Luke Shuemaker

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.)

BluGrass Baseball Week 12 Weekend Schedule

College Baseball

Check out the week 12 weekend schedule below with probable pitchers listed when available:

Western Kentucky University (27-18) vs. Florida Atlantic

  • Friday — 6 p.m. (CT) — LHP Tanner Perkins (6-2, 2.07 ERA) — Live Stats
  • Saturday — 12 p.m. (CT) — RHP Justin Hageman (7-4, 3.42 ERA)
  • Sunday — 12 p.m. (CT) — TBA

University of Louisville (25-18) vs. Seton Hall

  • Thursday — 1-0 L (18 inn) — RHP Derek Self (9.1 IP, 7 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 SO) — Box Score
  • Friday — 4 p.m. — RHP Justin Amlung (8-0, 1.64 ERA) — Gametracker
  • Saturday — 11 a.m. — TBA — Gametracker

University of Kentucky (20-25) vs. No. 4 Vanderbilt

  • Friday — 6 p.m. — RHP Alex Meyer (4-5, 3.32 ERA) — Gametracker
  • Saturday — 7 p.m. — LHP Corey Littrell (5-4, 5.80 ERA) — Gametracker
  • Sunday — TBA — Gametracker

Murray State University (16-26) @ Eastern Kentucky University (16-29)

  • Saturday — 1 p.m. — RHP Tyler Beers (3-6, 5.95 ERA) vs. RHP Stephen Hefler (5-4, 3.74 ERA) — Live Stats
  • Saturday — GM 2 (DH) — LHP Jake Donze (6-3, 4.26 ERA) vs. TBA
  • Sunday — 1 p.m. — LHP Luke Shuemaker (3-4, 6.93 ERA) vs. TBA
Morehead State University (7-33) @ UT Martin

  • Saturday — 2 p.m. — RHP Trey Smith (0-9, 8.10 ERA) — Live Stats
  • Saturday — GM 2 (DH) — LHP Garrick Whittle (2-3, 8.96 ERA)
  • Sunday — 2 p.m. — LHP Noah Smallwood (1-5, 9.23 ERA)

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: 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 Week Eight Weekend Schedule

College Baseball

Check out the week eight weekend schedule below:

University of Louisville (18-10) vs. Cincinnati

  • Friday — 6:30 p.m. — RHP Matt Koch (3-3, 2.95 ERA) — Gametracker
  • Saturday — 4 p.m. — RHP Justin Amlung (6-0, 0.92 ERA) — Gamtracker
  • Sunday — 1 p.m. — RHP Mike Nastold (3-2, 1.74 ERA) — Gametracker

Western Kentucky University (17-11) vs. Louisiana-Lafayette

  • Friday — 6 p.m. (CT) — RHP Justin Hageman (4-3, 3.00 ERA) — Live Stats
  • Saturday — 3 p.m. (CT) — LHP Tanner Perkins (6-1, 2.09 ERA) — Live Stats
  • Sunday — 11 a.m. (CT) — RHP Brian Edelen (3-1, 4.86 ERA) — Live Stats

University of Kentucky (16-14) vs. Auburn

  • Friday — 6:30 p.m. — RHP Alex Meyer (3-4, 3.10 ERA) — Gametracker
  • Saturday — 6:30 p.m. — LHP Corey Littrell (4-1, 4.82 ERA) — Gametracker
  • Sunday — 6:30 p.m. —  LHP Taylor Rogers (2-3, 5.50 ERA) — Gametracker

Murray State University (12-15) vs. Jacksonville St.

  • Saturday — 1 p.m. (CT) — RHP Tyler Beers (2-2, 5.23 ERA)
  • Saturday — GM 2 (DH) — LHP Jake Donze (4-1, 3.43 ERA)
  • Sunday — 1 p.m. (CT) — LHP Luke Shuemaker (2-3, 6.06 ERA)

Eastern Kentucky University (9-20) @ Austin Peay

  • Saturday — 1 p.m. — RHP Matt Fyffe (0-3, 4.26 ERA) — Live Stats
  • Saturday — GM 2 (DH) — LHP Kyle McGrath (2-2, 6.82 ERA) —Live Stats
  • Sunday — 1 p.m. — RHP Stephen Hefler (3-3, 3.86 ERA) —Live Stats

Morehead State University (5-23) vs. Eastern Illinois

  • Saturday — 1 p.m. — RHP Trey Smith (0-6, 6.63 ERA)
  • Saturday — GM 2 (DH) — LHP Garrick Whittle (1-1, 6.43 ERA)
  • Sunday — 1 p.m. — LHP Noah Smallwood (0-3, 8.51 ERA)

BluGrass Baseball Week Seven Weekend Schedule

College Baseball

Check out the week seven weekend schedule below with probable pitchers listed when available:

Western Kentucky University (16-9) @ UALR

  • Friday — 6 p.m. (CT) — LHP Tanner Perkins (5-1, 2.45 ERA) — Live Stats
  • Saturday — 4 p.m. (CT) — RHP Justin Hageman (4-3, 3.00 ERA) — Live Stats
  • Sunday — 1 p.m. (CT) — RHP Brian Edelen (3-0, 3.86 ERA) — Live Stats

University of Louisville (16-8) vs. WVU

  • Friday — 6 p.m. — RHP Matt Koch (3-2, 3.13 ERA) — Gametracker
  • Saturday — 1 p.m. — RHP Justin Amlung (5-0, 0.65 ERA) — Gametracker
  • Sunday — 1 p.m. — RHP Mike Nastold (2-2, 2.10 ERA) — Gametracker

University of Kentucky (15-11) @ South Carolina (3)

  • Friday — 7 p.m. — RHP Alex Meyer (3-3, 3.05 ERA) — Gametracker
  • Saturday — 4:30 p.m. — LHP Corey Littrell (4-1, 5.17 ERA) — Gametracker
  • Sunday — 1 p.m. — LHP Taylor Rogers (2-2, 5.45 ERA) — Gametracker

Murray State University (10-13) @ UT Martin

  • Saturday — 1 p.m. (CT) — RHP Tyler Beers (2-3, 5.50 ERA)
  • Saturday — GM 2 (DH) — LHP Jake Donze (3-1, 3.15 ERA)
  • Sunday — 1 p.m. (CT) — LHP Luke Shuemaker (2-3, 5.87 ERA)

Eastern Kentucky University (7-18) vs. SEMO

  • Saturday — 1 p.m. — RHP Matt Fyffe (0-3, 4.07 ERA) — Live Stats
  • Saturday — GM 2 (DH) — LHP Kyle McGrath (2-1, 5.46 ERA)
  • Sunday — 1 p.m. — RHP Stephen Hefler (2-3, 3.75 ERA)

Morehead State University @ SIU Edwardsville

  • Friday — 8 p.m.
  • Saturday — 2 p.m.
  • Sunday — 2 p.m.

Sunday roundup: WKU finishes sweep; UK clinches series win; UofL, Morehead St. lose; Murray St., EKU swept

College Baseball

J. T. Riddle; BluGrass Baseball photo

Recaps and highlights from Sunday Kentucky college baseball action:

  • The University of Louisville‘s offense continued to struggle in a 4-1 loss to Xavier that gave Musketeers the series win. UofL redshirt sophomore right-handed pitcher Mike Nastold took the loss after surrendering three runs on five hits in three and two-third innings while striking out three batters and walking three. Freshman center fielder Cole Sturgeon was 2-4 in the leadoff spot for the Cards, and redshirt junior right fielder Stewart Ijames was 2-5 with one RBI. Junior right-handed reliever Derek Self kept UofL in the game by surrendering just one hit in four scoreless innings and striking out five batters while walking one. (Box Score)
  • Western Kentucky University used a five-run fifth inning and a strong pitching performance from new weekend starting pitcher Brian Edelen to earn a 5-4 win and secure a series sweep of Middle Tennessee to begin Sun Belt Conference play. Redshirt senior right-handed pitcher Edelen earned the win after surrendering one unearned run in six innings while striking out three batters and walking none. Junior second baseman Ivan Hartle was 3-4 with three RBI, and junior left fielder Jared Andreoli was 2-4 with one RBI, one run scored and one stolen base. (Box Score)
  • The University of Kentucky used a four-run first inning to jump out to an early lead en route to a 7-3 win over Tennessee to clinch the team’s first Southeastern Conference series of the season. Freshman right fielder J. T. Riddle slugged a three-run home run in the first inning, and junior first baseman Braden Kapteyn finished the game 2-5 with two RBI and two runs scored. Sophomore left-handed pitcher Taylor Rogers earned the win after surrendering three runs on eight hits in five innings while striking out two batters and walking none. Senior designated hitter Mike Kaczmarek was 4-4 at the plate and recorded the final four outs of the game on the mound to earn his fourth save. (Box Score)
  • Murray State University scored 10 runs and tallied 13 hits but could not avoid a 14-10 loss that secured a series sweep for Georgia State. Junior left-handed pitcher Luke Shuemaker took the loss after surrendering seven runs, five of which were earned, on six hits in five innings. Six different Murray St. batters recorded two hits in the game, led by senior right fielder Zach Noonan, who was 2-4 with two RBI and three runs scored. Junior second baseman Travis Isaak, freshman third baseman Wes Warren and senior center fielder Elliot Frey each tallied two hits and two RBI in the game. (Box Score)
  • Eastern Kentucky University‘s road woes continued with a 14-5 loss to Indiana St. that dropped the Colonels to 0-9 on the road this season. Senior right-handed pitcher Stephen Hefler took the loss after surrendering six runs, four of which were earned, on six hits in six innings. Junior shortstop Richie Rodriguez led the offense and finished the game 3-3 with two runs scored. Junior left fielder Jacob Daniel, senior center fielder Ryan Faidley and freshman catcher Sean Hagen each tallied two hits in the game. (Box Score)
  • Morehead State University sophomore left-handed pitcher Garrick Whittle made his first start since opening weekend but that wasn’t enough to prevent an 11-4 loss to Miami (OH). Whittle took the loss after surrendering seven runs on six hits in three and one-third innings. Senior first baseman Michael Fear was 2-4 with one RBI, and senior second baseman Travis Redmon was 2-5 with one run scored. (Box Score)

Hitter of the day: RF J. T. Riddle (UK)

  • Stats: 1-2, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 HBP
  • Honorable Mention: Cole Sturgeon (UofL), Braden Kapteyn (UK), Mike Kaczmarek (UK), Jared Andreoli (WKU), Ivan Hartle (WKU), Zach Noonan (Murray St.), Travis Isaak (Murray St.), Richie Rodriguez (EKU), Ryan Faidley (EKU), Michael Fear (Morehead St.)

Pitcher of the day: RHP Brian Edelen (WKU)

  • Stats: 1-0, 6 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Derek Self (UofL), Taylor Rogers (UK), Trevor Gott (UK)

BluGrass Baseball Weekend Schedule: Week Five

College Baseball

Check out the Week Five Weekend Schedule below with probable starters listed when available. Links over the team names take you to the school’s game notes:

University of Louisville (11-5) vs. Xavier

  • Friday — 3 p.m. — RHP Matt Koch (2-1, 2.00 ERA) — Gametracker
  • Saturday — 1 p.m. — RHP Justin Amlung (3-0, 0.63 ERA) — Gametracker
  • Sunday — 1 p.m. — RHP Mike Nastold (2-0, 0.53 ERA) — Gametracker

Western Kentucky University (10-6) vs. Middle Tennessee

  • Friday — 6 p.m. — LHP Tanner Perkins (3-1, 2.48 ERA) — Live Stats
  • Saturday — 3 p.m. — RHP Justin Hageman (2-2, 2.91 ERA) — Live Stats
  • Sunday — 1 p.m. — RHP Brian Edelen (2-0, 4.66 ERA) — Live Stats

University of Kentucky (10-7) vs. Tennessee

  • Friday — 6:30 p.m. — RHP Alex Meyer (2-2, 2.60 ERA) — Gametracker
  • Saturday — 1 p.m. — RHP Jordan Cooper (1-0, 3.13 ERA) — Gametracker
  • Sunday — 1 p.m. — LHP Taylor Rogers (1-1, 4.62 ERA) — Gametracker

Murray State University (8-8) @ Georgia State

  • Friday — 5 p.m. (CT) — LHP Jake Donze (2-0, 1.11 ERA) — Live Stats
  • Saturday — 12 p.m. (CT) — RHP Tyler Beers (1-1, 3.76 ERA) — Live Stats
  • Sunday — 12 p.m. (CT) — LHP Luke Shuemaker (2-2, 6.14 ERA) — Live Stats

Eastern Kentucky University (6-10) @ Indiana State

  • Friday — 6 p.m. — RHP Matt Fyffe (0-2, 3.75 ERA) — Live Stats
  • Saturday — 2 p.m. — LHP Kyle McGrath (2-0, 7.31 ERA)
  • Sunday — 1 p.m. — RHP Stephen Hefler (2-1, 2.10 ERA)

Morehead State University (2-15) vs. Miami (OH)

  • Saturday — 1 p.m. — RHP Trey Smith (0-3, 6.66 ERA) — Live Stats
  • Saturday — GM 2 (DH) — RHP Josh Schneider (0-3, 8.28 ERA)
  • Sunday — 1 p.m. — LHP Noah Smallwood (0-2, 11.32 ERA)

BluGrass Baseball Pitching Leaderboard: March 15

College Baseball

In the second weekly leaderboard post we’ll look at the top pitching statistics through four weeks of the college baseball season. To be eligible for the ERA and batting average against categories, pitchers must have at least one inning per team game. Eligible players attend a Kentucky college or graduated from a Kentucky high school. Stats are current through Sunday’s games.

ERA

  • Mike Nastold — UofL — 0.53 (17 IP)
  • Justin Amlung — UofL — 0.63 (28.2 IP)
  • Jake Donze — Murray St. — 1.11 (24.1 IP)
  • Chad Martin — Indiana (PLD) — 1.23 (22 IP)
  • Matt Koch — UofL — 2.00 (27 IP)

Wins

  • Justin Amlung — UofL — 3-0
  • Tanner Perkins — WKU — 3-1
  • 12 players tied with 2 wins

Strikeouts

  • Alex Meyer — UK — 39
  • Luke Shuemaker — Murray St. — 21
  • Tyler Beers — Murray St. — 21
  • Taylor Rogers — UK — 21
  • Justin Hageman — WKU — 21

Innings Pitched

  • Justin Amlung — UofL — 28.2
  • Alex Meyer — UK — 27.2
  • Matt Koch — UofL — 27.0
  • Tyler Beers — Murray St. — 26.1
  • Stephen Hefler — EKU — 25.2

Saves

  • Tony Zych — UofL — 5
  • Cameron Finch — Murray St. — 3
  • Ryne Purcell — EKU — 2
  • Rye Davis — WKU — 2
  • Mike Kaczmarek — UK — 2

Batting Average Against

  • Justin Amlung — UofL — .131
  • Mike Nastold — UofL — .164
  • Chad Martin — Indiana (PLD) — .178
  • Alex Meyer — UK — .184
  • Matt Koch — UofL — .189

Appearances

  • Brian Edelen — WKU — 8
  • Matthew Robertson — Morehead St. — 8
  • Matt Cartwright — Morehead St. — 8
  • Tyler Hieneman — Morehead St. — 8
  • Eight players tied with 7 apperances