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)

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

Saturday roundup: UofL secures series win; WKU splits DH; UK, Morehead St., EKU drop tournament games

College Baseball

Recaps and highlights from Saturday Kentucky college baseball:

The University of Louisville secured a series win over preseason MAC favorite Kent State with a 5-3 win Saturday behind redshirt sophomore right-handed pitcher Justin Amlung. In seven innings Amlung surrendered one run on one hit to go with four strikeouts and one walk. Freshman designated hitter Ty Young was 3-4. Sophomore third baseman Cade Stallings drove in two runs for the Cards, and freshman first baseman Ryan Seiz scored twice. Junior right-handed closer Tony Zych earned his fourth save of the season despite surrendering one run after surrendering a hit and walking two batters in the ninth inning. (Box Score)
Western Kentucky University ended a four-game losing streak in impressive fashion with a 17-1 blowout win over New York Tech in its second game of the College of Charleston Tournament. WKU freshman right-handed pitcher Justin Hageman earned the win after surrendering one run on seven hits in six innings while striking out seven batters and walking one. At the plate junior left fielder Jared Andreoli was 4-4 with five RBI, three runs scored, two walks and one stolen base. Junior center fielder Kes Carter and senior catcher Matt Rice both slugged home runs in the game. Six WKU batters recorded multiple hits in the game, five scored multiple runs and four recorded multiple RBI. (Box Score)
In its third game of the College of Charleston Tournament WKU scored five runs in the fifth inning to tie the game at six but Auburn scored four runs in the top of the sixth to send WKU to a 13-8 loss. Junior right-handed reliever Phil Wetherell took the loss after surrendering five runs on six hits in three innings of work. Junior third baseman Casey Dykes was 3-5 with one RBI and two runs scored, and senior designated hitter Chris Bullard drove in three runs. (Box Score)
The University of Kentucky surrendered six runs in the seventh inning en route to dropping its second game of the Houston College Classic at Minute Maid Park with an 8-5 loss to Houston. UK junior right-handed pitcher Alex Meyer pitched well through six innings but left the game with two outs and a runner on first base after surrendering two runs already in the inning. Freshman left-handed pitcher Corey Littrell failed to record an out in the frame and surrendered three runs on two hits and one walk. Meyer took the loss after surrendering four runs on five hits in six and two-third innings while striking out six batters and walking three. At the plate UK junior outfielder Chad Wright was 2-3 with one RBI and one run scored, and sophomore catcher Luke Maile slugged a two-run home run in the fourth inning. (Box Score)
The Eastern Kentucky University offense was no match for Memphis in a 11-2 loss in the Memphis College Classic. Sophomore right-handed pitcher Anthony Bazzani took the loss after surrendering eight runs on six hits in two and two-third innings while striking out three and walking one. No EKU batter recorded multiple hits in the game. Freshman catcher Steve Ferraro and senior first baseman Bryce Labhart scored the team’s only runs. (Box Score)
Murray State University‘s double-header versus North Dakota St. was rained out Saturday. The two teams will make up one of the games as part of a double-header on Sunday that will begin at noon (CT).
Morehead State University fell to 1-9 on the season with a 13-4 loss to Bradley in game two of the University of Tennessee Tournament. Morehead St. senior right-handed pitcher Trey Smith took the loss after surrendering seven runs, three of which were earned, on six hits in four and two-third innings. Sophomore right-handed pitcher Cody Gibson continued his poor start to the 2011 season after surrendering five runs in two innings of relief. At the plate junior catcher Taylor Davis was the only Eagle to record multiple hits. (Box Score)

Hitter of the day: LF Jared Andreoli (WKU)

Stats: 6-9, 5 RBI, 4 R, 2 BB, 1 SB
Honorable Mention: Kes Carter (WKU), Matt Rice (WKU), Chris Bullard (WKU), Casey Dykes (WKU), Ty Young (UofL), Stewart Ijames (UofL), Luke Maile (UK)

Pitcher of the day: RHP Justin Amlung (UofL)

Stats: 1-0, 7 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 SO
Honorable Mention: Justin Hageman (WKU), Alex Meyer (UK)

Offseason position battle: EKU first baseman

College Baseball

We continue our second lap in the “offseason position battle” series with a look at the vacant Eastern Kentucky University first base position.

The departed — Senior first baseman Anthony Ottrando batted .335 with 17 home runs, 67 RBI and 47 runs score while starting 54 games for EKU in 2010. Ottrando led the team in home runs, RBI and doubles (15). For good measure he added 11 stolen bases in 13 attempts. Ottrando made seven erros on the season while posting a .986 fielding percentage. The slugger was honored as the second team All-OVC first baseman following the 2010 season. Ottrando started all but one game at first for EKU in 2010 with the other start going to freshman Kyle England, who is not listed on the current EKU roster. In August Ed Richter of the Middletown Journal in Ohio reported England and one other man had been indicted on charges of sexual battery after a 16-year-old girl accused them of assaulting her during a party at England’s home.

Returning candidates — The only returning Colonel to appear in a game at first base in 2010 is junior Dustin Dunlop who played one game at the position. Dunlop spent most his time playing second base for the Colonels in 2010 and also appeared at third base during his freshman and sophomore years…Junior Jacob Daniel has served as the EKU designated hitter for the last two seasons but could conceivably move to first base if needed…Sophomore infielder Alex Hughes didn’t appear in a game during 2010 for EKU but at 6-4 he has the size to fill in at first base.

Newcomers to watch — Freshman infielder Mitch Durbin signed with EKU as a corner infielder and left-handed power bat. In Nov. 2009 EKU head coach Jason Stein said “Following graduation and the draft of 2010, we will probably have two immediate needs and, as a left-handed bat with power and a corner infielder, Mitch fills both of them.”…At 6-2 and 6-0 respectively freshman infielders Alex Arovits and Dillon Pelfrey both also could fill in at first base.

Wildcard — The only wildcard in the EKU first base battle appears to be a position change from one of the catchers or outfielders. Senior outfielder Bryce Labhart is listed as an OF/INF on the roster but played left field primarily in 2010 and came to EKU from Onley Central Junior College as a second baseman/outfielder. Sophomore outfielders Michael Buschmann and Jeff Emerich are likely reserves. Juniors A. J. Jamison and Brian Shrimpton are the returning catchers on the roster.

Offseason position battle: EKU third baseman

College Baseball

The offseason position battle series moves to Richmond today with a look at Eastern Kentucky University‘s vacant third base position:

The departed: Junior third baseman Jayson Langfels started ever game at third base for EKU in 2010 and batted .353 with 16 home runs, 52 RBI and 61 runs scored. Langfels has since moved on to professional baseball as the 16th round pick of the Colorado Rockies. Langfels’ 61 runs scored and .696 slugging percentage led the team and his 18 career triples are a Ohio Valley Conference record.

Returning candidates: Rising junior infielder Dustin Dunlop was the only other Colonel to appear in a game at third base in 2010 after pinch running for Langfels against the University of the Cumberlands. Dunlop spent most of his time at second base in 2010 but did play some third base as a freshman in 2009. Rising senior Bryce Labhart, rising sophomore Alex Hughes, rising junior Richie Rodriguez and rising sophomore Matt Phipps are the other returning infielders on the roster. Rodriguez and Phipps ended 2010 as the starting shortstop and second baseman respectively.

Newcomers to watch: Incoming freshmen infielders Bryan Solomon, Alex Arovits and Mitch Durbin each boasted strong performances during the EKU fall World Series. When Solomon signed with the Colonels head coach Jason Stein called him “a complete third baseman” who could hit for average and power while playing great defense with a “great arm.” Solomon may also pitch for the Colonels.

Wildcard: The candidates for EKU’s vacant infield positions appear to be fairly straight forward, so don’t look for any surprises. Head coach Jason Stein could conceivably move one of the team’s surplus outfielders to the infield or rearrange incumbents Rodriguez, Phipps and Dunlop.

BluGrass Baseball Friday Review: Conference Tournaments

College Baseball

The Bluegrass lost another conference tournament team Friday with EKU’s elimination at the hands of in-state rival Murray St. However, both UofL and the Breds remain in their respective tournaments. Check out recaps and awards from Friday’s games below and post-game interviews from Murray St.’s win over EKU above:

Murray State University scored four runs in the first inning and didn’t look back in a 10-2 win over Eastern Kentucky University in an Ohio Valley Conference tournament elimination game. The loss ended the Colonels’ season. Murray St. redshirt junior left-handed pitcher Jake Donze pitched a complete game, allowed two runs on eight hits and struck out seven while walking just two. Four different Breds’ batters tallied two hits in the game. EKU junior left-fielder Bryce Labhart was 3-4 with one RBI. (Box Score)
The Breds returned to action at 3 p.m. in a second elimination game and rode another complete game performance from senior right-handed pitcher Alex Love to a 14-4 win over Southeast Missouri. The game was delayed by rain for five hours in the ninth inning. Love had pitched five innings on Thursday as well. Senior left fielder Bryan Propst was 4-5 with three RBI and two runs scored, and senior first baseman Wes Cunningham added three hits an a home run. Love surrendered three earned runs, struck out three and walked two. (Box Score)
No 9 University of Louisville blew a late lead but rode a two-run home run from redshirt sophomore outfielder Stewart Ijames in the top of the 11th inning to a 9-7 win over South Florida in an elimination game in the Big East Conference tournament. Senior third baseman Phil Wunderlich was 4-6 with a home run, two RBI and two runs scored. Redshirt freshman right-handed pitcher Justin Amlung took a no-decision, but allowed just two runs in seven innings. Junior right-handed closer Neil Holland recorded his eighth win of the season. (Box Score)

Hitter of the day: 1B Wes Cunningham (Murray St.)

Stats: 5-10, 1 HR, 4 R, 4 RBI, 1 2B
Honorable Mention: Bryan Propst (Murray St.), Phil Wunderlich (UofL), Stewart Ijames (UofL), Bryce Labhart (EKU)

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

Stats: 1-0, 9 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 SO
Honorable Mention: Alex Love (Murray St.), Justin Amlung (UofL)

BluGrass Baseball Sunday Review: Week 12

College Baseball

UK Athletics Wallpaper

Recaps and awards from an Sunday of baseball, heavy on postseason implications:

No. 9 University of Louisville scored four runs in the first inning and never looked back in a 10-3 win over Georgetown to secure the series victory. Redshirt freshman right-handed pitcher Justin Amlung held the Hoyas scoreless over six innings for his third win of the season. Senior third baseman Phil Wunderlich slugged his 19th home run of the season, and redshirt sophomore right fielder Stewart Ijames was 3-5 with three RBI and three runs scored. (Box Score)
Western Kentucky University may have played its way back onto the NCAA tournament bubble with a 4-2 loss to Arkansas Little Rock Sunday, securing a home series loss for the Hilltoppers. Junior catcher Matt Rice was 3-4 with one RBI in the game, and sophomore left fielder Jared Andreoli tallied two hits. Freshman Taylor Haydel took the loss in relief. The loss dropped WKU into a tie for fifth place in the Sun Belt Conference. (Box Score)
Sophomore right-handed pitcher Alex Meyer was outstanding in his return from mono, leading the University of Kentucky to a 9-3 win over No. 6 South Carolina and a must-have series victory in its push for the Southeastern Conference tournament. Meyer allowed just three unearned runs on four hits in seven innings while striking out six and walking three. Sophomore Braden Kapteyn pitched the final two innings for his second save of the season. Redshirt junior right fielder Neiko Johnson was 1-1 with two walks, one run scored and three stolen bases in the game. (Box Score)
Senior first baseman Wes Cunningham set or tied three Murray State University records in the Breds’ 18-5 win over Eastern Kentucky University to finish the series sweep. Cunningham was 2-4 with a double, triple, six RBI and two runs scored in the game and tied the school single-season hits record (81) while setting the new single-season RBI record (72) and career triples record (18). Senior right-handed pitcher Alex Love earned the win after allowing four runs in five and two-third innings. Seven Breds’ batters tallied two hits in the game, and three drove in at least three runs. EKU junior left fielder Bryce Labhart tallied three hits in the game. (Box Score)
Morehead State University avoided a series sweep with a 10-9, come-from-behind win over UT Martin. UT Martin jumped out to a 8-1 lead in the fourth inning, but the Eagles scored nine times over the next four innings to take back the lead. Junior left fielder Daniel Pugh drove in three runs and three different Eagles scored twice in the game. Redshirt sophomore right-handed pitcher Josh Schneider recorded his team-high seventh win of the season after holding UT Martin scoreless over the final four innings. (Box Score)

Hitter of the day: 1B Wes Cunningham (Murray St.)

Stats: 2-4, 1 3B, 1 2B, 6 RBI, 2 R, 1 BB
Honorable Mention: Phil Wunderlich (UofL), Stewart Ijames (UofL), Neiko Johnson (UK), Matt Rice (WKU), Colton Moore (Murray St.), Kyle Tiernan (Murray St.), Bryce Labhart (EKU), J. D. Ashbrook (Morehead St.), Daniel Pugh (Morehead St.)

Pitcher of the day: RHP Alex Meyer (UK)

Stats: 1-0, 7 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 6 SO
Honorble Mention: Justin Amlung (UofL), Alex Love (Murray St.), Josh Schneider (Morehead St.), Braden Kapteyn (UK)

http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-basebl/stats/2009-2010/050910.html

Wednesday Recaps: EKU wins; Murray St., Bats lose

College Baseball

Recaps from the in-state college games Wednesday, and the home opener for the Louisville Bats:

Eastern Kentucky University finished off a season sweep of Marshall with a 10-0 blowout win Wednesday. Junior right fielder Ryan Faidley was 2-4 with a home run, two RBI and two runs scored, and junior left fielder Bryce Labhart tallied three hits, two RBI and two runs. Freshman right-handed pitcher Anthony Bazzani earned the win with four scoreless innings of work. (Box Score)
Evansville finished a two-game sweep of Murray State University with a 14-5 win in the teams’ second midweek matchup of the week. Senior designated hitter Wes Cunningham was 2-4 with a home run, three RBI and one run scored. Senior catcher Jason Laws also homered. (Box Score)
The University of Louisville (13) has a recap of the Cards’ 7-6 win over No. 19 WKU.
Western Kentucky University also has a recap of the game.
Mike Stunson of the College Heights Herald talked to WKU coach Chris Finwood after the game, and Finwood pointed to UofL’s home runs as the difference in the game.
Michael Grant of The Courier Journal recaps the Louisville Bats’ 3-0 loss to Indianapolis in the Bast’ home opener.