Brandon Eggenschwiler

Ryan Wright, Alex Meyer, Corey Littrell win week 10 awards

College Baseball

Alex Meyer; UK Athletics photo

It’s time for the week 10 college baseball awards. Check out a rundown of the week’s best hitting, pitching and freshmen performances below:

Hitter of the week: INF Ryan Wright (UofL)

  • Stats: 8-15 (.533), 2 HR, 1 2B, 5 RBI, 3 R, 2 BB, 4 SBs
  • Honorable Mention: Matt Rice (WKU), Ryan Huck (WKU), Thomas McCarthy (UK), Luke Maile (UK), Jacob Rhodes (Murray St.), Bryan Soloman (EKU), Andrew Deeds (Morehead St.)
Pitcher of the week: RHP Alex Meyer (UK)
  • Stats: 1-0, 9 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 10 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Derek Self (UofL), Justin Amlung (UofL), Jordan Cooper (UK), Corey Littrell (UK), Jake Donze (Murray St.), Stephen Hefler (EKU), Garrick Whittle (Morehead St.), Josh Schneider (Morehead St.)
Freshman of the week: LHP Corey Littrell (UK)
  • Stats: 1-0, 5.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Scott Wilcox (WKU), Kyle Gibson (UofL), Ryan Seiz (UofL), Matt Reida (UK), Brandon Eggenschwiler (Murray St.), Bryan Soloman (EKU), Blake Bottoms (EKU), Noah Smallwood (Morehead St.)

NCAA roundup: UK, Morehead St. win; WKU, UofL lose; Murray St. splits double-header; EKU swept in double-header

College Baseball

UK baseball players slide on tarp during rain delay; Photo by UKBaseball via twitter

Recaps and highlights from Saturday Kentucky baseball action:

  • Sun Belt Conference-leader Troy clinched a series victory over Western Kentucky University by sending the Hilltoppers to an 11-3 loss. Freshman right-handed pitcher Justin Hageman took the loss after surrendering eight runs on eight hits in five innings while striking out five batters and walking one. Junior right fielder Ryan Hutchinson was 2-3 with two RBI, and sophomore first baseman Ryan Huck was 2-4 with one RBI. Senior catcher Matt Rice scored two runs. (Box Score)
  • The University of Louisville could not finish a series sweep of South Florida after a 10-5 loss Sunday. Junior right-handed pitcher Gabriel Shaw took the loss after surrendering two runs on two hits in one-third of an inning. Freshman first baseman Ryan Seiz was 3-5 with two RBI, and redshirt junior right fielder Stewart Ijames was 2-4 with one RBI and one run scored. Senior catcher J. J. Ethel was 2-4 with one double, one RBI, two runs scored and one walk. (Box Score)
  • The University of Kentucky used a complete-game start from junior right-handed pitcher Alex Meyer to snap a 12-game Southeastern Conference losing streak with a 3-2 win over Arkansas in game one of a double-header. Meyer earned the win after surrendering two runs on three hits in nine innings while striking out 10 batters and walking four. UK earned the win in walk-off fashion with two runs in the bottom of the ninth inning. Junior left fielder Chad Wright drove home freshman infielder Matt Reida to tie the game before junior third baseman Thomas McCarthy walked with the bases loaded to give the Cats the win. Game two of UK’s double-header was suspended in the third inning due to rain. (Box Score)
  • Murray State University scored four runs in the fifth inning to earn a 4-1 win over Eastern Illinois in game one of a double-header. Senior right-handed pitcher Jake Donze earned the win after surrendering one run on four hits in seven innings while striking out two batters and walking two. Sophomore third baseman Paul Ritzheimer was 3-3 with one run scored, and junior catcher Jacob Rhodes slugged his third home run of the season. (Box Score)
  • Murray State University could not finish the double-header sweep in game two, which it lost 5-3 to Eastern Illinois. Junior right-handed pitcher Tyler Beers took the loss after surrendering four runs on two hits in two and one-third innings. Rhodes was 3-4 with two RBI, and redshirt freshman designated hitter Brandon Eggenschwiler had two hits in both games of the double-header. (Box Score)
  • In the continuation of a game suspended on Friday due to rain Eastern Kentucky University dropped a 5-3 decision to UT Martin. Freshman left-handed pitcher Kyle McGrath took the loss after surrendering five runs on five hits in four and one-third innings. Junior left fielder Jacob Daniel was 2-4, and freshman third baseman Bryan Soloman was 2-3 with one run scored. (Box Score)
  • In game two of a double-header EKU could not avoid the series sweep by UT Martin after a 4-2 loss. The two teams ended the scheduled seven-inning game tied at two, but UT Martin scored two runs in the top of the eighth to earn the win. Senior right-handed pitcher Ryne Purcell took the loss after surrendering two runs on five hits in one and two-third innings. Soloman was 3-4 with one RBI, and junior first baseman A. J. Jamison was 2-4 with one home run, one RBI and one run scored. (Box Score)
  • Morehead State University earned its first Ohio Valley Conference series victory with an 11-4 win in the series finale versus Tennessee Tech. Freshman left-handed pitcher Noah Smallwood earned the win after surrendering three runs on seven hits in five innings while striking out four batters and walking two. Junior third baseman Andrew Deeds was 2-4 with one triple, one home run, six RBI and one run scored. Redshirt sophomore designated hitter Kellen Begeman was 2-3 with two home runs, two RBI and two runs scored. (Box Score)
Hitter of the day: 3B Andrew Deeds (Morehead St.)
  • Stats: 2-4, 1 3B, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 1 R
  • Honorable Mention: Ryan Hutchinson (WKU), Ryan Seiz (UofL), J. J. Ethel (UofL), Michael Williams (UK), Jacob Rhodes (Murray St.), Paul Ritzheimer (Murray St.),  Bryan Soloman (EKU), A. J. Jamison (EKU), Kellen Begeman (Morehead St.)
Pitcher of the day: RHP Alex Meyer (UK)
  • Stats: 1-0, 9 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 10 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Jake Donze (Murray St.), Stephen Hefler (EKU), Noah Smallwood (Morehead St.)

Davis, Amlung, Hageman win midseason NCAA awards

College Baseball

Yesterday we looked at the BluGrass Baseball midseason all-state team. Today it is time to examine the best individual hitting, pitching and freshmen performances through half of the NCAA season. When possible at least one honorable mention nominee is included from each team.

Taylor Davis; Morehead St. photo

Best hitter: C Taylor Davis (Morehead St.)

  • Stats: .381/.487/.732, 8 HR, 27 RBI, 24 R, 2 SBs
  • Morehead State University junior catcher Taylor Davis was behind WKU senior Matt Rice on the Kentucky catching depth chart entering the season, but he has been the state’s best college hitter through 28 games for Morehead St. Through seven weeks of the season, Davis leads Kentucky collegians in home runs and slugging percentage and ranks second in on-base percentage, fourth in batting average and fifth in RBI. Davis was named to the preseason all-Ohio Valley Conference team and will spend the summer of 2011 in the prestigious Cape Cod League.
  • Honorable Mention: Ryan Wright (UofL), Matt Rice (WKU), Jared Andreoli (WKU), Braden Kapteyn (UK), Brandon Elliott (Murray St.), Jacob Daniel (EKU), Richie Rodriguez (EKU), Andrew Deeds (Morehead St.)

Best pitcher: RHP Justin Amlung (UofL)

  • Stats: 6-0, 0.92 ERA, 33 SO/10 BB, 48.2 IP
  • The midseason best pitcher race is a highly contested battle between University of Louisville redshirt sophomore right-handed pitcher Justin Amlung and WKU sophomore left-handed pitcher Tanner Perkins. Amlung wins the honor for his undefeated record and lower ERA. The St. X alum has won all but one of his starts and ranks No. 3  in the country in wins and No. 10 in ERA. Amlung leads Kentucky collegians in ERA, wins, winning percentage and batting average against and ranks second in innings pitched.
  • Honorable Mention: Mike Nastold (UofL), Matt Koch (UofL), Tanner Perkins (WKU), Justin Hageman (WKU), Alex Meyer (UK), Jake Donze (Murray St.), Stephen Hefler (EKU)

Best freshman: RHP/DH Justin Hageman (WKU)

  • Stats: 4-3, 3.00 ERA, 40 SO/17 BB, 42 IP
  • Each of the state’s top three college teams counted on freshmen in key roles during the first half of the season, but Western Kentucky University freshman right-handed pitcher Justin Hageman stood out above the pack. Hageman, who has pitched in the Hilltoppers’ weekend rotations since the opening series of 2011, has looked like anything but a freshman. Hageman ranks fourth among Kentucky collegians in wins and strikeouts. During a brief run as the WKU designated hitter, Hageman was 6-15 (.400) with four RBI and two runs scored in five games.
  • Honorable Mention: Ryan Seiz (UofL), Chad Green (UofL), Jeff Thompson (UofL), Scott Wilcox (WKU), J. T. Riddle (UK), Corey Littrell (UK), Brandon Eggenschwiler (Murray St.), Bryan Soloman (EKU)

Rhodes, Perkins, Littrell named week seven award winners

College Baseball

Jacob Rhodes; BluGrass Baseball photo

It’s time for the weekly college baseball awards. Check out the best hitting, pitching and freshman performances from week seven:

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

  • Stats: 8-13 (.615), 1 HR, 1 2B, 8 RBI, 3 R, 5 BB
  • Honorable Mention: Kes Carter (WKU), Ryan Hutchinson (WKU), Matt Rice (WKU), Jeff Gardner (UofL), Braden Kapteyn (UK), Ty Stetson (Murray St.), Brandon Eggenscwhiler (Murray St.), Jacob Daniel (EKU), Bryan Soloman (EKU), Andrew Deeds (Morehead St.)

Pitcher of the week: LHP Tanner Perkins (WKU)

  • Stats: 1-0, 7 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Justin Hageman (WKU), Mike Nastold (UofL), Justin Amlung (UofL), Jeff Thompson (UofL), Corey Littrell (UK), Taylor Rogers (UK), Alex Meyer (UK), Bryan Babin (Murray St.), Tyler Beers (Murray St.), Stephen Hefler (EKU)

Freshman of the week: RHP Corey Littrell (UK)

  • Stats: 1-0, 2 G, 9 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 4 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Justin Hageman (WKU), Jeff Gardner (UofL), Jeff Thompson (UofL), Ty Stetson (Murray St.), Brandon Eggenschwiler (Murray St.), Bryan Soloman (EKU)

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.)

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

Zach Noonan, Jordan Cooper and Dace Kime named BluGrass Baseball week three award winners

Uncategorized

Jordan Cooper; UK Athletics photo

It’s time for the BluGrass Baseball Week Three awards. Check out the best hitting, pitching and freshmen performances of the week:

Hitter of the week: OF Zach Noonan (Murray St.)

  • Stats: 9-16 (.563), 1 HR, 5 R, 9 RBI, 3 2Bs, 1 3B
  • Honorable Mention: Braden Kapteyn (UK), Kes Carter (WKU), Jared Andreoli (WKU), Jacob Rhodes (Murray St.), Elliot Frey (Murray St.), Andrew Deeds (Morehead St.), Stewart Ijames (UofL)

Pitcher of the week: RHP Jordan Cooper (UK)

  • Stats: 1-0, 7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 9 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Justin Amlung (UofL), Matt Koch (UofL), Mike Nastold (UofL), Dace Kime (UofL), Alex Meyer (UK), Justin Hageman (WKU), Jake Donze (Murray St.), Tyler Beers (Murray St.), Bryan Babin (Murray St.), Stephen Hefler (EKU), Josh Schneider (Morehead St.)

Freshman of the week: RHP Dace Kime (UofL)

  • Stats: 1-0, 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 7 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Ty Young (UofL), Justin Hageman (WKU), Scott Wilcox (WKU), Trevor Gott (UK), Brandon Eggenschwiler (Murray St.), Bud Morton (Morehead St.)

Sunday roundup: UofL, UK win; Murray State sweeps DH; EKU, Morehead State drop tournament finales in Tenn.

College Baseball

Jordan Cooper; UK Athletics photo

Recaps and highlights from Sunday Kentucky college baseball action:

  • University of Louisville redshirt sophomore right-handed pitcher Mike Nastold earned his first win since 2009 in leading the Cards to a 1-0 victory over Kent State to finish off the three-game series sweep. Nastold surrendered just four hits in five shutout innings while striking out three batters and walking one. Junior right-handed pitcher Travis Tingle recorded the final out after entering the game with two men on base to earn his first save. UofL scored the only run of the game in the fourth inning when sophomore first baseman Zak Wasserman singled home sophomore designated hitter Kyle Grieshaber with two outs. Wasserman, sophomore third baseman Cade Stallings and freshman center fielder Cole Sturgeon tallied UofL’s three hits in the game. (Box Score)
  • Behind sophomore right-handed pitcher Jordan Cooper the University of Kentucky ensured it would not leave the Houston College Classic at Minute Maid Park without a win after a 2-1 win over Utah on Sunday. Cooper, who turned in arguably his best start of his collegiate career, earned his first win of the season after surrendering one run on three hits in seven innings while striking out a career-high nine batters and walking three. Freshman right-handed pitcher Trevor Gott struck out four batters over the final two innings to earn his first collegiate save. The Cats scored the eventual winning run in the top of the eight inning after junior designated hitter Braden Kapteyn tripled with one out and later scored on a RBI-single from junior catcher Michael Williams with two outs. (Box Score)
  • Junior right-handed pitcher Tyler Beers earned his first win of the season as Murray State University scored six runs in the sixth inning in a 12-7 win over North Dakota St. Beers surrendered three runs, two of which were earned, on six hits in six and one-third innings while striking out two batters and walking two. Sophomore third baseman Paul Ritzheimer was 4-5 with three RBI and one run scored, and junior catcher Jacob Rhodes was 3-5 with one RBI and two runs scored. Senior center fielder Elliot Frey was 2-2 with two walks, one double, one RBI and two runs scored. (Box score)
  • In game two of its double-header Murray St. scored two runs in the third inning, which proved to be enough for a 2-1 win over North Dakota St. in a seven-inning game. Senior left-handed pitcher Jake Donze earned the win after surrendering one unearned run on five hits in seven innings while striking out six batters and walking one. At the plate Rhodes led the Breds with a 3-3, one run scored performance. Ritzheimer and redshirt freshman designated hitter Brandon Eggenschwiler tallied the two RBI for Murray St. (Box Score)
  • Eastern Kentucky University finish its two games in the Memphis College Classic winless with a 3-1 loss to Oral Roberts on Sunday. The Colonels wasted another strong start from senior right-handed pitcher Stephen Hefler, who surrendered three unearned runs on four hits in six and two-third innings while striking out four batters and walking two. At the plate sophomore second baseman Matt Phipps was the only Colonel with multiple hits and finished the game 2-4. Junior shortstop Richie Rodriguez scored EKU’s only run in the game. (Box Score)
  • Morehead State University finished the University of Tennessee tournament without a win with a 10-8 loss to the host school on Sunday. Freshman left-handed pitcher Noah Smallwood took the loss after surrendering nine runs on nine hits in four and two-third innings. At the plate junior third baseman Andrew Deeds was 3-4 with one home run, two RBI and one run scored to lead the Eagles.  PRP alum and Tennessee junior shortstop Zach Osborne was 2-4 with one RBI and two runs scored versus the Eagles. Morehead St. trailed 10-3 entering the ninth inning but scored five runs in the frame and put the tying run on base before junior right fielder Luke Bainer struck out to end the game. (Box Score)

Hitter of the day: 3B Paul Ritzheimer (Murray St.)

  • Stats: 5-6, 4 RBI, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 SB
  • Honorable Mention: Jacob Rhodes (Murray St.), Elliot Frey (Murray St.), Braden Kapteyn (UK), Andrew Deeds (Morehead St.)

Pitcher of the day: RHP Jordan Cooper (UK)

  • Stats: 1-0, 7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 9 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Mike Nastold (UofL), Chad Green (UofL), Stephen Hefler (EKU), Trevor Gott (UK), Jake Donze (Murray St.), Tyler Beers (Murray St.), Cameron Finch (Murray St.)

EKU, Murray St. struggle to score runs in Wednesday losses

College Baseball

Recaps and highlights from Wednesday Kentucky college baseball action:

  • Eastern Kentucky University junior right-handed pitcher Matt Fyffe surrendered two runs in four innings in his first start since 2009, but his effort wasn’t enough to prevent a 5-0 loss to Western Carolina. Fyffe surrendered six hits in four innings and struck out four while walking one. At the plate the Colonels tallied just two hits, a double by junior shortstop Richie Rodriguez and a triple by senior center fielder Ryan Faidley. Senior right-handed pitchers Macon Smith and Jim Clancy each pitched two scoreless innings out of the EKU bullpen. (Box Score)
  • In his first start for Murray State University junior left-handed pitcher Bryan Babin surrendered just one unearned run in seven innings, but Arkansas St. scored four runs in the ninth inning to send the Breds to a 5-1 loss. Babin surrendered four hits in seven innings and struck out five batters while walking three. Sophomore right-handed pitcher Will Handlin took the loss after surrendering two runs in one inning of work. Redshirt freshman right fielder Brandon Eggenschwiler and senior center fielder Elliot Frey both tallied two hits in the game. Senior first baseman Drew Pixley scored Murray St.’s only run. (Read more)

Pitcher of the day: LHP Bryan Babin (Murray St.)

  • Stats: 0-0, 7 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 5 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Jim Clancy (EKU), Matt Fyffe (EKU)

Hitter of the day: CF Elliot Frey (Murray St.)

  • Stats: 2-2, 1 2B
  • Honorable Mention: Brandon Eggenschwiler (Murray St.)

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)