Eric Bainer

NCAA roundup: WKU, EKU win; UK, Morehead St. lose

College Baseball

Brian Edelen; BluGrass Baseball photo

Recaps and highlights from Sunday Kentucky MiLB action:

  • Western Kentucky University held off a late rally from Florida Atlantic to preserve a 5-4 win and clinch the series victory. Redshirt senior right-handed pitcher Brian Edelen earned the win after surrendering two runs on four hits in five innings of relief while striking out seven batters and walking none. Freshman first baseman Jordan Cessna was 2-3 with one walk and two runs scored in a rare start, and junior second baseman Ivan Hartle was 2-3 with two RBI and one run scored. (Box Score)
  • The University of Kentucky bullpen fell apart again, surrendering three runs with two outs in the ninth inning in a 6-3 loss to Vanderbilt. The loss officially eliminated UK from Southeastern Conference tournament contention. Junior left-handed pitcher Alex Phillips took the loss after surrendering two runs on two hits in two-thirds of an inning. Sophomore right-handed pitcher Jordan Cooper surrendered three runs on five hits in six innings while striking out five batters and walking six in his return to the weekend rotation. Junior third baseman Thomas McCarthy was 3-4 with one RBI and one run scored, and junior catcher Michael Williams slugged his sixth home run of the season. (Box Score)
  • Eastern Kentucky University finished a three-game sweep of Murray State University with a 5-1 win Sunday. Junior left-handed pitcher Greg Terry earned the win after surrendering one run on four hits in five and two-third innings while striking out two batters and walking one. Junior shortstop Richie Rodriguez was 3-5 with one run scored, and sophomore center fielder Austin Grisham slugged his second home run of the season. Junior right-handed pitcher Matt Fyffe earned his first save with three and one-third scoreless innings of relief. No Murray St. batter recorded multiple hits in the game. Junior left-handed pitcher Luke Shuemaker took the loss after surrendering four runs in three innings. (Box Score)
  • UT Martin scored four runs after the sixth inning to send Morehead State University to a 9-8 loss. Redshirt junior right-handed pitcher Matt Cartwright took the loss after surrendering one run without recording an out. Junior center fielder Andrew Deeds was 3-4 with one double, one triple, three RBI and one run scored while setting the school single-season and career triples records. Junior catcher Taylor Davis was 2-5 with two runs scored, and junior catcher Eric Bainer was 2-5 with one RBI and one run scored. (Box Score)
Hitter of the day: CF Andrew Deeds (Morehead St.)
  • Stats: 3-4, 1 2B, 1 3B, 3 RBI, 2 R, 1 BB, 1 SB
  • Honorable Mention: Jordan Cessna (WKU), Ivan Hartle (WKU), Thomas McCarthy (UK), Michael Williams (UK), Richie Rodriguez (EKU), Austin Grisham (EKU), Ty Stetson (Murray St.), Taylor Davis (Morehead St.)
Pitcher of the day: RHP Brian Edelen (WKU)
  • Stats: 1-0, 5 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 7 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Jordan Cooper (UK), Greg Terry (EKU), Matt Fyffe (EKU), Tyler Saltsman (Murray St.)

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, UofL win; UK loses; Murray St., EKU, Morehead St. teams swept in double-headers

College Baseball

Stewart Ijames and Ryan Wright look on from the UofL dugout; BluGrass Baseball photo

Stats and recaps from Saturday Kentucky college baseball:

  • Western Kentucky University used a seven-run seventh inning to rally for an 8-5 win over Louisiana-Monroe in game two of a three-game series. Freshman right-handed pitcher Justin Hageman earned his seventh win of the season after surrendering four runs on seven hits in seven innings while striking out six batters and walking four. Junior right fielder Ryan Hutchinson was 2-5 with one home run, three RBI and one run scored. Sophomore first baseman Ryan Huck was 2-4 with one double and two runs scored. Redshirt senior right-handed pitcher Brian Edelen, the Hilltoppers’ usual Sunday starter, recorded the final four outs of the game for his first save. (Box Score)
  • Two different University of Louisville batters slugged grand slams in an 11-3 win over Georgetown in game two of a three-game series. Redshirt sophomore right-handed pitcher Justin Amlung improved to 8-0 on the season after surrendering three runs on six hits in seven innings while striking out seven batters and walking one. Redshirt junior right fielder Stewart Ijames was 3-5 with one home run, five RBI and one run scored. Junior infielder Ryan Wright slugged a grand slam, drove in five runs and scored twice. Sophomore left fielder Kyle Grieshaber was 2-2 with one walk and three runs scored. (Box Score)
  • The University of Kentucky continued its downward slide in Southeastern Conference play with an 8-4 loss to LSU, that completed the three-game sweep by the Tigers. Sophomore left-handed pitcher Taylor Rogers took the loss after surrendering five runs on four hits in three and two-third innings while striking out two batters and walking three. Redshirt senior right fielder Neiko Johnson was 3-4 with two RBI and two runs scored. Sophomore catcher Luke Maile was 2-4 with two RBI. (Box Score)
  • Murray State University could not finish a late rally in a 5-4 loss to Southeast Missouri in game one of a double-header. Junior right-handed pitcher Tyler Beers took the loss after surrendering four runs on nine hits in eight innings while striking out six batters and walking four. Sophomore shortstop Brandon Elliott was 2-4 with one home run, two RBI and one run scored and was the only Murray St. batter with multiple hits in the game. (Box Score)
  • Southeast Missouri scored 11 runs in the fourth inning in game two of the double-header to send Murray St. to a 17-7 loss. Senior right-handed pitcher Jake Donze took the loss after surrendering six runs on six hits in two and one-third innings while striking out two batters and walking three. Junior second baseman Travis Isaak was 2-4 with two RBI and one run scored, and freshman left fielder Ty Stetson was 1-3 with three RBI and two runs scored. (Box Score)
  • Eastern Kentucky University tallied 10 hits but still dropped a 10-3 decision in game one of a double-header versus Tennessee Tech. Senior right-handed pitcher Chris Hord took the loss in his first start of the season after surrendering five runs on five hits in three innings while striking out one batter and walking four. Freshman third baseman Bryan Soloman and junior shortstop Richie Rodriguez each had two hits in the game. (Box Score)
  • In game two of the double-header EKU never overcame a five-run first inning by Tennessee Tech in a 10-4 loss. Freshman left-handed pitcher Kyle McGrath took the loss after surrendering five runs on three hits in one inning. No EKU batter tallied multiple hits in the game, but Soloman and junior right fielder Michael Garcia each slugged home runs in the game. (Box Score)
  • Daviess County High School alum Jeremy Dobbs earned his eighth win of the season for Austin Peay in a 7-3 win over Morehead State University. Dobbs improved to 8-2 on the season after surrendering three runs on seven hits in seven innings while striking out six batters and walking six. Morehead St. junior designated hitter Eric Bainer was 2-5 with one run scored. Senior right-handed pitcher Trey Smith took the loss after surrendering seven runs on 12 hits in four and two-third innings. (Box Score)
  • In game two of the double-header Morehead St. blew a 9-0 lead after three innings in a 12-10 loss to Austin Peay. Sophomore right-handed pitcher Cody Gibson took the loss after surrendering two runs on two hits in two innings. Junior catcher Taylor Davis was 3-4 with one RBI, two runs scored and two walks, and senior first baseman Michael Fear was 2-5 with four RBI. Senior left fielder Daniel Pugh was 3-4 with three runs scored. (Box Score)
Hitter of the day: RF Stewart Ijames (UofL)
  • Stats: 3-5, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 1 R
  • Honorable Mention: Ryan Hutchinson (WKU), Ryan Huck (WKU), Kyle Grieshaber (UofL), Ryan Wright (UofL), Neiko Johnson (UK), Brandon Elliott (Murray St.), Bryan Soloman (EKU), Eric Bainer (Morehead St.), Daniel Pugh (Morehead St.)
Pitcher of the day: RHP Justin Amlung (UofL)
  • Stats: 1-0, 7 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 7 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Justin Hageman (WKU), Tyler Beers (Murray St.), Jeremy Dobbs (Austin Peay, Daviess Co. HS), Josh Schneider (Morehead St.)

EKU sweeps double-header versus Morehead State

College Baseball

Bryan Soloman; BluGrass Baseball photo

Eastern Kentucky University swept a double-header from Morehead State University with a 4-3 win in game one and a 12-2 win in game two. The Colonels earned the game-one win on a walk-off home run from junior left fielder Jacob Daniel, who was 3-3 with one home run, one RBI and one run scored in the game. Junior right-handed pitcher Matt Harris was credit with the win after surrendering three hits in four and one-third scoreless innings out of the EKU bullpen. Morehead St. junior right-handed pitcher Matt Robertson took the loss after surrendering one run in one inning of work.

The Eagles wasted a quality start from senior right-handed pitcher Trey Smith in game one. Smith surrendered three runs, two of which were earned, on eight hits in seven innings while striking out six batters and walking two. Morehead St. junior catcher Taylor Davis and junior designated hitter Eric Bainer both tallied two hits in game one.

In game two EKU freshman third baseman Bryan Soloman slugged two three-run home runs to lead the Colonels to a 12-2 win. Freshman left-handed pitcher Kyle McGrath earned the win after surrendering two runs on five hits in seven innings while striking out four batters and walking one in a complete-game effort. Morehead St. sophomore left-handed pitcher Garrick Whittle took the loss after surrendering seven runs on seven hits in three innings.

EKU senior first baseman  A. J. Jamison was 2-2 with two RBI and two runs scored, and junior right fielder Michael Garcia was 3-4 with one RBI and one run scored in game two. No Morehead St. batter had multiple hits in game two, but Davis did slug his tenth home run of the season. (Box Score GM 1) (Box Score GM 2)

NCAA roundup: Kentucky DI schools winless on Sunday

College Baseball

Recaps and highlights from Sunday Kentucky college baseball action:

  • The University of Louisville could not finish off a series sweep of Cincinnati after a 5-2 loss. Redshirt sophomore right-handed pitcher Mike Nastold took the loss after surrendering four runs on six hits in three and two-third innings. Sophomore left fielder Kyle Grieshaber was the only UofL batter with multiple hits and finished the game 2-4 with one RBI. Lexington Catholic alum Justin Riddell scored one run for Cincinnati. (Box Score)
  • Western Kentucky University‘s bullpen imploded in an 8-6 loss to Louisiana-Lafayette, preventing a series sweep by the Hilltoppers. Redshirt junior right-handed pitcher Rye Davis took the loss after surrendering one run in two-thirds of an inning, and the WKU bullpen surrendered six runs in four innings of work. Junior shortstop Logan Robbins was 3-4 with one RBI, one run scored and three stolen bases. Junior second baseman Ivan Hartle and senior catcher Matt Rice each had two hits in the game. (Box Score)
  • The University of Kentucky dropped its ninth consecutive Southeastern Conference game with a 8-2 loss to Auburn. The Cats’ defense fell apart with four errors in the seventh and eighth innings that allowed four unearned runs to score. Sophomore left-handed pitcher Taylor Rogers took the loss after surrendering four runs, three of which were earned on seven hits in six and two-third innings while striking out three batters and walking none. Junior first baseman Braden Kapteyn and freshman right fielder J. T. Riddle both tallied two hits in the game. (Box Score)
  • Murray State University tallied 17 hits but still dropped its series to Jacksonville State with a 10-9 loss in the rubber game of the three-game series. Freshman right-handed pitcher Cameron Finch took the loss after surrendering one run on one hit in two and two-third innings. Sophomore shortstop Brandon Elliott was 3-6 with two runs scored, and senior right fielder Zach Noonan was 2-5 with one double, three RBI and two runs scored. Senior center fielder Elliot Frey tallied three hits in four at-bats. (Box Score)
  • Eastern Kentucky University suffered an 8-6 loss to Austin Peay in the rubber match of a three-game series. Senior right-handed pitcher Stephen Hefler took the loss after surrendering six runs on five hits in three and one-third innings while striking out three batters and walking one. Junior infielder Dustin Dunlop was 2-3 with two runs scored and one walk. Junior shortstop Richie Rodriguez, senior designated hitter A. J. Jamison and freshman catcher Sean Hagen also had two hits each. (Box Score)
  • Morehead State University dropped game one of a double-header to Eastern Illinois 25-8. Senior right-handed pitcher Trey Smith took the loss after surrendering seven runs on eight hits in two innings. Senior first baseman Michael Fear was 2-3 with one RBI and one run scored, and redshirt freshman outfielder Nick Duff was 2-3 with one home run, two RBI and one run scored. Junior catcher Taylor Davis slugged his ninth home run of the season. (Box Score)
  • The Eagles continued their poor pitching in a 23-6 loss in game two. Sophomore left-handed pitcher Garrick Whittle took the loss after surrendering six runs on four hits in one and one-third innings. Junior designated hitter Eric Bainer was 2-3 with one RBI in game two, and redshirt freshman catcher Justin Messinger slugged his first collegiate home run. The Eagles have surrendered at least 15 runs eight times this season and at least 20 runs three times. (Box Score)

Hitter of the day: SS Logan Robbins (WKU)

  • Stats: 3-4, 1 RBI, 1 R, 3 SBs
  • Honorable Mention: Kyle Grieshaber (UofL), Matt Rice (WKU), Braden Kapteyn (UK), Brandon Elliott (Murray St.), Zach Noonan (Murray St.), Elliot Frey (Murray St.), Dustin Dunlop (EKU), Sean Hagen (EKU), Taylor Davis (Morehead St.)

Pitcher of the day: LHP Taylor Rogers

  • Stats: 0-1, 6.2 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 3 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Brian Edelen (WKU), Derek Self (UofL), Taylor Rogers (UK)

NCAA roundup: UofL wins rubber match; EKU avoids sweep; WKU, UK, Murray St., Morehead St. lose finales

College Baseball

Jacob Daniel; BluGrass Baseball photo

Recaps and highlights from Sunday Kentucky college baseball action:

  • Western Kentucky University suffered its first Sun Belt Conference series loss after dropping its finale 11-6 to UALR Sunday. Redshirt senior right-handed pitcher Brian Edelen took the loss after surrendering six runs on six hits in three innings while striking out four batters and walking two. Senior catcher Matt Rice slugged two home runs, drove in four runs and scored twice in the game. Freshman shortstop Scott Wilcox was the only other Hilltopper with multiple hits after finishing the game 2-3 with one walk. (Box Score)
  • The University of Louisville secured a series victory versus West Virginia with a 6-3 win. Redshirt sophomore right-handed pitcher Mike Nastold earned the win after surrendering two unearned runs on three hits in five and one-third innings while striking out five batters and walking two. Freshman designated hitter Jeff Gardner was 3-4 with one double, two RBI and one run scored, and freshman first baseman Ryan Seiz was 2-3 with one double, one triple and two runs scored. Junior right-handed reliever Derek Self struck out five batters in two and two-third scoreless innings. (Box Score)
  • The University of Kentucky dropped its sixth consecutive Southeastern Conference game with a 4-1 loss to No. 3 South Carolina. Sophomore left-handed pitcher Taylor Rogers took the loss after surrendering three runs, two of which were earned, on six hits in six and one-third innings while striking out five batters and walking three. Junior Michael Williams, making his first career start at third base, was 2-3 with one walk. (Box Score)
  • Murray State University tallied 17 hits and scored 13 runs but could not finish the series sweep of UT Martin after a 14-13 loss. Sophomore left-handed pitcher Ben Lady took the loss after surrendering one unearned run in two-third of an inning, but UT Martin did most of its damage against freshman closer Cameron Finch, who surrendered six runs while recording just two outs. Sophomore shortstop Brandon Elliott was 4-5 with one RBI and three runs scored. Junior second baseman Travis Isaak and redshirt freshman left fielder Ty Stetson were both 3-6. Junior catcher Jacob Rhodes and junior first baseman Cody Larson both homered in the game. (Box Score)
  • Eastern Kentucky University avoided a series sweep at the hands of Southeast Missouri with an 11-5 win. Senior right-handed pitcher Stephen Hefler earned the win after surrendering three runs on nine hits in six innings while striking out five batters and walking two. Junior left fielder Jacob Daniel was 3-4 with two home runs, four RBI and two runs scored, and junior shortstop Richie Rodriguez was 2-3 with one home run, two RBI and two runs scored. Freshman third baseman Bryan Soloman was 3-4 with two runs scored. (Box Score)
  • Morehead State University could not avoid a series sweep by SIU Edwardsville with a 15-9 loss. Freshman left-handed pitcher Noah Smallwood took the loss after surrendering seven runs, three of which were earned, on nine hits in four and two-third innings. Junior right fielder Luke Bainer was 3-4 with one home run, one RBI and two runs scored. Junior catcher Taylor Davis and junior catcher Eric Bainer also homered in the game. Eric Bainer added a double, two RBI and two runs. (Box Score)

Hitter of the day: LF Jacob Daniel (EKU)

  • Stats: 3-4, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 2 R
  • Honorable Mention: Matt Rice (WKU), Jeff Gardner (UofL), Ryan Seiz (UofL), Michael Williams (UK), Brandon Elliott (Murray St.), Ty Stetson (Murray St.), Travis Isaak (Murray St.), Richie Rodriguez (EKU), Bryan Soloman (EKU), Luke Bainer (Morehead St.), Eric Bainer (Morehead St.)

Pitcher of the day: RHP Mike Nastold (UofL)

  • Stats: 1-0, 5.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 5 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Derek Self (UofL), Taylor Rogers (UK), Stephen Hefler (EKU)

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)

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.)

Sunday roundup: UK, UofL, EKU finish series sweeps; WKU, Murray St. win rubber matches; Morehead St. falls to 2-14

College Baseball

On a day when three Kentucky basketball teams discovered their NCAA tournament seedings, here are recaps of Sunday Kentucky college baseball action:

  • The University of Louisville finished off a three-game sweep of Pepperdine during which the pitching staff surrendered just two runs with a 7-0 win on Sunday. Redshirt sophomore right-handed pitcher Mike Nastold improved to 2-0 on the season after surrendering one hit in five shutout innings while striking out two batters and walking three. Six different UofL batters tallied two hits in the game, and senior left fielder Drew Haynes was 2-3 with three RBI. Sophomore third baseman Cade Stallings was 2-5 with two RBI and one run scored. (Box Score)
  • Western Kentucky University secured a series win versus Illinois with a 13-5 win in the rubber match of the three-game series on Sunday. Senior catcher Matt Rice was 2-2 with three walks and four RBI, and junior shortstop Logan Robbins was 3-5 with three RBI. Junior left fielder Jared Andreoli was 3-3 with two RBI, three runs scored, one walk and one stolen base. Six different WKU batters recorded multiple hits in the game, including freshman Justin Hageman who made his first collegiate start as a designated hitter. Hageman is WKU’s Saturday starting pitcher. Senior right-handed reliever Brian Edelen earned the win after surrendering one run on three hits in three innings. (Box Score)
  • The University of Kentucky scored two runs in the seventh inning to secure a series sweep of Niagara with a 2-1 win on Sunday. Sophomore center fielder Brian Adams scored the eventual winning run and finished the game 2-3. Sophomore right-handed pitcher Jordan Cooper took a no decision despite surrendering just one run on six hits in six and two-third innings while striking out three batters and walking four. Junior left-handed pitcher Alex Phillips earned his first career win after recording the final out in the top of the seventh inning, and senior left-handed pitcher Mike Kaczmarek earned his second save after recording the final six outs of the game without surrendering a baserunner. (Box Score)
  • Murray State University scored three runs in the fifth inning to earn a 4-1 win and series victory over IPFW on Sunday. Junior left-handed pitcher Bryan Babin earned the win after surrendering one run on five hits in six innings while striking out three batters and walking four. Freshman right-handed pitcher Cameron Finch did not surrender a run over the final three innings to record his third save of the season. Junior second baseman Travis Isaak had the big blow for the Breds in the fifth inning and finished the game 2-3 with a double and three RBI. Sophomore shortstop Brandon Elliott scored two runs in the game. (Box Score)
  • Eastern Kentucky University finished a series sweep of UNC Asheville with a 13-6 win on Sunday. Senior right-handed pitcher Stephen Hefler earned his second win of the season after surrendering five runs, four of which were earned, on eight hits in seven and two-third innings while striking out seven batters and walking two. Sophomore designated hitter Alex Hughes was 1-5 with one home run, three RBI and two runs scored, and freshman third baseman Bryan Soloman was 2-4 with two RBI and two runs scored. Six different EKU batters recorded multiple hits in the game. (Box Score)
  • The Morehead State University pitching staff continued its poor performance during the early portion of the 2011 season in a 9-6 loss to La Salle. Sophomore right-handed pitcher Cody Gibson took the loss after surrendering seven runs on 11 hits in three and one-third innings. Junior third baseman Andrew Deeds was 2-4 with two doubles, two stolen bases and two runs scored, and junior catcher Eric Bainer was 2-4 with a double, one RBI and two runs scored. (Box Score)

Hitter of the day: LF Jared Andreoli (WKU)

  • Stats: 3-3, 1 BB, 2 RBI, 3 R, 1 SB, 1 3B
  • Honorable Mention: Matt Rice (WKU), Logan Robbins (WKU), Drew Haynes (UofL), Cade Stallings (UofL), Brian Adams (UK), Travis Isaak (Murray St.), Matt Phipps (EKU), Bryan Soloman (EKU), Andrew Deeds (Morehead St.), Eric Bainer (Morehead St.)

Pitcher of the day: RHP Mike Nastold (UofL)

  • Stats: 1-0, 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 2 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Jordan Cooper (UK), Bryan Babin (Murray St.), Stephen Hefler (EKU)

Kime’s stellar debut leads UofL to 6-1 win over Morehead St.

College Baseball

Freshman right-handed pitcher Dace Kime surrendered just one hit in five scoreless innings in his collegiate debut to lead the University of Louisville to a 6-1 win over Morehead State University in the second intrastate matchup of the season. Kime struck out seven batters and walked none to earn his first collegiate win. At the plate UofL redshirt junior right fielder Stewart Ijames was 2-4 with a triple and two RBI. UofL junior second baseman Ryan Wright scored two runs in the game. Senior left fielder Drew Haynes was 2-3 with one run scored.

Morehead St. freshman left-handed pitcher Noah Smallwood took the loss after surrendering four runs, three of which were earned, on three hits in four and one-third innings. Smallwood struck out one batter and walked two. Morehead St. junior designated hitter Eric Bainer was 2-4 in the game. Morehead St. senior second baseman Travis Redmon recorded the lone RBI for the Eagles, and junior right fielder Luke Bainer scored the team’s only run. (Box Score)

BluGrass Baseball player of the game: RHP Dace Kime (UofL)

  • Stats — 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 7 SO