NCAA roundup: UK beats UofL; EKU blown out

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Recaps and highlights from Tuesday Kentucky college baseball action:

You can read the BluGrass Baseball recap of the University of Kentucky‘s 7-1 win over the University of Louisville here.
Eastern Kentucky University surrendered 11 runs in the first two innings of its Tuesday game and never overcame the early deficit in an 18-7 loss to East Tennessee St. Freshman right-handed pitcher Blake Bottoms took the loss after surrendering six runs on eight hits in two-thirds of an inning in his second start of the season. Freshman third baseman Bryan Soloman was 3-5 with one home run, three RBI and one run scored. Sophomore designated hitter Alex Hughes slugged his third home run of the season. (Box Score)

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

Stats: 3-4, 1 HR, 2 2Bs, 3 RBI, 1 R
Honorable Mention: Ryan Seiz (UofL), Braden Kapteyn (UK), Luke Maile (UK), Chad Wright (UK), Austin Grisham (EKU),

Pitcher of the day: RHP Jordan Cooper (UK)

Stats: 1-0, 6.2 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 5 SO
Honorable Mention: RHP Chad Green (UofL), Alex Phillips (UK)

UK earns first season sweep of UofL since 2006 with 7-1 win

College Baseball

Braden Kapteyn; Photo: UK Athletics

The University of Kentucky scored three runs in the first inning and rode a strong start from sophomore right-handed pitcher Jordan Cooper to a 7-1 win over the University of Louisville. Cooper earned his third win of the season after surrendering one unearned run on five hits in six and two-third innings while striking out five batters and walking three. The Cats batted around in the first inning with senior shortstop Taylor Black, freshman right fielder J. T. Riddle and junior catcher Michael Williams tallying RBI in the inning.

UofL redshirt sophomore right-handed pitcher Mike Nastold took the loss in his first start since being demoted from the weekend rotation. Nastold surrendered four runs on five hits in two innings while walking two batters and striking out none. The UofL offense did not tally a hit until the fifth inning and plated its only run in the seventh inning after tallying three infield hits in the frame. UofL freshman first baseman Ryan Seiz was the only UofL batter with multiple hits and finished the game 2-3 with one walk and one run scored.

UK junior designated hitter Braden Kapteyn was 3-4 with one home run, one RBI and two runs scored. Sophomore first baseman Luke Maile slugged his team-high seventh home run of the season in the sixth inning. Junior left fielder Chad Wright was 3-5 with two runs scored and one RBI. Cooper was making his fourth career start against UofL and has surrendered just one earned run in 19 and two-third innings against the Cards. (Box Score)

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, 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.)

UofL defeats South Florida in Thursday game; White Sox release Ashbrook; Kelley just over a month from return

College Baseball, Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball

Recap of Thursday’s Kentucky college baseball game and the latest links from around Kentucky baseball:

In a rare Thursday night baseball game the University of Louisville earned a 6-4 win over South Florida. Junior right-handed pitcher Travis Tingle earned the win after surrendering one run on one hit in one and one-third innings. Junior infielder Ryan Wright was 2-3 with one double, three RBI and one stolen base, and freshman first baseman Ryan Seiz was 2-4 with one run scored. Freshman catcher Kyle Gibson was 2-4 with one RBI and one run scored. Junior right-handed pitcher Tony Zych pitched a scoreless ninth inning to earn his tenth save of the season. Junior right-handed pitcher Derek Self surrendered three runs on four hits in six and two-third innings in his first start of the season. (Box Score)
Matt Eddy of Baseball America reports the White Sox have released former Morehead St. outfielder J. D. Ashbrook.
Aaron Fitt of BA highlights Western Kentucky University‘s Friday night game with starting pitcher Tanner Perkins as the pitching matchup of the weekend in college baseball.
Christian Caple of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports Louisville native Shawn Kelley is still on track for a June 1 return to the Mariners following Tommy John surgery.

Davis, Amlung, Hageman win midseason NCAA awards

College Baseball

Yesterday we looked at the BluGrass Baseball midseason all-state team. Today it is time to examine the best individual hitting, pitching and freshmen performances through half of the NCAA season. When possible at least one honorable mention nominee is included from each team.

Taylor Davis; Morehead St. photo

Best hitter: C Taylor Davis (Morehead St.)

Stats: .381/.487/.732, 8 HR, 27 RBI, 24 R, 2 SBs
Morehead State University junior catcher Taylor Davis was behind WKU senior Matt Rice on the Kentucky catching depth chart entering the season, but he has been the state’s best college hitter through 28 games for Morehead St. Through seven weeks of the season, Davis leads Kentucky collegians in home runs and slugging percentage and ranks second in on-base percentage, fourth in batting average and fifth in RBI. Davis was named to the preseason all-Ohio Valley Conference team and will spend the summer of 2011 in the prestigious Cape Cod League.
Honorable Mention: Ryan Wright (UofL), Matt Rice (WKU), Jared Andreoli (WKU), Braden Kapteyn (UK), Brandon Elliott (Murray St.), Jacob Daniel (EKU), Richie Rodriguez (EKU), Andrew Deeds (Morehead St.)

Best pitcher: RHP Justin Amlung (UofL)

Stats: 6-0, 0.92 ERA, 33 SO/10 BB, 48.2 IP
The midseason best pitcher race is a highly contested battle between University of Louisville redshirt sophomore right-handed pitcher Justin Amlung and WKU sophomore left-handed pitcher Tanner Perkins. Amlung wins the honor for his undefeated record and lower ERA. The St. X alum has won all but one of his starts and ranks No. 3 in the country in wins and No. 10 in ERA. Amlung leads Kentucky collegians in ERA, wins, winning percentage and batting average against and ranks second in innings pitched.
Honorable Mention: Mike Nastold (UofL), Matt Koch (UofL), Tanner Perkins (WKU), Justin Hageman (WKU), Alex Meyer (UK), Jake Donze (Murray St.), Stephen Hefler (EKU)

Best freshman: RHP/DH Justin Hageman (WKU)

Stats: 4-3, 3.00 ERA, 40 SO/17 BB, 42 IP
Each of the state’s top three college teams counted on freshmen in key roles during the first half of the season, but Western Kentucky University freshman right-handed pitcher Justin Hageman stood out above the pack. Hageman, who has pitched in the Hilltoppers’ weekend rotations since the opening series of 2011, has looked like anything but a freshman. Hageman ranks fourth among Kentucky collegians in wins and strikeouts. During a brief run as the WKU designated hitter, Hageman was 6-15 (.400) with four RBI and two runs scored in five games.
Honorable Mention: Ryan Seiz (UofL), Chad Green (UofL), Jeff Thompson (UofL), Scott Wilcox (WKU), J. T. Riddle (UK), Corey Littrell (UK), Brandon Eggenschwiler (Murray St.), Bryan Soloman (EKU)

BluGrass Baseball 2011 Midseason All-State Team

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With seven weeks of the college baseball season, it’s time for the midseason all-state team. Check out the first- and second-team honorees below and check back tomorrow for the midseason hitter, pitcher and freshman awards.

First Team

C — Taylor Davis — Morehead St. — .383/.482/.713, 7 HR, 24 RBI, 22 R
1B — Braden Kapteyn — UK — .325/.431/.465, 3 HR, 27 RBI, 26 R
2B — Ryan Wright — UofL — .303/.379/.514, 4 HR, 20 RBI, 25 R, 8/8 SBs
3B — Andrew Deeds — Morehead St. — .369/.436/.660, 4 HR, 23 RBI, 25 R
SS — Brandon Elliott — Murray St. — .429/.515/.536, 12 RBI, 27 R
OF — Jacob Daniel — EKU — .379/.451/.621, 6 HR, 30 RBI, 16 R
OF — Jared Andreoli — WKU — .378/.457/.520, 2 HR, 26 RBI, 27 R, 8 SBs
OF — Kes Carter — WKU — .366/.471/.564, 2 HR, 15 RBI, 25 R, 4 SBs
DH — Matt Rice — WKU — .342/.431/.558, 6 HR, 33 RBI, 25 R
SP — Justin Amlung — UofL — 6-0, 0.92 ERA, 33 SO/10 BB, 48.2 IP
SP — Tanner Perkins — WKU — 6-1, 2.09 ERA, 43 SO/7 BB, 47.1 IP
SP — Alex Meyer — UK — 3-4, 3.10 ERA, 62 SO/26 BB, 49.1 IP
RP — Tony Zych — UofL — 0-1, 2.92 ERA, 7 saves, 12 SO/4 BB, 12.2 IP

Second team

C — Jacob Rhodes — Murray St. — .371/.458/.472, 1 HR, 22 RBI, 12 R
1B — Ryan Seiz — UofL — .288/.372/.452, 2 HR, 11 RBI, 16 R
2B — Travis Isaak — Murray St. — .324/.377/.457, 1 HR, 23 RBI, 16 R
3B — Thomas McCarthy — UK — .304/.405/.491, 3 HR, 16 RBI, 20 R
SS — Richie Rodriguez — EKU — .398/.469/.522, 1 HR, 19 RBI, 22 R, 11 SBs
OF — J. T. Riddle — UK — .338/.433/.475, 2 HR, 15 RBI, 14 R, 4 SBs
OF — Ryan Hutchinson — WKU — .310/.371/.492, 3 HR, 27 RBI, 27 R
OF — Chad Wright — UK — .330/.449/.486, 3 HR, 21 RBI, 19 RBI
DH — Logan Robbins — WKU — .384/.481/.558, 2 HR, 18 RBI, 19 R, 9 SBs
SP — Mike Nastold — UofL — 3-2, 1.74 ERA, 24 SO/16 BB, 31 IP
SP — Matt Koch — UofL — 3-3, 2.95 ERA, 26 SO/11 BB, 42.2 IP
SP — Justin Hageman — WKU — 4-3, 3.00 ERA, 40 SO/17 BB, 42 IP
RP — Derek Self — UofL — 2-0, 0.68 ERA, 19 SO/5 BB, 26.2 IP

NCAA roundup: UofL wins rubber match; EKU avoids sweep; WKU, UK, Murray St., Morehead St. lose finales

College Baseball

Jacob Daniel; BluGrass Baseball photo

Recaps and highlights from Sunday Kentucky college baseball action:

Western Kentucky University suffered its first Sun Belt Conference series loss after dropping its finale 11-6 to UALR Sunday. Redshirt senior right-handed pitcher Brian Edelen took the loss after surrendering six runs on six hits in three innings while striking out four batters and walking two. Senior catcher Matt Rice slugged two home runs, drove in four runs and scored twice in the game. Freshman shortstop Scott Wilcox was the only other Hilltopper with multiple hits after finishing the game 2-3 with one walk. (Box Score)
The University of Louisville secured a series victory versus West Virginia with a 6-3 win. Redshirt sophomore right-handed pitcher Mike Nastold earned the win after surrendering two unearned runs on three hits in five and one-third innings while striking out five batters and walking two. Freshman designated hitter Jeff Gardner was 3-4 with one double, two RBI and one run scored, and freshman first baseman Ryan Seiz was 2-3 with one double, one triple and two runs scored. Junior right-handed reliever Derek Self struck out five batters in two and two-third scoreless innings. (Box Score)
The University of Kentucky dropped its sixth consecutive Southeastern Conference game with a 4-1 loss to No. 3 South Carolina. Sophomore left-handed pitcher Taylor Rogers took the loss after surrendering three runs, two of which were earned, on six hits in six and one-third innings while striking out five batters and walking three. Junior Michael Williams, making his first career start at third base, was 2-3 with one walk. (Box Score)
Murray State University tallied 17 hits and scored 13 runs but could not finish the series sweep of UT Martin after a 14-13 loss. Sophomore left-handed pitcher Ben Lady took the loss after surrendering one unearned run in two-third of an inning, but UT Martin did most of its damage against freshman closer Cameron Finch, who surrendered six runs while recording just two outs. Sophomore shortstop Brandon Elliott was 4-5 with one RBI and three runs scored. Junior second baseman Travis Isaak and redshirt freshman left fielder Ty Stetson were both 3-6. Junior catcher Jacob Rhodes and junior first baseman Cody Larson both homered in the game. (Box Score)
Eastern Kentucky University avoided a series sweep at the hands of Southeast Missouri with an 11-5 win. Senior right-handed pitcher Stephen Hefler earned the win after surrendering three runs on nine hits in six innings while striking out five batters and walking two. Junior left fielder Jacob Daniel was 3-4 with two home runs, four RBI and two runs scored, and junior shortstop Richie Rodriguez was 2-3 with one home run, two RBI and two runs scored. Freshman third baseman Bryan Soloman was 3-4 with two runs scored. (Box Score)
Morehead State University could not avoid a series sweep by SIU Edwardsville with a 15-9 loss. Freshman left-handed pitcher Noah Smallwood took the loss after surrendering seven runs, three of which were earned, on nine hits in four and two-third innings. Junior right fielder Luke Bainer was 3-4 with one home run, one RBI and two runs scored. Junior catcher Taylor Davis and junior catcher Eric Bainer also homered in the game. Eric Bainer added a double, two RBI and two runs. (Box Score)

Hitter of the day: LF Jacob Daniel (EKU)

Stats: 3-4, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 2 R
Honorable Mention: Matt Rice (WKU), Jeff Gardner (UofL), Ryan Seiz (UofL), Michael Williams (UK), Brandon Elliott (Murray St.), Ty Stetson (Murray St.), Travis Isaak (Murray St.), Richie Rodriguez (EKU), Bryan Soloman (EKU), Luke Bainer (Morehead St.), Eric Bainer (Morehead St.)

Pitcher of the day: RHP Mike Nastold (UofL)

Stats: 1-0, 5.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 5 SO
Honorable Mention: Derek Self (UofL), Taylor Rogers (UK), Stephen Hefler (EKU)

NCAA roundup: WKU wins; UofL, UK, Morehead St. all lose

College Baseball

Recaps and highlights from Friday Kentucky college baseball action:

Senior designated hitter Chris Bullard drove in five runs and sophomore left-handed pitcher Tanner Perkins pitched seven shutout innings to lead Western Kentucky University to a 14-3 win over UALR. Perkins improved to 6-1 on the season after surrendering just four hits in seven innings while striking out eight batters and walking one. Bullard was 2-4 with one home run, five RBI and two runs scored. Junior center fielder Kes Carter was 4-5 with two RBI, and junior right fielder Ryan Hutchinson was 3-6 with three RBI and two runs scored. (Box Score)
West Virginia used five unearned runs to send the University of Louisville to a 9-2 loss in game one of a three-game series. UofL sophomore right-handed pitcher Matt Koch took the loss after surrendering five runs, only one of which was earned, on seven hits in five and one-third innings while striking out two batter and walking two. Freshman third baseman Ty Young, junior second baseman Ryan Wright and senior catcher J. J. Ethel each had two hits in the game. Freshman designated hitter Ryan Seiz drove in both of the Cards’ runs with his second home run of the season. (Box Score)
A complete-game effort from junior right-handed pitcher Alex Meyer wasn’t enough for the University of Kentucky to avoid a 3-1 loss to No. 3 South Carolina in game one of its three-game series. Meyer fell to 3-4 on the season after surrendering three runs on six hits in eight innings while striking out eight batters and walking five. The Cats tallied just three hits against USC ace Michael Roth, and no UK batter had multiple hits in the game. UK scored its only run on a RBI single in the third innings from junior left fielder Chad Wright that scored junior catcher Michael Williams. (Box Score)
SIU Edwardsville scored eight runs through the first three innings and piled on from there to send Morehead State University to a 14-5 loss. Senior right-handed pitcher Trey Smith took the loss after surrendering seven runs, five of which were earned, on six hits in two and two-third innings. Junior third baseman Andrew Deeds was 2-2 with a double, one RBI, one run scored and two walks, and senior second baseman Travis Redmon slugged his third home run of the season. (Box Score)

Hitter of the day: DH Chris Bullard (WKU)

Stats: 2-5, 1 HR, 1 2B, 5 RBI, 2 R, 1 BB
Honorable Mention: Kes Carter (WKU), Ryan Hutchinson (WKU), Matt Rice (WKU), Ryan Wright (UofL), Andrew Deeds (Morehead St.)

Pitcher of the day: LHP Tanner Perkins (WKU)

Stats: 1-0, 7 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 SO
Honorable Mention: Alex Meyer (UK)

Ijames, Perkins, Hageman win week six awards

College Baseball

Tanner Perkins; WKU photo

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

Hitter of the week: OF Stewart Ijames (UofL)

Stats: 7-16 (.438), 4 HR, 7 R, 11 RBI, 2 BBs, 2 2Bs, 2 SBs
Honorable Mention: Jared Andreoli (WKU), Ryan Wright (UofL), Chad Wright (UK), Taylor Davis (Morehead St.), Luke Bainer (Morehead St.)

Pitcher of the week: LHP Tanner Perkins (WKU)

Stats: 1-0, 7 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 SO
Honorable Mention: Justin Hageman (WKU), Justin Amlung (UofL), Matt Koch (UofL), Corey Littrell (UK), Walter Wijas (UK), Jake Donze (Murray St.), Matt Fyffe (EKU), Garrick Whittle (Morehead St.)

Freshman of the week: RHP Justin Hageman (WKU)

Stats: 1-0, 6.2 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 8 SO
Honorable Mention: Ryan Seiz (UofL), Jeff Thompson (UofL), Chad Green (UofL), Corey Littrell (UK), Wes Warren (Murray St.), Kyle Cornett (Murray St.), Ryan Conner (Morehead St.)