BluGrass Baseball Pitching Leaderboard: May 4

College Baseball

In the second weekly leaderboard post we’ll look at the top pitching statistics through 10 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 Tuesday’s games.

ERA

  • Derek Self — UofL — 1.49 (48.1)
  • Justin Amlung — UofL — 1.64 (76.2 IP)
  • Tanner Perkins — WKU — 2.07 (74.0 IP)
  • Alex Meyer — UK — 3.32 (78.2 IP)
  • Justin Hageman — WKU — 3.42 (71.0 IP)

Wins

  • Justin Amlung — UofL — 8-0
  • Jeremy Dobbs — Austin Peay (Daviess Co. HS) — 8-2
  • Justin Hageman — WKU — 7-4
  • Tanner Perkins — WKU — 6-2
  • Jake Donze — Murray St. — 6-3

Strikeouts

  • Alex Meyer — UK — 91
  • Damon McCormick — Valpo (St. X) — 72
  • Justin Hageman — WKU — 69
  • Tanner Perkins — WKU — 63
  • Justin Amlung — UofL — 60

Innings Pitched

  • Damon McCormick — Valpo (St. X HS) — 79.0
  • Alex Meyer — UK — 78.2
  • Justin Amlung — UofL — 76.2
  • Tanner Perkins — WKU — 74.0
  • Justin Hageman — WKU — 71.0

Saves

  • Tony Zych — UofL — 11
  • Mike Kaczmarek — UK — 4
  • Cameron Finch — Murray St. — 4
  • Phil Wetherell — WKU — 4
  • Ryne Purcell — EKU — 4

Batting Average Against

  • Derek Self — UofL — .182
  • Justin Amlung — UofL — .191
  • Damon McCormick — Valpo (St. X) — .211
  • Tanner Perkins — WKU — .221
  • Alex Meyer — UK — .225

Appearances

  • Nick Maronde — Florida (Lexington Catholic) — 23
  • Phil Wetherell — WKU — 22
  • Alex Phillips — UK — 22
  • Taylor Haydel — WKU — 21
  • Matt Harris — EKU — 20
  • Trevor Gott — UK — 20
  • Tony Zych — UofL — 20

BluGrass Baseball Pitching Leaderboard: April 26

College Baseball

In the second weekly leaderboard post we’ll look at the top pitching statistics through 10 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

  • Justin Amlung — UofL — 1.42 (69.2 IP)
  • Derek Self — UofL — 1.55 (40.2)
  • Tanner Perkins — WKU — 1.88 (67.0 IP)
  • Chad Martin — Indiana (PLD) — 3.19 (53.2 IP)
  • Justin Hageman — WKU — 3.23 (64.0 IP)

Wins

  • Justin Amlung — UofL — 7-0
  • Jeremy Dobbs — Austin Peay (Daviess Co. HS) — 7-2
  • Tanner Perkins — WKU — 6-2
  • Jake Donze — Murray St. — 6-2
  • Justin Hageman — WKU — 6-4

Strikeouts

  • Alex Meyer — UK — 81
  • Damon McCormick — Valpo (St. X) — 66
  • Justin Hageman — WKU — 63
  • Tanner Perkins — WKU — 56
  • Justin Amlung — UofL — 53

Innings Pitched

  • Damon McCormick — Valpo (St. X HS) — 72.0
  • Alex Meyer — UK — 71.2
  • Justin Amlung — UofL — 69.2
  • Tanner Perkins — WKU — 67.0
  • Justin Hageman — WKU — 64.0

Saves

  • Tony Zych — UofL — 10
  • Mike Kaczmarek — UK — 4
  • Cameron Finch — Murray St. — 4
  • Phil Wetherell — WKU — 4
  • Ryne Purcell — EKU — 4

Batting Average Against

  • Derek Self — UofL — .181
  • Justin Amlung — UofL — .187
  • Tanner Perkins — WKU — .210
  • Damon McCormick — Valpo (St. X) — .216
  • Alex Meyer — UK — .230

Appearances

  • Phil Wetherell — WKU — 21
  • Alex Phillips — UK — 20
  • Taylor Haydell — WKU — 20
  • Nick Maronde — Florida (Lexington Catholic) — 20
  • Matt Harris — EKU — 19
  • Trevor Gott — UK — 19
  • Tony Zych — UofL — 19

BluGrass Baseball Pitching Leaderboard: April 19

Uncategorized

In the second weekly leaderboard post we’ll look at the top pitching statistics through nine 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

  • Justin Amlung — UofL — 1.29 (62.2 IP)
  • Tanner Perkins — WKU — 1.95 (60.0 IP)
  • Chad Martin — Indiana (PLD) — 2.41 (52.1 IP)
  • Justin Hageman — WKU — 2.44 (59 IP)
  • Matt Koch — UofL — 3.52 (53.2 IP)

Wins

  • Jeremy Dobbs — Austin Peay (Daviess Co. HS) — 7-1
  • Justin Amlung — UofL — 6-0
  • Tanner Perkins — WKU — 6-1
  • Justin Hageman — WKU — 6-3
  • Jake Donze — Murray St. — 5-2
  • Taylor Haydel — WKU — 5-3

Strikeouts

  • Alex Meyer — UK — 71
  • Justin Hageman — WKU — 58
  • Damon McCormick — Valpo (St. X) — 56
  • Tanner Perkins — WKU — 50
  • Jeremy Dobbs — Austin Peay (Daviess Co. HS) — 47

Innings Pitched

  • Damon McCormick — Valpo (St. X HS) — 64.0
  • Alex Meyer — UK — 62.2
  • Justin Amlung — UofL — 62.2
  • Tanner Perkins — WKU — 60.0
  • Justin Hageman — WKU — 59.0

Saves

  • Tony Zych — UofL — 9
  • Mike Kaczmarek — UK — 4
  • Cameron Finch — Murray St. — 4
  • Phil Wetherell — WKU — 4
  • Ryne Purcell — EKU — 4

Batting Average Against

  • Justin Amlung — UofL — .183
  • Tanner Perkins — WKU — .212
  • Brandon Boling — Gardner Webb (Bryan Station HS) — .216
  • Damon McCormick — Valpo (St. X) — .224
  • Chad Martin — Indiana (PLD) — .230

Appearances

  • Phil Wetherell — WKU — 20
  • Matt Harris — EKU — 18
  • Alex Phillips — UK — 18
  • Taylor Haydell — WKU — 18
  • Ross Hammonds — WKU — 17
  • Nick Maronde — Florida (Lexington Catholic) — 17
  • Trevor Gott — UK — 17

Carter, Hefler and Hageman win Week Nine NCAA awards

College Baseball

Kes Carter; WKU photo

During a week when Kentucky DI teams went just 8-15 and accumulated just three wins against teams outside the state, there were still plenty of standout individual performances. Check out the week nine award winners below:

Hitter of the week: OF Kes Carter (WKU)

  • Stats: 10-22 (.455), 2 HR, 11 RBI, 6 R, 2 BB, 1 SB
  • Honorable Mention: Matt Rice (WKU), Stewart Ijames (UofL), Taylor Black (UK), Zach Noonan (Murray St.), A. J. Jamison (EKU), Jacob Daniel (EKU), Bryan Soloman (EKU), Taylor Davis (Morehead St.)
Pitcher of the week: RHP Stephen Hefler (EKU)
  • Stats: 1-0, 8.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 8 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Tanner Perkins (WKU), Justin Hageman (WKU), Brian Edelen (WKU), Justin Amlung (UofL), Jordan Cooper (UK), Alex Meyer (UK), Jake Donze (Murray St.), Kyle McGrath (EKU), Matt Harris (EKU), Trey Smith (Morehead St.)
Freshman of the week: RHP Justin Hageman (WKU)
  • Stats: 1-0, 8 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 8 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Ty Young (UofL), Trevor Gott (UK), Ty Stetson (Murray St.), Bryan Soloman (EKU), Kyle McGrath (EKU), Noah Smallwood (EKU)

NCAA roundup: WKU wins two; UofL, UK lose; Murray St. swept in DH; EKU sweeps DH from Morehead St.

College Baseball

Recaps and highlights from Saturday Kentucky college baseball action:

  • Western Kentucky University and Arkansas St. combined for just two runs in the first 12 innings of their series opener played Friday, but the two teams each scored in the first inning after the game resumed Saturday. WKU scored two runs in the bottom of the 13th inning to earn a 3-2 win. Senior third baseman Casey Dykes, sophomore first baseman Ryan Huck and junior left fielder Jared Andreoli singled to load the bases, and then junior second baseman Ivan Hartle gave WKU the win with a two-run single. Sophomore right-handed pitcher Taylor Haydel was credited with the win. (Box Score)
  • WKU had no trouble scored in the second game of its three-game series versus Arkansas St. with a 13-2 win to clinch the series victory. Junior center fielder Kes Carter was 4-5 with one home run, and two runs scored. Andreoli, senior catcher Matt Rice and junior right fielder Ryan Hutchinson each had three hits in five at-bats. Freshman right-handed pitcher Justin Hageman earned the win after surrendering two runs, one of which was earned, on four hits in eight innings while striking out eight batters and walking one. (Box Score)
  • The University of Louisville suffered its first series loss in Big East Conference play with a 6-5 walk-off loss to St. Johns. The Cards blew a three-run lead late in the game but appeared on their way to a win after scoring two runs in the top of the ninth inning. St. Johns rallied for three runs in the bottom of the inning off UofL junior closer Tony Zych to clinch the series victory. Zych fell to 0-2 on the season, and UofL wasted a strong start from redshirt sophomore right-handed pitcher Justin Amlung, who did not surrender a hit through the first six innings. Junior shortstop Ryan Wright was 3-4 with two RBI and one run scored. (Box Score)
  • The University of Kentucky scored seven unanswered runs and loaded the bases in the ninth inning but could not finish the comeback in a 12-10 loss to Ole Miss, the Cats’ 11th consecutive Southeastern Conference loss. Freshman left-handed pitcher Corey Littrell took the loss after surrendering nine runs, five of which were earned, on eight hits in three and one-third innings. Senior shortstop Taylor Black and junior first baseman Braden Kapteyn both tallied two hits and three RBI in the game, and sophomore center fielder Brian Adams was 2-3 with one home run, one RBI and three runs scored. (Box Score)
  • Murray State University was blown out 17-7 by SIU Edwardsville in game one of a double-header. Junior left-handed pitcher Bryan Babin took the loss after surrendering eight runs on 10 hits in four innings while striking out two batters and walking two. Senior center fielder Elliot Frey was 2-4 with three RBI and two runs scored, and junior second baseman Travis Isaak was 2-4 with three RBI. (Box Score)
  • Murray St. dropped a 4-2 decision in game two after SIU Edwardsville scored two runs in the eighth inning of a game that was scheduled to last just seven innings. Senior left-handed pitcher Jake Donze took the loss after surrendering four runs on six hits in seven innings while striking out two batters and walking none. No Murray St. batter had multiple hits in game two, but freshman left fielder Ty Stetson tallied the team’s only RBI. (Box Score)
  • You can read the BluGrass Baseball recap of Eastern Kentucky University‘s double-header sweep of Morehead State University here.
Hitter of the day: 3B Bryan Soloman (EKU)
  • Stats: 3-7, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 2 R, 1 BB
  • Honorable Mention: Kes Carter (WKU), Jared Andreoli (WKU), Matt Rice (WKU), Ryan Hutchinson (WKU), Ryan Wright (UofL), Brian Adams (UK), Braden Kapteyn (UK), Travis Isaak (Murray St.) Jacob Daniel (EKU), A. J. Jamison (EKU), Taylor Davis (Morehead St)
Pitcher of the day: RHP Justin Hageman (WKU)
  • Stats: 1-0. 8 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 8 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Justin Amlung (UofL), Jake Donze (Murray St.) Matt Harris (EKU), Kyle McGrath (EKU), Trey Smith (Morehead St.)

EKU sweeps double-header versus Morehead State

College Baseball

Bryan Soloman; BluGrass Baseball photo

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

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

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

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

BluGrass Baseball Pitching Leaderboard: April 12

College Baseball

In the second weekly leaderboard post we’ll look at the top pitching statistics through eight 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

  • Justin Amlung — UofL — 1.14 (55.1 IP)
  • Tanner Perkins — WKU — 2.03 (53.1 IP)
  • Chad Martin — Indiana (PLD) — 2.31 (46.2 IP)
  • Mike Nastold — UofL — 2.60 (34.2 IP)
  • Justin Hageman — WKU — 2.65 (51 IP)

Wins

  • Justin Amlung — UofL — 6-0
  • Tanner Perkins — WKU — 6-1
  • Jeremy Dobbs — Austin Peay (Daviess Co. HS) — 6-1
  • Jake Donze — Murray St. — 5-1
  • Justin Hageman — WKU — 5-3

Strikeouts

  • Alex Meyer — UK — 64
  • Justin Hageman — WKU — 50
  • Damon McCormick — Valpo (St. X) — 48
  • Tanner Perkins — WKU — 45
  • Jeremy Dobbs — Austin Peay (Daviess Co. HS) — 44

Innings Pitched

  • Damon McCormick — Valpo (St. X HS) — 55.2
  • Alex Meyer — UK — 55.1
  • Justin Amlung — UofL — 55.1
  • Tanner Perkins — WKU — 53.1
  • Justin Hageman — WKU — 51.0

Saves

  • Tony Zych — UofL — 9
  • Mike Kaczmarek — UK — 4
  • Cameron Finch — Murray St. — 4
  • Rye Davis — WKU — 3
  • Ross Hammonds — WKU — 3
  • Phil Wetherell — WKU — 3
  • Matt Cartwright — Morehead St. — 3

Batting Average Against

  • Justin Amlung — UofL — .192
  • Tanner Perkins — WKU — .207
  • Brandon Boling — Gardner Webb (Bryan Station HS) — .217
  • Chad Martin — Indiana (PLD) — .224
  • Mike Nastold — UofL — .234

Appearances

  • Phil Wetherell — WKU — 17
  • Matt Cartwright — Morehead St. — 16
  • Matt Harris — EKU — 16
  • Nick Maronde — Florida (Lexington Catholic) — 16
  • Alex Phillips — UK — 16

Justin Hageman, Matt Harris earn conference pitcher of week honors; Corey Hart closer to returning to Brewers

College Baseball, Major League Baseball

Matt Harris; BluGrass Baseball photo

Latest links from around Kentucky baseball:

  • Western Kentucky University freshman right-handed pitcher Justin Hageman was named the Sun Belt Conference pitcher of the week.
  • Eastern Kentucky University junior right-handed pitcher Matt Harris was named the Ohio Valley Conference co-pitcher of the week.
  • Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports Bowling Green native Corey Hart has turned a corner in his rehab from an oblique injury and will take batting practice this week with hopes of returning in time for the Brewers’ next homestand on April 22.
  • Kendall Rogers of Perfect Game USA includes WKU among the weekend winners in college baseball and the University of Kentucky among the weekend losers.
  • Steve Dilbeck of The Los Angeles Times reports PLD alum A. J. Ellis was packing his bags after the Dodgers planned to send him to AAA to make room for starting pitcher John Ely on the roster but was saved by a last-minute injury to the team’s other backup catcher Hector Giminez.
  • The University of Louisville dropped to No. 25 in the latest NCBWA top 30 poll, and WKU was included in the “others receiving votes” category.
  • Don’t forget that 2010 No. 1 overall pick Bryce Harper will be playing in Lexington this weekend versus the Lexington Legends from Monday to Thursday.

Richie Rodriguez, Justin Hageman win week eight awards

College Baseball

Richie Rodriguez; EKU photo

It’s time for the week eight weekly awards. I’ve included Lexington Catholic alum Justin Riddell and Daviess Co. alum Jeremy Dobbs among the honorable mention category this week since their performances came against Kentucky schools.

Hitter of the week: SS Richie Rodriguez (EKU)

  • Stats: 12-16 (.750), 2 2Bs, 3 BB, 8 R, 1 RBI, 4 SBs
  • Honorable Mention: Jeff Gardner (UofL), Matt Rice (WKU), Braden Kapteyn (UK), Zach Noonan (Murray St.), Cody Larson (Murray St.), Justin Riddell (Cincinnati, Lexington Catholic)

Pitcher of the week: RHP Justin Hageman (WKU)

  • Stats: 1-0, 9 IP, 8 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 10 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Matt Koch (UofL), Justin Amlung (UofL), Tanner Perkins (WKU), Jordan Cooper (UK), Matt Harris (EKU), Greg Terry (EKU), Jeremy Dobbs (Austin Peay, Daviess Co. HS)

Freshman of the week: RHP Justin Hageman (WKU)

  • Stats: 1-0, 9 IP, 8 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 10 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Jeff Gardner (UofL), Dallen Reber (UK), Nick Duff (Morehead St.)

NCAA roundup: WKU, UK, EKU earn Tues. wins; UofL loses

College Baseball

Thomas McCarthy; UK photo by Chet White

Recaps and highlights from Tuesday Kentucky college baseball action:

  • You can read the BluGrass Baseball recap of Western Kentucky University‘s 15-5 win over the University of Louisville here.
  • The University of Kentucky scored six runs in the first inning and rode a strong start from sophomore right-handed pitcher Jordan Cooper to a 15-2 win over Xavier. Cooper, who was making his first start since being demoted from the weekend rotation, earned the win after surrendering two runs on six hits in five innings while striking out six batters and walking none. Junior third baseman Thomas McCarthy was 2-4 with one home run, five RBI and three runs scored, and junior designated hitter Braden Kapteyn was 3-5 with one RBI and four runs scored. Sophomore first baseman Luke Maile slugged a grand slam, and sophomore center fielder Brian Adams added a home run. (Box Score)
  • Eastern Kentucky University scored five runs in the first inning and never looked back in a 9-6 win over Marshall. Junior left fielder Jacob Daniel was 3-4 with one double, one triple, four RBI and one run scored, and junior shortstop Richie Rodriguez was 3-4 with one walk, three runs scored and two stolen bases. Junior left-handed pitcher Greg Terry earned the win after surrendering one unearned run on four hits in four innings while striking out two batters and walking none. Junior right-handed pitcher Matt Harris recorded the final two outs of the game for his first save. (Box Score)

Hitter of the day: 3B Thomas McCarthy (UK)

  • Stats: 2-4, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 3 R
  • Honorable Mention: Ryan Wright (UofL), Matt Rice (WKU), Chris Bullard (WKU), Jared Andreoli (WKU), Brian Adams (UK), Braden Kapteyn (UK), Jacob Daniel (EKU), Richie Rodriguez (EKU)

Pitcher of the day: RHP Jordan Cooper (UK)

  • Stats: 1-0, 5 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 6 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Andy Flett (UofL), Ross Hammonds (WKU), Braden Kapteyn (UK), Greg Terry (EKU)