J. J. Ethel

NCAA Roundup: WKU evens series with win; EKU sweeps DH from Murray St.; UofL, UK lose; Morehead St. splits DH

College Baseball

Taylor Davis; Morehead St. photo

Recaps and highlights from Saturday Kentucky college baseball action:

  • Freshman right-handed pitcher Justin Hageman posted a complete game to lead Western Kentucky University to a 6-2 win over Florida Atlantic. Hageman improved to 8-4 on the season after surrendering two runs on nine hits in nine innings while striking out four batters and walking one. Junior left fielder Jared Andreoli was 4-5 with two runs scored and one stolen base. Junior second baseman Ivan Hartle was 2-5 with one triple, one RBI and one run scored, and junior shortstop Logan Robbins was 2-4 with two RBI and one run scored. (Box Score)
  • Vanderbilt scored six runs in the first inning to put the game out of reach early and send the University of Kentucky to a 10-3 loss. Freshman left-handed pitcher Corey Littrell took the loss after surrendering seven runs on nine hits in five innings while striking out three batters and walking three. Junior left fielder Chad Wright was 3-5 with two RBI and one run scored. UK loaded the bases on three walks in the ninth inning and plated two runs before senior shortstop Taylor Black flew out to center field to end the game. (Box Score)
  • The University of Louisville finally scored in its series versus Seton Hall but still could not avoid the series sweep after a 4-3 loss in game three. Freshman right-handed pitcher Cole Sturgeon took the loss after surrendering three runs on three hits in two innings. Senior catcher J. J. Ethel was 3-4 with one RBI, and junior shortstop Ryan Wright was 2-5 with one triple, one home run, two RBI and one run scored. Junior right-handed pitcher Travis Tingle pitched five scoreless innings in a start. (Box Score)
  • You can read the BluGrass Baseball recap of the doubleheader split between Eastern Kentucky University and Murray State University here.
  • Despite trailing 8-1 after three innings, Morehead State University rallied for a 10-9 win in game one of a doubleheader versus UT Martin. Junior right-handed pitcher Matthew Robertson earned the win after surrendering two runs on four hits in five innings of relief while striking out four batters and walking one. Junior catcher Taylor Davis was 3-4 with one home run, three RBI and two runs scored. Freshman third baseman Bud Morton was 2-4 with his first home run, three RBI and two runs scored. Redshirt junior right-handed pitcher Josh Schneider pitched two scoreless innings for his first save. (Box Score)
  • In game two of its double-header Morehead St. suffered a 7-6 loss after UT Martin scored a run in the bottom of the eighth inning to end the game, which was scheduled to last seven innings. Redshirt junior right-handed pitcher Schneider took the loss after surrendering two runs on four hits in two innings while striking out three batters and walking none. Junior center fielder Andrew Deeds was 3-5 with two doubles, three RBI and one run scored, and junior right fielder Luke Bainer was 2-3 with one solo home run. (Box Score)
Hitter of the day: C Taylor Davis (Morehead St.)
  • Stats: 4-8, 1 HR, 1 2B, 3 RBI, 4 R, 2 BB
  • Honorable Mention: Jared Andreoli (WKU), Logan Robbins (WKU), Ryan Wright (UofL), J. J. Ethel (UofL), Chad Wright (UofL), Dustin Dunlop (EKU), A. J. Jamison (EKU), Cody Larson (Murray St.), Bud Morton (Morehead St.), Andrew Deeds (Morehead St.), Luke Bainer (Morehead St.)
Pitcher of the day: RHP Justin Hageman (WKU)
  • Stats: 1-0, 9 IP, 9 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Travis Tingle (UofL), Braden Kapteyn (UK), Stephen Hefler (EKU), Tyler Beers (Murray St.), Matthew Robertson (Morehead St.)

NCAA roundup: Murray St. splits double-header; UofL loses

College Baseball

Ryan Wright; BluGrass Baseball photo

Recaps and highlights from Tuesday Kentucky college baseball action:

  • The University of Louisville put the tying run on third base in the ninth inning but could not finish its comeback in a 4-3 loss to Eastern Michigan. Freshman right-handed pitcher Cole Sturgeon took the loss after surrendering three runs on three hits in two innings while striking out three batters and walking none. Junior shortstop Ryan Wright was 2-5 with one home run, two RBI and one run scored, and senior catcher J. J. Ethel was 3-4 with one RBI. Junior right-handed pitcher Travis Tingle made the start for UofL and surrendered four hits in five shutout innings while striking out three batters and walking none. (Box Score)
  • Murray State University rode an outstanding start from Junior left-handed pitcher Bryan Babin to a 7-0 win over Belmont. Babin improved to 3-2 win after surrendering five hits in six shutout innings while striking out two batters and walking two. Junior first baseman Cody Larson was 2-3 with three RBI and one walk, and senior center fielder Elliot Frey was 2-3 with two RBI and one walk. Junior second baseman Travis Isaak scored two runs in the game. (Box Score)
  • In game two of its double-header Belmont turned the table on Murray St. with a 3-0 shutout win of its own. Senior left-handed pitcher Derek Hayden took the loss after surrendering three runs on three hits in two and one-third innings. Murray St. tallied just five hits in the game with two of them going to senior right fielder Zach Noonan. Freshman right-handed pitcher Cameron Finch kept the Breds in the game with three scoreless innings of relief. (Box Score)
Hitter of the day: SS Ryan Wright (UofL)
  • Stats: 2-5, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1 R
  • Honorable Mention: J. J. Ethel (UofL), Adam Engel (UofL), Cody Larson (Murray St.)
Pitcher of the day: LHP Bryan Babin (Murray St.)
  • Stats: 1-0, 6 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Travis Tingle (UofL), Cameron Finch (Murray St.)

NCAA roundup: UofL rallies for late win; WKU, UK lose

College Baseball

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

Recaps and highlights from Friday Kentucky college baseball action:

  • Western Kentucky University held a 4-2 lead in the seventh inning but surrendered single runs over the final three frames, culminated by a walk-off home run in the ninth inning, give Louisiana Monroe a 5-4 win in game one of a three-game series. Redshirt junior right-handed pitcher Ross Hammonds took the loss after surrendering two runs on two hits in one and one-third innings. Junior right fielder Ryan Hutchinson was 2-4 with one RBI, one run scored and one walk. The Hilltoppers wasted a quality start from sophomore left-handed pitcher Tanner Perkins, who surrendered three runs on nine hits in seven innings while striking out seven batters and walking one. (Box Score)
  • The University of Louisville rallied for two runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to earn a 3-2 win over Georgetown. Redshirt junior right fielder Stewart Ijames and senior catcher J. J. Ethel tallied RBI in the eighth inning rally, and junior second baseman Ryan Wright was 2-3 with one RBI, one run scored an one walk. Freshman right-handed pitcher Cody Edge was credited with the win after recording the final out in the top of the eighth inning, but junior right-handed pitcher Derek Self pitched well in his second start. Self surrendered two runs, one of which was earned, on five hits in seven and two-third innings while striking out four batters and walking none. Junior right-handed pitcher Tony Zych pitched a scoreless ninth inning for his 11th save. (Box Score)
  • The University of Kentucky like saw any remaining post season hopes dashed with a series-clinching 12-4 win by LSU in game two of the three-game series. Freshman left-handed pitcher Corey Littrell took the loss after surrendering five runs, two of which were earned, on four hits in one and two-third innings. The Cats surrendered five unearned runs in the game and committed four errors. Junior left-fielder Chad Wright was the only UK batter with multiple hits in the game, finishing 2-3 with one RBI, one run scored and one walk. Redshirt senior utility man Neiko Johnson tallied his first hit since returning from injury with a two-run double in the ninth inning. (Box Score)
Hitter of the day: LF Chad Wright
  • Stats: 2-3, 1 3B, 1 RBI, 1 R, 1 BB
  • Honorable Mention: Ryan Hutchinson (WKU), Matt Rice (WKU), Ryan Wright (UofL)
Pitcher of the day: RHP Derek Self (UofL)
  • Stats: 7.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Tanner Perkins (WKU)

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.)

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

College Baseball

Recaps and highlights from Friday Kentucky college baseball action:

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

NCAA roundup: WKU wins; UofL, UK, Morehead St. all lose

College Baseball

Recaps and highlights from Friday Kentucky college baseball action:

  • Senior designated hitter Chris Bullard drove in five runs and sophomore left-handed pitcher Tanner Perkins pitched seven shutout innings to lead Western Kentucky University to a 14-3 win over UALR. Perkins improved to 6-1 on the season after surrendering just four hits in seven innings while striking out eight batters and walking one. Bullard was 2-4 with one home run, five RBI and two runs scored. Junior center fielder Kes Carter was 4-5 with two RBI, and junior right fielder Ryan Hutchinson was 3-6 with three RBI and two runs scored. (Box Score)
  • West Virginia used five unearned runs to send the University of Louisville to a 9-2 loss in game one of a three-game series. UofL sophomore right-handed pitcher Matt Koch took the loss after surrendering five runs, only one of which was earned, on seven hits in five and one-third innings while striking out two batter and walking two. Freshman third baseman Ty Young, junior second baseman Ryan Wright and senior catcher J. J. Ethel each had two hits in the game. Freshman designated hitter Ryan Seiz drove in both of the Cards’ runs with his second home run of the season. (Box Score)
  • A complete-game effort from junior right-handed pitcher Alex Meyer wasn’t enough for the University of Kentucky to avoid a 3-1 loss to No. 3 South Carolina in game one of its three-game series. Meyer fell to 3-4 on the season after surrendering three runs on six hits in eight innings while striking out eight batters and walking five. The Cats tallied just three hits against USC ace Michael Roth, and no UK batter had multiple hits in the game. UK scored its only run on a RBI single in the third innings from junior left fielder Chad Wright that scored junior catcher Michael Williams. (Box Score)
  • SIU Edwardsville scored eight runs through the first three innings and piled on from there to send Morehead State University to a 14-5 loss. Senior right-handed pitcher Trey Smith took the loss after surrendering seven runs, five of which were earned, on six hits in two and two-third innings. Junior third baseman Andrew Deeds was 2-2 with a double, one RBI, one run scored and two walks, and senior second baseman Travis Redmon slugged his third home run of the season. (Box Score)

Hitter of the day: DH Chris Bullard (WKU)

  • Stats: 2-5, 1 HR, 1 2B, 5 RBI, 2 R, 1 BB
  • Honorable Mention: Kes Carter (WKU), Ryan Hutchinson (WKU), Matt Rice (WKU), Ryan Wright (UofL), Andrew Deeds (Morehead St.)

Pitcher of the day: LHP Tanner Perkins (WKU)

  • Stats: 1-0, 7 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Alex Meyer (UK)

NCAA roundup: UofL opens confence play with win; WKU stays undefeated in Sun Belt; UK shutout by Alabama

College Baseball

Recaps and highlights from Friday Kentucky college baseball action:

  • Western Kentucky University improved to 4-0 in Sun Belt Conference play and earned its seventh consecutive win with a 3-2 victory over FIU. Sophomore left-handed pitcher Tanner Perkins earned the win after surrendering two runs on six hits in seven innings while striking out seven batters and walking two. Junior center fielder Kes Carter was 2-4 with a home run, one RBI and two runs scored to lead the Hilltoppers offensive attack, and junior left fielder Jared Andreoli was 3-4. Redshirt junior right-handed pitcher Ross Hammonds held FIU scoreless over the final two innings to earn a save. (Box Score)
  • The University of Louisville opened its defense of back-to-back Big East Conference titles with an 11-2 win over Rutgers. Sophomore right-handed pitcher Matt Koch earned the win after surrendering one run on six hits in seven and one-third innings while striking out three batters and walking one. Redshirt junior right fielder Stewart Ijames was 3-5 with a home run, two doubles, five RBI and three runs scored. Sophomore designated hitter Kyle Grieshaber and senior catcher J. J. Ethel were each 2-4 with two runs scored. (Box Score)
  • The University of Kentucky was shutout for the first time this season and fell to 2-2 in Southeastern Conference play with a 4-0 loss to Alabama. Junior right-handed pitcher Alex Meyer took the loss after surrendering four runs on seven hits in six and two-third innings while striking out eight batters and walking six. Just one UK batter recorded multiple hits in the game, junior third baseman Thomas McCarthy, who was 3-4 with a double. Alabama plates two runs in the first inning to take an early lead then added two insurance runs in the seventh inning, chasing Meyer from the game. (Box Score)

Hitter of the day: RF Stewart Ijames (UofL)

  • Stats: 3-5, 1 HR, 2 2Bs, 5 RBI, 3 R
  • Honorable Mention: Drew Haynes (UofL), Kes Carter (WKU), Jared Andreoli (WKU), Thomas McCarthy (UK)

Pitcher of the day: LHP Tanner Perkins (WKU)

  • Stats: 1-0, 7 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Matt Koch (UofL), Ross Hammonds (WKU), Alex Meyer (UK)

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

College Baseball

Zach Osborne; BluGrass Baseball photo

Recaps and highlights from Saturday Kentucky college baseball action:

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

Hitter of the day: LF Jared Andreoli (WKU)

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

Pitcher of the day: RHP Justin Amlung (UofL)

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

Littrell named SEC freshman of week; Ky. catchers named to Bench Award watch list; Webb hopes to pitch in May

College Baseball, Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball

Corey Littrell; UK photo by Chet White

Latest links from around Kentucky baseball:

  • University of Kentucky freshman left-handed pitcher Corey Littrell was named the Southeastern Conference freshman of the week.
  • Kendall Rogers of Perfect Game USA includes the University of Louisville among his weekend college baseball winners. (Subscription required)
  • Western Kentucky University senior catcher Matt Rice, UofL senior catcher J. J. Ethel and Morehead State University junior catcher Taylor Davis have been named to the 2011 Johnny Bench Award watch list.
  • Aaron Fitt of Baseball America recaps UofL’s Friday win over Pepperdine, noting sophomore right-handed pitcher Matt Koch boasted a 90-92 mph fastball and 79 mph slider in his weekend start.
  • Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports the Colorado Rockies have re-assigned former EKU left-handed pitcher Christian Friedrich to minor league camp.
  • Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports Ashland native and former UK right-handed pitcher Brandon Webb was impressive in throwing batting practice Sunday and hopes to be in the Rangers’ rotation by May.

UofL, UK pitching performances impress; Paxton sent to minor league camp; Kipnis among top Indians prospects

College Baseball, Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball

Todd Wellemeyer; Photo from Wikimedia Commons

Latest links from around Kentucky baseball:

  • Kendall Rogers of Perfect Game USA breaks down the University of Louisville‘s Friday win versus Pepperdine, noting he was impressed by sophomore right-handed pitcher Matt Koch, freshman first baseman Ryan Seiz and senior catcher J. J. Ethel. (Subscription required)
  • Rogers also highlights University of Kentucky junior right-handed pitcher Alex Meyer and UofL redshirt sophomore right-handed pitcher Justin Amlung in his 27 takes from Saturday college baseball action.
  • Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports Elizabethtown native Nathan Adcock may be the favorite for the Royals’ long-reliever spot in the bullpen since he has pitched well this spring and would have to be offered back to the Pirates as a Rule 5 pick if he doesn’t make the MLB roster.
  • Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald in Chicago profiles Louisville native and former Bellarmine right-handed pitcher Todd Wellemeyer, who says he has been working on a new mental approach to pitching during the offseason.
  • Larry Stone of The Seattle Times reports the Mariners have re-assigned former UK left-handed pitcher James Paxton to minor league camp.
  • Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com ranks one-time UK outfielder turned second baseman Jason Kipnis the No. 3 prospect in the Cleveland Indians’ organization.
  • Tyler Kepner of The New York Times profiles the Texas Rangers’ plan B: Ashland native and former UK right-handed pitcher Brandon Webb.