Michael Garcia

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)

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.)

NCAA roundup: WKU beats UK; UofL, EKU, Murray St. lose

College Baseball

Recaps and highlights from Tuesday Kentucky college baseball action:

  • You can read the recap of Western Kentucky University‘s 11-8 win over the University of Kentucky here.
  • The University of Louisville outhit Indiana 9-7 but still dropped its sixth consecutive game with a 5-3 loss. Freshman right-handed pitcher Chad Green took the loss after surrendering two runs on one hit in two and one-third innings. Junior infielder Ryan Wright and redshirt junior right fielder Stewart Ijames were both 2-4. Freshman outfielder Cole Sturgeon and sophomore third baseman Cade Stallings tallied the only RBI for UofL. Freshman right-handed pitcher Jeff Thompson pitched three scoreless innings in the start. (Box Score)
  • Evansville scored seven runs in the first two innings to send Murray State University to an 8-3 loss. Freshman right-handed pitcher Tyler Saltsman took the loss after surrendering seven runs on seven hits in one-plus inning. Junior catcher Jacob Rhodes was 3-4 with two RBI, and freshman second baseman Wes Warren was 2-3. Junior first baseman Cody Larson slugged his second home run of the season. The Murray St. bullpen surrendered just one unearned run over the final eight innings. (Box Score)
  • Eastern Kentucky University snapped its four-game winning streak with a 4-2 loss to Marshall. Sophomore right-handed pitcher Anthony Bazzani took the loss after surrendering two runs on two hits in two-thirds of an inning. Junior right fielder Michael Garcia was 2-3 with one walk and one RBI and was the only Colonel with multiple hits in the game. Freshman right-handed pitcher Blake Bottoms surrendered three hits in three innings in his first collegiate start. (Box Score)
Hitter of the day: C Matt Rice (WKU)
  • Stats: 4-5, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 4 R
  • Honorable Mention: Kes Carter (WKU), Logan Robbins (WKU), Ryan Wright (UofL), Stewart Ijames (UofL), Taylor Black (UK), Luke Maile (UK), Jacob Rhodes (Murray St.), Michael Garcia (EKU)
Pitcher of the day: RHP Jordan Cooper (UK)
  • Stats: 6 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 8 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Ross Hammonds (WKU), Jeff Thompson (UofL), Bryan Babin (Murray St.), Blake Bottoms (EKU)

NCAA roundup: EKU defeats Morehead St.; UofL, WKU, UK, Murray St. all lose; UK drops 12th straight SEC game

College Baseball

Recaps and highlights from Sunday Kentucky college baseball action:

  • Western Kentucky University senior catcher Matt Rice tied the school career hits record but the Hilltoppers still fell 4-3 to Arkansas St. in the finale of a three-game series. Sophomore right-handed pitcher Taylor Haydel took the loss after surrendering one run on two hits in one inning of work. Junior left fielder Jared Andreoli was 4-6 in the game, and sophomore first baseman Ryan Huck was 3-4. Redshirt senior right-handed pitcher Brian Edelen took a no decision after surrendering one run on three hits in six and one-third innings. (Box Score)
  • The University of Louisville could not prevent a series sweep of by St. John’s with a 7-2 loss in the series finale. Redshirt sophomore right-handed pitcher Mike Nastold took the loss after surrendering four runs on three hits in one inning. Redshirt junior right fielder Stewart Ijames was 2-3 with one home run, two RBI and one run scored. The UofL bullpen surrendered three runs in seven innings of work. (Box Score)
  • The University of Kentucky dropped its 12th consecutive Southeaster Conference game with a 6-5 loss to Ole Miss. UK led 5-3 after six innings, but Mississippi scored three runs in the seventh inning to secure the series sweep. Junior designated hitter and right-handed pitcher Braden Kapteyn took the loss after surrendering three runs on two hits in two-thirds on an inning but was 1-3 with one home run, two RBI, one run scored and two walks at the plate. Senior shortstop Taylor Black was 3-5 with one RBI and one run scored. (Box Score)
  • Murray State University could not avoid the series sweep with a 15-4 loss to SIU Edwardsville. Freshman right-handed pitcher Cameron Finch took the loss after surrendering six runs on eight hits in five innings. Junior second baseman Travis Isaak was 3-5 with two runs scored, and senior right fielder Zach Noonan was 3-5 with one RBI and one run scored. Freshman left fielder Ty Stetson was 2-5 with one RBI and one run scored. (Box Score)
  • Eastern Kentucky University finish its series sweep of Morehead State University with a 5-0 win in the finale. Senior right-handed pitcher Stephen Hefler earned the win after surrendering four hits in eight and two-third innings while striking out eight batters and walking four. EKU junior left fielder Jacob Daniel slugged his eighth home run of the season, and junior right fielder Michael Garcia was 2-3 with two home runs, three RBI and two runs scored. Morehead St. freshman left-handed pitcher Noah Smallwood took the loss after surrendering three runs on five hits in five and two-third innings. (Box Score)
Hitter of the day: RF Michael Garcia (EKU)
  • Stats: 2-3, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 2 R, 1 BB
  • Honorable Mention: Jared Andreoli (WKU), Ryan Huck (WKU), Stewart Ijames (UofL), Taylor Black (UK), Travis Isaak (Murray St.), Zach Noonan (Murray St.), Jacob Daniel (EKU),
Pitcher of the day: RHP Stephen Hefler (EKU)
  • Stats: 1-0. 8.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 8 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Brian Edelen (WKU), Taylor Black (UK), Noah Smallwood (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)

NCAA roundup: UofL, WKU clinch series wins; Murray St., EKU split double-headers; UK loses 8th straight SEC game

College Baseball

Richie Rodriguez; BluGrass Baseball photo

Recaps and highlights from Saturday Kentucky college baseball action:

  • The University of Louisville scored two runs in the eighth inning to break open a 3-3 tie en route to a 5-3 win over Cincinnati. Junior right-handed pitcher Travis Tingle earned the win after striking out three of the four batters he faced. Redshirt junior right fielder Stewart Ijames was 1-2 with one home run, two walks, one RBI and one run scored, and sophomore first baseman Zak Wasserman was 2-4 with one RBI and one run scored. Redshirt sophomore right-handed pitcher Justin Amlung took a no decision after surrendering three runs on six hits in six and two-third innings while striking out six batters and walking two. Junior right-handed pitcher Tony Zych pitched a scoreless ninth inning for the save. (Box Score)
  • Western Kentucky University clinched a series win versus Louisiana-Lafayette with a 2-1 victory. The Hilltoppers scored the go-ahead run in the eighth inning on a RBI single from senior catcher Matt Rice. Redshirt junior right-handed pitcher Ross Hammonds was credited with the win after pitching two scoreless innings out of the bullpen, and junior right-handed pitcher Phil Wetherell pitched a scoreless ninth for his third save. Junior second baseman Ivan Hartle was the only WKU batter with multiple hits in the game. Sophomore left-handed pitcher Tanner Perkins took a no decision after surrendering one run on six hits in six innings. (Box Score)
  • The University of Kentucky dropped its eighth consecutive Southeastern Conference game with a 15-8 loss to Auburn. Freshman left-handed pitcher Corey Littrell took the loss after surrendering seven runs on 11 hits in six and one-third innings while striking out five batters and walking none. Junior left fielder Chad Wright was 2-4 with one home run, three RBI and one run scored. Junior third baseman Thomas McCarthy and freshman designated hitter Dallen Reber both had two hits and one home run. UK led Auburn 6-3 after five innings, but the Tigers scored 12 runs over the final four innings to blow the game open. (Box Score)
  • Murray State University‘s pitching was no match for the Jacksonville State offense in a 20-7 loss in game one of a double-header. Junior right-handed pitcher Tyler Beers took the loss after surrendering six runs on eight hits in two and two-third innings. Freshman catcher Clay Fuson and senior center fielder Elliot Frey both homered in the game. Junior first baseman Cody Larson was 3-3 with three RBI and one run scored. (Box Score)
  • In game two of the double-header Murray St. rebounded for a 12-6 win over Jacksonville State. Senior left-handed pitcher Jake Donze earned the win after surrendering six runs on 12 hits in seven innings. Senior right fielder Zach Noonan was 3-4 with one home run, six RBI and two runs scored. Larson was 3-4 in game two, and junior second baseman Travis Isaak was 2-3 with one RBI and three runs scored. (Box Score)
  • Eastern Kentucky University dropped game one of a double-header 7-4 Daviess County High School alum Jeremy Dobbs and Austin Peay. Dobbs surrendered three runs on six hits in six and two-thirds innings while striking out seven batters and walking one to earn the win. EKU redshirt junior right-handed pitcher Matt Fyffe took the loss after surrendering five runs on nine hits in five and two-third innings. EKU junior shortstop Richie Rodriguez was 4-5, and junior right fielder Michael Garcia was 3-4. Freshman third baseman Bryan Soloman slugged his fifth home run of the season. (Box Score)
  • EKU earned a split in the double-header versus Austin Peay with a 8-5 win in game two. Junior right-handed pitcher Matt Harris earned the win after surrendering one run in four innings of relief. Rodriguez was 3-3 with three runs scored, and junior catcher A. J. Jamison was 2-4 with one RBI and two runs scored. Junior left fielder Jacob Daniel drove in three runs, and Soloman was 2-4 with two RBI. Bowling Green High School alum Jack Snodgrass took the loss for Austin Peay after surrendering seven runs, four of which were earned, on nine hits in four innings. (Box Score)
  • Morehead State University‘s double-header versus Eastern Illinois was rained out and will be rescheduled for Sunday.

Hitter of the day: SS Richie Rodriguez (EKU)

  • Stats: 7-8, 4 R, 2 SBs
  • Honorable Mention: Stewart Ijames (UofL), Ivan Hartle (WKU), Chad Wright (UK), Thomas McCarthy (UK), Dallen Reber (UK), Cody Larson (Murray St.), Zach Noonan (Murray St.), A. J. Jamison (EKU), Bryan Soloman (EKU)

Pitcher of the day: LHP Jeremy Dobbs (Austin Peay, Daviess Co. HS)

  • Stats: 1-0, 6.2 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Justin Amlung (UofL), Tanner Perkins (WKU), Travis Tingle (UofL), Ross Hammonds (WKU), Matt Harris (EKU)

2011 lineup projections: Eastern Kentucky University

Uncategorized

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 a 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. We are moving in reverse order of 2010 records and will look at Eastern Kentucky University today.

Lineup

  • C — Sean Hagan
  • 1B — Bryce Labhart
  • 2B — Matt Phipps
  • 3B — Brian Soloman
  • SS — Richie Rodriguez
  • LF — Austin Grisham
  • CF — Ryan Faidley
  • RF — Michael Garcia
  • DH — A. J. Jamison

Weekend rotation

  • RHP Anthony Bazzani
  • LHP Paul Duncan
  • RHP Chris Hord

Midweek starters

  • LHP Kyle McGrath
  • RHP Stephen Hefler

Closer

  • RHP Ryne Purcell

EKU recap, WKU blowout notes and records

College Baseball
Check out a recap from EKU’s Tuesday win and more notes from the WKU offensive onslaught:
  • Eastern Kentucky University beat up on NAIA University of the Cumberlands for a 15-2 win Tuesday. Sophomore outfielder Michael Garcia was 2-3 with four RBI and a run scored. Junior outfielder Richie Allen and senior first baseman Anthony Ottrando both homered for the Colonels. (Box Score)
  • You can read the full recap of the Western Kentucky University romp over the University of Kentucky below, but there are just too many stats to consider to condense into one post. The game was played in front of 6,183 fans, the largest crowd to ever watch a college baseball game in Kentucky. WKU became just the fourth team to have 16 consecutive batters reach base in a game and the first since 1998. (Box Score)
  • Mike Stunson of the College Heights Herald recaps the WKU win.
  • Nick Baumgardner of the Bowling Green Daily News also has a recap of the blowout.

Hitter of the Day: C Matt Rice (WKU)

  • Stats: 5-6, 1 HR, 2 2Bs, 3 RBI, 3 R
  • Honorable Mention: Matt Payton (WKU), Jared Andreoli (WKU), Logan Robbins (WKU), Lance Ray (UK), Joey Stevens (EKU), Michael Garcia (EKU)

Pitcher of the Day: RHP Brian Edelen (WKU)

  • Stats: 1-0, 5 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Ross Hammonds (WKU), Anthony Bazzani (EKU), Chase Greene (UK)
  • Greene gets the nod for being the only UK pitcher with any success against WKU.

BluGrass Baseball Week Eight Awards

College Baseball

Week eight of the college baseball season saw somewhat of an evening of the in-state teams as the University of Louisville (13) fell back to the pack with a midweek loss to the University of Kentucky and its first weekend series loss of the season. The Cats also scored a series victory against No. 24 Alabama. Western Kentucky University (19) scored an in-state win over Murray State University and series win over Sun Belt leader South Alabama, and Eastern Kentucky University enjoyed a perfect week on the diamond.

BluGrass Baseball Player of Week: 3B Jayson Langfels (EKU)

  • Stats: 8-17 (.471), 2 HR, 8 R, 11 RBI
  • Honorable Mention: J. D. Ashbrook (Morhead State), Keenan Wiley (UK), Anthony Ottrando (EKU), Michael Garcia (EKU), Matt Payton (WKU), Matt Rice (WKU), Wes Cunningham (Murray St.), Phil Wunderlich (UofL)

BluGrass Baseball Pitcher of Week: RHP Matt Ridings (WKU)

  • Stats: 1-0, 1 CG, 9 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 11 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Michael Bottoms (Morehead St.), Taylor Haydel (WKU), Taylor Rogers (UK), Jake Donze (Murray St.), Stephen Hefler (EKU), Neil Holland (UofL)

BluGrass Baseball Freshman of Week: LHP Taylor Rogers (UK)

  • Stats: 1-0, 7.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 5 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Taylor Haydel (WKU), Cade Stallings (UofL), Ryan Huck (WKU),

BluGrass Baseball Saturday Review: Week Five

College Baseball

Awards and recaps from the worst day record-wise for Kentucky college teams so far (Six D1 teams finished 4-5):

Player of the Day: Bryan Propst (Murray St.)

  • Stats: 3-5, 2 HR, 1 3B, 8 RBI, 3 Runs, 1 BB
  • Honorable Mention: Drew Lee (Morehead), J. D. Ashbrook (Morehead), Michael Garcia (EKU), Cory Hodskins (Murray St.), Matt Payton (WKU), Matt Rice (WKU), Cory Farris (UK), Ryan Wright (UofL)

Pitcher of Day: Dean Kiekhefer (UofL)

  • Stats: 1-0, 7 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 6 SO, 1 BB
  • Honorable Mention: Shane Cameron (WKU), Matt McGaha (Murray St.)

Athletic Department Recaps