Austin Haney

NCAA roundup: UofL wins; WKU, EKU lose; Morehead St. splits double-header; Murray St., UK rained out

College Baseball

Recaps and highlights from Friday Kentucky college baseball action:

  • Troy scored five unearned runs to send Western Kentucky University to a 6-3 loss in game one of a three-game series. Sophomore left-handed pitcher Tanner Perkins suffered just his second loss of the season after surrendering six runs, just one of which was earned, on five hits in seven innings while striking out six batters and walking three. Junior right fielder Ryan Hutchinson was 2-3 with one run scored, and junior shortstop Logan Robbins was 2-4. Sophomore first baseman Ryan Huck slugged his third home run of the season. (Box Score)
  • The University of Louisville used a five-run fifth inning to earn a 7-2 win in game two of a three-game series versus South Florida. Redshirt sophomore right-handed pitcher Justin Amlung earned the win after surrendering two runs on six hits in seven innings while striking out eight batters and walking five. Junior shortstop Ryan Wright 3-4 with two home runs, two RBI and two runs scored. Senior catcher J. J. Ethel was 2-4 with two RBI and one run scored. (Box Score)
  • The University of Kentucky‘s series opener versus Arkansas was rained out and will be made up as part of a double-header on Saturday beginning at 2 p.m.
  • Eastern Kentucky University surrendered eight runs in the seventh inning in an 11-2 loss to UT Martin. Junior right-handed pitcher Matt Fyffe took the loss after surrendering three runs on five hits in four innings while striking out five batters and walking two. Junior left fielder Jacob Daniel was 2-4 with one triple, one RBI and one run scored. Game two of the Colonels’ scheduled double-header was suspended with EKU down 5-2 in the top of the fifth. The game will resume at noon on Saturday. (Box Score)
  • Murray State University‘s double-header versus Eastern Illinois was rained out on Friday. The two teams will play a double-header on Saturday.
  • Morehead State University suffered its 30th loss of the season with a 10-5 loss to Tennessee Tech in game one of a double-header. Senior right-handed pitcher Trey Smith fell to 0-8 on the season after surrendering seven runs on five hits in four and one-third innings. Junior catcher Taylor Davis was 2-4 with one home run, one RBI and one run scored, and  senior second baseman Travis Redmon was 1-3 with one home run, two RBI and one run scored. Sophomore shortstop Austin Haney tallied two hits and scored twice. (Box Score)
  • Morehead St. earned its second Ohio Valley Conference win of the season with a 7-3 victory over Tennessee Tech in game two of the double-header. Sophomore left-handed pitcher Garrick Whittle earned the win after surrendering three runs on eight hits in seven innings while striking out 12 batters and walking two. Junior third baseman Andrew Deeds was 2-2 with two RBI, three runs scored and two walks. (Box Score)
Hitter of the day: SS Ryan Wright (UofL)
  • Stats: 3-4, 2 HR, 2 RBI, 2 R, 1 SB
  • Honorable Mention: Ryan Hutchinson (WKU), J. J. Ethel (UofL), Jacob Daniel (EKU), Andrew Deeds (Morehead St.), Taylor Davis (Morehead St.)
Pitcher of the day: LHP Garrick Whittle (Morehead St.)
  • Stats: 1-0, 7 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 12 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Tanner Perkins (WKU), Justin Amlung (UofL)

NCAA roundup: Murray St. an Morehead St. both lose

College Baseball

Recaps and highlights from Wednesday Kentucky college baseball action:

  • Murray State University could not get its offense going in a 9-0 shutout loss to Southern Illinois. Junior right-handed pitcher Curran McNeely took the loss after surrendering seven runs on five hits in three innings while striking out four batters and walking one. Just one Murray St. batter tallied multiple hits in the game: sophomore shortstop Brandon Elliott, who was 2-4. Sophomore right-handed pitcher Will Handlin was the only Breds pitcher to last multiple innings without giving up a run, and he surrendered two hits in two scoreless innings. (Box Score)
  • Morehead State University rallied to score 10 runs but could not overcome an early deficit in a 14-10 loss to Cincinnati. Bearcats senior outfielder Justin Riddell, a Lexington Catholic alum, was 3-5 with two home runs, three RBI and two runs scored. Covington Catholic alum Zach Isler earned the win for Cincinnati after surrendering one run on one hit in two and one-third innings while striking out four batters and walking none. Morehead St. sophomore right-handed pitcher Cody Gibson took the loss after surrendering nine runs on nine hits in four innings while striking out six batters and walking one. Junior center fielder and third baseman Andrew Deeds was 4-5 with two RBI and two run scored, and junior catcher Taylor Davis was 1-3 with one home run, three RBI, two runs scored and two walks. (Box Score)

Hitter of the day: RF Justin Riddell (Cincinnati, Lexington Catholic)

  • Stats: 3-5, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 2 R
  • Honorable Mention: Brandon Elliott (Murray St.), Andrew Deeds (Morehead St.), Taylor Davis (Morehead St.), Austin Haney (Morehead St.)

Pitcher of the day: RHP Zach Isler (Cincinnati, Covington Catholic)

  • Stats: 1-0, 2.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Will Handlin (Murray St.), Josh Schneider (Morehead St.)

College roundup: UofL, WKU, UK all lose; EKU swept in DH; Murray St., Morehead St. split double-headers

College Baseball

Taylor Davis; Morehead St. photo

Recaps and highlights from Sunday Kentucky college baseball action:

  • Western Kentucky University suffered its first Sun Belt Conference loss and snapped an eight-game winning streak with a 9-8 loss to FIU in 10 innings. Redshirt junior right-handed pitcher Rye Davis took the loss after surrendering two runs in the tenth inning while recording two outs. Junior left fielder Jared Andreoli was 3-6, and junior right fielder Ryan Hutchinson was 3-6 with one home run, two RBI and one run scored. Junior second baseman Ivan Hartle and senior designated hitter Chris Bullard also homered in the game. (Box Score)
  • The University of Louisville suffered its first Big East Conference loss with a 4-2 loss to Rutgers in the finale of its three-game series. Redshirt sophomore right-handed pitcher Mike Nastold took the loss after surrendering three runs, two of which were earned, on six hits in five innings while striking out four batters and walking two. No UofL batter tallied multiple hits in the game, but redshirt junior right fielder Stewart Ijames did slug his sixth home run of the season. (Box Score)
  • Alabama finished a three-game sweep of the University of Kentucky by sending the Cats to an 8-3 loss on Sunday. Sophomore left-handed pitcher Taylor Rogers took the loss after surrendering six runs on nine hits in four and one-third innings. Alabama scored four runs in the first innings, putting the Cats in an early hole. Freshman second baseman J. T. Riddle was 2-4 with a home run. Freshman right fielder Lucas Witt and junior left fielder Chad Wright also had two hits in the game. (Box Score)
  • In game one of a double-header, Murray State University dropped a 5-2 decision to Austin Peay in its Ohio Valley Conference opener. Daviess County High School alum Jeremy Dobbs earned the win for Austin Peay after surrendering two runs on seven hits in five and one-third innings while striking out three batters and walking one. Murray St. junior right-handed pitcher Tyler Beers took the loss after surrendering five runs on five hits in three and one-third innings. Junior catcher Jacob Rhodes and senior center fielder Elliot Frey both tallied two hits for the Breds. (Box Score)
  • In game two of the double-header Murray St. earned its first OVC win with a 3-2 victory over Austin Peay. Senior left-handed pitcher Jake Donze earned the win after surrendering two runs on six hits in seven innings while striking out two batters and walking one. Redshirt freshman right fielder Ty Stetson and junior second baseman Travis Isaak were both 2-3 for the Breds. Bowling Green High School alum Jack Snodgrass took the loss for Austin Peay after surrendering three runs on eight hits in three and one-third innings. (Box Score)
  • In game one of a double-header Eastern Kentucky University dropped an 8-1 decision to Eastern Illinois. Freshman left-handed pitcher Kyle McGrath took the loss after surrendering four runs on eight hits in five innings while striking out three batters and walking one. No EKU batter tallied multiple hits in the game, but senior designated hitter Bryce Labhart slugged his first home run of season. (Box Score)
  • EKU dropped a 5-4 decision in game two of the double-header to give Eastern Illinois the series win. Senior right-handed pitcher Stephen Hefler took the loss after surrendering five runs on 11 hits in four and one-third innings. Sophomore second baseman Matt Phipps was 2-2 with one run scored, and senior center fielder Ryan Faidley tallied two RBI and one run scored. (Box Score)
  • In game one of a double-header Morehead State University dropped its OVC opener with a 3-2 loss to Southeast Missouri. Senior right-handed pitcher Trey Smith took the loss after surrendering three runs, two of which were earned, on eight hits in five and two-third innings while striking out no batters and walking four. Junior third baseman Andrew Deeds was 2-3 with one RBI. (Box Score)
  • In game two of the double-header Morehead St. earned its first OVC win with a 14-4 victory over Southeast Missouri. Sophomore left-handed pitcher Garrick Whittle earned the win after surrendering two runs on four hits in five and one-third innings while striking out three batters and walking six. Junior catcher Taylor Davis was 3-4 with two home runs, three RBI and three runs scored, and senior second baseman Travis Redmon slugged a home run. Center fielder Nick Duff was 3-4 with three RBI and sophomore shortstop Austin Haney was 3-4 with one RBI and two runs scored. (Box Score)

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

  • Stats: 4-6, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 4 R
  • Honorable Mention: Ryan Hutchinson (WKU), Ivan Hartle (WKU), Jared Andreoli (WKU), Ryan Huck (WKU), Stewart Ijames (UofL), J. T. Riddle (UK), Elliot Frey (Murray St.), Nick Duff (Morehead St.), Austin Haney (Morehead St.)

Pitcher of the day: LHP Jake Donze (Murray St.)

  • Stats: 1-0, 7 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB 2 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Mike Nastold (UofL), Brian Edelen (WKU), Jeremy Dobbs (Austin Peay, Daviess Co. HS), Trey Smith (Morehead St.), Garrick Whittle (Morehead St.)

Saturday roundup: UofL, WKU win; UK, Murray St. lose; EKU drops 15-inning marathon; Morehead St. splits double-header

College Baseball

Zach Osborne; BluGrass Baseball photo

Recaps and highlights from Saturday Kentucky college baseball action:

  • The University of Louisville evened its series with Xavier with a 3-0 win Saturday. Redshirt sophomore right-handed pitcher Justin Amlung improved to 4-0 on the season after surrendering five hits in seven shutout innings while striking out seven batters and walking two. Freshman first baseman Ryan Seiz, sophomore third baseman Cade Stallings and senior catcher J. J. Ethel each tallied two hits in the game. Redshirt junior right fielder Stewart Ijames, Seiz and Stallings scored the Cards three runs. Junior right-handed pitcher Tony Zych struck out two batters in the ninth inning to earn his sixth save of the season. (Box Score)
  • Western Kentucky University slugged three home runs and tallied 11 hits to secure a series win versus Middle Tennessee with a 10-4 victory. Junior left fielder Jared Andreoli was 3-5 with two home runs, three RBI and two runs scored, and senior catcher Matt Rice was 2-4 with one home run, three RBI and two runs scored. Junior center fielder Kes Carter and junior shortstop Logan Robbins both tallied three hits in the game. Freshman right-handed pitcher Justin Hageman earned his third win of the season after surrendering four runs on six hits in six and two-third innings while striking out four batters and walking three. (Box Score)
  • Tennessee used a six-run sixth inning to even its series with the University of Kentucky at one win each and send the Cats to a 12-8 loss. UK sophomore right-handed pitcher Jordan Cooper took the loss after surrendering nine runs on 12 hits in five and one-third innings while striking out four batters and walking two. Junior left fielder Chad Wright and junior third baseman Thomas McCarthy both homered in the game, and McCarthy tallied three hits. Freshman right fielder J. T. Riddle was 3-5 with two RBI. PRP  alum and Tennessee junior shortstop Zach Osborne was 2-3 with one RBI, two runs scored and two stolen bases in the game. (Box Score)
  • Murray State University surrendered three different three-run innings in a 11-6 loss to Georgia State, which clinched a series win. Junior right-handed pitcher Tyler Beers took the loss after surrendering seven runs on eight hits in six and one-third innings while striking out one batter and walking three. Senior right fielder Zach Noonan was 2-3 with one home run, three RBI and two runs scored. Junior first baseman Cody Larson continued his hot hitting during the series with a 2-4, one RBI, one run scored performance. (Box Score)
  • Eastern Kentucky University held Indiana State scoreless for 14 innings but still fell to 0-8 on the road this season with a 1-0, 15-inning loss. Senior right-handed pitcher Chris Hord took the loss despite surrendering just one unearned run on three hits in five innings of relief and striking out three batters while walking none. Freshman left-handed pitcher Kyle McGrath started the game for EKU and surrendered four hits in seven scoreless innings while striking out five batters and walking six. EKU junior shortstop Richie Rodriguez was 4-7 at the plate. (Box Score)
  • In game one of a double-header Miami (OH) scored eight runs in the third innings and piled on from there to send Morehead State University to a 16-3 loss. Morehead St. senior right-handed pitcher Trey Smith took the loss after surrendering 11 runs, three of which were earned, on nine hits in three and one-third innings. Junior right fielder Luke Bainer was 3-4 with one RBI at the plate. (Box Score)
  • The Eagles held off a late Miami (OH) rally in game two to earn a double-header split an 8-7 victory. Sophomore right-handed pitcher Cody Gibson earned the win despite surrendering the lead with a run in the eighth inning. Redshirt junior left-handed pitcher Matt Cartwright pitched a scoreless ninth for the save. At the plate sophomore shortstop Austin Haney was 3-4 with one RBI and two runs scored, and redshirt freshman designated hitter Ryan Conner slugged a home run. (Box Score)

Hitter of the day: LF Jared Andreoli (WKU)

  • Stats: 3-5, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 2 R
  • Honorable Mention: Matt Rice (WKU), Kes Carter (WKU), Logan Robbins (WKU), Zach Noonan (Murray St.), Ryan Seiz (UofL), Cade Stallings (UofL), Thomas McCarthy (UK), J. T. Riddle (UK), Zach Osborne (Tennessee, PRP), Richie Rodriguez (EKU), Austin Haney (Morehead St.), Luke Bainer (Morehead St.)

Pitcher of the day: RHP Justin Amlung (UofL)

  • Stats: 1-0, 7 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 7 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Justin Hageman (WKU), Kyle McGrath (EKU), Chris Hord (EKU)

UK blows out Morehead St. 12-3 in first in-state game of 2011

College Baseball

Chad Wright; Photo: UK Athletics

In the first intrastate matchup of the 2011 season the University of Kentucky had no trouble with the Morehead State University pitching staff in a 12-3 win. Six different UK batters tallied multiple hits in the game. UK junior outfielder Chad Wright was 3-4 with a home run, three RBI and two runs scored. UK Sophomore right-handed pitcher Walter Wijas was credited with the win after pitching three and two-third scoreless innings in relief. Wijas struck out three batters and walked two. UK freshman second baseman Matt Reida was 3-5 with one RBI and two runs scored in the game, and junior third baseman Thomas McCarthy was 3-5 with one RBI and two runs scored. UK freshman right-handed pitcher Jonathan Paquet surrendered two runs in three innings in his first collegiate start.

The Morehead St. pitching staff was able to work out of trouble early in the game, preventing UK from scoring a run after loading the bases in three consecutive innings, but a three-run seventh inning and four-run eighth inning from UK put the game out of reach. At the plate Morehead St. junior catcher Taylor Davis was 2-5 with one RBI. Junior outfielder Luke Bainer, sophomore shortstop Austin Haney and redshirt freshman outfielder Nick Duff each tallied two hits in the game. Sophomore right-handed pitcher Cody Gibson was credited with the loss after surrendering four runs on seven hits in three innings. The Eagles used seven different pitchers in the game, including weekend starting pitchers Trey Smith and Josh Schneider. (Box Sc0re)

UofL loses pitcher until midseason; NCBWA ranks Cards No. 22; Paxton negotiations at impasse; Legends host caravan

College Baseball, Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball

Marcus Nidiffer, center; Photo: UK Athletics

Latest links from around Kentucky baseball:

  • Brian Foley of College Baseball Daily reports University of Louisville sophomore left-handed pitcher Keith Landers is out until midseason after undergoing a second surgery on his throwing arm during the fall.
  • The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association has released its preseason poll with UofL at No. 22.
  • The Lexington Legends annual caravan will begin Wednesday in Danville. The Caravan will also make stops in Cynthiana, Lexington, Somerset, Columbia and Jackson. Kentucky minor leaguers Marcus Nidiffer, Ben Revere, Chaz Roe, Jeremy Shelby and John Shelby III will attend the Lexington event on Thursday. Former Kentucky major leaguers Willie Blair, Andy Green, John Shelby Jr., Jeff Parrett and Josh Anderson will also appear at one of the caravan stops.
  • Larry Stone of The Seattle Times catches up with Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik about his negotiations with former UK left-handed pitcher James Paxton. In summary, Zduriencik doesn’t sound very optimistic about Paxton signing before Spring Training.
  • T. R. Sullivan of MLB.com recaps the Texas Rangers’ offseason, pointing to the team’s acquisition of Ashland native and former UK right-handed pitcher Brandon Webb as one of the moves that will define the success of the offseason.
  • In examining the Atlanta Braves’ offseason Steven Henson of Yahoo! Sports concludes second baseman Dan Uggla, who was born in Louisville, is the new face of the team.
  • As noted by the Legends, Andy Green has retired and will serve as the hitting coach for the rookie-level Missoula Osprey in 2011.
  • We’ve removed the Morehead State University lineup projection post after learning several of the choices were inaccurate. It appears Cody Gibson and Garrick Whittle are competing for a weekend rotation spot with Matthew Robertson being a midweek starting pitcher for the Eagles. Junior Matt Cartwright will likely replace Gibson as the Eagles closer. Senior Jeff Arnold may miss some time with an injury. Sophomore Austin Haney is the leading candidate to replace All-OVC shortstop Drew Lee, and freshman outfielder Duran Elmore appears unlikely to see early playing time. (I’ve decided to try the series again but remember the projections are just speculation on my part)

2011 lineup projections: Morehead State University

College Baseball

Following the completion of the “offseason position battle” series we will post a lineup project for each of the five division one schools this week. The lineups are based on the position battle posts and are only a guess and what each Opening Day lineup might look like. We will also include weekend rotations, midweek starters and closers for good measure. We are working in reverse order of the 2010 records, begining the series with Morehead State University.

Lineup

  • C — Taylor Davis
  • 1B — Michael Fear
  • 2B — Travis Redmon
  • 3B — Andrew Deeds
  • SS — Austin Haney
  • LF — Daniel Pugh
  • CF — Luke Bainer
  • RF — Ryan Conner
  • DH — Bud Morton

Weekend rotation

  • RHP — Trey Smith
  • RHP — Josh Schneider
  • RHP — Cody Gibson

Midweek starters

  • LHP — Garrick Whittle
  • RHP — Matthew Robertson

Closer

  • LHP Matt Cartwright

*A previous version of  this post incorrectly to identified Ryan Conner as Eric Sanders. This post has also been amended to include information learned after its original publishing.

Offseason position battle: Morehead St. shortstop

College Baseball

Drew Lee; Morehead St. photo

In the next offseason position battle post we’ll look at the vacant Morehead State University shortstop position:

The departed: Senior shortstop Drew Lee left Morehead with one of the most prolific careers in Eagles’ history after being selected by the Chicago White Sox in the 12th round of the 2010 MLB draft. Lee batted .412 with 17 home runs, 66 RBI, 60 runs scored and 156 total bases in 2011. The 2010 All-American batted over .400 for two straight seasons for Morehead and finished his collegiate career with several school records, including the career hits and RBI records. The Mount Sterling native was named an Appalachian League all-star during his first professional season in 2010.

Returning candidates: Lee started 47 of Morehead St.’s 50 games at shortstop in 2010 with the other three starts going to rising sophomore Austin Haney. Haney was just 2-22 (.091) in 15 games for the Eagles last season but is the only shortstop listed on Morehead St.’s 2011 roster. Rising senior utility man Casey Branham recorded one start at second base in 2010, but could conceivably move over to shortstop if head coach Jay Sorg is confident in his defense. Branham slugged two home runs in game three of the Eagles’ fall blood bowl series.

Newcomers to watch: Freshman infielder Bud Morton batted .395 with a .487 on-base percentage as a junior at West Jessamine High School while primarily playing shortstop. Morton excelled during the fall blood bowl series, highlighted by a three-hit game in game three. Morton stole 36 bases as a senior in high school.

Wildcard: Rising senior Travis Redmon had a strong summer for the Lexington Hustlers after making 46 starts at second base for Morehead St. in 2010. Head coach Jay Sorg could conceivably move Redmon to shortstop if he feels the standout of the Haney, Branham, Morton trio would be better suited defensively at second base.