Ryan Huck

Bryan Soloman and Brian Edelen win week 11 awards

College Baseball

Bryan Soloman; BluGrass Baseball photo

It’s time for the weekly college baseball awards. Check out the best hitting, pitching and freshman performances from week 11 below:

Hitter of the week: 3B Bryan Soloman (EKU)

  • Stats: 9-17 (.529), 2 HR, 3 2Bs, 6 RBI, 3 R
  • Honorable Mention: Jared Andreoli (WKU), Ryan Huck (WKU), Stewart Ijames (UofL), Ryan Wright (UofL), Chad Wright (UK), Brandon Elliott (Murray St.), Eric Bainer (Morehead St.), Taylor Davis (Morehead St.)
Pitcher of the week: RHP Brian Edelen (WKU)
  • Stats: 1-0, 1 SV, 2 G, 7 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 7 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Tanner Perkins (WKU), Justin Hageman (WKU), Derek Self (UofL), Justin Amlung (UofL), Alex Meyer (UK), Jordan Cooper (UK), Tyler Beers (Murray St.), Stephen Hefler (EKU)
Freshman of the week: 3B Bryan Soloman (EKU)
  • Stats: 9-17 (.529), 2 HR, 3 2Bs, 6 RBI, 3 R
  • Honorable Mention: Chad Green (UofL), Justin Hageman (WKU)

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.)

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

College Baseball

Alex Meyer; UK Athletics photo

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

Hitter of the week: INF Ryan Wright (UofL)

  • Stats: 8-15 (.533), 2 HR, 1 2B, 5 RBI, 3 R, 2 BB, 4 SBs
  • Honorable Mention: Matt Rice (WKU), Ryan Huck (WKU), Thomas McCarthy (UK), Luke Maile (UK), Jacob Rhodes (Murray St.), Bryan Soloman (EKU), Andrew Deeds (Morehead St.)
Pitcher of the week: RHP Alex Meyer (UK)
  • Stats: 1-0, 9 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 10 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Derek Self (UofL), Justin Amlung (UofL), Jordan Cooper (UK), Corey Littrell (UK), Jake Donze (Murray St.), Stephen Hefler (EKU), Garrick Whittle (Morehead St.), Josh Schneider (Morehead St.)
Freshman of the week: LHP Corey Littrell (UK)
  • Stats: 1-0, 5.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Scott Wilcox (WKU), Kyle Gibson (UofL), Ryan Seiz (UofL), Matt Reida (UK), Brandon Eggenschwiler (Murray St.), Bryan Soloman (EKU), Blake Bottoms (EKU), Noah Smallwood (Morehead St.)

NCAA roundup: UK splits double-header; WKU loses finale

College Baseball

Corey Littrell; BluGrass Baseball photo

Recaps and highlights from Sunday Kentucky college baseball:

  • Western Kentucky University could not avoid a series sweep by Sun Belt Conference-leading Troy after a 12-9 loss in the series finale. Junior right-handed pitcher Phil Wetherell took the loss after surrendering six runs on eight hits in three and one-third innings. Sophomore first baseman Ryan Huck was 3-4 with one home run, three RBI and two runs scored, and junior left fielder Jared Andreoli was 2-4 with one home run, three RBI, one run scored and one walk. Senior third baseman Casey Dykes tallied three hits and two RBI in the game. (Box Score)
  • In the conclusion of a game suspended in the third inning on Saturday, the University of Kentucky clinched a series victory over Arkansas with a 3-1 win. Freshman left-handed pitcher Corey Littrell returned to the mound at the resumption of the game on Sunday and earned the win after surrendering one run on three hits in five and two-third innings while striking out four and walking two. Sophomore catcher Luke Maile slugged his team-high sixth home run of the season and drove in two runs. Freshman right-handed pitcher Trevor Gott struck out the final two Arkansas batters to earn his second save. (Box Score)
  • UK could not finish the sweep of Arkansas after a 4-1 loss in game two of the double-header in a five-inning game that was shortened due to Southeastern Conference travel rules. Sophomore left-handed pitcher Taylor Rogers took the loss after surrendering four runs on eight hits in five innings while striking out two batters and walking none. Freshman second baseman Matt Reida was 2-2 with one RBI. (Box Score) On April 25 UK, Arkansas and the NCAA decided the statistics from the incomplete sixth inning would count in the game, meaning the final score was 5-1 and Matt Reida was 3-3.
Hitter of the day: 1B Ryan Huck (WKU)
  • Stats: 3-4, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 2 R
  • Honorable Mention: Jared Andreoli (WKU), Casey Dykes (WKU), Thomas McCarthy (UK), Luke Maile (UK)
Pitcher of the day: LHP Corey Littrell (UK)
  • Stats: 1-0, 5.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Trevor Gott (UK)

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

College Baseball

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

Recaps and highlights from Saturday Kentucky baseball action:

  • Sun Belt Conference-leader Troy clinched a series victory over Western Kentucky University by sending the Hilltoppers to an 11-3 loss. Freshman right-handed pitcher Justin Hageman took the loss after surrendering eight runs on eight hits in five innings while striking out five batters and walking one. Junior right fielder Ryan Hutchinson was 2-3 with two RBI, and sophomore first baseman Ryan Huck was 2-4 with one RBI. Senior catcher Matt Rice scored two runs. (Box Score)
  • The University of Louisville could not finish a series sweep of South Florida after a 10-5 loss Sunday. Junior right-handed pitcher Gabriel Shaw took the loss after surrendering two runs on two hits in one-third of an inning. Freshman first baseman Ryan Seiz was 3-5 with two RBI, and redshirt junior right fielder Stewart Ijames was 2-4 with one RBI and one run scored. Senior catcher J. J. Ethel was 2-4 with one double, one RBI, two runs scored and one walk. (Box Score)
  • The University of Kentucky used a complete-game start from junior right-handed pitcher Alex Meyer to snap a 12-game Southeastern Conference losing streak with a 3-2 win over Arkansas in game one of a double-header. Meyer earned the win after surrendering two runs on three hits in nine innings while striking out 10 batters and walking four. UK earned the win in walk-off fashion with two runs in the bottom of the ninth inning. Junior left fielder Chad Wright drove home freshman infielder Matt Reida to tie the game before junior third baseman Thomas McCarthy walked with the bases loaded to give the Cats the win. Game two of UK’s double-header was suspended in the third inning due to rain. (Box Score)
  • Murray State University scored four runs in the fifth inning to earn a 4-1 win over Eastern Illinois in game one of a double-header. Senior right-handed pitcher Jake Donze earned the win after surrendering one run on four hits in seven innings while striking out two batters and walking two. Sophomore third baseman Paul Ritzheimer was 3-3 with one run scored, and junior catcher Jacob Rhodes slugged his third home run of the season. (Box Score)
  • Murray State University could not finish the double-header sweep in game two, which it lost 5-3 to Eastern Illinois. Junior right-handed pitcher Tyler Beers took the loss after surrendering four runs on two hits in two and one-third innings. Rhodes was 3-4 with two RBI, and redshirt freshman designated hitter Brandon Eggenschwiler had two hits in both games of the double-header. (Box Score)
  • In the continuation of a game suspended on Friday due to rain Eastern Kentucky University dropped a 5-3 decision to UT Martin. Freshman left-handed pitcher Kyle McGrath took the loss after surrendering five runs on five hits in four and one-third innings. Junior left fielder Jacob Daniel was 2-4, and freshman third baseman Bryan Soloman was 2-3 with one run scored. (Box Score)
  • In game two of a double-header EKU could not avoid the series sweep by UT Martin after a 4-2 loss. The two teams ended the scheduled seven-inning game tied at two, but UT Martin scored two runs in the top of the eighth to earn the win. Senior right-handed pitcher Ryne Purcell took the loss after surrendering two runs on five hits in one and two-third innings. Soloman was 3-4 with one RBI, and junior first baseman A. J. Jamison was 2-4 with one home run, one RBI and one run scored. (Box Score)
  • Morehead State University earned its first Ohio Valley Conference series victory with an 11-4 win in the series finale versus Tennessee Tech. Freshman left-handed pitcher Noah Smallwood earned the win after surrendering three runs on seven hits in five innings while striking out four batters and walking two. Junior third baseman Andrew Deeds was 2-4 with one triple, one home run, six RBI and one run scored. Redshirt sophomore designated hitter Kellen Begeman was 2-3 with two home runs, two RBI and two runs scored. (Box Score)
Hitter of the day: 3B Andrew Deeds (Morehead St.)
  • Stats: 2-4, 1 3B, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 1 R
  • Honorable Mention: Ryan Hutchinson (WKU), Ryan Seiz (UofL), J. J. Ethel (UofL), Michael Williams (UK), Jacob Rhodes (Murray St.), Paul Ritzheimer (Murray St.),  Bryan Soloman (EKU), A. J. Jamison (EKU), Kellen Begeman (Morehead St.)
Pitcher of the day: RHP Alex Meyer (UK)
  • Stats: 1-0, 9 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 10 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Jake Donze (Murray St.), Stephen Hefler (EKU), Noah Smallwood (Morehead St.)

NCAA roundup: UofL wins; WKU, EKU lose; Morehead St. splits double-header; Murray St., UK rained out

College Baseball

Recaps and highlights from Friday Kentucky college baseball action:

  • Troy scored five unearned runs to send Western Kentucky University to a 6-3 loss in game one of a three-game series. Sophomore left-handed pitcher Tanner Perkins suffered just his second loss of the season after surrendering six runs, just one of which was earned, on five hits in seven innings while striking out six batters and walking three. Junior right fielder Ryan Hutchinson was 2-3 with one run scored, and junior shortstop Logan Robbins was 2-4. Sophomore first baseman Ryan Huck slugged his third home run of the season. (Box Score)
  • The University of Louisville used a five-run fifth inning to earn a 7-2 win in game two of a three-game series versus South Florida. Redshirt sophomore right-handed pitcher Justin Amlung earned the win after surrendering two runs on six hits in seven innings while striking out eight batters and walking five. Junior shortstop Ryan Wright 3-4 with two home runs, two RBI and two runs scored. Senior catcher J. J. Ethel was 2-4 with two RBI and one run scored. (Box Score)
  • The University of Kentucky‘s series opener versus Arkansas was rained out and will be made up as part of a double-header on Saturday beginning at 2 p.m.
  • Eastern Kentucky University surrendered eight runs in the seventh inning in an 11-2 loss to UT Martin. Junior right-handed pitcher Matt Fyffe took the loss after surrendering three runs on five hits in four innings while striking out five batters and walking two. Junior left fielder Jacob Daniel was 2-4 with one triple, one RBI and one run scored. Game two of the Colonels’ scheduled double-header was suspended with EKU down 5-2 in the top of the fifth. The game will resume at noon on Saturday. (Box Score)
  • Murray State University‘s double-header versus Eastern Illinois was rained out on Friday. The two teams will play a double-header on Saturday.
  • Morehead State University suffered its 30th loss of the season with a 10-5 loss to Tennessee Tech in game one of a double-header. Senior right-handed pitcher Trey Smith fell to 0-8 on the season after surrendering seven runs on five hits in four and one-third innings. Junior catcher Taylor Davis was 2-4 with one home run, one RBI and one run scored, and  senior second baseman Travis Redmon was 1-3 with one home run, two RBI and one run scored. Sophomore shortstop Austin Haney tallied two hits and scored twice. (Box Score)
  • Morehead St. earned its second Ohio Valley Conference win of the season with a 7-3 victory over Tennessee Tech in game two of the double-header. Sophomore left-handed pitcher Garrick Whittle earned the win after surrendering three runs on eight hits in seven innings while striking out 12 batters and walking two. Junior third baseman Andrew Deeds was 2-2 with two RBI, three runs scored and two walks. (Box Score)
Hitter of the day: SS Ryan Wright (UofL)
  • Stats: 3-4, 2 HR, 2 RBI, 2 R, 1 SB
  • Honorable Mention: Ryan Hutchinson (WKU), J. J. Ethel (UofL), Jacob Daniel (EKU), Andrew Deeds (Morehead St.), Taylor Davis (Morehead St.)
Pitcher of the day: LHP Garrick Whittle (Morehead St.)
  • Stats: 1-0, 7 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 12 SO
  • Honorable Mention: Tanner Perkins (WKU), Justin Amlung (UofL)

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.)

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.)

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