College Baseball 360 » Sean Stires

2015 NCAA Baseball Tournament Field Of 64

Sean Stires — Mon, 25 May 2015 16:51:32 +0000

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Here are the pairings for the 2015 NCAA Baseball Tournament. Each Regional is played in double-elimination format. Each Regional that features one of the eight national seeds is paired with another Regional. The winners of each four-team Regional advances to Super Regional play against another Regional winner. Super Regionals are played in a best-two-of-three format, with the eight winners advancing to the College World Series.

Los Angeles Regional

1 UCLA (No. 1 National Seed)

4 Cal State Bakersfield

2 Ole Miss

3 Maryland

Lake Elsinore (CA) Regional

1 UC Santa Barbara

4 San Diego State

2 USC

3 Virginia

Springfield Regional

1 Missouri State (No. 8 National Seed)

4 Canisius

2 Iowa

3 Oregon

Stillwater Regional

1 Oklahoma State

4 St. John’s

2 Arkansas

3 Oral Roberts

Coral Gables Regional

1 Miami (No. 5 National Seed)

4 Florida International

2 East Carolina

3 Columbia

Dallas Regional

1 Dallas Baptist

4 Virginia Commonwealth

2 Oregon State

3 Texas

Tallahassee Regional

1 Florida State

4 Southern

2 College of Charleston

3 Auburn

Gainesville Regional

1 Florida (No. 4 National Seed)

4 Florida A&M

2 South Florida

3 Florida Atlantic

Baton Rouge Regional

1 LSU (No. 2 National Seed)

4 Lehigh

2 UNC Wilmington

3 Tulane

Houston Regional

1 Houston

4 Houston Baptist

2 Rice

3 UL Lafayette

College Station Regional

1 Texas A&M

4 Texas Southern

2 Coastal Carolina

3 California

Fort Worth Regional

1 TCU (No. 7 National Seed)

4 Sacred Heart

2 Stony Brook

3 NC State

Champaign Regional

1 Illinois (No. 6 National Seed)

4 Ohio

2 Notre Dame

3 Wright State

Nashville Regional

1 Vanderbilt

4 Lipscomb

2 Radford

3 Indiana

Fullerton Regional

1 Cal State Fullerton

4 Pepperdine

2 Arizona State

3 Clemson

Louisville Regional

1 Louisville (No. 3 National Seed)

4 Morehead State

2 Bradley

3 Michigan

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Baseball ‘U’? USC, UCF Roll In Early Season

Sean Stires — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 22:40:59 +0000

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Four weekends into the season, we are getting a big enough sample size to get an idea of what teams are legit and which still have work to do. Two college baseball teams that are separating themselves from the pack in 2015 are Southern California (USC)and Central Florida (UCF). The teams on opposite coasts are a combined 29-3 heading into midweek games Tuesday night.

USC

USC celebrates after a 3-0 weekend at the Dodgertown Classic in L.A.

Imagine a weekend where you beat the last two National Champions – one of which is your biggest rival – and another team coming off a College World Series season. That’s the weekend USC (15-1) had after taking down TCU (2014 CWS), Vanderbilt (2014 National Champion) and UCLA (2013 National Champion) in succession.

“I think (the weekend) says that we don’t fear anybody and that we’re capable of beating anybody,” USC head coach Dan Hubbs said after Sunday’s 8-4 win over arch-rival UCLA at Dodger Stadium.

With an offense batting .311 and a pitching staff with a 2.26 ERA after facing the three heavyweights, there’s not much reason for the Trojans to feel fear.

Starter Brent Wheatley (1-0) pitched 6 1/3 strong innings in Friday’s 12-inning win over the Horned Frogs (TCU’s only loss of the weekend). Wheatley has fanned 30 batters in 23 1/3 innings this year. Kyle Davis brought the win home with 4 1/3 innings for his first win of the year. He already has five saves as well for a staff that has 158 Ks in 147 2/3 IP.

Offensively, seven different Trojans have at least 10 RBIs through 16 games. Garrett Stubbs leads the lineup with a .443 average. Timmy Robinson and A.J. Ramirez have each driven in 14 runs. Ramirez is hitting just .263, but he also has a team-best three home runs and five doubles.

“A lot of people were looking this weekend, trying to see who this team really is,” said Hubbs. “Well, I think we made the statement that we’re pretty good. We have a lot left to do.”

USC faces another 2014 CWS team, UC Irvine, Tuesday night before opening Pac-12 play this weekend when it hosts Washington State.

UCF

UCF has three wins over SEC teams, including a series win over Ole Miss this season.

Terry Rooney’s Knights have come out of the gates with all guns blazing in 2015. His current group of seniors were freshmen on a 2012 team that won 45 games and had every reason to expect they could make a run to Omaha. They were upset at home though by the Cinderella Stony Brook team that knocked-off LSU in Super Regional play en-route to its own CWS run.

The current edition of UCF (14-2) rattled-off 10 straight wins before falling to Ole Miss, a 2014 CWS team, in the finale of a three-game series in Orlando. UCF’s only other loss is to Florida, a team with a No. 1 ranking this week (the Knights beat the Gators as well the night before that loss).

“We talk about it all the time that it takes 35 guys,” Rooney said after UCF’s 4-3 win over Florida. “Tonight it took every single player on the bench (and) on the field to get it done.”

Shortstop Dylan Moore leads the Knights with three home runs, 21 RBIs and a .621 slugging percentage after a grand slam in Sunday’s win over Columbia. Tommy Williams, one of the seniors who was on the 2012 team, leads the team with a .397 average.

UCF’s weekend rotation of Cre Finfrock, Zach Rodgers and Robby Howell have combined to go 9-0 with a 2.31 ERA and 52 strikeouts in 66 innings, while closer Harrison Hukari is 3-0 with a pair of saves, a 2.25 ERA and 20 strikeouts in 16 innings and seven appearances out of the pen.

The Knights face another stiff midweek test this week with two games against Florida State. Both games are in Tallahassee. They don’t open conference play until March 27 against Houston.

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Unbeatens Virginia & Texas A&M: By The Numbers

Sean Stires — Thu, 05 Mar 2015 00:12:57 +0000

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There are but two remaining unbeaten teams with double-digit games played heading into college baseball’s fourth weekend of the 2015 season. Virginia (10-0) is no surprise after going all the way to the College World Series Finals last June. Texas A&M (13-0) is not all that surprising either, considering the Aggies won seven of their first eight games and advanced to a Regional last year.

Virginia hosts Pittsburgh to open ACC play this weekend, while A&M plays Nebraska, Houston and Baylor at the Astros College Classic. Here’s a By the Numbers look at the Aggies and Cavaliers:

Pavin Smith leads Virginia with a .500 batting average.

.280…Virginia team batting average. The Cavs have still averaged 5.9 runs-per-game.

7…Players who have started all 10 Virginia games to date. Six other players each have at least one start.

.371…Combined batting average of Virginia’s top four bats in the line-up. The team is led by first baseman Pavin Smith’s .500 (21-for-42) clip. He also leads the Cavs with seven doubles and an .810 slugging percentage.

.162…Combined batting average of the next three players who have started all 10 games. Second baseman Justin Novak has just one hit in 34 at-bats – a .029 average – to start the year.

1.27…Staff ERA posted by Virginia. The team’s 111 strikeouts and just 31 walks issued have held teams to just 2.1 runs-per-game.

0.84…ERA of UVA closer Josh Sborz – a weekend starter in 2014. Sborz has three of his team’s six saves.

6…Virginia pitchers who have more strikeouts than innings pitched. The group is led by Friday starter Nathan Kirby (3-0). The lefty has fanned 24 opposing batters in 18 1/3 innings while posting a 0.49 ERA in three starts.

0.56…ERA of Saturday starter Connor Jones. The sophomore has allowed just one earned run in his three starts, but he has the second-best ERA on the team.

0…Home games Virginia has played so far. Three midweek games have been canceled and three other games were moved to Myrtle Beach, SC last weekend.

167…Virginia’s current Warren Nolan strength of schedule – a full 103 spots ahead of Texas A&M’s 270 SOS.

.342…Texas A&M’s team batting average. The Aggies have mashed the ball to the tune of 8.9 runs-per-game in their 13-0 start.

4…Times the Aggies have scored at least 10 runs this season. The high-water mark came in a 19-2 thumping of Holy Cross to open the season.

Logan Taylor leads Texas A&M with five home runs.

7…Aggie players with at least 10 RBIs. The group is led by Nick Banks (14), who has played in 12 of 13 games.

5…Team-leading home runs by Logan Taylor. The left fielder is hitting .405 with a team-best .892 slugging percentage.

.450…Team-leading batting average of Mitchell Nau. Nick Banks is on his heels at .444.

7…Relievers who are yet to allow an earned run. The group has combined for five saves, 26 1/3 IP, 29 strikeouts and just one walk while helping the Aggies to a 1.85 ERA.

0.56…ERA sported by starting pitcher A.J. Minter (2-0). The lefty has 23 strikeouts and eight walks in 16 IP.

13…Home games TAMU has played. The three games in Houston this weekend will be the first away from College Station in 2015.

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Age-Old Baseball Formula Telling

Sean Stires — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 23:22:05 +0000

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It’s hardly a secret formula. Good pitching + good defense goes a long way on the baseball diamond and great pitching + great defense tends to lead to big championships.

Florida’s Dane Dunning fired 5.0 no-hit innings in Sunday’s start against rival Miami (Photo Courtesy Florida).

Case in point – the top four teams in this week’s CB360 Top-50 Rankings. Vanderbilt, Virginia, TCU and Florida, have been stellar on the mound and in the field. Those four teams have combined to go 24-4 and have a total of 22 errors and 18 unearned runs.

The defending national champion Commodores have outscored opponents just 26-22 in their 4-2 start after a 6-0 series-clinching win over Indiana State Sunday, but stellar pitching and defense have (as always) made up for it. The Commodores have just six errors and four unearned runs allowed while also posting a 2.95 ERA.

Virginia (8-0), runner-up to Vandy in Omaha last year, has committed eight errors and allowed six unearned runs while turning in a stealth 1.12 ERA. Virginia has also essentially played a ninth game after Sunday’s 5-4 win over Marist in 18 program record-setting innings.

TCU (6-1), another 2014 CWS team, and Florida (6-1) have been stellar both in the field and on the mound so far. The Horned Frogs (1.45 ERA) have just four errors and four unearned runs charged through seven games. That includes a weekend series win at Arizona State. Florida (2.14 ERA) has just six errors and four unearned runs after taking two of three games against Miami this weekend.

At the other end of the spectrum in the early part of 2015 is Cal Poly. The Mustangs started the season at 28th in our preseason rankings after a 47-12 record and a Big West championship in 2014. They have limped out of the gates to a 1-7 start in 2015 though, and pitching and defense have been the main culprits.

After committing two errors and surrendering four unearned runs in Sunday’s 9-3 loss to Grand Canyon, Poly now has 17 errors and 18 unearned runs allowed in the first two weeks of the season. On top of that, the staff ERA, which finished at 3.05 last year, is currently a hefty 4.95.

Kyle Smith leads Cal Poly with 16 strikeouts in 9 1/3 IP (Photo courtesy Cal Poly).

Casey Bloomquist only went 4.0 innings in Poly’s season-opening 8-6 loss at Baylor. He surrendered five total runs on 81 pitches and four hits, but he walked four and yielded two unearned runs thanks to three errors in the field.

Slater Lee lasted just 2.0 innings in another 8-6 loss the next day. Two of the four runs reliever Kyle Smith allowed in his 3.1 innings were unearned. The Mustangs committed three more errors in that setback.

Justin Calomeni needed 63 pitches (just 58% for strikes) to get through 3.0 innings in a demoralizing 6-0 loss to the Bears in the series finale. He did go 6.0 innings against Grand Canyon on Sunday, but two errors led to four unearned runs in the 9-3 defeat.

Andrew Bernstein provided Cal Poly with its first quality start in a midweek win at Fresno State. Bernstein allowed just two hits in 5.1 shutout innings in the 7-6 victory. Two late errors paved the way for four unearned runs to score after the Mustangs led 7-0 going into the bottom of the 8th inning. Poly still out-hit the Bulldogs 16-8 and the pitching staff combined for 10 strikeouts and just three walks.

Bloomquist made it to 6.2 innings against Grand Canyon in his second start this past Friday, but he needed 110 pitches to get there. Three Mustang errors led to two unearned runs allowed by Bloomquist, who fanned nine batters, as well as another unearned run tagged to reliever Erich Uelman in the 10-4 loss.

UCSB pitcher Dillon Tate is yet to allow a run in 13 2/3 IP this season (Photo courtesy UCSB).

Two other teams whose fortunes correlate directly to defense through the first two weekends have been Indiana and Arizona State.

Indiana committed just two errors in its first two games of the season – a pair of wins at Stanford – before committing eight errors and allowing a total of four unearned runs in consecutive losses to Stanford, Presbyterian and Furman. The spiral was punctuated by five miscues and three unearned runs in Friday’s 5-2 loss to the Blue Hose.

Arizona State struggled holding onto the ball this weekend as well. The Sun Devils had a pair of errors that led to two unearned runs in Friday’s 3-0 loss to visiting TCU. To be fair, Preston Morrison (2-0) was so dominant the miscues were probably moot. Morrison needed just 88 pitches to fire a three-hit complete game.

ASU had three more errors, but just one unearned run allowed, the next day in a 7-6 win. Two errors in Sunday’s series finale gave the Horned Frogs their first two runs.

UC Santa Barbara (6-1) committed just five errors and allowed a mere three unearned runs while getting off to a 6-0 start. The injury bug hit in Sunday’s series finale against Kentucky in a 12-7 Wildcat win (the only Kentucky victory in the series). Three Gaucho errors accounted for seven, yes – seven unearned runs in defeat.

UCSB, which sports a stellar 1.57 team ERA, will put its pitching, defense and strong start to the test with a midweek game at Pepperdine followed by a three-game home series vs. Oregon next weekend.

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Marathon, Big Leaguers Highlight Tweets Of The Week

Sean Stires — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 23:11:30 +0000

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As usual, there is a little bit of everything in this week’s Tweets Of The Week. From a big comeback, to a marathon and Big Leaguers in pics and Tweeting themselves (not to mention a new firefighter with SEC ties).

What a comeback for #kubaseball .. six runs in the 8th to steal the win from Washington, 11-8 #RockChalk pic.twitter.com/PoJ0GfMNlj

— Kansas Baseball (@KUBaseball) February 19, 2015

While on the field wearing just my @Easton_Baseball t-shirt, this @CanesBaseball player jogged by in a winter mask pic.twitter.com/d1S8trPZIZ

— Eric Sorenson (@Stitch_Head) February 20, 2015

“@PeppBaseball: IT'S A WALKOFF!! Jordan Qsar hits the game winning, two-run homer to right! WAVES WIN, 2-1!!” Vs Tulane

— College Baseball 360 (@CB360updates) February 15, 2015

So much for that marquee duel in Gainesville. Andrew Suarez was scratched in pregame bullpen, and Logan Shore is out after 9 pitches…

— Aaron Fitt (@aaronfitt) February 21, 2015

Heck of a job by Bobby Poyner. Comes in and goes through Miami's powerful middle of the order with two on in the first.

— Cody Jones (@CJonesScout) February 21, 2015

Oops, I meant, According to @GatorZoneBB's super-stud SID John Hines, UM ace Andrew Suarez had "possible oblique strain during warmups"

— Eric Sorenson (@Stitch_Head) February 21, 2015

Saturday

Quite an eventful Saturday in CB360 top-50: higher-ranked teams went only 35–22 (61%) … scores & more here: http://t.co/aBbeAzwtQ1

— College Baseball 360 (@CB360updates) February 22, 2015

Congrats from Mississippi State head coach John Cohen to former Bulldog Mitch Slauter, who was a member of MSU’s 2013 CWS team:

Congrats to @mslauter29 Mississippi's newest firefighting graduate -Really proud of you Mitch! #HailState pic.twitter.com/P6EmVyresU

— John Cohen (@Coach_Cohen) February 21, 2015

TCU’s Preston Morrison fired a three-hit shutout Friday against Arizona State. His weapon of choice?

Thx @d1baseball for this pic. Hitters u better know what pitch is being thrown here, if u don't ur in BIG TROUBLE! pic.twitter.com/8Odi2BTxIy

— Chris Burke (@ChrisBurke02) February 21, 2015

From Ole Miss assistant Mike Clement:

This picture is the definition of loyalty! Appreciate everyone who showed up last night! pic.twitter.com/KhgalCirAL

— Mike Clement (@MClementBSB) February 21, 2015

#SWEEP #TexasTech Shuts Out #NIU 6-0 to Sweep 4-Game Series. Pitching Staff Recorded 35-of-36 Scoreless Innings #WreckEm

— Scott Lacefield (@ScottLacefield) February 21, 2015

Sunday

Hello, gorgeous. It's another beautiful day for #FAU vs. Ohio State at Noon! pic.twitter.com/YqSxPdwM8b

— FAU Baseball (@FAU_Baseball) February 22, 2015

#Gators (6-1) defeat No. 8 Miami (5-3), 2-1, to take the series – Florida has beaten the Hurricanes in 19 of the last 24 meetings

— Gator Baseball (@GatorZoneBB) February 22, 2015

Coverage begins at 10:30 ET! #BeatArkansas pic.twitter.com/yikKe9rlHM

— Maryland Baseball (@TerpsBaseball) February 22, 2015

What a game! Maryland closes out its time in Mobile with a 13-6 win over Arkansas. The #Terps nine-run sixth keyed the victory. #GoTerps

— Maryland Baseball (@TerpsBaseball) February 22, 2015

From Virginia’s marathon vs. Marist in Charleston, SC:

As we head to 18th inning, this becomes the longest game by innings in program history. Still knotted 4-4.

— Virginia Baseball (@UVABaseball) February 22, 2015

Oddly enough, #UVaBase played 17 innings vs College of Charleston in Hoos' last trip to Charleston in 2006.

— Virginia Baseball (@UVABaseball) February 22, 2015

HOOS FINALLY WIN! Christian Lowry ends longest game in program history with 18th-inning walkoff 1B & #UVaBase tops Marist 5-4.

— Virginia Baseball (@UVABaseball) February 22, 2015

Perks of #UConn playing at the spring training home of the @Mets…thanks to David Wright for stopping for a pic! pic.twitter.com/oN3OcrY8Op

— UConn Baseball (@UConnBaseball) February 22, 2015

Billy Reitmeier hurled a no-hitter in 1967 vs Georgia. He signed former player wall and is throwing out 1st pitch pic.twitter.com/MLVrCvN7qs

— Gamecock Baseball (@GamecockBasebll) February 22, 2015

Braves great Tom Glavine is here today. The #Gamecocks start LHP Josh Reagan, whose favorite player was Glavine and wears #47 in his honor.

— Andy Demetra (@GamecockRadio) February 22, 2015

#ASU baseball draws 3,112 for game 3 vs. TCU and 10,748 for series … 23,343 overall in 7 games at Phx Muni pic.twitter.com/pbwUJy0VoR

— jeffmetcalfe (@jeffmetcalfe) February 22, 2015

Here to watch the #frogs lockdown this series. @TCU_Athletics @TCU_Baseball pic.twitter.com/oECSlgi2gu

— Jake Arrieta (@JArrieta34) February 22, 2015

Incredible double play by @errol_robinson6 to win the game!! @OleMissBSB wins!!! pic.twitter.com/22zaihKfiJ

— OleMissPix (@OleMissPix) February 22, 2015

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Weekend 2 CB360 Radio Preview

Sean Stires — Fri, 20 Feb 2015 18:24:36 +0000

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The second weekend of the 2015 college baseball season is underway. CB360 Co-editor Sean Stires has a look at some of the current Top-50 teams and marquee match-ups heading into the weekend.

CLICK HERE to listen to the Sound Cloud CB360 Radio update!

Here are a few more Top-50 match-ups this weekend:

No. 1 Vanderbilt plays a three-game series against Indiana State in Port Charlotte, Fla.

No. 2 Virginia vs. Marist (3 games) and LaSalle in Charleston, S.C. (at four different venues)

No. 5 LSU hosts three games with Boston College.

No. 12 South Carolina hosts four games with Northeastern.

No. 18 Oregon hosts four games with New Mexico State.

No. 20 Maryland plays South Alabama, UCF and Arkansas in Mobile, Ala.

Check our CB360 Weekend Scoreboard for more matchups and results all weekend!

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Tweets Of The Week

Sean Stires — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 22:46:46 +0000

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Twitter Thoughts From College Baseball’s Opening Weekend…

College baseball’s 2015 opening weekend had its share of upsets and sweeps. Following is a sampling of thoughts from around the country:

Friday

This is the fourth straight year #Gators baseball has used three freshmen in the opening night lineup.

— Cody Jones (@CJonesScout) February 13, 2015

After a 6-3 opening day loss to College of Charleston:

"That performance from an offensive standpoint was inexcusable in my book." – #Gamecocks head coach Chad Holbrook

— John Whittle (@johnmwhittle) February 14, 2015

San Diego State to retire Tony Gwynn's No. 19 before tonight's season opener: http://t.co/7nQkEWdp2Q

— NCAA Baseball (@NCAACWS) February 14, 2015

Go Cougs pic.twitter.com/anE1xyDYQh

— Don Marbut (@DonMarbut) February 14, 2015

Opening Night Friday the 13th…a terrifying night at Blair…1st 100 kids receive Dirtbag Jason masks. pic.twitter.com/iTSwYdctpo

— LBSU Dirtbags (@LBDirtbags) February 12, 2015

From Arizona State’s extra inning walk-off win:

The Woodmansee home run trot and scream. @ASU_Baseball wins pic.twitter.com/yBi3EpLutz

— Eric Sorenson (@Stitch_Head) February 14, 2015

Saturday

Happy 49th birthday to #ASU baseball coach Tracy Smith pic.twitter.com/HSxu5MgnIA

— jeffmetcalfe (@jeffmetcalfe) February 14, 2015

From Florida’s 22-3 win over Rhode Island:

Florida baseball has scored 21 runs today — as many or more than points scored for the football team in five of 12 games last year.

— Cody Jones (@CJonesScout) February 14, 2015

Texas' Kacy Clemens in his first collegiate outing today: 3 IP, 8 H, 8 ER, 2 BB, 0 K. Coming back from labrum surgery.

— Michael Lananna (@mlananna) February 14, 2015

OF @JakeRobson7 is living at first base. RBI single up the middle makes it 6-4. 11-straight appearances he's reached first to start 2015.

— MSU Baseball (@HailStateBB) February 14, 2015

Congratulations to @LamarCards Head Coach Jim Gilligan on his 1,300th career win to open the season yesterday!

— ABCA (@ABCA1945) February 14, 2015

This guy knew it was coming… RT @tyweglarz3: Wes Rea with a grand slam @HailStateBB pic.twitter.com/3l31y9Piir

— MSU Baseball (@HailStateBB) February 14, 2015

Harrison Bader had three home runs in his first two seasons (103 games played). This season, he has three home runs in the last 24 hours.

— Cody Jones (@CJonesScout) February 14, 2015

Sunday

From Wright State head coach Greg Lovelady, who benefitted from a grand slam by Ryan Fucci to beat Toledo Saturday:

Watch the monster GRAND SLAM by @ryanfucci to win the game in the bottom of the eighth here https://t.co/DFwPlERbWi

— Greg Lovelady (@CoachLovelady23) February 15, 2015

Drone interrupts Georgia Tech/St. Johns baesball game-does not end well for invader. @SZon2 @GTBaseball @GTAthletics http://t.co/LtU9P6YH9R

— justin reid (@jreidwsbsports) February 14, 2015

Cold weather banged several games Sunday. Some were moved to Saturday in advance, while some were just cancelled altogether.

Today's game against Davidson has been cancelled due to the cold weather. Villanova returns to action for Irish Alamo Classic on Friday.

— VUBaseball (@VUBaseball) February 15, 2015

New East Carolina head coach Cliff Godwin shared his words of wisdom Sunday – a day after his Pirates were swept by No. 2 Virginia.

No one said it would be easy! Back to work today to get better! P.I.R.A.T.E.S.

— Cliff Godwin (@cgodwin23) February 15, 2015

ICYMI: Indiana clinched the Stanford series on this play in the 10th inning last night. http://t.co/aQ2HeCRchQ

— Indiana Baseball (@HoosierBaseball) February 15, 2015

From Michigan State pitching coach Skylar Meade:

National championship of bus drivers so far on 1st trip – elite level drivers, attitude…. High standard for next 4 months 4 all others

— Skylar Meade (@SkylarTMeade) February 15, 2015

IT'S A WALKOFF!! Jordan Qsar hits the game winning, two-run homer to right! WAVES WIN, 2-1!!

— Pepperdine Baseball (@PeppBaseball) February 15, 2015

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2015 Opening Weekend Preview

Sean Stires — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 12:05:19 +0000

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A new season of college baseball has arrived. While the northeast tries to dig out of a mountain of snow, college baseball teams have headed south for the opening weekend of the 2015 season. Following is a snapshot of some of this weekend’s match-ups, starting with defending National Champion Vanderbilt and CWS runner-up Virginia.

CLICK HERE to listen to the audio weekend preview on Sound Cloud!

Vanderbilt (51-21)

The defending national champs open at home with a three-game series versus Santa Clara. Dan O’Brien’s Broncos (26-30) won’t be a pushover for the Commodores. Santa Clara returns a pair of pitchers, Peter Hendron (6-4) and closer Reece Karalus (6-2, 11 Saves), who combined for nearly half of Santa Clara’s 26 wins in 2014.

That said, if Tim Corbin’s squad gets through the opening-weekend series at Hawkins Field unscathed, it is conceivable that they could start 13-0 before March 6-8 games against UCLA, USC and TCU at the Dodgertown Classic.

College World Series Most Outstanding Player Dansby Swanson (.333, 22 SB, 27 Doubles) and Bryan Reynolds (.338, 4 HR, 54 RBIs) are back to lead a Vandy offense that includes four others who started at least 39 games in 2014. Carson Fulmer (7-1, 1.98 ERA, 195 K, 10 Saves), Walker Buehler (12-2, 2.64 ERA, 111 K) and Tyler Ferguson (8-4, 2.69 ERA) lead a pitching staff that has a combined 50 relief appearances from a year ago returning.

SEC Opener: March 13-15 vs. Arkansas

Virginia (53-16)

Last year’s CWS runner-up opens with a challenging three-game series at East Carolina (33-26), which is led by first-time head coach Cliff Godwin, who has been to Omaha as an assistant at Ole Miss and LSU. Reigning ACC Pitcher of the Year Nathan Kirby (9-3, 2.06 ERA), Brandon Waddell (10-3, 2.45 ERA) are back to lead the weekend rotation for Brian O’Connor. Josh Sborz (6-4, 2.92 ERA) was a weekend starter last year as well, but he begins 2015 as the Cavs’ closer. Outfielder Joe McCarthy (.301, 6 HR, 49 RBIs) leads five returning position players.

ACC Opener: March 6-8 vs. Pittsburgh

TCU (48-18)

Don’t be fooled by this weekend’s opening three-game series against Southern Illinois (26-31). Jim Schlossnagle’s Horned Frogs – fresh-off the program’s second CWS in the past five seasons – have one of the toughest early non-conference slates in the nation. TCU travels to Arizona State for three games next weekend and then hosts Cal Poly for three games, followed by Rice, USC, UCLA, and Vanderbilt in succession. Riley Ferrell (3-1, 0.79 ERA, 15 Saves) and Preston Morrison (9-4, 1.32 ERA)lead TCU’s eight returning pitchers, while four everyday players, including Garrett Crain (.324, 19 RBIs) and Cody Jones (.265, 51 Runs, 29 SB) are back as well.

Big 12 Opener: March 13-15 vs. Baylor

Florida (40-23)

Florida follows its three games against Rhode Island (12-38) this weekend with a three-game set next weekend against rival Miami. Kevin O’Sullivan’s pitching staff is deep and talented heading into the new campaign. Big righthander Logan Shore (7-4, 2.16) was the SEC Freshman of the Year in 2014 after leading the Gators in ERA, wins, innings pitched (95 2/3), strikeouts (68), and starts (15). He was the only Florida hurler to start double-digit games. Danny Young (5-0, 2.23 ERA), A.J. Puk (5-2, 3.19 ERA), Aaron Rhodes (5-2, 2.48 ERA), Bobby Poyner (5-4, 3.47 ERA), and Eric Hanhold (4-3, 4.20 ERA) are also back from a versatile staff that saw eight pitchers combine for 20 saves in 2014.

SEC Opener: March 13-15 vs. Tennessee

LSU (46-16-1)

LSU’s three-game set against Kansas (35-26) this weekend is among 13 consecutive games at Alex Box Stadium to open 2015. The Tigers will face Houston, Baylor and Nebraska March 6-8 in the Houston College Classic at Minute Maid Park after that 13-game stretch. Shortstop Alex Bregman (.316, 6 HR, 47 RBIs) and outfielder Andrew Stevenson (.335, 5 Triples, 32 RBIs) are among five returning position starters for Paul Mainieri’s attack. Jared Poche’ (9-3, 2.45 ERA) and Kyle Bouman (5-2, 2.12 ERA) combined to make 27 starts last year. Poche’ and true freshmen Alex Lange and Jake Godfrey will get the starting nods this weekend against the Jayhawks.

SEC Opener: March 13-15 vs. 2014 CWS team Ole Miss

UCLA (25-30-1)

The Bruins host three games with Hofstra (20-24) this weekend before ratcheting-up the level of competition next weekend when they head to North Carolina for a three-game series. John Savage’s roster includes 19 players who were on UCLA’s 2013 National Championship squad. The Bruins return starting pitchers James Kaprielian (7-6, 2.29 ERA), Grant Watson (4-9, 3.80 ERA), Grant Dyer (6-5, 4.13 ERA), and Cody Poteet (3-5, 4.46 ERA). The quartet accounted for all 56 starts last year. One of the top closers in the nation, David Berg (3-2, 1.50 ERA, 11 Saves), is back as well. Ty Moore (.294, 2 HR, 24 RBIs, 14 Doubles) leads a pack of six returning position players. Kevin Kramer, who missed last season with an injury, will also be back. Kramer batted .278with 42 RBIs in 66 starts at third base during the National Championship season.

Pac-12 Opener: March 13-15 vs. Washington

Oklahoma State (48-18)

Josh Holliday’s Cowboys play their first seven games of the season in the State of Arizona against five different Pac-12 teams. The gauntlet begins this weekend with a three-game series at Arizona State (33-24). That series in Phoenix is followed by games in Surprise, Mesa and Peoria next weekend against Oregon State, Washington State, Utah, and Washington. OSU’s top returning guns include Gage Green (.310, 22 SB, 3 HR, 30 RBIs) and Donnie Walton (.310, 3 HR, 36 RBIs), who shared the 2014 team lead in batting average and runs scored (45). Pitchers Jon Perrin (8-5, 2.38 ERA), Alex Hackerott (4-1, 3.00 ERA) and Tyler Nurdin (4-3, 6.54 ERA) were the only Cowboys with double-digit starts (a combined 37) last year and all three return from a Super Regional team that fell to UC-Irvine in 2014.

Big 12 Opener: March 20-22 at TCU

Texas (46-21)

Texas starts the season off with a bang with a four-game series at Rice. A doubleheader is scheduled for Saturday with single games Friday and Sunday at Reckling Park. The Longhorns also have four-game sets against Minnesota (home) and at Stanford scheduled. After combining to win 57 games in 2012 and 2013, Augie Garrido’s Longhorns bounced all the way back with 46 wins and a trip to Omaha last year. Parker French (7-5, 2.41 ERA), Dillon Peters (7-3, 2.13 ERA), Travis Duke (2-1, 0.29 ERA, 2 Saves), and Chad Hollingsworth (4-0, 1.15 ERA, 2 Saves) are the top pitchers back from a staff that turned-in a 2.25 ERA in 2014. C.J. Hinojosa (.298, 35 RBIs) Zane Gurwitz (.284, 28 RBIs) and Kacy Clemens (.212, 21 RBIs) are among the seven returning position players.

Big 12 Opener: March 13-15 vs. West Virginia

Houston (48-18)

The Cougars finished last season two wins away from Omaha after being swept by Texas in the Super Regional. They open 2015 with three home games against Minnesota (27-24) before hosting three games with Alabama next weekend. Outfielder Kyle Survance (.308, 38 SB, 31 RBIs, 53 Runs) will lead head coach Todd Whiting’s offense. The leadoff man is one of five returning everyday position players. Jake Lemoine (6-8, 2.87 ERA, 87 K), David Longville (1-0, 2.88 ERA) and Aaron Garza (9-5, 2.92 ERA) combined to start 48 of 66 games last season. Relievers Jared Robinson (5-1, 1.35 ERA) and Andrew Lantrip (6-0, 1.87 ERA), who combined to make 37 appearances, give the Cougars strength on the back end as well.

American Opener: March 27-29 at Central Florida

Florida State (43-17)

Like UCLA, Florida State welcomes a small northern program to the sunshine to start the season before hitting the road to face a power conference team. Oakland (12-33) – from Michigan, not California – travels to Tallahassee for three games this weekend before the Seminoles travel to Athens next weekend for a three-game series with Georgia. With just three returning starters, Mike Martin’s offense has plenty of turnover. The top five bats, which accounted for 16 of 26 home runs in 2014, are all gone. Outfielder Ben DeLuzio (.281, 5 Triples, 27 RBIs, 16 SB) is FSU’s top returnee. Mike Compton (7-3, 3.23 ERA), Dylan Silva (4-0, 1.90 ERA) and Billy Strode (2-1, 2.62 ERA) are all back on the mound, but the staff loses nearly 60-percent of its innings, including 33 1/3 from 2013 Heisman winner Jameis Winston, must be replaced.

ACC Opener: March 6-8 vs. Boston College

Louisville (50-17)

After enjoying eight seasons of great success in the Big East and American Conference, Dan McDonnell and his Cardinals join the ACC this season. Louisville opens 2015 at the same location they played their last American Conference games – Bright House Field in Clearwater, FL (Philadelphia Phillies spring training facility). The Cards face Alabama State, South Florida and Cal State Fullerton there in the Opening Weekend Challenge. With the top four hitters gone from last year’s College World Series team, Zach Lucas (.270, 5 HR, 44 RBIs) and Sutton Whiting (.216, 51 Runs, 37 SB) are the top regulars back in the field. Kyle Funkhouser (13-3, 1.94 ERA, 122 K in 120 1/3 IP) leads a group of 10 returning hurlers that includes fellow starter Anthony Kidston (9-1, 3.40 ERA).

ACC Opener: March 6-8 vs. Miami

Arizona State (33-24)

The 2015 season begins with Tracy Smith at the helm when the Sun Devils host three games with Oklahoma State this weekend. Smith is just the fifth head coach in the history of the program. Smith’s Hoosiers ended a 29-year Big 10 drought when he led his team to the College World Series in 2013. Smith has a solid core back in the lineup for his first team. Johnny Sewald (.305, 19 RBIs, 44 Runs, 16 SB) and Chris Beall (.305, 11 RBIs) lead six returning position players with at least 30 starts last year. The pitching is more than solid as well, with Brett Lilek (4-5, 2.68 ERA), Ryan Kellogg (8-3, 3.76 ERA) and Ryan Burr (3-3, 3.27 ERA, 12 Saves, 56 K in 44 IP) all back.

Pac-12 Opener: March 13-15 vs. Oregon State

Cal Poly (47-12)

After having the best season in the Division One history of his program last year, head coach Larry Lee has his team’s sights aimed high in 2015. Cal Poly plays three games at Baylor this weekend before heading back to Texas in two weeks for three games against TCU. Three game series vs. USC and Oregon State also find their way on the slate before the end of March. The Mustangs have a solid nucleus back from last year’s Big West championship team (the first in program history), but they will have to replace starter Matt Imhof (10-4, 2.45 ERA) and closer Reed Reilly (3-1, 1.71 ERA, 12 Saves), who were drafted in the second and seventh round, respectively last June. Casey Bloomquist (12-2, 1.56 ERA) and Justin Calomeni (8-2, 3.68 ERA) are back in the weekend rotation. Second baseman Mark Mathias (.386, 39 RBIs, 12 SB), the reigning Big West Player of the Year, heads a group of six returning position starters. Outfielder Zack Zehner (.316, 3 HR, 16 RBIs) is also came back despite being drafted in the seventh round by Toronto last year.

Big West Opener: April 2-4 at Cal State Fullerton

Miami (44-19)

Miami had opened its season against Rutgers five straight times prior to opening against Maine last year. The Scarlet Knights are back in Coral Gables to start the 2015 campaign though. Catcher Zack Collins (.298, 11 HR, 54 RBIs) leads a group of five returning everyday starters. That group does not include third baseman David Thompson (.278, 15 RBIs), who played in only 30 games before his season ended with a neck injury that ultimately required surgery. Jim Morris must fill the shoes of the entire weekend rotation, which started 48 of 63 games. With four starts as a freshman, Derik Beauprez (1-0, 0.83 ERA) has the most starts on the 2015 staff, which is led by Bryan Garcia (7-4, 1.75 ERA, 15 Saves, 56 K in 51 1/3 IP).

ACC Opener: March 6-8 at Louisville

Oregon (44-20)

This marks the seventh season since Oregon reinstated baseball and this will be the fifth consecutive year that George Horton’s Ducks have opened with a four-game series at Hawaii. The Ducks have gone 13-3 in their first 16 games against the Warriors on the island, including 8-0 over the past two seasons. Catcher Shaun Chase (.283, 14 HR, 37 RBIs), who hit nine of his 14 home runs over the last 20 games of 2014 (he was the Pac-12 HR leader despite only starting 40 of 64 games), and corner infielder Mitchell Tolman (.315, 2 HR, 49 RBIs) lead a pack of seven returning position players who started at least 34 games last year. The pitching staff loses three starters who accounted for 25 wins and 42 starts as well as Jake Reed’s 13 saves, but Cole Irvin, who was 12-3 with a 2.48 ERA in 2013, is back and looks to lead the staff after missing 2014 after Tommy John surgery. Matt Krook (2-1, 1.79 ERA with 60 K in 45 1/3 IP) and Garrett Cleavinger (3-2, 3.34 ERA, 2 Saves, 49 K in 32 1/3 IP) are back as well.

Pac-12 Opener: March 13-15 at Cal

Stanford (35-26)

As usual, Stanford will play a slew of good non-conference competition to open the season. The Cardinal hosts three games with Indiana this weekend in a rematch of last year’s Regional championship in Bloomington (Indiana was the No. 4 overall seed in last year’s NCAA Tournament). The Hoosiers are now under the direction of former Louisville assistant Chris Lemonis after Tracy Smith left for Arizona State. The following three weekends for Mark Marquess’s team include a three-game series at Cal State Fullerton and then four-game sets against Rice and Texas. Always pitching strong, Stanford’s rotation is stacked with Cal Quantrill (7-5, 2.68 ERA, 2 CG), Brett Hanewich (4-4, 3.17 ERA) and John Hochstatter (10-3, 3.36 ERA, 2 CG). Pitching might have to carry the load for a while. Zach Hoffpauir (.324, 7 HR, 35 RBIs) is the only returnee among Stanford’s top five bats in 2014.

Pac-12 Opener: March 20-22 vs. Arizona

Texas Tech (45-21)

The Red Raiders made their first ever trip to Omaha last year and they play their first home games since then with a four-game series vs. San Francisco. Head coach Tim Tadlock has a stocked cupboard in Lubbock as he looks to keep the program moving forward. Five starting position players return to the lineup in 2015. The group includes Tim Proudfoot (.309, 19 RBIs), Eric Gutierrez (.302, 12 HR, 58 RBIs), and Tyler Neslony (.375, 4 HR, 34 RBIs). A whopping eight pitchers who started at least one game are back as well. Dylan Dusek (8-0, 1.94 ERA) and Cameron Smith (8-3, 2.79) tied for the most wins on the staff. Dominic Moreno (4-5, 3.14 ERA, 2 Saves) joins them. Moreno and Proudfoot were both drafted, but opted to return for their senior seasons. Tech makes a notable trip to Fullerton for a three-game series against the Titans the first weekend of March.

Big 12 Opener: March 20-22 at Oklahoma

South Carolina (44-18)

The Gamecocks play 19 of their first 21 games at home, starting with this weekend three games against College of Charleston. The only two games not at Carolina Stadium among their first 21 games are games against Clemson (at Clemson and neutral site in Greenville). Gamecock great Michael Roth, who helped win National Championships in 2010 and 2011, will be on hand Friday to throw out the ceremonial first pitch of the season. Kyle Martin (.336, 5 HR, 38 RBIs) and Connor Bright.311, 5 HR, 24 RBIs) head the pack of returnees in the field. Wil Crowe (8-3, 2.75 ERA) and Jack Wynkoop (7-6, 2.86 ERA) give head coach Chad Holbrook two-thirds of his weekend rotation back in the fold for a staff that boasted a nasty 2.43 ERA in 2014.

SEC Opener: March 13-15 vs. Kentucky

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Final 2014 College Baseball Stats Leaders

Sean Stires — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 00:08:45 +0000

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Here’s a look at the final national leader board for the 2014 Division One college baseball season in several key offensive and pitching categories. National Player of the Year A.J. Reed had one of the most prolific two-way seasons in recent history and is among the national leaders in both hitting and pitching. He led the nation in home runs and slugging percentage and also tied for fifth in wins on the mound before being drafted by the Houston Astros.

2014 National Collegiate Player of the Year A.J. Reed.

BATTING AVERAGE

Drew Weeks – North Florida .430
2. Max Pentecost – Kennesaw St. .422
3. Caleb Howell – Eastern Illinois .420
4. Casey Jones – Elon .418
5. Scott Schaub – Jacksonville .407
6. D.J. Miller – Delaware St. .404
7. Derek Gibson – Southeast Missouri St. .403
8. Robbie Knightes – St. John’s .399
9. Andrew Utterback – Alabama A&M .398
10. Bobby Ison – Charleston Southern .396

HOME RUNS

A.J. Reed – Kentucky 23
2. Brandon Thomasson – Tennessee Tech 22
3. Zach Stephens – Tennessee Tech 19
4. Nic Wilson – Georgia St. 18
5. Casey Gillaspie – Wichita St. 15
6. Matt Tellor Southeast Missouri St. 15

The following nine players are tied for seventh with 14 HR each:

Austin Byler – Nevada
Shaun Chase – Oregon
Jacob Hoyle – Western Carolina
Michael Katz – William & Mary
Adam Martin – Western Carolina
Sikes Orvis – Ole Miss
Chase Raffield – Georgia St.
Kyle Schwarber – Indiana
Bryan Soloman – Eastern Kentucky

RBIs

Brandon Thomasson – Tennessee Tech 76
2. Michael Katz – William & Mary 75
3. A.J. Reed – Kentucky 73
4. Matt Tellor – Southeast Missouri St. 71
5. Derek Gibson – Southeast Missouri St. 70
6. Jeff Gardner – Louisville 68
7. Jace Conrad – Louisiana Lafayette 65
7. Seth Harrison – Louisiana Lafayette 65
7. Adam Martin – Western Carolina 65
10. Will Allen – Ole Miss 64
10. Dylan Harris – Oregon St. 64

SLUGGING PERCENTAGE

A.J. Reed – Kentucky .735
2. Brandon Thomasson – Tennessee Tech .721
3. Nic Wilson – Georgia St. .683
4. Casey Gillaspie – Wichita St. .682
5. Caleb Adams – Louisiana Lafayette .673
6. Casey Jones – Elon .668
7. Kyle Schwarber – Indiana .659
8. Matt Tellor – Southeast Missouri St. .657
9. Chase Raffield – Georgia St. .654
10. Kristian Gayday – IPFW (Ft. Wayne, Indiana) .653

ON-BASE PERCENTAGE

Aaron Nardone – Delaware St. .521
2. Casey Gillaspie – Wichita St. .520
3. Andrew Utterback – Alabama A&M .509
4. Michael Conforto – Oregon St. .504
5. Casey Jones – Elon .502
5. Caleb Adams – Louisiana Lafayette .502
7. Caleb Howell – Eastern Illinois .492
8. Tim Swatek – Fordham .491
9. Scott Schaub – Jacksonville .490
9. Mike Alexander – Delaware St. .490
9. Jimmy Luppens – Canisius .490

STOLEN BASES

Hunter Burton – Furman 41
1. Nick Richter – Rider 41
3. Derek Jenkins – Seton Hall 38
4. Sutton Whiting – Louisville 37
5. Nick Regnier – Central Michigan 35
6. Ben Crumpton – Arkansas Little Rock 33
7. Gavin Golsan – Jacksonville St. 32
8. Carl Anderson – Bryant 31
8. Joe Daru – N.Y. Tech 31
8. Nick Sinay – Buffalo 31
8. Kyle Survance – Houston 31

Pitching

ERA

Ben Wetzler – Oregon St. 0.78
2. Mike Franco – Florida International 1.09
3. Kyle Davis – USC 1.12
4. James Cooksey – Sacred Heart 1.16
5. Tyler Ford – Houston 1.17
6. Jason Richman – Georgia Southern 1.20
7. Sean Newcomb – Hartford 1.25
8. Jimmy Herget – South Florida 1.26
9. Preston Morrison – TCU 1.32
10. Ryan Thompson – Campbell 1.33

WINS

Aaron Brown – Pepperdine 13-1
1. Joey DeNato – Indiana 13-1
1. Michael Murray – Florida Gulf Coast 13-1
1. Kyle Funkhouser – Louisville 13-3

The following seven pitchers are tied for fifth:

Blake Fox – Rice 12-0
Ben Wetzler – Oregon St. 12-1
Casey Bloomquist – Cal Poly 12-2
Walker Buehler – Vanderbilt 12-2
Zach Plesac – Ball St. 12-2
Josh Prevost – Seton Hall 12-2
A.J. Reed – Kentucky 12-2
Sam Street – UT Pan American 12-2

STRIKEOUTS

Andrew Morales – UC Irvine 141
2. Zac Curtis – Middle Tennessee 136
3. Brandon Finnegan – TCU 134
3. Aaron Nola – LSU 134
5. Jake Stinnett – Maryland 132
6. Kyle Freeland – Evansville 128
7. Matt Imhof – Cal Poly 124
8. Seth Varner – Miami (OH) 123
9. Kyle Funkhouser – Louisville 122
10. Carlos Rodon – NC State 117
10. T.J. Weir – Ball St. 117

SAVES

1. Sam Moore – UC Irvine 23
2. Josh Michalec – Baylor 21
3. Nick Howard – Virginia 20
3. Michael Cederoth – San Diego St. 20
5. Brendan McCurry – Oklahoma St. 19
6. Nick Burdi – Louisville 18
7. Ryan Thompson – Campbell 17
8. Eric Karch – Pepperdine 16
8. Michael Hanzik – College of Charleston 16
8. Justin McClavin – Kennesaw St. 16

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2015 Division One College Baseball Schedules

Sean Stires — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 23:14:48 +0000

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Schedule Links Complete…

All of the Division One college baseball schedules for the 2015 season are linked on this page. We have done our best to keep up with the continual shuffling of schools and conferences, so please politely let us know if any slipped by us!