April 27, 2012

Rankings are from CBI Composite Poll

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Around the Bases
Appel strikes out 10 as Stanford downs UCLA

Florida nips Arkansas, Baylor blanks NMSU, Light fans 15 for Monmouth

In Los Angeles, Mark Appel (right) struck out 10 in seven innings as ninth-ranked Stanford stopped No. 11 UCLA 7-2 Friday to kick off their Pac-12 series in front of 1,084 fans at Jackie Robinson Stadium. Appel (6-1) allowed eight hits and one run with no walks. After a scoreless three innings, Tyler Gaffney (2 for 5, 2 R) homered in a two-run fourth as the Cardinal (9-7, 27-10) grabbed the lead. Stephen Piscotty belted a three-run homer in a four-run fifth and Stanford added a run in the sixth for a 7-0 advantage. Adam Plutko (5-3, 5.2 IP, 9 H, 7 R, 1 BB, 3 K) suffered the loss. Jeff Gelalich went 3 for 4 with a run, while Pat Valaika (2 for 4) homered for the Bruins (11-8, 27-11).

No. 4 Florida 3, No. 18 Arkansas 2

In Gainesville, Fla., Florida used a three-run sixth to rally past Arkansas in the SEC series opener in front of 3,906 fans at McKethan Stadium. The Razorbacks (9-10, 29-13) tallied single runs in the fourth and fifth to take a 2-0 lead. Casey Turgeon had a two-run single with two away in the bottom of the sixth to tie the game and scored the go-ahead run for the Gators (12-7, 33-10) on a base hit by Austin Maddox. Hudson Randall (4-1, 6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 3 K) got the win, while Greg Larson fanned two in a scoreless seventh and Steven Rodriguez struck out a pair in a scoreless eighth before Maddox retired the side in order in the ninth to record his 12th save. Ryne Stanek (6-3, 5.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 BB, 3 K) held UF hitless before suffering the loss. Bo Bigham went 3 for 4 with one RBI, while Jake Wise had two hits, including a double, and a run for Arkansas.

No. 3 Baylor 5, New Mexico State 0

In Waco, Texas, Josh Turley and two relievers combined on the shutout as Baylor blanked New Mexico State in front of 3,199 fans at Baylor Ballpark. Turley (7-0, 7.1 IP, 1 H, 2 BB, 5 K) took a no-hitter into the eighth before Tanner Waite singled for the Aggies (30-12) with one away. Crayton Bare retired the final two batters in the eighth with one strikeout before Joey Hainsfurther (1 IP, 2 H, 1 K) worked the ninth to preserve the shutout. With the game scoreless after five, Cal Towey had a two-run double to cap a three-run sixth for the Bears (37-8), who won their 19th straight at home to extend the program record..

Monmouth 6, LIU Brooklyn 5

In Brooklyn, N.Y., Pat Light set a program record with 15 strikeouts as Monmouth held on to defeat LIU Brooklyn to begin the NEC series at LIU Field. Light (7-3) allowed five hits and one run with no walks. The Blackbirds (7-14, 16-28) scored all their runs in the bottom of the ninth. Joe Loiodice (0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 1 K) picked up his second save. The Hawks (16-5, 28-16) tallied four in the seventh and single runs in the eighth and ninth. Kyle Perry (3 for 4, 2B) and Josh Boyd (1 for 4, 2B) both drove in two for Monmouth. Brad Greve had two hits and two RBI for LIU Brooklyn.

No. 1 Florida State 17, Rhode Island 6
In Tallahassee, Fla., Jayce Boyd had five hits and four RBI as No. 1 Florida State cruised to a victory over visiting Rhode Island in non-conference play. The Seminoles (34-7) jumped out to an early lead when Boyd drove in James Ramsey on a double in the bottom of the first.  Boyd added a home run in the bottom of the second to put FSU up 8-0. Devon Travis (2 for 6, 3 R, 4 RBI) also homered for FSU. Jeff Cammans  (4 for 5, R, RBI, SB) and Jeff Roy (2 for 5, 2B, 2 R, RBI) led the way for a Rams’ (26-17) offense that pounded out 14 hits. FSU’s Brandon Leibrandt (5 IP, 10 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 8 K) earned the victory and moved to 5-1.

No. 2 Kentucky 5, Vanderbilt 2

In Nashville, Tenn., Austin Cousino went 3 for 5 with a homer, two runs and two RBI to lead Kentucky past Vanderbilt in the SEC series lid-lifter in front of 2,584 fans at Hawkins Field. The Wildcats (14-5, 35-8) scored a pair in each of the first two innings. Taylor Rogers (5-2, 5.2 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 4 K) took the win, while Alex Phillips (3.1 IP, 1 BB, 3 K) worked out of a bases-loaded jam in the sixth and earned his fifth save. Mike Yastrzemski went 2 for 2 with a double and a walk, while Connor Harrell was 2 for 4 with a double and a run for the Commodores (7-12, 19-23).

No. 5 LSU 6, Georgia 5

In Baton Rouge, La., Austin Nola crushed a two-run home run in the eighth to give LSU the victory over Georgia in the SEC series opener. The Tigers (13-6, 34-9) now have a four-game lead in the Western Division after the win over the Bulldogs (8-11, 24-19). JaCoby Jones also went deep and drove in two, while Tyler Hanover went 2 for 4 with a double and two runs for LSU. Chris Cotton (5-0) picked up the win in relief after throwing two scoreless innings. Bryan Benzor (4-4) took the loss in relief of Alex Wood after giving up two runs on three hits in one inning of work. Peter Verdin went 2 for 4 with an RBI and a run for Georgia.

No. 6 South Carolina 1-12, Alabama 0-11

In Columbia, S.C., Adam Matthews launched a leadoff homer in the bottom of the eighth as South Carolina won the completion of Thursday’s suspended SEC series opener at Carolina Stadium. The game was halted after seven and only 18 minutes were needed to complete the contest. The homer by Matthews was the lone hit of the game for the Gamecocks (13-7, 32-11). Tyler Webb (4-0) pitched a perfect eighth in relief of Michael Roth (7 IP, 4 H, 2 BB, 3 K) to pick up the win. Matt Price fanned one in a 1-2-3 ninth for his fifth save. Price set a school record with 89 career appearances, passing Rob Mosser (1990-93) with 88. Spencer Turnbull tossed seven hitless innings on Thursday with four walks and five strikeouts for the Crimson Tide (6-14, 17-27). Brett Booth went 2 for 3 for Alabama. In the nightcap, South Carolina scored three in the bottom of the ninth to clinch the series win. Sean Sullivan had a run-scoring single to tie the game before T.J. Costen scored the game-winner on an outfield error. Grayson Greiner (3 for 4, 2B, 2 R, 4 RBI), Christian Walker (2 for 3, 2B, 2 BB, 4 R, 2 RBI) and Matthews all homered for the Gamecocks. James Tullidge went 3 for 4 with one run and one RBI, while Taylor Dugas was 3 for 5 with a double and two runs for Alabama.

No. 8 UCF 4, Memphis 3
In Orlando, Fla., Ben Lively pitched six shutout innings as UCF edged Memphis in Game 1 of the Conference USA weekend series. Lively (7-1) allowed three hits, two walks, and struck out three in six innings to earn the victory. The Knights (13-3, 36-8) held a 4-0 lead after seven innings thanks to a pair of RBI singles from Ryan Breen and an RBI double from Jeramy Matos. However, UCF was forced to hold on late as the Tigers (6-10, 18-24) scored three in the top of the eighth thanks to RBI singles from Jacob Wilson (1 for 4) and Adam McClain (3 for 4). UCF closer Joe Rogers pitched 1.2 innings and struck out two batters to stifle the Memphis rally and pick up his ninth save.

No. 10 Texas A&M 6, Texas 5

In College Station, Texas, Michael Wacha pitched eight shutout innings with nine strikeouts as Texas A&M topped Texas to open their Big 12 series in front of 6,944 fans at Blue Bell Park. Wacha (6-0) gave up four hits and two walks. He left with a 6-0 lead before the Longhorns (11-5, 24-15) put up five in the top of the ninth. Troy Stein went 3 for 4 with a double and three RBI, while Jacob House drove in a pair for the Aggies (10-6, 30-12). Mikey Reynolds had two hits and two runs for Texas A&M. Mark Payton (3 for 4, 2B, R) and Erich Weiss (1 for 5, 2B) both drove in two for Texas.

No. 12 Oregon 4, California 1

In Eugene, Ore., Alex Keudell threw a complete game to lead Oregon over Cal to kick off their Pac-12 series. Keudell (7-3) gave up one run on five hits with one walk and two strikeouts for the Ducks (12-7, 28-13). Cal (7-9, 23-16) starter Michael Theofanopoulos allowed three hits and one unearned run in 5.1 innings with three walks and four punchouts. Logan Scott (3-2) took the loss after giving up three runs on four hits in two innings of relief. Aaron Jones went 2 for 5 with three RBI in his first game back from an ankle injury, including a two-run double in a three-run eighth for the Bears.

No. 13 Arizona 24, ETSU 7

In Tucson, Ariz., Bobby Brown led the way for Arizona after going a perfect 4 for 4 with six RBI and four runs in a win over ETSU, becoming the eighth school in NCAA history to reach 2,600 all-time victories. The Wildcats (27-13) and Bucs (19-22) combined to tie an NCAA Division I record with seven triples in the game. Both teams combined for 31 runs and 41 hits. Alex Mejia (3 for 7, 2B, 2 3B, 2 R), Johnny Field (5 for 6, 2 2B, 3B, 3 R) and Riley Moore (3 for 6, R) each drove in four for Arizona. Kurt Heyer (8-1) picked up the win after giving up six runs on twelve hits in 7.2 innings while striking out nine. Jake Long (2-6) took the loss after surrendering 11 runs on 14 hits in three innings. Clinton Freeman went 3 for 5 with two doubles and three RBI for ETSU.

No. 16 Purdue 6, Michigan State 2

In West Lafayette, Ind., Barrett Serrato belted a grand slam in the fourth as league-leading no. 16 Purdue downed second-place Michigan State 6-2 Friday in the Big Ten series opener in front of 772 fans at Lambert Field. Eric Charles and Kevin Plawecki (right) both had three hits, including a double, and one RBI for the Boilermakers (13-3, 33-6), while Charles scored twice to pull to within one of tying the program’s career record for runs. Joe Haase (7-0, 7 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 3 K) earned the victory, while Blake Mascarello (2 IP, 2 H, 1 UE) hurled the final two innings. Jordan Keur had two hits for the Spartans (7-6, 26-14). Tony Bucciferro (3-3, 8 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 2 K) went the distance for MSU.

Portland 5, No. 17 San Diego 4

In Portland, Ore., Kyle Kraus became Portland's all-time leader in career wins with 26 after he beat San Diego with his complete-game performance in the WCC series opener. Kraus (6-3) gave up two earned runs on eight hits while striking out five. Down 5-2 in the ninth, the Toreros (9-4, 32-10) rallied back to get it to 5-4, but the Pilots (9-7, 22-15) held on after getting a groundball out with a runner on third. Dylan Covey (6-3) took the loss after allowing three runs on eight hits over seven innings while striking out five and walking none. Caleb Whalen went 2 for 4 with a triple, an RBI and a run for Portland. A.J. Robinson went 3 for 4 with two RBI for the Toreros.

Mississippi State 4, No. 19 Ole Miss 0
In Starkville, Miss., Chris Stratton pitched a complete game shutout in front of 6,601 at Dudy Noble Field to lift Mississippi State past rival Ole Miss in Game 1 of the SEC weekend series. Stratton (8-0) allowed only five hits and struck out seven batters in nine innings. The Bulldogs (9-10, 26-16) scored two in the bottom of the third to take an early lead, as Adam Frazier scored when Mitch Slauter reached on an error and Daryl Norris followed with an RBI single. In the bottom of the fifth, Slauter (1 for 4, R) collected an RBI when he drove in Sam Frost with a single. The Bulldogs collected an insurance run in the bottom of the seventh when pinch-hitter Brownlee delivered an RBI double. Rebels’ (9-10, 27-15) ace Bobby Wahl (5-1, 6 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 K) pitched well but caught the loss. Alex Yarbrough had three hits for Ole Miss.

Louisville 5, Connecticut 0
In Louisville, Ky., Justin Amlung pitched seven strong innings as Louisville shut out visiting Connecticut to take Game 1 of the pivotal Big East series. Amlung (7-3) allowed four hits and walked only one while striking out six. The Cardinals (11-5, 30-12) opened the scoring in the bottom of the second when Zak Wasserman delivered an RBI single. Louisville added two more in the third frame thanks to an error and a wild pitch. Jeff Gardner’s (2 for 4) RBI double in the seventh gave the Cardinals a 4-0 advantage. David Fischer (3-5, 6 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, 3 BB, 1 K) caught the loss for the Huskies (11-5, 23-19).

Missouri State 1, Southern Illinois 0

In Springfield, Mo., Keenen Maddox smacked a game-winning homer with one away in the bottom of the ninth as Missouri State nipped Southern Illinois in the MVC series opener at Hammons Field. Tyler Burgess (4-0, 2 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 3 K) earned the win in relief of Nick Petree (7 IP, 5 H, 1 BB, 9 K). Cody Forsythe (3-2, 8.1 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 5 BB, 2 K) was the tough-luck loser. Patrick Drake went 2 for 2 for the first-place Bears (9-3, 30-13), who reach the 30-win plateau for the 25th time in 30 seasons under head coach Keith Guttin. Chris Serritella and Brian Bajer both had two hits for the Salukis (8-5, 23-19).

NC State 4, Duke 0

In Raleigh, N.C., Anthony Tzamtzis tossed a career-best 7.2 innings and struck out a career-best nine as NC State blanked Duke in their ACC opener at Doak Field at Dail Park. Jake Fincher went 2 for 3 with two triples a RBI and two runs, and Trea Turner went 1 for 3 with a run and a RBI for the Wolfpack (14-8, 28-12). Tzamtzis, making his fifth start, improved to 5-3 with two hits and five walks. Marcus Stroman (4-4) tossed a complete game with 10 strikeouts, allowing four earned runs on nine hits, for the Blue Devils (7-15, 16-27).

Utah Valley 6-12, NJIT 3-2

In Orem, Utah, Jake Rickenbach tied an NCAA record by reaching base 18 consecutive times as Utah Valley swept a Great West doubleheader from NJIT to extend its win streak to 22. Rickenbach went 2 for 2 with a pair of free passes in the opener and walked in his first two plate appearances in the nightcap before flying out to end the streak. Rickenbach had gone 6 for 6 with 11 walks and one hit-by-pitch over four games to tie the record set by Shaun Larkin of Cal State Northridge in 2002. Rickenbach stretched his hit streak to 23, one away from the school record. Preston Olson (5-0, 5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 4 K) took the win in Game 1, while Taylor Mangum (2 IP, 1 BB, 3 K) picked up his first save for the Wolverines (15-0, 29-11). Goose Kallunki (2 for 3) went deep for UVU. Mike Rampone drove in a pair, while Andrew Benjamin had two hits and two runs for the Highlanders (9-6, 17-18). Kallunki went 3 for 4 in Game 2 with a homer and four RBI to lead the Wolverines to the sweep. Bryan Bleakley went deep for NJIT.

UNC Wilmington 15, Georgia State 0

In Atlanta, Tyler McSwain tossed a complete-game shutout, and Thomas Pope, Hunter Ridge and Corey Dick had huge nights at the plate as first-place UNC Wilmington coasted to a CAA win over Georgia State. McSwain (7-2) allowed seven hits and struck out seven in becoming the 12th Seahawks pitcher to win 20 career games. Thomas Pope went 4 for 6 with a three-run triple and Corey Dick, who went 3 for 5 with four RBI, had a two-run double in a seven-run seventh inning for the Seahawks (16-3, 26-16). Hunter Ridge contributed three hits and four RBI in the win. The Panthers fell to 9-10, 18-24.

Coastal Carolina 4, Liberty 2

In Lynchburg, Va., Tyler Herb was sensational, taking a no-hitter into the seventh inning, and Rich Witten had a two-run homer as Coastal Carolina beat Liberty for the second straight day in a showdown Big South series. Herb (7-2) ran into a jam in the seventh inning when he allowed his first hit. Later in the inning, Ian Parmley had a two-run single, but closer Ryan Connolly (10 saves) picked Parmley off to end the threat and closed out the Flames (10-7, 33-14) the next two innings. Daniel Bowman went 3 for 5 with two runs and a RBI, and Witten’s homer in the fifth off John Niggli (7-2) ended up being the difference for the Chanticleers (10-3, 29-13).

Austin Peay 5, Jacksonville State 2

In Clarksville, Tenn., Zach Toney allowed one hit in eight scoreless innings as first-place Austin Peay downed second-place Jacksonville State. Toney (3-2) allowed a one-out single to Erik Underwood in the fourth. Toney walked four and struck out eight. Greg Bachman went 2 for 4 with three RBI, while Reed Harper went 2 for 3 with a double and two runs for the Govs (12-3, 26-15). Underwood had a two-run homer in the ninth for the Gamecocks (10-6, 16-23).

Dayton 5, Richmond 3

In Richmond, Va., Mike Hauschild went the distance with seven strikeouts as Dayton took the opener of its Atlantic 10 series against Richmond at Pitt Field. Hauschild (6-1) allowed nine hits with one walk and blanked the Spiders (7-6, 20-18) for eight innings before surrendering three in the bottom of the ninth on a pinch-hit homer by Bret Williams. Bobby Glover (2 for 5, 1 RBI) and Robby Sunderman (2 for 3, BB) both scored twice for the Flyers (9-4, 20-23). Adam Forrer went 2 for 4 for UR. Jacob Mayers (6-2, 8 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K) took the loss.

Georgia Tech 6, Clemson 5 (13)

In Atlanta, Daniel Palka smacked a game-winning homer to lead off the bottom of the 13th as Georgia Tech outlasted Clemson in ACC action in front of 1,627 fans at Russ Chandler Stadium. Mott Hyde (3 for 4, 3 RBI) homered in his first two at-bats for the Yellow Jackets (10-12, 26-17). Brad Felder (1 for 2, 4 RBI) had a three-run homer in the top of the ninth to give the Tigers (12-10, 24-19) a 5-2 advantage. Palka (3 for 6, 3 RBI) had a two-run double in the bottom of the ninth to pull Tech to within one and Hyde’s sacrifice fly forced extra innings. Jarrett Didrick (1-0) pitched a 1-2-3 top of the 13th to earn the victory. Buck Farmer (8.1 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 1 BB, 7 K) started and was followed by Alex Cruz, who threw 3.2 hitless innings with one walk and three strikeouts.

Toledo 5, Ball State 0

In Toledo, Ohio, Ryan Wilkinson tossed a three-hit shutout as Toledo blanked Ball State to kick off their MAC series at Scott Park. Wilkinson (6-2) walked one, fanned nine and faced two over the minimum. Joe Corfman went 2 for 3 with two walks and one run for the Rockets (10-6, 21-12). Billy Wellman went 1 for 3 with a double for the Cardinals (6-10, 11-27).

Kent State 16, Western Michigan 5

In Kent, Ohio, David Starn fanned five in seven innings to reach 300 career strikeouts as Kent State stopped Western Michigan to start their MAC series at Schoonover Stadium. Starn (5-2) allowed seven hits, one walk and four runs (two earned). He is the first pitcher in program history to reach 300 strikeouts. George Roberts went 2 for 3 with a double, two runs and three RBI, while Evan Campbell (2 for 4, 3 R) and T.J. Sutton (2 for 4, 2 R, 2 RBI) both homered for the Golden Flashes (13-3, 25-17). Duncan doubled twice and knocked in three for the Broncos (7-8, 17-21).

(photos by Zach Sanderson of StanfordPhoto.com)