Kyle Grieshaber

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: 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.)

UK scores one run in 9th inning to earn 3-2 win over UofL

Uncategorized

Jordan Cooper; UK Athletics photo

The University of Kentucky scored a single run in the ninth inning on a RBI single from senior shortstop Taylor Black to earn a 3-2 win over the University of Louisville. UK junior left fielder Chad Wright doubled with one out in the top of the ninth inning then moved to third on a wild pitch from UofL junior closer Tony Zych. Black then lined the first pitch he saw into right field to put UK ahead. UK freshman right-handed pitcher Trevor Gott was credited with the win after recording the final out of the eighth inning prior to the Cats’ rally.

UK jumped out to an early lead with two runs in the top of the first inning. Wright reached on an error by UofL freshman right-handed pitcher Jeff Gardner to start the game then moved to second on a single from Black. Gardner hit UK junior designated hitter Braden Kapteyn with a pitch to load the bases before UK freshman right fielder J. T. Riddle drove Wright home with a single. Black then scored on a double-play from UK junior third baseman Thomas McCarthy.

UofL got on the board in the sixth inning when sophomore designated hitter Kyle Grieshaber doubled with one out and then scored on a single from redshirt junior right fielder Stewart Ijames. The Cards tied the game in the seventh inning when sophomore third baseman Cade Stallings led off the inning with a single and later scored on a groundout from freshman shortstop Alex Chittenden.

UK sophomore right-handed pitcher Jordan Cooper took a no decision despite surrendering two runs, one of which was earned, on five hits in six and one-third innings while striking out two batters and walking three. Thompson surrendered two unearned runs on seven hits in three and two-third innings in the start for UofL. Cards junior right-handed pitcher Derek Self took the loss after surrendering one run in one and two-third innings. Wright and Black were both 3-4 in the game for UK. (Box Score)

Player of the game — SS Taylor Black (UK) — 3-4, 1 RBI, 1 R

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)

College roundup: UofL, WKU clinch series wins; EKU earns first road win; UK drops second straight to Alabama

College Baseball

Ryan Wright; UofL photo

Recaps and highlights from Saturday Kentucky college baseball action:

  • Western Kentucky University remained undefeated in Sun Belt Conference play and won its eighth game in a row with a 6-4 win over FIU. Freshman right-handed pitcher Justin Hageman earned the win after surrendering one run on seven hits in six and two-third innings while striking out eight batters and walking four. Junior shortstop Logan Robbins was 3-4 with one RBI, and junior second baseman Ivan Hartle was 2-4 with one RBI and two runs scored. Sophomore first baseman Ryan Huck slugged his second home run of the season. (Box Score)
  • The University of Louisville clinched a series victory in its first Big East Conference series with a 9-2 win over Rutgers. Redshirt sophomore right-handed pitcher Justin Amlung improved to 5-0 on the season after surrendering two runs, one of which was earned, on seven hits in six innings while striking out seven batters and walking three. Junior second baseman Ryan Wright finish the game a double shy of the cycle and was 4-5 with a home run, triple, five RBI and three runs scored. Redshirt junior right fielder Stewart Ijames slugged his fifth home run of the season, and junior right-handed pitcher Derek Self held Rutgers scoreless over the final three innings for the save. (Box Score)
  • The University of Kentucky surrendered an unearned run in the bottom of the ninth inning in a 6-5 loss to Alabama, clinching a series win for the Crimson Tide. Freshman right-handed pitcher Trevor Gott took the loss after surrendering one unearned run on two hits in two and one-third innings. Freshman center fielder Lucas Witt was 2-2 with one walk and one run scored in his return from injury. Sophomore right-handed pitcher Jordan Cooper had his second consecutive poor start after surrendering five runs on six hits in two and two-third innings. (Box Score)
  • Murray State University‘s double-header versus Austin Peay was rained out. The two teams will play a double-header on Sunday.
  • Eastern Kentucky University earned its first road win of the season with a 9-7 victory over Eastern Illinois. Senior right-handed pitcher Ryne Purcell was credited with the win after surrendering two runs on three hits in one inning. Senior center fielder Ryan Faidley and sophomore first baseman Alex Hughes each homered in the game, and junior shortstop Richie Rodriguez was 2-4 with a triple, three RBI and two runs scored. Senior right-handed pitcher Chris Hord pitched a scoreless ninth inning for his first save, and redshirt junior right-handed starting pitcher Matt Fyffe surrendered two runs in five innings. (Box Score)
  • Morehead State University‘s double-header versus Southeast Missouri was rained out. The two teams will play a double-header on Sunday.

Hitter of the day: 2B Ryan Wright (UofL)

  • Stats: 4-5, 1 HR, 1 3B, 5 RBI, 3 R
  • Honorable Mention: Richie Rodriguez (EKU), Ryan Faidley (EKU), Lucas Witt (UK), Stewart Ijames (UofL), Kyle Grieshaber (UofL), Logan Robbins (WKU), Ivan Hartle (WKU)

Pitcher of the day: RHP Justin Hageman (WKU)

  • Stats: 1-0, 6.2 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 8 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Justin Amlung (UofL), Derek Self (UofL), Walter Wijas (UK), Matt Fyffe (EKU)

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)

Tuesday roundup: UofL, WKU, UK win; OVC teams all lose

College Baseball

Corey Littrell; BluGrass Baseball photo

Recaps and highlights from Tuesday Kentucky college baseball action:

  • The University of Louisville’s offense busted out of its early season slump to tall 15 hits in an 11-2 win over Kent State. Junior second baseman Ryan Wright was 3-3 with two RBI, three runs scored and one walk, and freshman first baseman Ryan Seiz was 3-3 with one home run, three RBI, two runs scored and one walk. Sophomore designated hitter Kyle Grieshaber and redshirt junior right fielder Stewart Ijames also homered in the game. Freshman right-handed pitcher Jeff Thompson earned his first win after surrendering one unearned run in three innings. (Box Score)
  • Western Kentucky University took the lead with three runs in third inning and added two insurance runs in the fourth inning to earn a 5-2 win over Austin Peay. Three WKU batters, junior shortstop Logan Robbins, senior third baseman Casey Dykes and sophomore catcher Ryan Huck, tallied two hits in the game. Dykes drove in three runs and Huck drove in two. Robbins and junior right fielder Ryan Hutchinson each scored two runs. Sophomore right-handed pitcher Taylor Haydel earned the win after pitching three scoreless innings, and junior right-handed pitcher Phil Wetherell picked up asave with a scoreless ninth inning. (Box Score)
  • The University of Kentucky scored just two runs through seven innings but added two in the eighth inning to secure a 4-2 win over Cincinnati. Freshman left-handed pitcher Corey Littrell earned his third win of the season after surrendering one run on eight hits in six innings while striking out four batters and walking two. Freshman right fielder J. T. Riddle was 3-4 with a double and one run scored, and junior catcher Michael Williams was 3-4 with a double, one RBI and two runs scored. Junior designated hitter and right-handed pitcher Braden Kapteyn came on with men on second and third with no outs in the ninth inning but struck out the side to earn his second save. (Box Score)
  • You can see the BluGrass Baseball recap of the Mid-Continent University 5-1 win over Murray State University here.
  • Eastern Kentucky University’s losing streak reached six games with a 6-3 loss to Miami (OH). Junior right-handed pitcher Matt Harris took the loss after surrendering three runs in one inning in his first start of the season. The Colonels used the midweek game to get its bullpen some work with nine different pitchers going one inning. Sophomore left fielder Austin Grisham and junior designated hitter Jacob Daniel were both 2-5 in the game. (Box Score)
  • If last week’s loss to Georgetown College wasn’t the low point of the 2011 season, Morehead State University hit that point Tuesday with a 32-17 loss to Canisius. Three different Eagles pitchers surrendered at least six runs in the game with the loss going to sophomore right-handed pitcher Cody Gibson, who surrendered seven runs on eight hits in two and two-third innings. Canisius tallied 28 hits and scored in every inning except the first and fourth. Three different Morehead St. batters had three hits in the game, led by Luke Bainer, who was 3-5 with two home runs, four RBI and two runs scored. (Box Score)

Hitter of the day: RF Luke Bainer (Morehead St.)

  • Stats: 3-5, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 2 R
  • Honorable Mention: Ryan Wright (UofL), Ryan Seiz (UofL), Travis Redmon (Morehead St.), Daniel Pugh (Morehead St.), Taylor Davis (Morehead St.), J. T. Riddle (UK), Michael Williams (UK), Casey Dykes (WKU)

Pitcher of the day: RHP Allen Hasse (Mid-Continent)

  • Stats: 1-0, 9 IP, 8 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 3 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Jeff Thompson (UofL), Chad Green (UofL), Tyler Saltsman (Murray St.), Corey Littrell (UK), Taylor Haydel (WKU)

Sunday roundup: UofL, UK win; Murray State sweeps DH; EKU, Morehead State drop tournament finales in Tenn.

College Baseball

Jordan Cooper; UK Athletics photo

Recaps and highlights from Sunday Kentucky college baseball action:

  • University of Louisville redshirt sophomore right-handed pitcher Mike Nastold earned his first win since 2009 in leading the Cards to a 1-0 victory over Kent State to finish off the three-game series sweep. Nastold surrendered just four hits in five shutout innings while striking out three batters and walking one. Junior right-handed pitcher Travis Tingle recorded the final out after entering the game with two men on base to earn his first save. UofL scored the only run of the game in the fourth inning when sophomore first baseman Zak Wasserman singled home sophomore designated hitter Kyle Grieshaber with two outs. Wasserman, sophomore third baseman Cade Stallings and freshman center fielder Cole Sturgeon tallied UofL’s three hits in the game. (Box Score)
  • Behind sophomore right-handed pitcher Jordan Cooper the University of Kentucky ensured it would not leave the Houston College Classic at Minute Maid Park without a win after a 2-1 win over Utah on Sunday. Cooper, who turned in arguably his best start of his collegiate career, earned his first win of the season after surrendering one run on three hits in seven innings while striking out a career-high nine batters and walking three. Freshman right-handed pitcher Trevor Gott struck out four batters over the final two innings to earn his first collegiate save. The Cats scored the eventual winning run in the top of the eight inning after junior designated hitter Braden Kapteyn tripled with one out and later scored on a RBI-single from junior catcher Michael Williams with two outs. (Box Score)
  • Junior right-handed pitcher Tyler Beers earned his first win of the season as Murray State University scored six runs in the sixth inning in a 12-7 win over North Dakota St. Beers surrendered three runs, two of which were earned, on six hits in six and one-third innings while striking out two batters and walking two. Sophomore third baseman Paul Ritzheimer was 4-5 with three RBI and one run scored, and junior catcher Jacob Rhodes was 3-5 with one RBI and two runs scored. Senior center fielder Elliot Frey was 2-2 with two walks, one double, one RBI and two runs scored. (Box score)
  • In game two of its double-header Murray St. scored two runs in the third inning, which proved to be enough for a 2-1 win over North Dakota St. in a seven-inning game. Senior left-handed pitcher Jake Donze earned the win after surrendering one unearned run on five hits in seven innings while striking out six batters and walking one. At the plate Rhodes led the Breds with a 3-3, one run scored performance. Ritzheimer and redshirt freshman designated hitter Brandon Eggenschwiler tallied the two RBI for Murray St. (Box Score)
  • Eastern Kentucky University finish its two games in the Memphis College Classic winless with a 3-1 loss to Oral Roberts on Sunday. The Colonels wasted another strong start from senior right-handed pitcher Stephen Hefler, who surrendered three unearned runs on four hits in six and two-third innings while striking out four batters and walking two. At the plate sophomore second baseman Matt Phipps was the only Colonel with multiple hits and finished the game 2-4. Junior shortstop Richie Rodriguez scored EKU’s only run in the game. (Box Score)
  • Morehead State University finished the University of Tennessee tournament without a win with a 10-8 loss to the host school on Sunday. Freshman left-handed pitcher Noah Smallwood took the loss after surrendering nine runs on nine hits in four and two-third innings. At the plate junior third baseman Andrew Deeds was 3-4 with one home run, two RBI and one run scored to lead the Eagles.  PRP alum and Tennessee junior shortstop Zach Osborne was 2-4 with one RBI and two runs scored versus the Eagles. Morehead St. trailed 10-3 entering the ninth inning but scored five runs in the frame and put the tying run on base before junior right fielder Luke Bainer struck out to end the game. (Box Score)

Hitter of the day: 3B Paul Ritzheimer (Murray St.)

  • Stats: 5-6, 4 RBI, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 SB
  • Honorable Mention: Jacob Rhodes (Murray St.), Elliot Frey (Murray St.), Braden Kapteyn (UK), Andrew Deeds (Morehead St.)

Pitcher of the day: RHP Jordan Cooper (UK)

  • Stats: 1-0, 7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 9 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Mike Nastold (UofL), Chad Green (UofL), Stephen Hefler (EKU), Trevor Gott (UK), Jake Donze (Murray St.), Tyler Beers (Murray St.), Cameron Finch (Murray St.)

2011 Lineup projections: University of Louisville

College Baseball

Following the completion of the “offseason position battle” series we will post a lineup project for each of the five division one schools this week. The lineups are based on the position battle posts and are my projection with a little background research of what the Opening Day lineup might look like. Note that while some positions were not included in the offseason battle series because they had an incumbent starter those starters can still change. We will also include weekend rotations, midweek starters and closers for good measure. In the final lineup projection we’ll look at the University of Louisville.

Lineup

  • C — J. J. Ethel
  • 1B — Zak Wasserman
  • 2B — Ryan Wright
  • 3B — Cade Stallings
  • SS — Alex Chittenden
  • LF — Kyle Grieshaber
  • CF — Drew Haynes
  • RF — Stewart Ijames
  • DH — Ryan Seiz

Weekend rotation

  • RHP Matt Koch
  • RHP Mike Nastold
  • RHP Justin Amlung

Midweek starting pitchers

  • RHP Derek Self
  • RHP Dace Kime

Closer

  • RHP Tony Zych

Offseason position battle: UofL outfielder

College Baseball

In the sixth University of Louisville post in the “offseason position battle” series we will look at the vacant outfield position.

The departed — Texas Rangers draftee Josh Richmond, a 2010 junior, missed most of last season with a wrist injury but batted .262 with one home run, 10 RBI and 17 runs scored in 23 games for the Cards. Richmond, an outfielder who started in each of his 23 appearances, was the Rangers 12th round pick in the 2010 draft…Tampa Bay Rays draftee Phil Wunderlich, a 2010 junior, started five games in left field last season…First baseman and outfielder Mike Morrison, a 2010 sophomore, and outfielder Drew Fitzpatrick, a 2010 freshman, started 12 games in the outfield for the Cards last season but neither is listed on the 2011 UofL roster

Returning candidates — Outfield stalwarts senior Drew Haynes and redshirt junior Stewart Ijames return to UofL after starting 64 and 63 games respectively for the Cards in 2010. Haynes batted .291 with 15 stolen bases and served as the primary center fielder until Richmond returned from injury late in the season. Ijames, the 29th round pick of the New York Yankees, batted .324 with 14 home runs, 63 RBI and 64 runs scored in 2010…Sophomore utility man Kyle Grieshaber started 23 games in left field for the Cards in 2010 while serving as Richmond’s primary replacement during his injury. Grieshaber batted .239 with one home run, 15 RBI and 24 runs scored in 53 games last season, but he is the leading candidate for the vacant third base position, after starting each of the five Fall Pizza Bowl Series games there…Sophomore outfielder Jarred Clarkson started two games in left field in 2010 but was just 2-16 in 28 games for the Cards last year.

Newcomers to watch — Freshman Cody Edge started each of the five Pizza Bowl Series games in left field, going 4-12 with two runs scored, two RBI and a walk. Edge will also likely pitch for the Cards in 2011. The two-way player was a three-time all-state selection at Cherokee Washington High School in Iowa and batted .456 with nine home runs, 34 RBI and 32 runs scored as a senior…Freshman outfielder and left-handed pitcher Cole Sturgeon started each of the five Pizza Bowl Series games in centerfield and finished the series 7-17 with two runs scored, five RBI and two walks. Sturgeon was named first-team all state by the Kentucky High School Baseball Coaches Association as a senior at Owensboro Catholic High School.

Wildcard — Freshman infielders Ryan Seiz and Adam Engel both have the ability to play outfield but started each Pizza Bowl Series game at third base and second base respectively. Each of those positions is likely to be manned by a veteran when the Cards begin the 2011 season so head coach Dan McDonnell could elect to player either newcomer in the outfield to get some playing time. The vacant outfield position will also be heavily effect by the corner infield battles as McDonnell is likely to make sure sophomores Grieshaber, Zak Wasserman and Cade Stallings are each in the lineup in some combination at first base, third base, outfield and designated hitter.