EKU sweeps doubleheader from Murray State

College Baseball

Eastern Kentucky University swept a doubleheader from Murray State University Saturday with a 5-3 win in game one and a 9-4 win in game two. EKU senior right-handed pitcher Stephen Hefler earned the win in game one after surrendering three runs on five hits in nine innings while striking out three batters and walking three. No EKU batter tallied multiple hits in the game, but junior left fielder Jacob Daniel and junior infielder Dustin Dunlop each homered. Murray St. junior right-handed pitcher Tyler Beers took the loss after surrendering five runs on six hits in eight innings.

In game two, EKU sophomore right-handed pitcher Alex Rexroat earned his first win after recording the final out of the sixth inning. The Colonels scored seven runs in the bottom of the sixth to rally for the 9-4 win. EKU junior first baseman A. J. Jamison was 3-4 with three RBI and two runs scored. EKU junior right fielder Michael Garcia was 2-4 with one RBI and one run scored, and Dunlop was 2-3 with one walk, one RBI and one run scored. Murray St. senior right-handed pitcher Jake Donze took the loss after surrendering eight runs on eight hits in five and two-third innings.

In game one, Murray St. junior first baseman Cody Larson 2-2 with one walk and one run scored, and junior second baseman Travis Isaak slugged a home run. In game two, Murray St. junior catcher Jacob Rhodes was 2-3 with one run scored, and sophomore third baseman Paul Ritzheimer was 2-3 with one walk, one RBI and one run scored. (Box Score, GM 1) (Box Score, Gm 2)

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

College Baseball

Alex Meyer; UK Athletics photo

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

Hitter of the week: INF Ryan Wright (UofL)

Stats: 8-15 (.533), 2 HR, 1 2B, 5 RBI, 3 R, 2 BB, 4 SBs
Honorable Mention: Matt Rice (WKU), Ryan Huck (WKU), Thomas McCarthy (UK), Luke Maile (UK), Jacob Rhodes (Murray St.), Bryan Soloman (EKU), Andrew Deeds (Morehead St.)

Pitcher of the week: RHP Alex Meyer (UK)

Stats: 1-0, 9 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 10 SO
Honorable Mention: Derek Self (UofL), Justin Amlung (UofL), Jordan Cooper (UK), Corey Littrell (UK), Jake Donze (Murray St.), Stephen Hefler (EKU), Garrick Whittle (Morehead St.), Josh Schneider (Morehead St.)

Freshman of the week: LHP Corey Littrell (UK)

Stats: 1-0, 5.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 SO
Honorable Mention: Scott Wilcox (WKU), Kyle Gibson (UofL), Ryan Seiz (UofL), Matt Reida (UK), Brandon Eggenschwiler (Murray St.), Bryan Soloman (EKU), Blake Bottoms (EKU), Noah Smallwood (Morehead St.)

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

College Baseball

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

Recaps and highlights from Saturday Kentucky baseball action:

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

Hitter of the day: 3B Andrew Deeds (Morehead St.)

Stats: 2-4, 1 3B, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 1 R
Honorable Mention: Ryan Hutchinson (WKU), Ryan Seiz (UofL), J. J. Ethel (UofL), Michael Williams (UK), Jacob Rhodes (Murray St.), Paul Ritzheimer (Murray St.), Bryan Soloman (EKU), A. J. Jamison (EKU), Kellen Begeman (Morehead St.)

Pitcher of the day: RHP Alex Meyer (UK)

Stats: 1-0, 9 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 10 SO
Honorable Mention: Jake Donze (Murray St.), Stephen Hefler (EKU), Noah Smallwood (Morehead St.)

NCAA roundup: EKU wins; WKU beats Murray State

College Baseball

Recaps and highlights from Wednesday Kentucky college baseball action:

You can read the recap of Western Kentucky University‘s 3-2 win over Murray State University here.
Two different Colonel batters tallied four hits to lead Eastern Kentucky University to a 5-4 win over Ohio. Senior first baseman A. J. Jamison was 4-5 with two RBI, one run scored, one walk and two stolen bases, and freshman third baseman Bryan Soloman was 4-5 with one double and one RBI. Senior right-handed pitcher Macon Smith was credited with the win after surrendering one run on two hits in one and two-third innings, and senior right-handed pitcher Ryne Purcell pitched a scoreless ninth inning for his third save. (Box Score)

Hitter of the day: 1B A. J. Jamison (EKU)

Stats: 4-5, 1 BB, 2 RBI, 1 R, 2 SBs
Honorable Mention: Matt Rice (WKU), Kes Carter (WKU), Ty Stetson (Murray St.), Jacob Rhodes (Murray St.), Bryan Soloman (EKU)

Pitcher of the day: RHP Rye Davis (WKU)

Stats: ND, 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 2 SO
Honorable Mention: Luke Shuemaker (Murray St.), Paul Duncan (EKU)

WKU uses bases-loaded walk to defeat Murray State

College Baseball

Western Kentucky University scored the eventual winning run on a bases-loaded walk in the seventh inning in a 3-2 win over Murray State University. WKU Sophomore catcher Ryan Huck and freshman first baseman Justin Hageman singled to lead of the seventh inning then moved up on a sacrifice bunt. Murray St. junior left-handed pitcher Luke Shuemaker intentionally walked WKU senior designated hitter Matt Rice to load the bases before walking WKU junior center fielder Kes Carter to force in the go-ahead run.

WKU freshman right-handed pitcher G. J. Strauss earned the win after surrendering one run on three hits in two innings while striking out three batters and walking none. WKU redshirt junior right-handed pitcher Rye Davis, who had served as the team’s closer for most of the season, started the game and surrendered one run on four hits in five innings while striking out two batters and walking three. Junior right-handed pitcher Phil Wetherell recorded the final four outs of the game without surrendering a run to earn his fourth save.

Shuemaker took the loss for Murray St. despite recording a quality start by surrendering three runs on nine hits in seven innings while striking out one batter and walking three. Murray St. junior catcher Jacob Rhodes was 2-5 with one home run, and freshman left fielder Ty Stetson reached base four times with two hits and two walks. Rice and junior right fielder Ryan Hutchinson each had two hits for the Hilltoppers. (Box Score)

Player of the game: CF Kes Carter (WKU) — 1-3, 2 RBI, 1 BB

BluGrass Baseball 2011 Midseason All-State Team

Uncategorized

With seven weeks of the college baseball season, it’s time for the midseason all-state team. Check out the first- and second-team honorees below and check back tomorrow for the midseason hitter, pitcher and freshman awards.

First Team

C — Taylor Davis — Morehead St. — .383/.482/.713, 7 HR, 24 RBI, 22 R
1B — Braden Kapteyn — UK — .325/.431/.465, 3 HR, 27 RBI, 26 R
2B — Ryan Wright — UofL — .303/.379/.514, 4 HR, 20 RBI, 25 R, 8/8 SBs
3B — Andrew Deeds — Morehead St. — .369/.436/.660, 4 HR, 23 RBI, 25 R
SS — Brandon Elliott — Murray St. — .429/.515/.536, 12 RBI, 27 R
OF — Jacob Daniel — EKU — .379/.451/.621, 6 HR, 30 RBI, 16 R
OF — Jared Andreoli — WKU — .378/.457/.520, 2 HR, 26 RBI, 27 R, 8 SBs
OF — Kes Carter — WKU — .366/.471/.564, 2 HR, 15 RBI, 25 R, 4 SBs
DH — Matt Rice — WKU — .342/.431/.558, 6 HR, 33 RBI, 25 R
SP — Justin Amlung — UofL — 6-0, 0.92 ERA, 33 SO/10 BB, 48.2 IP
SP — Tanner Perkins — WKU — 6-1, 2.09 ERA, 43 SO/7 BB, 47.1 IP
SP — Alex Meyer — UK — 3-4, 3.10 ERA, 62 SO/26 BB, 49.1 IP
RP — Tony Zych — UofL — 0-1, 2.92 ERA, 7 saves, 12 SO/4 BB, 12.2 IP

Second team

C — Jacob Rhodes — Murray St. — .371/.458/.472, 1 HR, 22 RBI, 12 R
1B — Ryan Seiz — UofL — .288/.372/.452, 2 HR, 11 RBI, 16 R
2B — Travis Isaak — Murray St. — .324/.377/.457, 1 HR, 23 RBI, 16 R
3B — Thomas McCarthy — UK — .304/.405/.491, 3 HR, 16 RBI, 20 R
SS — Richie Rodriguez — EKU — .398/.469/.522, 1 HR, 19 RBI, 22 R, 11 SBs
OF — J. T. Riddle — UK — .338/.433/.475, 2 HR, 15 RBI, 14 R, 4 SBs
OF — Ryan Hutchinson — WKU — .310/.371/.492, 3 HR, 27 RBI, 27 R
OF — Chad Wright — UK — .330/.449/.486, 3 HR, 21 RBI, 19 RBI
DH — Logan Robbins — WKU — .384/.481/.558, 2 HR, 18 RBI, 19 R, 9 SBs
SP — Mike Nastold — UofL — 3-2, 1.74 ERA, 24 SO/16 BB, 31 IP
SP — Matt Koch — UofL — 3-3, 2.95 ERA, 26 SO/11 BB, 42.2 IP
SP — Justin Hageman — WKU — 4-3, 3.00 ERA, 40 SO/17 BB, 42 IP
RP — Derek Self — UofL — 2-0, 0.68 ERA, 19 SO/5 BB, 26.2 IP

BluGrass Baseball Hitting Leaderboard: April 5

College Baseball

Check out the weekly edition of the college baseball leaderboard below. We’ll look at batting statistics today, remembering that players must have 2.5 at-bats per team game to be eligible for the batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage catergories. Stats are current through Sunday’s games.

Batting Average

Brandon Elliott — Murray St. — .429 (36-84)
Richie Rodriguez — EKU — .385 (42-109)
Logan Robbins — WKU — .384 (33-86)
Taylor Davis — Morehead St. — .383 (36-94)
Jared Andreoli — WKU — .377 (46-122)

Home Runs

Taylor Davis — Morehead St. — 7
Stewart Ijames — UofL — 6
Jacob Daniel — EKU — 6
Matt Rice — WKU — 5
Andrew Deeds — Morehead St. — 4
Bryan Soloman — EKU — 4

RBI

Matt Rice — WKU — 30
Braden Kapteyn — UK –26
Ryan Hutchinson — WKU — 26
Jacob Daniel — EKU — 26
Stewart Ijames — UofL — 24
Taylor Davis — Morehead St. — 24

Runs

Brandon Elliott — Murray St. — 27
Jared Andreoli — WKU — 26
Ryan Hutchinson — WKU — 26
Taylor Black — UK — 25
Andrew Deeds — Morehead St. — 25

Stolen Bases

Chad Wright — UK — 12/15
Logan Robbins — WKU — 9/11
Richie Rodriguez — EKU — 9/10
Ryan Wright — UofL — 8/8
Jared Andreoli — WKU — 8/11

On-Base Percentage

Brandon Elliott — Murray St. — .515
Taylor Davis — Morehead St. — .482
Logan Robbins — WKU — .481
Kes Carter — WKU — .474
Jacob Rhodes — Murray St. — .458

Slugging Percentage

Taylor Davis — Morehead St. — .713
Andrew Deeds — Morehead St. — .660
Jacob Daniel — EKU — .586
Kes Carter — WKU — .573
Stewart Ijames — UofL — .564

Jacob Rhodes named OVC player of week; Alex Meyer projected as first-round pick; Corey Hart frustrated by injury

College Baseball, Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball

Corey Hart; Photo by Steve Paluch via Flickr

Latest links from around Kentucky baseball:

Murray State University junior catcher Jacob Rhodes was named the Ohio Valley Conference player of the week. Rhodes was also the BluGrass Baseball player of the week.
Kendall Rogers of Perfect Game USA lists the University of Louisville among his 25 teams to watch outside the PG top 25.
David Rawnsley of Perfect Game USA has posted his latest mock draft and has the Tampa Bay Rays taking University of Kentucky junior right-handed pitcher Alex Meyer with pick No. 32.
Tom Haudicourt and Todd Rosiak of the Journal Sentinel reports Bowling Green native Corey Hart still has no timetable to start a minor league rehab assignment.
Anthony Andro of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports Ashland native and former UK right-handed pitcher Brandon Webb was unhappy with his control during a live batting practice session on Monday.
Josh Jackson of MLB.com lists one-time UK outfielder turned second baseman Jason Kipnis and Louisville Bats catcher Devin Mesoraco among the prospects to watch in the International League early in the season.
Greg Johns of MLB.com reports Highland Heights native and former NKU right-handed pitcher Josh Lueke was rattled by base runner Coco Crisp during his MLB debut.
Matt Pignataro of 7 Train to Shea has posted a Q&A with Lexington native and Rangers prospect Robbie Ross.
Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com has an excellent column about Lexington native Austin Kearns and his decision to return to Cleveland in part because of the treatment his autistic son could receive at the Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital for Autism.

Rhodes, Perkins, Littrell named week seven award winners

College Baseball

Jacob Rhodes; BluGrass Baseball photo

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

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

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

Pitcher of the week: LHP Tanner Perkins (WKU)

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

Freshman of the week: RHP Corey Littrell (UK)

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

NCAA roundup: UofL wins 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)