Chad Green

Meyer, Deeds and Hageman win week 12 NCAA awards

College Baseball

Alex Meyer pitches versus Vanderbilt; BluGrass Baseball photo

It’s time for the weekly BluGrass Baseball college awards. Check out the best hitting, pitching and freshman performances below:

Hitter of the week: INF/OF Andrew Deeds (Morehead St.)

  • Stats: 8-14 (.571), 3 2Bs, 1 3B, 5 R, 3 RBI, 2 BBs, 1 SB
  • Honorable Mention: Kes Carter (WKU), Jared Andreoli (WKU), Adam Engel (UofL), Thomas McCarthy (UK), Dustin Dunlop (EKU), Taylor Davis (Morehead St.)
Pitcher of the week: RHP Alex Meyer (UK)
  • Stats: 1-0, 9 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Justin Hageman (WKU), Brian Edelen (WKU), Justin Amlung (UofL), Derek Self (UofL), Chad Green (UofL), Travis Tingle (UofL), Jordan Cooper (UK), Stephen Hefler (EKU), Greg Terry (EKU), Bryan Babin (Murray St.), Matthew Robertson (Morehead St.)
Freshman of the week: RHP Justin Hageman (WKU)
  • Stats: 1-0, 9 IP, 9 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Jordan Cessna (WKU), Adam Engel (UofL), Chad Green (UofL), Bryan Soloman (EKU), Tyler Saltsman (Murray St.), Bud Morton (Morehead St.)

UofL losses marathon pitchers’ duel; Green sent to AAA

College Baseball, Major League Baseball

Austin Kearns; Photo by Scott Ableman via Flickr

Highlights from Thursday’s lone Kentucky college baseball game as well as the latest links from around Kentucky baseball:

  • After playing the equivalent of almost two complete scoreless games, the University of Louisville surrendered one run in the bottom of the 18th inning to suffer a 1-0 loss to Seton Hall. Freshman right-handed pitcher Jeff Thompson took the loss after surrendering one unearned run on two hits in two and one-third innings. Freshman center fielder Adam Engel was 3-7 in the game, while the rest of the UofL offense was just 1-49. Junior right-handed pitcher Derek Self accomplished the rare feat of pitching over nine innings but not being credited with a complete game. Self surrendered seven hits in nine and one-third innings while striking out two batters and walking none. Freshman right-handed pitcher Chad Green pitched five and two-third innings of relief. (Box Score)
  • Guy Curtright of MLB.com reports the Milwaukee Brewers have optioned Louisville native and former UofL right-handed pitcher Sean Green to AAA Nashville.
  • Jonathan Kleppinger of the Jessamine Journal reports the lawyers for Lexington native and Cleveland Indians outfielder Austin Kearns filed a motion in Jessamine County to dismiss the drunk-driving charges against Kearns resulting from his Feb. 12 arrest because the Lexington police officer who pulled him over was out of his jurisdiction.
  • Richard Durrett of ESPNDallas.com reports the Texas Rangers scratched Ashland native and former UK right-handed pitcher Brandon Webb from his scheduled Thursday start in extended spring training, option to have the former Cy Young award winner work on his mechanics during a bullpen session instead.

Bryan Soloman and Brian Edelen win week 11 awards

College Baseball

Bryan Soloman; BluGrass Baseball photo

It’s time for the weekly college baseball awards. Check out the best hitting, pitching and freshman performances from week 11 below:

Hitter of the week: 3B Bryan Soloman (EKU)

  • Stats: 9-17 (.529), 2 HR, 3 2Bs, 6 RBI, 3 R
  • Honorable Mention: Jared Andreoli (WKU), Ryan Huck (WKU), Stewart Ijames (UofL), Ryan Wright (UofL), Chad Wright (UK), Brandon Elliott (Murray St.), Eric Bainer (Morehead St.), Taylor Davis (Morehead St.)
Pitcher of the week: RHP Brian Edelen (WKU)
  • Stats: 1-0, 1 SV, 2 G, 7 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 7 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Tanner Perkins (WKU), Justin Hageman (WKU), Derek Self (UofL), Justin Amlung (UofL), Alex Meyer (UK), Jordan Cooper (UK), Tyler Beers (Murray St.), Stephen Hefler (EKU)
Freshman of the week: 3B Bryan Soloman (EKU)
  • Stats: 9-17 (.529), 2 HR, 3 2Bs, 6 RBI, 3 R
  • Honorable Mention: Chad Green (UofL), Justin Hageman (WKU)

NCAA roundup: WKU clinches series win; UofL finishes sweep; Murray St., EKU avoid sweeps; Morehead St. swept

College Baseball

Ryan Wright; BluGrass Baseball photo

Recaps and highlights from Sunday Kentucky college baseball action:

  • Western Kentucky University rallied for three runs over the final two innings to earn a 7-5 win over Louisiana-Monroe to clinch the series victory. Redshirt senior right-handed pitcher Brian Edelen earned the win after surrendering one run on two hits in five and two-third innings of relief while striking out four batters and walking three. Junior second baseman Ivan Hartle was 2-3 with one walk, two RBI and two runs scored, and sophomore first baseman Ryan Huck slugged his fifth home run of the season. (Box Score)
  • The University of Louisville used a six-run seventh inning to earn a 9-4 win over Georgetown that finished the three-game sweep of the Hoyas. Freshman right-handed pitcher Andy Flett earned the win after pitching two and one-third perfect innings. Redshirt junior right fielder Stewart Ijames was 2-5 with one home run, two RBI and one run scored, and freshman left fielder Kyle Grieshaber was 2-3 with one walk, three RBI and two runs scored. Junior shortstop Ryan Wright was 2-4 with two RBI and one run scored. (Box Score)
  • Murray State University used a six-run fourth inning to earn a 6-2 win in a rain-shortened game versus Southeast Missouri. Junior left-handed pitcher Luke Shuemaker earned the win after surrendering two runs on four hits in four innings while striking out two batters and walking none. Sophomore third baseman Paul Ritzheimer was 2-2 with one RBI and one run scored, and senior center fielder Elliot Frey was 1-2 with two RBI and one run scored. (Box Score)
  • Eastern Kentucky University avoided a series sweep by Tennessee Tech with a 7-3 win in the series finale Sunday. Senior right-handed pitcher Stephen Hefler improved to 5-4 on the season after surrendering three runs on seven hits in seven innings while striking out five batters and walking one. Freshman third baseman Bryan Soloman continued his hot hitting with a 3-5, two RBI, one run scored performance. Junior second baseman Dustin Dunlop tallied three RBI in the game. (Box Score)
  • Morehead State University surrendered over 20 runs for the fourth time this season and over 15 runs for the ninth time this season in a 24-5 loss to Austin Peay. Freshman left-handed pitcher Noah Smallwood took the loss after surrendering 10 runs on eight hits in three and one-third innings. Junior catcher Taylor Davis was 3-5 with two RBI, and junior third baseman Andrew Deeds was 2-2 with two walks. (Box Score)
Hitter of the day: LF Kyle Grieshaber (UofL)
  • Stats: 2-3, 1 BB, 3 RBI, 2 R
  • Honorable Mention: Ivan Hartle (WKU), Ryan Wright (UofL), Stewart Ijames (UofL), Paul Ritzheimer (Murray St.), Bryan Soloman (EKU), Taylor Davis (Morehead St.), Andrew Deeds (Morehead St.)
Pitcher of the day: RHP Stephen Hefler (EKU)
  • Stats: 1-0, 7 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 5 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Brian Edelen (WKU), RHP Chad Green (UofL), Luke Shuemaker (Murray St.)

NCAA roundup: UK beats UofL; EKU blown out

Uncategorized

Recaps and highlights from Tuesday Kentucky college baseball action:

  • You can read the BluGrass Baseball recap of the University of Kentucky‘s 7-1 win over the University of Louisville here.
  • Eastern Kentucky University surrendered 11 runs in the first two innings of its Tuesday game and never overcame the early deficit in an 18-7 loss to East Tennessee St. Freshman right-handed pitcher Blake Bottoms took the loss after surrendering six runs on eight hits in two-thirds of an inning in his second start of the season. Freshman third baseman Bryan Soloman was 3-5 with one home run, three RBI and one run scored. Sophomore designated hitter Alex Hughes slugged his third home run of the season. (Box Score)
Hitter of the day: 3B Bryan Soloman (EKU)
  • Stats: 3-4, 1 HR, 2 2Bs, 3 RBI, 1 R
  • Honorable Mention: Ryan Seiz (UofL), Braden Kapteyn (UK), Luke Maile (UK), Chad Wright (UK), Austin Grisham (EKU),
Pitcher of the day: RHP Jordan Cooper (UK)
  • Stats: 1-0, 6.2 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 5 SO
  • Honorable Mention: RHP Chad Green (UofL), Alex Phillips (UK)

NCAA roundup: WKU beats UK; UofL, EKU, Murray St. lose

College Baseball

Recaps and highlights from Tuesday Kentucky college baseball action:

  • You can read the recap of Western Kentucky University‘s 11-8 win over the University of Kentucky here.
  • The University of Louisville outhit Indiana 9-7 but still dropped its sixth consecutive game with a 5-3 loss. Freshman right-handed pitcher Chad Green took the loss after surrendering two runs on one hit in two and one-third innings. Junior infielder Ryan Wright and redshirt junior right fielder Stewart Ijames were both 2-4. Freshman outfielder Cole Sturgeon and sophomore third baseman Cade Stallings tallied the only RBI for UofL. Freshman right-handed pitcher Jeff Thompson pitched three scoreless innings in the start. (Box Score)
  • Evansville scored seven runs in the first two innings to send Murray State University to an 8-3 loss. Freshman right-handed pitcher Tyler Saltsman took the loss after surrendering seven runs on seven hits in one-plus inning. Junior catcher Jacob Rhodes was 3-4 with two RBI, and freshman second baseman Wes Warren was 2-3. Junior first baseman Cody Larson slugged his second home run of the season. The Murray St. bullpen surrendered just one unearned run over the final eight innings. (Box Score)
  • Eastern Kentucky University snapped its four-game winning streak with a 4-2 loss to Marshall. Sophomore right-handed pitcher Anthony Bazzani took the loss after surrendering two runs on two hits in two-thirds of an inning. Junior right fielder Michael Garcia was 2-3 with one walk and one RBI and was the only Colonel with multiple hits in the game. Freshman right-handed pitcher Blake Bottoms surrendered three hits in three innings in his first collegiate start. (Box Score)
Hitter of the day: C Matt Rice (WKU)
  • Stats: 4-5, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 4 R
  • Honorable Mention: Kes Carter (WKU), Logan Robbins (WKU), Ryan Wright (UofL), Stewart Ijames (UofL), Taylor Black (UK), Luke Maile (UK), Jacob Rhodes (Murray St.), Michael Garcia (EKU)
Pitcher of the day: RHP Jordan Cooper (UK)
  • Stats: 6 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 8 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Ross Hammonds (WKU), Jeff Thompson (UofL), Bryan Babin (Murray St.), Blake Bottoms (EKU)

NCAA roundup: UofL, UK lose; WKU suspended in 13th inn.

College Baseball

Alex Meyer; UK Athletics Photo

Recaps and highlights from Friday Kentucky college baseball action:

  • The University of Louisville plated just two early runs and had a rare poor weekend start in an 8-2 loss to St. John’s. Sophomore right-handed pitcher Matt Koch took the loss after surrendering eight runs, four of which were earned, on 11 hits in four innings while striking out three batters and walking two. Sophomore first baseman Zak Wasserman was 2-2 with one walk, and freshman center fielder Cole Sturgeon was 2-4 with one run scored. Freshman infielder Ty Young reached base three times, drove in one run and scored once. (Box Score)
  • Western Kentucky University‘s series-opening game versus Arkansas St. was suspended in the top of the 13th inning with a 1-1 tie. The game had been previously delayed for 90 minutes due to rain. Sophomore left-handed pitcher Tanner Perkins pitched well in his start, surrendering one run on six hits in six and two-third innings while striking out five batters and walking three. WKU had just three hits through 12 innings. The game will resume at 3 p.m. Saturday, and game two of the series will begin 30 minutes after the end of game one. (Live Stats)
  • The University of Kentucky dropped its tenth consecutive Southeastern Conference game with a 3-2 loss to Mississippi. The Cats carried a 1-1 tie into the eighth inning, but Ole Miss scored two runs off junior right-handed pitcher Alex Meyer to take 3-1 lead. The Cats scored one run in the ninth inning and put the tying run on second base, but senior shortstop Taylor Black flew out to center field to end the game. Meyer took the loss after surrendering three runs, two of which were earned, in seven-plus innings while striking out seven batters and walking three. Junior catcher Michael Williams was 3-4 with his fourth home run of the season. (Box Score)
Hitter of the day: C Michael Williams (UK)
  • Stats: 3-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 R
  • Honorable Mention: Zak Wasserman (UofL)
Pitcher of the day: LHP Tanner Perkins (WKU)
  • Stats: 6.2 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 5 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Chad Green (UofL), Alex Meyer (UK)

BluGrass Baseball Week Eight Weekend Preview

College Baseball

Justin Riddell; BluGrass Baseball photo

It’s time for the week eight college baseball weekend preview. Check out the storylines to watch in week eight Kentucky college baseball games below:

Series of the week: Western Kentucky University vs. Louisiana-Lafayette

Western Kentucky University (18-11, 6-3) welcomes Sun Belt Conference foe Louisiana-Lafayette (17-11, 6-3) to Bowling Green this weekend. The two teams are essentially tied for second place in conference play, so the series should play a major role in the conference title race. WKU head coach Chris Finwood has made a minor change in the weekend starting rotation, sending freshman Justin Hageman to the mound on Friday and sophomore Tanner Perkins to the mound on Saturday. WKU ranked No. 79 in the first RPI standings released by the NCAA and Louisiana-Lafayette ranked No. 68, so a series win would help WKU’s NCAA at-large chances as well.

Player to watch: RHP Alex Meyer (UK)

The University of Kentucky needs a series win in the worst way versus Auburn this weekend. The Cats have lost their last six Southeastern Conference games and are in danger of falling out of the Southeastern Conference tournament race before it even reaches the halfway point. Junior right-handed pitcher Alex Meyer will take the mound on Friday in his usual starting spot and needs to post a strong performance to get UK off on the right foot. Meyer has excellent secondary numbers this season with a 3.10 ERA, 62 strikeouts and a .214 batting average against but has just a 3-4 record. He needs offensive support, but UK has no shot at the postseason if its ace has a sub-.500 record.

Stat of the week: Cards’ pitchers grow stronger late in games.

The University of Louisville pitching staff has been among the best in college baseball this season, but it has been particularly strong as games progress. The team has surrendered over half of its runs, 54 of 94, in the first three innings. After the third innings UofL is outscoring its opponents 99-43 on the season. The UofL bullpen has been particularly strong, led by junior closer Tony Zych, who has a 2.92 ERA and seven saves in 12 appearances, and junior right-handed pitcher Derek Self, who has a 0.68 ERA in 26 and two-third relief innings. Freshman right-handed pitcher Chad Green boasts a 1.62 ERA in nine games, including eight relief appearances.

Out of state Kentucky collegians playing Kentucky colleges: OF Justin Riddell (Cincinnati, Lexington Catholic), RHP Zach Isler (Cincinnati, Covington Catholic), INF Kiley Jones (Cincinnati, Eastern), OF Ronald Cotton (Cincinnati, Boone Co.), LHP Joe Sullivan (Cincinnati, Villa Hills), LHP Jeremy Dobbs (Austin Peay, Daviess Co.), LHP Jack Snodgrass (Austin Peay, Bowling Green)

A host of Kentucky high school alumni will return to the Bluegrass State this weekend, led by Cincinnati’s five Kentucky natives. Senior outfielder Justin Riddell is among the Bearcats best hitters and had two home runs against Morehead St. in a midweek game this week, and freshman right-handed pitcher Zach Isler is a valuable bullpen arm. Austin Peay will send Daviess Co. alum Jeremy Dobbs and Bowling Green alum Jack Snodgrass to the mound for starts against Eastern Kentucky University this weekend.

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)

WKU uses two home runs in 15-5 blowout win over UofL

College Baseball

Matt Rice bats for WKU: BluGrass Baseball photo

Western Kentucky University scored 10 runs through the first three innings of its game versus the University of Louisville and held on for a 15-5 win to even the season series at one win each. Every WKU starter had at least one hit in the game, and seven players has two hits. Senior catcher Matt Rice was 2-4 with one home run, three RBI and two runs scored, and senior designated hitter Chris Bullard was 2-5 with one home run, three RBI and two runs scored. Sophomore right-handed pitcher Taylor Haydel earned the win after surrendering two runs in two innings pitched.

Freshman right-handed pitcher Chad Green took the loss for UofL after surrendering five runs, only one of which was earned, on three hits in two innings. The Cards were led offensively by junior second baseman Ryan Wright, who was 2-4 with one home run, three RBI and one run scored. Freshman designated hitter Jeff Gardner continued his recent hot streak with a 2-4 performance. WKU junior left fielder Jared Andreoli was 2-5 with one triple, three RBI and one run scored. (Box Score)

Player of the game — C Matt Rice (WKU) — 2-4, 1 HR, 1 2B, 3 RBI, 1 R