May 24, 2013

Rankings are from CBI Composite Poll

click here for complete list of scores

Around the Bases
Liberty beats Coastal twice to reach Big South title game

Virginia Tech to play for ACC crown, Mercer loses twice in Atlantic Sun

 

Big South

#5 Liberty 8, #2 Coastal Carolina 0 (Coastal eliminated)

#5 Liberty 9, #2 Coastal Carolina 8

#1 Campbell 8, #7 Longwood 6 (LU eliminated)

 

In Lynchburg, Va., Blake Fulghum (2-1, 7 H, 5 BB, 3 K) tossed a seven-inning shutout as Liberty blanked Coastal Carolina to advance to the title game. The Flames (33-27) snapped a scoreless tie with five in the fourth. Alex Close (2 for 4, 2 R) (right) and Dalton Britt (2 for 3, HR) both drove in two for Liberty. Ted Blackman and Alex Buccilli both had two hits for the Chanticleers (37-21), who will miss the championship game for the first time in seven years. (photo courtesy of LU Media Relations)

 

Bryan Aanderud had a two-run single to highlight a six-run sixth as Liberty edged Coastal Carolina to force a second meeting to determine the second spot in the title contest. The Flames (32-27) led 9-0 in the sixth before the Chanticleers (37-20) stormed back with two in the bottom of the sixth and six in the seventh. Jake Kimble had two hits and three RBI for Liberty. Jared Lyons (5-0, 5.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 BB, K) took the win, while Ashton Perritt (2.1 IP, 1 H, 3 K) was credited with his eighth save. Alex Buccilli (2 for 4) homered and knocked in four for Coastal.

 

In the day's first game, Michael Felton had two hits and three RBI to lead Campbell past Longwood and into the Big South Championship Game against host Liberty. The Camels (49-9) snapped a scoreless tie with four in the second and extended a 5-4 lead with three in the seventh. Matt Marksberry (8-2, 5.1 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 9 K) was credited with the win, while Ryan Thompson (2 IP, 2 H, K) notched his 10th save. Conner Hall went 2 for 2 with two runs for the Lancers in the final game for head coach Buddy Bolding.

 

ACC

#6 Virginia Tech 3, #7 Georgia Tech 2

#1 North Carolina 12, #5 Clemson 7 (14)

#4 NC State 7, #8 Miami 1

 

In Durham, N.C., Chad Pinder hit a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the seventh to snap a 2-2 tie and propel Virginia Tech past Georgia Tech and into the title game of the ACC Championship. Pinder homered earlier in the contest for the Hokies (38-19). Devin Burke (10-3, 7.2 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K) earned the win, while Clark Labitan fanned one in 1.1 innings for his 10th save. Matt Gonzalez had two hits and a run for the Yellow Jackets (34-25).

 

North Carolina put up five in the ninth to force extra innings and five more in the 14th to crush Clemson. The Tar Heels (50-8) will face NC State on Saturday evening for the right to meet Virginia Tech in the title game. Brian Holberton went 2 for 5 with a homer and four RBI for UNC. Shane Kennedy had three hits and two runs for the Tigers (39-19).

 

NC State never trailed, scoring four in the second in its defeat of Miami. Trea Turner and Bryan Adametz both had three hits and two RBI for the Wolfpack (44-13). Andrew Woeck (6-1, 3 IP, BB, 2 K) earned the win in relief. Tyler Palmer had two hits for the Hurricanes (35-23).

 

SEC

#2 LSU 3, #7 Alabama 2 (Alabama eliminated)

#1 Vanderbilt 3, #9 Texas A&M 0 (TAMU eliminated)

 

In Hoover, Ala., Tyler Moore doubled in the tying run and scored on Ty Ross’ single as LSU scored twice in the top of the ninth to overcome Alabama. The game-winning rally started with two outs in the ninth when Christian Ibarra singled. Pinch-runner Jared Foster scored on Moore’s double to right-center, and Moore touched home on Ross’ single to left. Mike Oczypok (4-2) was brilliant for the Crimson Tide (34-26), holding the Tigers (50-9) to a run through eight innings. But he couldn’t get the last out, and finished with 8.2 innings, 10 hits, three earned runs and five strikeouts. Ryan Eades allowed four hits and two earned runs for LSU before Nate Fury (2-1) and Chris Cotton (14th save) combined to strike out five of the final six batters. Mason Katz went 3 for 4 for LSU. Mikey White went 2 for 3 with an RBI triple and a run for Alabama. LSU reached 50 wins in less than 60 games for the first time and joined the 1986 Tigers as the only LSU teams to reach 50 wins before the NCAA tourney.

 

Tyler Beede and Brian Miller combined on a two-hit shutout as Vanderbilt slipped past Texas A&M. Beede (14-0) worked 7.1 with two hits, four walks and eight strikeouts, and Miller earned his 15th save for the Commodores (50-8), who posted 50 wins for the third time (all since 2007). Tony Kemp had three hits and a run, and Xavier Turner added two hits, a run and an RBI. The Aggies fell to 32-27 and will find out Monday if they will receive an at-large bid to the NCAA tourney.

 

America East

#1 Maine 6, #2 Binghamton 1

#1 Maine 3, #4 Stony Brook 1 (SBU eliminated)

#2 Binghamton 10, #1 Maine 2

 

In Lowell, Mass., Tommy Lawrence (11-4, 5.1 IP, 8 H, 1 R, 4 BB, 5 K) and D.J. Voisine (3.2 IP, 3 K, first save) combined to hold Binghamton to one run as Maine forced a winner-take-all title game. Troy Black went 3 for 4 with a triple and one RBI for the Black Bears (37-21). David Schanz and Jake Thomas both had two hits for the Bearcats (29-33), who stranded 10.

 

Mike Connolly (6-3, 9 IP, 8 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 3 K) went the distance as Maine eliminated Stony Brook earlier in the day. Michael Fransoso (2 for 4, 2B) had a two-run single to highlight a three-run sixth for the Black Bears. Johnny Caputo had two hits, including a double, and a run for the Seawolves (25-34).

 

In the completion of Thursday’s suspended contest, Zach Blanden had two doubles and three RBI as Binghamton downed Maine. Michael Fransoso had a two-run homer in the top of the first for the Black Bears before the Bearcats scored 10 unanswered runs.

 

Atlantic Sun

#4 ETSU 7, #1 Mercer 4 (10)

#3 North Florida 8, #7 Kennesaw State 7 (12)

#6 Lipscomb 3, #2 FGCU 2 (FGCU eliminated)

#8 USC Upstate 10, #1 Mercer 1 (Mercer eliminated)

 

In DeLand, Fla., ETSU scored three in the top of the 10th on a wild pitch and a pair of run-scoring singles in downing Mercer. Derek Niesman went 3 for 5 with three runs and one RBI for the Bucs (34-22). Clinton Freeman (7-1, 3 IP, 3 H, 3 K) recorded the victory. Michael Massi had two doubles and three RBI for the Bears (43-15).

 

Kyle Brooks drew a leadoff walk and scored in the bottom of the 12th as North Florida edged Kennesaw State. Drew Weeks drove in three, while Tyler Marincov scored three for the Ospreys (40-17). Max Pentecost had two hits, including a homer, and four RBI for the Owls (27-29).

 

Tyson Ashcraft had a two-run homer to cap a three-run first as Lipscomb eliminated FGCU. Jaesung Hwang (3-0, 7.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 5 K) registered the win, with Tyler Burstrom striking out two of the four batters he faced for his fourth save. Sean Dwyer went 3 for 3 with a run for the Eagles (37-20).

 

Gaither Bumgardner (6-2, 8 H, 2 BB) allowed one run in eight innings with nine punchouts as USC Upstate eliminated Mercer. Trey Richardson had two hits and three RBI for the Spartans (28-29). Chesny Young went 2 for 3 with one RBI for the Bears (43-16).

 

Atlantic 10

#2 Charlotte 12, #4 Xavier 3

#1 Saint Louis 6, #4 Xavier 4 (XU eliminated)

#1 Saint Louis 13, #5 George Washington 4 (GW eliminated)

#5 George Washington 5, #3 Rhode Island 4 (URI eliminated)

 

In Charlotte, N.C., Shane Basen went 3 for 5 with a homer and five RBI as Charlotte thumped Xavier to move to the championship game. JJ Elseser went 2 for 3 with two walks and four runs for the 49ers (37-21). Vinny Nittoli went 2 for 4 with a double, a homer and two RBI for the Musketeers.

 

In the final game of the day, Marco Mejia (3-2) tossed four innings of scoreless relief with one hit and one strikeout as Saint Louis sent Xavier packing. Mike Vigliarolo went 3 for 4 with one run and one RBI for the Billikens (39-19). Vinny Nittoli had two hits and two runs for the Musketeers (32-26).

 

Alex Kelly went 4 for 5 with two runs and three RBI as Saint Louis eliminated George Washington. Michael Bozarth also went 4 for 5 as the Billikens pounded out 20 hits and put up seven runs in the bottom of the first. Nick Bates (8-3, 9 IP, 10 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 7 K) went the distance for SLU. Eric Kalman was 4 for 4 with one run and one RBI for the Colonials (26-32).

 

In the completion of Thursday’s suspended contest, George Washington scored twice in the bottom of the ninth to end the season for Rhode Island. The Rams (35-23) had taken a 4-3 lead with a pair in the top of the ninth. Derek Brown homered and drove in two for the Colonials. Pat Quinn went 3 for 4 for URI.

 

Big East

#3 Pittsburgh 7, #2 Seton Hall 6 (12) (SHU eliminated)

#5 Rutgers 2, #4 USF 1 (USF eliminated)

 

In Clearwater, Fla., Ronald Sucre had an RBI double with two away in the bottom of the 12th to lift Pittsburgh past Seton Hall and into the semifinals. Sam Parente went 3 for 5 with a triple, two runs and two RBI for the Panthers (42-16). Joe Harvey (4-1, 5.1 IP, 4 H, 3 BB, 3 K) earned the win. Scott Kalamar had three hits and two RBI for the Pirates (37-18).

 

Tyler Gebler (4-6, 5 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 K) worked 8.1 innings and Nathaniel Roe recorded the final two outs for his fifth save as Rutgers edged USF to advance to the semifinals. Charlie Law had two hits and a run for the Scarlet Knights (28-29). Blake Sydeski went 1 for 3 with one RBI for the Bulls (36-22).

 

Big Ten

#1 Indiana 11, #2 Ohio State 3

#3 Nebraska 7, #4 Minnesota 4 (Minnesota eliminated)

#4 Minnesota 3, No. 5 Illinois 1 (Illinois eliminated)

 

In Minneapolis, Sam Travis went 3 for 4 with a homer and four RBI as Indiana drubbed Ohio State to move to the championship game. The Hoosiers (42-13) scored six unearned runs in the fifth to erase a 3-2 deficit. Joey NeNato (8-2, 7 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 6 K) earned the victory. Troy Kuhn had two hits and drove in all three runs for the Buckeyes (35-22).

 

Pat Kelly had two hits, including a homer, two runs and three RBI as Nebraska eliminated Minnesota. The Huskers (27-29) scored six in the fourth to snap the scoreless tie. Matt Halloran had a three-run homer in a four-run fifth for the Gophers (33-22).

 

In the first game of the day, Alec Crawford (4-2, 6.2 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 2 K) pitched Minnesota past Illinois. Lance Thonvold (2.1 IP, H, 3 K) earned his second save. Davis Hendrickson had two hits and one RBI for the Illini.

 

Big 12

#1 Kansas State 13, #5 Baylor 9

#4 Oklahoma 8, #8 Texas Tech 0

#3 West Virginia 10, #7 TCU 3

#2 Kansas 5, #2 Oklahoma State 3

 

Pool 1: KSU 2-0, OU 2-0, BU 0-2, TTU 0-2

Pool 2: KU 2-0, WVU 1-1, TCU 1-1, OSU 0-2

 

In Oklahoma City, Jon Davis and Lance Miles both had two-run singles in a five-run ninth as Kansas State rallied past Baylor. Davis and Miles both drove in three for the Wildcats (41-16), who will face Oklahoma on Saturday for a spot in the title game. Steve DalPorto had two hits and three RBI for the Bears (27-27).

 

Dillon Overton (9-2, 6 IP, 3 H, 3 BB, 5 K), Ralph Garza, Jr. (3 IP, 1 H) and Kindle Ladd (1 IP, K) combined on a four-hit shutout as Oklahoma blanked Texas Tech. Max White went 3 for 5 with two runs and one RBI for the Sooners. Brett Bell was 1 for 3 with one walk for the Red Raiders (25-30).

 

Billy Fleming went 2 for 4 with three runs and two RBI as West Virginia took care of TCU. Ryan McBroom drove in three for the Mountaineers (32-26). Jantzen Witte was 3 for 4 with one RBI for the Horned Frogs (29-27).

 

Kansas took the lead with two in the seventh and added an insurance run in the eighth to get past Oklahoma State and remain undefeated in pool play. Tucker Tharp tied the game at 3 with a leadoff homer in the seventh and Michael Suiter added a RBI single later in the frame for the Jayhawks (33-24). Aaron Cornell had two hits and a run for the Cowboys (39-16).

 

Colonial

#4 Towson 20, #2 William and Mary 13

#5 Northeastern 5, #1 UNCW 4 (11) (UNCW eliminated)

#5 Northeastern 11, #6 James Madison 7 (JMU eliminated)

#2 William and Mary 20, #6 James Madison 19

 

In Harrisonburg, Va., Brendan Butler went 3 for 5 with two triples, a homer, five runs and six RBI as Towson outscored William and Mary to advance to the championship game. The Tigers (28-28) scored multiple runs in six of their eight at-bats, taking the lead for good with a six-run third. Ryan Lindemuth went 4 for 5 with a homer, three runs and six RBI for the Tribe (36-21).

 

Pete Castoldi delivered an RBI single in the bottom of the 11th as Northeastern eliminated defending champion UNCW. The Huskies (31-25) trailed 4-0 before plating two in the sixth and two more in the eighth. Jason Vosler homered and drove in three for NU. James Mulry (3-3, 4.1 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 7 K) earned the victory. Corey Dick had a two-run homer in the second for the Seahawks (37-21).

 

Michael Foster went 2 for 6 with two runs and two RBI and picked up the save as Northeastern sent home host James Madison. Foster allowed one hit and one walk in two scoreless innings with two strikeouts for his fourth save. Bobby San Martin drove in a pair for the Dukes (25-30).

 

In the completion of Thursday’s suspended game, William and Mary lost a 12-3 lead but rallied for four in the bottom of the ninth to outlast James Madison. Ryan Lindemuth (3 for 4, 2 R) tied the game at 19 with a two-run single and a base hit by Ryan Hissey (4 for 6, 3 R, 3 RBI) plated the game-winner. Jonathan Sarty had three hits and five RBI for the Tribe. Johnny Bladel (4 for 6, HR, 4 R, 5 RBI) and Ty McFarland (4 for 7, HR, 3 R, 4 RBI) led the offense for the Dukes.

 

Conference USA
#2 Southern Miss 4, #6 Houston 2
#7 Tulane 6, #3 East Carolina 5
#8 UAB 5, #5 UCF 1

Pool 1 – Rice 2-0, Memphis 2-0, UAB 1-2, UCF 0-3
Pool 2 – Southern Miss 2-0, Houston 1-1, Tulane 1-1, ECU 0-2

In Houston, Texas, Dillon Day went 3 for 5 with two runs, and Mason Robbins went 3 for 5 with two RBI as Southern Miss improved to 2-0 in pool play by beating Houston. Jake Drehoff (5-5) allowed two unearned runs over six innings for USM (30-25). Frankie Ratcliff went 3 for 4 with a run, and Jonathan Davis went 3 for 4 for the Cougars (36-21).

Brandon Boudreaux had two hits and two runs, and Bowen Woodson went 2 for 4 with a run and an RBI as Tulane knocked off East Carolina. Alex Byo (6-4) worked into the ninth, allowing 12 hits and five earned runs for the Green Wave (29-28). Zach Houchins had two hits and three RBI for the Pirates (30-26).

Tanner Bryant had two RBI, and Alex Luna allowed two hits, no earned runs and seven strikeouts as UAB beat UCF. The Blazers (23-36) scored five runs on five hits, taking advantage of three Knights errors. Erik Hempe went 2 for 3 with a run for UCF (29-30).

 

Great West

#1 Northern Colorado 11, #5 North Dakota 8 (UND eliminated)

#1 Northern Colorado 11, #8 Chicago State 7 (CSU eliminated)

 

In Newark, N.J., Jensen Park went 4 for 4 with a double, a homer and four RBI as Northern Colorado downed North Dakota to reach the championship game. The Bears (33-23) must beat Houston Baptist twice on Saturday to claim the crown. Nick Miller had three hits, including a double and homer, and three RBI for UNC. Petersen went 2 for 5 with a dinger, two runs and three RBI for UND (25-22-1).

 

Nick Miller went 4 for 4 with two doubles, a triple, a homer, three runs and four RBI as well as earning the win on the mound as Northern Colorado eliminated Chicago State. Miller (6-4, 6 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 4 BB) fanned five in 5.1 innings. Colby Harrison (2 for 5, 3B, HR) also drove in four for the Bears. Mattingly Romanin went 2 for 3 with a double, two runs and two RBI for the Cougars (10-45).

 

Horizon

#1 Milwaukee 6, #4 Wright State 1

#4 Wright State 5, #2 UIC 4 (UIC eliminated)

#2 UIC 15, #5 Youngstown State 5 (YSU eliminated)

 

In Niles, Ohio, Jake Long, the Horizon Pitcher of the Year, fanned a career-high eight in going the distance as Milwaukee defeated Wright State. Long (8-3) allowed five hits and one run with no walks. Michael Porcaro had two hits and three RBI for the Panthers (29-19). Michael Timm was 1 for 4 with one RBI for the Raiders (23-29).

 

Sam Picchiotti went 3 for 5 with two runs as Wright State eliminated UIC. Garrett Gray went 3 for 3 with a double, one run and one RBI for the Raiders. John Coen was 2 for 5 with a triple and two RBI for the Flames (27-28), who stranded 11.

 

UIC trailed 5-0 after four before scoring 15 over the next four frames to send home Youngstown State. Joe Betcher went 4 for 4 with a double and four runs for the Flames. Devin Higgins had three hits and three RBI for the Penguins (14-43).

 

MAC
#4 Ball State 3, #1 Kent State 1
#1 Kent State 7, #5 Miami (Ohio) 0 (Miami eliminated)
#6 Bowling Green 4, #7 Toledo 3
#5 Miami (Ohio) 6, #8 Central Michigan 5 (10 innings) (CMU eliminated)
#7 Toledo 4, #2  Buffalo 1 (UB eliminated)
In Avon, Ohio, T.J. Weir allowed one run on seven hits with seven strikeouts in a complete-game win as Ball State knocked off Kent State. Cody Campbell walked with the bases loaded, and Blake Beemer drove in another run with a grounder as the Cardinals (30-23) scored twice in the top of the ninth to post the win. Tyler Skulina allowed one unearned run over seven innings for the Golden Flashes (35-22).

Casey Wilson tossed a complete-game shutout with eight hits and three strikeouts as Kent State avoided elimination by beating Miami. Derek Toadvine went 3 for 4 with three runs, and Justin Wagler drove in two for the Golden Flashes (36-22). Matt Honchel and Alex Johnson each had two hits for Miami (26-30).

Nate Bowles had a pinch-hit, game-winning single in the bottom of the 10th inning as Miami beat Central Michigan in a game resumed from Thursday night. Cody Leichman went 2 for 4 with his third homer and three RBI for Central Michigan (25-32).

Mike Frank hurled a complete game with five strikeouts as Bowling Green eliminated Toledo. Jesse Rait had two hits and two RBI, and Jake Thomas added two RBI for the Falcons (22-28). Ben Hammer drove in a pair of runs for the Rockets (23-31).
 

Toledo rebounded in the nightcap, getting a terrific outing from Cameron Palmer (4-5), who went six innings with six hits and eight strikeouts in eliminating Buffalo (33-24). Tyler Grogg went 3 for 5 with two runs, and John Martillotta had two hits and two RBI for the Rockets (24-32), who need two wins over Bowling Green Saturday to advance to the tourney championship. Jason Kanzler went 2 for 4 with a run for Buffalo, which finished 33-24 after going 20-36 a year ago.

 

Metro Atlantic

#4 Siena 12, #2 Marist 5 (Marist eliminated)

#1 Rider 5, #3 Canisius 5 (suspended top 5)

 

In Trenton, N.J., Mike Allen went 4 for 5 with three RBI and Andres Ortiz was 3 for 6 with a homer, three runs and two RBI as Siena thumped Marist. The Saints (26-29) trailed 4-3 after four before scoring nine over the next four frames. Mike Orefice drove in a pair for the Red Foxes (27-24-1).

 

Mountain West

#1 New Mexico 7, #2 UNLV 1

#3 San Diego State 4, #4 Fresno State 0 (FSU eliminated)

#4 Fresno State 10, #5 Nevada 1 (Nevada eliminated)

 

In Fresno, Calif., Mitch Garver went 3 for 4 with a homer, three runs and three RBI as New Mexico downed UNLV to advance to the championship game. Sam Wolff (7-3, 6.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 7 K) was credited with the win for the Lobos (37-18). Joey Swanner was 1 for 3 with a walk and one RBI for the Rebels (37-19).

 

Ryan Doran (8-3) tossed a seven-hit shutout with no walks and seven strikeouts as San Diego State eliminated host Fresno State. Greg Allen went 2 for 5 with a double and two RBI for the Aztecs (28-29). Trent Garrison had two hits for the Bulldogs (23-33).

 

In the day’s first game, Tyler Linehan (3-7, 5 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 8 K) went the distance as Fresno State ended the season for Nevada. Brody Russell (2 for 3, 2 R, 4 RBI) and Jordan Luplow (2 for 4, 2 R, 3 RBI) both homered for the Bulldogs. Hugo Hernandez had a sacrifice fly for the Wolf Pack (25-32).

 

MVC

#2 Wichita State 5, #6 Indiana State 4 (Indiana State eliminated)

 

In Normal, Ill., Garrett Bayliff and Micah Green each had two RBI in a five-run sixth inning as Wichita State eliminated Indiana State. Mikel Mucha went 2 for 4 with an RBI for the Shockers (38-26), who advance to face Illinois State in the championship. Brandon Peterson tossed the final 2.2 innings to earn his 10th save for Wichita State. Robby Ort homered and scored twice for the Sycamores (26-25).

 

Northeast

#2 Sacred Heart 8, #4 LIU Brooklyn 7

#1 Bryant 11, #3 Monmouth 1 (MU eliminated)

 

In Lakewood, N.J., John Murphy had three hits and three RBI as Sacred Heart nipped LIU Brooklyn to reach the championship game. The Pioneers (34-22) built an 8-3 lead before the Blackbirds (21-32-1) plated four in the bottom of the ninth. Chris Untereiner went 3 for 4 with three driven in for LIU.

 

Kevin Brown and John Mullen both had three hits and three RBI as Bryant battered Monmouth. Craig Schlitter (10-3, 6 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 8 K) picked up the win, while Jonathan Cohen (3 IP, 2 H, 1 BB, 2 K) recorded his second save. Jake Gronsky went 1 for 3 with one RBI.

 

OVC

#2 Austin Peay 6, #1 Tennessee Tech 2

#5 Eastern Kentucky 12, #6 Southeast Missouri 9 (SEMO eliminated)

#6 Southeast Missouri 2, #3 Belmont 1 (Belmont eliminated)

 

In Jackson, Tenn., Jordan Hankins went 1 for 3 with two runs and two RBI as Austin Peay got past Tennessee Tech to reach the championship game. Reed Harper also knocked in a pair for the Govs (44-13). Casey Delgado (9-2, 6.1 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 6 K) earned the victory. APSU led 6-0 before the Eagles (40-16) tallied two in the seventh. Daniel Miles had two hits for the TTU.

 

Alex Hughes went 4 for 5 with two doubles, two runs and one RBI as Eastern Kentucky eliminated Southeast Missouri. The Colonels (22-33) scored in each of the first four innings, including four in the second, in building a 9-0 lead. Luke Wurzelbacher had two hits and three RBI, while Kenny Hostrander went 3 for 4 with two runs and two RBI for EKU. Jason Blum went 4 for 6 with three runs for the Redhawks (26-33). (photo courtesy of Heather Brown/OVC)

 

In the first game, Alex Winkelman (4-4, 3 H, 2 BB, 4 K) tossed 6.1 scoreless innings as Southeast Missouri bounced Belmont. Nolan Fisher had two hits and a run for the Redhawks (26-32). Matt Beaty went 2 for 4 with a run for the Bruins (38-20).

 

Southern

#4 5 Appalachian State 15, #1 Western Carolina 4 (WCU eliminated)

#3 Elon 8, #6 Furman (Furman eliminated)

 

In Greenville, S.C., Dillon Dobson went 4 for 4 with four runs and two RBI, and William Head, Preston Troutman and Jaylin Davis each drove in three runs as Appalachian State eliminated Western Carolina. The Mountaineers (30-23), who won the SoCon title a year ago, advances to meet The Citadel Saturday and will need two wins over the Bulldogs to reach Sunday’s title game. The Catamounts (39-20), with an RPI of 50 entering the day, will hope they have done enough to earn an at-large bid to the NCAA tourney. Aaron Attaway had three hits and two RBI for WCU. Will Callaway saw his 27-game hitting streak come to an end, which was tied for the Appalachian State school record.

 

Andrew MacDonald tossed a complete game and struck out seven as Elon eliminated Furman. MacDonald (4-1), a senior making just the third start of his career, allowed seven hits as the Phoenix (29-28) advanced to play Georgia Southern, who has yet to lose in the tourney. Sebastian Gomez went 3 for 4 with a RBI, and Antonio Alvarez had two RBI for Elon. Hunter Burton went 2 for 4 with a run for the Paladins (32-25).

 

Southland

#5 Lamar 3, #1 Sam Houston State 1 (SHSU eliminated)

#7 Central Arkansas 8, #2 Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 1 (TAMCC eliminated)

#5 Lamar 12, #4 Southeastern Louisiana 2

#7 Central Arkansas 6, #3 Oral Roberts 3

 

In Sugar Land, Texas, Jonathan Dziedzic came within one out of the first no-hitter in Southland Conference tournament history as Lamar eliminated Sam Houston State. Dziedzic (7-4) allowed a single to Anthony Azar in the ninth but finished with a one-hitter and five strikeouts. Sam Bumpers had two hits and two RBI, and V.J. Bunner added a run and an RBI for the Cardinals (38-19). Sam Houston State now hopes for an at-large bid to the NCAA tourney.

 

Bryce Biggerstaff tossed a complete game with one run (no earned runs) and three strikeouts, and Jonathan Davis had a double, homer (grand slam) and four RBI as Central Arkansas eliminated Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. The Bears (36-20) scored all eight runs in the seventh inning, with Scott Zimmerle going 3 for 4 with a run and an RBI. Stafford Brantley went 3 for 4 with an RBI for the Islanders (33-24).

 

In the nightcap, V.J. Bunner went 3 for 3 with three runs, and Sam Bumpers went 2 for 3 with three runs and three RBI as Lamar run-ruled Southeastern Louisiana, setting up a rematch between the teams Saturday for the right to play for the Southland title. Chase Angelle (4-2) allowed four hits in five scoreless innings of relief to pick up the win for the Cardinals (39-19). The Lions fell to 35-23.

 

Later in the day, Jonathan Davis singled to left to score Garret Brown with the game-winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning as Central Arkansas edged Oral Roberts, setting up a second game between the two teams Saturday for the right to play for the conference title. ORU (25-31) led 4-0 before the Bears (37-20) scored three times in the fifth. Brown went 3 for 5 with two runs and an RBI, and Ethan Harris scored twice for Central Arkansas. Joey Migliaccio went 2 for 2 with two runs and an RBI for the Golden Eagles.

 

Summit

#1 South Dakota State 8, #2 Oakland 4 (OU eliminated)

#3 North Dakota State 2, #2 Oakland 0

 

In Rochester, Mich., South Dakota State scored in each of its final five at-bats in eliminating host Oakland. Daniel Telford went 2 for 4 with a homer and two RBI for the Jackrabbits (32-22). Nolan Jacoby and Robby Enslen both drove in a pair for the Grizzlies (20-35).

 

John Straka (8-2, 1 BB, 5 K) pitched a six-hit shutout as North Dakota State edged Oakland. Kyle Kleinendorst had two hits, including a homer, for the Bison (25-25). Robby Enslen and Kyle Bobolts both doubled for the Grizzlies.

 

Sun Belt

#4 Florida Atlantic 3, #1 Troy 1 (10 innings)

#8 Arkansas State 3, #1 Troy 2 (Troy eliminated)

#3 Louisiana-Lafayette 9, #2 South Alabama 2

#2 South Alabama 7, #6 FIU 6 (FIU eliminated)

 

In Lafayette, La.,  Tyler Rocklein’s two-run homer in the top of the 10th inning gave Florida Atlantic a winners’ bracket victory over Troy. The game was a resumption of yesterday’s game, which was halted in the top of the ninth inning with the score tied at 1. Hugh Adams (1-0) earned the win with two innings of relief for the Owls (37-20). Jeremy Strawn allowed four hits and one earned run in six innings on Thursday for FAU. Logan Pierce went 2 for 3 with a run for the Trojans (40-17).

 

Later in the day, Collin Massanelli had an RBI single as Arkansas State scored twice in the sixth inning and went on to eliminate Troy. Stuart Levy doubled and scored on a double-play grounder to tie the game at 2 before Massanelli singled to left to score Ryan Roberts, who had singled. John Koch (4-6) picked up the win for ASU (28-30). Danny Collins went 3 for 5 with a run and an RBI for the Trojans (40-19), who are expected to earn an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament.

 

Caleb Adams went 3 for 5 with a homer and three RBI, and Dex Kjerstad went 2 for 4 with a homer, two runs and two RBI as Louisiana-Lafayette beat South Alabama in a winners’ bracket game. Jace Conrad added two hits, two runs and two RBI as the Ragin’ Cajuns (40-17) built a 5-0 lead and expanded it with four runs in the eighth. Austin Robichaux (8-2) tossed a complete game with four hits, two runs (one earned run) and five strikeouts. South Alabama fell to 41-17.

 

South Alabama came back in the nightcap to eliminate FIU as Tripp Cecil (4-2) tossed three innings of scoreless relief, and Kyle Bartsch picked up his 12th save. Nick Zaharion homered and drove in three, and Jeff DeBlieux went 3 for 3 with a triple, RBI and two runs for the Jaguars (42-17). Bud Collura added two hits and two RBI, including the go-ahead sacrifice fly in the bottom of the eighth inning. Edwin Rios had two hits, two runs and two RBI to cap a big tourney for the Panthers, who walked 12 times but left 13 runners on base.

 

WAC

#7 Dallas Baptist 7, #3 Texas State 5

#6 New Mexico State 4, #2 UT Arlington 3

#1 CSU Bakersfield 0, #4 UTSA 0 (suspended bottom 5)

 

Pool 1 – CSUB 2-0, UTSA 2-0, SSU 0-2, SJSU 0-2

Pool 2 – UTA 1-1, TSU 1-1, NMSU 1-1, DBU 1-1

 

In Grand Prairie, Texas, Michael Miller homered and drove in four as Dallas Baptist downed Texas State. Austin Listi had two hits and two runs for the Patriots (29-29). Nick Smelser had a three-run homer in the eighth for the Bobcats (28-29).

 

Kyle Phillips went 2 for 3 with two runs and one RBI as New Mexico State edged UT Arlington. Ryan Beck (8-4, 7.2 IP, 9 H, 3 UE, 2 BB, 6 K) registered the win for the Aggies (29-27), while Evan Mott (1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 2 K) recorded his fourth save. Matt Shortall had three hits and a run for the Mavericks (31-26).

 

West Coast

#4 San Francisco 10, #2 San Diego 8

#2 San Diego 7, #3 BYU 4 (BYU eliminated)

#3 BYU 8, #1 Gonzaga 1 (Gonzaga eliminated)

 

In Stockton, Calif., Derek Atkinson (3 for 4, 3 R, 4 RBI) belted a game-winning three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth as San Francisco downed San Diego to earn a spot in the championship game. The Toreros (33-23) led 6-0 before the Dons (34-21) put up four in the sixth, two in the eighth and four in the bottom of the ninth. Austin Bailey (3 for 4, 2 R, 4 RBI) homered for USD.

 

Kris Bryant hit his 31st home run as San Diego eliminated BYU and advanced to the title game. Louie Lechich (3-3, 6.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 2 K) earned the victory and went 3 for 5 at the plate with two RBI. Kelton Caldwell homered and drove in three for the Cougars (32-21).

 

Dakota Hernandez had three hits and two RBI as BYU eliminated regular-season champion Gonzaga. Jeff Barker (6-3, 7 IP, 9 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 4 K) earned the win, with James Lengal (2 IP, 2 H, 2 K) notching his sixth save. Payden Cawley Lamb had three hits for the Bulldogs (32-21-1).