan DeLucia posted his fifth win against only a single defeat by going the distance. DeLucia allowed six hits, three walks and struck out nine Illini batters. Buckeye backstop Eric Fryer went yard for the third time this season. Big Ten batting leader Ronnie Bourquin had two more safties and drove in a pair of runs.
Game two saw OSU prevail, 5-1. Cory Luebke followed in DeLucia's footsteps and tossed his own complete game. (Although, game two was only a seven inning affair as opposed to the opener which went nine.) Luebke yielded three hits and struck out seven. The lefthander improved his record to 4-2. Freshman J.B. Shuck and Jedidiah Stephen each had a pair of hits for OSU.
Northwestern continued its hot start in the Big Ten by dropping Indiana, 4-2. A trio of Widlcat hurlers managed to keep the Hoosiers running game in check and off the scoreboard. Caleb Fields had two RBI for the Wildcats. Pat McMahon homered and stole his third base for NU.
In Happy Valley, Iowa has beaten Penn State three times. Friday night's contest went Iowa's way, 6-1. Luke O'Loughlin posted his second victory going 7.2 innings. Wes Freie had three Hawkeye hits and scored twice. In Saturday's doubleheader, Iowa defeated the Nittany Lions by scores of 11-4 and 2-1.
The initial game saw Dusty Napoleon collect three hits, including a pair of doubles, and drive in three runs to lead Iowa's offense. Freie followed his three hit night with two more in Saturday's opener. Jeff Maitland made yet another pitch for first team all-conference by earning his fourth win of 2006. Maitland tossed a complete game yielding three runs on seven hits and fanning five.
Closer Tim Gudex claimed save number five in the final game. Aaron Seward got the win.
Michigan and Minnesota split their twinbill at the Metrodome. The Gophers took game one, 6-5. Keystone combination Luke McLean and Dan Lyons each drove in a pair of Minnesota runs in the opener. In the nightcap, the Wolverines shutout the Gophers, 2-0. Chris Fetter pitched a complete game for Michigan. He gave up only four hits, one walk and struck out three in his seven inning CG. Nate Recknagel went yard for Michigan.
The Wolverines won Friday night's series opener, 8-6. Derek VanBuskirk's homer capped a Michigan comeback from 6-0 down. VanBuskirk had three hits and drove in four of the six Michigan runs. Doug Pickens also had three hits for the U of M. Drew Taylor got the win in relief and Zach Putnam earned his first collegiate save.
Purdue has taken two of three from Michigan State this weekend. Friday night the Boilermaker bats came alive to the tune of a 10-1 triumph. Five Purdue batters had two hits a piece. Eric Wolfe and John Hunter each homered for Purdue. Jay Buente was the winner improving his record to 4-1.
On Saturday, Purdue won the first contest, 6-1. Mitch Hilligoss and Ryne White each knocked out a pair of hits and two RBI. Dan Sattler (3-3) posted the win for the Boilermakers.
Michigan State stopped the potential Boilers' sweep behind the pitching of John Dwan. Dwan tossed a complete game one hitter. The reshirt junior struck out six and allowed only a single free pass in the 4-0 MSU triumph. Troy Krider and Sean Walker had two hits a piece and Steve Gerstenberger drove in two Spartan runs.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Ohio State Cracks The Poll
Ohio State's baseball team finds itself ranked number twenty-four by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper. The Buckeyes took three of four from Iowa over the weekend and lead the Big Ten in team batting average and team ERA. Congrats to Bob Todd and his Buckeyes on being the first Big Ten team to crack a national poll in 2006.
TV Coverage
I mentioned in an earlier post that I saw the Indiana at Michigan State game on television Sunday. The contest from East Lansing was broadcast on Comcast Local. Now, as I am thrilled to see more college baseball on the tube, especially of the Big Ten variety, it pains me a bit to complain, but I must.
The broadcast wasn't, well, see, it wasn't very good. The director and/or his (or her) technical director did not have a good afternoon. Nor did the camera people. As an example, there's a runner on first. We see the generic shot from the centerfield camera. We see the pitcher's back and the batter, catcher and homeplate umpire awaiting the offering. This is where things went astray.
The pitcher turns and throws to first. However, the director (or TD) punches up a shot of the batter. The announcers make some indication as to what has happened to the play at first ("Oh, that was close" or "He made it back safely".), but we see the hitter who is looking at the play or the coach at third. Suddenly, the camera shot changes to the play at first where the runner is dusting himself off and the ball has already returned to the pitcher. Basically, it's our second straight look at nothing of note. Alas, this type of sequence occurred on several occasions throughout the game.
The crew just had trouble keeping up with the ball all day long. (Let's just say the camera people didn't have their best day, either.) It gave the impression that those in and out of the production truck didn't seem to have much feel for baseball. I believe it was the Comcast Local's first game of the season, so I'll give them some slack. They didn't spend a month down south warming up for the Big Ten opener. Besides, there is plenty of time for improvement, gang. We all have bad days at work, just most of ours go unnoticed. I really do appreciate your hard work, as I know how difficult producing a quality broadcast can be.
In addition to the Comcast Local coverage, I saw about three or four other college games over the weekend. All were on one of the three Fox College Stations. Now, the Fox coverage puzzles me to no end, as well. It seems whatever the station is broadcasting does not correspond to what the on screen guide indicates is on. That means it says college baseball, but I get softball. Or gymnastics. Or high schools sports. (I'll skip wondering why there are HS sports on Fox College Stations for now.) That makes it just a bit difficult to figure out what is on and what's going to be on next.
Then there are the games themselves. I saw one of the USC vs. Oregon State games three times, minimum, over the weekend. It was the same game each time. Not the Friday night game, one day and then the Saturday game, the next. Nope, it was the same dang game every stinking time. What's up with that? No other Pac 10 game was taped over the weekend? Forget another conference game, was no other USC/OSU game taped? (Update: I just learned that the OSU @ USC series wasn't even played this past weekend. Which is even worse as they are running repeats--three times over--of games over a week old. Is there nothing live going on?)
Well, to be accurate, at least one other Pac 10 game was taped. I saw the Arizona vs. Arizona State game twice. Once on Sunday and again on Monday. They did play other games out west this weekend, right? Does Fox know about that?
Then there is the regional breakdown of FCS--Atlantic, Central and Pacific. Pretty straightforward, right? Well, if I told you that the Florida vs. Ohio State game was going to be on, which of the three channels would you guess it would appear? Yes, you guessed it. FCS-Pacific. A game that was already over a week old between a Southeastern Conference school and a Big Ten institution was on the FCS-Pacific. Makes perfect sense to me.
I know I should not complain. I'm lucky to have any college baseball on television, but I really do want to watch and it's just a bit challenging when I can't figure out where, when or on which channel I'm supposed to look.
The broadcast wasn't, well, see, it wasn't very good. The director and/or his (or her) technical director did not have a good afternoon. Nor did the camera people. As an example, there's a runner on first. We see the generic shot from the centerfield camera. We see the pitcher's back and the batter, catcher and homeplate umpire awaiting the offering. This is where things went astray.
The pitcher turns and throws to first. However, the director (or TD) punches up a shot of the batter. The announcers make some indication as to what has happened to the play at first ("Oh, that was close" or "He made it back safely".), but we see the hitter who is looking at the play or the coach at third. Suddenly, the camera shot changes to the play at first where the runner is dusting himself off and the ball has already returned to the pitcher. Basically, it's our second straight look at nothing of note. Alas, this type of sequence occurred on several occasions throughout the game.
The crew just had trouble keeping up with the ball all day long. (Let's just say the camera people didn't have their best day, either.) It gave the impression that those in and out of the production truck didn't seem to have much feel for baseball. I believe it was the Comcast Local's first game of the season, so I'll give them some slack. They didn't spend a month down south warming up for the Big Ten opener. Besides, there is plenty of time for improvement, gang. We all have bad days at work, just most of ours go unnoticed. I really do appreciate your hard work, as I know how difficult producing a quality broadcast can be.
In addition to the Comcast Local coverage, I saw about three or four other college games over the weekend. All were on one of the three Fox College Stations. Now, the Fox coverage puzzles me to no end, as well. It seems whatever the station is broadcasting does not correspond to what the on screen guide indicates is on. That means it says college baseball, but I get softball. Or gymnastics. Or high schools sports. (I'll skip wondering why there are HS sports on Fox College Stations for now.) That makes it just a bit difficult to figure out what is on and what's going to be on next.
Then there are the games themselves. I saw one of the USC vs. Oregon State games three times, minimum, over the weekend. It was the same game each time. Not the Friday night game, one day and then the Saturday game, the next. Nope, it was the same dang game every stinking time. What's up with that? No other Pac 10 game was taped over the weekend? Forget another conference game, was no other USC/OSU game taped? (Update: I just learned that the OSU @ USC series wasn't even played this past weekend. Which is even worse as they are running repeats--three times over--of games over a week old. Is there nothing live going on?)
Well, to be accurate, at least one other Pac 10 game was taped. I saw the Arizona vs. Arizona State game twice. Once on Sunday and again on Monday. They did play other games out west this weekend, right? Does Fox know about that?
Then there is the regional breakdown of FCS--Atlantic, Central and Pacific. Pretty straightforward, right? Well, if I told you that the Florida vs. Ohio State game was going to be on, which of the three channels would you guess it would appear? Yes, you guessed it. FCS-Pacific. A game that was already over a week old between a Southeastern Conference school and a Big Ten institution was on the FCS-Pacific. Makes perfect sense to me.
I know I should not complain. I'm lucky to have any college baseball on television, but I really do want to watch and it's just a bit challenging when I can't figure out where, when or on which channel I'm supposed to look.
OPS Update
According to my math, only nine Big Ten regulars have an OPS above 1.000. Not surprisingly, Ohio State had four of the nine.
Eric Wolfe, Purdue 1.101
Ronnie Bourquin, Ohio State 1.088
Steve Gerstenberger, Michigan State 1.077
Mitch Hilligoss, Purdue 1.073
Jacob Howell, Ohio State 1.068
Kyle Day, Michigan State 1.048
Doug Pickens, Michigan 1.033
Jason Zoeller, Ohio State 1.019
Eric Fryer, Ohio State 1.010
Eric Wolfe, Purdue 1.101
Ronnie Bourquin, Ohio State 1.088
Steve Gerstenberger, Michigan State 1.077
Mitch Hilligoss, Purdue 1.073
Jacob Howell, Ohio State 1.068
Kyle Day, Michigan State 1.048
Doug Pickens, Michigan 1.033
Jason Zoeller, Ohio State 1.019
Eric Fryer, Ohio State 1.010
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Weekend Action
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
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
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.
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