March 1, 2013

Rankings are from CBI Composite Poll

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Around the Bases
Ziomek tosses one-hit shutout for Vandy against UIC

Gonzaga tops Arkansas; UNC edges Rice, Cal State Fullerton downs Oregon

In Nashville, Tenn., Kevin Ziomek (right) threw a one-hit, three-walk shutout and struck out 15 in No. 3 Vanderbilt’s 9-0 win against UIC Friday to improve his record to 3-0. Vince Conde (1 for 3, 2 R) hit a two-run homer in Vanderbilt’s five-run eighth. Tony Kemp (2 RBI) and Rhett Wiseman (2 R) each went 2 for 4 for the Commodores (10-1). Alex Grunenwald (1 for 3) had a leadoff single in the second, the lone hit for the Flames (3-4).

Gonzaga 3, No. 2 Arkansas 0

In Surprise Ariz., Marco Gonzales tossed a complete-game shutout with nine strikeouts to lead Gonzaga to the win over Arkansas in the Coca-Cola Classic. Gonzales (2-1) allowed eight hits and no walks in silencing the Razorbacks (7-3), who lost for the second game in a row. Barrett Astin (1-1) was cruising until the Bulldogs (5-3) scored three times in the top of the sixth. Clayton Eslick and Zach Abbruzza singled before Cory Lebrun singled in Eslick. Travis Forbes followed with a single to right, and a throwing error allowed Abbruzza to score to make it 2-0. Billy Moon drove in another run with a bouncer to second. Tyler Spoon, Brian Anderson and Brett McAfee each contributed two hits for Arkansas.

No. 1 North Carolina 2, No. 13 Rice 1
In Houston, the anticipated pitchers' duel between North Carolina's Kent Emanuel and Rice's Austin Kubitza was every bit as good as advertised as the Tar Heels scored twice - both on wild pitches - late to edge the Owls at the Astros Foundation College Classic. Emanuel allowed a RBI squeeze bunt to Leon Byrd in the bottom of the second to score Michael Aquino, who had tripled. Trailing 1-0, UNC (8-0) scratched for a run off Kubitza in the seventh. Mike Zolk singled and moved to second when Brian Holberton's sacrifice bunt turned in to a single to first. Zolk moved to third on a fly out and scored on a wild pitch. In the top of the ninth Chaz Frank laced a double to the wall, but the Owls' relay nailed Korey Dunbar at the plate. Frank later scored the game-winning run on a wild pitch. Emanuel allowed eight hits and struck out five in seven innings, while Kubitza allowed four hits and one run and struck out nine. Chris McCue picked up the win, and Luis Paula earned his first career save for the Tar Heels. Christian Stringer had three hits for the Owls (6-3).
 

No. 18 Cal State Fullerton 8, No. 7 Oregon 2

In Fullerton, Calif., Thomas Eshelman tossed a four-hitter as Cal State Fullerton claimed the opener of its series with Oregon in front of 2,898 fans at Goodwin Field. Eshelman (3-0) allowed two earned runs, did not walk a batter and struck out six. In 20.2 innings this season, Eshelman has 20 punchouts and no walks. The Titans (9-0), off to their best start in Division I history going back to 1975, used a three-run fifth to take the lead for good and added four in the sixth. Two of the three runs in the fifth came in on wild pitches and the third scored on a passed ball. Anthony Hutting (2 for 3, 2 RBI) had an inside-the-park homer to spark the four-run sixth, capped by a two-run single from Carlos Lopez. Ryon Healey went 2 for 4 with a double and one RBI for the Ducks (7-2). Jake Reed (1-2, 5.2 IP, 5 H, 8 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 3 K).

No. 4 LSU 4, Brown 3

In Baton Rouge, La., Christian Ibarra’s sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth lifted LSU past Brown. The Bears (0-1) plated two in the top of the eighth for a 3-2 lead before the Tigers (8-1) tied it in the bottom of the frame and won it in the ninth. Mason Katz (2 for 5) had a two-run double in the first, while Tyler Moore added three hits for LSU, which stranded 15. Chris Cotton (1-0, 1.1 IP, 1 H, 2 K) picked up the win. Aaron Nola (7 IP, 3 H, 1 UE) struck out a career-high 11 for the Tigers. J.J. Franco went 2 for 3 with a double and a run for Brown.

No. 5 Oregon State 2, Bryant 1 (10)

In Corvallis, Ore., Tyler Smith drove in the game-winner with a base hit in the bottom of the 10th as Oregon State edged Bryant in front of a crowd of 2,776 at Goss Stadium. Jake Rodriguez led off the 10th with a single for the Beavers (9-0) and moved to second on a bunt single by Andy Peterson. Both moved up on a sac bunt by Joey Jansen, setting the table for Smith (2 for 4). Max Engelbrekt (2-0) got the final out in the top of the 10th and was awarded the victory. Matt Boyd (6 IP, 8 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 7 K) was solid in the start. Scott Schultz (2 H, 1 BB, 4 K) worked 3.2 scoreless innings of relief. The OSU bullpen has not allowed an earned run in 34 innings this season. Daniel St. George (2 for 3) had a run-scoring single in the fifth for the Bulldogs (0-3-1). Jake Rodriguez (2 for 4) tied it in the seventh with a RBI base hit. Peter Kelich (3 H, 4 K) tossed five scoreless innings for Bryant.

No. 6 South Carolina 6, Clemson 0

In Clemson, S.C., Jordan Montgomery worked eight scoreless innings with a career-high nine strikeouts as South Carolina blanked Clemson in front of 6,016 fans at Doug Kingsmore Stadium. Montgomery (3-0) allowed three hits and two walks, but no runner reached third base. Tyler Webb struck out the side in the ninth to preserve the shutout. The Gamecocks (7-1) broke the scoreless tie in the top of the fifth as pinch-runner Shon Carson scored from third on a groundout. South Carolina added three in the seventh and two in the eighth. Graham Saiko went 1 for 2 with two walks, one run and one RBI, while TJ Costen scored twice for the Gamecocks. Steve Wilkerson and Garrett Boulware both doubled for the Tigers (5-3).

No. 8 UCLA 6, Wright State 3

In Los Angeles, Pat Valaika’s three-run homer capped a five-run second as UCLA cruised past Wright State at Jackie Robinson Stadium. Kevin Kramer (3 for 4, R, 2 SB) drove in a pair for the Bruins (6-2). Adam Plutko (2-0, 6 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 5 K) earned the victory. David Berg fanned two in a hitless ninth for his first save. Mark Fowler had a two-run homer in the third for the Raiders (3-4).

No. 9 Mississippi State 10, Saint Joseph’s 0

In Starkville, Miss., Jacob Lindgren pitched seven scoreless innings with a career-best 13 strikeouts as Mississippi State overwhelmed Saint Joseph’s at Dudy Noble Field. Lindgren (2-0) allowed one hit and one walk. The Bulldogs (12-0) scored in four of the first six innings, including three in the fifth and four in the sixth. Adam Frazier (2 for 4, 3B, 3 R, 3 RBI) led the MSU offensive attack. Chris Hueth, Mike Muha and Lansing Veeder each had a hit for the Hawks (2-5).

No. 10 Kentucky 21, Akron 2

In Lexington, Ky., A.J. Reed hit a three-run homer and an RBI single in Kentucky’s 11-run second against Akron. Reed (4 for 5, 2 R, 5 RBI) also got the win for the Wildcats (8-1), allowing six hits, two walks and two earned runs and striking out four in six innings. Austin Cousino went 3 for 3 with four runs and an RBI. J.T. Riddle (2 R, 2 RBI, 2 BB), Max Kuhn (2 R, 3 RBI, 2 BB), Paul McConkey (2 R, 4 RBI, 2B, 3B, BB) and Matt Reida (3 R, BB) each had two hits for Kentucky. Tyler Begun went 4 for 5 and scored once for the Zips (0-7).

No. 11 NC State 5, UMBC 3
In Myrtle Beach, S.C., Trea Turner scored twice, and Brett Williams added a run and RBI as NC State slipped past UMBC. The Retrievers (0-1) scored twice in the first inning and again in the third - Tom Gilchrist went 2 for 4 with a RBI - to take a 3-1 lead. Jon Olczak, however, entered and quieted UMBC to the tune of 4.2 innings, one unearned run and one hit. Olczak retired the last 11 batters he faced. D.J. Thomas earned the win with two scoreless innings, and Chris Overman posted his first save with two scoreless innings for the Wolfpack (8-1).
 

No. 12 Stanford 2, Texas 0

In Stanford, Calif., Mark Appel tossed a three-hit shutout and tied a career-high with 14 strikeouts as Stanford stopped Texas in the series opener in front of 1,867 fans at Sunken Diamond. Appel (2-1) walked one and took a no-hitter into the sixth. The Cardinal (7-2) scored both its runs in the bottom of the first. Jonny Locher had a leadoff double and came home on a base hit by Danny Diekroeger. A wild pitch plated Diekroeger later in the frame. Brian Ragira had two hits for the victors. Matt Moynihan went 2 for 4 for the Longhorns (6-3).

No. 14 Florida State 23, Villanova 5
In Tallahassee, Fla., John Nogowski had three hits and four RBI off the bench, and Seth Miller went 4 for 6 with three runs and three RBI as Florida State scored early and often in a rout of Villanova. Marcus Davis and Brett Knief each contributed three RBI, and John Sanson had two RBI and four runs for the Seminoles (8-0), who finished with 22 hits. Brandon Leibrandt (3-0) worked into the sixth inning, allowing five runs (two earned) and striking out eight. Tyler Sciacca ripped a three-run homer as the Wildcats (1-4) took a 3-2 lead in the third. But the Seminoles scored seven in the third and never slowed down.
 

No. 15 Ole Miss 11, FIU 9

In Miami, Austin Anderson went 4 for 5 to lead Ole Miss past FIU. Anderson scored twice and drove in three for the Rebels (9-1). Stuart Turner (3 for 5, 2B) also knocked in three for Ole Miss. Bobby Wahl (3-0, 5.1 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 3 BB, 4 K) took home win, while Brett Huber (1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 K) notched his fourth save. The Panthers (7-3) had homers of the bats of Edwin Rios (3 for 4, 2 R, 3 RBI), Josh Anderson (1 for 5, 3 RBI), Aramis Garcia (3 for 5, 2B) and Nathan Burns (2 for 4, 2 R).

No. 16 Oklahoma 10, Pepperdine 7

In Norman, Okla., Oklahoma road a seven-run third to a victory over Pepperdine to extend its win streak to 10. Anthony Hermelyn, Kolbey Carpenter and Hunter Haley each had two RBI, as Haley went deep for the Sooners (10-0). Dillon Overton (4-0, 6 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 4 BB, 10 K) picked up the win. Sam Meyer homered and drove in three, while Ranny Lowe went 3 for 4 with a run for the Waves (6-4).

No. 17 Arizona 6, San Francisco 4

In Tucson, Ariz., Brandon Dixon set a career best with four hits and Trent Gilbert knocked in three at Arizona edged San Francisco in front of 2,709 fans at Hi Corbett Field. Gilbert’s two-run double with two away in the fifth put the Wildcats (9-2) ahead to stay at 5-4. Konner Wade (2-0, 7 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 3 K) secured the win, while Mathew Troupe (1.1 IP, 1 H, 2 K) recorded his fourth save. Ryan Matranga (1 for 2, 2 RBI) and Bradley Zimmer (3 for 4) both homered for the Dons (4-6).

No. 19 Louisville 14, Kent State 2

In Louisville, Ky., Sutton Whiting and Jeff Gardner each went 2 for 4 with a triple and three RBI to lead Louisville’s rout of Kent State. Nick Ratajczak, Matt Helms, Shane Crain, and Danny Rosenbaum each had two hits, two runs, and an RBI for the Cardinals (8-1). Chad Green (2-1, 6 H, 2 BB, 6 K) allowed one earned run in six innings to earn the win. Sawyer Polen went 3 for 4 and drove in both runs for the Golden Flashes (1-8).

No. 20 Georgia Tech 13, Rutgers 1

In Atlanta, A.J. Murray’s first collegiate homer was a grand slam as Georgia Tech powered past Rutgers. The blast by Murray (2 for 3, 3 R) capped a five-run fourth for the Yellow Jackets (9-1). Buck Farmer (2-0, 6 IP, 7 H, 1 UE, 1 BB) struck out nine in recording the victory. Zane Evans had a two-run homer, while Brandon Thomas added two hits and two runs for Tech. Steve Zavala went 2 for 4 with a run for the Scarlet Knights (2-5).

Miami (Fla.) 3, Florida 2

In Gainesville, Fla., David Thompson had a RBI single with two away in the top of the ninth to snap a 2-2 tie and lift Miami over Florida at McKethan Stadium. The Hurricanes (10-0) snapped an 11-game losing streak to the Gators (3-7). Alex San Juan (2 for 4) had a two-run homer in the fourth to give Miami the early lead. Florida eventually tied it with a pair in the bottom of the eighth. Brandon Lopez went 3 for 4 for the Hurricanes. Eric Nedeljkovic (2-0) got the final out in the top of the eighth to record the win, while AJ Salcines set the Gators down in order in the bottom of the ninth for his second save. Justin Shafer had three hits for UF.

Portland 2, UC Irvine 0

In Irvine, Calif., Travis Radke struck out 11 in 6.2 innings as Portland blanked UC Irvine at Anteater Ballpark. Radke (1-1) allowed three hits and walked four. Billy Sahlinger (2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 BB, 3 K) earned his second save. Beau Fraser and Chet Thompson both had RBI singles in the first for the Pilots (3-7). Ronnie Shaeffer had two hits for the Anteaters (7-2), who stranded 11. Andrew Thurman (1-1, 6.2 Ip, 5 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 4 K) took the loss.

Liberty 6, Army 4

In Lynchburg, Va., Nick Paxton hit for the cycle to help Liberty get past Army at Liberty Baseball Stadium. Paxton (4 for 4, 3 R, 2 RBI) singled in the first, hit a two-run homer in the third, tripled in the fifth and doubled in the seventh for the Flames (6-2). He was the first Liberty player to hit for the cycle since Chad Miller against Longwood in 2006. Paxton’s dinger was the first home run in new Liberty Baseball Stadium. Ryan Cordell drove in two, while Nick Lacik had two hits and two runs for the Flames. Carson Herndon (1-1, 5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 BB) earned the victory, while Josh Richardson rolled three groundouts in the ninth for his first save. Michael Sands drove in two for the Black Knights (0-5).

Virginia 3, Harvard 0

In Charlottesville, Va., Virginia notched its fourth shutout in the past five games in blanking Harvard at Davenport Field. Brandon Waddell (2-0, 6 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 7 K) extended the starting pitchers’ scoreless streak to 40.1 innings. Austin Young tossed two scoreless innings with three hits and two strikeouts, while Josh Sborz (1 IP, 1 H, 2 K) earned his second save. The Cavaliers (9-0) scored one in the first and two in the fourth. Joe McCarthy, Nick Howard and Reed Gragnani each drove in one for UVa. Carlton Bailey and DJ Link both had two hits for the Crimson (1-1).

VCU 12, UNC Asheville 1

In Charleston, S.C., Bill Cullen had a leadoff homer to spark a four-run first as VCU battered UNC Asheville to remain undefeated. Cullen finished with two hits and two runs, while Joey Cujas (3 for 4, 2 2B, 4 R, 2 RBI), Chris Ayers (3 for 4, 2B, 2 R, 3 RBI) and Landon Prentiss (2 for 4, 3 RBI) also had big days at the plate for the Rams (6-0). Heath Dwyer (3-0, 6 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 4 K) earned the victory. Hunter Bryant went 3 for 4 with a double and one RBI for the Bulldogs (3-5).

Eastern Illinois 11, Auburn 10

In Auburn, Ala., Eastern Illinois scored six with two away in the top of the ninth and then held on to edge Auburn at Plainsman Park. The Panthers (3-5) trailed 7-5 after eight before a leadoff walk and back-to-back strikeouts had the Tigers (6-3) on the verge of a win. Consecutive walks loaded the bases before Treysen Vavra’s popup fell into shallow right, clearing the bases and giving EIU the lead. Tyler Schweigert (2 for 4, 2 R, 2 RBI) had a two-run single to cap the six-run outburst and give the Panthers an 11-7 lead. Auburn scored three in the bottom of the ninth and put the tying run on second before a lineout to left ended the contest. Brant Valach drove in three for EIU. Damek Tomscha (2 for 5), Cullen Wacker (2 for 4) and Carrett Cooper (2 for 4) each drove in two and scored once for the Tigers.

Dayton 5, Wofford 4 (10)

In Spartanburg, S.C., Dayton tied it with a run in the eighth and won it in the 10th over Wofford to give head coach Tony Vittorio his 600th career victory. Vittorio is in his 21st year as a head coach and now has 376 victories in 14 seasons at Dayton. A.J. Ryan (3 for 4) had a RBI single in the eighth for the Flyers (3-3-1) to knot the game at 4. Mark Podlas (2 for 5, 2 R) scored on a groundout by pinch-hitter Ryan Berry in the 10th to give the win to Dayton. Denton Sagerman (2-0) pitched three scoreless innings to record the victory. Nick Weybright struck out the side in order in the bottom of the 10th for his first save. Josh Hyman had three hits and a run for the Terriers (4-5).

Virginia Tech 7, Rhode Island 3

Virginia Tech 8, Ohio 2

In Cary, N.C., Virginia Tech extended its win streak to six with a pair of victories in the Irish Baseball Classic at the USA Baseball Complex. The Hokies improved to 10-1, their best start since 1992. Tech used a four-run seventh in the opener to snap a 3-3 tie against Rhode Island (0-9). Chad Pinder (2 for 4, 2B) and Tyler Horan (2 for 4) both drove in a pair for the Hokies. Kevin Stenhouse and Shane O’Connell both had two hits and two walks for the Rams, who stranded 13. In the second contest, Tech scored multiple runs in each of the first three innings in building a 7-2 advantage. Mark Zagunis went 3 for 4 with a double and three RBI, while Brendon Hayden homered for the Hokies. Eddie Campbell (1-0, 7 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 4 BB) struck out 10 in earning the win. Ben Otto and Brad Przebieda both had doubles for Ohio (1-5).

Washington 2, Cal Poly 1

In Seattle, Austin Voth fanned nine in 7.1 innings as Washington dealt Cal Poly its first loss. Voth (2-1) allowed six hits, one walk and one run. Tyler Kane recorded the final four outs to register the save. Nick Torres (2 for 4) homered in the top of the fourth for the Mustangs (7-1). Robert Pehl had a RBI double for the Huskies (3-6) in the bottom of the fourth and he doubled and scored the game-winner in the seventh.

College of Charleston 12, South Alabama 2

In Mt. Pleasant, S.C., Matt Plegler pitched seven scoreless innings as College of Charleston handed South Alabama its first loss. Pegler (1-0) allowed two hits and one walk while striking out seven. The Cougars (5-4) scored five in both the fourth and seventh. Gunnar Heidt (2 for 4, 3B) and Alex Pastorius (1 for 3) both drove in three, while Ryan Welke homered and drove in two for CofC. Bradley Goodson (2 R) and Blake Butler (3 R, RBI) both had three hits for the home team. Whitt Dorsey had a double and scored for the Jaguars (9-1).

Northern Kentucky 6, Texas State 5

In San Marcos, Texas, Northern Kentucky scored six in the top of the ninth to shock Texas State. Tyler Pearson had a two-run double to cap a five-run third for the Bobcats (2-7). Kyle Finnegan (6 IP, 3 H, 4 BB, 6 K) held the Norse (2-6) in check for most of the contest. Cody Kuzniczci (2 for 5) had a leadoff double in the ninth and scored the first run, and later reached on an error that allowed the go-ahead run to score. Brad Clement (3 for 5) contributed a two-run single during the rally. Brett Loeding pitched a perfect ninth to save the game for Tim Clark (1-0, 1 IP, 1 K).

(photo by Jimmy Jones)