Alex Chittenden

UK scores one run in 9th inning to earn 3-2 win over UofL

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Jordan Cooper; UK Athletics photo

The University of Kentucky scored a single run in the ninth inning on a RBI single from senior shortstop Taylor Black to earn a 3-2 win over the University of Louisville. UK junior left fielder Chad Wright doubled with one out in the top of the ninth inning then moved to third on a wild pitch from UofL junior closer Tony Zych. Black then lined the first pitch he saw into right field to put UK ahead. UK freshman right-handed pitcher Trevor Gott was credited with the win after recording the final out of the eighth inning prior to the Cats’ rally.

UK jumped out to an early lead with two runs in the top of the first inning. Wright reached on an error by UofL freshman right-handed pitcher Jeff Gardner to start the game then moved to second on a single from Black. Gardner hit UK junior designated hitter Braden Kapteyn with a pitch to load the bases before UK freshman right fielder J. T. Riddle drove Wright home with a single. Black then scored on a double-play from UK junior third baseman Thomas McCarthy.

UofL got on the board in the sixth inning when sophomore designated hitter Kyle Grieshaber doubled with one out and then scored on a single from redshirt junior right fielder Stewart Ijames. The Cards tied the game in the seventh inning when sophomore third baseman Cade Stallings led off the inning with a single and later scored on a groundout from freshman shortstop Alex Chittenden.

UK sophomore right-handed pitcher Jordan Cooper took a no decision despite surrendering two runs, one of which was earned, on five hits in six and one-third innings while striking out two batters and walking three. Thompson surrendered two unearned runs on seven hits in three and two-third innings in the start for UofL. Cards junior right-handed pitcher Derek Self took the loss after surrendering one run in one and two-third innings. Wright and Black were both 3-4 in the game for UK. (Box Score)

Player of the game — SS Taylor Black (UK) — 3-4, 1 RBI, 1 R

NCAA roundup: UofL wins; WKU, UK, Morehead St. lose; Murray St. sweeps double-header; EKU swept in twin bill

College Baseball

Jacob Rhodes; BluGrass Baseball photo

Recaps and highlights from Saturday Kentucky college baseball action:

  • UALR scored six runs in the seventh and eight innings to break open a 2-2 tie and send Western Kentucky University to an 8-2 loss in game two of a three-game series. Redshirt junior right-handed pitcher Ross Hammonds took the loss after surrendering four runs, two of which were earned, on three hits in two-third of an inning. Junior right fielder Ryan Hutchinson was 2-5 with one home run, two RBI and one run scored. The Hilltoppers wasted a strong start from freshman right-handed pitcher Justin Hageman, who surrendered two runs on nine hits in six innings while striking out seven batters and walking one. (Box Score)
  • The University of Louisville held West Virginia scoreless for the final eight innings of their Saturday game to earn an 8-2 win and even the series at one win each. Redshirt sophomore right-handed pitcher Justin Amlung earned the win after surrendering two runs on seven hits in seven innings while striking out three batters and walking none. Freshman catcher Jeff Gardner was 3-3 with one walk and two runs scored, and freshman shortstop Alex Chittenden was 2-2 with two RBI and two runs scored. (Box Score)
  • South Carolina came from behind to send the University of Kentucky to a 4-3 loss in 10 innings. The Gamecocks scored the winning run in the tenth inning on a walkoff infield single that scored Adrian Morales, who had doubled on a misplayed fly ball. Freshman right-handed pitcher Trevor Gott took the loss after surrendering one run one four hits in two innings. The run was the first earned run Gott had surrendered this season. Freshman center fielder Lucas Witt, junior left fielder Chad Wright and senior shortstop Taylor Black each had three hits for UK. The Cats wasted a strong start from freshman left-handed pitcher Corey Littrell, who surrendered two runs on six hits in six innings in his first Southeastern Conference start. (Box Score)
  • Murray State University used a five-run second inning to earn a 6-3 win in game one of a double-header versus UT Martin. Junior right-handed pitcher Tyler Beers earned the win after surrendering three runs on eight hits in seven innings while striking out three batters and walking none. Junior catcher Jacob Rhodes and redshirt freshman designated hitter Brandon Eggenschwiler were both 3-4 with one walk. Freshman right-handed pitcher Cameron Finch recorded the final six outs for his fourth save. (Box Score)
  • The Breds finished the double-header sweep of UT Martin with a 12-4 win in game two. Senior left-handed pitcher Jake Donze earned the win after surrendering three runs on four hits in five innings. Rhodes was 4-4 with one double, one walk, three RBI and one run scored, and junior second baseman Travis Isaak was 4-5 with one double, one walk, three RBI and three runs scored. Redshirt freshman left fielder Ty Stetson scored four runs in the game. (Box Score)
  • Southeast Missouri scored one run in the top of the ninth inning to send Eastern Kentucky University to a 7-6 loss in game one of a double-header. Sophomore right-handed pitcher Anthony Bazzani took the loss after surrendering one run in one inning of relief. Sophomore second baseman Matt Phipps, senior center fielder Ryan Faidley and freshman third baseman Bryan Soloman each had two hits in the game. Soloman slugged his third home run of the season. (Box Score)
  • UT Martin finished the double-header sweep by sending EKU to a 13-6 loss in game two. Freshman left-handed pitcher Kyle McGrath took the loss after surrendering three runs on eight hits in two and one-third innings. Senior designated hitter Jacob Daniel and freshman catcher Steve Ferraro were both 2-2 in the game. Soloman slugged his second home run of the day and drove in four runs, and Ferraro slugged his first career home run. (Box Score)
  • SIU Edwardsville scored two runs in the eighth inning to break open a 4-4 tie and send Morehead State University to a 6-4 loss in game two of a three-game series. Junior right-handed pitcher Matthew Robertson took the loss after surrendering two runs on four hits in two and one-third innings. Senior left fielder Daniel Pugh was 2-4 with one run scored, and junior third baseman Andrew Deeds slugged his fourth home run of the season. (Box Score)

Hitter of the day: C Jacob Rhodes (Murray St.)

  • Stats: 7-8, 1 2B, 2 R, 4 RBI, 2 BB
  • Honorable Mention: Ryan Hutchinson (WKU), Jeff Gardner (UofL), Alex Chittenden (UofL), Chad Wright (UK), Brandon Eggenschwiler (Murray St.), Travis Isaak (Murray St.), Bryan Soloman (EKU), Steve Ferraro (EKU), Daniel Pugh (Morehead St.)

Pitcher of the day: RHP Justin Amlung (UofL)

  • Stats: 1-0, 7 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Justin Hageman (WKU), Corey Littrell (UK), Tyler Beers (Murray St.), Jake Donze (Murray St.)

College roundup: UofL wins intra-state game vs. WKU; UK, Murray St., Morehead St. win midweek games; EKU loses

College Baseball

Taylor Black; UK Athletics Photo

Recaps and highlights from Tuesday Kentucky college baseball action:

  • You can read the BluGrass Baseball recap of the University of Louisville‘s 3-1 win over Western Kentucky University here.
  • The University of Kentucky scored eight unanswered runs to start the game and then held off a late Tennessee Tech rally to secure an 11-8 win. Freshman left-handed pitcher Corey Littrell earned the win after surrendering two hits in three scoreless innings while striking out three batters and walking none. Senior shortstop Taylor Black was 4-4 with two doubles and four runs scored, and junior designated hitter Braden Kapteyn was 3-5 with two RBI and one run scored. Sophomore catcher Luke Maile slugged his second home run of the season and drove in three runs, and freshman second baseman J. T. Riddle was 2-3 with three RBI and one run scored. (Box Score)
  • Marshall scored three runs in the ninth inning to send Eastern Kentucky University to an 8-5 loss at Whitaker Bank Ballpark. Junior right-handed pitcher Matt Harris took the loss after surrendering three unearned runs on two hits in two innings while striking out three batters and walking none. Senior designated hitter Bryce Labhart was 2-2 with one walk and two runs scored for EKU, and junior right fielder Michael Garcia was 2-3 with two RBI. Junior shortstop Richie Rodriguez also had two RBI in the game. (Box Score)
  • Murray State University jumped out to an early lead and held on for a rain-shortened 5-2 win in five innings over Southern Illinois. Junior left-handed pitcher Bryan Babin earned the win after surrendering two runs, one of which was earned on five hits in five innings while striking out two batters and walking three. Redshirt freshman Ty Stetson was 2-2 with one walk, one RBI and one run scored, and sophomore shortstop Brandon Elliott was 2-3 with one RBI and one run scored. Senior center fielder Elliot Frey scored two runs. (Box Score)
  • Morehead State University scored two runs in the eighth inning to secure a 6-5 win over West Virginia. Redshirt junior right-handed pitcher Josh Schneider earned the win after recording the final two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning, and junior right-handed pitcher Matt Cartwright recorded the final six outs of the game without recording an out to earn the save. Junior center fielder Andrew Deeds was 2-5 with one RBI and two runs scored, and junior catcher Eric Bainer was 2-4 with three RBI and one run scored. (Box Score)

Hitter of the day: SS Taylor Black (UK)

  • Stats: 4-4, 2 2Bs, 4 R, 1 BB
  • Honorable Mention: Alex Chittenden (UofL), Jared Andreoli (WKU), Braden Kapteyn (UK), J. T. Riddle (UK), Luke Maile (UK), Ty Stetson (Murray St.), Brandon Elliott (Murray St.), Bryce Labhart (EKU), Eric Bainer (Morehead St.)

Pitcher of the day: RHP Jeff Thompson (UofL)

  • Stats: 5.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 7 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Corey Littrell (UK), Bryan Babin (Murray St.), Anthony Bazzani (EKU), Noah Smallwood (Morehead St)

UofL surrenders just four hits in 3-1 win over WKU

College Baseball

The University of Louisville scored single runs in the seventh an eighth innings to break open a 1-1 tie en route to a 3-1 win over Western Kentucky University. UofL took the lead in the seventh inning when freshman shortstop Alex Chittenden singled home freshman pinch runner Adam Engel. The Cards added an insurance run in the eighth inning when freshman center fielder Cole Sturgeon scored on a sacrifice fly from junior second baseman Ryan Wright. UofL junior right-handed pitcher Derek Self earned the win after pitching one and one-third scoreless innings, and junior right-handed pitcher Tony Zych earned his seventh save after pitching a scoreless ninth inning.

WKU jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the second inning when sophomore first baseman Ryan Huck singled home junior right fielder Ryan Hutchinson. WKU Sophomore right-handed pitcher Taylor Haydel took the loss after surrendering two runs in two innings of relief. Junior right-handed pitcher Phil Wetherell surrendered one run on two hits in four innings while striking out five batters and walking none in his first start of the season. WKU junior left fielder Jared Andreoli was the only Hilltopper with multiple hits and finished the game 2-5. UofL freshman third baseman Ty Young was 2-4 with a run scored, and Chittenden was 2-3 with one RBI. (Box Score)

Player of the game: RHP Jeff Thompson (UofL) — 5.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 7 SO

Jared Andreoli, Tanner Perkins, J T Riddle win week 5 awards

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Jared Andreoli bats against UK: BluGrass Baseball photo

It’s time for the weekly BluGrass Baseball awards. Check out the best of Kentucky Division one college baseball hitting, pitching and freshmen performances below:

Hitter of the week: OF Jared Andreoli (WKU)

  • Stats: 8-15 (.533), 2 HR, 7 R, 5 RBI, 4 BB, 1 SB
  • Honorable Mention: J. T. Riddle (UK), Alex Chittenden (UofL), Cody Larson (Murray St.), Richie Rodriguez (EKU), Ivan Hartle (WKU), Logan Robbins (WKU), Daniel Pugh (Morehead St.)

Pitcher of the week: LHP Tanner Perkins (WKU)

  • Stats: 1-0, 8 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 10 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Alex Meyer (UK), Justin Amlung (UofL), Derek Self (UofL), Kyle McGrath (EKU), Brian Edelen (WKU)

Freshman of the week: OF J. T. Riddle (UK)

  • Stats: 7-13 (.538), 1 HR, 8 RBI, 3 R, 2 SB
  • Honorable Mention: Alex Chittenden (UofL), Jeff Thompson (UofL), Wes Warren (Murray St.), Sean Hagen (EKU), Kyle McGrath (EKU), Justin Hageman (WKU), Ryan Conner (Morehead St.)

Friday roundup: UK, WKU win; UofL, EKU, Murray St. lose

College Baseball

Braden Kapteyn; UK Athletics photo

Recaps and highlights from Friday Kentucky college baseball action:

  • The University of Louisville suffered its first poor outing of the season from a weekend starting pitcher in an 11-9 loss to Xavier. Sophomore right-handed pitcher Matt Koch took the loss after surrendering eight runs, six of which were earned, on seven hits in three innings while striking out one batter and walking three. The Cards offense scored multiple runs in the third, sixth, seventh and ninth innings but could never pull closer than two runs of Xavier. UofL redshirt junior right fielder Stewart Ijames was 2-5 with one double, one triple, two RBI and one run scored. Bishop Brossart alum and Xavier redshirt junior right-handed pitcher Nate Mutsch surrendered two hits in a scoreless inning of relief. (Box Score)
  • Western Kentucky University used another strong start from sophomore ace Tanner Perkins to earn a 5-2 win over Middle Tennessee in its Sun Belt Conference opener. Perkins improved to 4-1 on the season after surrendering two runs, one of which was earned, on five hits in eight innings while striking out a career-high 10 batters and walking none. Both junior shortstop Logan Robbins and junior right fielder Ryan Hutchinson tallied three hits in the game, and junior center fielder Kes Carter drove in two runs. Redshirt junior right-handed pitcher Ross Hammonds picked up the save with a scoreless ninth inning. (Box Score)
  • The University of Kentucky scored five unanswered runs to rally from a 3-0 deficit for a 5-3 win over Tennessee in its Southeastern Conference opener. The rally was highlighted by a two-run home run from junior designated hitter Braden Kapteyn in the 7th inning that proved to be the winning run. Junior right-handed pitcher Alex Meyer earned the win after surrendering three runs, two of which were earned, on seven hits in seven innings while striking out seven batters and walking two. Kapteyn was 2-3 with a home run, three RBI and two runs scored at the plate and struck out three batters in two perfect innings of relief to earn his first save of the season. Junior shortstop Taylor Black was 3-4 with two runs scored. (Box Score)
  • Murray State University surrendered multiple runs in each of the first three innings and could not climb out of its early hole in a 17-6 loss to Georgia State. Murray St. senior left-handed pitcher Jake Donze took the loss after surrendering eight runs on nine hits in three innings while striking out three batters and walking one. Junior outfielder Cody Larson was 3-4 with two doubles, one triple, three RBI and three runs scored, and senior center fielder Elliot Frey was 2-3 with two RBI. (Box Score)
  • A five-run sixth inning by Indiana St. broke open what had been a scoreless tie and sent Eastern Kentucky University to a 10-3 loss in game one of a three-game series. EKU redshirt junior right-handed pitcher Matt Fyffe took the loss after surrendering seven runs, four of which were earned, on seven hits in six and two-third innings while striking out six batters and walking three. EKU senior center fielder Ryan Faidley was 2-3 with one walk and one run scored, and sophomore second baseman Matt Phipps was 2-3 with one walk. Faidley and Phipps were the only EKU batters with multiple hits in the game. The loss dropped EKU to 0-7 on the road this season. (Box Score)

Hitter of the day: OF/1B Cody Larson (Murray St.)

  • Stats: 3-4, 3 RBI, 3 R, 2 2Bs, 1 3B
  • Honorable Mention: Stewart Ijames (UofL), Alex Chittenden (UofL), Elliot Frey (Murray St.), Logan Robbins (WKU), Ryan Hutchinson (WKU), Braden Kapteyn (UK), Taylor Black (UK), Ryan Faidley (EKU), Matt Phipps (EKU)

Pitcher of the day: LHP Tanner Perkins (WKU)

  • Stats: 1-0, 8 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 10 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Travis Tingle (UofL), Alex Meyer (UK), Braden Kapteyn (UK)

Meyer, Davis, Littrell win BluGrass Baseball week four awards

College Baseball

Alex Meyer; UK Athletics photo

It’s time for the weekly highlights of the Bluegrass State’s best college performances, which are marked by a slew of outstanding pitching performances during week four. Check out the weekly award winners for best pitching, hitting and freshman performance below:

Pitcher of the week: RHP Alex Meyer (UK)

  • Stats: 1-0, 9 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 13 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Mike Nastold (UofL), Justin Amlung (UofL), Matt Koch (UofL), Tanner Perkins (WKU), Brian Edelen (WKU), Jordan Cooper (UK), Taylor Rogers (UK), Corey Littrell (UK), Braden Kapteyn (UK), Jake Donze (Murray St.), Tyler Beers (Murray St.), Bryan Babin (Murray St.), Stephen Hefler (EKU), Chris Hord (EKU), Matt Fyffe (EKU), Matthew Robertson (Morehead St.)

Hitter of the week: C Taylor Davis (Morehead St.)

  • Stats: 7-11 (.636), 1 HR, 1 2B, 4 RBI, 3 R, 1 BB
  • Honorable Mention: Alex Chittenden (UofL), Brian Adams (UK), Chad Wright (UK), Jared Andreoli (WKU), Logan Robbins (WKU), Brandon Elliott (Murray St.), Jacob Daniel (EKU), Matt Phipps (EKU), Andrew Deeds (Morehead St.)

Freshman of the week: LHP Corey Littrell (UK)

  • Stats: 1-0, 7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Alex Chittenden (UofL), Ryan Seiz (UofL), Dallen Reber (UK), J. T. Riddle (UK), Justin Hageman (WKU), Cameron Finch (Murray St.), Kyle McGrath (EKU)

Saturday roundup: UofL, UK shutout opponents; Murray St., EKU sweep double-headers; WKU, Morehead St. lose

College Baseball

Alex Meyer; UK Athletics photo

Highlights and recaps from Saturday Kentucky college baseball action:

  • University of Louisville redshirt sophomore right-handed pitcher Justin Amlung surrendered three hits over eight shutout innings to lead the Cards to a 8-0 win over Peppperdine. Amlung struck out three batters and walked two and improved his record to 3-0 on the season. At the plate UofL redshirt junior right fielder Stewart Ijames was 2-4 with a home run, two RBI and one run scored, and freshman shortstop Alex Chittenden was 2-4 with three RBI and one run scored. Freshman first baseman Ryan Seiz scored two runs. (Box Score)
  • Western Kentucky University scored three runs in the ninth inning but its rally fell short in a 9-5 loss to Illinois. Freshman right-handed pitcher Justin Hageman fell to 2-2 on the season after surrendering four runs, three of which were earned, on five hits in five and two-third innings. WKU junior center fielder Jared Andreoli drove in three runs, and senior designated hitter Matt Bracken was 2-4 with one RBI and two runs scored. Senior catcher Matt Rice also tallied two hits in four at-bats. (Box Score)
  • University of Kentucky junior right-handed pitcher Alex Meyer posted a complete-game shutout performance to lead the Cats to a 4-0 win over Niagara. Meyer surrendered five hits in nine inning and struck out 13 batters while waking two in the game. At the plate junior left fielder Chad Wright was 3-4 with a home run, two RBI and one run scored, and junior third baseman Thomas McCarthy was 2-3 with a home run, one RBI and two runs scored. Sophomore catcher Luke Maile and freshman right fielder J. T. Riddle each reached base three times with a hit and two walks. (Box Score)
  • In game one of a double-header versus IPFW Murray State University rode a quality start from junior right-handed pitcher Tyler Beers to a 5-3 win. Beers surrendered three runs on eight hits in six innings while striking out five batters and walking two to improve to 2-1 on the season. At the plate sophomore shortstop Brandon Elliott was 3-4 with two runs scored, and redshirt freshman designated hitter Brandon Eggenschwiler was 3-3 with two RBI and one run scored. (Box Score)
  • In game two of the double-header Murray St. senior left-handed pitcher Jake Donze and two relievers combined on a 9-0, seven-inning shutout. Donze surrendered just one hit in five shutout innings while striking out five batters and walking none to improve his record to 2-0 on the season. Elliott was 2-3 with two runs scored in game two, and senior right fielder Zach Noonan was 2-4 with two RBI and one run scored. (Box Score)
  • In game one of a double-header versus UNC Asheville, Eastern Kentucky University erupted for 15 hits in a 10-3 win. Senior right-handed pitcher Chris Hord earned the win after surrendering two hits in four and two-third innings in a relief appearance. Hord struck out nine batters and walked none. At the plate senior left fielder Jacob Daniel was 4-5 with one double, one RBI and one run scored, and sophomore first baseman Matt Phipps was 2-3 with three runs scored. Six different EKU batters recorded multiple hits in the game. (Box Score)
  • In game two the Colonels reached double-digit runs again, this time in a 10-6 win over UNC Asheville. Freshman left-handed pitcher Kyle McGrath earned the win after surrendering four runs on eight hits in five innings while striking out eight batters and walking three. Daniel was 2-4 with his third home run of the season, three RBI and two runs scored. Senior outfielder Bryce Labhart was 2-2 with one walk, one RBI and two runs scored. Sophomore right fielder Austin Grisham slugged his first home run of the season. (Box Score)
  • Morehead State University failed to win back-to-back games for the first time this season with a 13-9 loss to La Salle. The Eagles led 8-7 entering the eighth inning, but La Salle scored six runs over the final two innings to send Morehead St. to its 13th loss of the season. Redshirt junior left-handed pitcher Matt Cartwright took the loss after surrendering three runs on four hits in two-thirds of an inning. Junior designate hitter Taylor Davis, junior third baseman Andrew Deeds and senior first baseman Michael Fear each homered for Morehead St. Davis drove in two runs and scored twice, Deeds drove in one run and scored three times and Fear drove in three runs and scored once. (Box Score)

Hitter of the day: LF Jacob Daniel (EKU)

  • Stats: 6-9, 1 HR, 1 2B, 4 RBI, 3 R
  • Honorable Mention: Stewart Ijames (UofL), Alex Chittenden (UofL), Thomas McCarthy (UK), Chad Wright (UK), Matt Bracken (WKU), Brandon Elliott (Murray St.), Brandon Eggenschwiler (Murray St.), Austin Grisham (EKU), Taylor Davis (Morehead St.), Andrew Deeds (Morehead St.)

Pitcher of the day: RHP Alex Meyer (UK)

  • Stats: 1-0, 9 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 13 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Justin Amlung (UofL), Tyler Beers (Murray St.), Jake Donze (Murray St.), Chris Hord (EKU), Matt Fyffe (EKU)
http://www.ekusports.com/documents/2011/3/12/eku_ash1_box.pdf?id=2732

Tuesday Roundup: UK defeats EKU; UofL loses to Purdue

College Baseball

Taylor Black bats vs. EKU; BluGrass Baseball photo

Highlights and recaps from Tuesday Kentucky college baseball action:

  • You can read the BluGrass Baseball recap of the University of Kentucky‘s 8-1 win over Eastern Kentucky University here.
  • The University of Louisville scored single runs in the eighth and ninth innings, but its rally fell short in a 6-4 loss to Purdue. Freshman right-handed pitcher Dace Kime took the loss after surrendering four runs, one of which was earned, on one hit in one and two-third innings while striking out two batters and walking three. Junior second baseman Ryan Wright was 2-4 with one home run, one RBI and two runs scored, and freshman shortstop Alex Chittenden was 2-4 with two RBI. Junior right-handed pitcher Derek Self pitched well in relief, surrendering one unearned run on four hits in three and one-third innings. (Box Score)
  • Western Kentucky University‘s game at Mississippi was rained out and will not be rescheduled. The two teams will still play Wednesday’s game.

Hitter of the day: SS Taylor Black (UK)

  • Stats: 4-5, 1 3B, 1 2B, 1 RBI, 3 R
  • Honorable Mention: Ryan Wright (UofL), Alex Chittenden (UofL), Brian Adams (UK)

Pitcher of the day: LHP Corey Littrell (UK)

  • Stats: 1-0, 7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Braden Kapteyn (UK), Derek Self (UofL), Gabriel Shaw (UofL), Ryne Purcell (EKU)

Saturday roundup: UK blows out UIC; EKU, Murray State, Morehead State pick up first wins of 2011; UofL, WKU lose

College Baseball

BluGrass Baseball graphic

Highlights and recaps from Saturday baseball action:

  • Western Kentucky University dropped its first game of the season with a 6-1 loss to Coastal Carolina in the Baseball at the Beach Tournament in Myrtle Beach, S.C. The Hilltoppers jumped out to a 1-0 lead, but Coastal Carolina rallied with four runs in the fourth inning helped by a throwing error from WKU junior shortstop Logan Robbins. Freshman right-handed pitcher Justin Hageman took the loss after surrendering four runs, one of which was earned, on three hits in four innings while striking out five batters and walking three. At the plate senior catcher Matt Rice was the only Hilltoppers’ batter with multiple hits and finished the game 2-4. (Box Score)
  • University of Louisville preseason All-American closer Tony Zych blew his first save of the season as Toledo scored three runs in the ninth inning to send the Cards to a 4-2 loss. The loss wasted a second consecutive strong outing from redshirt sophomore right-handed pitcher Justin Amlung, who surrendered one run on five hits in six innings while striking out five and walking one. Toledo’s ninth-inning rally began with a throwing error from freshman shortstop Alex Chittenden. Junior second baseman Ryan Wright was 3-3 with a triple, one RBI, one run scored and one walk in the game. Just two other Cards batters tallied hits in the game. (Box Score)
  • The University of Kentucky used a five-run fifth inning to blow open what had been a close game en route to a 13-3 win over Illinois-Chicago in game two of a three-game series. Every UK starter recorded at least one hit in the game, led by senior shortstop Taylor Black, who was 3-5 with a grand slam, four RBI, three runs scored and one walk. Sophomore center fielder Brian Adams and sophomore catcher Luke Maile each tallied three hits in five at-bats. Junior right-handed pitcher Alex Meyer earned his first win of the season after surrendering three runs on three hits in five innings while striking out seven and walking five. (Box Score)
  • In game one of a double-header Eastern Kentucky University struggled to find any offense in a 7-1 loss to Penn State and fell to 0-4 on the season. Sophomore right-handed pitcher Anthony Bazzani took the loss after surrendering four runs on seven hits in five innings while striking out six and walking two. Freshman third baseman Bryan Soloman was 3-4 with a double and run scored in the game. (Box Score)
  • In game two of its double-header EKU earned its first win of the season with a 7-5 victory in a seven-inning game versus Penn State. Freshman left-handed pitcher Kyle McGrath earned his first collegiate win after surrendering four runs on seven hits in six innings while striking out five and walking one. Junior shortstop Richie Rodriguez was 3-4 with three RBI, and freshman second baseman Alex Arovits was 2-2 with two runs scored in the game. Senior designated hitter Jacob Daniel drove in three runs. Senior closer Ryne Purcell earned his first save of the season despite surrendering one run in the ninth inning. (Box Score)
  • A strong pitching performance from junior left-handed pitcher Luke Shuemaker led Murray State University to its first win of the season in a 6-3 victory over Bowling Green St. in game one of a double-header. Shuemaker surrendered two unearned runs on eight hits in six innings while striking out five batters and walking six. Sophomore shortstop Brandon Elliott was 2-3 with a double and two RBI in the game. Sophomore outfielder Paul Ritzheimer drove in two runs in the game. (Box Score)
  • Murray St. finished its double-header sweep of BGSU with a walk-off 4-3 win in game two. Elliott doubled with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning, moved to third and eventually scored on a fielding error by the BGSU pitcher with two outs. The game was scheduled to last just seven innings but the two teams were tied at three after seven. Sophomore right-handed pitcher Will Handlin earned the win with two scoreless innings of relief. Senior left-handed pitcher Jake Donze surrendered three runs on six hits in seven innings while striking out five batters and walking five. Redshirt freshman outfielder Brandon Eggenschwiler finished the game 2-3 with two RBI and one run scored. (Box Score)
  • In game one of a double-header versus Purdue, Morehead State University turned an early blowout into a close game late but still fell to 0-5 on the season with a 11-8 loss. Junior third baseman Andrew Deeds slugged his first home run of the season for the Eagles, but the early Purdue lead proved to be too much to overcome. Senior right-handed pitcher Trey Smith took the loss after surrendering eight runs in three and two-third innings pitched. (Box Score)
  • In game two of the double-header a RBI-single from junior catcher Eric Bainer in the 11th inning plated redshirt freshman outfielder Ryan Conner to send Morehead St. to its first win of the season, a 10-9 victory. After Purdue scored four runs in the top of the ninth inning to take a 7-5 lead, Morehead St. junior catcher Taylor Davis slugged a two-run home run in the bottom of the inning to send the game to extra innings. Redshirt junior right-handed pitcher Josh Schneider surrendered five runs on eight hits in six innings while striking out seven batters and walking one. Deeds continued his strong play in the double-header with a 3-6, one RBI, one run scored performance in game two. Junior left-handed pitcher Tyler Hieneman earned the win after surrendering four runs in five innings of relief. (Box Score)

Hitter of the Day: SS Taylor Black (UK)

  • Stats: 3-5, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 3 R, 1 BB
  • Honorable Mention: Ryan Wright (UofL), Brandon Elliott (Murray St.), Richie Rodriguez (EKU), Austin Grisham (EKU), Andrew Deeds (Morehead St.), Taylor Davis (Morehead St.)

Pitcher of the Day: RHP Justin Amlung (UofL)

  • Stats: 6 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Alex Meyer (UK), Jake Donze (Murray St.), Luke Shuemaker (Murray St.), Kyle McGrath (EKU)