April 9, 2010

Rankings are from CBI Composite Poll

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Around the Bases
Hultzen fans 11 as Virginia gets past Georgia Tech

Washington State stops Arizona State, Oregon State tops UCLA

In Charlottesville, Va., Danny Hultzen (right) struck out 11 in seven solid innings, and No. 5 Virginia knocked around Georgia Tech ace Deck McGuire late in a 7-4 win Friday night over the second-ranked Yellow Jackets. The Cavaliers (9-4, 26-6) trailed 4-3 in the bottom seventh before chasing McGuire (5-2) with a four-run frame. Stephen Bruno delivered a two-run single with one out, and Dan Grovatt ripped a two-run homer off reliever Jake Davies with two outs. Hultzen (5-1) allowed six hits and four runs to go with his 11 strikeouts. Relievers Tyler Wilson and Kevin Arico, who saved his 11th game, each struck out the side in the eighth and ninth innings to give Virginia pitchers 17 punch outs on the night. Tyler Cannon had two hits, including a home run, for the Cavaliers. Tony Plagman went 2 for 4 with a homer and three RBI for the Yellow Jackets (11-2, 26-4), who scored all of their runs in the fifth inning.
 

Washington State 6, No. 1 Arizona State 5

In Pullman, Wash., Patrick Claussen had a pinch-hit game-winning RBI single in the bottom of the ninth as Washington State edged Arizona State in the opener of their Pac-10 series at Bailey Brayton Field. With the score knotted at five, Matt Argyropoulos (2 for 4) led off the ninth with a double and was sacrificed to third. Claussen came off the bench to face Jordan Swagerty and smacked the first pitch up the middle to give the win to the Cougars (2-2, 16-10). After the Sun Devils (5-2, 27-2) scored a pair in the top of the first, WSU answered with four in the bottom of the frame as Michael Weber had a RBI double and scored. A two-run homer by Zack MacPhee (2 for 3, 3 RBI) capped a three-run fifth as ASU took a 5-4 lead. Garry Kuykendall (2 for 4) had a run-scoring triple in the seventh to even the score at five. Johnny Ruettiger finished with two hits for the Sun Devils.

No. 16 Oregon State 4, No. 3 UCLA 1

In Corvallis, Ore., Greg Peavey allowed two hits and one run in going the distance as Oregon State stopped UCLA in the Pac-10 series opener in front of 2,517 fans at Goss Stadium. Peavey (3-0) walked three and fanned six. He retired 16 of the final 17 hitters he faced. Gerrit Cole walked Parker Berberet with the bases loaded in the first to give the Beavers (3-1, 20-6) the early lead. Cole allowed three hits and seven walks in six innings with 10 strikeouts. Cody Regis had a sacrifice fly in the fourth for the Bruins (2-2, 23-3) to even the score at one. Berberet had a three-run double in the seventh to put OSU ahead to stay. Berberet finished with two doubles. Tyler Rahmatulla walked twice and scored for UCLA.

No. 4 LSU 14, Auburn 10

In Auburn, Ala., Anthony Ranaudo got his first win of the season with help from a six-run first as LSU outscored Auburn in the SEC series opener at Plainsman Park. Ranaudo (1-0) allowed five hits and three runs in five innings with three walks and three strikeouts. Micah Gibbs (4 for 5, 3 R, 2 RBI), Matt Gaudet (3 for 4, 2 R, 2 RBI), Leon Landry (2 for 5, 3 RBI) and Austin Nola (1 for 4, 3 RBI) led the offense as the visiting Tigers (8-2, 26-4) built a 14-3 lead. Trent Mummey’s grand slam keyed a five-run eighth and the home Tigers (5-5, 20-11) added two in the ninth to make it close.

No. 6 Texas 3, Kansas 2 (11)
In Austin, Texas, Jordan Weymouth tripled with one out in the 11th inning, and Tim Maitland plated him with the game-winning run as Texas nipped Kansas in their Big 12 opener. The Jayhawks (3-3-1, 19-11-1) led 2-0 until the seventh on a Tony Thompson sacrifice fly in the third and a Brett Lisher solo homer in the fourth. Russell Moldenhauer doubled in Kevin Keyes, who reached on an error, as Texas (8-2, 24-7) cut the lead in half in the seventh. Jayhawks starter T.J. Walz kept the Longhorns at bay until Moldenhauer doubled in Kyle Lusson, who was pinch-running for Keyes, with one out in the ninth. Walz finished with one earned run and seven strikeouts in 8.1 innings. His counterpart, Taylor Jungmann, tossed 7.1 innings with two earned and six strikeouts. Chance Ruffin contributed 3.1 innings of scoreless relief, and Hoby Milner (1-0) earned one out to post his first collegiate win.

Pittsburgh 8, No. 7 Louisville 3

In Pittsburgh, Cory Brownsten and Kevan Smith both went 3 for 4 with two RBI and a run to lead Pittsburgh (5-2, 21-7) in its Big East series-opening upset of Louisville (5-2, 24-5). Ryan Wright gave the Cardinals their only lead of the game with a solo home run in the first inning. The Panthers responded in the bottom of the inning, as Travis Whitmore’s RBI single and Smith’s two-RBI double gave them a 3-1 lead. Kyle Grieshaber tied the game at three in the fourth with a RBI single, but the Panthers scored five runs during the next four innings – including RBI singles from Brownsten in the sixth and seventh – to retake the lead. Corey Baker (7-0) earned the win, striking out five, walking four, and allowing three runs and six hits in seven innings.

No. 8 Florida State 10, Wake Forest 1

In Winston-Salem, N.C., Tyler Holt when 3 for 5 with three RBI and three runs as Florida State (8-5, 23-7) won its ACC series opener against Wake Forest (2-11, 10-22). Mike McGee put Florida State in front with an RBI double in the first, but Wake Forest tied it when Mike Murray hit an RBI single in the bottom of the inning. After that, the Seminoles took over – home runs from Devon Travis and Parker Brunelle in the second gave them a 4-1 lead and Holt’s two-run home run in the eighth put them up 10-1. Sean Gilmartin (5-2) picked up the win after striking out six, walking four and limiting the Demon Deacons to two hits and one run in seven innings.

No. 9 Florida 4, Tennessee 2

In Knoxville, Tenn., brothers Jonathan and Daniel Pigott led Florida (7-3, 22-7) to victory in its SEC series opener against Tennessee (2-8, 15-16). With Florida leading, Cody Hawn’s RBI double in the second tied the game. The Gators came back with three unanswered runs – Daniel Pigott hit a RBI triple in the fourth and in the fifth, Jonathan Pigott scored and Preston Tucker hit a RBI single. Khayyan Norfolk brought Tennessee within two when he scored on a groundout in the ninth, but the Volunteers could not get any closer. The winning pitcher was Alex Panteliodis, who struck out two and allowed six hits and two runs in eight innings. Kevin Chapman retired three batters in ninth-inning relief to earn the save (6).

No. 10 Arkansas 8, Mississippi State 3

In Starkville, Miss., Zack Cox had two hits, three runs and two RBI as Arkansas won its SEC series opener against Mississippi State at Dudy Noble Field. It was the 300th win at Arkansas for head coach Dave Van Horn. Cox tripled and scored on a sacrifice fly by Andy Wilkins in the fourth as the Razorbacks (7-3, 24-6) took the early lead. Nick Vickerson homered in the bottom of the frame for the Bulldogs (3-7, 16-14) to knot the score at one. Brett Eibner (2 for 4, 3 RBI) had a two-run double and scored in the sixth as Arkansas took a 4-1 advantage. After MSU got one back in the bottom of the sixth, Cox had a two-run homer to cap a three-run seventh as the Hogs took control at 7-2.

Virginia Tech 9, No. 11 Miami (Fla.) 7

In Blacksburg, Va., Ronnie Shaban went 2 for 4 with four RBI and two runs, driving in the runs that gave Virginia Tech (7-6, 22-10) a win in its ACC series opener against Miami (10-3, 22-8). The Hokies were first to score, when Steve Domescus hit a solo home run in the third inning. Miami scored six straight runs after that, including a three-run home run by Chris Pelaez in the sixth, to take the lead. In the bottom of the inning, Virginia Tech tied the game, with Sean Ryan’s home run driving in two of its five runs. Michael Broad’s RBI single in the seventh gave Miami a 7-6 lead, but Shaban’s three-run home run in the bottom of the inning ensured victory for the Hokies. Ben Rowen (2-0) struck out one and allowed three hits in 2.1 shutout innings to earn the win.

No. 12 South Carolina 3, No. 20 Vanderbilt 2

In Nashville, Tenn., South Carolina scored three in the second and made it stand up in edging Vanderbilt in the opener of their SEC series in front of 2,853 fans at Hawkins Field. Jeffery Jones, Kyle Enders and Bobby Haney each had one hit and one run for the Gamecocks (8-2, 24-6). Blake Cooper (6-0) allowed two hits and one earned run in 7.1 innings with four walks and three strikeouts to earn the victory. Matt Price recorded the final two outs for his third save. Sonny Gray (4-4) went the distance for the Commodores (5-5, 25-7) with seven hits, three runs, five walks and eight strikeouts. Adam Matthews had two hits, including a double, for South Carolina. Andrew Giobbi and Jason Esposito both drove in a run in the first for Vanderbilt.

No. 13 TCU 15, Houston 1

In Houston, Josh Elander and Jantzen Witte both had four hits and four RBI as TCU thumped Houston. Jerome Pena’s two-run single capped a three-run second as the Horned Frogs (21-7) started the scoring. Austin Gracey had a run-scoring single in the bottom of the frame for the Cougars (13-15). Jason Coats homered in the fourth and a two-run blast by Aaron Schultz (2 for 4, 3 RBI) in the fifth made it 10-1. Witte added a three-run shot in a four-run sixth to push the lead to 14-1. Matt Purke (4-0) scattered five hits over five innings with no walks and five strikeouts to earn the victory.

No. 14 Coastal Carolina 10, High Point 9
In Conway, S.C., Coastal Carolina topped High Point with a six-run seventh-inning rally in the Big South series opener. The Chanticleers (6-0, 25-5) entered the bottom of the seventh trailing 5-3, but Jose Iglesias kicked off the comeback with a RBI double. Tommy La Stella would go 3 for 4 with a RBI, including a bomb to right field for an eighth-inning insurance run. The Panthers (4-6, 17-14) attempted to climb back into the contest late, scoring two runs in the top of the ninth but Coastal left-hander Matt Rein dissolved their chances as he forced a fly out for the save. Chant reliever Matt Laney (1-1) picked up the win, pitching just 0.2 innings. High Point’s Kyle Starnes (1-1) suffered the loss.

Duke 10, No. 15 Clemson 9
In Durham, N.C., Duke (4-9, 18-12) turned a five-run eighth inning into an ACC series-opening victory over Clemson (9-4, 22-9). The contest saw several lead changes, but the Blue Devils ultimately prevailed as Marcus Stroman struck out two Tigers with runners in scoring position to end the tilt. Stroman earned his third save and reliever Ryan Knott (2-0) earned the win, facing just two batters. Duke’s Ryan McCurdy plated four runs despite going 1 for 3 at the plate. Clemson’s Alex Frederick (0-1) tallied the loss as he gave up two of the five runs in the eighth. Kyle Parker had a 1-for-3 night with three RBI and a home run.
 

No. 17 Oklahoma 6, Missouri 4

In Norman, Okla., Zach Neal pitched a career-high eight innings as Oklahoma claimed the opener of its Big 12 series with Missouri at L. Dale Mitchell Park. Neal (4-1) allowed nine hits and three runs, two earned, with one walk and five strikeouts. Ryan Duke worked the ninth for this 10th save. Dane Opel had a sacrifice fly in the top of the first for the Tigers (2-5, 17-12) before Mayfield’s two-run single in the bottom of the frame gave the lead to the Sooners (4-4, 24-6). The game was tied at three when Cameron Seitzer (1 for 3, 3 RBI) had a two-run homer in a three-run seventh for OU. Aaron Senne had three hits for Missouri.

No. 18 Ole Miss 4, Georgia 1
In Athens, Ga., Ole Miss (6-4, 22-9) received a dominant performance from lefty Drew Pomeranz (6-0) as he fanned 15 Georgia batters in the opener of the SEC series. Pomeranz pitched eight innings, surrendering just four hits and one run in the fourth. Ole Miss got the bats going late with four runs in the last three innings. Kevin Mort notched the game-winner as he sailed one out of the yard in the eighth to give the Rebels the lead. Mort went 2 for 4 with a pair of runs batted in. Kyle Farmer spoiled the shutout with a RBI-triple for the Bulldogs (2-8, 10-20). Georgia starter Justin Grimm (2-4) fell to Pomeranz, giving up Mort’s homer.

No. 19 UC Irvine 7, Cal State Fullerton 4

In Irvine, Calif., Jeff Cusick’s three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth lifted UC Irvine past Cal State Fullerton in the Big West series opener at Cicerone Field at Anteater Ballpark. Sean Madigan started the rally with an infield single and Casey Stevenson (3 for 5) followed with a base hit to right. After a strikeout, Cusick (2 for 4, 4 RBI) launched a 1-0 pitch to left for his fifth dinger. Carlos Lopez (2 for 3) had a leadoff double and scored to spark a three-run seventh as the Titans (3-1, 16-12) took a 4-3 lead. Brian Hernandez (2 for 4, 2 RBI) had a run-scoring double in the bottom of the frame to knot the score at four. Daniel Bibona (5-2) went the distance for the Anteaters (4-0, 18-9), allowing four hits and two earned runs with two walks and eight strikeouts.

Louisiana-Lafayette 6, Troy 0

In Lafayette, La., Zach Osborne tossed a one-hit shutout as Louisiana blanked Troy in the Sun Belt series opener in front of 1,862 fans at M.L. “Tigue” Moore Field. Osborne (4-2) allowed a base hit in the third and faced just four over the minimum. He walked one and struck out seven. Chad Keefer (3 for 4) had a two-run homer in the first to extend his hit streak to 22, one away from the school record. Jordan Poirrier’s two-run blast highlighted a four-run third as the Ragin’ Cajuns (5-8, 16-14) took a 6-0 lead.  Blake Martz had the lone hit for the Trojans (4-6, 16-13).

Ohio State 7, Indiana 1

In Columbus, Ohio, Alex Wimmers tossed a six-hitter with 14 strikeouts as Ohio State stopped Indiana in the Big Ten series opener in front of 1,296 fans at Bill Davis Stadium. Wimmers (7-0) allowed one earned run and did not walk a batter for the Buckeyes (3-1, 18-8). Michael Stephens had two hits, including his seventh home run, for OSU. Zach Hurley had three hits, one run and one RBI for the Buckeyes. Micah Johnson had two hits and drove in a run in the eighth for the Hoosiers (1-3, 14-14). Tyler Rogers had two hits, including a triple, and a run for IU.

Tulane 6, Rice 5

In New Orleans, Tulane scored two in each of final three innings to edge Rice in the opener of their Conference USA series at Greer Field at Turchin Stadium. The Owls (4-3, 17-14) tallied single runs in the second, fourth, fifth and sixth to take a 4-0 lead. Rob Segedin (3 for 4) and Garrett Cannizaro (1 for 3, 2 R) had solo homers in the bottom of the seventh for the Green Wave (5-2, 21-10). Jimmy Comerota doubled and scored in the top of the eighth to give Rice a 5-2 advantage. Nick Boullosa doubled and scored as Tulane rallied for a pair in the bottom of the frame to make it a one-run contest. Jeremy Schaffer had a one-out single and Cannizaro walked in the bottom of the ninth. Brennan Middleton lofted a fly ball to right center that fell when the outfielders collided to load the bases. Brian Barry dropped a double down the right field line to bring home the tying and winning runs. Nick Pepitone (5-0) allowed a hit and a walk and hit a batter, but no runs, in the top of the ninth to earn the victory.

Western Kentucky 13, South Alabama 3

In Bowling Green, Ky., Matt Ridings matched his career high with 11 strikeouts as Western Kentucky smacked first-place South Alabama in the Sun Belt series opener at Nick Denes Field. Ridings (7-0) allowed six hits and three earned runs. He did not walk a batter in going the distance. Ryan Huck had a double, a home run and five RBI to pace the Hilltoppers (8-2, 25-7). Matt Payton and Matt Rice both had three hits, three runs and three RBI for WKU. Adam Heisler singled and scored in the top of the first for the Jaguars (10-3, 22-12) before Huck’s two-run double capped a three-run first for the Hilltoppers. Huck’s three-run homer highlighted a seven-run second as WKU took a commanding 10-1 lead. Jake Overstreet had two hits and one RBI for USA.

Old Dominion 1, George Mason 0

In Fairfax, Va., Donnie Corsner led off the game with a home run, and Kyle Hald combined with Brett Harris on the shutout as Old Dominion edged George Mason in the opener of their CAA series at Spuhler Field. Hald (6-2) struck out eight in seven innings. Harris fanned four over the final two innings for his first save. Corsner had a triple to go along with his homer, half of the four hits by the Monarchs (3-4, 14-20). Mark Hill and Nick Allen both had three hits for the Patriots (3-4, 17-10). Kevin Crum (4-1) allowed three hits and one run in seven innings for Mason with two walks and six strikeouts.

Dayton 11, George Washington 4

In Dayton, Ohio, Jonathan Castine had a homer and four RBI as preseason favorite Dayton defeated first-place George Washington in the Atlantic 10 series opener at Time Warner Cable Stadium. Mitchell Nelson (1 for 3, 3 RBI), Aaron Dunsmore (3 for 4, 3 R) and Dan Welch (1 for 4) also went deep for the Flyers (4-3, 15-15). Nelson had a two-run blast and Dunsmore added a solo shot in the third as UD took the early lead. Stephen Oswald had a RBI groundout in the fourth for the Colonials (6-1, 16-13) before the Flyers added three more in the fifth for a 6-1 advantage. Castine contributed a three-run dinger in the seventh. Oswald drove in two in a three-run eighth for GW. Cole Tyrell had three hits and a run for UD. Brendon Kelliher went 3 for 4 with two doubles, one run and one RBI for the Colonials. Bunny Mitchem (3-5) pitched eight innings with 12 hits, four runs, one walk and six strikeouts to earn the victory.

VCU 10, Towson 0

In Towson, Md., Seth Cutler-Voltz went the distance as VCU blanked Towson in the opener of their CAA series at John B. Schuerholz Park. Cutler-Voltz (4-2) allowed five hits with three walks and seven strikeouts for his second complete game of the season and first career shutout. Michael Cheatham went 3 for 3 with two RBI for the Rams (6-1, 16-14). Joe Van Meter had three hits, two runs and two RBI for VCU. Brent Mikionis homered in the fourth to start the scoring. Cheatham’s two-run single capped a four-run sixth as VCU built a 5-0 lead. The Rams tallied three in the seventh and two in the eighth. Kevin Collins had a double for the Tigers (5-5, 9-21).

(photos courtesy of Virginia Media Relations Office)