Valpo steamrolled Northwestern, 10-1. I'm just not sure what to say.
Indiana State's triumph over Indiana, 9-7, is equally puzzling. Andrew Means had four hits, scored three times and drove in two. Jon Fixler had three hits and three RBI.
Michigan's Adam Abraham, Purdue's Alex Jaffee and Illinois' Mike Stankiewicz were named the Big Ten's (Co-)Players and Pitcher of the Week, respectively.
We've got regional projections! CSTV.com takes a stab at the 64 team field. Both Michigan and Minnesota are in.
CSTV's Eric Sorenson named Michigan as his Midwest team of the week. Eric also called out the polls for not having the Wolverines in the Top 25. See, it's not just me.
Here are Warren Nolan.com's RPI figures for your review. For comparison, here are the latest pseudo-RPI numbers from Boyd's World.
Ping! Baseball.com has the University of Michigan as it's Spotlight Team of the Week. (Yeah, it's a season preview piece, but I'll take all the Big Ten love I can find.) The gang at Ping! also have Michigan ranked number 25 this week.
Ohio State designated hitter Jacob Howell is one of thirty finalists for Lowe's Senior CLASS Award. Howell is the only Big Ten player on the list.
Paul Cordes of The Minnesota Daily wraps up the Gophers homestand against Iowa.
The Indiana Daily Student's Lee Hurwitz previews IU's game against Indiana State. (Yes, I gave the result of this game earlier. Work with me here, I'm trying to dig up every piece of Big Ten baseball news I can find.)
Alex Prosperi of The Michigan Daily profiles Doug Pickens.
The finale of the Penn State at Michigan State series is reviewed by Tom Keller of The State News.
Jake Simpson of The Daily Northwestern recaps NU's Sunday encounter with Illinois.
The Daily Collegian's Chris Agostini notes Penn State's big win over MSU Sunday.
Purdue's offense versus Indiana is the topic for Brian Petraits of The Exponent.
Yes, boys and girls, I'm working on the All-Weekend Team. Maybe today. Maybe tomorrow. Be patient.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Monday, April 16, 2007
The Monday Finals
Iowa beat Minnesota, 8-7. Caleb Curry had three hits and three RBI to pace Iowa's offense. Dusty Napoleon had a pair of hits, scored twice and had a RBI. Nick Erdman picked up win number three. Mike Schurz claimed save number six. Tijl Vanderwege homered and had three RBI for Minnesota, who won the series. Nate Hanson and Kyle Baran had three hits a piece for the Gophers.
Penn State took the series from Michigan State by winning today, 10-4. PSU's Rick Marlin had five RBIs, two hits and scored twice. Brian Ernst and Joe Blackburn had three hits each. Scott Kelley had two hits and three RBI. Paul Hawkins grabbed the win in relief of Scott Gaffney. Matt Ogrodnik posted the save. Kyle Day had three hits for MSU.
Penn State took the series from Michigan State by winning today, 10-4. PSU's Rick Marlin had five RBIs, two hits and scored twice. Brian Ernst and Joe Blackburn had three hits each. Scott Kelley had two hits and three RBI. Paul Hawkins grabbed the win in relief of Scott Gaffney. Matt Ogrodnik posted the save. Kyle Day had three hits for MSU.
Michigan Climbs In Polls
The University of Michigan is gaining some national attention. Powered by their sweep of Ohio State over the weekend, Rich Maloney's Wolverines are now ranked twenty-second by Baseball America and seventeenth by Collegiate Baseball.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Michigan Stays Perfect And The Rest Of Sunday
The University of Michigan swept Ohio State Sunday and remained undefeated in conference play. Rich Maloney's Wolverines posted 6-3 and 13-3 wins over the Buckeyes and are now 8-0 in Big Ten action. The first game saw Mike Wilson improve to 5-0 by going six innings and giving up one unearned run on two hits and five walks. Michael Powers faced four batters to post the save.
Nate Recknagel was the offensive star of the first contest driving run three runs on two hits. Adam Abraham and Kevin Cislo both had two hits a piece in the opener. The finale saw another Michigan run explosion. Brad Roblin had three hits, score four times, drive in two runs and steal a base. Doug Pickens had three RBI. Zach Putnam and Abraham each had two hits and two RBI.
Chris Fetter (4-1) worked seven innings allowing four hits, no walks and striking out three Buckeyes. The righthander allowed three runs in total, none of which were earned. Fetter, Ben Jenzen and Sam Yashinsky held OSU to five hits over nine innings. 2006 Big Ten Freshman of the Year J.B. Shuck had three of them.
Purdue took two of three from Indiana this afternoon. The Hoosiers took the first game, 11-3. IU firstbaseman Michael Nilles had a triple, a homer and drove in four runs to lead the attack. Andrew Means also went yard for IU. Joe Vicini picked up the win. Jeff Mojzik had two hits, two RBI and stole a base for Purdue.
The Boilermakers got plenty of revenge in the next two games. Purdue won by scores of 13-0 and 11-7. Ricky Heines (6-2) went all seven innings giving up three hits, five walks and no runs. Centerfielder Alex Jaffee was the star with the bat going 4 for 5 with three RBI and scoring three times. One of Jaffee's four hits was his first homerun of the season. 3B Dan Black was 3 for 4.
Jaffee had a strong finale as he went 3 for 4 with three runs scored, three RBI and went yard for the second time. Mojzik tripled and drove in two in the third game of the day. Josh Lindblom (3-4) grabbed the win in relief. IU's Jon Fixler also hit his first homer of the year and drove in four runs in the loss.
Northwestern beat Illinois, 6-5. Freshman Cole Livermore pitched a ten inning complete game. That's right. Livermore threw 120 pitches over ten innings to post his second win of the year. The first year Wildcats pitcher allowed nine hits, two walks and only two earned runs.
Antonio Mule had three hits and drove in two for NU. Tommy Finn was 3 for 3 and scored twice. Illinois' Lars Davis, who entered the weekend leading the conference in batting average, went 4 for 5 and stole a base. Illini DH Brandon Webb had two hits and drove in three runs. OF Ryan Snowden saw his 25 game hitting streak come to an end.
Michigan State and Penn State split their Sunday twinbill. MSU took game one, 4-1. Jon Kibler worked a seven inning complete game. Kibler gave up three hits and two walks en route to the victory. Steve Gerstenberger had three hits, two runs and two RBI. Brandon Doherty also had a three hit game for the Spartans. 3B Mike Deese drove in the only PSU tally.
Game two saw the Nittany Lions win, 6-5. The Spartans scored a run in each of the first five innings only to see Penn State plate four in their half of the seventh to win it. PSU's Scott Gaffney had three hits, including a homer, scored three times and had two RBI. Cory Wine also had a three hit game. Michael Lorentson grabbed the win, Drew O'Neil got the save. Kyle Day, Justin Potes and Eli Boike each had two hits for Michigan State.
According to the official Big Ten site, Minnesota has swept the doubleheader with Iowa. 3-2 was the score of the first game, 9-6 was the total in the nightcap. Unfortunately, I cannot find a single link to a story or to a boxscore. Perhaps, tomorrow.
The standings look like this: Michigan is in first at 8-0. In second is Minnesota at 5-1. Michigan State and Illinois are next at 6-4. Purdue is at 5-5, Penn State is 4-5. Ohio State is seventh at 4-6. Eighth belongs to Indiana at 4-7. Iowa is 3-7 while Northwestern is at 3-9.
Some more games have to be played Monday as the schedules were pushed back due to the weather issues.
Nate Recknagel was the offensive star of the first contest driving run three runs on two hits. Adam Abraham and Kevin Cislo both had two hits a piece in the opener. The finale saw another Michigan run explosion. Brad Roblin had three hits, score four times, drive in two runs and steal a base. Doug Pickens had three RBI. Zach Putnam and Abraham each had two hits and two RBI.
Chris Fetter (4-1) worked seven innings allowing four hits, no walks and striking out three Buckeyes. The righthander allowed three runs in total, none of which were earned. Fetter, Ben Jenzen and Sam Yashinsky held OSU to five hits over nine innings. 2006 Big Ten Freshman of the Year J.B. Shuck had three of them.
Purdue took two of three from Indiana this afternoon. The Hoosiers took the first game, 11-3. IU firstbaseman Michael Nilles had a triple, a homer and drove in four runs to lead the attack. Andrew Means also went yard for IU. Joe Vicini picked up the win. Jeff Mojzik had two hits, two RBI and stole a base for Purdue.
The Boilermakers got plenty of revenge in the next two games. Purdue won by scores of 13-0 and 11-7. Ricky Heines (6-2) went all seven innings giving up three hits, five walks and no runs. Centerfielder Alex Jaffee was the star with the bat going 4 for 5 with three RBI and scoring three times. One of Jaffee's four hits was his first homerun of the season. 3B Dan Black was 3 for 4.
Jaffee had a strong finale as he went 3 for 4 with three runs scored, three RBI and went yard for the second time. Mojzik tripled and drove in two in the third game of the day. Josh Lindblom (3-4) grabbed the win in relief. IU's Jon Fixler also hit his first homer of the year and drove in four runs in the loss.
Northwestern beat Illinois, 6-5. Freshman Cole Livermore pitched a ten inning complete game. That's right. Livermore threw 120 pitches over ten innings to post his second win of the year. The first year Wildcats pitcher allowed nine hits, two walks and only two earned runs.
Antonio Mule had three hits and drove in two for NU. Tommy Finn was 3 for 3 and scored twice. Illinois' Lars Davis, who entered the weekend leading the conference in batting average, went 4 for 5 and stole a base. Illini DH Brandon Webb had two hits and drove in three runs. OF Ryan Snowden saw his 25 game hitting streak come to an end.
Michigan State and Penn State split their Sunday twinbill. MSU took game one, 4-1. Jon Kibler worked a seven inning complete game. Kibler gave up three hits and two walks en route to the victory. Steve Gerstenberger had three hits, two runs and two RBI. Brandon Doherty also had a three hit game for the Spartans. 3B Mike Deese drove in the only PSU tally.
Game two saw the Nittany Lions win, 6-5. The Spartans scored a run in each of the first five innings only to see Penn State plate four in their half of the seventh to win it. PSU's Scott Gaffney had three hits, including a homer, scored three times and had two RBI. Cory Wine also had a three hit game. Michael Lorentson grabbed the win, Drew O'Neil got the save. Kyle Day, Justin Potes and Eli Boike each had two hits for Michigan State.
According to the official Big Ten site, Minnesota has swept the doubleheader with Iowa. 3-2 was the score of the first game, 9-6 was the total in the nightcap. Unfortunately, I cannot find a single link to a story or to a boxscore. Perhaps, tomorrow.
The standings look like this: Michigan is in first at 8-0. In second is Minnesota at 5-1. Michigan State and Illinois are next at 6-4. Purdue is at 5-5, Penn State is 4-5. Ohio State is seventh at 4-6. Eighth belongs to Indiana at 4-7. Iowa is 3-7 while Northwestern is at 3-9.
Some more games have to be played Monday as the schedules were pushed back due to the weather issues.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
The Rest Of Saturday
I'm finally back at home. I say "finally" because the ride home from Columbus was not pleasant. The rain that forced the cancellation of game two between Michigan and Ohio State became snow on the ride up US-23. For a large portion of our trip, it was nearly a blizzard. April blizzards bring May flowers or something like that. That made the drive a bit longer than we hoped for. (Mrs. BTH came along and went to Equine Affaire while I hung around the ballpark.)
I'm thankful to say that outside of some occasionally difficult driving conditions that everything else went well. Back at BTH World Headquarters, it's time to review what happened around the conference.
Illinois swept their twinbill with Northwestern. Mike Stankiewicz tossed a seven inning, complete game one hitter in the first contest. The Illini prevailed, 1-0. Mike Rohde drove in the lone run and stole two bases. Ryan Myers, NU's starter, pitched all seven innings, but got tagged with the loss. Wildcats' 3B Jake Owens got NU's only hit off of Stankiewicz.
In a run filled nightcap, the Illini emerged with an 8-7 victory. Ryan Snowden had two more hits pushing his hit streak to 25 games, a new school record. The Illini LF also scored two times and drove in two runs. In addition, Snowden stole his seventh base of 2007 and sold hot dogs in between innings. Ben Reeser won the game in relief. Jake Toohey got the save. NU's Caleb Fields had three hits and two RBI.
I believe I mentioned this yesterday, but here's the link to Illinois' Friday night win, 6-2. Tanner Roark fanned nine.
Penn State dropped Michigan State, 3-1. Seth Whitehill (3-4) and three others combined to hold the Spartans to seven hits. Drew O'Neil came in to close out the game and earned his fourth save. PSU catcher Joe Blackburn had three hits and drove in a run. 3B Mike Deese and OF Rick Marlin each had two hits and a RBI. MSU catcher Kyle Day had two hits and had the Spartans' RBI.
Purdue's doubleheader with Indiana was suspended due to our fabulous weather and, if I read the IU press release properly, the two teams will attempt to play two and half games on Sunday.
Minnesota beat Iowa, 9-8. Tijl Vanerwege's fourth hit of the game was a walk-off game winning single in the bottom of the ninth. Mike Mee had pair of hits and drove in three. Bill Johnson pitched the ninth to earn the win. Hawkeye SS Jason White collected two RBI as did 3B Kevin Hoef.
The third game between Michigan and Ohio State will be played tomorrow as part of a doubleheader. The first game will be seven games, the second nine.
I'm thankful to say that outside of some occasionally difficult driving conditions that everything else went well. Back at BTH World Headquarters, it's time to review what happened around the conference.
Illinois swept their twinbill with Northwestern. Mike Stankiewicz tossed a seven inning, complete game one hitter in the first contest. The Illini prevailed, 1-0. Mike Rohde drove in the lone run and stole two bases. Ryan Myers, NU's starter, pitched all seven innings, but got tagged with the loss. Wildcats' 3B Jake Owens got NU's only hit off of Stankiewicz.
In a run filled nightcap, the Illini emerged with an 8-7 victory. Ryan Snowden had two more hits pushing his hit streak to 25 games, a new school record. The Illini LF also scored two times and drove in two runs. In addition, Snowden stole his seventh base of 2007 and sold hot dogs in between innings. Ben Reeser won the game in relief. Jake Toohey got the save. NU's Caleb Fields had three hits and two RBI.
I believe I mentioned this yesterday, but here's the link to Illinois' Friday night win, 6-2. Tanner Roark fanned nine.
Penn State dropped Michigan State, 3-1. Seth Whitehill (3-4) and three others combined to hold the Spartans to seven hits. Drew O'Neil came in to close out the game and earned his fourth save. PSU catcher Joe Blackburn had three hits and drove in a run. 3B Mike Deese and OF Rick Marlin each had two hits and a RBI. MSU catcher Kyle Day had two hits and had the Spartans' RBI.
Purdue's doubleheader with Indiana was suspended due to our fabulous weather and, if I read the IU press release properly, the two teams will attempt to play two and half games on Sunday.
Minnesota beat Iowa, 9-8. Tijl Vanerwege's fourth hit of the game was a walk-off game winning single in the bottom of the ninth. Mike Mee had pair of hits and drove in three. Bill Johnson pitched the ninth to earn the win. Hawkeye SS Jason White collected two RBI as did 3B Kevin Hoef.
The third game between Michigan and Ohio State will be played tomorrow as part of a doubleheader. The first game will be seven games, the second nine.
Doubleheader Saturday
Another day, another attempt at live blogging from Bill Davis Stadium in Columbus. Unfortunately, yesterday's weather is no where to be found. Sunshine has returned to it's winter hiatus. Basically, it's the same cold, wet day we've been experiencing throughout Big Ten country for weeks. It's just not baseball weather.
Your starters today are Josh Barrera for Ohio State and Michigan sends Andrew Hess to the hill in game one.
1:05pm The game starts right on time. A sparse, brave and soon to be damp crowd is in the house.
1:06pm Leadoff man Jason Christian draws a walk.
1:07pm Brad Roblin follows with a base on balls. A tough spot for Barrera early.
1:10pm Barrera strikes out Nate Recknagel.
1:11pm Zach Putnam gets Michigan's third free pass of the inning. Bases loaded.
1:12pm Adam Abraham hits a grandslam. Michigan leads, 4-0.
1:23pm Ohio State gets it's turn to bat. Michigan State and Penn State are underway. Purdue beat Indiana yesterday, 4-2, in a game I never reported on. My apologies to the Boilers and Hoosiers.
1:27pm The Buckeyes got three hits, but no runs in the bottom of the inning. IU is ahead of Purdue, 1-0, in the first. A wild pitch, HBP, walk and an error led to run.
1:38pm Michigan plated another run. It's 5-1. I mentioned this on The Baseball Zealot podcast, but it bears repeating -- Bill Davis Stadium is a great facility.
2:05pm The score? Michigan 5 Ohio State 2. It's the top of the fourth.
2:07pm Buckeye Jukebox winner sounded like Journey. We will know in a few innings. Yesterday's Jukebox winner was indeed "Life In The Fast Lane" by The Eagles.
2:08pm OSU pulls Barrera after he yields Michigan's sixth run. A pair of doubles sandwiched between a pop-out and brings on Josh Edgin.
2:21pm The Buckeyes now bat down, 7-2. Michigan State and Penn State are tied at 1-1. Last score I saw between Indiana and Purdue was 3-0, IU in the first.
2:22pm "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey was the Buckeye Jukebox winner. I know. You want to know who lost. Sorry, I can't recall the opposition.
2:34pm I know it's April. I lived in this part of the world my entire life, but it's stinking cold. Somebody get the NCAA Baseball selection committee up here.
2:41pm Ohio State scored twice in the bottom of the fourth. It's 7-4, Wolverines. Penn State has pulled ahead of MSU, 2-1.
2:56pm Michigan gets two more in it's half of the fourth. Rich Maloney's side is up, 10-4. Anyone want to guess if Game Two is played?
3:12pm I'm trying not to replicate GameTracker here, so you are getting delays between posts. Michigan scored again in the sixth. It's 11-4, Wolverines.
3:26pm The Wolverines have pushed across another run in the seventh.
3:30pm Ohio State is down to their last three outs.
3:21pm You know it's cold when Michigan 3B Adam Abraham, a former hockey player, is dressed like a Nordic skier. He played in the tropical climate known as Mississuaga, Ontario. If he thinks it's cold, it's really cold.
3:41pm That's the end of game one. Michigan wins, 12-4. The ground crew is covering the field. I can't blame them. I'll skip harping on the weather. It is what it is.
3:45pm Rumor is game two may be washed away. If that's it, then I'm done live blogging from Columbus. Hope you enjoyed it. I'll try to catch-up on the other scores tomorrow. No promises, though.
Your starters today are Josh Barrera for Ohio State and Michigan sends Andrew Hess to the hill in game one.
1:05pm The game starts right on time. A sparse, brave and soon to be damp crowd is in the house.
1:06pm Leadoff man Jason Christian draws a walk.
1:07pm Brad Roblin follows with a base on balls. A tough spot for Barrera early.
1:10pm Barrera strikes out Nate Recknagel.
1:11pm Zach Putnam gets Michigan's third free pass of the inning. Bases loaded.
1:12pm Adam Abraham hits a grandslam. Michigan leads, 4-0.
1:23pm Ohio State gets it's turn to bat. Michigan State and Penn State are underway. Purdue beat Indiana yesterday, 4-2, in a game I never reported on. My apologies to the Boilers and Hoosiers.
1:27pm The Buckeyes got three hits, but no runs in the bottom of the inning. IU is ahead of Purdue, 1-0, in the first. A wild pitch, HBP, walk and an error led to run.
1:38pm Michigan plated another run. It's 5-1. I mentioned this on The Baseball Zealot podcast, but it bears repeating -- Bill Davis Stadium is a great facility.
2:05pm The score? Michigan 5 Ohio State 2. It's the top of the fourth.
2:07pm Buckeye Jukebox winner sounded like Journey. We will know in a few innings. Yesterday's Jukebox winner was indeed "Life In The Fast Lane" by The Eagles.
2:08pm OSU pulls Barrera after he yields Michigan's sixth run. A pair of doubles sandwiched between a pop-out and brings on Josh Edgin.
2:21pm The Buckeyes now bat down, 7-2. Michigan State and Penn State are tied at 1-1. Last score I saw between Indiana and Purdue was 3-0, IU in the first.
2:22pm "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey was the Buckeye Jukebox winner. I know. You want to know who lost. Sorry, I can't recall the opposition.
2:34pm I know it's April. I lived in this part of the world my entire life, but it's stinking cold. Somebody get the NCAA Baseball selection committee up here.
2:41pm Ohio State scored twice in the bottom of the fourth. It's 7-4, Wolverines. Penn State has pulled ahead of MSU, 2-1.
2:56pm Michigan gets two more in it's half of the fourth. Rich Maloney's side is up, 10-4. Anyone want to guess if Game Two is played?
3:12pm I'm trying not to replicate GameTracker here, so you are getting delays between posts. Michigan scored again in the sixth. It's 11-4, Wolverines.
3:26pm The Wolverines have pushed across another run in the seventh.
3:30pm Ohio State is down to their last three outs.
3:21pm You know it's cold when Michigan 3B Adam Abraham, a former hockey player, is dressed like a Nordic skier. He played in the tropical climate known as Mississuaga, Ontario. If he thinks it's cold, it's really cold.
3:41pm That's the end of game one. Michigan wins, 12-4. The ground crew is covering the field. I can't blame them. I'll skip harping on the weather. It is what it is.
3:45pm Rumor is game two may be washed away. If that's it, then I'm done live blogging from Columbus. Hope you enjoyed it. I'll try to catch-up on the other scores tomorrow. No promises, though.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Live From Columbus, It's Friday Night
Tonight, I'm sitting at the wi-fi friendly Bill Davis Stadium for Game One between Michigan and Ohio State. I'm going to try and do as much live blogging as my notebook's battery will allow. (Tomorrow, I may have to go shopping for an extended life model.) We are about ready for the national anthem, so sit back and let's see how long this will last.
Our starters this evening are Cory Luebke for Ohio State and Zach Putnam for Michigan.
The first thing that strikes me is the weather. IT'S NOT SNOWING!!!!!
Nate Recknagel just doubled to right-center scoring Jason Christian. Michigan, 1-0.
Zach Putnam homers to right, 3-0, Wolverines.
It would probably help if I added the time, wouldn't it? Ok, it's 6:43pm EST.
6: 44pm The forecast for Saturday is not good.
6:46pm It's fireworks night here at Davis Stadium. The national anthem was followed by a the first burst of fireworks. The second burst came in the top of the first from Michigan's bats. Let's see if Ohio State's potent offense keeps pace.
6:55pm Yes, OSU answers. Jacob Howell scores when J.B. Shuck grounded into a fielder's choice 3-1, Michigan.
6:58pm I see that Illinois has beaten Northwestern, 6-2. Oh, Matt Angle just made a great diving catch to rob Kevin Cislo.
7:00pm Tanner Roark fanned nine in seven innings to get the win for the Illini. Jake Toohey posted the save. The Buckeyes are up after Michigan went down 1-2-3.
7:08pm The Bucks plate a run on a walk, stolen base, error and wild pitch. Michigan still leads OSU, 3-2.
7:10pm Battery life is already at 63%. No complete game out of the laptop tonight. I guess shopping has been added to the agenda for tomorrow.
7:14pm Buckeye Jukebox. Fans clap to pick which of three songs will be played later in th game. Sounded to me like The Eagles won. Hopefully, I'll be able to pass that vital result on to you.
9:40pm Computer problems stopped the blogging. Obviously, things have improved. An amazing game has gone into the tenth. Michigan, however, has exploded for four runs in the frame and lead OSU, 8-4.
9:44pm 10-4, Wolverines. Every bad hop is going against the Buckeyes now. Michigan has batted around.
9:47pm The Bill Davis Stadium crowd has shrunk as the Bucks face Mike Powers in the bottom of the 10th. I'm going to try and do a complete recap once I get back to the hotel.
9:55pm Ohio State is down to their last strike.
9:56pm While it feels anti-climatic now, this was one wild, tense affair. Jacob Howell fans and Michigan prevails, 10-4 on Fireworks Night in Columbus.
Our starters this evening are Cory Luebke for Ohio State and Zach Putnam for Michigan.
The first thing that strikes me is the weather. IT'S NOT SNOWING!!!!!
Nate Recknagel just doubled to right-center scoring Jason Christian. Michigan, 1-0.
Zach Putnam homers to right, 3-0, Wolverines.
It would probably help if I added the time, wouldn't it? Ok, it's 6:43pm EST.
6: 44pm The forecast for Saturday is not good.
6:46pm It's fireworks night here at Davis Stadium. The national anthem was followed by a the first burst of fireworks. The second burst came in the top of the first from Michigan's bats. Let's see if Ohio State's potent offense keeps pace.
6:55pm Yes, OSU answers. Jacob Howell scores when J.B. Shuck grounded into a fielder's choice 3-1, Michigan.
6:58pm I see that Illinois has beaten Northwestern, 6-2. Oh, Matt Angle just made a great diving catch to rob Kevin Cislo.
7:00pm Tanner Roark fanned nine in seven innings to get the win for the Illini. Jake Toohey posted the save. The Buckeyes are up after Michigan went down 1-2-3.
7:08pm The Bucks plate a run on a walk, stolen base, error and wild pitch. Michigan still leads OSU, 3-2.
7:10pm Battery life is already at 63%. No complete game out of the laptop tonight. I guess shopping has been added to the agenda for tomorrow.
7:14pm Buckeye Jukebox. Fans clap to pick which of three songs will be played later in th game. Sounded to me like The Eagles won. Hopefully, I'll be able to pass that vital result on to you.
9:40pm Computer problems stopped the blogging. Obviously, things have improved. An amazing game has gone into the tenth. Michigan, however, has exploded for four runs in the frame and lead OSU, 8-4.
9:44pm 10-4, Wolverines. Every bad hop is going against the Buckeyes now. Michigan has batted around.
9:47pm The Bill Davis Stadium crowd has shrunk as the Bucks face Mike Powers in the bottom of the 10th. I'm going to try and do a complete recap once I get back to the hotel.
9:55pm Ohio State is down to their last strike.
9:56pm While it feels anti-climatic now, this was one wild, tense affair. Jacob Howell fans and Michigan prevails, 10-4 on Fireworks Night in Columbus.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
OPS And Other Things
Regular visitors here are probably wondering "What happened to OPS Wednesday?". Well, a couple of things only one of which you will find relevant. Tom at The Baseball Zealot, and resident fan of the Illini baseball club, invited me to participate on his podcast. For those interesting in hearing me stammer through yet another interview, here is a link to TBZ Radio.
Our brief chat and some other things, far less interesting, tied up my midweek evening. However, I'm back tonight to review some numbers. Perhaps, I'll toss in a few other items just for my amusement.
I'll begin with those much anticipated OPS numbers. The leader of the pack is still Lars Davis, Illinois' catcher, at 1.184. Mike Mee, who is vying with Davis for the batting crown in the Big Ten, is also second in OPS at 1.122. All-Conference second baseman Jason Zoeller of Ohio State is third at 1.120. Dusty Napoleon, Iowa's Johnny Bench Award nominee, is fourth at 1.099. The fifth and sixth spots belong to Purdue players.
Jordan Comadena, Boilers' OF, has an OPS of 1.084. Ryne White, Purdue's 1B, is next at 1.071. The list closes with four straight Michigan players. Nate Recknagel is at 1.068, Zach Putnam is in at 1.047, Jason Christian's OPS is 1.039 and Doug Pickens makes his first appearance at 1.008.
Breaking news out of Columbus, The Lantern's Dustin Ensinger reports All-Big Ten starter Dan DeLucia is done for the season. DeLucia, a senior, was Ohio State's Friday starter. Coach Todd informed Ensinger that DeLucia was being operated on by the noted surgeon, Dr. James Andrews.
I have a new blog to alert you to. Gopher Nation has kindly linked a few things I have written, so it seems appropriate that I return the courtesy. It appears this Gophers fan is going to try and follow all sports at The U. As usual, I'll be adding this Minnesota blog to my link section. When is the question.
The official Illinois Athletics site has a profile of your OPS leader, Lars Davis. So much for the tools of ignorance, Davis, the Illini backstop, is studying molecular and cellular biology.
Iowa closer Mike Schurz gets similar treatment from the official Hawkeyes website.
Former Michigan pitcher Jim Abbott and former Minnesota head coach Dick Siebert have been named as inductees to the College Baseball Hall of Fame. Yes, Virginia, the Big Ten does have a history of success in baseball.
Weather has already altered some weekend plans. Penn State's trip to Michigan State has been pushed back a day and will begin Saturday. The same thing has happened to Minnesota's visit to Iowa. (No Floyd of Rosedale on line in this one. I'll let you decide if that's a pro or a con.)
The Golden Gophers (does anyone call them that anymore?) won a midweek game against Northern Iowa, 7-1.
Andy Reid of The Michigan Daily looks at Adam Abraham's journey from hockey to Ray Fisher Stadium.
The Daily Northwestern's Jake Simpson discuss Wildcats' Randy Myers post outing workout and Tommy Finn's struggles at the plate.
If you get the chance, head out to the ballpark near you. Have a good weekend and enjoy the games.
Our brief chat and some other things, far less interesting, tied up my midweek evening. However, I'm back tonight to review some numbers. Perhaps, I'll toss in a few other items just for my amusement.
I'll begin with those much anticipated OPS numbers. The leader of the pack is still Lars Davis, Illinois' catcher, at 1.184. Mike Mee, who is vying with Davis for the batting crown in the Big Ten, is also second in OPS at 1.122. All-Conference second baseman Jason Zoeller of Ohio State is third at 1.120. Dusty Napoleon, Iowa's Johnny Bench Award nominee, is fourth at 1.099. The fifth and sixth spots belong to Purdue players.
Jordan Comadena, Boilers' OF, has an OPS of 1.084. Ryne White, Purdue's 1B, is next at 1.071. The list closes with four straight Michigan players. Nate Recknagel is at 1.068, Zach Putnam is in at 1.047, Jason Christian's OPS is 1.039 and Doug Pickens makes his first appearance at 1.008.
Breaking news out of Columbus, The Lantern's Dustin Ensinger reports All-Big Ten starter Dan DeLucia is done for the season. DeLucia, a senior, was Ohio State's Friday starter. Coach Todd informed Ensinger that DeLucia was being operated on by the noted surgeon, Dr. James Andrews.
I have a new blog to alert you to. Gopher Nation has kindly linked a few things I have written, so it seems appropriate that I return the courtesy. It appears this Gophers fan is going to try and follow all sports at The U. As usual, I'll be adding this Minnesota blog to my link section. When is the question.
The official Illinois Athletics site has a profile of your OPS leader, Lars Davis. So much for the tools of ignorance, Davis, the Illini backstop, is studying molecular and cellular biology.
Iowa closer Mike Schurz gets similar treatment from the official Hawkeyes website.
Former Michigan pitcher Jim Abbott and former Minnesota head coach Dick Siebert have been named as inductees to the College Baseball Hall of Fame. Yes, Virginia, the Big Ten does have a history of success in baseball.
Weather has already altered some weekend plans. Penn State's trip to Michigan State has been pushed back a day and will begin Saturday. The same thing has happened to Minnesota's visit to Iowa. (No Floyd of Rosedale on line in this one. I'll let you decide if that's a pro or a con.)
The Golden Gophers (does anyone call them that anymore?) won a midweek game against Northern Iowa, 7-1.
Andy Reid of The Michigan Daily looks at Adam Abraham's journey from hockey to Ray Fisher Stadium.
The Daily Northwestern's Jake Simpson discuss Wildcats' Randy Myers post outing workout and Tommy Finn's struggles at the plate.
If you get the chance, head out to the ballpark near you. Have a good weekend and enjoy the games.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Playing Catch (Up) On Tuesday
A quick rundown of the series that ended on Monday, some games played today and the conference's Players of the Week.
Indiana prevailed over Northwestern in a doubleheader Monday. The Hoosiers won Game One, 5-4. Freshman Evan Crawford and Josh Phegley each drove in two IU runs. Jason Ferrell improved to 3-1 winning the opener. Joe Vicini recorded his second save. Max Mann had two RBI for NU.
In Game Two, IU beat NU, 5-2. Doug Fleenor pitched a complete game allowing six hits, three walks and fanning six Wildcats.
Today, the Hoosiers fell to Evansville, 8-1. Kasey Wahl had three hits and three RBI for the Purple Aces. Mark Murray got the win for EU. IU's Jon Fixler and Tyler Cox had a pair of hits a piece.
Michigan beat Eastern Michigan, 11-4, in the first game of a doubleheader today. Sophomore Zach Putnam homered twice and drove in four runs to lead the Wolverines. OF Brad Roblin also had three hits and two RBI. Chris Fetter (3-1) earned the win. The Wolverines are leading the second game, 9-1.
Purdue and Michigan State split a Monday doubleheader. The Boilers captured Game One, 1-0. Purdue's Ricky Heines (5-2) gives up seven hits in a seven inning complete game performance. Heines didn't allow a single walk and fanned five Spartans. Nick Overmyer drove in the lone run in the game.
The Spartans won the finale, 3-0. John Dwan (3-2) tosses the seven inning complete game win. The Spartans lefty allowed five hits, four walks and struck out six. Brandon Doherty, Eli Boike and Chris Roberts drove in the MSU runs. Dan Sattler pitched the full six innings for Purdue.
Ryan Hastings of Illinois and Matt Ogrodnick of Penn State were named the Big Ten hitter and pitcher of the week, respectively.
Indiana prevailed over Northwestern in a doubleheader Monday. The Hoosiers won Game One, 5-4. Freshman Evan Crawford and Josh Phegley each drove in two IU runs. Jason Ferrell improved to 3-1 winning the opener. Joe Vicini recorded his second save. Max Mann had two RBI for NU.
In Game Two, IU beat NU, 5-2. Doug Fleenor pitched a complete game allowing six hits, three walks and fanning six Wildcats.
Today, the Hoosiers fell to Evansville, 8-1. Kasey Wahl had three hits and three RBI for the Purple Aces. Mark Murray got the win for EU. IU's Jon Fixler and Tyler Cox had a pair of hits a piece.
Michigan beat Eastern Michigan, 11-4, in the first game of a doubleheader today. Sophomore Zach Putnam homered twice and drove in four runs to lead the Wolverines. OF Brad Roblin also had three hits and two RBI. Chris Fetter (3-1) earned the win. The Wolverines are leading the second game, 9-1.
Purdue and Michigan State split a Monday doubleheader. The Boilers captured Game One, 1-0. Purdue's Ricky Heines (5-2) gives up seven hits in a seven inning complete game performance. Heines didn't allow a single walk and fanned five Spartans. Nick Overmyer drove in the lone run in the game.
The Spartans won the finale, 3-0. John Dwan (3-2) tosses the seven inning complete game win. The Spartans lefty allowed five hits, four walks and struck out six. Brandon Doherty, Eli Boike and Chris Roberts drove in the MSU runs. Dan Sattler pitched the full six innings for Purdue.
Ryan Hastings of Illinois and Matt Ogrodnick of Penn State were named the Big Ten hitter and pitcher of the week, respectively.
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Sunday's Baseball On Ice
Sunday finally provided us with some baseball. Unfortunately, it really didn't provide for much better weather. The temperatures in Big Ten country, and throughout most of the nation, appeared to be less than ideal for baseball. Perhaps, at some point, somebody can tell me how today's climate was that much better than the last two days, but I'm not going to hold my breath.
Apparently, the powers-that-be in Ann Arbor thought it was still far too cold for baseball and cancelled today's games between Michigan and visiting Minnesota. If this wipes out the entire series, and I'm guessing it will, the cancellation could open up a huge can of worms. Time permitting, I'll ramble on some about that tomorrow evening. Let's get a look at what did happen today.
Illinois 8 #25 Ohio State 5 (box)
#25 Ohio State 10 Illinois 7 (box)
In the first game, Illini C Lars Davis had two hits and drove in three runs. 2B Ryan Hastings went 3 for 3 and scored three times. Mike Stankiewicz (2-3) worked two innings of relief and got the win. Jake Toohey came in and posted his second save on just nine pitches. OSU's Matt Angle and Eric Fryer each had a pair of RBI.
Angle and Fryer helped the Buckeyes captured the finale. Angle had three hits, scored twice, drove in two and stole his fourteenth base of the season. Fryer had three hits, three RBI and stole his second base of 2007. Justin Miller also had a three RBI contest for OSU. Josh Barrera's two innings of relief were enough to get him his fourth win. Rory Meister notched his third save. Illinois was led by another three hit performance from Hastings. Davis and freshman 3B Brandon Wikoff each had a pair of hits, Nick Stockwell had two hits and two RBI in the loss.
Northwestern 5 Indiana 3 (box)
Northwestern 1 Indiana 0 (box)
Ryan Myers posted a complete game victory in the opener. Myers (2-2) allowed six hits, five walks, three earned runs and struck out eleven Hoosiers. Wildcats OF Max Mann homered and drove in two to lead NU's offense. Freshman Jake Goebbert also drove in two runs. IU's Tyler Tufts was the tough luck loser. Tufts (3-3) also pitched a complete game. Chris Hervey paced IU's bats with a pair of RBI.
Although only a seven inning game, this was another dual complete game performance. The winner was NU's Dan Schwartz (3-1) who gave up six hits and one walk. The loser was Matt Bashore (3-3) who yielded six hits and no walks, but allowed the only run of the game. NU's Jake Owens drove in the lone tally. LF Aaron Newman had two hits. Jon Fixler and Ben Greenspan each had two hits for IU.
Iowa 6 Penn State 2 (box)
The final game of this series was another seven inning affair. Hawkeyes' DH Brian Burmester drove in two runs and OF Caleb Curry scored twice and stole a base to lead the charge. Scott Brune earned his first win of the year in relief. Penn State's Joe Blackburn had two hits and a RBI.
Michigan State 3 Purdue 2 (box)
MSU's Craig Brookes improved to 3-1. Brookes went 7.0 innings scattering eight hits and a walk while striking out five and giving up only one earned run. Mike Monterey worked the final stanza to get his fourth save. Dennis Jones, Steve Gerstenberger and Evan Friedland each had two hits for the Spartans. Alex Jaffee and Nick Overmyer each had a pair of hits for the Boilermakers.
Apparently, the powers-that-be in Ann Arbor thought it was still far too cold for baseball and cancelled today's games between Michigan and visiting Minnesota. If this wipes out the entire series, and I'm guessing it will, the cancellation could open up a huge can of worms. Time permitting, I'll ramble on some about that tomorrow evening. Let's get a look at what did happen today.
Illinois 8 #25 Ohio State 5 (box)
#25 Ohio State 10 Illinois 7 (box)
In the first game, Illini C Lars Davis had two hits and drove in three runs. 2B Ryan Hastings went 3 for 3 and scored three times. Mike Stankiewicz (2-3) worked two innings of relief and got the win. Jake Toohey came in and posted his second save on just nine pitches. OSU's Matt Angle and Eric Fryer each had a pair of RBI.
Angle and Fryer helped the Buckeyes captured the finale. Angle had three hits, scored twice, drove in two and stole his fourteenth base of the season. Fryer had three hits, three RBI and stole his second base of 2007. Justin Miller also had a three RBI contest for OSU. Josh Barrera's two innings of relief were enough to get him his fourth win. Rory Meister notched his third save. Illinois was led by another three hit performance from Hastings. Davis and freshman 3B Brandon Wikoff each had a pair of hits, Nick Stockwell had two hits and two RBI in the loss.
Northwestern 5 Indiana 3 (box)
Northwestern 1 Indiana 0 (box)
Ryan Myers posted a complete game victory in the opener. Myers (2-2) allowed six hits, five walks, three earned runs and struck out eleven Hoosiers. Wildcats OF Max Mann homered and drove in two to lead NU's offense. Freshman Jake Goebbert also drove in two runs. IU's Tyler Tufts was the tough luck loser. Tufts (3-3) also pitched a complete game. Chris Hervey paced IU's bats with a pair of RBI.
Although only a seven inning game, this was another dual complete game performance. The winner was NU's Dan Schwartz (3-1) who gave up six hits and one walk. The loser was Matt Bashore (3-3) who yielded six hits and no walks, but allowed the only run of the game. NU's Jake Owens drove in the lone tally. LF Aaron Newman had two hits. Jon Fixler and Ben Greenspan each had two hits for IU.
Iowa 6 Penn State 2 (box)
The final game of this series was another seven inning affair. Hawkeyes' DH Brian Burmester drove in two runs and OF Caleb Curry scored twice and stole a base to lead the charge. Scott Brune earned his first win of the year in relief. Penn State's Joe Blackburn had two hits and a RBI.
Michigan State 3 Purdue 2 (box)
MSU's Craig Brookes improved to 3-1. Brookes went 7.0 innings scattering eight hits and a walk while striking out five and giving up only one earned run. Mike Monterey worked the final stanza to get his fourth save. Dennis Jones, Steve Gerstenberger and Evan Friedland each had two hits for the Spartans. Alex Jaffee and Nick Overmyer each had a pair of hits for the Boilermakers.
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Iowa Tops PSU, 1-0
Iowa beat Penn State in a seven inning pitcher's duel, 1-0. The Hawkeye's Casey O'Rourke, Scott Brune and Mike Schurz combined to pitch a shutout. O'Rourke (2-0), who missed all of last season due to cancer, pitched 4.2 innings allowing five hits and a walk. He also fanned five. Schurz worked the two innings and posted his fifth save.
Penn State's Craig Clark had another strong outing working six innings allowing only one run on four hits and four walks. Clark also struck out five, but took the loss.
Iowa CF Travis Sweet was 2 for 2. SS Jason White scored the lone run. Penn State's DH Rob Yodice and SS Scott Gaffney each had two hits a piece.
Penn State's Craig Clark had another strong outing working six innings allowing only one run on four hits and four walks. Clark also struck out five, but took the loss.
Iowa CF Travis Sweet was 2 for 2. SS Jason White scored the lone run. Penn State's DH Rob Yodice and SS Scott Gaffney each had two hits a piece.
Stone Cold Saturday
As I suggested last night, this current dose of arctic air has caused the cancellation of a couple of games. Ohio State and Illinois are not playing today. Neither are Minnesota and Michigan. Indiana's game with Northwestern has been pushed back at a 2pm start. Which, of course, still doesn't assure it will be played, either.
I've yet to see anything certain on the Penn State and Iowa games or Michigan State's hosting of Purdue. I can't imagine East Lansing is much warmer than Ann Arbor, but what do I know?
Can we get the universal start date pushed back some more?
Update: Scratch that NU/IU affair and Purdue's game at MSU off the schedule. The lack of games played this weekend could have major ramifications on the conference race.
I've yet to see anything certain on the Penn State and Iowa games or Michigan State's hosting of Purdue. I can't imagine East Lansing is much warmer than Ann Arbor, but what do I know?
Can we get the universal start date pushed back some more?
Update: Scratch that NU/IU affair and Purdue's game at MSU off the schedule. The lack of games played this weekend could have major ramifications on the conference race.
Friday, April 06, 2007
Penn State Beats Iowa, Cold Beats Everyone Else
Penn State downed Iowa, 6-1, in the lone Big Ten game to be played today. Matt Cavagnaro, Scott Gaffney, Cory Wine and Robert Yodice all had two hits and a RBI for PSU. (Cavagnaro's two hits were a homer and a triple.) Brian Ernst had two RBI on no hits. Seth Whitehill gave up five hits and three walks in 5.2 innings pitched to post his second win. Matt Ogrodnick earned his first save.
Kevin Hoef drove in the single Iowa tally. Caleb Curry and Jason White had a pair of hits for the Hawkeyes.
The remainder of the Big Ten slate -- Ohio State @ Illinois, Northwestern @ Indiana, Minnesota @ Michigan and Purdue @ Michigan State -- was wiped out due to freezing temperatures. All four series have been altered to fit in the missing game, however, the weather is not expected to make much an improvement this weekend.
While I always want to encourage you to head to the ballpark, the guess here is that more games are going to get cancelled. It's just too stinking cold. The snow doesn't help, either. I'll dig out the extra layers just in case the Minnesota/Michigan doubleheader begins tomorrow, but
I'm not optimistic.
Kevin Hoef drove in the single Iowa tally. Caleb Curry and Jason White had a pair of hits for the Hawkeyes.
The remainder of the Big Ten slate -- Ohio State @ Illinois, Northwestern @ Indiana, Minnesota @ Michigan and Purdue @ Michigan State -- was wiped out due to freezing temperatures. All four series have been altered to fit in the missing game, however, the weather is not expected to make much an improvement this weekend.
While I always want to encourage you to head to the ballpark, the guess here is that more games are going to get cancelled. It's just too stinking cold. The snow doesn't help, either. I'll dig out the extra layers just in case the Minnesota/Michigan doubleheader begins tomorrow, but
I'm not optimistic.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Midweek Madness
I've been slacking off reporting on midweek games. Shame on me. Let me try to catch up on what's happening in the non-conference portions of the schedule.
Illinois thumped Western Michigan, 11-4. The Illini go long three times -- Lars Davis, Ryan Hastings and Nick Stockwell -- and Ryan Snowden goes 3 for 4 in the win. Snowden now has a nineteen game hitting streak. Davis only managed a 4 for 5 game. It's official. Snowden and Davis can rake. Omar Kadir pitched 2.1 innings of relief to earn his second win against no losses.
Typical Midwestern spring weather (snow, freezing cold and sometimes rain) did in Iowa's twinbill with Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Indiana's game with Ball State, the Chicago State at Northwestern contest, the game scheduled between North Dakota State and Minnesota, Purdue's meeting with Miami (Ohio) and Cleveland State's planned visit to Ohio State.
The Michigan bats remained hot in spite of the plummeting temperatures and the Wolverines beat up Central Michigan, 13-3. Derek Vanbuskirk homered and drove in five to lead the Michigan attack. 3B Adam Abraham had three hits, three RBI and scored twice. Freshman Erik Katzman (2-1) didn't allow an earned run in 5.1 innings of work. Katzman yielded six hits, three walks, two unearned runs and fanned six.
Penn State dropped Bucknell, 6-5. Cory Wine, Mike Deese and Joe Blackburn each had a pair of hits. Deese hit his first homerun as a Nittany Lion. Scott Gaffney started and got the win. He also went 1 for 2 at the plate. Drew O'Neil posted his third save of the season. Another solid crowd -- 1,324 -- showed up at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. Way to support the baseball team, PSU fans.
Finally, Michigan State lost an exhibition with the Lansing Lugnuts, 4-3. At least that game was played.
Illinois thumped Western Michigan, 11-4. The Illini go long three times -- Lars Davis, Ryan Hastings and Nick Stockwell -- and Ryan Snowden goes 3 for 4 in the win. Snowden now has a nineteen game hitting streak. Davis only managed a 4 for 5 game. It's official. Snowden and Davis can rake. Omar Kadir pitched 2.1 innings of relief to earn his second win against no losses.
Typical Midwestern spring weather (snow, freezing cold and sometimes rain) did in Iowa's twinbill with Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Indiana's game with Ball State, the Chicago State at Northwestern contest, the game scheduled between North Dakota State and Minnesota, Purdue's meeting with Miami (Ohio) and Cleveland State's planned visit to Ohio State.
The Michigan bats remained hot in spite of the plummeting temperatures and the Wolverines beat up Central Michigan, 13-3. Derek Vanbuskirk homered and drove in five to lead the Michigan attack. 3B Adam Abraham had three hits, three RBI and scored twice. Freshman Erik Katzman (2-1) didn't allow an earned run in 5.1 innings of work. Katzman yielded six hits, three walks, two unearned runs and fanned six.
Penn State dropped Bucknell, 6-5. Cory Wine, Mike Deese and Joe Blackburn each had a pair of hits. Deese hit his first homerun as a Nittany Lion. Scott Gaffney started and got the win. He also went 1 for 2 at the plate. Drew O'Neil posted his third save of the season. Another solid crowd -- 1,324 -- showed up at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. Way to support the baseball team, PSU fans.
Finally, Michigan State lost an exhibition with the Lansing Lugnuts, 4-3. At least that game was played.
It's OPS Night!
A tradition unlike any other. Oh, wait. That's somebody else's tagline, isn't it? Nonetheless, it's Wednesday which means it's OPS night here at Big Ten Hardball. In the middle of each week, I spend countless minutes adding on base percentage and slugging percentage numbers together (with a calculator, of course) and provide you with the conference's OPS leaders. Why? Because I clearly haven't got my priorities in order, that's why.
Regardless of my immature behavior or the motivation behind it, here are the figures I came up with just moments ago.
This week's OPS leader is Lars Davis of Illinois. The Illini catcher has an OPS of 1.195. In second place is Minnesota's Mike Mee at 1.162. Dusty Napoleon, Iowa's catcher, is at 1.139. Purdue outfielder Jordan Comadena is next at 1.124. Secondbaseman Jason Zoeller of Ohio State is fifth in OPS at 1.117. The sixth spot is held by Iowa's Justin Toole at 1.106.
The second half of our OPS review begins with Ryne White of Purdue at 1.103. Shortstop Jason Christian of Michigan is next at 1.090. Another secondbaseman, Michigan State's Steve Gerstenberger, is in ninth with an OPS of 1.028. In tenth, we find Michigan's Nate Recknagel at 1.027. The eleventh and final spot is occupied by Northwestern's Antonio Mule at 1.026.
Regardless of my immature behavior or the motivation behind it, here are the figures I came up with just moments ago.
This week's OPS leader is Lars Davis of Illinois. The Illini catcher has an OPS of 1.195. In second place is Minnesota's Mike Mee at 1.162. Dusty Napoleon, Iowa's catcher, is at 1.139. Purdue outfielder Jordan Comadena is next at 1.124. Secondbaseman Jason Zoeller of Ohio State is fifth in OPS at 1.117. The sixth spot is held by Iowa's Justin Toole at 1.106.
The second half of our OPS review begins with Ryne White of Purdue at 1.103. Shortstop Jason Christian of Michigan is next at 1.090. Another secondbaseman, Michigan State's Steve Gerstenberger, is in ninth with an OPS of 1.028. In tenth, we find Michigan's Nate Recknagel at 1.027. The eleventh and final spot is occupied by Northwestern's Antonio Mule at 1.026.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Thoughts From The Weekend
I hesitate to make too much out of one weekend of conference play. Those that won this week could easily lose next week. However, if you held the belief that Michigan, Ohio State and Minnesota were the cream of the Big Ten crop, the first weekend of conference action did nothing do dissuade from that notion.
All three programs did what you would expect, win more than they lost. Yet, the other seven schools still have plenty of time to qualify for post-season play. With that in mind, here are some general observations that crossed my mind since Friday. (Limited to college baseball, of course.)
* If Michigan State continues to get the kind of pitching they displayed against Indiana this past weekend (11 runs in four games), they are going to be in the race all season long.
* Ohio State’s pitching is so good that even with All-Big starter Dan DeLucia missing a turn, they took three of four from Iowa.
* With thirty-nine runs in four games, the bats might have finally awakened at Michigan.
* Is it just me or does Michigan lineup look better with Doug Pickens in the outfield and Chris Berset behind the plate? Yeah, probably just me.
* It’s time to take notice of Michigan State second baseman Steve Gerstenberger. The junior from Fort Gratiot, Michigan is hitting a mere .425. He is slugging at a .550 clip and his on base percentage is .478. He must be doing something right, I’m not even looking his name up before I type it.
* Can we please get rid of these seven inning doubleheaders? It’s great to have fourteen innings of baseball on a Saturday, but between the inconsistent weather and the huge difference those extra two innings make, I’d just assume play one traditional game on Saturday.
* Speaking of the weather, and I do plenty of whining about it here, the early forecast from Columbus to Ann Arbor to Champaign is for winter to return within the next few days. Highs on Friday may be in the 40’s with the possibility for a rain/snow/sleet combo meal. It’s a holiday greeting card scenario. Alas, that picture is better suited for Christmas than Easter.
* Which position is more loaded -- centerfield or catcher? Your Big Ten centerfielders include Matt Nohelty (Minnesota), Eric Rose (Michigan), Matt Angle (Ohio State), Kyle Hudson (Illinois) and Travis Sweet (Iowa). The backstop list features Kyle Day (Michigan State), Lars Davis (Illinois), Eric Fryer (Ohio State), Doug Pickens (Michigan) and Dusty Napoleon (Iowa).
* Apparently, the Hawkeyes’ Napoleon is a pretty good first baseman, as well. My friends in Columbus tell me that the Johnny Bench Award nominee made three terrific plays at first on Friday night.
* Can we please get full names on box scores? Yes, I want the first and last names of every player on both teams. Even when the opponent is a non-conference foe. I have trouble remembering the names of every player in the Big Ten, I’m certainly not going to know every player outside the conference.
* Along those lines, when providing a box score, is it asking too much to have the columns lineup appropriately? Having the AB, R, H, RBI lines all over the place makes the box more than a bit difficult to read. Gang, I can’t relay what I can’t read. A little help, please.
* I mentioned this over the weekend, but OSU’s Jake Hale is looking like a Stopper of the Year candidate.
All three programs did what you would expect, win more than they lost. Yet, the other seven schools still have plenty of time to qualify for post-season play. With that in mind, here are some general observations that crossed my mind since Friday. (Limited to college baseball, of course.)
* If Michigan State continues to get the kind of pitching they displayed against Indiana this past weekend (11 runs in four games), they are going to be in the race all season long.
* Ohio State’s pitching is so good that even with All-Big starter Dan DeLucia missing a turn, they took three of four from Iowa.
* With thirty-nine runs in four games, the bats might have finally awakened at Michigan.
* Is it just me or does Michigan lineup look better with Doug Pickens in the outfield and Chris Berset behind the plate? Yeah, probably just me.
* It’s time to take notice of Michigan State second baseman Steve Gerstenberger. The junior from Fort Gratiot, Michigan is hitting a mere .425. He is slugging at a .550 clip and his on base percentage is .478. He must be doing something right, I’m not even looking his name up before I type it.
* Can we please get rid of these seven inning doubleheaders? It’s great to have fourteen innings of baseball on a Saturday, but between the inconsistent weather and the huge difference those extra two innings make, I’d just assume play one traditional game on Saturday.
* Speaking of the weather, and I do plenty of whining about it here, the early forecast from Columbus to Ann Arbor to Champaign is for winter to return within the next few days. Highs on Friday may be in the 40’s with the possibility for a rain/snow/sleet combo meal. It’s a holiday greeting card scenario. Alas, that picture is better suited for Christmas than Easter.
* Which position is more loaded -- centerfield or catcher? Your Big Ten centerfielders include Matt Nohelty (Minnesota), Eric Rose (Michigan), Matt Angle (Ohio State), Kyle Hudson (Illinois) and Travis Sweet (Iowa). The backstop list features Kyle Day (Michigan State), Lars Davis (Illinois), Eric Fryer (Ohio State), Doug Pickens (Michigan) and Dusty Napoleon (Iowa).
* Apparently, the Hawkeyes’ Napoleon is a pretty good first baseman, as well. My friends in Columbus tell me that the Johnny Bench Award nominee made three terrific plays at first on Friday night.
* Can we please get full names on box scores? Yes, I want the first and last names of every player on both teams. Even when the opponent is a non-conference foe. I have trouble remembering the names of every player in the Big Ten, I’m certainly not going to know every player outside the conference.
* Along those lines, when providing a box score, is it asking too much to have the columns lineup appropriately? Having the AB, R, H, RBI lines all over the place makes the box more than a bit difficult to read. Gang, I can’t relay what I can’t read. A little help, please.
* I mentioned this over the weekend, but OSU’s Jake Hale is looking like a Stopper of the Year candidate.
Monday, April 02, 2007
The All-Weekend Team
Yes, I managed to crank out another All-Weekend Team. I've got to be honest, though, it was completed rather hurriedly. I've been on the go all day long and only stopped long enough to piece together this team. Keeping that in mind, I suspect there is a greater chance than normal that I've overlooked someone. As usual, I encourage you to contact me if I've missed a worthy candidate.
For those hoping for the return of my Thoughts From The Weekend feature, you are in luck. I have assembled that as well. However, it probably won't get posted any earlier than tomorrow evening. It's a technical issue that you couldn't care less about.
Catcher - Doug Pickens, Michigan (9 for 17, hr, 7 runs, 7 rbi, sb)
Firstbase - Mike Rohde, Illinois (5 for 12, 3 runs, 7 rbi, 2 bb)
Secondbase - Steve Gerstenberger, Michigan State (9 for 17, hr, 5 runs, 2 rbi, sb)
Shortstop - Jason Christian, Michigan (6 for 18, hr, 4 runs, 4 rbi)
Thirdbase - Tony Kennedy, Ohio State (6 for 15, 5 runs, 7 rbi, 2 sb)
Outfield - Ryan Snowden, Illinois (9 for 16, hr, 6 runs, 5 rbi, 2 bb)
Outfield - Brad Roblin, Michigan (4 for 14, hr, 7 runs, 6 rbi, 3 bb, 4 sb)
Outfield - Zach Putnam, Michigan (7 for 15, 2 runs, 6 rbi)
Designated Hitter - Jason Zoeller, Ohio State (6 for 14, 2 hr, 4 runs, 7 rbi, bb)
Starter - John Dwan, Michigan State (7.0 ip, 3 h, 0 r, 0 er, 1 bb, 3 k's in W vs. Indiana)
Starter - Ricky Heines, Purdue (7.0 ip, 4 h, 1 r, 1 er, 1 bb, 3 k in W vs. Illinois)
Starter - Jon Kibler, Michigan State (7.0 ip, 8 h, 2 r, 1 er, 1 bb, 4 k in W vs. Indiana)
Starter - Zach Putnam, Michigan (8.0 ip, 4 h, 1 r, 1 er, 3 bb, 6 k in W vs. Northwestern)
Relief - Jake Hale, Ohio State (5.2 ip, 4 h, 2 r, 1 er, 0 bb, 7 k in two saves vs. Iowa)
For those hoping for the return of my Thoughts From The Weekend feature, you are in luck. I have assembled that as well. However, it probably won't get posted any earlier than tomorrow evening. It's a technical issue that you couldn't care less about.
Catcher - Doug Pickens, Michigan (9 for 17, hr, 7 runs, 7 rbi, sb)
Firstbase - Mike Rohde, Illinois (5 for 12, 3 runs, 7 rbi, 2 bb)
Secondbase - Steve Gerstenberger, Michigan State (9 for 17, hr, 5 runs, 2 rbi, sb)
Shortstop - Jason Christian, Michigan (6 for 18, hr, 4 runs, 4 rbi)
Thirdbase - Tony Kennedy, Ohio State (6 for 15, 5 runs, 7 rbi, 2 sb)
Outfield - Ryan Snowden, Illinois (9 for 16, hr, 6 runs, 5 rbi, 2 bb)
Outfield - Brad Roblin, Michigan (4 for 14, hr, 7 runs, 6 rbi, 3 bb, 4 sb)
Outfield - Zach Putnam, Michigan (7 for 15, 2 runs, 6 rbi)
Designated Hitter - Jason Zoeller, Ohio State (6 for 14, 2 hr, 4 runs, 7 rbi, bb)
Starter - John Dwan, Michigan State (7.0 ip, 3 h, 0 r, 0 er, 1 bb, 3 k's in W vs. Indiana)
Starter - Ricky Heines, Purdue (7.0 ip, 4 h, 1 r, 1 er, 1 bb, 3 k in W vs. Illinois)
Starter - Jon Kibler, Michigan State (7.0 ip, 8 h, 2 r, 1 er, 1 bb, 4 k in W vs. Indiana)
Starter - Zach Putnam, Michigan (8.0 ip, 4 h, 1 r, 1 er, 3 bb, 6 k in W vs. Northwestern)
Relief - Jake Hale, Ohio State (5.2 ip, 4 h, 2 r, 1 er, 0 bb, 7 k in two saves vs. Iowa)
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Michigan Sits Atop Conference
Michigan 11 Northwestern 3 (Game 1 box)
Michigan 14 Northwestern 7 (Game 2 box)
In the first game, Zach Putnam had three hits and three RBI. Chris Berset had two hits and three RBI. Doug Pickens had two hits, two runs scored and two RBI. NU's Tommy Finn was 3 for 3 and Jake Owens had two hits and scored twice. Michigan's Chris Fetter posted his second win. The All-Big Ten pitcher worked five innings allowing seven hits, two walks and two earned runs.
The Wolverines did all kinds of yardwork in Game Two. Jason Christian, Adam Abraham, Brad Roblin, Alan Oaks and Doug Pickens all homered. Christian and Pickens each had three RBI. NU got homeruns from Antonio Mule, Geoff Deitz and Tony Vercelli. Deitz paced the Wildcats response with three RBI. Michael Powers collected his first triumph of the year.
#29 Ohio State 16 Iowa 7 (box)
Buckeyes' freshman RF Ryan Dew was a perfect 3 for 3 with his first collegiate homerun and four RBI. Dew also walked twice. 3B Tony Kennedy matched Dew with his own four RBI game. Jason Zoeller and Jacob Howell also went yard for OSU. Iowa's Dusty Napoleon and Justin Toole each homered. (It was Toole's first, but the Iowa game recap says its Napoleon's fourth, the boxscores at both sites say it was Dusty's third.)
The win went to Eric Best (2-0). Jake Hale pitched the final 3.1 innings to record his sixth save of the year. (We need to get Hale's name on the Stopper of the Year ballot.)
Michigan State 6 Indiana 1 (box)
MSU's John Dwan twirls seven innings of three hit, one walk, no run baseball to win his second game of the year. Spartans' 2B Steve Gerstenberger went 3 for 5 with a RBI, two runs scored and a stolen base. C Kyle Day and LF Chris Roberts each had two hits and a pair of RBI. Indiana pitcher Tyler Tufts made his debut in the outfield and posted an impressive 2 for 3 game. Tufts was the only IU player with more than one hit.
Purdue 11 Illinois 6 (box)
CF Jon Moore and 1B Ryne White each drove in three runs for the Boilermakers. OF Jordan Comadena had three hits, including his fifth homer, drove in two and scored four times. Ryan Snowden and Mike Rohde each had two RBI for the Illini. The win went to Purdue freshman Tony Sedlmeyer (3-2), the loss went to Aaron Martin.
Minnesota @ Penn State (cancelled, rain)
The last game of this series was washed right off the schedule.
Where does this all leave us? Michigan finds itself in first place in the Big Ten at 4-0. Ohio State and Michigan State follow at 3-1. Minnesota is in fourth at 2-1. Purdue and Illinois split their opening weekend series and are tied at 2-2. Penn State is 1-2. Iowa and Indiana are in a 1-3. Northwestern in 0-4.
Michigan 14 Northwestern 7 (Game 2 box)
In the first game, Zach Putnam had three hits and three RBI. Chris Berset had two hits and three RBI. Doug Pickens had two hits, two runs scored and two RBI. NU's Tommy Finn was 3 for 3 and Jake Owens had two hits and scored twice. Michigan's Chris Fetter posted his second win. The All-Big Ten pitcher worked five innings allowing seven hits, two walks and two earned runs.
The Wolverines did all kinds of yardwork in Game Two. Jason Christian, Adam Abraham, Brad Roblin, Alan Oaks and Doug Pickens all homered. Christian and Pickens each had three RBI. NU got homeruns from Antonio Mule, Geoff Deitz and Tony Vercelli. Deitz paced the Wildcats response with three RBI. Michael Powers collected his first triumph of the year.
#29 Ohio State 16 Iowa 7 (box)
Buckeyes' freshman RF Ryan Dew was a perfect 3 for 3 with his first collegiate homerun and four RBI. Dew also walked twice. 3B Tony Kennedy matched Dew with his own four RBI game. Jason Zoeller and Jacob Howell also went yard for OSU. Iowa's Dusty Napoleon and Justin Toole each homered. (It was Toole's first, but the Iowa game recap says its Napoleon's fourth, the boxscores at both sites say it was Dusty's third.)
The win went to Eric Best (2-0). Jake Hale pitched the final 3.1 innings to record his sixth save of the year. (We need to get Hale's name on the Stopper of the Year ballot.)
Michigan State 6 Indiana 1 (box)
MSU's John Dwan twirls seven innings of three hit, one walk, no run baseball to win his second game of the year. Spartans' 2B Steve Gerstenberger went 3 for 5 with a RBI, two runs scored and a stolen base. C Kyle Day and LF Chris Roberts each had two hits and a pair of RBI. Indiana pitcher Tyler Tufts made his debut in the outfield and posted an impressive 2 for 3 game. Tufts was the only IU player with more than one hit.
Purdue 11 Illinois 6 (box)
CF Jon Moore and 1B Ryne White each drove in three runs for the Boilermakers. OF Jordan Comadena had three hits, including his fifth homer, drove in two and scored four times. Ryan Snowden and Mike Rohde each had two RBI for the Illini. The win went to Purdue freshman Tony Sedlmeyer (3-2), the loss went to Aaron Martin.
Minnesota @ Penn State (cancelled, rain)
The last game of this series was washed right off the schedule.
Where does this all leave us? Michigan finds itself in first place in the Big Ten at 4-0. Ohio State and Michigan State follow at 3-1. Minnesota is in fourth at 2-1. Purdue and Illinois split their opening weekend series and are tied at 2-2. Penn State is 1-2. Iowa and Indiana are in a 1-3. Northwestern in 0-4.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Saturday Scoreboard
Opening Weekend of Big Ten play continued today throughout the rainy Midwest. I was in Columbus and it rained hard enough there to delay the start of game one. I'll provide a more detailed report of the BTH road trip in a separate post, but suffice to say conditions were not ideal in Big Ten country today.
#29 Ohio State 6 Iowa 2 (Game 1 box)
Iowa 8 #29 Ohio State 0 (Game 2 box)
The Buckeyes 15 game winning streak came to an end in the finale of the twinbill. Iowa CF Travis Sweet had three hits, two RBI, two runs scored and stole a base to led the Hawkeyes' offense. SS Jason White added two hits, two RBI, two runs scored and his third homer of the season. Nick Erdman (2-1) went five and two-thirds allowing five hits, two walks and no earned runs. Ohio State catcher Eric Fryer had a pair of hits.
In Game One, OSU plated three in the fourth and three more in the fifth to secure the victory. Buckeye 3B Tony Kennedy had two hits and two rbi. CF Matt Angle had a hit, a run and stole three bases. Josh Berrera improved to 3-0 and Jake Hale posted his fifth save of 2007. Travis Sweet had two hits in the opener for Iowa.
Penn State 3 Minnesota 2 (Game 1 box)
Minnesota 9 Penn State 2 (Game 2 box)
Ryan Stobart picked up his first win for Penn State. Stobart worked six innings and Drew O'Neil came in to pitch in seventh and earn the save. Nittany Lions' 2B Matt Cavagnaro had a pair of hits, scored once, drove in one and stole two bases. 1B Cory Wine also had a two hit game. Gary Perinar went six innings for Minnesota, but took the loss. Gophers' LF Mike Mee had two hits and two RBI. CF Matt Nohelty had two hits and stole his 12th base of the year.
In the nightcap, Mike Mee had three more hits including his first homerun of the campaign. Mee also scored three times and drove in two runs. Dan Lyons also had a three hit game for Minnesota. Marcus Mackenzie improved to 4-0 with the win. Kyle Carr posted his second save of 2007. Joe Blackburn and Rick Marlin each had two hits for PSU in the second contest of the day.
Michigan 7 Northwestern 4 (Game 1 box)
Michigan @ Northwestern (Game 2 weather delay)
Andrew Hess (3-0) went 6.1 innings allowing five hits, two walks and four runs. Ben Jenzen recorded the final two outs and earned his fourth save. C Doug Pickens had three hits, scored twice and stole a base. 1B Nate Recknagel drove in two. NU's Geoff Deitz and Jake Owens each had a hit, run scored and a RBI.
The second game has run into delays. The first was for weather, the second for darkness. According to both programs' websites, the game will be finished tomorrow with the Wolverines leading 11-3.
Michigan State 6 Indiana 2 (Game 1 box)
Michigan State 12 Indiana 6 (Game 2 box)
Jon Kibler (2-2) posted the win in the first game. Kibler tossed the full seven innings yielding eight hits, one walk and one earned run. MSU CF Dennis Jones hit a three run tater and added another RBI giving him four in the opener. Spartans' 2B Steve Gerstenberger also went yard. IU freshman Matt Bashore (3-2) also pitched all seven innings, but took the loss. Hoosiers' SS Keith Haas had a pair of hits and a RBI.
Spartans' freshman LF Chris Roberts had four RBI on two hits in the nightcap. MSU SS Brandon Doherty went 3 for 4, CF Dennis Jones had two hits and two RBI. (Jones had six RBI in the doubleheader.) A.J. Dunn (1-0) got the win pitching three innings of one hit relief. IU's Keith Haas was 3 for 4.
Illinois 9 Purdue 4 (Game 1 box)
Purdue 2 Illinois 1 (Game 2 box)
Shawn Roof went 2 for 4 with three RBI to lead the Illini attack. Lars Davis, Ryan Snowden and Ryan Hastings all collected a pair of hits as well. Scott Shaw pitched seven inning complete game to move his record to 3-1. Ryan White, John Cummins and Nick Overmeyer all had a couple of hits a piece for Purdue.
Finally, a pitchers duel. Purdue starter Ricky Heines was the star of the second game. Heines (4-2) twirled seven innings of four hit, one walk, one run baseball. Illinois' Mike Stankiewicz (1-3) was nearly as good allowing six hits and two walks in his six innings of work, but took the tough loss. Boilermakers 1B Ryne White had another two hit game in the finale.
If I've got this correct, Ohio State is up on Iowa, two games to one. Michigan State holds the same advantage over Indiana. Illinois is also a game up on Purdue. Minnesota leads Penn State, 2-1, and Michigan is up on Northwestern by a 2-0 count with the completion of today's second game on the docket for tomorrow.
#29 Ohio State 6 Iowa 2 (Game 1 box)
Iowa 8 #29 Ohio State 0 (Game 2 box)
The Buckeyes 15 game winning streak came to an end in the finale of the twinbill. Iowa CF Travis Sweet had three hits, two RBI, two runs scored and stole a base to led the Hawkeyes' offense. SS Jason White added two hits, two RBI, two runs scored and his third homer of the season. Nick Erdman (2-1) went five and two-thirds allowing five hits, two walks and no earned runs. Ohio State catcher Eric Fryer had a pair of hits.
In Game One, OSU plated three in the fourth and three more in the fifth to secure the victory. Buckeye 3B Tony Kennedy had two hits and two rbi. CF Matt Angle had a hit, a run and stole three bases. Josh Berrera improved to 3-0 and Jake Hale posted his fifth save of 2007. Travis Sweet had two hits in the opener for Iowa.
Penn State 3 Minnesota 2 (Game 1 box)
Minnesota 9 Penn State 2 (Game 2 box)
Ryan Stobart picked up his first win for Penn State. Stobart worked six innings and Drew O'Neil came in to pitch in seventh and earn the save. Nittany Lions' 2B Matt Cavagnaro had a pair of hits, scored once, drove in one and stole two bases. 1B Cory Wine also had a two hit game. Gary Perinar went six innings for Minnesota, but took the loss. Gophers' LF Mike Mee had two hits and two RBI. CF Matt Nohelty had two hits and stole his 12th base of the year.
In the nightcap, Mike Mee had three more hits including his first homerun of the campaign. Mee also scored three times and drove in two runs. Dan Lyons also had a three hit game for Minnesota. Marcus Mackenzie improved to 4-0 with the win. Kyle Carr posted his second save of 2007. Joe Blackburn and Rick Marlin each had two hits for PSU in the second contest of the day.
Michigan 7 Northwestern 4 (Game 1 box)
Michigan @ Northwestern (Game 2 weather delay)
Andrew Hess (3-0) went 6.1 innings allowing five hits, two walks and four runs. Ben Jenzen recorded the final two outs and earned his fourth save. C Doug Pickens had three hits, scored twice and stole a base. 1B Nate Recknagel drove in two. NU's Geoff Deitz and Jake Owens each had a hit, run scored and a RBI.
The second game has run into delays. The first was for weather, the second for darkness. According to both programs' websites, the game will be finished tomorrow with the Wolverines leading 11-3.
Michigan State 6 Indiana 2 (Game 1 box)
Michigan State 12 Indiana 6 (Game 2 box)
Jon Kibler (2-2) posted the win in the first game. Kibler tossed the full seven innings yielding eight hits, one walk and one earned run. MSU CF Dennis Jones hit a three run tater and added another RBI giving him four in the opener. Spartans' 2B Steve Gerstenberger also went yard. IU freshman Matt Bashore (3-2) also pitched all seven innings, but took the loss. Hoosiers' SS Keith Haas had a pair of hits and a RBI.
Spartans' freshman LF Chris Roberts had four RBI on two hits in the nightcap. MSU SS Brandon Doherty went 3 for 4, CF Dennis Jones had two hits and two RBI. (Jones had six RBI in the doubleheader.) A.J. Dunn (1-0) got the win pitching three innings of one hit relief. IU's Keith Haas was 3 for 4.
Illinois 9 Purdue 4 (Game 1 box)
Purdue 2 Illinois 1 (Game 2 box)
Shawn Roof went 2 for 4 with three RBI to lead the Illini attack. Lars Davis, Ryan Snowden and Ryan Hastings all collected a pair of hits as well. Scott Shaw pitched seven inning complete game to move his record to 3-1. Ryan White, John Cummins and Nick Overmeyer all had a couple of hits a piece for Purdue.
Finally, a pitchers duel. Purdue starter Ricky Heines was the star of the second game. Heines (4-2) twirled seven innings of four hit, one walk, one run baseball. Illinois' Mike Stankiewicz (1-3) was nearly as good allowing six hits and two walks in his six innings of work, but took the tough loss. Boilermakers 1B Ryne White had another two hit game in the finale.
If I've got this correct, Ohio State is up on Iowa, two games to one. Michigan State holds the same advantage over Indiana. Illinois is also a game up on Purdue. Minnesota leads Penn State, 2-1, and Michigan is up on Northwestern by a 2-0 count with the completion of today's second game on the docket for tomorrow.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Illini's Roof Honored
University of Illinois shortstop Shawn Roof was named to the Coastal Plains League All-Decade Team. Roof was named to the summer wooden bat league's anniversary squad along with a number of former CPL players that have gone onto the Major Leagues.
(Hat tip: Tom at The Baseball Zealot.)
(Hat tip: Tom at The Baseball Zealot.)
Some Big Ten Love
Eric Sorenson, of CSTV fame and fortune, says some nice things about the baseball programs in the Big Ten in his Thursday's Thoughts feature. Eric is one of the few, okay, he's the only national baseball writer that routinely acknowledges the programs in the north. (If I'm not mistaken, CSTV is using a picture of Michigan's Chris Fetter on it's homepage linked to E's article.)
By the way, does anyone in Big Ten country have a cable provider that picks-up CSTV?
By the way, does anyone in Big Ten country have a cable provider that picks-up CSTV?
Conference Play Begins
Big Ten played opened today. Let's take a look at the scores.
Michigan 7 Northwestern 1 (box)
Zach Putnam (4-2) goes eight innings giving up four hits, three walks and one run. The Wolverines sophomore fanned six Wildcats. Brad Roblin had two hits, three RBI and stole a base. Doug Pickens and Chris Berset went yard for Michigan.
NU's Jake Owens homered to drive in the Wildcats lone tally. Freshman Cole Livermore worked 6.1 innings, but took the loss.
Illinois 14 Purdue 13 (box)
I think it's safe to call this one a slugfest. Ryan Snowden led the Illini charge with a four hit game. Snowden also scored three times and drove in two. Mike Rohde had two hits and three RBI. Ryan Hastings hit a big fly for Illinois.
Purdue's Spencer Ingaldson went 4 for 5 including a homer. Dan Black was 2 for 2 and had four RBI.
Tanner Roark (2-1) worked six innings and got the win. Jake Toohey posted the save. Purdue's Josh Lindblom (2-3) got tagged with the loss.
Indiana 2 Michigan State 1 (box)
Jon Fixler drives in Chris Hervey in the bottom of the ninth to win it for IU. Tyler Tufts went 8.2 allowing only one Spartans run and walking no one, but didn't factor in the decision. Joe Vicini faced one batter in the ninth to claim the victory.
Craig Brookes was the hard luck loser. Brookes pitched 8.1 innings and gave up only five hits all game. He struck out five and and walked only one, but MSU could not capitalize on a fifteen to five hit advantage. Spartans' 2B Steve Gerstenberger was a perfect 4 for 4. Kyle Day had a three hit game, but Tufts and Vicini kept MSU from scoring more than one.
Ohio State 12 Iowa 6 (8th)
The Buckeyes plated seven in the sixth inning. OSU's All-Big Ten 2B Jason Zoeller has homered and driven in four runs thus far. Ben Geelan has four RBI for Iowa.
I'm not quite sure what to make of the Minnesota at Penn State game. It was to have started at 6:30pm EST. I can't find a score anywhere. I'm waiting for GameTracker to download as I type, but it may be quicker to the jump in the car and head to State College and find out firsthand. I'll try to check on this again later. (I don't think the rain has made it all the way to PA, yet.)
Michigan 7 Northwestern 1 (box)
Zach Putnam (4-2) goes eight innings giving up four hits, three walks and one run. The Wolverines sophomore fanned six Wildcats. Brad Roblin had two hits, three RBI and stole a base. Doug Pickens and Chris Berset went yard for Michigan.
NU's Jake Owens homered to drive in the Wildcats lone tally. Freshman Cole Livermore worked 6.1 innings, but took the loss.
Illinois 14 Purdue 13 (box)
I think it's safe to call this one a slugfest. Ryan Snowden led the Illini charge with a four hit game. Snowden also scored three times and drove in two. Mike Rohde had two hits and three RBI. Ryan Hastings hit a big fly for Illinois.
Purdue's Spencer Ingaldson went 4 for 5 including a homer. Dan Black was 2 for 2 and had four RBI.
Tanner Roark (2-1) worked six innings and got the win. Jake Toohey posted the save. Purdue's Josh Lindblom (2-3) got tagged with the loss.
Indiana 2 Michigan State 1 (box)
Jon Fixler drives in Chris Hervey in the bottom of the ninth to win it for IU. Tyler Tufts went 8.2 allowing only one Spartans run and walking no one, but didn't factor in the decision. Joe Vicini faced one batter in the ninth to claim the victory.
Craig Brookes was the hard luck loser. Brookes pitched 8.1 innings and gave up only five hits all game. He struck out five and and walked only one, but MSU could not capitalize on a fifteen to five hit advantage. Spartans' 2B Steve Gerstenberger was a perfect 4 for 4. Kyle Day had a three hit game, but Tufts and Vicini kept MSU from scoring more than one.
Ohio State 12 Iowa 6 (8th)
The Buckeyes plated seven in the sixth inning. OSU's All-Big Ten 2B Jason Zoeller has homered and driven in four runs thus far. Ben Geelan has four RBI for Iowa.
I'm not quite sure what to make of the Minnesota at Penn State game. It was to have started at 6:30pm EST. I can't find a score anywhere. I'm waiting for GameTracker to download as I type, but it may be quicker to the jump in the car and head to State College and find out firsthand. I'll try to check on this again later. (I don't think the rain has made it all the way to PA, yet.)
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Bloomington Baseball Blog
I received an email today from Jake Brown of the Indiana Daily Student. Jake, if I may be that informal, writes to inform me that the ISD has started a blog about Indiana baseball, The Inside Pitch. The blog is off to a strong start and I encourage everyone to check out their efforts.
I'll be adding The Inside Pitch to my blogroll just as soon as I find the appropriate place for it.
I'll be adding The Inside Pitch to my blogroll just as soon as I find the appropriate place for it.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Tuesday Odds And Ends
I'm skipping Thoughts From The Weekend this week. I'm sure it will return, perhaps, as early as next week. However, I do have some items to share. I'm going to start with a healthy dose of news concerning Ohio State.
* On the strength of a twelve game winning streak, Ohio State has climbed into the national polls. The Buckeyes (13-3) are ranked twenty-ninth in this week's National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association poll.
* The Buckeyes most recent win gave Coach Bob Todd his 900th triumph. Congratulations, Coach Todd.
* Gate proceeds from tomorrow night's contest between Toledo and OSU will be donated to the funds established for the Bluffton baseball team.
* Obviously, I'm happy to see OSU get into the national rankings, but how can the NCBWA voters ignore Minnesota? In his current pseudo-RPI rankings, Boyd Nation has the Gophers at #16. In ISR ranking, Minnesota checks in at #12.
In the NCBWA Top 30 poll, Minnesota has wins over #7 Arkansas, #10 Pepperdine and #18 Mississippi. Plus, the Gophers swept a two game series at UC Santa Barbara. Overall, Coach Anderson's side is 14-5. Yet, Minnesota isn't even listed as "others receiving votes".
It would be shameful if not for the fact that the polls don't mean much. Thankfully, college baseball has a legitimate national championship playoff system. (Making it infinitely better than it's pigskin cousin.) However, when fighting for respect and attention, the polls can help perception at home as well as around the nation.
* For those interested in such things (and why wouldn't you be?), Mr. Nation also has conference RPI totals, as well.
* Penn State opened Medlar Park at Lubrano Field this past weekend. 2,989 PSU faithful showed up to watch over three days. A good start to a new era in Penn State baseball.
* As if the PSU attendance figures weren't enough, it's time for more number crunching from yours truly. Yes, it's the much anticipated first review of OPS figures for 2007. For those of you new here, I usually review On Base Percentage + Slugging Percentage numbers on Wednesdays during the Big Ten regular season. They usually get their own post, but it's starting to look like my schedule may be tight tomorrow, so I'll pass these figures along here and now.
One other thing before we begin. Remember, between you and I, you are the math major. If you spot an error, you know what to do.
The list of Big Ten regulars with an OPS figure above 1.000 is limited to eleven batters. I found that number to be a bit smaller than I anticipated, but I'm not drawing any conclusions from it. Lars Davis of Illinois paces the conference with a 1.339 mark. Second is Purdue's Jordan Comadena at 1.227. Mike Mee of Minnesota is third at 1.137. Another Boilermaker checks in at number four, Ryne White is at 1.135. Fifth place belongs to Jason Christian of Michigan at 1.115.
Next is another shortstop, Jason White of Iowa. White has an OPS of 1.100. Fellow Hawkeye Dusty Napoleon is seventh at 1.063. Northwestern's Antonio Mule is at 1.059. Kyle Hudson, the baseball guy who plays some football, is in ninth at 1.033. Tenth place belongs to multi-position start J.B. Shuck of Ohio State. Shuck's OPS is 1.025. Finally, Nate Recknagel of Michigan occupies the eleventh spot with an OPS of 1.007.
* Two scores before I call it a day:
Michigan 10 Indiana-Fort Wayne 2 (box)
Eric Rose had three hits and a steal. Adam Abraham had two hits and two RBI. Derek VanBuskirk homered and drove in two. Freshman Eric Katzman worked four innings yeilding three hits and striking out five to post his first collegiate victory.
Indiana State 4 Illinois 0 (box)
Ryan Snowden's three hits were the highlight for Illinois.
* On the strength of a twelve game winning streak, Ohio State has climbed into the national polls. The Buckeyes (13-3) are ranked twenty-ninth in this week's National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association poll.
* The Buckeyes most recent win gave Coach Bob Todd his 900th triumph. Congratulations, Coach Todd.
* Gate proceeds from tomorrow night's contest between Toledo and OSU will be donated to the funds established for the Bluffton baseball team.
* Obviously, I'm happy to see OSU get into the national rankings, but how can the NCBWA voters ignore Minnesota? In his current pseudo-RPI rankings, Boyd Nation has the Gophers at #16. In ISR ranking, Minnesota checks in at #12.
In the NCBWA Top 30 poll, Minnesota has wins over #7 Arkansas, #10 Pepperdine and #18 Mississippi. Plus, the Gophers swept a two game series at UC Santa Barbara. Overall, Coach Anderson's side is 14-5. Yet, Minnesota isn't even listed as "others receiving votes".
It would be shameful if not for the fact that the polls don't mean much. Thankfully, college baseball has a legitimate national championship playoff system. (Making it infinitely better than it's pigskin cousin.) However, when fighting for respect and attention, the polls can help perception at home as well as around the nation.
* For those interested in such things (and why wouldn't you be?), Mr. Nation also has conference RPI totals, as well.
* Penn State opened Medlar Park at Lubrano Field this past weekend. 2,989 PSU faithful showed up to watch over three days. A good start to a new era in Penn State baseball.
* As if the PSU attendance figures weren't enough, it's time for more number crunching from yours truly. Yes, it's the much anticipated first review of OPS figures for 2007. For those of you new here, I usually review On Base Percentage + Slugging Percentage numbers on Wednesdays during the Big Ten regular season. They usually get their own post, but it's starting to look like my schedule may be tight tomorrow, so I'll pass these figures along here and now.
One other thing before we begin. Remember, between you and I, you are the math major. If you spot an error, you know what to do.
The list of Big Ten regulars with an OPS figure above 1.000 is limited to eleven batters. I found that number to be a bit smaller than I anticipated, but I'm not drawing any conclusions from it. Lars Davis of Illinois paces the conference with a 1.339 mark. Second is Purdue's Jordan Comadena at 1.227. Mike Mee of Minnesota is third at 1.137. Another Boilermaker checks in at number four, Ryne White is at 1.135. Fifth place belongs to Jason Christian of Michigan at 1.115.
Next is another shortstop, Jason White of Iowa. White has an OPS of 1.100. Fellow Hawkeye Dusty Napoleon is seventh at 1.063. Northwestern's Antonio Mule is at 1.059. Kyle Hudson, the baseball guy who plays some football, is in ninth at 1.033. Tenth place belongs to multi-position start J.B. Shuck of Ohio State. Shuck's OPS is 1.025. Finally, Nate Recknagel of Michigan occupies the eleventh spot with an OPS of 1.007.
* Two scores before I call it a day:
Michigan 10 Indiana-Fort Wayne 2 (box)
Eric Rose had three hits and a steal. Adam Abraham had two hits and two RBI. Derek VanBuskirk homered and drove in two. Freshman Eric Katzman worked four innings yeilding three hits and striking out five to post his first collegiate victory.
Indiana State 4 Illinois 0 (box)
Ryan Snowden's three hits were the highlight for Illinois.
Monday, March 26, 2007
All-Weekend Team
In this week's edition of the All-Weekend Team, I try to not name every single pitcher in the Big Ten to the squad and spend far too much time tracking down position eligibility. Which is made more ridiculous by the fact I can name whomever I want to the team. Yet, I still have some sense of the undefined rules that I follow. (Like the guy should have played that position over the weekend.) Let's remember that I'm writing a weblog about Big Ten baseball. I'm confident that implies a certain imbalance on my part. (Although, you can take comfort in knowing that I am not living in anyone's basement.)
I'll review at the end, but I will provide my usual caveat here. My math isn't good. (Which I realize fits in perfectly with my poor grammar and lack of writing skills.) So, if you find a number or seven off, please drop me a line. Thank you.
Catcher - Dusty Napoleon, Iowa (7 for 11, 3 runs, 7 rbi, 2 bb)
Catcher - Rob Yodice, Penn State (4 for 9, 3 runs, 5 rbi)
Firstbase - Nate Recknagel, Michigan (6 for 12, 3 runs, rbi)
Secondbase - Eric Osborn, Purdue (4 for 10, 6 rbi, sb)
Shortstop - Tommy Finn, Northwestern (5 for 11, 5 runs, 5 rbi, 2 bb, sb, hr)
Thirdbase - Jake Owens, Northwestern (9 for 13, 5 runs, 8 rbi, bb, 5 sb)
Outfield - Zach Putnam, Michigan (6 for 12, 2 runs, 7 rbi, bb)
Outfield - Matt Nohelty, Minnesota (6 for 12, 3 runs, 3 rbi, 4 sb)
Outfield - Doug Pickens, Michigan (8 for 13, 3 runs, 3 rbi)
Designated Hitter - Jason Christian, Michigan (8 for 17, 5 runs, 5 rbi)
Bench - Lars Davis, Illinois (4 for 4, 2 runs, 2 rbi, 2 hr, bb)
Bench - Jacob Howell, Ohio State (3 for 4, 3 rbi)
Bench - Dennis Jones, Michigan State (2 for 4, 2 runs, 2 rbi, 4 sb)
Bench - John Cummins, Purdue (5 for 9, 3 runs, 3 rbi)
Starter - Ricky Heines, Purdue (9.0 ip, 4 h, 0 r, 0 er, 0 bb, 8 k in complete game win vs. WIU)
Starter - Ethan Vogt, Minnesota (9.0 ip, 7 h, 0 r, 0 er, 0 bb, 3 k in complete game win vs. Hartford)
Starter - Craig Clark, Penn State (8.0 ip, 1 h, 1 r, 0 er, 3 bb, 6 k in win vs. CCSU)
Starter - Steve Turnbull, Iowa (7.0 ip, 2 h, 0 r, 0 er, 0 bbb, 7 k in win vs. NDSU)
Starter - Mike Wilson, Michigan (7.0 ip, 1 hit, 0 r, 0 er, 2 bb, 9 k in win vs. Oakland)
Starter - Andrew Hess, Michigan (7.0 ip, 5 h, 1 r, 0 er, 3 bb, 4 k in complete game win vs. Oakland)
Starter - Dan Sattler, Purdue (7.0 ip, 2 h, 0 r, 0 er, 3 bb, 4 k in win vs. Western Illinois)
Relief - Kyle Carr, Minnesota (3.0 ip, 0 h, 0 r, 0 er, 0 bb, 4 k in win vs. Hartford)
Relief - Mike Schurz, Iowa (4.1 ip, 2 h, 0 r, 0 er, 1 bb, 7 k in three games -- two saves and a win)
As I stated at the beginning, it was a fine weekend for pitchers in the Big Ten. Lots to choose from and, somewhat surprisingly, I did leave a few off the team. As for my "bench" all but Cummins were limited to one game of action this past weekend. I couldn't put them in the starting lineup, but their stats were good enough to merit recognition. Cummins played in two of Purdue's three games.
Yeah, I added a catcher, again. Maybe it's the old rotisserie baseball league format kicking in. That or I just couldn't decide. Backstops -- Napoleon, Yodice, Pickens and Davis -- had nearly as good a weekend as the hurlers did.
If you would like to nominate someone I missed, my email appears in the sidebar and, if you are registered at Blogger, you can leave a comment, as well. (How many commas was that?)
I'll review at the end, but I will provide my usual caveat here. My math isn't good. (Which I realize fits in perfectly with my poor grammar and lack of writing skills.) So, if you find a number or seven off, please drop me a line. Thank you.
Catcher - Dusty Napoleon, Iowa (7 for 11, 3 runs, 7 rbi, 2 bb)
Catcher - Rob Yodice, Penn State (4 for 9, 3 runs, 5 rbi)
Firstbase - Nate Recknagel, Michigan (6 for 12, 3 runs, rbi)
Secondbase - Eric Osborn, Purdue (4 for 10, 6 rbi, sb)
Shortstop - Tommy Finn, Northwestern (5 for 11, 5 runs, 5 rbi, 2 bb, sb, hr)
Thirdbase - Jake Owens, Northwestern (9 for 13, 5 runs, 8 rbi, bb, 5 sb)
Outfield - Zach Putnam, Michigan (6 for 12, 2 runs, 7 rbi, bb)
Outfield - Matt Nohelty, Minnesota (6 for 12, 3 runs, 3 rbi, 4 sb)
Outfield - Doug Pickens, Michigan (8 for 13, 3 runs, 3 rbi)
Designated Hitter - Jason Christian, Michigan (8 for 17, 5 runs, 5 rbi)
Bench - Lars Davis, Illinois (4 for 4, 2 runs, 2 rbi, 2 hr, bb)
Bench - Jacob Howell, Ohio State (3 for 4, 3 rbi)
Bench - Dennis Jones, Michigan State (2 for 4, 2 runs, 2 rbi, 4 sb)
Bench - John Cummins, Purdue (5 for 9, 3 runs, 3 rbi)
Starter - Ricky Heines, Purdue (9.0 ip, 4 h, 0 r, 0 er, 0 bb, 8 k in complete game win vs. WIU)
Starter - Ethan Vogt, Minnesota (9.0 ip, 7 h, 0 r, 0 er, 0 bb, 3 k in complete game win vs. Hartford)
Starter - Craig Clark, Penn State (8.0 ip, 1 h, 1 r, 0 er, 3 bb, 6 k in win vs. CCSU)
Starter - Steve Turnbull, Iowa (7.0 ip, 2 h, 0 r, 0 er, 0 bbb, 7 k in win vs. NDSU)
Starter - Mike Wilson, Michigan (7.0 ip, 1 hit, 0 r, 0 er, 2 bb, 9 k in win vs. Oakland)
Starter - Andrew Hess, Michigan (7.0 ip, 5 h, 1 r, 0 er, 3 bb, 4 k in complete game win vs. Oakland)
Starter - Dan Sattler, Purdue (7.0 ip, 2 h, 0 r, 0 er, 3 bb, 4 k in win vs. Western Illinois)
Relief - Kyle Carr, Minnesota (3.0 ip, 0 h, 0 r, 0 er, 0 bb, 4 k in win vs. Hartford)
Relief - Mike Schurz, Iowa (4.1 ip, 2 h, 0 r, 0 er, 1 bb, 7 k in three games -- two saves and a win)
As I stated at the beginning, it was a fine weekend for pitchers in the Big Ten. Lots to choose from and, somewhat surprisingly, I did leave a few off the team. As for my "bench" all but Cummins were limited to one game of action this past weekend. I couldn't put them in the starting lineup, but their stats were good enough to merit recognition. Cummins played in two of Purdue's three games.
Yeah, I added a catcher, again. Maybe it's the old rotisserie baseball league format kicking in. That or I just couldn't decide. Backstops -- Napoleon, Yodice, Pickens and Davis -- had nearly as good a weekend as the hurlers did.
If you would like to nominate someone I missed, my email appears in the sidebar and, if you are registered at Blogger, you can leave a comment, as well. (How many commas was that?)
Sunday, March 25, 2007
BA Interviews Putnam
I don't know how I missed it, but Baseball America's Aaron Fitt interviewed Michigan's Zach Putnam.
Wrapping Up Sunday
Central Connecticut State 2 Penn State 0 (box)
Scott Gaffney and Scott Kelley each had two hits for Penn State. I don't think we should dwell on this one.
Northwestern 11 Dartmouth 4 (box)
Jake Goebbert went 4 for 4 with two RBI. Jake Owens continued his great weekend with two more hits, two runs and two RBI. Freshman starter Cole Livermore picked up his first collegiate win and fellow first year player Joe Muraski earned his first save.
Minnesota 6 Hartford 2 (box)
Marcus McKenzie improved to 3-0. McKenzie worked five innings and gave up only one run. Matt Nohelty had two hits, two steals and a RBI. The Gophers continued to roll.
Indiana 4 IPFW 0 (box)
Five innings of work gave lefty Matt Bashore his third win. The freshman didn't yield a run, allowed only three hits and a walk. Sterling Mack and Evan Crawford each had two hits and a RBI.
Iowa 9 South Dakota State 7 (box)
Ryan Gryzwa had two hits, two runs and two RBI. David Conroy got the win, Mike Schurz the save.
Michigan 17 Oakland 0 (box)
Mike Wilson (3-0) went seven innings and allowed only one hit. The lefty struck out nine. Zach Putnam and Doug Pickens each drove in three runs. Jason Christian and Alan Oaks had three hits and two RBI each. Chris Besert went yard for the first time.
Purdue 5 Western Illinois 3 (box)
Dan Sattler gave up two hits, three walks and struck out four over seven innings to post his first win. Matt Jensen faced one batter and was credited for the win. Eric Osborn drove in three runs. Andy Preston got a pinch hit homerun, his third of the year.
Michigan State's home game against Concordia was canceled.
Scott Gaffney and Scott Kelley each had two hits for Penn State. I don't think we should dwell on this one.
Northwestern 11 Dartmouth 4 (box)
Jake Goebbert went 4 for 4 with two RBI. Jake Owens continued his great weekend with two more hits, two runs and two RBI. Freshman starter Cole Livermore picked up his first collegiate win and fellow first year player Joe Muraski earned his first save.
Minnesota 6 Hartford 2 (box)
Marcus McKenzie improved to 3-0. McKenzie worked five innings and gave up only one run. Matt Nohelty had two hits, two steals and a RBI. The Gophers continued to roll.
Indiana 4 IPFW 0 (box)
Five innings of work gave lefty Matt Bashore his third win. The freshman didn't yield a run, allowed only three hits and a walk. Sterling Mack and Evan Crawford each had two hits and a RBI.
Iowa 9 South Dakota State 7 (box)
Ryan Gryzwa had two hits, two runs and two RBI. David Conroy got the win, Mike Schurz the save.
Michigan 17 Oakland 0 (box)
Mike Wilson (3-0) went seven innings and allowed only one hit. The lefty struck out nine. Zach Putnam and Doug Pickens each drove in three runs. Jason Christian and Alan Oaks had three hits and two RBI each. Chris Besert went yard for the first time.
Purdue 5 Western Illinois 3 (box)
Dan Sattler gave up two hits, three walks and struck out four over seven innings to post his first win. Matt Jensen faced one batter and was credited for the win. Eric Osborn drove in three runs. Andy Preston got a pinch hit homerun, his third of the year.
Michigan State's home game against Concordia was canceled.
More Photos
Saturday, March 24, 2007
A Day At The Fish
I did make it out to Ray Fisher Stadium for today's doubleheader between Oakland University and the University of Michigan. It was a great day at the yard. Of course, nearly any time spent at the ballpark is quality time. Today's doubleheader began under clouds and a breeze that made it feel colder than the scoreboard's suggested temperature of sixty-two. However, by the finale of the twinbill, the clouds departed and we had a near perfect March day for baseball.
Now, I mentioned the scoreboard. Last year, the scoreboard at The Fish became a joke to the Fisher Stadium regulars. It didn't exactly work properly and there were whispers that they didn't even make replacement parts for the old board any longer. I have no idea if that was true, but for 2007, Michigan baseball has a new scoreboard.
There will be plenty of other new things at Ray Fisher Stadium over the next year or two. Construction is most definitely underway. I do wonder why the work didn't begin sooner, like at the close of last season, but improvements are improvements. It may just be nit-picking on my part to complain about the start date.
Onto the action. In the first game, Oakland probably deserved to win. Yeah, yeah, I know. I'm the OU slappy in the crowd. Well, forgive me for showing them love because they had the audacity (misfortune?) to admit me. However, the Grizzlies left ten runners on base and hung with the Wolverines for five innings mostly due to the pitching of Matt Trausch.
Michigan opened it up some in the bottom of the sixth, and forced Trausch to the bench, but both team's offense reflected the weather -- cloudy and colder than it looked. Oakland couldn't take advantage of their opportunities and Michigan won a the kind of game good teams win even when they aren't playing well. (More on that in a minute.)
Oh, I should pass along a warning to fans, writers and announcers alike. The fake-to-first, throw-to-third pick-off move worked in Game One. I kid you not. It worked. Hess faked a pick off toss to first, wheeled and threw a strike to third to nail the runner. This will only confirm it's potential for success and guarantee it's continued use. The next time you wonder when that move actually worked, you can remember this post.
In addition to Trausch, the players that caught my eye in the first game were Andrew Hess, Michigan's starter, and Justin Wilson, OU's centerfielder. I don't know what Hess topped his fastball out at, but he seemed to throw harder today then I remember him throwing before. In spite of not getting much run support until late, Hess was tough.
Wilson looked like the prototype leadoff hitter. He saw a ton of pitches and displayed great wheels. I can see why he's at the top of Coach Putnam's lineup.
In between games, I bumped into Sam who was busy taking photos. (You can get a look at her work from Friday's game here. Expect pictures from today to be uploaded soon. If she gets any coffee tonight, there's a good chance they'll be up before I finish this entry.) Sam quized me as to my rooting interest. The "Whoever wins" answer was appropriately labeled a cop-out.
Game Two saw Michigan win a one run game, 4-3. It was Michigan that wasted a number of scoring chances in the second game. The Wolverines left eight runners on base. Although, OU did play hard after the difficult opening loss. The Golden Grizzlies scored one in the first, another in the fourth and held a 2-0 lead.
U of M answered with a three run bottom of the fourth, started by Adam Abraham's first homer of '07, and you figured the game was over. Yet, Oakland managed another run, an Andrew Stafford homer, to tie the score at 3-3 in the sixth. Back-to-back doubles by Eric Rose and Jason Christian won it for Michigan.
Chris Fetter showed flashes of his first team All-Big Ten form in posting his first win of the year. Ben Jenzen came in to close out Michigan's sweep of Oakland.
After the finale Saturday, several of the Michigan players began doing grounds crew work. There are a handful of the Maize and Blue players raking the infield grass, while others are piling in a some kind of John Deere utility vehicle and moving stuff around. I've seen the players have to move the batting cage after BP. They often act as their own batpeople (boys or girls), as they don't have one. Now, after playing twelve innings they have to clean up the infield themselves? Priceless. It's no wonder I love college baseball.
Back to the team on the field. I just don't get the feeling that Michigan is running on all cylinders. Maybe it's just the slightly better than .500 mark brought on by a tough non-conference slate. Perhaps, it's knowing that they are about three outs and three runs away from being a Top 25 team instead of one not even getting votes in the polls. Did I have too great an expectation before the season started? Honestly, I think Coach Maloney expected more than I did.
Whatever the reason, Michigan has a full Big Ten schedule ahead of them, so there's plenty of time to right the ship. (Assuming one believes the ship is in need of righting.) I may head back out to Ann Arbor for the last game of the series tomorrow. Perhaps, I just need to see more of them in person. Following games on GameTracker isn't the same as being there. If I do head back to The Fish Sunday, I should look to see if I have any OU apparel I can wear should I run across Samara.
Next weekend, the plan is to be in Columbus for the Saturday's encounter between Iowa and Ohio State. Weather permitting, of course.
Now, I mentioned the scoreboard. Last year, the scoreboard at The Fish became a joke to the Fisher Stadium regulars. It didn't exactly work properly and there were whispers that they didn't even make replacement parts for the old board any longer. I have no idea if that was true, but for 2007, Michigan baseball has a new scoreboard.
There will be plenty of other new things at Ray Fisher Stadium over the next year or two. Construction is most definitely underway. I do wonder why the work didn't begin sooner, like at the close of last season, but improvements are improvements. It may just be nit-picking on my part to complain about the start date.
Onto the action. In the first game, Oakland probably deserved to win. Yeah, yeah, I know. I'm the OU slappy in the crowd. Well, forgive me for showing them love because they had the audacity (misfortune?) to admit me. However, the Grizzlies left ten runners on base and hung with the Wolverines for five innings mostly due to the pitching of Matt Trausch.
Michigan opened it up some in the bottom of the sixth, and forced Trausch to the bench, but both team's offense reflected the weather -- cloudy and colder than it looked. Oakland couldn't take advantage of their opportunities and Michigan won a the kind of game good teams win even when they aren't playing well. (More on that in a minute.)
Oh, I should pass along a warning to fans, writers and announcers alike. The fake-to-first, throw-to-third pick-off move worked in Game One. I kid you not. It worked. Hess faked a pick off toss to first, wheeled and threw a strike to third to nail the runner. This will only confirm it's potential for success and guarantee it's continued use. The next time you wonder when that move actually worked, you can remember this post.
In addition to Trausch, the players that caught my eye in the first game were Andrew Hess, Michigan's starter, and Justin Wilson, OU's centerfielder. I don't know what Hess topped his fastball out at, but he seemed to throw harder today then I remember him throwing before. In spite of not getting much run support until late, Hess was tough.
Wilson looked like the prototype leadoff hitter. He saw a ton of pitches and displayed great wheels. I can see why he's at the top of Coach Putnam's lineup.
In between games, I bumped into Sam who was busy taking photos. (You can get a look at her work from Friday's game here. Expect pictures from today to be uploaded soon. If she gets any coffee tonight, there's a good chance they'll be up before I finish this entry.) Sam quized me as to my rooting interest. The "Whoever wins" answer was appropriately labeled a cop-out.
Game Two saw Michigan win a one run game, 4-3. It was Michigan that wasted a number of scoring chances in the second game. The Wolverines left eight runners on base. Although, OU did play hard after the difficult opening loss. The Golden Grizzlies scored one in the first, another in the fourth and held a 2-0 lead.
U of M answered with a three run bottom of the fourth, started by Adam Abraham's first homer of '07, and you figured the game was over. Yet, Oakland managed another run, an Andrew Stafford homer, to tie the score at 3-3 in the sixth. Back-to-back doubles by Eric Rose and Jason Christian won it for Michigan.
Chris Fetter showed flashes of his first team All-Big Ten form in posting his first win of the year. Ben Jenzen came in to close out Michigan's sweep of Oakland.
After the finale Saturday, several of the Michigan players began doing grounds crew work. There are a handful of the Maize and Blue players raking the infield grass, while others are piling in a some kind of John Deere utility vehicle and moving stuff around. I've seen the players have to move the batting cage after BP. They often act as their own batpeople (boys or girls), as they don't have one. Now, after playing twelve innings they have to clean up the infield themselves? Priceless. It's no wonder I love college baseball.
Back to the team on the field. I just don't get the feeling that Michigan is running on all cylinders. Maybe it's just the slightly better than .500 mark brought on by a tough non-conference slate. Perhaps, it's knowing that they are about three outs and three runs away from being a Top 25 team instead of one not even getting votes in the polls. Did I have too great an expectation before the season started? Honestly, I think Coach Maloney expected more than I did.
Whatever the reason, Michigan has a full Big Ten schedule ahead of them, so there's plenty of time to right the ship. (Assuming one believes the ship is in need of righting.) I may head back out to Ann Arbor for the last game of the series tomorrow. Perhaps, I just need to see more of them in person. Following games on GameTracker isn't the same as being there. If I do head back to The Fish Sunday, I should look to see if I have any OU apparel I can wear should I run across Samara.
Next weekend, the plan is to be in Columbus for the Saturday's encounter between Iowa and Ohio State. Weather permitting, of course.
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