I spent a fair amount of time last season providing links to college newspaper stories about Big Ten baseball. I haven't done that quite as much as last year, in large part because I haven't seen as many. However, with so many college basketball teams done for the year, I hope to see a rise in baseball coverage from here on out.
These are some of the stories I've found heading into the weekend series.
Jason Grodsky of the Daily Illini previews Illinois three game set with Texas-Arlington.
Indiana Daily Student writer Tim O'Brien looks at IU's eight game road trip.
The Golden Gophers series with Missouri State is the topic for Paul Cordes of the Minnesota Daily.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Scores And Semi-Live Saturday Blogging
Thanks to tip from Brian Foley of The College Baseball Blog, I found out tonight's Indiana at Florida State game was going to be on Fox College Sports Atlantic. Unfortunately, I didn't have a chance to plop myself in front of the television until the sixth inning. FSU was already up 4-0. It's now the eighth and the fourth ranked Seminoles are up 5-2 with a couple of runners on.
As I finish watching the end of the IU @ FSU game and prepare to surf the 'net for scores, I'll do so in something close to live blogging.
8:39pm IU skipper Tracy Smith is making a pitching change. FSU has loaded the bases.
8:40pm The Sun Sports broadcast team are complimenting Coach Smith and the IU squad. Tom Block and Barry Millgan have been very positive about this Hoosiers ballclub. Darn. FSU just hit a bases clearing double, it's Florida State, 8-2. Anyway, back to the announcers. They have been tossing plaudits towards the Bloomington Nine most of the evening. While they have given praise specifically to SS Keith Haas, SP Matt Bashore and the young quality arms Coach Smith has recruited, they have said on numerous occasions how IU has played the 'Noles as tough as anyone recently. It was nice to hear such positive commentary from guys who are pro-FSU.
8:49pm Still no outs for FSU. This might get ugly. Too bad. IU deserved better, but that what happens when you play high quality opposition.
8:50pm Checking the old inbox, I find OSU has won today. (IU is changing pitchers, again.) Nothing on the Buckeyes website about this yet, but Ohio State crushed Western Michigan, 10-1. LHP Cory Luebke had his second straight strong outing. Today, Luebke pitched a complete game three hitter. Luebke (2-0) walked three and struck out four. J.B. Shuck had three hits, two RBI and two runs scored.
8:56pm I click on the Penn State website to learn that #23 Wichita State shutout the Nittany Lions, 3-0. 2B Matt Cavagnaro extended his hit streak to twelve games. 3B Mike Deese had two hits to lead the PSU attack. Craig Clark struck out eight batters in seven innings of work.
9:00pm The Hoosiers down to their last three outs. FSU 8 IU 2.
9:02pm Illinois has dropped two straight to Texas-Arlington. Today, UTA beat the Illini, 13-6. Freshman Brandon Wikoff had two hits and two RBI for Illinois. UTA 1B David McLeod had three hits and four RBI. Dillon Gee pitched a complete game for UTA.
9:06pm #4 FSU wins, 8-2. 2B Evan Crawford had two more hits. Bashore pitched a pretty darn good game, too. Haas earned all the love from the Sun Sports TV guys, as well. IU could do some damage in the conference if their young arms find some consistency.
9:09pm Now, what am I going to watch?
9:10pm I check the Gophers site and see Missouri State creamed Minnesota, 12-0. Coach Anderson can't be happy, but sometimes you just get pasted and have to move on. I figure the less I say about this the better.
9:14pm Check NCAA-baseball.com. Their scoreboard indicates that #18 Auburn has beaten up Purdue, 11-0. That didn't turn out too well, either. That's two consecutive Big Ten programs getting hammered. Again, I'm not going to dwell on this one. I think the Boilermakers bats will re-emerge tomorrow.
9:20pm I flipped to the CCHA game. Michigan is beating Northern Michigan, 7-2. Looks like I'll be flipping stations some more.
9:21pm NCAA-baseball.com also gives me the Michigan State baseball score. The Spartans won, 7-5, over South Florida. MSU 2B Steve Gerstenberger went 4 for 5 with a homer and a double. Justin Potes had three hits and two RBI for MSU. Spartans starter Jon Kibler fanned nine in seven innings on the hill.
9:26pm Back to the CCHA hockey game for a second. The Northern Michigan coach was asked how to stop the Michigan offense, which was up 7-2. The coach's response? "End the game". Quality answer. Funny and honest to boot.
9:28pm It appears I have relayed all the Big Ten scores from today. Only one game remains, Michigan's encounter with San Diego State. There is going to be a Gametracker or live stats feed of some sort. Maybe, I'll follow that here plausibly live. (Hey, if it's good enough for NBC's Olympic coverage, I can use it at a paltry blog.) 10pm EST start for the Aztecs and Wolverines.
As I finish watching the end of the IU @ FSU game and prepare to surf the 'net for scores, I'll do so in something close to live blogging.
8:39pm IU skipper Tracy Smith is making a pitching change. FSU has loaded the bases.
8:40pm The Sun Sports broadcast team are complimenting Coach Smith and the IU squad. Tom Block and Barry Millgan have been very positive about this Hoosiers ballclub. Darn. FSU just hit a bases clearing double, it's Florida State, 8-2. Anyway, back to the announcers. They have been tossing plaudits towards the Bloomington Nine most of the evening. While they have given praise specifically to SS Keith Haas, SP Matt Bashore and the young quality arms Coach Smith has recruited, they have said on numerous occasions how IU has played the 'Noles as tough as anyone recently. It was nice to hear such positive commentary from guys who are pro-FSU.
8:49pm Still no outs for FSU. This might get ugly. Too bad. IU deserved better, but that what happens when you play high quality opposition.
8:50pm Checking the old inbox, I find OSU has won today. (IU is changing pitchers, again.) Nothing on the Buckeyes website about this yet, but Ohio State crushed Western Michigan, 10-1. LHP Cory Luebke had his second straight strong outing. Today, Luebke pitched a complete game three hitter. Luebke (2-0) walked three and struck out four. J.B. Shuck had three hits, two RBI and two runs scored.
8:56pm I click on the Penn State website to learn that #23 Wichita State shutout the Nittany Lions, 3-0. 2B Matt Cavagnaro extended his hit streak to twelve games. 3B Mike Deese had two hits to lead the PSU attack. Craig Clark struck out eight batters in seven innings of work.
9:00pm The Hoosiers down to their last three outs. FSU 8 IU 2.
9:02pm Illinois has dropped two straight to Texas-Arlington. Today, UTA beat the Illini, 13-6. Freshman Brandon Wikoff had two hits and two RBI for Illinois. UTA 1B David McLeod had three hits and four RBI. Dillon Gee pitched a complete game for UTA.
9:06pm #4 FSU wins, 8-2. 2B Evan Crawford had two more hits. Bashore pitched a pretty darn good game, too. Haas earned all the love from the Sun Sports TV guys, as well. IU could do some damage in the conference if their young arms find some consistency.
9:09pm Now, what am I going to watch?
9:10pm I check the Gophers site and see Missouri State creamed Minnesota, 12-0. Coach Anderson can't be happy, but sometimes you just get pasted and have to move on. I figure the less I say about this the better.
9:14pm Check NCAA-baseball.com. Their scoreboard indicates that #18 Auburn has beaten up Purdue, 11-0. That didn't turn out too well, either. That's two consecutive Big Ten programs getting hammered. Again, I'm not going to dwell on this one. I think the Boilermakers bats will re-emerge tomorrow.
9:20pm I flipped to the CCHA game. Michigan is beating Northern Michigan, 7-2. Looks like I'll be flipping stations some more.
9:21pm NCAA-baseball.com also gives me the Michigan State baseball score. The Spartans won, 7-5, over South Florida. MSU 2B Steve Gerstenberger went 4 for 5 with a homer and a double. Justin Potes had three hits and two RBI for MSU. Spartans starter Jon Kibler fanned nine in seven innings on the hill.
9:26pm Back to the CCHA hockey game for a second. The Northern Michigan coach was asked how to stop the Michigan offense, which was up 7-2. The coach's response? "End the game". Quality answer. Funny and honest to boot.
9:28pm It appears I have relayed all the Big Ten scores from today. Only one game remains, Michigan's encounter with San Diego State. There is going to be a Gametracker or live stats feed of some sort. Maybe, I'll follow that here plausibly live. (Hey, if it's good enough for NBC's Olympic coverage, I can use it at a paltry blog.) 10pm EST start for the Aztecs and Wolverines.
Friday, March 09, 2007
Not A Great Start
It's early yet, but this weekend has not started well for the teams of the Big Ten. Indiana is losing to #4 Florida State, 6-0, in the ninth. #23 Wichita State beat Penn State, 7-2. And to top off my brief recap, Michigan gave up three in the bottom of the ninth to fall to San Diego, 7-6. (Simply a painful loss.)
There's plenty of other action going on, so there is hope for a better night. Of course, there are two more days this weekend, as well. The Hoosiers, Nittany Lions and Wolverines will have the work cut out for them on Saturday and Sunday, too, but all three can play better.
Update:
Thank you, MSU. Michigan State stopped the bleeding and beat Quinnipiac, 8-5. Kyle Day connected on his first homer of the season and drove in three. Eli Boike had three hits and two RBI. Craig Brookes improved to 2-0. Brookes gave up two runs in 6.2 innings pitched. The Spartans' starter gave up seven hits, one walk and struck out six.
Update #2:
It takes eleven innings, but Ohio State drops North Florida, 3-2. Josh Berrera got a no decision, but twirled 8.1 innings allowing two runs. Rory Meister (1-1) picked up the win in relief and Jake Hale (2) came in to close out the 11th to notch the save. All-Big Ten CF Matt Angle went 5 for 6. J.B. Shuck and Eric Fryer each had three hits. Fryer drove in two runs including the game winner in the top of the 11th.
Minnesota beat Missouri State, 4-0. Dan Lyons and Mike Mee each had a pair of hits and a RBI. Ethan Vogt, Marcus McKenzie and Josh Oslin combined to toss the shutout. Together they allowed only five hits.
#18 Auburn nipped Purdue, 3-2. Alex Jaffee paced the Boilermakers offense with two hits and a RBI. Josh Lindblom went six striking out seven Tigers batters. He allowed eight hits and two earned runs, but no walks.
Illinois and Texas-Arlington are tied at seven in the bottom of the tenth inning.
The fourth ranked Seminoles kept their 6-0 advantage and beat the Hoosiers.
Overall, not what I was hoping for today. However, taking on three teams in the Top 25 on the road isn't the formula for success. The Big Ten held their own with the big boys last week, let's see if they can rebound Saturday.
There's plenty of other action going on, so there is hope for a better night. Of course, there are two more days this weekend, as well. The Hoosiers, Nittany Lions and Wolverines will have the work cut out for them on Saturday and Sunday, too, but all three can play better.
Update:
Thank you, MSU. Michigan State stopped the bleeding and beat Quinnipiac, 8-5. Kyle Day connected on his first homer of the season and drove in three. Eli Boike had three hits and two RBI. Craig Brookes improved to 2-0. Brookes gave up two runs in 6.2 innings pitched. The Spartans' starter gave up seven hits, one walk and struck out six.
Update #2:
It takes eleven innings, but Ohio State drops North Florida, 3-2. Josh Berrera got a no decision, but twirled 8.1 innings allowing two runs. Rory Meister (1-1) picked up the win in relief and Jake Hale (2) came in to close out the 11th to notch the save. All-Big Ten CF Matt Angle went 5 for 6. J.B. Shuck and Eric Fryer each had three hits. Fryer drove in two runs including the game winner in the top of the 11th.
Minnesota beat Missouri State, 4-0. Dan Lyons and Mike Mee each had a pair of hits and a RBI. Ethan Vogt, Marcus McKenzie and Josh Oslin combined to toss the shutout. Together they allowed only five hits.
#18 Auburn nipped Purdue, 3-2. Alex Jaffee paced the Boilermakers offense with two hits and a RBI. Josh Lindblom went six striking out seven Tigers batters. He allowed eight hits and two earned runs, but no walks.
Illinois and Texas-Arlington are tied at seven in the bottom of the tenth inning.
The fourth ranked Seminoles kept their 6-0 advantage and beat the Hoosiers.
Overall, not what I was hoping for today. However, taking on three teams in the Top 25 on the road isn't the formula for success. The Big Ten held their own with the big boys last week, let's see if they can rebound Saturday.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Gophers Win, Spartans Lose On Wednesday
Minnesota beat St. Thomas, 9-2, yesterday. Matt Nohelty, Dan Lyons and Derek McCallum each had a two hits for the Gophers. Sophomore CF Nohelty also swiped a pair of bases. Starter Allen Bechstein lasted three innings -- not yielding a run or hit -- and picked up the win. The Golden Gophers improve to 6-2.
Unfortunately, Michigan State's (3-4) midweek performance came up a bit short. The Spartans lost to Stetson, 13-7. MSU freshman RF Eli Boike, who continues to emerge as one of the conference's top newcomers, had a 4 for 5 game. Boike also scored twice and drove in two more Spartan scores. 1B Evan Friedland had a three hit game.
The Spartans are currently trailing South Florida, 12-5. It's the seventh inning. I doubt I'll have a link to the game recap this evening, so look for it tomorrow. I can tell MSU fans that Justin Potes and Dennis Jones each have two RBI. E.J. Daws has three hits.
Unfortunately, Michigan State's (3-4) midweek performance came up a bit short. The Spartans lost to Stetson, 13-7. MSU freshman RF Eli Boike, who continues to emerge as one of the conference's top newcomers, had a 4 for 5 game. Boike also scored twice and drove in two more Spartan scores. 1B Evan Friedland had a three hit game.
The Spartans are currently trailing South Florida, 12-5. It's the seventh inning. I doubt I'll have a link to the game recap this evening, so look for it tomorrow. I can tell MSU fans that Justin Potes and Dennis Jones each have two RBI. E.J. Daws has three hits.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
IU Wins, MSU Stumbles
Indiana shutout Butler, 6-0, today. IU's fabulous freshmen continue to lead the charge. C Josh Phegley pounded out three hits, all doubles. The first year Hoosiers' backstop also scored once and drove in a pair of tallies. 2B Evan Crawford collected two more hits and scored once.
Chris McCombs started for IU (4-4) and went six innings allowing seven hits. McCombs didn't yield a run or a walk and fanned five Bulldog batters. The junior righthander improved his record to 1-1.
In a game from yesterday, Michigan State fell to Central Florida, 7-5. The Spartans (3-3) offense was led by 3B Justin Potes and 2B Steve Gerstenberger who each had three hits. DH Sean Walker drove in two for MSU.
Central Florida's Carmine Giardina struck out ten Spartans in six innings and earned the win. For me, the most interesting stat line came from Golden Knights' CF Tyson Auer. Auer did not record a hit and had only one official at bat, but scored once, drove in one, walked four times and stole four bases.
Chris McCombs started for IU (4-4) and went six innings allowing seven hits. McCombs didn't yield a run or a walk and fanned five Bulldog batters. The junior righthander improved his record to 1-1.
In a game from yesterday, Michigan State fell to Central Florida, 7-5. The Spartans (3-3) offense was led by 3B Justin Potes and 2B Steve Gerstenberger who each had three hits. DH Sean Walker drove in two for MSU.
Central Florida's Carmine Giardina struck out ten Spartans in six innings and earned the win. For me, the most interesting stat line came from Golden Knights' CF Tyson Auer. Auer did not record a hit and had only one official at bat, but scored once, drove in one, walked four times and stole four bases.
Player AB R H RBI BB SO PO A LOB
------------------------------------------------------
Tyson Auer cf............ 1 1 0 1 4 0 0 0 0
SB - T.Auer 4(10); K. Vazquez(1); Richardson(4).
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Spartans Stop Pitt, 4-3
Michigan State rallied to upend Pittsburgh, 4-3 Monday. The Spartans plated three in the eighth and one in the ninth to claim victory. SS Brandon Doherty had a 5 for 5 day. Freshman LF Chris Roberts went 2 for 3. Mark Sorenson won in relief of Jon Kibler. Sorenson (1-1) pitched three hitless innings of relief. He allowed no runs, a walk and fanned four.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Thoughts From The Weekend
Yes, it's another thrilling edition of "Thoughts From The Weekend". In today's episode, I'll clean up some missing links from Sunday, look at some of the big wins since Friday and try to crank out another All-Weekend Team. Who knows what else I might type, so why not tag along?
Boxing Up Those Links
There were several boxscores that I never got around to providing links for Sunday night. While I suspect that if you were truly interested you would have obtained this information by now, it gives me something to fill space with.
There's Game One between Minnesota and Arkansas. The Hogs prevailed 5-1, not that we need to revisit that final. Of course, there's Game Two, as well. The Gophers emerged victorious, 10-5, in the finale of the Dairy Queen Classic. I do wonder if the doubleheader splits with Ole Miss and Arkansas will serve Minnesota better in the RPI and SOS categories? If The Citadel had been able the make the trip, the doubleheaders would never have happened. Perhaps, we will look back on this as a boost to the Gophers at-large tournament hopes. (Should they need an at-large berth.)
There's Purdue's 13-1 drubbing of Western Kentucky. The win gave the Boilers a weekend sweep. Purdue bats started out hot and stayed that way all weekend long.
Finally, in a game that I had no information about 48 hours ago, Michigan State pounded on St. Joseph's 22-1. Yep, that's a twenty-two. Needless to say, there were plenty of offensive stars to choose from. However, in the interest of keeping you informed, freshman RF Eli Boike paced the Spartans with four RBI. 1B Evan Friedland had three hits, three RBI and scored three times. Brandon Doherty and Steve Gerstenberger had three hits a piece, as well. Craig Brookes got the win going five innings allowing only two hits and a walk.
Beating The Big Boys
The Big Ten had a good showing this weekend. Big Ten programs downed Mississippi State (in Starkville), Troy, #15 Arkansas, #16 Mississippi, #3 North Carolina, Notre Dame and #22 Nebraska.
There will undoubtedly be naysayers. I can hear their excuses already. Iowa won a rain shortened affair both days. Minnesota played at home. Penn State should have been swept, but for a fluky ninth inning homer. Michigan altered its pitching rotation to beat Mississippi State. This is a down year for "fill in the school a Big Ten program beat this weekend here". Yada, yada, yada.
While Minnesota's doubleheader splits with #15 Arkansas and #16 Ole Miss and Michigan's Saturday sweep of Troy and Mississippi State were great for both schools and the conference's street cred (not to mention their RPI), both programs are considered powers, albeit Big Ten powers. What should raise an eyebrow south of the Mason-Dixon line is that neither Iowa or Penn State are considered among the Big Ten's baseball elite.
Yet, Iowa pummeled a Notre Dame program -- the only one in the snowbelt that has any credibility with the national media, then turned around and came back from trailing 8-0 to beat the 'Huskers, 12-8. Rain, schmain. The Hawkeyes beat up Irish and Cornhusker pitching. It might not happen again, but it did happen this weekend.
Meanwhile, Robbie Wine's young men gave highly ranked North Carolina (Baseball America has the 'Heels #1) all they could handle over three days. The Nittany Lions managed only one late inning triumph, but lost Sunday by only a run and handled themselves rather well in hostile territory. A Big Ten program goes on the road against a Top 5 nationally ranked program and you think "embarrassment". I think it's safe to say that PSU wasn't embarrassed.
Now, before you dismiss my clearly biased praise, take a look at one national media guy said about the Big Ten's weekend. CSTV's Eric Sorenson has some love for the entire conference in his Teams of the Week feature. Way to spread that love, E.
The All-Weekend Team
I could probably just name every Purdue batter to the All-Weekend Team and be safe. The Boilers beat the snot out of the ball this weekend. However, to keep things balanced and avoid charges of laziness or being a Purdue homer, I'll assemble a team with something in addition to Boilermakers. Oh, please remember the math here is mine. I was not a math major. For good reason. Anyway, here goes.
C - Lars Davis, Illinois (8 for 15, 2 3b, 5 runs, 5 rbi)
C - Spencer Ingaldson, Purdue (9 for 13, 3 2b, 8 runs, 2 rbi)
1B - Ryne White, Purdue (7 for 11, 3 bb, 6 runs, 5 rbi)
2B- Evan Crawford, Indiana (8 for 15, 4 runs, 3 rbi)
SS- Keith Haas, Indiana (5 for 13, HR, 3 runs, 6 rbi)
3B- Nate Recknagel, Michigan (6 for 14, 3 HR, 4 runs, 6 rbi)
OF - Kyle Hudson, Illinois (8 for 12, 4 runs, 5 rbi, 2 sb)
OF - Jordan Comadena, Purdue (9 for 15, 2 hr, 3 2b, 7 runs, 6 rbi, 2 sb)
OF - Travis Sweet, Iowa (6 for 8, 5 runs, 4 rbi, sb)
OF - Mike Mee, Minnesota (6 for 13, 3 2b, 3b, 3 runs, 2 rbi, 2 sb)
DH- Andy Preston, Purdue (7 for 12, 2 HR, 4 runs, 5 rbi)
SP - Cory Luebke, Ohio State (W, 7 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 11 K vs. Lehigh)
SP - Zach Putnam, Michigan (W, 7 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 6 K vs. Miss. State)
SP - Ricky Heines, Purdue (W, 6 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 K vs. Western Ky.)
SP - Craig Clark, Penn State (ND, 8 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K vs. UNC)
SP - Josh Lindblom, Purdue (W, 7 IP, 9 H, 3 ER, 0 BB, 7 K vs. Western Ky.)
RP - Drew O'Neil, Penn State (W, 2 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K vs. UNC)
Ok, I cheated a bit. I took two catchers this week. Oh, like you could have picked just one. I crammed in an extra outfielder, too. I just couldn't leave any of the four guys out. I also slid Michigan's Recknagel over to third. Hey, he did play there this weekend, it's just not his normal position. Alright, maybe I cheated quite a bit. It was exceptionally difficult to bypass anyone this week.
In spite of my various alterations, I more than likely missed someone. If I did, please email me.
I hope you enjoyed this edition of my weekend round-up. Hopefully, I can get next week's to you in more prompt fashion. Remember, March is here. College baseball will be back here soon.
Boxing Up Those Links
There were several boxscores that I never got around to providing links for Sunday night. While I suspect that if you were truly interested you would have obtained this information by now, it gives me something to fill space with.
There's Game One between Minnesota and Arkansas. The Hogs prevailed 5-1, not that we need to revisit that final. Of course, there's Game Two, as well. The Gophers emerged victorious, 10-5, in the finale of the Dairy Queen Classic. I do wonder if the doubleheader splits with Ole Miss and Arkansas will serve Minnesota better in the RPI and SOS categories? If The Citadel had been able the make the trip, the doubleheaders would never have happened. Perhaps, we will look back on this as a boost to the Gophers at-large tournament hopes. (Should they need an at-large berth.)
There's Purdue's 13-1 drubbing of Western Kentucky. The win gave the Boilers a weekend sweep. Purdue bats started out hot and stayed that way all weekend long.
Finally, in a game that I had no information about 48 hours ago, Michigan State pounded on St. Joseph's 22-1. Yep, that's a twenty-two. Needless to say, there were plenty of offensive stars to choose from. However, in the interest of keeping you informed, freshman RF Eli Boike paced the Spartans with four RBI. 1B Evan Friedland had three hits, three RBI and scored three times. Brandon Doherty and Steve Gerstenberger had three hits a piece, as well. Craig Brookes got the win going five innings allowing only two hits and a walk.
Beating The Big Boys
The Big Ten had a good showing this weekend. Big Ten programs downed Mississippi State (in Starkville), Troy, #15 Arkansas, #16 Mississippi, #3 North Carolina, Notre Dame and #22 Nebraska.
There will undoubtedly be naysayers. I can hear their excuses already. Iowa won a rain shortened affair both days. Minnesota played at home. Penn State should have been swept, but for a fluky ninth inning homer. Michigan altered its pitching rotation to beat Mississippi State. This is a down year for "fill in the school a Big Ten program beat this weekend here". Yada, yada, yada.
While Minnesota's doubleheader splits with #15 Arkansas and #16 Ole Miss and Michigan's Saturday sweep of Troy and Mississippi State were great for both schools and the conference's street cred (not to mention their RPI), both programs are considered powers, albeit Big Ten powers. What should raise an eyebrow south of the Mason-Dixon line is that neither Iowa or Penn State are considered among the Big Ten's baseball elite.
Yet, Iowa pummeled a Notre Dame program -- the only one in the snowbelt that has any credibility with the national media, then turned around and came back from trailing 8-0 to beat the 'Huskers, 12-8. Rain, schmain. The Hawkeyes beat up Irish and Cornhusker pitching. It might not happen again, but it did happen this weekend.
Meanwhile, Robbie Wine's young men gave highly ranked North Carolina (Baseball America has the 'Heels #1) all they could handle over three days. The Nittany Lions managed only one late inning triumph, but lost Sunday by only a run and handled themselves rather well in hostile territory. A Big Ten program goes on the road against a Top 5 nationally ranked program and you think "embarrassment". I think it's safe to say that PSU wasn't embarrassed.
Now, before you dismiss my clearly biased praise, take a look at one national media guy said about the Big Ten's weekend. CSTV's Eric Sorenson has some love for the entire conference in his Teams of the Week feature. Way to spread that love, E.
The All-Weekend Team
I could probably just name every Purdue batter to the All-Weekend Team and be safe. The Boilers beat the snot out of the ball this weekend. However, to keep things balanced and avoid charges of laziness or being a Purdue homer, I'll assemble a team with something in addition to Boilermakers. Oh, please remember the math here is mine. I was not a math major. For good reason. Anyway, here goes.
C - Lars Davis, Illinois (8 for 15, 2 3b, 5 runs, 5 rbi)
C - Spencer Ingaldson, Purdue (9 for 13, 3 2b, 8 runs, 2 rbi)
1B - Ryne White, Purdue (7 for 11, 3 bb, 6 runs, 5 rbi)
2B- Evan Crawford, Indiana (8 for 15, 4 runs, 3 rbi)
SS- Keith Haas, Indiana (5 for 13, HR, 3 runs, 6 rbi)
3B- Nate Recknagel, Michigan (6 for 14, 3 HR, 4 runs, 6 rbi)
OF - Kyle Hudson, Illinois (8 for 12, 4 runs, 5 rbi, 2 sb)
OF - Jordan Comadena, Purdue (9 for 15, 2 hr, 3 2b, 7 runs, 6 rbi, 2 sb)
OF - Travis Sweet, Iowa (6 for 8, 5 runs, 4 rbi, sb)
OF - Mike Mee, Minnesota (6 for 13, 3 2b, 3b, 3 runs, 2 rbi, 2 sb)
DH- Andy Preston, Purdue (7 for 12, 2 HR, 4 runs, 5 rbi)
SP - Cory Luebke, Ohio State (W, 7 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 11 K vs. Lehigh)
SP - Zach Putnam, Michigan (W, 7 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 6 K vs. Miss. State)
SP - Ricky Heines, Purdue (W, 6 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 K vs. Western Ky.)
SP - Craig Clark, Penn State (ND, 8 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K vs. UNC)
SP - Josh Lindblom, Purdue (W, 7 IP, 9 H, 3 ER, 0 BB, 7 K vs. Western Ky.)
RP - Drew O'Neil, Penn State (W, 2 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K vs. UNC)
Ok, I cheated a bit. I took two catchers this week. Oh, like you could have picked just one. I crammed in an extra outfielder, too. I just couldn't leave any of the four guys out. I also slid Michigan's Recknagel over to third. Hey, he did play there this weekend, it's just not his normal position. Alright, maybe I cheated quite a bit. It was exceptionally difficult to bypass anyone this week.
In spite of my various alterations, I more than likely missed someone. If I did, please email me.
I hope you enjoyed this edition of my weekend round-up. Hopefully, I can get next week's to you in more prompt fashion. Remember, March is here. College baseball will be back here soon.
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Sunday Wrap
Illinois 11 Stephen F. Austin 6 (box)
SS Shawn Roof recorded a school record four stolen bases. Roof, Lars Davis and Brandon Wikoff all pounded out three hits. Kyle Hudson went 4 for 4 with 4 RBI. Billy Barrett got the win pitching two innings of relief. Brian Long earned the save.
Indiana 4 Northern Iowa 2 (box)
Matt Bashore posted his first victory. The freshman gave up five hits and two runs over 7.1 innings. Bashore fanned four and walked three. LF Kipp Schultz had three hits. 2B Evan Crawford had two more hits as did SS Keith Haas.
Iowa 12 #13 Nebraska 8 (box)
The Hawkeyes came back from an 8-0 deficit. CF Travis Sweet had three hits, three runs scored and four RBI. Iowa C Dusty Napoleon drove in three runs including the game winner. This game was called after eight innings so Iowa could return home. Nonetheless, a fabulous win for Jack Dahm's side.
#11 Arkansas 5 Minnesota 1 (Game 1)
Minnesota 10 #11 Arkansas 5 (Game 2)
The Gophers split their doubleheader with the Razorbacks to conclude the 2007 Dairy Queen Classic. The UMN site does not have data available yet, but I'll try to post some tonight. Minnesota had a strong showing this weekend in beating nationally ranked opposition.
New Mexico State 11 Northwestern 6 (box)
NU 1B Jake Goebbert had three hits, two RBI and a run scored in the loss. Fellow freshman, Chad Noble drove in two more Wildcat runs. NMSU CF Joseph Scapertotta had three hits (including a homer), three runs scored and two RBI.
Ohio State 7 Lehigh 2 (box)
As mentioned much earlier today, Cory Luebke whiffed eleven Lehigh batters en route to his first victory of 2007. (If I crank out an All-Weekend Team, I think it's safe to assume that Luebke makes it.) C Eric Fryer had three RBI, CF J.B. Shuck had two.
#3 North Carolina 5 Penn State 4 (box)
The Nittany Lions battled the highly ranked Tar Heels tough all weekend long, but walk away with a 1-2 record. RF Brian Ernst led the offensive charge today with two hits and three RBI. UNC 1B Dustin Ackley had three hits and three RBI. Tar Heels' All-America SS Josh Horton scored three times.
Purdue 13 Western Kentucky 1 (box)
The Boilermakers swept their series at WKU. I'm having some difficulty tracking down a boxscore, but I'll try to provide a link later. Safe to say that Purdue's offense was in high gear all weekend long.
SS Shawn Roof recorded a school record four stolen bases. Roof, Lars Davis and Brandon Wikoff all pounded out three hits. Kyle Hudson went 4 for 4 with 4 RBI. Billy Barrett got the win pitching two innings of relief. Brian Long earned the save.
Indiana 4 Northern Iowa 2 (box)
Matt Bashore posted his first victory. The freshman gave up five hits and two runs over 7.1 innings. Bashore fanned four and walked three. LF Kipp Schultz had three hits. 2B Evan Crawford had two more hits as did SS Keith Haas.
Iowa 12 #13 Nebraska 8 (box)
The Hawkeyes came back from an 8-0 deficit. CF Travis Sweet had three hits, three runs scored and four RBI. Iowa C Dusty Napoleon drove in three runs including the game winner. This game was called after eight innings so Iowa could return home. Nonetheless, a fabulous win for Jack Dahm's side.
#11 Arkansas 5 Minnesota 1 (Game 1)
Minnesota 10 #11 Arkansas 5 (Game 2)
The Gophers split their doubleheader with the Razorbacks to conclude the 2007 Dairy Queen Classic. The UMN site does not have data available yet, but I'll try to post some tonight. Minnesota had a strong showing this weekend in beating nationally ranked opposition.
New Mexico State 11 Northwestern 6 (box)
NU 1B Jake Goebbert had three hits, two RBI and a run scored in the loss. Fellow freshman, Chad Noble drove in two more Wildcat runs. NMSU CF Joseph Scapertotta had three hits (including a homer), three runs scored and two RBI.
Ohio State 7 Lehigh 2 (box)
As mentioned much earlier today, Cory Luebke whiffed eleven Lehigh batters en route to his first victory of 2007. (If I crank out an All-Weekend Team, I think it's safe to assume that Luebke makes it.) C Eric Fryer had three RBI, CF J.B. Shuck had two.
#3 North Carolina 5 Penn State 4 (box)
The Nittany Lions battled the highly ranked Tar Heels tough all weekend long, but walk away with a 1-2 record. RF Brian Ernst led the offensive charge today with two hits and three RBI. UNC 1B Dustin Ackley had three hits and three RBI. Tar Heels' All-America SS Josh Horton scored three times.
Purdue 13 Western Kentucky 1 (box)
The Boilermakers swept their series at WKU. I'm having some difficulty tracking down a boxscore, but I'll try to provide a link later. Safe to say that Purdue's offense was in high gear all weekend long.
Early Sunday Scoring
A number of Big Ten schools are in action early this Sunday. Ohio State has already defeated Lehigh, 7-2. LHP Cory Luebke struck out eleven batters in seven innings to post the win. The All-Big Ten hurler gave up only three hits, three walks and two earned runs. Rory Meister came in and got his second save. C Eric Fryer drove in three Buckeye runs. CF J.B. Shuck drove in two more. (OK, where's regular OSU CF Matt Angle?)
Illinois is beating Stephen F. Austin, 8-5 in the eighth inning. Illini CF Kyle Hudson is 4 for 4 with 4 RBI. 3B Brandon Wikoff is 3 for 6 with a RBI and SS Shawn Roof has a pair of hits and has driven in two scores. SFA does have two on and no one out in the bottom of the 8th. Stay tuned.
Iowa is hanging with Nebraska. The Cornhuskers lead it, 8-7 in the eighth. Iowa CF Travis Sweet has homered, driven in three, scored twice and stolen a base to lead the Hawkeyes attack. Iowa is coming to bat in the bottom of the 8th. Again, more to come.
Indiana and Northern Iowa are tied at 2-2. Hoosiers LF Kipp Schultz is 2 for 2 and driven in a run. It's ....... 3-2, Indiana. SS Keith Haas just singled to score 2B Evan Crawford to put IU up in the bottom of the fifth.
Update:
Lars Davis tripled in two more Illini runs and they are beating Stephen F. Austin, 10-6. Illinois continues to bat in the ninth.
Minnesota and Arkansas are underway with the Razorbacks holding an early 4-1 lead. SS Dan Lyons has left the yard for the Gophers.
Update # 2:
Iowa has beaten #13 Nebraska, 12-8. A great win for the Hawkeyes. More on this game later today or tonight.
Illinois prevailed over SFA, 11-6.
Indiana has tacked on a run and leads 4-2.
Northwestern and New Mexico State are tied at 4 in the fifth inning.
#3 UNC is beating Penn State, 5-1.
Arkansas continues to lead Minnesota, 4-1 in the sixth.
Illinois is beating Stephen F. Austin, 8-5 in the eighth inning. Illini CF Kyle Hudson is 4 for 4 with 4 RBI. 3B Brandon Wikoff is 3 for 6 with a RBI and SS Shawn Roof has a pair of hits and has driven in two scores. SFA does have two on and no one out in the bottom of the 8th. Stay tuned.
Iowa is hanging with Nebraska. The Cornhuskers lead it, 8-7 in the eighth. Iowa CF Travis Sweet has homered, driven in three, scored twice and stolen a base to lead the Hawkeyes attack. Iowa is coming to bat in the bottom of the 8th. Again, more to come.
Indiana and Northern Iowa are tied at 2-2. Hoosiers LF Kipp Schultz is 2 for 2 and driven in a run. It's ....... 3-2, Indiana. SS Keith Haas just singled to score 2B Evan Crawford to put IU up in the bottom of the fifth.
Update:
Lars Davis tripled in two more Illini runs and they are beating Stephen F. Austin, 10-6. Illinois continues to bat in the ninth.
Minnesota and Arkansas are underway with the Razorbacks holding an early 4-1 lead. SS Dan Lyons has left the yard for the Gophers.
Update # 2:
Iowa has beaten #13 Nebraska, 12-8. A great win for the Hawkeyes. More on this game later today or tonight.
Illinois prevailed over SFA, 11-6.
Indiana has tacked on a run and leads 4-2.
Northwestern and New Mexico State are tied at 4 in the fifth inning.
#3 UNC is beating Penn State, 5-1.
Arkansas continues to lead Minnesota, 4-1 in the sixth.
UTPA Tops Illinois, 5-3
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Big Day For Big Ten
It wasn't a perfect twenty-four hours for the baseball programs in the Big Ten Conference, but they did post a number of quality wins.
Iowa beat Notre Dame, 8-1. The Hawkeyes were up seven on the Irish when rain forced the cancellation of the remainder of the game. Travis Sweet went 3 for 3, scored twice and stole a base to lead Iowa. SS Jason White homered and 3B Kevin Hoef drove in two. Steve Turnbull started for the Hawkeyes and went 5.1 innings to gain the win. Turnbull allowed only two hits and fanned six. Big win #1.
Michigan swept their doubleheader in Starkville, Mississippi. In the opener, Michigan beat Troy, 11-3. U of M 3B Adam Abraham went 3 for 6 and had two RBI. SS Jason Christian had two hits, two RBI and scored three times. Nate Recknagel hit his third homerun. RHP Andrew Hess picked up his first win of the year going 7.1 innings. (This was a pretty big win, too, but just continue to read.)
The nightcap saw the Wolverines prevail over host Mississippi State, 4-3. Michigan sophomore RHP Zach Putnam was the story here. Putnam pitched seven innings of three hit, one run baseball. Putnam also struck out six Bulldogs batters. Closer Ben Jenzen posted his second save of the year. 1B Nate Recknagel went yard again, his fourth of the season. C Doug Pickens also hit his second homerun of the season. Big win #2.
In the Dairy Queen Classic, Minnesota dropped #16 Mississippi, 3-2. A three run eighth inning erased a 2-0 Ole Miss lead and provided the Gophers with their fourth win of the year. Mike Mee drove in two of those eighth inning tallies, Jeff DeSmidt plated the winner. Josh Oslin picked up his third save of the season. Big win #3.
Ole Miss did rebound to capture the finale, 9-4. Gophers 1B Bryan Jost went 3 for 4 including his first homer and drove in two. The Rebels had a pair of players knock out three hits.
Penn State provided big win #4 by beating top ranked North Carolina, 3-2. PSU catcher Rob Yodice went yard to tie it in the ninth and the Nittany Lions manufactured the game winner in the tenth. Craig Clark pitched eight strong innings for PSU. Clark allowed four hits, three walks, two earned runs and struck out two, although he did not factor in the decision. The win went to Penn State reliever Drew O'Neil who pitched two scoreless innings. Big (stinking) win #4.
While not the highlight quality of the other victories today, Illinois blasted Sam Houston State, 14-5,. Illini C Lars Davis went 4 for 5, scored three times and had two RBI. 2B Ryan Hastings had two hits, two runs and two RBI. Scott Shaw claimed the win. He pitched five innings of four hit, two run baseball. (Editor's note: This game took place late Friday, not Saturday. The Saturday score appears in the next post.)
Ricky Heines improved to 2-0 in Purdue's 12-5 win over Western Kentucky. Heines struck out seven in six innings of work. The RHP also gave up six hits, two runs, one earned and walked two. From the offense, Boilermakers DH Andy Preston had three hits, including a homer (2), and three RBI. 1B Ryne White had three hits, three runs scored and two RBI. LF Jordan Comadena also had three hits.
As I said to start, it wasn't a perfect day for Big Ten baseball programs. Northwestern dropped both ends of its doubleheader. Texas-Arlington pounded on the Wildcats, 20-2. Jake Owens' three hits were probably the best thing about the first game for NU. In the second affair, Dallas Baptist beat Northwestern, 9-8. Chad Noble, Max Mann and Antonio Mule all had three hits. Mann and freshman 1B Jake Goebbert each hit their first homer.
Memphis also rained on the Big Ten parade today by beating Indiana, 5-3. IU freshmen Evan Crawford and C Josh Phegley each had two hits.
Actual rain stopped the Ohio State vs. Duquesne game. The contest will not be made up. In a late Friday result, OSU beat Georgetown, 7-5. Dan DeLucia improved to 2-0 behind an eight inning, six hit, four run, nine strikeout performance. Jake Hale earned the save. C Eric Fryer homered and drove in two. 3b Tony Kennedy also drove in a pair of Buckeye runs.
All in all, Saturday was a very good showing for Big Ten programs. Wins over Notre Dame, Mississippi, Mississippi State and North Carolina don't happen often, let alone all in one day. And, honestly, beating Troy probably should be on the list of big wins, as well. They are
often tournament bound, so that would make for five big wins today.
There is a long, long way to go, but hopefully the Big Ten earned a bit of respect today. If nothing else, let's hope they earned some RPI points.
(My apologies to those looking for more stats on the opposing schools. I usually give the opposition some cyber-ink, but I'm in a bit of a hurry this evening, so I just provided the Big Ten perspective. I'm not terribly enamored with my lack of balance, either, but I opted for speed over quality.)
Iowa beat Notre Dame, 8-1. The Hawkeyes were up seven on the Irish when rain forced the cancellation of the remainder of the game. Travis Sweet went 3 for 3, scored twice and stole a base to lead Iowa. SS Jason White homered and 3B Kevin Hoef drove in two. Steve Turnbull started for the Hawkeyes and went 5.1 innings to gain the win. Turnbull allowed only two hits and fanned six. Big win #1.
Michigan swept their doubleheader in Starkville, Mississippi. In the opener, Michigan beat Troy, 11-3. U of M 3B Adam Abraham went 3 for 6 and had two RBI. SS Jason Christian had two hits, two RBI and scored three times. Nate Recknagel hit his third homerun. RHP Andrew Hess picked up his first win of the year going 7.1 innings. (This was a pretty big win, too, but just continue to read.)
The nightcap saw the Wolverines prevail over host Mississippi State, 4-3. Michigan sophomore RHP Zach Putnam was the story here. Putnam pitched seven innings of three hit, one run baseball. Putnam also struck out six Bulldogs batters. Closer Ben Jenzen posted his second save of the year. 1B Nate Recknagel went yard again, his fourth of the season. C Doug Pickens also hit his second homerun of the season. Big win #2.
In the Dairy Queen Classic, Minnesota dropped #16 Mississippi, 3-2. A three run eighth inning erased a 2-0 Ole Miss lead and provided the Gophers with their fourth win of the year. Mike Mee drove in two of those eighth inning tallies, Jeff DeSmidt plated the winner. Josh Oslin picked up his third save of the season. Big win #3.
Ole Miss did rebound to capture the finale, 9-4. Gophers 1B Bryan Jost went 3 for 4 including his first homer and drove in two. The Rebels had a pair of players knock out three hits.
Penn State provided big win #4 by beating top ranked North Carolina, 3-2. PSU catcher Rob Yodice went yard to tie it in the ninth and the Nittany Lions manufactured the game winner in the tenth. Craig Clark pitched eight strong innings for PSU. Clark allowed four hits, three walks, two earned runs and struck out two, although he did not factor in the decision. The win went to Penn State reliever Drew O'Neil who pitched two scoreless innings. Big (stinking) win #4.
While not the highlight quality of the other victories today, Illinois blasted Sam Houston State, 14-5,. Illini C Lars Davis went 4 for 5, scored three times and had two RBI. 2B Ryan Hastings had two hits, two runs and two RBI. Scott Shaw claimed the win. He pitched five innings of four hit, two run baseball. (Editor's note: This game took place late Friday, not Saturday. The Saturday score appears in the next post.)
Ricky Heines improved to 2-0 in Purdue's 12-5 win over Western Kentucky. Heines struck out seven in six innings of work. The RHP also gave up six hits, two runs, one earned and walked two. From the offense, Boilermakers DH Andy Preston had three hits, including a homer (2), and three RBI. 1B Ryne White had three hits, three runs scored and two RBI. LF Jordan Comadena also had three hits.
As I said to start, it wasn't a perfect day for Big Ten baseball programs. Northwestern dropped both ends of its doubleheader. Texas-Arlington pounded on the Wildcats, 20-2. Jake Owens' three hits were probably the best thing about the first game for NU. In the second affair, Dallas Baptist beat Northwestern, 9-8. Chad Noble, Max Mann and Antonio Mule all had three hits. Mann and freshman 1B Jake Goebbert each hit their first homer.
Memphis also rained on the Big Ten parade today by beating Indiana, 5-3. IU freshmen Evan Crawford and C Josh Phegley each had two hits.
Actual rain stopped the Ohio State vs. Duquesne game. The contest will not be made up. In a late Friday result, OSU beat Georgetown, 7-5. Dan DeLucia improved to 2-0 behind an eight inning, six hit, four run, nine strikeout performance. Jake Hale earned the save. C Eric Fryer homered and drove in two. 3b Tony Kennedy also drove in a pair of Buckeye runs.
All in all, Saturday was a very good showing for Big Ten programs. Wins over Notre Dame, Mississippi, Mississippi State and North Carolina don't happen often, let alone all in one day. And, honestly, beating Troy probably should be on the list of big wins, as well. They are
often tournament bound, so that would make for five big wins today.
There is a long, long way to go, but hopefully the Big Ten earned a bit of respect today. If nothing else, let's hope they earned some RPI points.
(My apologies to those looking for more stats on the opposing schools. I usually give the opposition some cyber-ink, but I'm in a bit of a hurry this evening, so I just provided the Big Ten perspective. I'm not terribly enamored with my lack of balance, either, but I opted for speed over quality.)
Friday, March 02, 2007
Friday Scores
Indiana 16 Eastern Illinois 7 (box)
The Hoosiers began the AutoZone Classic in style by thumping EIU. IU freshman 2B Evan Crawford continues to lead the IU offense. Crawford went 4 for 6 with three runs scored and drove in three more. SS Keith Haas had four RBI and went yard for the first time in '07. Freshman Jason Ferrell won the game for IU in relief. IU is now 2-2 on the year, as is Eastern Illinois.
Troy 13 Michigan 6 (box)
Troy's seven run seventh inning gave them the victory over the Wolverines in the opener of the Cadence Bank Classic. Troy CF Ian Craze and LF Kevin Weidlich each went 4 for 5. Weidlich drove in three, Craze two. Ryan Ellison picked up the win in relief. Chris Fetter started and went five innings for Michigan. He fanned seven, but allowed four runs and eight hits. Michigan's offensive star was C/1B Nate Recknagel who collected three hits including his second homerun. Recknagel drove in three runs. Troy is 9-3, Michigan 3-2 heading into a re-match Saturday morning.
North Carolina 8 Penn State 4 (box)
The Tar Heels went yard four times to double up PSU. Nittany Lions 2B Matt Cavagnaro, DH Joe Blackburn and SS Scott Gaffney each had a pair of hits in the loss. UNC All-America SS Josh Horton went 4 for 4 with a homer. Heels' 1B Dustin Ackley also went deep and drove in three runs. PSU starter Seth Whitehill lasted five innings and took the loss. All-America P Robert Woodard went six innings for UNC. Woodard posted his third triumph against no losses. He struck out eight Nittany Lions batters, allowing eight hits, two runs, one earned and walking no one en route to lowering his ERA to 0.92. (Yeah, he's good.)
Purdue 10 Western Kentucky 6 (box)
The Boilermakers' Spencer Ingaldson tied a school record by going 5 for 5 in the win. Purdue's catcher also scored three times and drove in two. 1B Andy Preston had two hits and two RBI and LF Jordan Comadena had three hits and drove in two. RHP Josh Lindblom went seven innings yielding nine hits, three earned runs and fanning seven Hilltoppers. Andrew Groves faced two batters to earn the save. Purdue is now 2-2, WKU is 5-2.
The Hoosiers began the AutoZone Classic in style by thumping EIU. IU freshman 2B Evan Crawford continues to lead the IU offense. Crawford went 4 for 6 with three runs scored and drove in three more. SS Keith Haas had four RBI and went yard for the first time in '07. Freshman Jason Ferrell won the game for IU in relief. IU is now 2-2 on the year, as is Eastern Illinois.
Troy 13 Michigan 6 (box)
Troy's seven run seventh inning gave them the victory over the Wolverines in the opener of the Cadence Bank Classic. Troy CF Ian Craze and LF Kevin Weidlich each went 4 for 5. Weidlich drove in three, Craze two. Ryan Ellison picked up the win in relief. Chris Fetter started and went five innings for Michigan. He fanned seven, but allowed four runs and eight hits. Michigan's offensive star was C/1B Nate Recknagel who collected three hits including his second homerun. Recknagel drove in three runs. Troy is 9-3, Michigan 3-2 heading into a re-match Saturday morning.
North Carolina 8 Penn State 4 (box)
The Tar Heels went yard four times to double up PSU. Nittany Lions 2B Matt Cavagnaro, DH Joe Blackburn and SS Scott Gaffney each had a pair of hits in the loss. UNC All-America SS Josh Horton went 4 for 4 with a homer. Heels' 1B Dustin Ackley also went deep and drove in three runs. PSU starter Seth Whitehill lasted five innings and took the loss. All-America P Robert Woodard went six innings for UNC. Woodard posted his third triumph against no losses. He struck out eight Nittany Lions batters, allowing eight hits, two runs, one earned and walking no one en route to lowering his ERA to 0.92. (Yeah, he's good.)
Purdue 10 Western Kentucky 6 (box)
The Boilermakers' Spencer Ingaldson tied a school record by going 5 for 5 in the win. Purdue's catcher also scored three times and drove in two. 1B Andy Preston had two hits and two RBI and LF Jordan Comadena had three hits and drove in two. RHP Josh Lindblom went seven innings yielding nine hits, three earned runs and fanning seven Hilltoppers. Andrew Groves faced two batters to earn the save. Purdue is now 2-2, WKU is 5-2.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
BTH Interview
One of the hundred or so things I'd like to do on this blog is interview the people around college baseball. To that end, I asked Tom of the excellent blog, The Baseball Zealot, to participate in a little email question and answer session. In addition to following his beloved Cubs, Tom is a fan of the Illinois baseball program. Tom graciously agreed and here are the highlights of our Q & A.
BTH: How long have you followed Illini baseball?
Tom: Off and on, I’ve followed the team about 5 years and I’ve followed them more intensely the last three years. I also enjoy keeping track of the Illini alumni such as they go on to better things. I was very pleased to see that former Illini catcher Chris Robinson was traded to the Cubs organization. Word from the Illini camp is that he will start out in Cubs’ spring training and will most likely play in Single A Daytona.
BTH: Last year was Coach Hartleb's first at the helm at Illinois . While it's premature to make too many assessments based on a single campaign, what impressions did his initial season leave with you?
Tom: Hartleb was hired as head coach on the heels of a Big Ten championship and the retirement of Itch Jones, who had been head coach for 15 years.
Those were some big shoes to fill, in my opinion. On top of that, many from that 2005 championship team graduated, leaving the 2006 team with some inexperienced players.
That all said, I thought Hartleb did a fantastic job. They played .500 ball and made the Big Ten tournament.
Hartleb will be the first to share any success his team has with his coaching staff as well as his players. That seems to be how he operates. He’s not a micro-manager rather he will delegate his coaching duties to his staff. I get the sense from the players that they like that about him.
I don’t know if I would go so far as to say that 2006 was a “rebuilding” year but 2007 will definitely build on the successes of last year.
BTH: Are you pleased with the direction of the program?
Tom: Overall, I am pleased with the direction with the program. They are competitive in the Big Ten and have an eye for the future.
In addition, the Baseball program at the University of Illinois has a commitment to the local community. I see that during the off-season with their baseball clinics all the way to the last game when they call the kids on the field for a little wiffleball after the game. I don’t think that building community can ever be underestimated for any college team and I think Illinois knows that. Anyone who had any interaction with the players knows that when they meet with the public, they represent the team (and for that matter, the University) and they act accordingly. They’re a great bunch of guys.
The only thing left (other than a College World Series title, of course), is to fill more seats.
BTH: What should be the team's strength in 2007?
Tom: Coach Hartleb stresses the fundamentals. The team is full of speed (four players over ten steals in ‘06), solid defense, and they have the ability to get on base. Once they get a runner on, they know how to get him to scoring position and get him home. Call it small ball, I guess but it works for this team.
All three third-team All-Big Ten players are returning from last year, shortstop Shawn Roof, outfielder Ryan Snowden and secondbaseman Ryan Hastings. Also, thirdbaseman Mike Rohde, who always seems to find a way to get his name in the news for all the right reasons will be back.
BTH: Their potential weakness?
Tom: Losing Brian Blomquist and Matt Whitmore has got to hurt the Illini’s pitching staff a little but I’ve heard from a player that a few of the pitchers replacing them have good stuff so hopefully they know something I don’t.
Last year, power was a bit of an issue. Especially homerun power (23 to opposing 35). Losing 2006 homerun leader Dave Schultz (who will be a volunteer assistant coach in 2007) won’t help either.
BTH: Are there any newcomers we should watch for? How about returning players you anticipate having a breakout season?
Tom: Outfielder Nick Stockwell who had 7 at-bats all of last year, led all players in hitting in this fall’s Orange-Blue series. I don’t think that guarantees him a starting spot but it doesn’t hurt his chances for more playing time.
Kyle Hudson who played half the season last year but hit .375 may get more playing time in 2007. Hudson is on the Illinois football team, by the way.
Freshman catcher Joe Mercurio probably won’t steal any playing time from regular backstop Lars Davis but he’s someone to watch in the future. I sat behind home plate during the Orange-Blue Series in the fall when Mercurio was behind the plate. He’s an intense player and quick behind the plate.
BTH: What are your expectations for this year?
Tom: With a large graduating class in 2005, the 2006 team had very few returning starters and still managed to play pretty much .500 ball even in conference play. With all that, we can expect the 2007 team to be stronger and more experienced.
Will they compare with the perennial powerhouses of Michigan and Ohio State ? Time will tell. But I’m sure they’ll have fun and will give it their best shot.
BTH: I think I know the answer to this one, but I'll ask anyway. What would be a bigger thrill: The Cubs in the World Series or the Illini in Omaha ?
Tom: Let me answer this delicate question this way. My perfect season would be this: The Illini would win the College World Series, Shawn Roof would be drafted by the Cubs (where he would eventually join former teammate Chris Robinson) and the Cubs would win the World Series.
One thing is for sure. If either team made it to their respective World Series, I’d be there.
Thanks for opportunity to talk about the Illinois Baseball program and Go Illini!!
I'd like to thank Tom for participating in my very first interview. He's a great fan of the game both pro and college. The Baseball Zealot is an insightful baseball blog and Tom and the lads crank out TBZ Radio, as well. I encourage you to check out their multi-media empire. Again, thanks, Tom.
BTH: How long have you followed Illini baseball?
Tom: Off and on, I’ve followed the team about 5 years and I’ve followed them more intensely the last three years. I also enjoy keeping track of the Illini alumni such as they go on to better things. I was very pleased to see that former Illini catcher Chris Robinson was traded to the Cubs organization. Word from the Illini camp is that he will start out in Cubs’ spring training and will most likely play in Single A Daytona.
BTH: Last year was Coach Hartleb's first at the helm at Illinois . While it's premature to make too many assessments based on a single campaign, what impressions did his initial season leave with you?
Tom: Hartleb was hired as head coach on the heels of a Big Ten championship and the retirement of Itch Jones, who had been head coach for 15 years.
Those were some big shoes to fill, in my opinion. On top of that, many from that 2005 championship team graduated, leaving the 2006 team with some inexperienced players.
That all said, I thought Hartleb did a fantastic job. They played .500 ball and made the Big Ten tournament.
Hartleb will be the first to share any success his team has with his coaching staff as well as his players. That seems to be how he operates. He’s not a micro-manager rather he will delegate his coaching duties to his staff. I get the sense from the players that they like that about him.
I don’t know if I would go so far as to say that 2006 was a “rebuilding” year but 2007 will definitely build on the successes of last year.
BTH: Are you pleased with the direction of the program?
Tom: Overall, I am pleased with the direction with the program. They are competitive in the Big Ten and have an eye for the future.
In addition, the Baseball program at the University of Illinois has a commitment to the local community. I see that during the off-season with their baseball clinics all the way to the last game when they call the kids on the field for a little wiffleball after the game. I don’t think that building community can ever be underestimated for any college team and I think Illinois knows that. Anyone who had any interaction with the players knows that when they meet with the public, they represent the team (and for that matter, the University) and they act accordingly. They’re a great bunch of guys.
The only thing left (other than a College World Series title, of course), is to fill more seats.
BTH: What should be the team's strength in 2007?
Tom: Coach Hartleb stresses the fundamentals. The team is full of speed (four players over ten steals in ‘06), solid defense, and they have the ability to get on base. Once they get a runner on, they know how to get him to scoring position and get him home. Call it small ball, I guess but it works for this team.
All three third-team All-Big Ten players are returning from last year, shortstop Shawn Roof, outfielder Ryan Snowden and secondbaseman Ryan Hastings. Also, thirdbaseman Mike Rohde, who always seems to find a way to get his name in the news for all the right reasons will be back.
BTH: Their potential weakness?
Tom: Losing Brian Blomquist and Matt Whitmore has got to hurt the Illini’s pitching staff a little but I’ve heard from a player that a few of the pitchers replacing them have good stuff so hopefully they know something I don’t.
Last year, power was a bit of an issue. Especially homerun power (23 to opposing 35). Losing 2006 homerun leader Dave Schultz (who will be a volunteer assistant coach in 2007) won’t help either.
BTH: Are there any newcomers we should watch for? How about returning players you anticipate having a breakout season?
Tom: Outfielder Nick Stockwell who had 7 at-bats all of last year, led all players in hitting in this fall’s Orange-Blue series. I don’t think that guarantees him a starting spot but it doesn’t hurt his chances for more playing time.
Kyle Hudson who played half the season last year but hit .375 may get more playing time in 2007. Hudson is on the Illinois football team, by the way.
Freshman catcher Joe Mercurio probably won’t steal any playing time from regular backstop Lars Davis but he’s someone to watch in the future. I sat behind home plate during the Orange-Blue Series in the fall when Mercurio was behind the plate. He’s an intense player and quick behind the plate.
BTH: What are your expectations for this year?
Tom: With a large graduating class in 2005, the 2006 team had very few returning starters and still managed to play pretty much .500 ball even in conference play. With all that, we can expect the 2007 team to be stronger and more experienced.
Will they compare with the perennial powerhouses of Michigan and Ohio State ? Time will tell. But I’m sure they’ll have fun and will give it their best shot.
BTH: I think I know the answer to this one, but I'll ask anyway. What would be a bigger thrill: The Cubs in the World Series or the Illini in Omaha ?
Tom: Let me answer this delicate question this way. My perfect season would be this: The Illini would win the College World Series, Shawn Roof would be drafted by the Cubs (where he would eventually join former teammate Chris Robinson) and the Cubs would win the World Series.
One thing is for sure. If either team made it to their respective World Series, I’d be there.
Thanks for opportunity to talk about the Illinois Baseball program and Go Illini!!
I'd like to thank Tom for participating in my very first interview. He's a great fan of the game both pro and college. The Baseball Zealot is an insightful baseball blog and Tom and the lads crank out TBZ Radio, as well. I encourage you to check out their multi-media empire. Again, thanks, Tom.
Central Florida Drops Michigan, 7-6
It took ten innings, but Central Florida slipped past Michigan, 7-6 Tuesday night. UCF's Shane Brown had a couple of RBI to lead the offense. Kyle Sweat grabbed the win pitching the final stanza. Michigan's Adam Abraham took the loss.
U of M LF Zach Putnam continued his hot start by collecting three hits including his first homerun of the year. Putnam also paced the Wolverines with three RBI. C Doug Pickens also went yard for the first time in 2007. SS Jason Christian, who has taken over the position from injured Leif Mahler, went 3 for 4.
Michigan outhit UCF, 15-10, but Wolverine pitchers also plunked a modestly amazing five UCF batters. The Wolverines fell to 3-1. Central Florida is now 5-7.
U of M LF Zach Putnam continued his hot start by collecting three hits including his first homerun of the year. Putnam also paced the Wolverines with three RBI. C Doug Pickens also went yard for the first time in 2007. SS Jason Christian, who has taken over the position from injured Leif Mahler, went 3 for 4.
Michigan outhit UCF, 15-10, but Wolverine pitchers also plunked a modestly amazing five UCF batters. The Wolverines fell to 3-1. Central Florida is now 5-7.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Thoughts From The Weekend
This is the first of what I hope will be a weekly post here at BTH. It's the run-of-the-mill weekend review feature. If this works out, I'll probably give it a better name, but I'll wait to see where the concept goes and if I can pull it off before committing to a snappy title. I'd love to hear any feedback you may have on this post including a potential name. (Sorry, Ramblings of an Idiot was already suggested.)
Kicking The Ball Around
What did we learn from this weekend's action? Well, the first thing that caught my attention was how rusty the teams were defensively. Big Ten teams committed a ton of errors this weekend. I know one of them managed seven in a game. Seven. Don't make me go look up which team had that misfortune. Just trust me. It was seven. That poor program wasn't alone by any stretch of the imagination. I seem to recall a six and plenty of four and three error games, as well. That simply isn't going to win many games on any level. I'm thinking fielding practice will be high on most coaches "To Do" list this week.
Kids On Campus
About the only thing in equal quantity to fielding mistakes in the conference this past weekend was the number of freshmen on the scene. We knew Indiana was going to play a bevy of fresh faces (2B Evan Crawford is leading the early charge, but C Josh Phegley and Brian Lambert are getting AB's, too) with so many on the roster, but the Hoosiers are far from alone in playing first year athletes.
Northwestern is trotting out three most days -- 1B Jake Goebbert, 3B Kenneth Avila and C Chad Noble. They also have frosh pitchers Matt Diedrich and Cole Livermore taking the hill. Ohio State is giving both SS Cory Rupert and OF Ryan Dew plenty of game action thus far.
MSU coach David Grewe is writing OF Eli Boike and SS Chris Roberts on his lineup card regularly. Minnesota IF Derek McCallum is off to a solid start for the undefeated Gophers. Illinois has gotten production from first year 3B Brandon Wikoff. Coach Hartleb has also given Michael Giller some early season at bats.
I'm sure there are more (and my apologies to anyone I may have overlooked), but it felt like the I typed the word freshman quite a bit the last three days. These players are a big reason for that.
Players of the Week?
My guess is that the conference will name Purdue's Ricky Heines Pitcher of the Week. Tossing a shutout at Georgia in Athens would make almost anyone their conference's POTW. The offensive player is a bit harder to figure. I'm leaning towards Michigan's Zach Putnam who had two hits in each of the Wolverines three games plus earned a victory in the first contest. The W should not count towards his work with the bat, but it might. (Update: As I post this a day after I wrote this segment, we find the Gophers' Mike Mee claimed POTW honors, not Putnam.)
The All-Weekend Team
As part of my weekend review feature, I've been pondering the inclusion of an All-Weekend Team. Let me give it a try and see how it goes. Heines and Putnam would both be on the pitching staff. (Putnam would see OF action, too.) Indiana's Tyler Tufts would get a spot on the pitching staff, as well. Michigan State's John Dwan and Northwestern's Ryan Myers round out the rotation. Michigan's Ben Jenzen and Minnesota's Josh Oslin are the bullpen.
Michigan's Adam Abraham is the thirdbaseman (and middle reliever). Shortstop goes to Iowa's Jason White, secondbase belongs to Ohio State's Jason Zoeller, firstbase is the domain of Michigan's Nate Recknagel. Catcher is Ohio State's Eric Fryer. My All-Weekend DH is Wes Freie of Iowa.
The outfield would consist of Putnam, Northwestern's Caleb Fields and Minnesota's Mike Mee.
I'm not sure I'll be taking on that task again. Too darn difficult. Feel free to criticize these choices or offer some of your own. You can find my email address in the sidebar and there's always the option of leaving a comment.
Last At Bat
To close this first weekend review, here's my favorite line of the weekend:
Kicking The Ball Around
What did we learn from this weekend's action? Well, the first thing that caught my attention was how rusty the teams were defensively. Big Ten teams committed a ton of errors this weekend. I know one of them managed seven in a game. Seven. Don't make me go look up which team had that misfortune. Just trust me. It was seven. That poor program wasn't alone by any stretch of the imagination. I seem to recall a six and plenty of four and three error games, as well. That simply isn't going to win many games on any level. I'm thinking fielding practice will be high on most coaches "To Do" list this week.
Kids On Campus
About the only thing in equal quantity to fielding mistakes in the conference this past weekend was the number of freshmen on the scene. We knew Indiana was going to play a bevy of fresh faces (2B Evan Crawford is leading the early charge, but C Josh Phegley and Brian Lambert are getting AB's, too) with so many on the roster, but the Hoosiers are far from alone in playing first year athletes.
Northwestern is trotting out three most days -- 1B Jake Goebbert, 3B Kenneth Avila and C Chad Noble. They also have frosh pitchers Matt Diedrich and Cole Livermore taking the hill. Ohio State is giving both SS Cory Rupert and OF Ryan Dew plenty of game action thus far.
MSU coach David Grewe is writing OF Eli Boike and SS Chris Roberts on his lineup card regularly. Minnesota IF Derek McCallum is off to a solid start for the undefeated Gophers. Illinois has gotten production from first year 3B Brandon Wikoff. Coach Hartleb has also given Michael Giller some early season at bats.
I'm sure there are more (and my apologies to anyone I may have overlooked), but it felt like the I typed the word freshman quite a bit the last three days. These players are a big reason for that.
Players of the Week?
My guess is that the conference will name Purdue's Ricky Heines Pitcher of the Week. Tossing a shutout at Georgia in Athens would make almost anyone their conference's POTW. The offensive player is a bit harder to figure. I'm leaning towards Michigan's Zach Putnam who had two hits in each of the Wolverines three games plus earned a victory in the first contest. The W should not count towards his work with the bat, but it might. (Update: As I post this a day after I wrote this segment, we find the Gophers' Mike Mee claimed POTW honors, not Putnam.)
The All-Weekend Team
As part of my weekend review feature, I've been pondering the inclusion of an All-Weekend Team. Let me give it a try and see how it goes. Heines and Putnam would both be on the pitching staff. (Putnam would see OF action, too.) Indiana's Tyler Tufts would get a spot on the pitching staff, as well. Michigan State's John Dwan and Northwestern's Ryan Myers round out the rotation. Michigan's Ben Jenzen and Minnesota's Josh Oslin are the bullpen.
Michigan's Adam Abraham is the thirdbaseman (and middle reliever). Shortstop goes to Iowa's Jason White, secondbase belongs to Ohio State's Jason Zoeller, firstbase is the domain of Michigan's Nate Recknagel. Catcher is Ohio State's Eric Fryer. My All-Weekend DH is Wes Freie of Iowa.
The outfield would consist of Putnam, Northwestern's Caleb Fields and Minnesota's Mike Mee.
I'm not sure I'll be taking on that task again. Too darn difficult. Feel free to criticize these choices or offer some of your own. You can find my email address in the sidebar and there's always the option of leaving a comment.
Last At Bat
To close this first weekend review, here's my favorite line of the weekend:
Michigan State IP H R ER BB SO AB BFThe Michigan State junior faced the last five batters of the game and struck out four of them. No runs, no walks, no hits, four K's.
-----------------------------------------------
Nolan Moody......... 1.2 0 0 0 0 4 4 5
BTH Preview 2007: 10 Pitchers You Should Know
Yes, I've finally gotten around to posting my 10 Pitchers You Should Know. Like the hitters list, it's in no particular order. It's your basic introduction to some of the better pitchers in the Big Ten. At least, in my opinion, which is based on two things. 1) Whatever I've seen in person. 2) Whatever information I've been able to acquire. The latter being in short supply, but that's why I started this blog.
1. Dan DeLucia, Ohio State - Collegiate Baseball’s choice as pre-season Big Ten Pitcher of the Year. On the Roger Clemens Award watch list. OSU’s Friday starter went 10-2 last year with a 3.25 ERA. The senior lefty also fanned 69 while yielding only 25 walks. A first team All-Big pick in 2006.
2. Zach Putnam, Michigan - A second team All-Big Ten performer as a freshman. Putnam was 6-2 with a 2.51 ERA in his first year of collegiate ball. Considered the best pro prospect in the conference by Baseball America. Projected as the 2007 Big Ten Player of the Year by both Collegiate Baseball and Baseball America.
3. Cory Luebke, Ohio State - The OSU lefthander was named a pre-season all-conference selection by Baseball America which also considers Luebke the fourth best pro prospect in the Big Ten. The junior finished 10th in the conference in strikeouts (65) and tied for fourth in wins (7). Luebke was named third team All-Big Ten after the 2006 season.
4. Chris Fetter, Michigan - Named to the pre-season Clemens Award watch list. A conference leading 2.22 ERA combined with a 5-2 mark earned Fetter a first team All-Big Ten nod in his initial campaign in Ann Arbor. The righthander struck out 48 while walking only 14. Opposing batters hit .246 against Fetter, which was the fourth best mark in the Big Ten.
5. Rory Meister, Ohio State - Tired of seeing these Buckeye hurlers, yet? Well, the OSU closer is just as good as their heralded rotation. Meister is on the pre-season Stopper of the Year watch list. The Ohio State star finished tied for third in saves (6) and paced the Big Ten in appearances (29).
6. Ben Jenzen, Michigan - Tired of seeing these Wolverine hurlers, yet? Michigan’s closer also made the pre-season Stopper of the Year watch list. The righthander earned pre-season all-conference recognition from Baseball America. Last year, Jenzen was 2-0 with a 2.86 ERA and had six saves.
7. Dustin Braebender, Minnesota - Yeah, I had to break up the Michigan/Ohio State thing eventually. Last year, Braebender held opponents to a .229 batting average which was third best in the conference. He went 6-5 with a 3.96 ERA in ‘06. Baseball America lists the Gophers’ righthander as the fifth best pro prospect in the Big Ten. Braebender will probably slide into the Friday starter’s role this season.
8. Josh Lindblom, Purdue - The transfer from Tennessee enters the season as perhaps the most hyped newcomer in the Big Ten. Baseball America has the RHP listed as the second best pro prospect in the conference trailing only Putnam. May move straight into Friday starter's spot.
9. Jake Toohey, Illinois - Toohey is one of the conference’s best closers. He tied for sixth in the Big Ten in saves in ’06. The Illini righthander had a very strong summer in the Northwoods League and probably should have been added to the Stopper of the Year pre-season watch list.
10. J.B. Shuck, Ohio State - Another Clemens Award watch list member. The Big Ten’s Freshman of the Year and Freshman All-America in 2006. Shuck went 8-5 with a 2.51 ERA as the Buckeyes fourth starter. A pre-season All-Big Ten pick by Baseball America.
Here’s ten more that we should keep an eye on. Jake Hale, Ohio State; Tanner Roark, Illinois; Ricky Heines, Purdue; Doug Fleenor, Indiana; Dan Sattler, Purdue; Gary Perniar, Minnesota; Craig Clark, Penn State; Craig Brookes, Michigan State; Tyler Tufts, Indiana; and instead of me flipping a coin for the last spot, I’ll just stop here. Hey, cut me some slack. I gave you nineteen names for a top ten list.
1. Dan DeLucia, Ohio State - Collegiate Baseball’s choice as pre-season Big Ten Pitcher of the Year. On the Roger Clemens Award watch list. OSU’s Friday starter went 10-2 last year with a 3.25 ERA. The senior lefty also fanned 69 while yielding only 25 walks. A first team All-Big pick in 2006.
2. Zach Putnam, Michigan - A second team All-Big Ten performer as a freshman. Putnam was 6-2 with a 2.51 ERA in his first year of collegiate ball. Considered the best pro prospect in the conference by Baseball America. Projected as the 2007 Big Ten Player of the Year by both Collegiate Baseball and Baseball America.
3. Cory Luebke, Ohio State - The OSU lefthander was named a pre-season all-conference selection by Baseball America which also considers Luebke the fourth best pro prospect in the Big Ten. The junior finished 10th in the conference in strikeouts (65) and tied for fourth in wins (7). Luebke was named third team All-Big Ten after the 2006 season.
4. Chris Fetter, Michigan - Named to the pre-season Clemens Award watch list. A conference leading 2.22 ERA combined with a 5-2 mark earned Fetter a first team All-Big Ten nod in his initial campaign in Ann Arbor. The righthander struck out 48 while walking only 14. Opposing batters hit .246 against Fetter, which was the fourth best mark in the Big Ten.
5. Rory Meister, Ohio State - Tired of seeing these Buckeye hurlers, yet? Well, the OSU closer is just as good as their heralded rotation. Meister is on the pre-season Stopper of the Year watch list. The Ohio State star finished tied for third in saves (6) and paced the Big Ten in appearances (29).
6. Ben Jenzen, Michigan - Tired of seeing these Wolverine hurlers, yet? Michigan’s closer also made the pre-season Stopper of the Year watch list. The righthander earned pre-season all-conference recognition from Baseball America. Last year, Jenzen was 2-0 with a 2.86 ERA and had six saves.
7. Dustin Braebender, Minnesota - Yeah, I had to break up the Michigan/Ohio State thing eventually. Last year, Braebender held opponents to a .229 batting average which was third best in the conference. He went 6-5 with a 3.96 ERA in ‘06. Baseball America lists the Gophers’ righthander as the fifth best pro prospect in the Big Ten. Braebender will probably slide into the Friday starter’s role this season.
8. Josh Lindblom, Purdue - The transfer from Tennessee enters the season as perhaps the most hyped newcomer in the Big Ten. Baseball America has the RHP listed as the second best pro prospect in the conference trailing only Putnam. May move straight into Friday starter's spot.
9. Jake Toohey, Illinois - Toohey is one of the conference’s best closers. He tied for sixth in the Big Ten in saves in ’06. The Illini righthander had a very strong summer in the Northwoods League and probably should have been added to the Stopper of the Year pre-season watch list.
10. J.B. Shuck, Ohio State - Another Clemens Award watch list member. The Big Ten’s Freshman of the Year and Freshman All-America in 2006. Shuck went 8-5 with a 2.51 ERA as the Buckeyes fourth starter. A pre-season All-Big Ten pick by Baseball America.
Here’s ten more that we should keep an eye on. Jake Hale, Ohio State; Tanner Roark, Illinois; Ricky Heines, Purdue; Doug Fleenor, Indiana; Dan Sattler, Purdue; Gary Perniar, Minnesota; Craig Clark, Penn State; Craig Brookes, Michigan State; Tyler Tufts, Indiana; and instead of me flipping a coin for the last spot, I’ll just stop here. Hey, cut me some slack. I gave you nineteen names for a top ten list.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Late Saturday And Sunday Results
Louisiana-Lafayette swept Illinois by taking the final game of their weekend series today, 10-7. ULL designated hitter Scott Hawkins drove in four runs on two hits, including a homerun. RF Kolin Taylor also went yard for ULL. Justin Robichaux won the game in relief.
For the Illini, Ben Reeser got roughed up early and lasted only three innings. 1B Mike Rohde tripled and drove in two. OF Ryan Snowden also knocked in a pair behind a two hit performance.
Late Saturday night, Indiana beat Georgia Southern, 5-1, to earn their first win of the year. IU starter Tyler Tufts pitched a complete game six hitter. Tufts walked only one batter and struck out three. Freshman leadoff man Evan Crawford had two hits and two RBI. 3B Tyler Cox had a hit, run scored and RBI.
In another late Saturday score, Michigan State got beat by Auburn, 11-6. MSU freshman Chris Roberts went 3 for 4 in his debut. Spartans C Sean Walker hit his first homer of the season. Auburn backstop Josh Donaldson went 3 for 4 with a homer, three runs scored and three RBI.
Minnesota remained undefeated by beating Virginia Tech, 7-3. Mike Mee was 2 for four with a RBI and run scored. Tyler Oaks won the game for the Gophers and Marcus McKenzie posted his first save.
Purdue split a Saturday night doubleheader with Georgia. Ricky Heines shutout the Bulldogs in the first game, 5-0. Heines pitched a complete game, five hitter and fanned five UGA batters.
Game two went to Georgia, 2-0. Three UGA pitchers combined to toss a three hit shutout. Bulldogs 3B Ryan Piesel drove in both runs.
Update: More Sunday Scores
CF Eric Rose hit a homerun in the 13th inning to power Michigan past Bethune-Cookman, 7-6. LHP Mike Wilson earned the win in relief. The Wolverines used seven pitchers on the day. 3B Adam Abraham had three hits and Zach Putnam had two, giving him two hits in each of the first three games.
Seton Hall slipped past Ohio State, 6-5. The Pirates plated three in the eighth and two more in the ninth to top their comeback victory. J.B. Shuck went eight innings before tiring. OSU 2B Jason Zoeller hit his first homer of the year.
Iowa reached the winner's column by defeating Arkansas-Little Rock, 9-6. Hawkeyes' 1B Wes Freie went 3 for 4 with a homer and four RBI. C Dusty Napoleon drove in two. SS Jason White and 3B Kevin Hoef each scored a pair of Iowa runs. Nick Erdman grabbed the win in relief. Mike Schurz collected the save.
Michigan State doubled up Jacksonville, 4-2. MSU starter John Dwan went six innings allowing only three hits while walking one to earn the W. Dwan also fanned four and yielded but a single run. Nolan Moody picked up the save in dominant fashion by striking out four of the final five batters in the game. CF Dennis Jones had two hits, two RBI and stole a base for the Spartans. It was Michigan State's first triumph of the season.
Update 2:
I'm not quite sure how this one snuck past me, but Northwestern beat Creighton Sunday, 4-3. Ryan Myers allowed six hits, one earned run, two walks and struck out five to post the win for the Wildcats. David Jensen worked three innings to get his second save of the year. LF Caleb Fields had two hits and freshman catcher Chad Noble hit his first college homerun.
For the Illini, Ben Reeser got roughed up early and lasted only three innings. 1B Mike Rohde tripled and drove in two. OF Ryan Snowden also knocked in a pair behind a two hit performance.
Late Saturday night, Indiana beat Georgia Southern, 5-1, to earn their first win of the year. IU starter Tyler Tufts pitched a complete game six hitter. Tufts walked only one batter and struck out three. Freshman leadoff man Evan Crawford had two hits and two RBI. 3B Tyler Cox had a hit, run scored and RBI.
In another late Saturday score, Michigan State got beat by Auburn, 11-6. MSU freshman Chris Roberts went 3 for 4 in his debut. Spartans C Sean Walker hit his first homer of the season. Auburn backstop Josh Donaldson went 3 for 4 with a homer, three runs scored and three RBI.
Minnesota remained undefeated by beating Virginia Tech, 7-3. Mike Mee was 2 for four with a RBI and run scored. Tyler Oaks won the game for the Gophers and Marcus McKenzie posted his first save.
Purdue split a Saturday night doubleheader with Georgia. Ricky Heines shutout the Bulldogs in the first game, 5-0. Heines pitched a complete game, five hitter and fanned five UGA batters.
Game two went to Georgia, 2-0. Three UGA pitchers combined to toss a three hit shutout. Bulldogs 3B Ryan Piesel drove in both runs.
Update: More Sunday Scores
CF Eric Rose hit a homerun in the 13th inning to power Michigan past Bethune-Cookman, 7-6. LHP Mike Wilson earned the win in relief. The Wolverines used seven pitchers on the day. 3B Adam Abraham had three hits and Zach Putnam had two, giving him two hits in each of the first three games.
Seton Hall slipped past Ohio State, 6-5. The Pirates plated three in the eighth and two more in the ninth to top their comeback victory. J.B. Shuck went eight innings before tiring. OSU 2B Jason Zoeller hit his first homer of the year.
Iowa reached the winner's column by defeating Arkansas-Little Rock, 9-6. Hawkeyes' 1B Wes Freie went 3 for 4 with a homer and four RBI. C Dusty Napoleon drove in two. SS Jason White and 3B Kevin Hoef each scored a pair of Iowa runs. Nick Erdman grabbed the win in relief. Mike Schurz collected the save.
Michigan State doubled up Jacksonville, 4-2. MSU starter John Dwan went six innings allowing only three hits while walking one to earn the W. Dwan also fanned four and yielded but a single run. Nolan Moody picked up the save in dominant fashion by striking out four of the final five batters in the game. CF Dennis Jones had two hits, two RBI and stole a base for the Spartans. It was Michigan State's first triumph of the season.
Update 2:
I'm not quite sure how this one snuck past me, but Northwestern beat Creighton Sunday, 4-3. Ryan Myers allowed six hits, one earned run, two walks and struck out five to post the win for the Wildcats. David Jensen worked three innings to get his second save of the year. LF Caleb Fields had two hits and freshman catcher Chad Noble hit his first college homerun.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Saturday Scores
Kansas State 5 Ohio State 4 (Game 1)
Kansas State 5 Ohio State 2 (Game 2)
In the first game, Ohio State LHP Cory Luebke allowed only four hits, three runs, only one earned run and fanned five over seven innings, but the Buckeye bullpen couldn't hold onto the lead. C Eric Fryer and OF J.B. Shuck had two hits a piece, CF Matt Angle and 2B Jason Zoeller each had a hit, run scored and a RBI.
The nightcap saw KSU SS Eli Rumler go yard and drive in two. Josh Barrera started for OSU. He worked 5.2 innings yielding eight hits and two runs, only one of which was earned. Barrera got a no decision. Shuck led the offense, again, with a hit and two RBI.
Arkansas State 8 Northwestern 5 (Box)
ASU's five run first was too much for the Wildcats. NU CF Aaron Newman banged out three hits and scored three times. LF Caleb Fields had three hits, as well, and drove in three of the Wildcats five runs. RF Antonio Mule drove in the other two NU tallies. Keeping with the theme this weekend, NU managed to make six errors.
Minnesota 6 The Citadel 3 (Box)
3B Nate Hanson hit his second homerun in as many days to led the Gophers attack. 2B Derek McCallum went 4 for 4 with a RBI and a stolen base. Mike Mee, Matt Nohelty and Kyle Baran each had two hits. Dustin Braebender notched win number two of the year for Minnesota. Josh Oslin posted his second straight save.
Michigan 9 Bethune-Cookman 3 (Box)
1B Nate Recknagel went yard for the first time this year, drove in four runs and scored two more to pace Michigan's offense. Brad Roblin, Adam Abraham and Zach Putnam each had two hits a piece. Abraham also pitched four innings of one hit, no run relief to post the victory. Chris Fetter started for Michigan. He struck out six in five innings allowing three runs, one earned.
Southern Mississippi 15 Indiana 4 (Box)
A five run first inning doomed IU today. Indiana SS Keith Haas went 3 for 3 with two RBI. OF Andrew Means had a couple of hits and Evan Crawford continued his strong start by collecting a hit, a run and a RBI. Southern Miss is undefeated at 7-0. RF Jody Blount went 4 for 6 with two runs scored and two RBI for USM.
Louisiana -Lafayette 7 Illinois 6 (Box)
Freshman 3B Brandon Wikoff moved to the leadoff spot and responded with a three hit performance. SS Shawn Roof also had a three hit game. Mike Stankiewicz started for the Illini, but got a no decision. ULL 3B Devery Van De Keere went two for three with a pair of runs scored and a pair of RBI. John Zorich pitched eight innings of relief, yes, relief, to earn the win.
Iowa's game was postponned due to rain. The other Saturday results were not available as I type.
Kansas State 5 Ohio State 2 (Game 2)
In the first game, Ohio State LHP Cory Luebke allowed only four hits, three runs, only one earned run and fanned five over seven innings, but the Buckeye bullpen couldn't hold onto the lead. C Eric Fryer and OF J.B. Shuck had two hits a piece, CF Matt Angle and 2B Jason Zoeller each had a hit, run scored and a RBI.
The nightcap saw KSU SS Eli Rumler go yard and drive in two. Josh Barrera started for OSU. He worked 5.2 innings yielding eight hits and two runs, only one of which was earned. Barrera got a no decision. Shuck led the offense, again, with a hit and two RBI.
Arkansas State 8 Northwestern 5 (Box)
ASU's five run first was too much for the Wildcats. NU CF Aaron Newman banged out three hits and scored three times. LF Caleb Fields had three hits, as well, and drove in three of the Wildcats five runs. RF Antonio Mule drove in the other two NU tallies. Keeping with the theme this weekend, NU managed to make six errors.
Minnesota 6 The Citadel 3 (Box)
3B Nate Hanson hit his second homerun in as many days to led the Gophers attack. 2B Derek McCallum went 4 for 4 with a RBI and a stolen base. Mike Mee, Matt Nohelty and Kyle Baran each had two hits. Dustin Braebender notched win number two of the year for Minnesota. Josh Oslin posted his second straight save.
Michigan 9 Bethune-Cookman 3 (Box)
1B Nate Recknagel went yard for the first time this year, drove in four runs and scored two more to pace Michigan's offense. Brad Roblin, Adam Abraham and Zach Putnam each had two hits a piece. Abraham also pitched four innings of one hit, no run relief to post the victory. Chris Fetter started for Michigan. He struck out six in five innings allowing three runs, one earned.
Southern Mississippi 15 Indiana 4 (Box)
A five run first inning doomed IU today. Indiana SS Keith Haas went 3 for 3 with two RBI. OF Andrew Means had a couple of hits and Evan Crawford continued his strong start by collecting a hit, a run and a RBI. Southern Miss is undefeated at 7-0. RF Jody Blount went 4 for 6 with two runs scored and two RBI for USM.
Louisiana -Lafayette 7 Illinois 6 (Box)
Freshman 3B Brandon Wikoff moved to the leadoff spot and responded with a three hit performance. SS Shawn Roof also had a three hit game. Mike Stankiewicz started for the Illini, but got a no decision. ULL 3B Devery Van De Keere went two for three with a pair of runs scored and a pair of RBI. John Zorich pitched eight innings of relief, yes, relief, to earn the win.
Iowa's game was postponned due to rain. The other Saturday results were not available as I type.
Friday Night High And Low Lights
Illinois fell to Louisiana-Lafayette, 13-5. ULL OF Nolan Gisclair went 4 for 6 with three RBI. Hunter Moody posted the victory. Illinois' Scott Shaw took the loss. Freshman 3B Brandon Wikoff had a pair of hits for Illinois.
Troy snuck past Indiana, 4-3 in extra innings. Freshman 2B Evan Crawford had a two hits in his collegiate debut for IU. Fellow first year players Brian Lambert and Josh Phegley each had RBI. Doug Fleenor started and went six innings, but did not factor in the decision. Hoosier reliever Chris McCombs took the loss. Like Illinois, Indiana opened the season with a three error performance.
Arkansas-Little Rock put a hurt on Iowa, 8-2. Brian Burmester and Matt Wooldrik had two hits a piece. David Conroy started but lasted only two innings. Scott Brune took the loss for Iowa in relief.
Zach Putnam led Michigan to an opening day win versus Bethune-Cookman, 5-3. The sophomore pitched 5.1 innings while striking out six to earn the win. Putnam also had two hits, including a triple, drove in a run and scored another. OF Brad Roblin also had a pair of hits. Ben Jenzen posted his first save.
Michigan State fell to South Alabama, 5-1. 2B Steve Gerstenberger and C Kyle Day each had two hits on opening day.
Lamar pounded Northwestern, 16-2. NU's Antonio Mule went 2 for 3 and drove in a run. In what appears to be a trend for Big Ten schools yesterday, the Wildcats committed four errors.
Georgia shutout Purdue, 9-0. The Boilermakers managed to make three misplays themselves Friday. RHP Josh Lindblom had a tough start lasting only 4.2 innings. Spencer Ingaldson's two hits were the highlight for Purdue.
Troy snuck past Indiana, 4-3 in extra innings. Freshman 2B Evan Crawford had a two hits in his collegiate debut for IU. Fellow first year players Brian Lambert and Josh Phegley each had RBI. Doug Fleenor started and went six innings, but did not factor in the decision. Hoosier reliever Chris McCombs took the loss. Like Illinois, Indiana opened the season with a three error performance.
Arkansas-Little Rock put a hurt on Iowa, 8-2. Brian Burmester and Matt Wooldrik had two hits a piece. David Conroy started but lasted only two innings. Scott Brune took the loss for Iowa in relief.
Zach Putnam led Michigan to an opening day win versus Bethune-Cookman, 5-3. The sophomore pitched 5.1 innings while striking out six to earn the win. Putnam also had two hits, including a triple, drove in a run and scored another. OF Brad Roblin also had a pair of hits. Ben Jenzen posted his first save.
Michigan State fell to South Alabama, 5-1. 2B Steve Gerstenberger and C Kyle Day each had two hits on opening day.
Lamar pounded Northwestern, 16-2. NU's Antonio Mule went 2 for 3 and drove in a run. In what appears to be a trend for Big Ten schools yesterday, the Wildcats committed four errors.
Georgia shutout Purdue, 9-0. The Boilermakers managed to make three misplays themselves Friday. RHP Josh Lindblom had a tough start lasting only 4.2 innings. Spencer Ingaldson's two hits were the highlight for Purdue.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Gophers Beat UNC-Asheville, 7-5
Minnesota won it's first contest of 2007 with a 7-5 triumph over UNC-Asheville. Minnesota's Gary Perniar started and struck out eight batters in his four innings. Perniar allowed three hits and one earned run. Bill Johnson got the win in relief. Josh Oslin picked up save number one. Minnesota 3B Nate Hanson hit his first collegiate homerun and drove in three to lead the Gophers' offense. Catcher Jeff DeSmidt also went yard for Minnesota. 1B Mike Mee had three hits and a RBI.
UNC-Asheville DH Edmond Locklear had two hits, including a homer, and two RBI.
UNC-Asheville DH Edmond Locklear had two hits, including a homer, and two RBI.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
