May 27, 2011

Rankings are from CBI Composite Poll

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Around the Bases
Maine, New Mexico win conference crowns

Summers throws no-hitter for UCI, Charlotte and UR reach A-10 title game

No. 18 UC Irvine 2, Long Beach State 0

In Irvine, Calif., Matt Summers (right) pitched the fourth no-hitter in program history as UC Irvine blanked Long Beach State in the Big West series opener at Cicerone Field at Anteater Ballpark. Summers (10-2) faced one over the minimum in his 105-pitch gem. In the second he walked Jeff Yamaguchi, who was erased on a double play. He plunked Ino Patron with two away in the eighth before a strikeout ended the frame for the Dirtbags (10-12, 27-27). Summers finished with five punchouts and improved to 8-0 against conference competition. Christian Ramirez had a RBI double in the fourth and Sean Madigan added a run-scoring single an inning later. Tommy Reyes finished with three hits for the Anteaters (16-6, 39-14). (photo courtesy of UCI)

Around the Tournaments

America East

#2 Maine 10, #4 Albany 1 (UA eliminated)

#4 Albany 4, #1 Stony Brook 1 (SBU eliminated)

Maine wins America East championship

In Stony Brook, N.Y., Stephen Perakslis and Shaun Coughlin combined to hold Albany to one run as Maine won its first America East title since 2006. Perakslis (6-4) allowed three hits and one run in 7.1 innings with one walk and eight strikeouts. Coughlin did not surrender a hit over 1.2 scoreless innings to preserve the victory. The Black Bears (32-22) scored four in the fourth to snap a 1-1 tie and put the game away with four in the seventh. Justin and Ian Leisenheimer both homered in the seventh for Maine. Most Outstanding Player Taylor Lewis and Joey Martin both had three hits and two RBI for the Bears. Ralph Rizzo went deep for the lone run for the Great Danes (21-31).

In the first game, Kasceim Graham authored a complete game as Albany eliminated the host and top-seeded Stony Brook at Joe Nathan Field. Graham (4-2) allowed six hits and one run with two walks and seven strikeouts. Sal Intagliata (2 for 4) scored in the fifth to give the Seawolves (42-12) a 1-0 lead. D.J. Hoagboon had a two-run double to spark a four-run seventh for the Great Danes (21-30).

MWC

#6 New Mexico 4, #1 TCU 2 (TCU eliminated)

#1 TCU 14, #2 Utah 1 (Utah eliminated)

New Mexico wins Mountain West championship

In San Diego, Austin House and Bobby Mares held TCU to a pair of runs as New Mexico won its first MWC title. House (1-2) gave up eight hits and two runs (one earned) in seven innings with four walks and nine strikeouts. Mares allowed one hit over the final two innings with two walks and two strikeouts for his first save. The Lobos (20-39) scored in each of the first three innings in building a 4-0 lead. Kyle Stiner and Trey Porras both had two hits, one run and one RBI for UNM. Jason Coats had a two-run single in the seventh for the Horned Frogs (42-17).

In the day’s first game, Josh Elander went 4 for 4 with two RBI as TCU pounded Utah at Tony Gwynn Stadium. Kyle Von Tungeln had three hits and two RBI for the Horned Frogs. Michael Beltran went 3 for 4 with one RBI for the Utes (29-21).
 

Atlantic 10

#1 Charlotte 5, #2 Rhode Island 2

#5 Richmond 10, #3 Dayton 3 (UD eliminated)

#5 Richmond 7, #2 Rhode Island 2 (URI eliminated)

In Camden, N.J., Chad Rothlin pitched 3.1 hitless innings to earn his second save as Charlotte got past Rhode Island at Campbell’s Field to advance to the championship game. Rothlin walked one and struck out three. He relieved starter Tyler Barnette (9-1), who gave up five hits and two runs (one earned) in 5.2 innings with no free passes and three punchouts. Ross Steedley went 3 for 3 with two RBI, while Justin Roland was also 3 for 3 with a double, one run and one RBI for the 49ers (41-14). Jeff Roy had two hits and one run for the Rams (31-21). URI must play an elimination game later today. (photo courtesy of Atlantic 10)

In the second game, Chris Cowell had three hits and drove in four as Richmond blitzed Dayton. The Spiders (28-26-2) scored six in the first and four in the fourth in building a 10-1 lead. Matt Zink and Mike Mergenthaler both had two hits and two runs for UR. Matt Trent (2-4, 10 H, 3 R, 3 BB, 6 K) tossed the complete game. Mike Coughlin had two hits and two RBI for the Flyers (32-27).

In the day’s final contest, Jacob Mayers went the distance with 11 strikeouts as Richmond downed Rhode Island to advance to Championship Saturday against top-seeded Charlotte. The Spiders (29-26-2) must defeat the 49ers twice to take the title. Mayers (2-2) gave up six hits and two runs with four walks. Billy Barber had a three-run homer in the fourth to snap a 1-1 tie. Mike Mergenthaler and JB Gadd both drove in a pair for UR. Tom Coulombe went 2 for 3 with a double, one run and one RBI for the Rams (31-22).

ACC

#1 Virginia 6, #5 Miami 4

#4 North Carolina 5, #8 Wake Forest 0 (suspended top 7)

In Durham, N.C., Kenny Swab had four hits and four RBI to lead Virginia past Miami at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. The game was delayed for more than seven hours in the second due to inclement weather. The Cavaliers (47-9) took control with two in the sixth and three in the seventh. Swab had two doubles, while David Coleman added three hits for Virginia. Rony Rodriguez hit a two-run homer in the first for the Hurricanes (35-21). Justin Thompson (3-1, 2.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 4 K) got the win in relief, while Branden Kline (1.2 IP, 1 H, 2 BB, 3 K) earned his 16th save.

North Carolina and Wake Forest were suspended at 1:55 a.m. due to inclement weather. The game will resume on Sunday morning only if needed to determine the pod winner. Patrick Johnson of UNC had a no-hitter through six.

Atlantic Sun

#6 Belmont 6, #4 Mercer 4

#2 Jacksonville 5, #1 Stetson 3 (Stetson eliminated)

#4 Mercer 1, #2 Jacksonville 0 (JU eliminated)

In Nashville, Tenn., Derek Hamblen (right) hammered a two-run homer with two gone in the top of the ninth to carry Belmont past Mercer at Dugan Field. The Bruins (35-24) advance to Saturday’s championship game. The Bears (38-19) will have an elimination game this evening. Matt Zeblo had a two-run dinger in the sixth for Belmont, his second homer of the tournament. Garrett Fanchier (3-3) earned the win in relief, going 2.2 innings with one hit, one run, two walks and two strikeouts. Jon Ivie worked the ninth for his 12th save. (photo courtesy of Atlantic Sun)

Jonathan Murphy had a two-run single in the top of the second to spark Jacksonville past Stetson in an elimination game. Chris Moye had three hits and a run for the Dolphins. Ben Carhart had two hits and drove in all three runs for the Hatters (41-18). Jimmy Appleby (2-0, 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 K) got the win in relief, while Chris Anderson (2 BB, 2 K) shut the door with three hitless innings for his 11th save. (photo courtesy of Atlantic Sun)

In the day’s final game, Mercer scored a run in the first and made it stand up in advancing to the A-Sun title game. Thomas Carroll had a run-scoring double in the first for the Bears (39-19). Four hurlers combined on the shutout, as Brandon Barker (4-0, 6.2 IP, 6 H, 3 BB, 8 K) got the win and JT Odom (1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 K) earned his eighth save. Jonathan Murphy had two hits for the Dolphins (36-22).

Big East

#6 Louisville 12, #3 Pittsburgh 2 (Pitt eliminated)

#1 Connecticut 9, #8 Notre Dame 3 (ND eliminated)

In Clearwater, Fla., Cade Stallings had a grand slam to cap a six-run eighth as Louisville run-ruled Pittsburgh at Bright House Field. Jeff Gardner (2 for 4, 3 R, 2 RBI) also went deep for the Cardinals (31-28), Ryan Wright had two hits and drove in three for UL. Travis Tingle (3-1, 7 H, 2 R) struck out 10 in six innings to earn the victory. David Chester and Travis Whitmore both had two hits and a run for the Panthers (33-23).

Mike Nemeth went 4 for 4 with one run and one RBI as Connecticut defeated Notre Dame. Nemeth was a homer short of the cycle. Billy Ferriter had two hits and three RBI, while LJ Mazzilli went deep for the Huskies (41-16-1). Eric Jacielo had two hits and two RBI for the Irish (23-29-1). Brian Ward (5-1, 5.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 6 K) got the win, while David Fischer (3.1 IP, 1 BB, 4 K) earned his second save.

Big South

#1 Coastal Carolina 3, #2 Liberty 2

#5 Gardner-Webb 5, #3 Charleston Southern 0 (CSU eliminated)

#5 Gardner-Webb 5, #2 Liberty 1 (LU eliminated)

In Lexington, Va., Keith Hardwick had a game-winning single in the bottom of the ninth as Coastal Carolina edged Liberty at Gray-Minor Stadium to advance to the championship game. Daniel Bowman led off the ninth with a base hit and was sacrificed to second before coming home on Hardwick’s hit. Ryan Cordell had a two-run single in the top of the first as the Flame (35-23) took the early lead. The Chanticleers (40-18) got one back in the second and tied it in the seventh. Hardwick finished with three hits, while Taylor Motter had two hits and two runs for Coastal. (photo by Carlos Morales, Sideline Sports)

In the day’s first game, Conner Scarborough and Jeff Howell combined on the shutout as Gardner-Webb survived against Charleston Southern at Gray-Minor Stadium. Scarborough (7-2) allowed six hits and three walks in six innings. Howell retired the nine batters he faced with a pair of strikeouts for his seventh save. Benji Jackson and Jake Watts both had two hits and two runs, while Aaron Miller (left) added two hits and one RBI for the Bulldogs (33-22-1). Walt Quattlebaum had two hits, including a double, for the Buccaneers (29-30). (photo by Carlos Morales, Sideline Sports)

In the day’s final contest, Gardner-Webb used a four-run fourth to down Liberty and earn a spot in the Big South title game. Brett Stackhouse (right) went the distance with five hits, one unearned run, one walk and nine strikeouts to even his record at 2-2. Andrew McFarland went 2 for 4 with two runs and one RBI for the Bulldogs (34-22-1). Matt Williams had two doubles and a run for the Flames (35-24). (photo by Carlos Morales, Sideline Sports)

Big Ten

#1 Illinois 4, #2 Michigan State 1

#5 Minnesota 1, #3 Purdue 0 (PU eliminated)

#5 Minnesota 9, #4 Ohio State 4 (OSU eliminated)

In Columbus, Ohio, John Anderson pitched into the eighth as Illinois downed Michigan State at Huntington Park to reach the Big Ten title game. Anderson (7-6, 7.1 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 4 BB, 1 K) earned the victory, while Chris Pack got the final five outs for his third save. Josh Parr drove in two, while Matt Dittman homered for the Illini (27-25). Justin Scanlon had two hits for the Spartans (36-19).

Four hurlers combined on the shutout as Minnesota stayed alive, eliminating Purdue. AJ Pettersen had a RBI single in the bottom of the seventh for the Golden Gophers (25-23). Scott Matyas pitched the final two innings to notch his 11th save. Eric Charles went 4 for 5 for the Boilermakers (37-20), who stranded 12.

In the first game, Matt Puhl went 2 for 3 with a homer, three runs and two RBI to lead Minnesota past Ohio State. The Golden Gophers used a six-run sixth to erase a 3-1 deficit. Kyle Geason (2 for 4, 2 RBI) also went deep for Minnesota. Tim Wetzel had two hits and two RBI for the Buckeyes (26-27).

Big 12

#1 Texas 9, #4 Oklahoma State 3 (OSU eliminated)

#6 Kansas State 4, #3 Oklahoma 3 (OU eliminated)

In Oklahoma City, Paul Montalbano and Jonathan Walsh both drove in two as Texas ousted Oklahoma State at RedHawks Field. The Longhorns (42-14) scored three in the third and three more in the fifth to take control. Brandon Loy had three hits and a run, while Tant Shepherd had two hits and three runs for Texas. Devin Shines and Zach Johnson both homered for the Cowboys (35-23).

Jason King had three hits and a run as Kansas State nipped Oklahoma. Matt Giller drove in two, while Kent Urban had two hits and two runs for the Wildcats (36-22). Cameron Seitzer went 3 for 4 with one run and one RBI for the Sooners (41-17).

CAA

#1 James Madison 13, #3 UNC Wilmington 7

#2 Old Dominion 4, #3 UNC Wilmington 3 (UNCW eliminated)

#2 Old Dominion 7, #4 Georgia State 3 (GSU eliminated)

In Wilmington, N.C., Johnny Bladel and Jake Lowery both had four hits as James Madison outscored UNC Wilmington at Brooks Field to reach the CAA title game. The Dukes (38-17) trailed 6-3 after three before scoring three in the fifth and sixth and adding four in the eighth. Bladel scored four and drove in one, while Lowery had three runs and one RBI. David Herbek had two hits and five RBI for JMU. Matt Campbell (2 for 4) and Hunter Ridge (1 for 5) both drove in two for the Seahawks.

In the last contest of the day, Edgar Hernandez had a sacrifice fly in the top of the ninth to lift Old Dominion over UNC Wilmington. The win sends the Monarchs (30-25) to the championship game for the first time since 1999. ODU will have to beat James Madison twice to claim its first CAA crown since 1996. Phil McCarthy (9-4, 8 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 8 K) got the win, while Adam Wisniewski stranded the tying run at third in the bottom of the ninth for his 15th save. Christopher Baker homered and drove in two for the Monarchs. Hunter Ridge had two hits and two RBI for the Seahawks (31-28).

In the first game, Ben Tomchick pitched a complete game as Old Dominion stayed alive against Georgia State. Tomchick (8-4) allowed six hits and two earned runs with one walk and 10 strikeouts. Christopher Baker (right) went 3 for 5 with a triple and three RBI for the Monarchs (29-25). Shawn Sizemore had two hits and drove in a pair for ODU. The Monarchs scored three in the first and two in the second to take an early 5-0 lead. Bryan Condotta had a two-run double in a three-run third for the Panthers (37-21). (photo by Joe Browning, UNCW)

Conference USA

#1 Rice 4, #4 UCF 2

#5 Memphis 5, #8 UAB 4

#7 Tulane 7, #6 Houston 1

#3 East Carolina 4, #2 Southern Miss 0

In Pearl, Miss., J.T. Chargois had a triple and scored twice as Rice defeated UCF at Trustmark Park to advance to the title game against Houston. After the Knights (38-21) scored in the top of the first, Craig Manuel had a two-run single in the bottom of the frame for the Owls (40-19). Michael Fuda had two hits for Rice. D.J. Hicks went 3 for 4 with two RBI, while Ryan Breen added two doubles and a single for UCF.

After UAB tied it at 4 in the top of the eighth, Robby Graham had a run-scoring single in the bottom of the frame to give Memphis the victory. Jonathan Van Eaton (1-1) worked the final 1.1 innings with two hits and one strikeout to register the win. Drew Martinez went 2 for 4 with two runs and for RBI for the Tigers (30-27). John Frost and Jacob German both had two hits and one RBI for the Blazers (29-28).

Alex Byo allowed one unearned run in seven innings as Tulane topped Houston. Byo (3-2) allowed six hits and one walk while striking out two. Bowen Woodson had two hits and three RBI for the Green Wave (31-26). Caleb Ramsey went 3 for 4 for the Cougars (27-31).

In the day’s final game, Seth Maness tossed a three-hit shutout as East Carolina blanked Southern Miss. Maness (9-3) walked one and struck out nine. Philip Clark had three hits and drove in two for the Pirates (39-19). Justin Diliberto had two hits for the Golden Eagles (39-16).

Great West

#3 Houston Baptist 7, #7 North Dakota 1 (UND eliminated)

#3 Houston Baptist 6, #4 NYIT 3 (NYIT eliminated)

In Grand Forks, N.D., Stephen Nikonchik pitched a complete game as Houston Baptist defeated North Dakota at Kraft Field to reach the championship game. The Huskies (22-39) will have to beat top-seeded Utah Valley twice to claim the crown. Nikonchik (5-4) allowed eight hits and one run with two walks and six strikeouts. Beau Warren had four hits, while Robbie Buller (2 for 5) and Jake Gonzalez both drove in two. Kris Kwak had two hits and one RBI for the Fighting Sioux (12-35).

In the first game of the day, Chase Hernandez went the distance as HBU eliminated NYIT. Hernandez (4-5) scattered 15 hits and gave up three runs with one walk and seven strikeouts. Kolby Arnst had two hits and knocked in four for the Huskies. Dan Lackner had three hits and three RBI for the Bears (20-31).

Horizon

#3 Milwaukee 5, #5 Butler 0 (BU eliminated)

#4 Valparaiso 11, #2 UIC 9

#1 Wright State 12, #6 Youngstown State 0

#2 UIC 1, #3 Milwaukee 0 (UWM eliminated)

In Dayton, Ohio, Eric Semmelhack hurled the complete-game shutout as Milwaukee bounced Butler at Nischwitz Stadium. Semmelback (3-4) allowed seven hits with no walks and a career-high nine strikeouts. Tell Taylor had two hits and two RBI, while Cole Kraft doubled twice and knocked in one for the Panthers. Doug Dekoning homered for Milwaukee. Grant Fillipitch had two hits for the Bulldogs (23-28-1).

Chris Manning had four hits and three runs as Valparaiso outscored UIC. The Crusaders (24-30) trailed 9-8 before tallying two in the eighth on a base hit by Bobby Martin. Jason Ganek went 3 for 4 with a homer and four RBI for the Flames.

Michael Woytek tossed a six-hit shutout as Wright State blanked Youngstown State. Woytek (7-3) walked three and fanned seven. Zach Tanner had three hits, including two doubles, and four RBI for the Raiders (34-17). Joe Iacobucci had two hits for the Penguins (13-40).

In the day’s finale, Matt Heaslip hurled a five-hit shutout as UIC eliminated Milwaukee. Heaslip (5-5) walked three and struck out seven. Andy Leonard had a RBI double in the bottom of the third for the Flames (28-25). Cole Kraft and Ryan Solberg both had two hits for the Panthers (28-28-1).

MAAC

#1 Manhattan 8, #3 Siena 7

#4 Canisius 4, #2 Rider 3 (Rider eliminated)

In Trenton, N.J., Manhattan scored twice on a throwing error with two outs in the bottom of the ninth in edging Siena to reach the MAAC title game. The Saints (27-29) scored five in the eighth to take a 7-5 lead. Dan Paolini had a three-run homer and Kyle Baldani added a two-run single in the eighth for Siena. Anthony Vega went 2 for 3 with a homer and three RBI for the Jaspers (33-17).

In the first game, Drew Pettit had a two-run double in the top of the seventh to erase a 3-2 deficit as Canisius eliminated Rider. Jose Torralba went 3 for 5 with one run and one RBI for the Golden Griffins (26-31). Garrett Cortright (right) allowed six hits and three runs in 7.1 innings with no walks and two strikeouts to level his record at 4-4. Nick Crescenzo had two hits and one run for the Broncs (33-18). (photo by Dave Schofield)

MAC

#5 Eastern Michigan 12, #4 Northern Illinois 11 (10) (NIU eliminated)

#2 Central Michigan 13, #7 Western Michigan 12 (WMU eliminated)

#5 Eastern Michigan 4, #1 Kent State 2

#3 Miami 5, #2 Central Michigan 2 (CMU eliminated)

In Chillicothe, Ohio, Tucker Rubino had a RBI double with two away in the top of the 10th as Eastern Michigan outscored Northern Illinois at VA Memorial Stadium. The Eagles scored five in the ninth to take an 11-10 lead. Sam Ott (2 for 4, 3 RBI) had a two-run single with two down and Kyle Peterson (2 for 3) capped the rally with a two-run double. Kevin Smith had a pinch-hit single with two gone in the bottom of the ninth as the Huskies (30-27) for the extra frame. Jamison Wells went 5 for 6 with two runs and three RBI for NIU.

William Arnold had a game-winning RBI single to cap a two-run rally in the bottom of the ninth as Central Michigan edged Western Michigan. Sam Russell (3 for 5, 3 R, 2 RBI) had a leadoff single in the ninth and scored the tying run on a wild pitch. Russell belted a pair of home runs in an eight-run second as the Chippewas built a 10-3 lead. Troy Forton homered and drove in four, while Ryan McMillin went 4 for 5 with two doubles, three runs and three RBI for the Broncos (26-31).

Steve Weber pitched seven strong innings as Eastern Michigan forced another game with Kent State for a spot in the title game. Weber (6-3) allowed seven hits and two runs (one earned) with six walks and three strikeouts. Collin Taylor tossed two scoreless innings for his first save. Zack Leonard drove in two for the Eagles (37-21). T.J. Sutton and Joe Koch both had three hits and a run for the Golden Flashes (41-15), who stranded 12.

Miami secured a berth in the championship game by eliminating Central Michigan. Brooks Fiala (7-4, 7.2 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 7 K) earned the victory, while Sam Dawes got three groundouts in the ninth for his ninth save. Ryan Kaup had a RBI double in the seventh to snap a 2-2 tie and Nate Bowles added a pinch-hit two-run single in the eighth. Nate Theunissen homered and drove in both runs for the Chippewas (31-27).

MVC

#2 Wichita State 9, #6 Indiana State 0 (ISU eliminated)

#1 Creighton 4, #4 Missouri State 3 (12) (MSU eliminated)
 

In Omaha, Neb., Zach Beringer and Albert Minnis combined on the four-hit shutout as Wichita State blanked Indiana State to claim the first spot in Saturday’s championship game. Beringer (3-3) allowed one hit and four walks over six innings with three strikeouts to earn the victory. Minnis gave up three hits and fanned five over the final three innings for his first save. The Shockers (39-25) scored four in the first and three in the second to take control. Chris O’Brien (2 R, 2 RBI) and Don Lambert (1 R, 1 RBI) both had three hits for WSU. The Sycamores end their season at 29-28.

Anthony Bemboom scored on a wild pitch in the bottom of the 12th inning as Creighton eliminated Missouri State - the Bluejays' fifth win over the Bears in the past eight days. Creighton (43-14) scored three times in the first, but reliever J.C. Casey entered and threw 10 scoreless innings with five hits and 11 strikeouts for Missouri State. The Bears turned the ball over to Dan Kickham after Casey had thrown 136 pitches. Kickham couldn't work around a leadoff walk to Bemboom, who was bunted to second and moved to third on a fly ball.
 

OVC

#1 Austin Peay 4, #3 Jacksonville State 1

#2 Southeast Missouri 12, #6 UT Martin 7 (UTM eliminated)

#2 Southeast Missouri 6, #4 Tennessee Tech 1 (TTU eliminated)
 

In Jackson, Tenn., Austin Peay scored three in the top of the ninth against Jacksonville State to earn a berth in the OVC title game. Michael Blanchard had a two-run single to cap the three-run outburst for the Govs (32-22). Ryne Harper (1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 2 K) got the win in relief of Jack Snodgrass (9 H, 1 UE, 2 BB), who fanned 11 in 7.2 innings. Jake Sharrock had three hits for the Gamecocks (35-22).

Brad LaBruyere (left) worked 8.2 innings - throwing 159 pitches in the process - as Southeast Missorui fought off elimination by beating Tennessee Tach. LaBruyere (9-2) allowed 12 hits and struck out nine for the Redhawks (34-21). Tim Rupp and Ky Burgess each hit two-run homers for Southeast Missouri. (photo courtesy of Ohio Valley Conference)

In the first game, Casey Jones homered twice and drove in six as Southeast Missouri outscored UT Martin at Pringles Park. Jones had a two-run shot in the second and a grand slam to cap an eight-run fourth. Jon Dicus (6-4, 10 H, 7 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 2 K) went the distance for the Redhawks. Cody Terry had three hits for the Skyhawks (20-36).

SEC

#2 Arkansas 4, #7 Alabama 1 (Alabama eliminated)

#5 Georgia 4, #1 South Carolina 2 (USC eliminated)

In Hoover, Ala., Kyle Robinson went 2 for 3 with a homer, two runs and two RBI as Arkansas eliminated Alabama. Ryne Stanek (3-2, 7.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 5 K) got the win, while Trent Daniel retired the final four hitters for his third save. Dominic Ficociello had two hits and one RBI for the Razorbacks (38-19). Jared Reaves doubled and scored for the Crimson Tide (33-26).

Chase Davidson had a two-run single in a three-run first as Georgia sent South Carolina home. Blake Dieterich (3-3, 6.1 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 4 BB, 2 K) earned the victory, while Tyler Maloff pitched a perfect ninth for his 17th save. Zach Cone had two hits and drove in one for the Bulldogs (30-29). Evan Marzilli had two hits and drove in both runs for the Gamecocks (45-14).
 

Southern

#6 Appalachian State 5, #7 Furman 0 (Furman eliminated)

#5 College of Charleston 4, #8 Western Carolina 2 (WCU eliminated)

In Charleston, S.C., Seth Grant hurled a six-hit shutout as Appalachian State stayed alive by downing Furman at Riley Park. Grant (5-9) walked one and struck out five in his first career whitewash. The Mountaineers (33-26) scored three in the fourth and two in the sixth. Hector Crespo had a two-run triple in the fourth for ASU. Will Callaway had three hits and one run for the victors. Reese Wade had two hits for the Paladins (24-33).

Marty Gantt went 4 for 5 with two doubles, one run and one RBI to lead College of Charleston past Western Carolina. Christian Powell (8-1, 7 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 8 K) earned the victory, while Kyle Owings (2 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 3 K) got his eighth save. Matt Leeds had a triple and drove in two for the Cougars (38-21). Ross Heffley and Cody Jones both had two hits for the Catamounts (23-31-1).

Southland

#3 Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 2, #6 UTSA 1 (UTSA eliminated)

#1 Texas State 13, #5 Sam Houston State 2 (SHSU eliminated)

#3 Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 11, #2 Stephen F. Austin 5

#1 Texas State 14, #8 Nicholls State 2

In San Marcos, Texas, Bobby Buckner (right) homered with two out in the bottom of the ninth as Texas A&M-Corpus Christi nipped UTSA at Bobcat Stadium. It was the first big fly of the season for Buckner. Tanner Green (2-0) pitched a scoreless ninth to earn the victory. He relieved starter Justin Meza (8 H, 1 R, 1 BB), who fanned nine in eight innings. Mike Warren had a RBI single in the top of the second as the Roadrunners (27-32) took an early lead. Trey Hernandez tied it in the third for the Islanders with a run-scoring double. (photo courtesy of Southland Conference)

In the second game, Tyler Sibley homered and drove in four as Texas State run-ruled Sam Houston State. Clint Vest had two hits and three RBI, while Casey Kalenkosky went 2 for 5 with a homer, two runs and two RBI for the Bobcats. Kevin Miller went 1 for 3 with one RBI for the Bearkats (35-25). Colton Turner (9-2, 5 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 2 K) went the distance for TSU. It was the final game for SHSU head coach Mark Johnson, who ends his 26-year career with 1,043 wins. (photo courtesy of Southland Conference)

Facing elimination, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi scored eight in the top of the ninth to force a final contest with Stephen F. Austin on Saturday for a spot in the Southland title game. Caleb Marx started the rally with a pinch-hit homer and Jumpy Garcia added a three-run shot later in the frame. Jeramie Marek went 4 for 5 with two RBI for the Islanders (37-23). Darren Crabtree had two hits and two RBI for the Lumberjacks (36-22).

In the day’s final game, Texas State pounded out 24 hits in forcing another game with Nicholls State for a berth in the championship game. Cory Falvey went 5 for 6, while Jeff McVaney and Casey Kalenkosky both had three hits and three RBI for the Bobcats (38-21). Bear Comer had two hits and a run for the Colonels (28-28).

Summit

#3 North Dakota State 5, #4 Western Illinois 3 (WIU eliminated)

#1 Oral Roberts vs. #2 South Dakota State ppd. (Sat. 12 pm)

#3 North Dakota State vs. Game 2 loser ppd. (Sat. 3:30 pm)

In Sioux Falls, S.D., Blake Turbak went 3 for 5 with one run and one RBI as North Dakota State edged Western Illinois at Sioux Falls Stadium. The Bison (22-31) trailed 3-1 after six before scoring one in the top of the seventh, two in the eighth and one in the ninth. Nic Obey had a two-run double in the eighth to give NDSU the lead for good. Matt Igara and Tim Lilja both had two hits and one RBI for the Leathernecks (21-38). NDSU starter John Straka (left) worked six innings with five hits, three runs, three walks and no strikeouts. Kyle Kingsley (4-3, 2 IP, 1 BB, 1 K) picked up the victory, while Json Mattila (1 IP, 2 H, 1 K) earned his seventh save. (photo by Dennis Hubbard)

The remaining two games were postponed due to inclement weather.

Sun Belt

#7 Arkansas State 3, #3 Louisiana-Lafayette 0

#2 FIU 11, #6 South Alabama 0

#1 Troy 4, #4 Western Kentucky 2

In Monroe, La., Andy Ferguson (left) tossed a four-hit shutout as Arkansas State blanked Louisiana-Lafayette at Warhawk Field. Ferguson (7-4) walked two and struck out 11. Zach Maggio had two hits for the Red Wolves (26-31-1). Michael Faulkner had a triple and scored, while Zach George doubled and drove in one for ASU. Greg Fontenot had two hits for the Ragin’ Cajuns (31-26). (photo courtesy of Sun Belt Conference)

Rudy Flores had three hits and five RBI as FIU run-ruled South Alabama to earn a spot against UALR in the Sun Belt title game. Jabari Henry homered and drove in three for the Panthers (39-17-1). R.J. Fondon (6-5, 7 IP, 5 H, 3 BB, 3 K) went the distance for FIU. Taylor White had two hits for the Jaguars (30-27).

Tyson Workman went 3 for 5 with one RBI as Troy got past Western Kentucky. T.J. Rivera and Ali Knowles both had two hits and a run for the Trojans (42-17). Ryan Hutchison doubled for the Hilltoppers (33-24).

WAC

#2 Fresno State 11, #1 Hawaii 5

#3 Louisiana Tech 9, #5 San Jose State 5 (SJSU eliminated)
#5 San Jose State 11, #4 Nevada 3 (Nevada eliminated)
 

In Mesa, Ariz., Dusty Robinson homered and drove in three as Fresno State outscored Hawaii to advance to the WAC championship game. Brennan Gowens had three hits and three RBI, while Aaron Judge went 4 for 4 with two runs and two RBI for the Bulldogs (39-14). Charlie Robertson pitched the final two innings for his 12th save. Pi’ikea Kitamura and Kolten Wong both drove in two for the Rainbows (33-24).

Will Alvis went 3 for 5 with a homer and two RBI as Louisiana Tech stayed alive against San Jose State. Ryan Gebhardt and Austin Hedges both went 2 for 4 with two runs and one RBI for the Bulldogs (34-26). Jason Martin had two hits and two runs for the Spartans (35-26).

Craig Hertler went 3 for 4 with two runs and two RBI, and Jacob Valdez and Nick Borg each added two RBI as San Jose State eliminated Nevada. Blake McFarland (8-2) tossed six solid innings, allowing three earned runs and striking out six, and John Austin threw the final three innings for his first save for SJSU. Waylen Sing Chow had two hits and two RBI for Nevada (24-31).