As with the CB360 Primetime Performers Weekly Honor Roll, this daily recognition goes beyond the raw stats – also taking into account quality of opponent (i.e. upsets and high-end matchups), significance towards NCAA qualification/seeding, all-around play, clutch efforts and other situational factors.

Three other players round out the CB360 Primetime Performers Daily Honor Roll for Tues., May 22: Bradley junior leftfielder Mike Tauchman (Palentine, Ill.) … Southern Illinois senior first baseman Chris Serritella (Glenview, Ill.) … and Washington State freshman lefthander Joe Pistorese (Kalispell, Mont.). See below for photos and info. on each of the six honorees (listing of Tuesday’s key results also included, at bottom of page).

Blach is the CB360 Primetime Pitcher of the Day, Watkins the Primetime Player of the Day, and Reed the Primetime 2-Way Threat of the Day, for May 22, 2012.

CLICK HERE for CB360 Primetime Performers Weekly Honor Roll for the past week (May 14-20)
Previous CB360 Primetime Performers (2012) … Week-1 … Week-2 … Week-3
Week-4 … Week-5 … Week-6 … Week-7 … Week-8 … Week-9
Week-10 … Week-11 … Week-12 … Week-13

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CB360 PRIMETIME PITCHER OF THE DAY
#31 TY BLACH
Creighton … LHP … Jr
Centennial, CO

The Bluejays ace logged his third straight complete game in impressive fashion, posing a -hit shutout of Missouri Valley regular-season champion Indiana State, 5-0, in the opening game of the MVC Tournament held in Springfield, Ill. (an 8-seed upset of the #1 seed) … the 6-foot-1, 200-pound lefty faced only 30 batters in the 109-pitch outing, with a pair of walks and six strikeouts … his only hit allowed was Rob Ort’s  2nd-inning, infield single that was stopped going up the middle … retired 18 straight from the 3rd-8th innings … his string of three straight complete games includes a recent win over a potent Dallas Baptist team (UER-5H-BB-5K), earning Blach a spot on the CB360 Primetime Honor Roll for that week … has not allowed an earned run during the current streak of three complete games (10H-3BB, in 27.1 innings) … his 2.67 career ERA would rank first in the Creighton record book … has a 2.39 ERA, 6-5 record and .208 opp. batting avg. (76 K, 27 BB in 109.1 IP) … hails from the same hometown (Centennial, Colo.) as LSU sophomore ace and elite MLB draft prospect Kevin Gausman (Blach attended Grandview HS and Gausman went to Regis Jesuit).

CB360 PRIMETIME PLAYER OF THE DAY
#4 J.T. WATKINS
Army … C … Sr.
Tuscaloosa, AL … 5-hole … bats: R

Blasted a three-run home run late in the Patriot League Championship Series finale vs. Holy Cross, providing final 8-4 margin as Black Knights won league title (and NCAA automatic bid) for sixth time (four in past nine years) … delivered in the 7th inning of that game, driving a 2-out/full-count pitch over the leftfield fence shortly after that game had been resumed … the teams had split a doubleheader on Sat. (May 19) and then saw the decisive third game suspended on Sunday (4-4, top-7th) … ended up hitting 2-for-3 with a pair of runs scored in the 2-day third game (also reached on a hit-by-pitch) … team captain and veteran director of pitching staff that is fronted by ace Chris Rowley (who leads nation in wins, at 11-0) … batting .318 while ranking second on team in RBI (31) and sharing team home run lead (5) … has  three more free-passes (12 BB + 8 HBP) than strikeouts (17).

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CB360 PRIMETIME 2-WAY THREAT OF THE DAY
#18 A.J. REED
Kentucky … Fr. … RHP/DH
Terra Haute, IN … cleanup … bats: L 

Two-way talent who proved up to the challenge on the mound and at the plate, picking up SEC Tournament win in tight 2-0 battle vs. Mississippi (opposite Ole Miss ace Bobby Wahl) while batting 4-for-4 with solo home run that opened scoring in the 4th … win helped keep Kentucky firmly in the mix for an NCAA Regional #1 seed (and hosting status) … midweek starter who was making his first start of the season vs. an SEC team, responding with 5.2 shutout innings (5H-BB-HB-3K) before giving way to the team’s aces Taylor Rogers (3.1-2K-111BF, who picked up the save in only the second relief appearance of his three-year college career) … erased his recent 3-for-22 slump in a big way, batting 4-for-4 from his usual cleanup spot in win over the Rebels … third on team with .311 batting avg. and second in RBI (40; 4 HR) … owns 2.62 ERA, 5-2 record and 6.1 K-to-walk ratio (43 K, 7 BB in 44.2 IP)  AP Photo – Dave Martin

CB360 PRIMETIME PERFORMERS
DAILY HONOR ROLL
#10 MIKE TAUCHMAN
Bradley … Jr. … LF
Palentine, IL … 2-hole … bats: L 

Came through on a full-count with 1-out in the top of the 9th, sending 2-run single to center field to break
3-3 deadlock and give 6-seed Braves a 5-3 win over Missouri Valley #2 seed Missouri State (putting a late dent in the Bears’ NCAA hopes) … the clutch hit came vs. closer Tyler Burgess, who ended the regulars season with a 1.27 ERA, .144 opp. batting avg. and 11 saves … hit 2-for-5 from the 2-hole in the postseason opening win … second on team with .301 batting avg. (22 RBI, 25 runs).

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CB360 PRIMETIME PERFORMERS DAILY HONOR ROLL
#21 CHRIS SERRITELLA
Southern Illinois … Sr./Jr. … 1B
Glenview, IL … 3-hole … bats: L 

Had lead role in yet another upset at the Missouri Valley Tournament, batting 3-for-4 with a solo home run, two RBI, a pair of runs scored and a stolen base as SIU knocked off 3rd-seeded Wichita State, 6-3 … opened game with RBI single, stolen base and run scored – as Salukis jumped out to a 2-0 lead … later hit his 12th home run of season, tying him with teammate Jordan Sivertsen for first among MVC players … has fashioned a dominating season at the plate, leading SIU in batting avg. (.400), RBI (58), home runs (12), slugging (.682), doubles (24), runs (54), on-base (.473) and walks (33).

CB360 PRIMETIME PERFORMERS DAILY HONOR ROLL
#31 JOE PISTORESE
Washington State … Fr. … LHP
Kalispell, MT

Logged seven shutout innings in rare scoreless game that extended to extra-innings, with WSU winning 1-0 in the 10th
to hand Gonzaga costly loss in its quest for NCAA at-large berth … faced 27 batters in the 87-pitch start,allowing only three hits, two walks and a hit batter while striking out five … leads staff with 2.55 ERA (3-3, .265 opp. batting avg.).

CLICK HERE for the CB360 Conference Tournament Central home page

____________

TUESDAY’S KEY GAMES (schedule & results; May 22, 2012)

upsets in italics

SEC Tournament  (Hoover, AL) … Tournament Central
• 4-seed Kentucky 2 … def. (9) Mississippi 0
• 7-seed Mississippi State 9 … def. (6) Arkansas 1
• 3-seed Florida 6 … def. (10) Auburn 1
• 5-seed Vanderbilt 4 … def. (8) Georgia 1

Big South Tournament  (High Point, NC) … Tournament Central
• 5-seed Gardner-Webb 8 … def. (4) Gardner-Webb 2
• 1-seed Coastal Carolina 9 … def. (8) Charleston Southern 8
• 3-seed Liberty 9 … def. (6) UNC Asheville 2
• 7-seed High Point vs. (2) Campbell – suspended to 5/23( (HP leads 2-1, t3)

Missouri Valley Tournament  (Springfield, MO) … Tournament Central
• 4-seed Illinois State 10 … def. (5) Evansville 3
• 8-seed Creighton 5 … def. (1) Indiana State 0
• 6-seed Southern Illinois 6 … def. (3) Wichita State 3
• 7-seed Bradley 5 … def. (2) Missouri State 3

Patriot League  (title series; gm-3/final)
• at 1-seed Army 8 … def. (2) Holy Cross 4
… Final Stats: HTML & PDF  |  Army Recap  |  HC Recap  |  Photos

Great West  (no auotomatic NCAA bid; 8-team tournament)  Tournament Central
•  1-seed Utah Valley 17 … def.  (8) New York Tech 10

Non-Conference
• Oregon at Portland – rainout (no makeup; still set to play Wed., May 23 at Oregon, 6 PT)
• UCLA 6 … won at UC Irvine 1
• Stanford 10 … won at Santa Clara 5
• at Washington State 1 … def. Gonzaga 0  (10 inn.)

(Headshots, action shots and player info. for all of the week-14 Primetime honorees are included at the bottom of this page.)

Previous CB360 Primetime Performers (2012):
Week-1 … Week-2 … Week-3 … Week-4 … Week-5 … Week-6 … Week-7 … Week-8
Week-9 …Week-10 … Week-11 … Week-12 … Week-13

The Primetime Performer awards program – also utilized on affiliate sites CollegeSports360.com, CollegeSoccer360.com and CollegeFencing360.com – seeks to recognize players based on more than simple raw stats, instead taking into account quality of opponent, contribution to team success/postseason qualification, and various situational factors (such as clutch play, all-around performance, leadership, adversity overcome, etc.).

Michael Fuda (Rice)

FUDA proved his value as a versatile veteran during a pivotal 3-1 week, as the Owls won midweek at cb360 #40 Sam Houston State (5-0) before winning the showdown series at #18 Central Florida (6-8, 9-2, 5-2) to claim the Conference USA regular-season title while boosting Rice’s chances to be an NCAA Regional host team. The senior centerfielder reached base 10 times during the important week (5 hits, 4 walks and a hit-by-pitch) and had a hand in seven of his team’s runs (4RBI-4R-HR) – while batting from three distinct spots in the batting order (5-hole, 7-hole & 2-hole). His all-around contributions during the week also included three stolen bases and a sacrifice bunt.

In the road win over Southland Conference champion Sam Houston, Fuda contributed a single, HBP, sac-bunt and stolen base. He then singled and scored, along with drawing a pair of walks and a stolen base, in the opener at UCF that stretched over two days. Fuda went on to score twice and drove in three to help square the series, with a home run and walk in that game-2 matchup. He closed the series at UCF by batting 2-for-4 with an RBI, run, walk and stolen base in the title-securing win. Fuda is batting .308 for the season, with a team-best 42 RBI, seven home runs and 12 doubles.

Jack Fischer (Wake Forest)

FISCHER delivered the game-2 win (2-1) over cb360 #28 Clemson to clinch that series and secure a spot in the ACC Tournament, with Wake Forest going on to post the series sweep over the potent Tigers for a nice boost to its NCAA resume. The sophomore righthander faced only 29 batters in 7.2 shutout innings, scattering four hits and a pair of walks while striking out three. He carries a 2.77 ERA and 4-4 record into the postseason (.234 opp. batting avg., in 55.1 innings), for a Demon Deacons team that closed the regular season riding a 5-1 run (on the heels of a forgettable 7-error loss at Miami).

The week-14 Primetime Performers include six other starting pitchers: TCU freshman LHP Brandon Finnegan (Ft. Worth, Texas) … LSU sophomore RHP Kevin Gausman (Centennial, Colo.) … Prairie View A&M junior RHP Stef Hernandez (Galveston, Texas) … Sacred Heart sophomore LHP Nick Leiningen (Millwood, N.Y.) … Vanderbilt sophomore RHP T.J. Pecoraro (Dix Hills, N.Y.) … and UC Riverside sophomore LHP Dylan Stuart (Riverside, Calif.). Samford two-way player, RHP/DH C.K. Irby (Florence, Ala.), also is among the week-14 honorees.

Other position players among the week-14 Primetime Performers include: three first basemen – Seton Hall senior Michael Betz  (Mine-Hill, N.J.), Utah junior Ethan Leiter (Osceola, Ind.) and Jacksonville (Ala.) State senior Ben Waldrip (Medford, Mass.) … a couple of second basemen, in Mercer sophomore DJ Johnson (Adel, Ga.) and Missouri State senior Kevin Medrano (Lee’s Summit, Mo.) … Mississippi State sophomore shortstop Adam Frazier (Bishop, Ga.) … a trio of third basemen – Arkansas State sophomore Claude Johnson (Pine Bluff, Ark.), Oral Roberts freshman Jose Trevino (Corpus Christi, Texas) and Iowa senior Chett Zeise (Green Bay, Wis.) … plus a couple other outfielders, in addition to Fuda: Central Arkansas junior RF/CF Forrestt Allday (Friendswood, Texas) and College of Charleston junior rightfielder Daniel Aldrich (Mt. Pleasant, S.C.).

The 20 honorees include five seniors, four juniors, nine sophomores and pair of freshmen. Five are natvies of Texas hometowns and two are from Georgia, with the others all hailing from different home states: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, South Carolina and Wisconsin.

Primetime Performer Award Criteria (not based solely on raw stats, but rather …)
• Must have been playing for or against a CB360 top-50 team (in the Composite National Rankings or performed a high level in games that could be key to a team’s conference finish and conference/NCAA postseason qualification; made significant contribution to team’s success and potential postseason positioning (single-game wins, “quality” wins, series wins, road wins, etc.).
• Involved in clutch performances, such as late game-winning hits, noteworthy comebacks, game-changing plays, team leadership, key defensive efforts, etc.
• Performed at a top level against a team rated highly nationally (or within its conference), with bonus consideration given for key performances away from home field and vs.
traditional rivals.
• Overcame adversity or extreme circumstances (for the team and/or individual).
• Any accomplishment that is rare, historic, record-setting, etc., on a national level.

DANIEL ALDRICH
College of Charleston … RF … Jr./So.
Mt. Pleasant, SC … cleanup … bats: L … #32

Played lead role during 3-1 week that included key midweek win over cb360 #32 Coastal Carolina (9-8, in 12) and then series win at UNC Greensboro (11-6, 8-10, 10-4) to earn share of Southern Conference title (first since 2007) … his 12th-inning single scored Marty Gantt for winning run vs. Coastal, capping a big game that saw him bat 4-for-7 with 3 RBI, a home run and a pair of runs scored … reached base five times during the UNCG series (2H-3BB) and factored into seven of his team’s runs (3RBI-5R-HR) during that closing three-game set … batting .287 with 10 home runs (one off the team lead) and team-best 43 RBI.

FORREST ALLDAY
Central Arkansas … RF/CF … Jr
Friendswood, TX … leadoff … bats: L … #9

Helped knock off cb360 #36 Mississippi State in 2-0 midweek game, then contributed to 13-4 gm-2 win over Soutland Conference champ Sam Houston (cb360 #40), landing UCA in SLC Tournament for first time … reached base three times and scored one of the game’s precious two runs in upset of Mississippi State (2B, 2 BB) …registered big game in win over SHSU, batting 2-for-4 with a walk, 3 RBI and 2 runs scored … batting .331 for season (2nd on squad) with team-leading 49 runs scored and near-.500 on-base pct. (.492) that impressively includes 34 more “free passes” (55 BB, 3 HBP) than strikeouts (24).

MICHAEL BETZ
Seton Hall … 1B … Sr.
Mine-Hill, NJ … 9-hole … bats: L … #26

Provided clutch offense from bottom of batting order, as Pirates won series – and nearly swept – at BIG EAST leader St. John’s (cb360 #46; 4-1, 4-5 in 12, 5-4 in 11) … scored run in opening win and then crossed the plate twice in gm-2 thriller (1B, BB) … walked and scored as part of 3-run top of the 9th, sending that second game on to extra innings … his contributions in series finale (2-for-5, RBI-R) included leadoff double and scoring the eventual winning run, in top of 11th … had scored only 11 runs all season (in 41 games played) before scoring four times in the showdown series at StJ  … directed pitching staff that compiled 3.68 series ERA vs. Red Storm offense that was averaging 6.3 runs per game …  the pair of wins helped SHU earn the #3 seed (one win shy of sharing regular-season title), in quest to repeat as BIG EAST Tournament champions.

BRANDON FINNEGAN 
TCU … LHP … Fr.
Ft. Worth, TX … #29

Helped Frogs solidify their status as a probable regional #2 seed in the upcoming NCAAs, after going toe-for-toe opposite Dillon Overton in winning effort vs. fellow NCAA contender Oklahoma (cb360 #38) … faced only 25 batter while logging seven strong innings in that rare 1-0 battle, with seven strikeouts, one hit allowed, no walks and a hit-batter (also worked around two errors) … owns a 2.68 ERA (3-3 record) while splitting time as starter (8 GP) and reliever (11), with 41 Ks, 20 walks and a .228 opp. batting avg. in 47 innings.

JACK FISCHER
Wake Forest … RHP … So.
Hinsdale, IL … #1

Delivered gm-2 win (2-1) over cb360 #28 Clemson to clinch series and secure spot in ACC Tournament, with WFU going on to post series sweep for nice boost to its NCAA resume … faced only 29 batters in 7.2 shutout innings, scattering four hits and a pair of walks (3 Ks) … carries a 2.77 ERA and 4-4 record into the postseason (.234 opp. batting avg., in 55.1 innings).

ADAM FRAZIER
Mississippi State … SS … So.
Bishop, GA … leadoff … bats: L … #12

Continued to provide solid contribution from leadoff spot, setting table during sweep of SEC series vs. cb360 #9 Kentucky (3-1, 4-3, 11-3) … reached base seven times during the pivotal series (5-for-12, 2 BB) … went 2-for-4 with a walk in tight second game, then helped complete sweep by batting 2-for-4 with another walk, a pair or RBI and a run scored in the finale … lone bright spot during midweek upset loss vs. upstart Central Arkansas (2-0), batting 3-for-3 with a walk (rest of team was 5-for-30 with no walks) … played error-free at shortstop throughout the week, in 14 fielding chances …  leads team with .360 batting average and lofty .475 on-base pct. that includes more than twice as many “free-passes” (45 BB, 3 HBP) as strikeouts (21), plus team-best 39 runs scored and 14 doubles (one off the team lead).

MICHAEL FUDA
Rice … CF … Sr.
Katy, TX … 5/7/2-hole … bats: R … #15

Valuable and versatile veteran who hit in three different lineup spots (5/7/2) during pivotal 3-1 week, as Owls won at cb360 #40 Sam Houston State midweek (5-0) before winning showdown series at #18 Central Florida (6-8, 9-2, 5-2) to claim Conference USA regular-season title while boosting Rice’s chances to be an NCAA Regional host team … reached base 10 times during the important week (5-14, 4 BB, HBP) while having a hand in seven of his team’s runs (4RBI-4R-HR) … his all-around contributions included three stolen bases and a sacrifice bunt … had a single, HBP, sac and SB in win at Sam Houston … singled and scored, along with pair of walks and stolen base, in opener at UCF that stretched over two days … scored twice and drove in three to help square the series, with a home run and walk … closed 2-for-4 with RBI, run, walk and stolen base in title-securing win … batting .308 with team-best 42 RBI (7 HR, 12 2B).

KEVIN GAUSMAN
LSU … RHP … So.
Centennial, CO … #12

Elite draft prospect who came through in SEC title-deciding series at South Carolina, outdueling Gamecocks veteran ace Michael Roth en route to complete-game victory (5-2) that sparked Tigers on to winning the key road series (4-5, 3-2 in 10) and ultimately earning top seed in SEC Tournament … faced 35 batters while allowing the pair of runs on five hits, two walks and a hit batter, with six strikeouts (bringing his season K total to 118, in 100.2 innings) … averaging 10.6 Ks per 9 innings, with a 5.1 K-to-walk ratio (23 BB) … owns a 2.86 ERA and 9-1 record, with a .229 opp. batting avg.

STEF HERNANDEZ
Prairie View A&M … RHP … Jr.
Galveston, TX … #10

Came through in team’s biggest game of the season, going the distance in SWAC winners-bracket game vs. top seed Jackson State (2-0) – sparking Prairie View on to tournament title and NCAA automatic bid (program’s third all-time NCAA trip and first since 2007) … faced 31 batters while allowing only four hits and one walk, with 23 of his outs coming via strikeouts (5), groundballs (17, including a double-play) or pickoffs (1) … also served as DH during SWAC tournament, with a single, RBI and run scored in opening win (14-4 vs. Alabama State) and the same stat line during 8-5 win over Texas Southern while reaching on a hit-by-pitch and executing sac-bunt during 7-4 final vs. Mississippi Valley State … converted infielder who has posted six wins this season, with 45 Ks and a .237 opp. batting avg. in 66 innings … also batting .271 as a part-time positionplayer.

C.K. IRBY
Samford … RHP/DH … So.
Florence, AL … 6-hole … bats: R … #17

Two-way talent who logged five solid innings (R-H-BB-2K) in 12-7 midweek win over cb360 #3 Florida whole also batting 2-for-5 with three key RBI vs. the Gators – on a bases-clearing triple in the bottom of the 1st … went on to help Bulldogs win series opener at cb360 #38 Oklahoma (4–2), further boosting Samford’s chances at an NCAA at-large bid … reached twice (1B, BB) and scored a valuable run in that tight gm-1 vs. the Sooners … ranks second in team with .332 batting avg., plus 45 RBI and 22 extra-base hits (4 HR, 4 3B, 14 2B) … has compiled 1.78 ERA, nine saves and 4-1 record in 25 appearances (3 starts; 23 Ks and .192 opp. batting in 30.1 innings).

CLAUDE JOHNSON
Arkansas State … 3B … So.
Pine Bluff, AR … 5-hole … bats: R … #29

Went 4-for-4 while having a hand in four of hits team’s runs (RBI, 3R, 2B, BB) to lead 10-5 upset of cb360 #26 Mississippi … also helped surging Red Wolves close regular season with sweep at Arkansas-Little Rock (10-5, 8-5, 10-8) to nearly share Sun Belt Conference regular-season title (Arkansas State finished 19-9, but FAU ended up 19-8 after a final-day rainout vs. FIU) … reached base five times during UALR series (with two RBI and pair of runs scored) … played error-free at the hot corner during 4-0 week … closed regular season with team-best .355 batting avg. (23 RBI, 21 runs, 21 walks, 16 doubles).

DJ JOHNSON
Mercer … 2B … So.
Adel, GA … 9-hole … bats: R … #5

Turned in impressive week while batting out of the 9-hole, as Bears upset cb360 #33 Georgia Tech (4-3) before sweeping Atlantic-Sun leader South Carolina State (7-6 in 14, 18-7, 5-2) to further jumble race for A-Sun regular-season title (Belmont ended up finishing first, after the other three contenders all lost on final day, with Mercer claiming 4th) … hit at a .706 clip during the week (12-for-17) while having a hand in 11 of his team’s runs (6 RBI, 5 R) … executed three sacrifice bunts during the week, including an 8th-inning suicide squeeze that provided the final 4-3 margin vs. Georgia Tech (also had a single earlier in that game) … earned rare distinction of posting consecutive 5-hit games … opened series vs. Upstate by hitting 5-for-6 (2 RBI, 2 R, sac), capped by game-ending single in the 14th … returned to hit 5-for-5 in gm-2 (3 RBI, 2 R, 2B) and 1-for-3 in finale (run, sac) … played error-free during the week, spanning 20 fielding chances at second base … has boosted his batting avg. over .300 (.303), with 23 RBI and 28 runs scored … key part of Mercer’s 13-1 surge for 37-19 record (most regular-season wins in program history).

NICK LEININGEN  
Sacred Heart … LHP … So.
Millwood, NY … #2

Part of an impressive Sacred Heart pitching performance during the Northeast Conference Tournament, turning in his team’s second of three straight complete-game wins as Pioneers won to earn return trip to the NCAAs … won the pivotal winners-bracket game, 6-0 vs. top seed Monmouth, after facing only 31 batters with five hits and one walk allowed (5 Ks) … a year earlier, Sacred Heart won the NEC tournament with three complete games (the final two vs. Monmouth) and that scenario repeated itself this season (at same venue, Dodd Stadium in Norwich, Conn.) … Troy Scribner opened the 2012 tournament with 3-2 win over #3 seed Central Connecticut (7H-9K) while Kody Kerski delivered the title in final 5-1 win over Monmouth (5H-2BB-3K) … has team-best eight complete games this season (4.12 ERA, 6-5, .254 opp. batting avg.).

ETHAN LEITER
Utah … 1B … Jr.
Osceola, IN … 8/7-hole … bats: R … #5

KEVIN MEDRANO
Missouri State … 2B … Sr.
Lee’s Summit, MO … leadoff/2-hole … bats: L … #13

Led resurgent offense in Missouri Valley showdown series at cb360 #31 Indiana State, with Bears winning final two games for key boost to their NCAA at-large resume (3-6, 7-5, 5-0) … hit .500 during the week (7-for-14, 3R, BB, 2B) while playing error-free on 15 fielding chances at second base … closed series with consecutive 3-hit games, as part of team’s 28 total hits spanning the final two games … hit 3-for-4 with a walk and run scored in series-tying second game … opened finale 3-for-4 – including his 300th career hit, which sparked 2-run rally in the 7th … stands 16 shy of tying the Missouri State record for career hits … leads team with .332 batting avg. (22 RBI, 33 runs, 11 stolen bases).

T.J. PECORARO
Vanderbilt … RHP … So.
Dix Hills, NY … #40

His miseason return from Tommy John reconstructive elbow ligament surgery has helped spark Vanderbilt team that became NCAA tournament eligible (by clinching finish above .500), following series sweep of cb360 #26 Mississippi (3-0, 6-2, 6-3) … went the distance (opposite Ole Miss ace Bobby Wahl) to deliver gm-1 win, after facing only 32 batters with five hits and no walks allowed … became first Vanderbilt pitcher since 2010 to register a solo shutout … allowed only three Rebels baserunners into scoring position while throwing first-pitch strikes to 27 batters … had only three strikeouts but retired seven others on 1-pitch outs … closed game strong, facing only 10 batters over final three innings … underwent elbow surgery at end of 2011 season, following impressive freshman season … returned to action on March 24 of this season and has made 10 appearances (six starts) while holding opponents to .238 batting, in 40.1 innings.

DYLAN STUART
UC Riverside … LHP … So.
Riverside, CA … #5

Closed series at cb360 #15 Cal State Fullerton by matching Grahamm Wiest with complete-game effort in rare 1-0 battle, emerging on the winning end after fashioning 6-hit shutout to give UCR the series … the two wins by the Highlanders set up a final-week showdown for the Big West title between Fullerton and Long Beach State … faced 33 batters while walking only two, with a pair of strikeouts in the 128-pitch outing … has surrendered only one earned run over his past three starts (24 innings) … owns 3.77 season ERA, with 7-6 record and .268 opp. batting avg.

JOSE TREVINO
Oral Roberts … 3B/RHP … Fr.
Corpus Christi, TX … cleanup/3-hole … bats: R … #5

Homered twice while batting .538 (8-for-15, 5 RBI) and playing error-free at third base (on 17 fielding chances), as preseason favorite ORU took series from contender North Dakota State (5-1, 4-5, 3-2, 10-0) while also holding off Oakland to win Summit League regular-season title … opened series by hitting 4-for-4 (3 RBI, HR) and pitching 1-2-3 frame in the 9th … homered again in gm-2 (2-4, 2RBI), setting the ORU record for HR by a freshman (12) … his 50 RBI are two shy of tying that ORU freshman record … second on team with .321 batting avg. (16 doubles).

BEN WALDRIP
Jacksonville, Ala., State … 1B … Sr.
Medford, MA … cleanup … bats: L … #40

Imposing 6-foot-6, 245-pound lefthanded hittter who amassed an eye-popping 2.000 OPS (.667 on-base plus 1.333 slugging) during 3-1week that included 8-7 win at NCAA hopeful Auburn … his career-best week featured 11-for-18 batting, 24 total bases (3 HR, 3B, 2 2B), 14 times on-base (2 BB, HBP) and having a hand in 15 of his team’s runs (8RBI-10R-3HR) … homered as part of his 3-for-5 night (2RBI-3R) in JVSU’s second win this season over Auburn … helped secure team’s 3rd-place Ohio Valley finish with pair of wins over Eastern Illinois (7-2, 15-3) … hit 2-for-4 with two runs scored in each of the first two games of that series … legged out first triple of season in gm-2 win … closed regular season with big effort vs. EIU, batting 4-for-5 with a walk, a pair of home runs (one a grand-slam), 6 RBI and 3 runs scored … batting .333 with team-best 18 home runs and 55 RBI (13 doubles, 20 walks).

CHETT ZEISE
Iowa … 3B … Sr.
Green Bay, WI … 6-hole/cleanup … bats: R … #18

Enjoyed solid all-around week, as Hawkeyes posted 5-4 midweek win at Creighton before taking 2-of-3 from Big Ten reglar-season champion and cb360 #10 Purdue (8-11, 6-1, 7-6) … supplied pivotal 3-run HR for eventual winning margin in gm-2 vs. Boilers … closed series by batting 4-for-5 with an RBI and run scored … earlier had tripled and scored in series opener (also reached on a walk in gm-2) … his 2-run double and run scored provided spark for late rally from 4-0 deficit to beat Creighton … played error-free at hot corner during week (10 fielding chances), with several stellar defesnsive plays … the wins over Purdue were Iowa’s first victories over a ranked opponent since 2009 … batting .274 with 25 RBI, 25 runs scored, 4 home runs, 14 doubles and 10 stolen bases.

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Action photos below (and above) courtesy of the respective schools.

Forrestt Allday (Central Arkansas)

Daniel Aldrich (College of Charleston)

Mike Betz (Seton Hall)

Brandon Finnegan (TCU)

Adam Frazier (Mississippi State)

Kevin Gausman (LSU)

Stef Hernandez (Prairie View A&M)

C.K, Irby (Samford)

Claude Johnson (Arkansas State)

DJ Johnson (Mercer)

Nick Leiningen (Sacred Heart; action photo unavailable)

Ethan Leiter (Utah)

Kevin Medrano (Missouri State)

TJ Pecoraro (Vanderbilt)

Dylan Stuart (UC Riverside)

Jose Trevino (Oral Roberts)

Ben Waldrip (Jacksonville State)

Chris Zeise (Iowa)

(Headshots, action shots and player info. are in the process of being added to this release for all of the week-13 Primetime honorees)

Previous CB360 Primetime Performers (2012):
Week-1 … Week-2 … Week-3 … Week-4 … Week-5 … Week-6 … Week-7 … Week-8
Week-9 …Week-10 … Week-11 … Week-12

The Primetime Performer awards program – also utilized on affiliate sites CollegeSports360.com, CollegeSoccer360.com and CollegeFencing360.com – seeks to recognize players based on more than simple raw stats, instead taking into account quality of opponent, contribution to team success/postseason qualification, and various situational factors (such as clutch play, all-around performance, leadership, adversity overcome, etc.).

Anthony Gomez (Vanderbilt)

GOMEZ played a lead role in Vanderbilt’s pivotal 3-1 week that included a midweek win over cb360 #24 Louisville (3-2) before winning the series at #4 LSU (1-2, 6-3, 5-4 in 10). The Sunday win pushed the Commodores above .500 for the first time all season (26-25, after 1-7 start), thus becoming NCAA-tournament eligible. The pair of wins at LSU also helped solidify Vanderbilt’s spot in the 10-team SEC tournament.

Over the course of the four high-pressure games, Gomez hit 8-for-17 (.471) and reached base 10 times (2 BB) while having a hand in six of his team’s runs (4 RBI, 2 R), adding a double, stolen base and only one strikeout while batting out of the key 3-spot. The veteran shortstop played error-free during the week (on eight fielding chances) and started two of his team’s four double plays during the pivotal gm-2 of the LSU series.

Gomez opened the week batting 2-for-4 with a game-tying double, in the 3rd inning of the tight game vs. Louisville. He went on to register one of Vanderbilt’s five total hits vs. LSU ace Kevin Gausman in the series opener and then led the Commodores to the gm-2 win, after hitting 4-for-5 with two RBI and a pair of runs scored (his second 4-hit game of the season), with his 8th-inning RBI double helping secure that series-tying win. He went on to supply an RBI single in the series finale, adding a walk and stolen base.

As one of the top all-around hitters in the SEC, Gomez leads Vanderbilt in batting avg. (.357) and RBI (45), with 30 runs scored, 10 doubles and seven stolen bases. His impressive season-long plate discipline includes nine more “free passes” (16 walks + 5 hit-by-pitch) than strikeouts (12).

Jordan John (Oklahoma)

JOHN (who has two years of eligibility remaining, after 2012) similarly was up to the challenge as Oklahoma’s game-1 starter vs. cb360 #2 Baylor, logging 8.2 shutout innings while sparking the Sooners on to a 10-inning win (1-0) and series sweep (2-1, 12-6). Oklahoma – which had not faced a ranked opponent since early April – was running out of time to boost its NCAA-tournament resume, with the sweep providing a much-needed RPI boost.

The opener of the OU-Baylor series saw John outduel the Bears ace Josh Turley (7IP-3H-6K). John faced only 31 batters (five over the minimum) in his 8.2 innings, allowing five hits and a pair of walks while striking out five. Baylor entered the series with a .309 team batting avg., nearly seven runs per game and 31 home runs.

John’s clutch 117-pitch outing saw him total 20 of his 26 outs via strikeouts (5), groundballs (14, including a pair of double plays) and a pickoff play. He lowered his ERA to 2.23 (8-5 record), with a .236 opp. batting avg. and a 3.4 strikeout-to-walk ratio (86/25) in 96.2 innings. His past four starts now feature three complete games and the 8.2 innings vs. Baylor.

In most other weeks, John would have been honored as Big 12 Conference pitcher of the week – which went to Texas A&M senior righthander Ross Stripling (Southlake, Texas) following his no-hitter vs. San Diego State. Our decision for CB360 Primetime Pitcher of the Week likewise came down to the same two pitchers, with John getting the slight nod due to quality of opponent, significance of the series, and the momentum his performance provided for the eventual season-changing sweep.

The week-13 Primetime Performers include seven other starting pitchers (in addition to John and Stripling): Creighton jr. LHP Ty Blach (Centennial, Colo.) … Evansville fr. LHP Kyle Freeland (Denver, Colo.) … Mississippi State jr. RHP Kendall Graveman (Alexander City, Ala.) … Holy Cross sr. LHP Nick Koneski (North Dighton, Mass.) … Southern Mississippi jr. RHP Andrew Pierce (Stringer, Miss.) … Stetson fr. RHP Josh Powers (New Smyrna Beach, Fla.) … and Loyola Marymount fr. RH Colin Welmon (Tustin, Calif.).

The five other position players among the week-13 Primetime Performers include: Georgia Tech two-way talent (catcher/closer) Zane Evans (Roswell, Ga.) … Saint Louis sr. catcher Connor Gandossy (Madison, Conn.) … Auburn so. rightfielder Jay Gonzalez (Orlando, Fla.) … Sam Houston State fr. first baseman Ryan O’Hearn (Frisco, Texas) … and Louisville so. 3B/LF Ty Young (Coastesville, Pa.).

The 15 honorees include three seniors, five juniors, three sophomores and four freshmen. Three are natvies of Texas hometowns, plus two each from Colorado and Florida, along with one each from Alabama, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Jersey and Massachusetts.

Primetime Performer Award Criteria (not based solely on raw stats, but rather …)
• Must have been playing for or against a CB360 top-50 team (in the Composite National Rankings or performed a high level in games that could be key to a team’s conference finish and conference/NCAA postseason qualification; made significant contribution to team’s success and potential postseason positioning (single-game wins, “quality” wins, series wins, road wins, etc.).
• Involved in clutch performances, such as late game-winning hits, noteworthy comebacks, game-changing plays, team leadership, key defensive efforts, etc.
• Performed at a top level against a team rated highly nationally (or within its conference), with bonus consideration given for key performances away from home field and vs.
traditional rivals.
• Overcame adversity or extreme circumstances (for the team and/or individual).
• Any accomplishment that is rare, historic, record-setting, etc., on a national level.

Ty Blach  (Creighton … LHP … Jr. … Centennial, CO … #31)
Zane Evans  (Georgia Tech … C/RHP … So. … Roswell, GA … 5-hole/cleanup … bats: R … #10)
Kyle Freeland  (Evansville … LHP … Fr. … Denver, CO … #21)
Connor Gandossy  (Saint Louis … C … Sr. … Madison, CT … 8-hole … bats: R … #6)
*Anthony Gomez  (Vanderbilt … SS … Jr. … Nutley, NJ … 3-hole … bats: R … #13)
Jay Gonzalez  (Auburn … RF … So. … Orlando, FL … leadoff … bats: L … #7)
Kendall Graveman  (Mississippi State … RHP … Jr. … Alexander City, AL … #49)
Jordan John  (Oklahoma … LHP … Jr./So. … Corpus Christi, TX … #19)
Nick Koneski  (Holy Cross … LHP … Sr. … North Dighton, MA … #11)
Ryan O’Hearn  (Sam Houston State … 1B … Fr. … Frisco, TX … cleanup … bats: L … #27)
Andrew Pierce  (Southern Mississippi … RHP … Jr. … Stringer, MS … #12)
Josh Powers  (Stetson … RHP … Fr. … New Smyrna Beach, FL … #14)
Ross Stripling  (Texas A&M … RHP … Sr. … Southlake, TX … #36)
Colin Welmon  (Loyola Marymount … RHP … Fr. … Tustin, CA … #12)
Ty Young  (Louisville … 3B/LF … So. … Coatesville, PA … cleanup … bats: L … #30)

Ty Blach 
Creighton … LHP … Jr.
Centennial, CO … #31

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Zane Evans
Georgia Tech … C/RHP … So.
Roswell, GA … 5-hole/cleanup … bats: R … #10)

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Kyle Freeland
Evansville … LHP … Fr.
Denver, CO … #21

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Connor Gandossy
Saint Louis … C … Sr.
Madison, CT … 8-hole … bats: R … #6

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*Anthony Gomez
Vanderbilt … SS … Jr.
Nutley, NJ … 3-hole … bats: R … #13

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Jay Gonzalez
Auburn … RF … So.
Orlando, FL … leadoff … bats: L … #7

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Kendall Graveman
Mississippi State … RHP … Jr.
Alexander City, AL … #49

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Jordan John 
Oklahoma … LHP … Jr./So.
Corpus Christi, TX … #19

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Nick Koneski
Holy Cross … LHP … Sr.
North Dighton, MA … #11

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Ryan O’Hearn
Sam Houston State … 1B … Fr.
Frisco, TX … cleanup … bats: L … #27

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Andrew Pierce
Southern Mississippi … RHP … Jr.
Stringer, MS … #12

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Josh Powers
Stetson … RHP … Fr.
New Smyrna Beach, FL … #14

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Ross Stripling
Texas A&M … RHP … Sr.
Southlake, TX … #36

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Colin Welmon 
Loyola Marymount … RHP
Fr. … Tustin, CA … #12

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Ty Young
Louisville … 3B/LF … So.
Coatesville, PA … cleanup … bats: L … #30

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action photos included below (and above) courtesy of the respective schools … 

Ty Blach (Creighton)

Zane Evans (Georgia Tech)

Kyle Freeland (Evansville)

Connor Gandossy (Saint Louis)

Jay Gonzalez (Auburn)

Kendall Graveman (Mississippi State)

Nick Koneski (Holy Cross)

Ryan O'Hearn (Sam Houston State)

Andrew Pierce (Southern Miss)

Josh Powers (Stetson)

Ross Stripling (Texas A&M)

Colin Welmon (LMU)

Ty Young (Louisville)

(Headshots, action shots and player info. included below for all of the week-12 Primetime honorees)

Previous CB360 Primetime Performers (2012):
Week-1 … Week-2 … Week-3 … Week-4 … Week-5 … Week-6 … Week-7 … Week-8 … Week-9 …Week-10 … Week-11

The Primetime Performer awards program – also utilized on affiliate sites CollegeSports360.com, CollegeSoccer360.com and CollegeFencing360.com – seeks to recognize players based on more than simple raw stats, instead taking into account quality of opponent, contribution to team success and various situational factors (such as clutch play, all-around performance, leadership, adversity overcome, etc.).

UCLA's Adam Plutko

PLUTKO turned in a dominating performance to open the much-anticipated home series vs. CB360 #8 Purdue, as the #9 Bruins took game-1 and went on to nearly sweep the series (UCLA won the second game 3-2 and had a 10-5 lead w/ 2 outs in the 9th inning of finale, before losing 15-11). The 6-3, 195-pound RHP carried a perfect game into the 6th inning and ultimately allowed only three baserunners, with the one run allowed while facing only three over the minimum (28) in 8.1 innings.

Despite facing a veteran lineup with a .316 team batting average, Plutko was touched for only a pair of hits (both singles) and yield no walks, with one hit-batter. He  struck out five different Purdue batters (7 total Ks) while limiting the first seven batters in the lineup to a 1-for-24 combined line. Fellow Primetime Performer honoree David Miller (1-for-2, HBP), the Boilermakers 8-hole hitter, was the only Purdue player that reached twice vs. Plutko.

The big-game effort marked the second time this season that Plutko has pitched into the 9th inning. He carries a 3.38 season ERA and 6-3 record.

Derek Odell (TCU)

The emerging rookie ODELL hit 7-for-12 (.583) during a pivotal week, as TCU rallied to beat cb360 #45 Oklahoma (4-3) before winning series vs. Mountain West rival New Mexico (5-3, 5-6, 2-1) – leaving TCU and UNM tied atop the conference standings (they ended up splitting six MWC games this season). The week’s results also helped bolster TCU’s quest to be an NCAA Regional #2 seed (current #33 RPI, per WarrenNolan.com).

Odell came off the bench to provide a pair of clutch late-game hits vs. the Sooners, the first coming on a leadoff single in the 8th (he came around to score, cutting OU’s lead to 3-2). He returned to the plate with two outs and a tie game in the 9th, promptly ending the game on a single to left that scored Brance Rivera (halting TCU’s 8-game losing streak vs. Oklahoma). Odell played at shortstop in the 9th inning of that game and then was inserted into the starting lineup, at second base, for pivotal series vs. UNM.

His 5-for-10 weekend vs. the Lobos included 2-for-3 with an RBI (on sac-fly) in tight opener that was suspended on Friday and completed on Sat. Odell went on to collect a pair of hits and helped turn three double plays, in another closely-contested battle during gm-2. He then had one of TCU’s two total hits in the finale, as Frogs found a way to win the series-deciding third game. Odell played error-free during the week on 18 fielding chances, including nine in gm-2 alone and seven more in the pressure-packed final game.

The week-12 Primetime Performers include four other starting pitchers: Oklahoma State junior LHP Andrew Heaney (Oklahoma City, Okla.) … Presbyterian sophomore RHP Chandler Knox  (Columbia, S.C.) … Kentucky sophomore LHP Corey Littrell (Louisville, Ky.) … and Bryant junior RHP Sal Lisanti (Bronx, N.Y.).

The 11 other position players include four  first basemen – Texas Tech 5th-year senior Stephen Hagen (Lakebay, Wash.) … Utah Valley senior Goose Kallunki (Orem, Utah) … Missouri senior Andreas Plackis (St. Charles, Mo.) and South Carolina Upstate junior Trey Richardson (Lakeland, Fla.) – along with four middle infielders: Georgia junior shortstop Kyle Farmer (Atlanta, Ga.) … Purdue senior shortstop David Miller (St. Louis, Mo.) … Oregon sophomore second baseman Aaron Payne (San Clemente, Calif.) … and Cornell junior second baseman Brenton Peters (Leesburg, Va.). Three outfielders round out the honorees: Valparaiso 5th-year senior LF Will Hagel (Arlington Hts, Ill.) … LSU junior LF Raph Rhymes (Monroe, La.) … and Hawaii senior RF Zack Swasey (South Jordan, Utah).

The 17 honorees include a pair of fifth-year seniors, plus four seniors, six juniors, four sophomores and the freshman Odell. They include two players each from California, Missouri and Utah hometowns, plus  one each from: Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisville, New York, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia and Washington.

Primetime Performer Award Criteria (not based solely on raw stats, but rather …)
• Must have been playing for or against a CB360 top-50 team (in the Composite National Rankings or performed a high level in games that could be key to a team’s conference finish and conference/NCAA postseason qualification; made significant contribution to team’s success and potential postseason positioning (single-game wins, “quality” wins, series wins, road wins, etc.).
• Involved in clutch performances, such as late game-winning hits, noteworthy comebacks, game-changing plays, team leadership, key defensive efforts, etc.
• Performed at a top level against a team rated highly nationally (or within its conference), with bonus consideration given for key performances away from home field and vs.
traditional rivals.
• Overcame adversity or extreme circumstances (for the team and/or individual).
• Any accomplishment that is rare, historic, record-setting, etc., on a national level.

KYLE FARMER
Georgia … Jr. … SS
Atlanta, GA … 2-hole … bats: R … #17

Hit 7-for-15 (.448) during key SEC series vs. cb360 #48 Auburn, with #42 UGa going on to sweep (5-2, 6-5 in 11, 9-3) in battle between teams once again seeking to finish above .500 (and thus be NCAA-tournament eligible) … singled and scored in opener before huge effort in gm-2 (3-for-6, 2RBI-2B) that include the winning single in the 11th … added three more hits in the series finale (3-5, 4RBI), most notably a 3-run HR … helped turn pair of double players while making only one error in 14 chances during key late-season series … third on team with .304 season batting average (team-best 32 RBI, 4 HR, team-best 17 2B).

WILL HAGEL
Valparaiso … 5th-Yr.-Sr. … LF
Arlington Hts, IL … cleanup … bats: L … #24

Reached base multiple times in each game of series at Horizon League favorite Wright State, as Crusaders won 2-of-3 (12-11, 2-3, 4-3) to move into a tie with the Raiders atop the league standings … doubled in each game of the series, while bating 6-for-11 (.546; 4RBI-3R-2BB) … drove home three runs in high-scoring series opener (2-5, 2R; also threw out a baserunner trying to stetch a single) … walked and provided an RBI in tight series finale … earlier in the week, helped Valpo win 7-4 at Notre Dame (1B-R-HBP).

STEPHEN HAGEN
Texas Tech … 5th-Yr.-Sr. … 1B
Lakebay, WA … 5/6-hole … bats: R … #12

Launched game-winning home runs vs. two different cb360 top-25 teams during the week (#24 New Mexico State and #14 Texas A&M, both on the road) … totaled three home runs during the week while batting 5-for-15 vs. collection of top pitching talent … homered twice for the first time in his career while factoring into seven of his team’s runs (6RBI-3R; BB) to lead 12-7 win at New Mexico State … closed series at Texas A&M with solo blast in top of the 12th, with Raiders adding three more runs en route to 8-4 win … had homerd only twice previously this season, in 31 games played (15 starts).

ANDREW HEANEY
Oklahoma State … Jr. … LHP
Oklahoma City, OK … #8

Logged his third shutout and fourth complete game of the season, in dominating performance that beat cb360 #45 Oklahoma to open the annual Bedlam rivalry series (gm-1 played in Tulsa) … Cowboys went on to win the series (4-8, 3-2, in his hometown of Oklahoma City) … faced only 30 batters (three over minn.) in the 3-hit shutout, with only one walk that was easily countered by seven strikeouts … pitched team to its ninth straight victory, the program’s longest winning streak since 2008 … allowed only two runners past first base (both in the 2nd innings) … retired the Sooners in order five times (1st & 6th-9th innings) and closed the game with 13 straight outs … has not allowed a run in 21 straight innings, the second-longest shutout streak of his career (24.1, earlier this season) … improved to 6-1 for the season, while lowering his ERA to 1.65 (2nd-best in the Big 12 and 15th nation-wide).

GOOSE KALLUNKI
Utah Valley … Sr. … 1B
Orem, UT … 5-hole … bats: R … #33

Hitting leader for Wolverines team that extended winning streak to 28 games (six shy of tying NCAA record) during 5-0 week, which included midweek win over BYU (14-11) in front of nearly 5,500 home fans, followed by 4-gm sweep of Houston Baptist (6-5, 7-5, 14-8, 8-6) … hit .526 (10-for-19) during busy week, with a whopping 1.903 OPS (.640 on-base plus 1.263 slugging) that included 24 total bases (3HR-3B-2 2B) and 18 times on-base (6BB) …directly involved in 16 of his team’s runs during the week (12 RBI-7R-3HR) … helped send the fans home happy in win over cross-town rival BYU (3-run HR, 2B, 4RBI, BB) … homered twice in opener at Houston Baptist, sparking series sweep … leads nation with 72 RBI while ranking in top-10 for batting avg. (.419), home runs (15), slugging (.747), hits (78) and total bases (139) … honored on the CB360 Primetime Performers earlier this season, after helping upset Arizona in early April (his teammate Jordy Hart was a mid-March Primetime Performer honoree, after helping post a similar upset win over Arizona State) … Utah Valley currently faces a unique challenge, as the Great West Conference does not have an automatic NCAA bid … the Wolverines, who currently own a #62 RPI but the #209 strength-of-schedule (per WarrenNolan.com), may need to win their remaining regular-season games and sweep through the Great West Tournament in order to be under consideration for an  NCAA at-large spot.

CHANDLER KNOX
Presbyterian … So. … RHP
Columbia, SC … #27

Turned in team’s first complete game of the season, en route to 7-2 road win over potent offensive team Central Florida (cb360 #18) … posted career-high six strikeouts while holding back UCF team that is averaging nearly seven runs per game (8H-3BB) … set down the Knights in order during the 7th and 8th innings, later closing things out with a pair of Ks … allowed only one hit with runners on-base (in 13 ABs with runners aboard) … handed UCF costly loss in its quest to boost its NCAA resume during final weeks of season … lead Blue Hose in wins (4), strikeouts (44) and innings (76.1), while compiling a 3.18 season ERA.

COREY LITTRELL
Kentucky … So. … LHP
Louisville, KY … #12

Remained unbeaten (7-0) while maintaing his impressive season ERA (2.30), en route to outdueling fellow lefthander Brian Johnson in important 2-1 series finale vs. visiting Florida (cb360 #3) … that win for #5 Kentucky helped halt a recent slide while keeping the Wildcats in the mix for a top-8 national seed … took shutout into 9th inning, vs. potent Gators offense that leads the nation in home runs … ultimately allowed the lone run in 8-plus innings, scattering nine hits but walking none … 16 of his outs game via Ks (5) or groundouts  (11), in the career-long outing that included 104 pitches … his season stats include a 3.4 K-to-walk ratio in 74.1 innings … has gone 5-0 in SEC play, with a 2.50 ERA while facing an assortment of top opponents.

SAL LISANTI
Bryant … Jr. … RHP
Bronx, NY … #12

Bulldogs closer who extended to his longest out of the season in opening of showdown series at Northeast Conference favorite and perennial power Monmouth … Bryant won that opener, 6-5 in 12 innings, and went on to split the 4-game series (maintaining its 1-gm lead on the Hawks, atop the league standings) … limited Monmouth to a lone hit and one walk over the final four tense innings … has not allowed a run in his past five appearances, spanning eight innings (no earned runs allowed in past 15.1, in 10 outings) … turned in a dominating inning a week early vs. Fairleigh Dickinson, striking out the side on 10 pitches … has fashioned a 1.67 season ERA, with seven saves and a pair of wins … his clutch, extended relief performance was all the more noteworthy for a Bryant team that has only one thing to play for: the Northeast Conf. regular-season title … the Bulldogs are completing their 4th and final year of transitioning to Division I and won’t be eligible for any postseason play (conference or NCAAs) until 2013.

DAVID MILLER
Purdue … Sr. … SS
St. Louis, MO … 8-hole … bats: L … #29

Brought home runs in each of his plate appearances during stunning 10-run rally in top of the 9th, helping Boilermakers salvage final game (15-11) in crucial lateseason non-conference series at cb360 #9 UCLA … had a strong all-around series for #8 Purdue team that remained in the hunt for a top-8 national seed and NCAA Regional hosting honors … hit safely and scored in all three games of  UCLA series (1-5, 2-3, 15-11) that saw the Bruins finish with a 1-run scoring margin over the three games (19-18) … batted 6-for-10 and reached base nine times during the pivotal series (2BB-HBP), while registering another clean weekend with defensively (played error-free on 11 fielding chances at short) … broke up CB360 Primetime Pitcher of the Week Adam Plutko’s perfect game with a 1-out single in 6th inning of series opener, later reaching on a 9th-inning hit-by-pitch, stealing second and moving on to third (Plutko allowed only one other baserunner in his dominating 8.1 innings) … his three hits in gm-2 (part of a Sat. doubleheader) included a solo home run … reached base four times in Sunday’s thrilling finale (2-for-4, 2BB-2RBI-R-2B), including 1-out, bases-loaded walk to push across first run in 10-run top of the 9th … returned to the plate again in that inning and stroked an RBI double to cap the big  inning (which also included 7 singles , 4 walks and a sac-fly) … bookended Purdue scoring streak that four straight 2-out/2-strike RBI singles from his teammates … one of seven Purdue starters batting above .300 for the season (.314), with 26 RBI, 28 runs scored and 10 more “free-passes” (16 BB plus 5 HBP, minus only 11 strikeouts).

DEREK ODELL
TCU … Fr. … 2B
Canyon, TX … 7/6-hole … bats: L … #2

Emerging rookie who hit 7-for-12 (.583) during pivotal week, as Frogs rallied to beat cb360 #45 Oklahoma (4-3) before winning series vs.s Mountain West rival New Mexico (5-3, 5-6, 2-1) – leaving TCU and UNM tied atop the conference standings (they ended up splitting six MWC games this season) … the week’s results helped bolster TCU’s quest to be an NCAA Regional #2 seed (current #33 RPI, per WarrenNolan.com) … came off the bench to provide a pair of clutch late-game hits vs. the Sooners, the first coming on leadoff single in the 8th (he came around to score, cutting OU’s lead to 3-2) … returned to the plate with two outs and a tie game in the 9th, promptly ending the game on a single to left that scored Brance Rivera (halting TCU’s 8-game losing streak vs. Oklahoma) … played at shortstop in 9th inning of that game and then was inserted into starting lineup, at second base, for pivotal series vs. UNM … his 5-for-10 weekend vs. the Lobos included 2-for-3 with an RBI (on sac-fly) in tight opener that was suspended on Friday and completed on Sat. … went on to collect pair of hits and helped turn three double plays, in another closely-contested battle during gm-2 … had one of TCU’s two hits in series finale, as Frogs found a way to win the series-deciding third game … played error-free during the week on 18 fielding chances, including nine in gm-2 alone and seven more in the pressure-packed final game.

AARON PAYNE
Oregon … So. … 2B
San Clemente, CA … leadoff … bats: L … #20

Had strong all-around week, as Ducks won pair of key midweek games at cb360 #37 Gonzaga (3-2, 8-7) before claiming Pac-12 showdown series at #13 Arizona (6-1, 6-12, 3-1) … hit .353 (6-for-17) during the pressure-packed week while providing six timely RBI (two game-winning hits), five of them coming with 2-outs … reached nine times spanning the five games (3 BB) while scoring twice, plus a pair of doubles and a stolen base … key member of Oregon defense that turned seven double plays during the week … played huge role in series-opening win at Arizona, in matchup between the league’s top teams … hit 3-for-4 and drove in half of his team’s runs (from the leadoff spot) in that 6-1 opening win (opened scoring in 2nd with 2-out/2-run single ro right, adding another 2-out 1B in the 6th) … added two more RBI in the gm-2 loss, then reached base twice (1B-BB) and chipped in with key defense (3 double players) during series finale … helped turn series-ending double play, with Arizona threatening to steal gm-3 in bottom of the 9th …earlier in the week, executed clutch squeeze bunt to bring home the go-ahead and eventual winning run in the 7th (3-2, rallied from 2-0 deficit) … added a double and two runs scored in Oregon’s second 1-run win over the Bulldogs.

BRENTON PETERS
Cornell … Jr. … 2B
Leesburg, VA … leadoff … bats: L … #5

Put his team in position for dramatic game-winning, 11th-inning home run that delivered the program’s first Ivy League title – thanks to his all-around effort in scoring 6th-inning run to tie that decisive game vs. Dartmouth (3-1 final) … executed bunt-single down third-base line to reach leading off the bottom of the 6th, then stole second on 1-0 pitch, moved up again on a deep flyout, then used his speed and baserunning skills to score on untraditional sacrifice fly (towering popup to shallow center, normally not deep enough to score the runner, but CF was playing deep and 2B had to make the packpedaling catch) … slid home safely, to the inside of the plate,  while avoiding attempted tag by catcher Chris O’Dowd … had two hits in that third game of the Ivy League Championship Series, after also posting pair of key hits in 11-3 opening win … scored five times during that gm-1 victory (2-for-2, 3 BB, HR, 2B) … doubled and scored in the 1st inning of series opener, later hitting solo home run in the 6th … played error-free at second base (spanning 15 fielding chances), as part of team that turned three double plays, with several key defensive plays during the series.

ANDREAS PLACKIS
Missouri … Sr./Jr. … 1B
St. Charles, MO … cleanup/6/7-hole … bats: R … #55

Delivered several key hits during home series vs. #29 Texas, as Tigers twice upset the Longhorns (4-6, 5-4, 7-6 in 11) … has filled in nicely at first base over past nine games, as injury replacement … hit 4-for-11 in the tightly-contested series (2RBI-R-3B-2B-SAC)… delivered pivotal 2-run double in gm-2 win, forging 2-2 score in that eventual 5-4 victory … had a pair of hits in gm-3, also executing a sac.bunt (reached on error) as part of 4-run bottom of the 4th … ended weekend riding a 9-game hitting streak … prospective medical-school student who graduated over the weekend, as a pre-med major in biology.

ADAM PLUTKO
UCLA … So. … RHP
Glendora, CA … #9

Turned in dominating performance to open much-anticipated home series vs. cb360 #8 Purdue, as #9 Bruins took gm-1 and went on to nearly sweep the series (UCLA won second game 3-2 and had 10-5 lead w/ 2 outs in 9th inning of finale) … carried a perfect game into the 6th and ultimately allowed only three baserunners, with the one run allowed while facing only three over the minimum (28) in 8.1 innings … allowed only a pair of hits (both singles) and no walks, with one hit-batter … struck out five different Purdue batters (7 total Ks) while limiting the first seven batters in the lineup to a 1-for-24 combined line … fellow Primetime Performer honoree David Miller (1-2, HBP), the Boilermakers 8-hole hitter, was the only Purdue player that reached twice vs. him … the big-game effort marked the second time he has pitched into the 9th this season … carries a 3.38 season ERA and 6-3 record.

TREY RICHARDSON
South Carolina Upstate … Jr. … 1B
Lakeland, FL … 6/8-hole … bats: R … #37

Played lead role in winning series at Atlantic Sun preseason favorite Stetson (8-4, 3-6, 11-6), allowing Spartans to maintain first place in the conference (in its first full season of D-I postseason eligibility) … hit 6-for-14 (.419) in the biggest series of the year, including a pair of hits and what proved to be the game-winning run in the opener … rose to the big-game challenge in series-deciding third game, batting 3-for-5 with another run scored from the bottom part of the lineup.

RAPH RHYMES
LSU … Jr. … LF
Monroe, LA … cleanup … bats: R … #4

Continued to go about his business, in historic quest to hit .500 for the season – a rarity even during college baseball seasons over the years that have featured higher-performing bats … his season batting avg. (now squarely at .500) is all the more noteworthy considering that is has been maintained during past weeks vs. the grueling SEC schedule …hit .500 (7-for-14; RBI-5R) and reached 12 times (3BB-2HBP) during week that included midweek rivalry win over surging Tulane (9-5) and SEC series at #21 Mississippi (4-3 in 13, 4-7, 12-3) … went 2-for-3 (BB) and scored twice in win over Tulane … drew 1-out, 13th-inning walk and scored eventual winning run in opening game of Ole Miss series (came around to score after singles by Tyler Moore and Grant Dozar) …hit 2-for-5 in that opener, with a 2-out RBI single in the 3rd … reached base twice in gm-2 of series (1-for-3, HBP, R) and then closed week by batting 2-for-3, reaching base four times (BB-HBP) and scoring twice in series-deciding win for cb360 #4 LSU team looking to lock down a top-8 national seed … trying to become 16th Division I player (min. 75 ABs) to hit .500 or better in a full college season (most recent to do so was over 20 years ago, as Ron Dziezgowski hit an even .500 for Duquesne, which recently dropped its baseball program) … former Alabama great Dave Magadan is the only other SEC player ever to hit above .500 (.525, in 1983) … others of note have included Seton Hall alum Marteese Robinson (.529, in 1987) – who played alongside fellow SHU greats Craig Biggio, Mo Vaughn and John Valentin) … aside from Magadan, there have been no other players to hit .500-plus for a team that was competing at that time as a member of the SEC, ACC, Big 12 or Pac 12 (Virginia Tech’s John Van Arnhem hit .516 in 1971, well before the Hokies joined the ACC).

ZACK SWASEY
Hawaii … Sr. … RF
South Jordan, UT … 7-hole … bats: R … #10

Key performer during sweep of visiting cb360 #24 New Mexico State (5-2, 14-2, 1-0), as Hawaii surged atop the Lobos in the WAC standings … provided big boost from bottom third of the lineup, batting 6-for-11 (.545) in the series (2RBI-3R) … opened series by hitting 3-for-4 in the Thursday game,then had a hand in four of his team’s runs (2-for-4, 2RBI-2R) during gm-2 blowout … scored game’s lone run in series finale, after reaching on 1-out single in 5th and showing his hustle to score all the way from first on 9-hole hitter Garrett Champion’s 2-out double down the leftfield line … fourth on team in batting (.286), with 23 RBI 10 doubles, two triples and a home run.

______________________

Action photos below (and above) courtesy of the respective schools:

Goose Kallunki (Utah Valley)

Chandler Knox (Presbyterian)

Corey Littrell (Kentucky)

Sal Lisanti (Bryant)

David Miller (Purdue)

Aaron Payne (Oregon)

Brenton Peters (Cornell)

Trey Richardson (South Carolina Upstate)

Raph Rhymes (LSU)

Zack Swasey (Hawaii)

(Headshots, action shots and player info. included below for all of the week-11 Primetime honorees)

Previous CB360 Primetime Performers (2012):
Week-1 … Week-2 … Week-3 … Week-4 … Week-5 … Week-6 … Week-7 … Week-8 … Week-9 … Week-10

The Primetime Performer awards program – also utilized on affiliate sites CollegeSports360.com, CollegeSoccer360.com and CollegeFencing360.com – seeks to recognize players based on more than simple raw stats, instead taking into account quality of opponent, contribution to team success and various situational factors (such as clutch play, all-around performance, leadership, adversity overcome, etc.).

Kellen Urbon (Cornell)

URBON came through with Cornell’s season on the line in the finale of a 4-game series vs. Ivy League favorite Princeton, which had won the first three games vs. the Big Red (gms 1-2 at Cornell, 3-4 at Princeton). Despite previously averaging only 1.2 innings per outing this season, the rookie closer extended to 6.1 innings for easily his longest outing of the season – with the Big Red winning in the 12th, thanks to a Ben Swinford home run in the top of that inning.

Making his first appearance of the series – and with his team in danger of choking away the Ivy League Gehrig Division title – Urbon yielded only an unearned run in his long-relief appearance, as the Big Red (picked to finish last) won an outright Gehrig Division title for only the second time. The win also allowed Cornell to earn the host position for the upcoming best-of-3 Ivy League championship series, May 5-6 vs. Rolfe Division champ Dartmouth (with the winner receiving an automatic NCAA bid).

Urbon struck out five Princeton batters while allowing three hits and a pair of walks in the 6.1 pressure-packed innings (he was on the mound longer than starter Brian McAfree). His 0.59 season ERA would rank second all-time in the Cornell record books and includes a scoreless inning earlier in the week to close out a 9-5 win over Binghamton. Urbon’s season stats include nine saves and a lowly .170 opponent batting average.

Connor Harrell (Vanderbilt)

HARRELL played a lead role during a 3-1 week for a Vanderbilt team that steadily is creeping back to .500 and a potential return to the NCAA Tournament. In addition to playing his usual stellar defense in center field, Harrell provided consistent and clutch production from the bottom half of the lineup – as the Commodores picked up a solid midweek win at Middle Tennessee (8-4) before taking the series from cb360 #3 Kentucky (2-5, 4-3, 6-1).

His .500 batting during the week (8-for-16) included 17 total bases (2 HR, 3B, 2B) while factoring into six of his team’s runs (4RBI-4R-2HR) and even adding a stolen base. Both of his hits in game-2 vs. Kentucky (2-3, RBI-R) came in key 2-out situations while his 8th-inning grand slam broke open the tight series finale.

The week-11 Primetime Performers include 10 other position players: Jacksonville (Ala.) State sr. third baseman Sam Eberle (Chattanooga, Tenn.) … Arkansas so. first baseman Dominic Ficociello (Fullerton, Calif.) … Hofstra sr. catcher Kevin Flynn (Morristown, N.J.) … Georgia Tech so. shortstop Mott Hyde (Calhoun, Ga.) … Wichita State 5th-yr-.sr. corner outfielder  Don Lambert (St. Louis, Mo.) … Stanford jr. LF/RHP Stephen Piscotty (Pleasanton, Calif.) … Texas A&M so. catcher Troy Stein (Castroville, Texas) … Virgina sr. 2B/C Keith Werman (Vienna, Va.) … Coastal Carolina sr. corner infielder  Rich Wittten (Danville, Ky.) … and Louisville so. 3B/LF Ty Young (Coatesville, Pa.).

Six pitchers join Urbon on the week-11 Primetime Honor Roll: Michigan State so. RHP David Garner (Niles, Mich.) … Memphis 5th-yr.-sr. RHP Chase Joiner (Hopkinsville, Ky.) … Oklahoma state sr. LHP Kyle Ottoson (Greeley, Colo.) … Texas-San Antonio fr.RHP Jordan Pacheco (Victoria, Texas) … Tulane jr. RHP Andrew Reeves (Baton Rouge, La.) … Mississippi State jr. RHP Chris Stratton (Tupelo, Miss.).

The 18 honorees include a pair of fifth-year seniors, plus five seniors, four juniors, five sophomores and two freshmen. They include three players from California hometowns and three more from Texas, plus two from Kentucky and one each from: Colorado, Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Virginia.

Primetime Performer Award Criteria (not based solely on raw stats, but rather …)
• Must have been playing for or against a CB360 top-50 team (in the Composite National Rankings or performed a high level in games that could be key to a team’s conference/NCAA postseason qualification; made significant contribution to team’s success and potential postseason positioning (single-game wins, “quality” wins, series wins, road wins, etc.).
• Involved in clutch performances, such as late game-winning hits, noteworthy comebacks, game-changing plays, team leadership, key defensive efforts, etc.
• Performed at a top level against a team rated highly nationally (or within its conference), with bonus consideration given for key performances away from home field and vs.
traditional rivals.
• Overcame adversity or extreme circumstances (for the team and/or individual).
• Any accomplishment that is rare, historic, record-setting, etc., on a national level.

CB360 PRIMETIME PERFORMERS WEEKLY HONOR ROLL (2012; #11)
(April 23-29, 2012 … presented by CollegeBaseball360.com)

             “It’s not so much what you do, as it is when you do it.”

Sam Eberle  (Jacksonville (AL) State … 3B … Sr. … Chattanooga, TN … 3-hole … bats: R … #20)
Dominic Ficociello  (Arkansas … 1B … So. … Fullerton, CA … 3-hole … bats: switch … #25)
Kevin Flynn  (Hofstra … C … Sr. … Morristown, NJ … 6-hole … bats: R … #11)
David Garner  (Michigan State … RHP … So. … Niles, MI … #16)
* Connor Harrell  (Vanderbilt … CF … Jr. … Houston, TX … 6/7/8/9-hole … bats: R … #20)
Mott Hyde  (Georgia Tech … SS … So. …  Calhoun, GA … 9/7-hole … bats: R … #3)
Chase Joiner  (Memphis … RHP … 5th-Yr.-Sr. … Hopkinsville, KY … #5)
Don Lambert  (Wichita State … RF/LF … 5th-Yr.-Sr … St. Louis, MO … 3/6-hole … bats: L … #3)
Kyle Ottoson  (Oklahoma State … LHP … Sr. … Greeley, CO … #36)
Jordan Pacheco  (UTSA (Texas-San Antonio) … RHP … Fr. … Victoria, TX … #40)
Stephen Piscotty  (Stanford … LF/RHP … Jr. … Pleasanton, CA … 3-hole … bats: R … #25)
Andrew Reeves  (Tulane … RHP … Jr. … Baton Rouge, LA … #19)
Troy Stein  (Texas A&M … C … So. … Castroville, TX … 7-hole … bats: R … #6)
Chris Stratton  (Mississippi State … RHP … Jr. … Tupelo, MS … #28)
* Kellen Urbon  (Cornell … RHP … Fr. … San Diego, CA … #13)
Keith Werman  (Virginia …. 2B/C … Sr. .. Vienna, VA … 9-hole … bats: L … #2)
Rich Witten  (Coastal Carolina … 3B/1B … Sr. … Danville, KY … 5-hole … bats: R … #21)
Ty Young  (Louisville … 3B/LF … So. … Coastesville, PA … cleanup … bats: L … #30)

* Harrell is the Primetime Player of the Week and Urbon the Primetime Pitcher of the Week

SAM EBERLE
Jacksonville (AL) State … 3B … Sr.
Chattanooga, TN … 3-hole … bats: R … #20

Valuable 3-hole hitter who played key role in 3-game set at Ohio Valley favorite Austin Peay (2-5, 17-2, 8-2) – as JSU won an OVC series for the 8th straight time (dating back to 2011) while snapping the Governors’ streak of 14 straight non-losing OVC series … the weekend’s results left Austin Peay (12-5) with a narrow lead on Jacksonville State (12-6) atop the OVC (a 1-bid league for the NCAAs) … hit 5-for-12 during the showdown series while reaching bases eight times (3 BB), factoring into 11 of his team’s runs (6RBI-6R-HR), striking out only once and playing error-free at  the hot corner (in 10 fielding chances) … had one of his team’s three hits, and scored a run, in series opener … his strong day in game-2 (3-for-5, 2 RBI, 4 R, 2B) helped set the table for cleanup batter Ben Waltrip’s 7-RBI, 3-HR day … launched a grand slam in the series-deciding third game (2 BB) … leads team with .353 batting avg. and 33 runs scored, along with six home runs and steady plate discipline (23 BB, 4 HBP, only 15 Ks).

DOMINIC FICOCIELLO
Arkansas … 1B … So.
Fullerton, CA … 3-hole … bats: switch … #25

Delivered several timely offensive plays, as Razorbacks picked up key series win at cb360 #2 Florida (2-3, 5-1, 3-1 in 10) …  reached  base twice in tight opener (1-for-3, HBP) … came through with early 2-out RBI single in second game, then singled and scored in decisive 4-run top of the 5th … stroked 2-out double and scored in 1st – proving to be valuable run in game that was 1-1 thru 9 … added a great hustle play in 10th, beating out double-play relay to plate insurance run … leads team in batting avg. (.348) and RBI (31) … ended Florida series with .432 batting over past 10 games … also helped beat Oral Roberts in 6-1 midweek game (BB-HBP).s …

KEVIN FLYNN
Hofstra … C … Sr.
Morristown, NJ … 6-hole … bats: R … #11

Hit 7-for-11 (.636) in three valuable road wins over fellow Colonial Athletic Association contender Delaware (16-1, 4-0, 10-9) … reached base 11 times in the series (4 BB) and factored into eight of his team’s runs (3RBI-5R), adding three doubles and a stolen base – with an eye-popping 1.642 OPS (on-base plus slugging) in the series … went 3-for-5 in blowout opening win (RBI-3R-2B), then reached base three times in gm-2 (2-3, BB) … his strong closing game (2-3, 2RBI-2R-2 2B-2BB) helped edge the Blue Hens in series finale – highlight by 2-run/2-out/2-strike RBI double that provided the final 10-9 margin (in 8th) … also hit 4-for-4 in 19-6 midweek win over New York Tech (RBI-2R-BB-SB) … batting .372 with  13 doubles, 26 RBI and 10 stolen bases.

DAVID GARNER
Michigan State … RHP … So.
Niles, MI … #16

Turned in top outing of his career for shutout victory at cb360 #9 Purdue (5-0), striking out seven while facing only 32 (5 hits, no walks) vs. Boilermakers team that had gone 34-6 over its first 40 games while ranking 3rd in the nation with a .326 batting avg. and 15th in scoring (7.4 runs per 9 inn.) … handed Purdue its first shutout of the season, after yielding only two hits over final four innings … posted early-season win over Baylor team that also entered May with single-digit losses (38-8) … key member of strong all-around MSU pitching staff that has compiled a 2.87 team ERA … has totaled 50 strikeouts and only 20 walks, in 50.1 innings.xxxx

* CONNOR HARRELL
Vanderbilt … CF … Jr.
Houston, TX … 6/7/8/9-hole … bats: R … #20

Played lead role during 3-1 week for a Vanderbilt team that steadily is creeping back to .500 and a potential return to the NCAA Tournamen … played his usual stellar defense in center field while providing consistent and clutch production from the bottom half of the lineup – as Commodores picked up a solid midweek win at Middle Tennessee (8-4) before taking series from visiting cb360 #3 Kentucky (2-5, 4-3, 6-1) … his .500 batting during week (8-for-16) included 17 total bases (2 HR, 3B, 2B) while factoring into six of his team’s runs (4RBI-4R-2HR) and even adding a stolen base … bBth of his hits in game-2 vs. Kentucky (2-for-3, RBI-R) came in key 2-out situations, while his 8th-inning grand slam broke open the tight series finale.

MOTT HYDE
Georgia Tech … SS … So.
Calhoun, GA … 9/7-hole … bats: R … #3

Homered three times as part of his 6-for-14 batting during week that included 4-3 midweek win over chief rival Georgia (cb360 #37), at  Turner Field (home of the Atlanta Braves, with nearly 20,000 fans in attendance) … factored into 11 runs (7RBI-7R-3HR) during week that included series vs. #31 Clemson (6-5 in 13, 7-13, 8-11) … reached base and had RBI in all four games, while totaling three stolen bases … his 2-run blast gave GT a 3-2 margin over Georgia in top of the 7th and he went on to score the decisive run in the 9th – after reaching on 2-out single, stealing second and scoring on Kyle Wren’s double for the final 4-3 margin … launched pair of early solo home runs in series opener Clemson, later adding key sacrifice fly that capped 3-run rally in 9th to force extra innings … played error-free in his 19 chances at shortstop.

CHASE JOINER
Memphis … RHP … 5th-Yr.-Sr.
Hopkinsville, KY … #5

Went the distance in tense 1-0 game, leading Tigers to series-deciding win at cb360 #11 Central Florida … UCF was ranked as high as 7th un the national polls, marking the highest-ranked opponent Memphis has beaten in a 3-game set series … faced 34 batters in the 129-pitch outings, scattering five hits and a pair of walks while striking out four UCF batters … worked out of trouble during first three innings before retiring 13 of the next 14 and diffusing jams again in the 8th and 9th … stranded four runners in scoring position in the shutout, while allowing only one UCF baserunner to reach third … sixth Memphis pitcher ever to post multiple solo shutouts in the same season … has 42 strikeouts with only 17 walks in 2012 (3.90 season ERA).

DON LAMBERT
Wichita State … RF/LF … 5th-Yr.-Sr. 
St. Louis, MO … 3/6-hole … bats: L … #3

Versatile veteran hitter who played lead role in winning series vs. cb360 #36 Dallas Baptist (13-3, 8-7, 1-4), providing nice boost to the Shockers’ NCAA tournament resume … hit .438 (7-for-16) during 3-1 week, which also included 9-7, 15-inning win at Kansas State … had a hand in 12 of his team’s runs during the week (6RBI-7R-H$), with 13 total bases (2 2B), 12 times on base (5 BB) and three stolen bases … sparked opening win over DBU (3-4, 2RBI-4R), followed another solid day in gm-2 win (2-4, 2R-2B-2 2BB) … came through in the cluch with 2-run double that provided the difference in 15-inning battle at KSU (4RBI-HR-2B) … his 4 RBI in that game tied a career-high.

KYLE OTTOSON
Oklahoma State … LHP … Sr.
Greeley, CO … #36

Transfer from Arizona State who helped knock off pair of Big 12 rivals in span of six days, starting with midweek class vs. rival Oklahoma (cb360 #38; 6-1) … pitched into the 9th to beat Sooners, facing only 32 batters in season-long 8.1 innings (R-5H-BB-4K) as Cowboys extended win streak to eight games (longest of the season) … bounced back from rocky 1st inning (R-3H) by logging 7-plus shutout innings and allowing only two more hits (both singles) the rest of the way … retired OU in order in the 3rd, 4th, 5th & 8th … answered early long-relief call in series final at Kansas State (9-5, completing sweep), entering 1-1 game in the 3rd and picking up winning decision thanks to his 4.0 shutout innings (3H-4BB-2K) … his combined stats for the week included the lone run allowed spanning 12.1 innings (8H-5BB-6K) … has made solid impact as newcomer to Cowboys staff (3.12 ERA, 40 K, 23 BB in 60.2 IP).

JORDAN PACHECO
UTSA (Texas-San Antonio) … RHP … Fr.
Victoria, TX … #40

Rose to the challenge vs. Baylor team that was ranked as high as #1 in the nation (cb360 #4), logging 5.1 strong innings to set the stage for 4-1 upset that ended Bears’ 24-game winning streak … surrendered the lone run on seven hits and one walk, while striking out five (in action at minor-league Wolf Stadium) … the win was the first over a top-ranked opponent in UTSA program history … combined with relievers Clint Sharp and Matt Sims to secure the historic win (Baylor ‘s first loss since mid-March).

STEPHEN PISCOTTY
Stanford … LF/RHP … Jr.
Pleasanton, CA … 3-hole … bats: R … #25

Reached base 12 times (6-for-14, 5 BB, HBP) during 3-1 week that included huge series win at cb360 #5 UCLA (7-2, 4-7, 7-2) … launched solo home run and scored three times (2 BB) in opening win over Bruins … reached base five times (3-for-3, 2 BB) as team’s top offensive player in second game – then helped deliver decisive win on Sunday (RBI-R-2B-HBP) … struck out only once during week that also included 10-9 win over BYU (1B-BB-SB) … took mound to save  that win over Cougars (1.2IP-2R/ER-3H-2K) … batting at a .325 clip for the season, with team-best 49 RBI and nearly twice as many walks (20) as strikeouts (11).

ANDREW REEVES
Tulane … RHP … Jr.
Baton Rouge, LA … #19

Helped Green Wave overcome subpar offensive weekend by winning 4-1 series opener at cb360 #27 East Carolina, with Tulane going on to win key CUSA series (4-2, 3-6) while boosting its NCAA at-large resume … was making only his third start in CUSA play but logged 7-plus impressive innings, yielding only an unearned run (6H-2BB-2K) … saw ECU’s first batter of game reach via error, take second on passed ball and come around to score – but did not allow any more runners to reach third base … retired 13 of his final 17 batters faced, for first win of season … has not allowed an earned run over his past 13.2 innings … rolled up 12 groundball outs in the clutch series-opening win … has compiled a 3.14 ERA, in his first D-I season (18K-9BB, in 28.2 IP).

TROY STEIN
Texas A&M … C … So.
Castroville, TX … 7-hole … bats: R … #6

Surging signal-caller who turned in second straight strong week, hitting safely in all four game while batting .583 (7-for-12) during week that included rivalry showdown vs. cb360 #25 Texas (6-5 at home; 12-4, 1-2 in Austin) … sparked series-opening win, matching his career-high for hits in a game (3-for-4) while driving in three runs (2B) … stroked two of his four doubles during the week to help deliver gm-2 win, adding pair of runs and also reaching on a hit-by-pitch … reached base twice in tightly-contested series finale (1-for-2, BB) … earlier helped top cb360 #36 TCU in 4-1 midweek game (2B-BB) … batting .324 for the season, while appearing in 38 of 44 games (with 31 starts).

CHRIS STRATTON
Mississippi State … RHP … Jr.
Tupelo, MS … #28

Extended his stellar season by posting first solo shutout of his college career, in 4-0 series opener vs. in-state rival Mississippi (cb360 #21) … scattered five hits and a lone walk over the nine innings, with seven strikeouts in efficient 104-pitch outing … posted his second straight complete game, after earning no-decision in April 19 extra-inning game at Tennessee … has most wins this season of any SEC pitcher (8-0) while ranking second among the league’s pitchers with 95 total Ks (2.39 season ERA) … only the third Mississippi State pitcher ever to earn multiple SEC pitcher-of-the-week honors during same season.

* KELLEN URBON
Cornell … RHP … Fr.
San Diego, CA … #13

Came through with Cornell’s season on the line in the finale of a 4-game series vs. Ivy League favorite Princeton, which had won the first three games vs. the Big Red (gms 1-2 at Cornell, 3-4 at Princeton) … despite previously averaging only 1.2 innings per outing this season, the rookie closer extended to 6.1 innings for easily his longest outing of the season – with the Big Red winning in the 12th, thanks to a Ben Swinford home run in the top of that inning … .aking his first appearance of the series – and with his team in danger of choking away the Ivy League Gehrig Division title – he yielded only an unearned run in the long-relief appearance, as the Big Red (picked to finish last) won an outright Gehrig Division title for only the second time … the win also allowed Cornell to earn the host position for the upcoming best-of-3 Ivy League championship series, May 5-6 vs. Rolfe Division champ Dartmouth (with the winner receiving an automatic NCAA bid) … struck out five Princeton batters while allowing three hits and a pair of walks in the 6.1 pressure-packed innings (he was on the mound longer than starter Brian McAfree) … his 0.59 season ERA would rank second all-time in the Cornell record books and includes a scoreless inning earlier in the week to close out a 9-5 win over Binghamton … his other season stats include nine saves and a lowly .170 opponent batting average.

KEITH WERMAN
Virginia …. 2B/C … Sr.
Vienna, VA … 9-hole … bats: L … #2

Classic role player who fielded error-free during 5-0 week – spanning 29 chances, most of them at second base, plus a couple innings behind the plate – while providing some bonus production from the bottom of the order … senior leader who helped Cavs extend winning streak to seven games, thanks to midweek victories over Radford (3-2, in 11) and at VCU (7-5 comeback) and huge sweep at cb360 #21 Miami (7-3, 7-4, 7-4; Sat.-Sun.-Mon.) … delivered momentum-shifting, 2-out RBI triple in early-going of series opener at Miami (also singled, scored a run and had one of his three sacrifice bunts during the week … has four quality plate appearances in gm-2 win (1B-HBP-SAC-CI), followed by pair of hits and run scored in series finale … despite hitting at bottom of batting order, ranks 5th on team with .296 batting avg., plus 27 runs scored and eight more free passes (25 BB, 2 HBP) than strikeouts (19) … has executed 19 sac. bunts (5 sac. flies) and owns a .989 fielding pct. (only 3 Es, spanning 45 starts).

RICH WITTEN
Coastal Carolina … 3B/1B … Sr.
Danville, KY … 5-hole … bats: R … #21

Hit 6-for-12 during key week that included 10-7 win at cb360 #31 Clemson and series sweep at Liberty (5-3, 4-2, 7-1), lifting Chanticleers ahead of Flames into top spot of Big South standings … reached base 11 times during the week, while factoring into 10 of CC’s runs (8RBI-3R-HR) … racked up a 1.564 OPS (on-base plus slugging) … supplied game-winning hit three times during the crucial week … his 2-for-4 game vs. Clemson (3RBI-2R) included the game-winning, 2-run double … opened Liberty series with another 2-run double that produced the winning margin, then launched 2-run blast that proved to be the game-winning hit in gm-2 (also walked and executed sac-bunt in that win) … closed series by hitting safely in his first two at-bats (RBI) before being walked three times, twice intentionally.

TY YOUNG
Louisville … 3B/LF … So.
Coastesville, PA … cleanup … bats: L … #30

Hit 6-for-15 and factored into 10 of the Cardinals’ runs (5RBI-6R-HR) during week that included the team’s second blowout win of the season vs. in-state rival Kentucky (cb360 #3; 10-2) and series win vs. Connecticut (5-0, 14-6, 4-7), one of several teams bunched near top of the BIG EAST standings … reached base three times (2-for-4, HBP, 2B) and drove in three runs to lead win over the Wildcats … walked and scored in opening win vs. UConn, followed by huge effort in gm-2 (3-for-5, 4RBI-2R-HR-3B-SB) … closed week by reaching base four more times vs. Huskies (1-for-2, BB-HBP-R-2B-SB) … batting team-best .368, with 34 RBI, six home runs and 12 stolen bases.
xx

* Harrell is the Primetime Player of the Week and Urbon the Primetime Pitcher of the Week

______________________

Action photos below (and above) courtesy of the respective schools:

Sam Eberle (Jacksonville, AL, State)

Dominic Ficoiello (Arkansas)

Kevin Flynn (Hofstra)

David Garner (Michigan State)

Mott Hyde (Georgia Tech)

Chase Joiner (Memphis)

Don Lambert (Wichita State)

Kyle Ottoson (Oklahoma State)

Jordan Pacheco (UTSA)

Stephen Piscotty (Stanford)

Andrew Reeves (Tulane)

Troy Stein (Texas A&M)

Chris Stratton (Mississippi State)

Keith Werman (Virginia)

Rich Witten (Coastal Carolina)

Ty Young (Louisville)

(Note that this release includes headshots, action photos and player info. for all 16 honorees).

Previous CB360 Primetime Performers (2012):
Week-1 … Week-2 … Week-3 … Week-4 … Week-5 … Week-6 … Week-7 … Week-8 … Week-9

The Primetime Performer awards program – also utilized on affiliate sites CollegeSports360.com, CollegeSoccer360.com and CollegeFencing360.com – seeks to recognize players based on more than simple raw stats, instead taking into account quality of opponent, contribution to team success and various situational factors (such as clutch play, all-around performance, leadership, adversity overcome, etc.).

In addition to Thurman, the 16 Primetime honorees for week-10 include five other righthanded pitchers – McNeese State freshman Michael Clemens (Houston, Texas) … Kansas sophomore Frank Duncan (San Francisco, Calif.) … Manhattan freshman Michael Scarinci (Nanuey, N.Y.) … Rice sophomore John Simms (The Woodlands, Texas) … and South Florida 5th-year senior Derrick Stultz (Tampa, Fla.)– along with a pair of freshman LHPs from the Pacific-12 Conference: Oregon State’s Jace Fry (Beaverton, Ore.) and Oregon’s  Jordan Spencer, who fashioned a midweek no-hitter vs. the University of Portland (Thurman’s no-hitter came at Big West foe Long Beach State).

Andrew Thurman (UC Irvine)

The eight position player honorees cover virtually several spots on the field, with Ludy joined by a pair of first basemen – San Francisco senior Nik Balog (Saratoga, Calif) and Georgia Tech senior Jake Davies (McDonough, Ga.) – along with Mississippi junior second baseman Alex Yarbrough (Allen, Texas) … Stanford freshman third baseman Alex Blandino (Palo Alto, Calif.) … Florida State senior third baseman Sherman Johnson (Tampa, Fla.) … Wofford freshman leftfielder Matthew Pelt (Dunwoody, Ga.) … and Kentucky freshman centerfielder Austin Cousino (Dublin, Ohio).

Plenty of freshmen (7) are among the honorees – Blandino, Clemens, Cousino, Fry, Pelt, Scarinci and Spencer – along with the 5th-year senior Stultz, four seniors, one junior and three sophomores. Four hail from California hometowns, plus three from Texas, and two each from Florida, Georgia and Oregon (along with one each from Indiana, New York and Ohio).

THURMAN – a repeat honoree among the CB360 Primetime Performers – logged his no-hitter in the series opener at rival Long Beach State, providing a boost to Irvine’s NCAA Tournament  resume (the win proved extra valuable, as Long Beach came back to win the series). After allowing the first LBSU batter to reach via a hit-by-pitch, Thurman retired 23 straight before allowing a 2-out walk in the 8th. He ultimately faced only two batters over the minimum (29) in a first career complete game that was extra special due to the 0 in the hit column. Neither of the Long Beach baserunners advanced past first base.

Over the course of the 110-pitch outing, Thurman totaled 19 of his 27 outs via either: strikeouts (5; 4 of them swinging), groundouts (8) or popups/foulouts/lineouts that were hit to the infield (6). His groundouts included three to third base, two to shortstop and one each to second base, first base and the mound. Other balls that stayed in the infield included three popups to the shortstop, a popup to the catcher, foulout to first base and a lineout to third. Seven of his eight flyouts went to center field (plus one to right).

Thurman – who has allowed only one hit over his past 17 innings – became the fifth UC Irvine pitcher ever to record a no-hitter.

Josh Ludy (Baylor)

LUDY hit .533 (8-for-15) during Baylor’s unbeaten week, highlighted by a sweep of the showdown series with cb360 #8 Texas A&M (5-3, 1-0, 7-5; gm-1 at A&M, gms 2 & 3 in Waco) – as the Bears improved to 18-0 in Big 12 play while extending their school-record unbeaten streak to 24 games. Prior to Baylor’s unprecedented start, no Big 12 team had done beter than 7-0 to open a Big 12 season.

The veteran catcher registered two hits in every game of the A&M series, with his most noteworthy moment coming on a 2-run home run in the 1st inning of the series finale. The Bears cleanup hitter amazingly fouled off 10 straight pitches before driving the 14th pitch of the at-bat over the fence in left-center.

Later in the series-sweeping win, Ludy’s 6th-inning double helped recharge a Baylor offense that had lost the lead and gone 14 straight batters without a man on-base (he came around to score the tying run). Earlier in the tense game-2, he provided two of his team’s six hits in that 1-0 thriller, after going 2-for-4 with a walk in the series opener.

As the somewhat unsung director of Baylor’s stellar pitching success, Ludy helped guide a Bears staff – led by top starters Josh Turley and Trent Blank, along with closer Max Garner (who saved all three wins vs. A&M) – that allowed only three earned runs in the entire “Battle of the Brazos” rivalry series. The Baylor pitchers walked only two batters over the 27 pressure-packed innings vs. the Aggies, with 18 strikeouts.

Ludy also helped beat Texas A&M Corpus Christi midweek but sat out the other win over the Islanders, marking only the third time he has not been the Baylor signalcaller all season. He is riding a career-best, 10-game hitting streak and is one of only six players ever to be named Big 12 Conference player of the week on consecutive weeks. One week earlier, Ludy blasted three home runs in the series finale at Kansas State (sparking a comeback and yielding him 11 RBI for the series, a Big 12 record).

The 16 week-10 Primetime Performer honorees are listed below – with headshots, action photos and player info. for all 16 honorees.

Primetime Performer Award Criteria (not based solely on raw stats, but rather …)
• Must have been playing for or against a CB360 top-50 team (in the Composite National Rankings or performed a high level in games that could be key to a team’s conference/NCAA postseason qualification; made significant contribution to team’s success and potential postseason positioning (single-game wins, “quality” wins, series wins, road wins, etc.).
• Involved in clutch performances, such as late game-winning hits, noteworthy comebacks, game-changing plays, team leadership, key defensive efforts, etc.
• Performed at a top level against a team rated highly nationally (or within its conference), with bonus consideration given for key performances away from home field and vs.
traditional rivals.
• Overcame adversity or extreme circumstances (for the team and/or individual).
• Any accomplishment that is rare, historic, record-setting, etc., on a national level.

CB360 PRIMETIME PERFORMERS WEEKLY HONOR ROLL (2012; #10)
(April 16-22, 2012 … presented by CollegeBaseball360.com)
             “It’s not so much what you do, as it is when you do it.”

Nik Balog  (San Francisco … 1B … Sr. … Saratoga, CA … cleanup/3-hole … bats: L … #45)
Alex Blandino  (Stanford … 3B … Fr. … Palo Alto, CA … 8-hole/9-hole/cleanup … bats: R … #1)
Michael Clemens (McNeese State … RHP … Fr. … Houston, TX … #36)
Austin Cousino  (Kentucky … CF … Fr. … Dublin, OH … leadoff … bats: L … #19)
Jake Davies  (Georgia Tech … 1B … Sr. … McDonough, GA … cleanup … bats: L … #24)
Frank Duncan  (Kansas … RHP … So. … San Francisco, CA … #19)
Jace Fry  (Oregon State … LHP … Fr. … Beaverton, OR … #11)
Sherman Johnson  (Florida State … 3B … Sr. … Tampa, FL … leadoff … bats: R … #32)
*Josh Ludy  (Baylor … C … Sr. … Portland, IN … cleanup … bats: R … #30)
Matthew Pelt  (Wofford … LF … Fr. … Dunwoody, GA … 6-hole … bats: R … #6)
Michael Scarinci  (Manhattan … RHP … Fr. … Nanuey, NY … #29)
John Simms  (Rice … RHP … So. … The Woodlands, TX … #13)
Jordan Spencer  (Oregon … LHP … Fr. … Beaverton, OR … #23)
Derrick Stultz  (South Florida … RHP … 5th-Yr.-Sr. … Tampa, FL … #19)
*Andrew Thurman  (UC Irvine … RHP … So. … Orange, CA … #30)
Alex Yarbrough  (Mississippi … 2B … Jr. … Allen, TX … 3-hole … bats: switch … #2)

* Ludy is the CB360 week-10 Primetime Player of the Week and Thurman the Primetime Pitcher of the Week

NIK BALOG
San Francisco … 1B … Sr.
Saratoga, CA … cleanup/3-hole … bats: L … #45

Key contributor and senior leader during pivotal sweep of cb360 #27 Gonzaga (4-3, 2-1, 7-4), as Dons jumped back into the WCC race … stroked 2-out single to right in tense gm-2 (vs. previously-unbeaten starter Marco Gonzales), bringing around key insurance run for eventual winning margin (2-1) … that clutch single was one of only four hits by the Dons in the game – but it made the difference while helping his younger brother Alex (8.1IP-R-6H-2BB-2K)  pick up the win … earlier in the series opener, hit a leadoff single and scored to spark pair of run in bottom of the 6th and help San Francisco ace Kyle Zimmer overcome early run allowed (Zimmer is projected to  be a high 1st-round MLB draft pick this year) … went on to lead the series-sweeping win by batting 4-for-5 with a pair of RBI, as the Dons chased Gonzaga’s quality #3 starter Andy Hunter  en route to the comeback win … also hit 2-for-5 with pair of RBI in midweek game at Nevada … ended the series riding a 7-game hitting streak.

ALEX BLANDINO
Stanford … 3B … Fr. … Palo Alto, CA
8-hole/9-hole/cleanup … bats: R … #1

Provided huge production from bottom of the lineup, as Cardinal recovered from rare non-conference loss (3-2 vs. San Jose State) to post sweep of #25 Arizona State (17-5, 8-7, 9-5) – positioning Stanford within striking distance of the Pac-12 lead … homered on four of his first seven at-bats during the week (twice his season HR total entering the week), en route to batting .563 for the week (9-for-16), with 11 RBI … had been playing mostly as a DH this season (only 12 starters previously) before starting all week at third, where he played error-free through the four games … his 2-run blast accounted for team’s only runs in loss to San Jose State … added two more home runs while batting 3-for-4 (4RBI, 4 R) is series-opening rout vs. ASU … homered for third straight game in tight Saturday matchup, adding 2-out single for dramatic winning hit in the 9th … closed series with a double and an RBI 8th-inning single that was followed by a key stolen base and insurance run (ASU loaded the bases in the 9th) … batting .350 for the season, with team-best six home runs and 22 RBI.x

MICHAEL CLEMENS
McNeese State … RHP … Fr.
Houston, TX … #36

Rookie who rose to the occasion while facing Soutland Conference leader Sam Houston State (cb360 #24), going the distance for impressive win in 5-1 series finale … carried shutout into the 8th inning and ultimately faced only 31 batters (four over the minimum), after limiting Bearkats to three hits, a pair of walks and a hit-batter (with three strikeouts) … rolled up three double plays to erase three of those baseunners … leads team with 45 strikeouts.

AUSTIN COUSINO
Kentucky … CF … Fr.
Dublin, OH … leadoff … bats: L … #19 

Extended his stellar rookie season by playing lead role in pair of wins over cb360 #4 LSU, as he and the #3 Wildcats bounced back from subpar opener to win that showdown series between the SEC divisional leaders (4-5, 8-1, 7-6) … factored into half of his team’s runs in the series-tying second game (3RBI-2R), after launching his 7th home run of the season and collecting his 16th double … in series finale, his RBI double capped  3-run bottom of the 6th – as Wildcats surged ahead 7-5 en route to the series-deciding win (Kentucky has won all six of its SEC series so far this season) … hit 3-for-5 in that third game (R) while stealing two bases … could achieve rare 10-HR, 10-SB feat this season (currently has 7 HR and 9 SB) … his week also included an earlier home run, in 7-0 win over Cincinnati (2-for-4, 2R) … making strong case for national freshman-of-the-year honors, leading ‘Cats from the leadoff spot with .351 season batting average, 44 runs scored and 17 doubles (his 34 RBI are 3rd-most on the team, as are the 7 HR – on team that has homered 47 times in 42 games).

JAKE DAVIES
Georgia Tech … 1B … Sr.
McDonough, GA … cleanup … bats: L … #24 

Extended his hitting streak to a career-long 14 games while batting .533 (8-for-15) with 9 RBI during 3-1 week that included winning ACC series at cb360 #6 North Carolina (11-4, 6-12, 4-2) … hit 2-for-4 (2RBI-R, sac. bunt) in series opener but tweaked his quad muscle, before coming back to hit booming home runs in both games of Saturday doubleheader … launched 3-run blast to put his team on the board in gm-2, then delivered clutch 2-out, 2-run HR in 7th inning of gm-3 – sparking comeback from 2-0 deficit … scored in all four games during week (including 8-4 win over Georgia State), with no strikeouts … batting .360 for the season, with an ACC-leading 46 RBI.

FRANK DUNCAN
Kansas … RHP … So.
San Francisco, CA … #19 

Tossed KU’s first complete game of the season to deliver 7-2 win over cb360 #23 Texas, in series opener … racked up a career-high 11 strikeouts in route to securing Jayhawks first win in Austin since 2008 … allowed a 1-out hit in the 1st inning before retiring 20 straight … faced only 32 batters in the 113-pitch outing, with one earned run allowed on three hits, no walks and a hit-batter … became first pitcher to beat Texas this season in a complete-game effort … ranks third among Big 12 pitchers in total strikeouts (69), second in innings (76.2) and fifth in low opponent batting average (.207).

JACE FRY
Oregon State … LHP … Fr.
Beaverton, OR … #11 

Went the distance to post big-game shutout vs. cb360 #5 UCLA, 3-0, tying that Pac-12 series – with Oregon State also going on to win gm-3 … faced only 32 batters in that 107-pitch complete game, allowing six hits, two walks and a hit batter while striking out six (only one UCLA baserunner reached third) … his 2.23 season ERA included a 0.89 during the month of April (3 earned runs in 30.1 innings) … registered first solo shutout by an Oregon State pitcher since 2009.

SHERMAN JOHNSON
Florida State … 3B … Sr.
Tampa, FL … leadoff … bats: R … #32 

Veteran table-setter who led Seminoles to 4-0 week that included sweep of cb360 #19 Miami (11-2, 6-1, 8-7 in 10) – as FSU improved to 19-2 in ACC play … helped secure program’s first sweep of rival Miami since 2002 … hit .400 in the series (6-for-15) while factoring into eight runs (4 RBI, 4 R) … doubled three times in series opener, one of them plating a pair of runs, for his first 3-hit game of the season … added a sacrifice-fly, single and stolen base in the gm-2 win … hit 2-for-6 (RBI, R) in series finale – highlighted by his game-ending single, as FSU completed comeback win (shortly before travel curfew would have resulted in the game being declared a tie) … played error-free during the week at the hot corner, in 13 fielding chances.

JOSH LUDY
Baylor … C … Sr.
Portland, IN … cleanup … bats: R … #30 

Hit .533 (8-for-15) during Baylor’s unbeaten week, highlighted by a sweep of the showdown series with cb360 #8 Texas A&M (5-3, 1-0, 7-5; gm-1 at A&M, gms 2 & 3 in Waco) – as the Bears improved to 18-0 in Big 12 play while extending their school-record unbeaten streak to 24 games .. prior to Baylor’s unprecedented start, no Big 12 team had done beter than 7-0 to open a Big 12 season … had two hits in every game of the A&M series, with his most noteworthy moment coming on a 2-run home run in the 1st inning of the finale … fouled off 10 straight pitches before driving 14th pitch of the at-bat over fence in left-center … later in series-sweeping win, his 6th-inning double helped recharge a Baylor offense that had lost the lead and gone 14 straight batters without a man on-base (he came around to score the tying run … earlier in tense gm-2, provided two of his team’s six hits in 1-0 thriller, after going 2-for-4 with a walk in the series opener … somewhat unsung director of Baylor’s stellar pitching success, helping guide a Bears staff – led by top starters Josh Turley and Trent Blank, along with closer Max Garner (who saved all three wins vs. A&M) – that allowed only three earned runs in the entire “Battle of the Brazos” rivalry series … the Baylor pitchers walked only two batters over the 27 pressure-packed innings vs. the Aggies, with 18 Ks …also helped beat Texas A&M Corpus Christi midweek but sat out the other win over the Islanders, marking only the third time he has not been the Baylor signalcaller all season … riding career-best, 10-game hitting streak and is one of only six players ever to be named Big 12 Conference player of the week on consecutive weeks … one week earlier, he blasted three home runs in series finale at Kansas State (sparking a comeback and yielding him 11 RBI for the series, a Big 12 record).

MATTHEW PELT
Wofford … LF … Fr.
Dunwoody, GA … 6-hole … bats: R … #6 

Hit at a .500 clip (6-for-12; 4RBI-4R) as Wofford won series from Elon (cb360 #45) for first time since 2007  (11-5, 3-13, 2-0) … hit first home run of the season in series-opening win, factoring into four of his team’s runs (2RBI-3R, 2-for-4) … left the yard again in gm-2 and closed series by going 2-for-4 in tense 2-0 finale.

MICHAEL SCARINCI
Manhattan … RHP … Fr.
Nanuet, NY … #29 

Logged clutch 2-hit shutout (7-0) in first game of Saturday doubleheader vs. Metro Atlantic (MAAC) favorite Canisius, clinching series for the Jaspers (who also won 3-2 on Friday) … the pair of Manhattan wins marked only the second time in the past three seasons that the Griffins have lost a MAAC series on their home field … carried a perfect game into the 6th inning of that 7-inn. DH opener … both hits he allowed were of the infield variety – but he still ultimately faced the minimum 21 batters, thanks to a pair of double plays (part of his 15 groundball outs, to go along with four strikeouts and no walks) … allowed only one ball out of the infield the entire game (a 3rd-inning flyout to right), with his other out coming on a foulout to the second baseman … did not allow any runners into scoring position … helped lift Manhattan past Canisius into 1st place in the MAAC (10-5), with a current 15-3 streak overall for the Jaspers.

JOHN SIMMS
Rice … RHP … So.
The Woodlands, TX … #13

Answered the early bullpen call and showed his versatility by going deep into the game, logging six shutout innings that set the stage for Rice’s late rally in 5-4 win at cb360 #8 Texas A&M … faced only 21 A&M batters, allowing three hits while totaling 17 of his 21 outs via Ks (8), groundballs (8) or infield popups (1) … took the mound in 1st inning of that game with the Aggies already up 3-0, two runners on base and no outs – responding with a groundout and two strikeouts (followed by no runs allowed in the 2nd-6th innings, followed by three more shutout innings from his fellow relievers) … his busy week included making three appearances for 8.1 shutout innings, with only four hits allowed (all singles; .143 opp. battting avg.) and no walks (plus the 8 Ks) … pitched twice in key series vs. CUSA contender East Carolina (cb360 329), as Owls won 2-of-3 and finished weekend one game back of UCF atop the league standings … has pitched out of the bullpen this season but made some starts as a freshman in 2011 … also had a strong outing vs. A&M in 2011 (7.2 shutout innings, career-best 11 Ks).

JORDAN SPENCER
Oregon … LHP/IF … Fr.
Beaverton, OR … #23 

Reserve infielder and relief pitcher who was pressed into spot start due to injury issues in the Oregon pitching staff … had logged only six appearances all season (three starts, 13 innings) but performed like a veteran vs. the University of Portland (at minor-league Volcanoes Stadium, in Keizer, Ore.) – fashioning a no-hitter while facing only 29 batters (two over the minimum) in that 3-0 win … did not walk a batter but did hit one with a pitch (in the 5th), with the only other baserunner reaching on an error in the 7th … had a season-high five strikeouts in the 114-pitch outing … 18 of his 27 outs came via Ks, groundouts (7) or infield popups/foulouts (6) … has been used sparingly as a position player this season (15 at-bats).  7/6

DERRICK STULTZ
South Florida … RHP … 5th-Yr.-Sr.
Tampa, FL … #19 

Delivered in virtual must-win situation, limiting cb360 #32 Louisville to one run over eight strong innings – as Bulls averted sweep in 5-1 lead to stay atop the BIG EAST standings (11-4, one game ahead of the Cardinals) … scattered six hits and a pair of walks over the 104-pitch outing, with a pair of Ks … missed all of 2011 season due to a shoulder injury but has returned to go 6-1 so far this season, with a 3.72 ERA … Bulls coach Lelo Prado labeled the win over Louisville as possibly the best outing of Stultz’s career.

ANDREW THURMAN
UC Irvine … RHP … So.
Orange, CA … #30

Repeat honoree among the CB360 Primetime Performers, after delivering no-hitter in series opener at rival Long Beach State … provided much-meeded boost to Irvine’s NCAA Tournament  resume (the win proved extra valuable, as Long Beach came back to win the series) … after allowing first LBSU batter to reach via a hit-by-pitch, retired 23 straight before allowing a 2-out walk in the 8th … ultimately faced only two batters over the minimum (29) in a first career complete game that was extra special due to the 0 in the hit column … neither of the Long Beach baserunners advanced past first base … over the course of the 110-pitch outing, totaled 19 of his 27 outs via either: strikeouts (5; 4 of them swinging), groundouts (8) or popups/foulouts/lineouts that were hit to the infield (6) … his groundouts included three to third base, two to shortstop and one each to second base, first base and the mound … other balls that stayed in the infield included three popups to the shortstop, a popup to the catcher, foulout to first base and a lineout to third … seven of his eight flyouts went to center field (plus one to right) … has allowed only one hit over his past 17 innings … fifth UC Irvine pitcher ever to record a no-hitter.

ALEX YARBROUGH
Mississippi … 2B … Jr.
Allen, TX … 3-hole … bats: switch … #2 

Hit at a .529 clip during big week that included 6-3 midweek rivalry win over cb360 #49 Mississippi State (in Pearl, Miss.), followed by SEC series win over #14 Arkansas (8-1, 1-0, 3-11) … hit safely in each game during the weel, extending his hit streak to 19 games (6th-longest in Ole Miss history) … had a double and run scored in annual Governor’s Cup showdown vs. Mississippi State … came to play while facing SEC’s top pitching staff in Arkansas series, batting .615 (8-for-13) with 4 RBI and a run scored … led series-opening win with 4-for-5 day (3RBI-R, 3 doubles) and then delivered clutch 2-out RBI single in 6th inning of gm-2 (held up as only run in that tense battle) … closed week by hitting 3-for-4 in series finale (his 22nd multiple-hit game of the season) … player error-free at second base, in 16 fielding chances.

______________________________________________

Action photos of Primetime honorees included below (and above) – courtesy of the respective schools; note that action photo of Manhattan’s Scarinci not currently available.

Nik Balog (San Francisco)

Alex Blandino (Stanford)

Michael Clemens (McNeese State)

Austin Cousino (Kentucky)

Jake Davies (Georgia Tech)

Frank Duncan (Kansas)

Jace Fry (Oregon State)

Sherman Johnson (Florida State)

Matthew Pelt (Wofford)

John Simms (Rice)

Jordan Spencer (Oregon)

Derrick Stultz (South Florida)

Alex Yarbrough (Mississippi)

(Note that this release now includes headshots, action photos and player info. for all 14 honorees – see below).

Previous CB360 Primetime Performers (2012):
Week-1 … Week-2 … Week-3 … Week-4 … Week-5 … Week-6 … Week-7 … Week-8

The Primetime Performer awards program – also utilized on affiliate sites CollegeSports360.com, CollegeSoccer360.com and CollegeFencing360.com – seeks to recognize players based on more than simple raw stats, instead taking into account quality of opponent, contribution to team success and various situational factors (such as clutch play, all-around performance, leadership, adversity overcome, etc.).

In addition to Keudell, the 14 Primetime honorees for week-9 include seven other righthanded pitchers: Virginia Tech senior Andrew Aizenstadt (Norwell, Mass.) … Southeastern Louisiana freshman Andro Cutura (Pearl River, La.) … Oklahoma jr./so. Damien Magnifico (Mesquite, Texas) … Georgia senior Michael Palazzone (Marietta, Ga.) … Southern Mississippi junior Andrew Pierce (Stinger, Miss.) … UC Irvine sophomore Andrew Thurman (Orange, Calif.) … and Florida Gulf Coast freshman Zack Tillery (Naples, Fla.), who also doubled as a third baseman for FGCU and had been a reliever prior to making his first start during the past week.

The other Primetime week-9 honorees include Oklahoma State junior lefthander Andrew Heaney (Oklahoma City, Okla.) and Florida junior LHP/1B Brian Johnson (Cocoa Beach, Fla.) – along with UCLA junior centerfielder Beau Amaral (Huntington Beach, Fla.) … Seton Hall freshman first baseman Sal Annunziata (Bronx, N.Y.) … and D-2 Francis Marion junior first baseman Stephen Tarkenton (Newnan, Ga.).

Trea Turner (NC State)

Turner – the nation’s leader in stolen bases (38-of-39) – swiped nine bags during a key 3-1 win for the Wolfpack, which beat cb360 #42 Elon midweek (14-2) and then won an ACC series at #33 Clemson (3-1, 6-3, 6-8). Turner’s week included reaching base 14 times (8-for-16, 4 BB) while factoring into 11 of his team’s runs (6RBI-5R) and collecting 12 total bases (3B, 2 2B). He played error-free at the hot corner and tied the ACC record for stolen bases in a game, with five in the opener at Clemson.

In addition to his success on the basepaths, Turner delivered huge hit in that series opener, stroking 2-out/2-run double in the 7th inning (for the tying and go-ahead runs). Earlier in the week, he hit 3-for-4 with 4 RBI, a triple, double and a pair of stolen bases in the win over Elon. Turner already owns the NC State record for stolen bases in a season (previous record was 30) and is 25 shy of the ACC season record (63, by UNC’s Brian Roberts in 1998). He also now stands more that halfway to breaking the NC State record for career stolen bases (73).

Alex Keudell (Oregon)

Keudell faced a big challenge in the key Pac-12 series at Stanford, where he was opposed by Marc Appel – considered by many to be the top pitching prospect for the 2012 Major League draft. While matching Appel by going the full nine innings, Keudell allowed only one run on five hits and no walks whiles striking out seven. The Ducks went on to win 4-2 in 12 innings and ultimately took the series to earn a share of the Pac-12 lead.

He also pitched an inning of relief in a 4-1 midweek win over San Francisco (allowed an unearned run). Keudell has won his past four starts, with an eye-popping 0.28 ERA in that span (2R, 1 ER, 32 IP). He has fashioned a 1.92 season ERA, with a 5-3 record, 37 strikeouts, 11 walks and a .230 opponent batting average in 65.2 innings.

The 14 honorees include three seniors, six juniors, one sophomore and four freshmen – with three hailing from Florida hometowns, two each from California and Georgia, and one each from: Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon and Texas.

The 14 week-9 Primetime Performer honorees are listed below – with short bio. capsules, headshots and action photos for all 14 honorees.

Primetime Performer Award Criteria (not based solely on raw stats, but rather …)
• Must have been playing for or against a CB360 top-50 team (in the Composite National Rankings or performed a high level in games that could be key to a team’s conference/NCAA postseason qualification; made significant contribution to team’s success and potential postseason positioning (single-game wins, “quality” wins, series wins, road wins, etc.).
• Involved in clutch performances, such as late game-winning hits, noteworthy comebacks, game-changing plays, team leadership, key defensive efforts, etc.
• Performed at a top level against a team rated highly nationally (or within its conference), with bonus consideration given for key performances away from home field and vs. traditional rivals.
• Overcame adversity or extreme circumstances (for the team and/or individual).
• Any accomplishment that is rare, historic, record-setting, etc., on a national level.

CB360 PRIMETIME PERFORMERS WEEKLY HONOR ROLL (2012; #9)
(April 9-15, 2012 … presented by CollegeBaseball360.com)
             “It’s not so much what you do, as it is when you do it.”

ANDREW AIZENSTADT
Virginia Tech … RHP … Sr.
Norwell, MA … #18 

Battled opposite Miami’s Steven Ewing for eight innings, handing off 1-0 lead as Hokies went on to win 3-2 and claim series from streaking ‘Canes (cb360 #8) … allowed only one ball out of the infield until the 6th, facing only 17 batters thru the 5th … all but two of his 24 outs came via groundball outs (15) or strikeouts (7), plus an infield popup and only a single flyout (one of four balls that left the infield) … help Miami to three hits and a pair of walks … picked clutch time for his season-bests in Ks and innings (8-plus) … did not allow a runner to reach third base.

BEAU AMARAL
UCLA … CF … Jr. … Huntington Beach, CA
leadoff … bats: L … #25 

Hit .500 for the week (9-for-18) – including a rare two-triple game – in key week for Bruins that included 4-2 win over #15 Cal State Fullerton and huge Pac-12 showdown series win at #10 Arizona (3-4, 15-3, 6-2) … collected 14 total bases (2B) during the week, while factoring into 13 of his team’s runs (6RBI-7R) … extended his career-best hitting streak to 18 games (matching the best at UCLA since 205(, after hitting safely in each game … hit 2-for-3 (R) in win over Fullerton, then had the 2-triple game to help square series at Arizona (4-6, 4RBI-4R) … added 2-for-5 game in series finale, highlighted by game-tying double in 5th (he came around to score the go-ahead run) … his .346 season batting average includes a .431 mark in Pac-12 play.

SAL ANNUNZIATA
Seton Hall … 1B … Fr. … Bronx, NY
 6-hole … bats: R … #11 

Played key role in handing Louisville (cb360 #30) its first home series loss in BIG EAST play since 2009 (3-2, 7-12, 9-4) … hit 5-for-11 in Louisville series while reaching base eight times from middle of the order (BB, 2HBP), with nine total bases (HR-2B) to go along with 3RBI-3R … reached four times in series-opening win over Cards (2-2, BB-HBP-R-2B) … his first home run of season helped deliver series-deciding win (2-5, 2R) … part of SHU squad that outhit BIG EAST’s top offensive team (38-28) … also helped Pirates beat Wagner in midweek (9-1) while pushing Ivy League favorite Princeton to 10 innings (5-4 loss).

ANDRO CUTURA
Southeastern Louisiana … RHP … Fr.
Pearl River, LA … #3 

Rookie hurler who delivered in a big way vs. Southland Conference favorite Texas State (cb360 #37), going the distance in series-opening win (10-1, with Lions going on to take the series) … faced only 32 batters (5 over the min.), with five hits, two walks and three strikeouts (he rolled up a double play and erased another runner on a pickoff – both in the 1st inning).

ANDREW HEANEY
Oklahoma State … LHP … Jr.
Oklahoma City, OK … #8

Pushed his season strikeout total to 85 (2nd-most in the nation) after totaling 9 Ks in pressure-packed game vs. cb360 #23 Texas – going nine innings in 1-1 game that Cowboys won in 13 (1-1) … scattered six hits and walked only one, while facing 34 batters … shut out the Longhorns from the 4th-9th innings … owns a 2.14 season ERA and equally-impressive .200 batting avg., with more innings pitches (67.1) than combined hits (49) and walks (14) allowed (6-to-1 K-t0-walk ratio) … averaging 11.4 Ks per 9 IP.

BRIAN JOHNSON
Florida … LHP/1B … Jr.
Cocoa Beach, FL … bats: L … #35 

Two-way talent who helped complete sweep of 3-game season series vs. rival Florida State (cb360 #1) – followed by SEC series win at upstart Tennessee (3-1, 4-5, 8-1), picking up clutch win as game-3 starter … hit .471 during the week (8-17) with team-high 7 RBI … went 2-for-5 with solo home run in win over Seminoles, at FSU’s sold-out Dick Howser Stadium … that game completed Florida’s first sweep of regular-season series vs. FSU since 1958 (also Gators’ first win over #1 team since 2007) … hit 6-for-12 in series at Tennessee and accounted for nearly half of his team’s RBI (6 of 13) … was 2-for-4 with key game-tying single in the 4th during tight opener … added 3-for-5 in gm-2 (leadoff HR in 2nd, RBI 2B in 3rd) … helped deliver series-deciding win in gm-3, after logging six shutout innings (6H-BB-4K) and smacking 3-run 2B in the 1st … his season totals include a 3.88 ERA, 5-1 record and 39 Ks in 48.2 IP – plus a .315 batting avg. (23RBI-11R-4HR-6 2B).

*ALEX KEUDELL
Oregon … RHP … Sr.
Portland, OR … #47 

Faced a big challenge in the key Pac-12 series at Stanford, where he was opposed by Marc Appel – considered by many to be the top pitching prospect for the 2012 Major League draft … while matching Appel by going the full nine innings, he allowed only one run on five hits and no walks whiles striking out seven (season-high) … the Ducks went on to win 4-2 in 12 innings and ultimately took the series to earn a share of the Pac-12 lead … also pitched inning of relief in 4-1 midweek win over San Francisco (allowed unearned run) … has won his past four starts, with an eye-popping 0.28 ERA in that span (2R, 1 ER, 32 IP) … has fashioned a 1.92 season ERA, with a 5-3 record, 37 strikeouts, 11 walks and a .230 opponent batting average in 65.2 innings.

DAMIEN MAGNIFICO
Oklahoma … RHP … Jr./So.
Mesquite, TX … #32 

Took the mound midweek with his team needing a signature win and that’s what he delivered, coming one out short of complete game as Sooners topped cb360 #12 Arkansas (4-0) … held Razorbacks to three hits and three walks, with 4 Ks in only his second start of the season … was clocked at 100 mph 22 times in the game and logged 14 pitches or fewer in every inning but the 8th (20) … needed only five pitches in the 2nd inning, eight in the 3rd and nine in the 7th … has a 3.16 season ERA, in 14 total appearances … JC transfer from Howard College … was a 5th-round draft pick of the New York Mets in 2009.

MICHAEL PALAZZONE
Georgia … RHP … Sr.
Marietta, GA … #44 

Stepped into game-1 starting role and responded with complete-game effort, allowing only two earned runs and keeping his team in position for late rally that beat cb360 #19 Mississippi (8-4) … did not walk a batter while scattering nine hits and striking out eight, opposite Ole Miss ace Bobby Wahl … his clutch win set stage for UGa winning key SEC series (6-3, 3-8) … has nearly a 5-to-1 season strikeout-to-walk ratio (39/8).

ANDREW PIERCE
Southern Mississippi … RHP … Jr.
Stringer, MS … #12 

Locked in rare stalemate vs. cb360 #17 Central Florida, not allowing a run through the first nine innings – in rare 0-0 battle that went to extra-innings (Southern Miss won 1-0 in the 14th) … posted his third double-digit strikeouts game of the season (10) while allowing only five hits and three walks, as the zeroes continued to mount on the scoreboard …  19 of his outs came via Ks or groundballs (including a pair of double plays) … worked out of  jam in the 5th (two runners on) and later had huge bases-loaded strikeout of 3-hole hitter D.J. Hicks in the 8th … had streaks of eight straight and nine straight batters retired during the tense outing.

STEPHEN TARKENTON
Francis Marion … 1B … Jr.
Newnan, GA … 5-hole … bats: R … #9 

Delivered clutch 2-run single in 7th inning for eventual winning run, as Patriots (#20 in D-2) upset #13 South Carolina, 5-4 – in the first game at FMU’s new Cormell Field at Sparrow Stadium (commemorated with the game vs. the 2-time defending D-I champs) … reached base three times in that historic game (2-for-3, BB) … added four more hits and five RBI in key series sweep of  Lander (#30 in D-2), as Patriots extended their season record to 30-13 … distant relative of NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton.

ANDREW THURMAN
UC Irvine … RHP … So.
Orange, CA … #30 

Faced only 25 batters (two over the minimum) in eight-plus strong innings, leading Irvine to much-needed quality win in Big West series opener vs cb360 #15 Cal State Fullerton … overcame a 3rd-inning error and ultimately took no-hit bid into the 9th (broken up by Austin Kingsolver’s infield single) … added a walk in the 9th and left the game to the bullpen, finishing with one run allowed in the lone hit and only one walk , with eight strikeouts in the career-long outing.

ZACK TILLERY 
Florida Gulf Coast … RHP/3B … Fr.
Naples, FL … #10 

Roset to the occasion in his first college start, allowing only one run in seven innings to lead 4-2 win over cb360 #8 Miami – part of FGCU’s impressive midweek run in April that also has included wins over Florid State and Florida Atlantic … faced only 25 batters while limiting Hurricanes to a pair of hits and no walks … his outing nearly matched his inning total (7.1) from four previous appearances this season … did not allow any hits from the 2nd-7th innings, after allowing early run (retired 18 of 19 batters at one point) … owns a 1.88 season ERA while also serving as a regular at third base.

*TREA TURNER
North Carolina State … 3B … Fr.
Lake Worth, FL … leadoff bats: R … #8 

Added to his nation-leading stolen base total (now 38-of-39) by swiping nine bags during a key 3-1 win for the Wolfpack, which beat cb360 #42 Elon midweek (14-2) and then won an ACC series at #33 Clemson (3-1, 6-3, 6-8) … his busy week included reaching base 14 times (8-for-16, 4 BB) while factoring into 11 of his team’s runs (6RBI-5R) and collecting 12 total bases (3B, 2 2B) … played error-free at the hot corner and tied the ACC record for stolen bases in a game, with five in the opener at Clemson … also delivered huge hit in that series opener, stroking 2-out/2-run double in the 7th inning (for tying and go-ahead runs) … earlier in the week, hit 3-for-4 with 4 RBI, a triple, double and a pair of stolen bases in win over Elon … already owns the NC State record for stolen bases in a season (previous record was 30) and is 25 SBs shy of the ACC season record (63, by UNC’s Brian Roberts in 1998) … also now more that halfway to breaking the NC State record for career stolen bases (73).

* Turner is the CB360 week-9 Primetime Player of the Week while Keudell is the Primetime Pitcher of the Week

________________________________

Action photos of all 14 honorees included below (or at top of page); all photos courtesy of the respective schools:

Andrew Aizenstadt (Virginia Tech)

Beau Amaral (UCLA)

Sal Annunziata (Seton Hall)

Andro Cutura (Southeastern Louisiana)

Andrew Heaney (Oklahoma State)

Brian Johnson (Florida)

Damien Magnifico (Oklahoma)

Michael Palazzone (Georgia)

Andrew Pierce (Southern Mississippi)

Stephen Tarkenton (Francis Marion)

Andrew Thurman (UC Irvine)

Zack Tillery (Florida Gulf Coast)

(Note that this release now includes full data on all the honorees, with headshots, action photos and capsule info. – see below).

Previous CB360 Primetime Performers (2012):
Week-1 … Week-2 … Week-3 … Week-4 … Week-5 … Week-6 … Week-7

Taylor Dugas (Alabama)

The Primetime Performer awards program – also utilized on affiliate sites CollegeSports360.com, CollegeSoccer360.com and CollegeFencing360.com – seeks to recognize players based on more than simple raw stats, instead taking into account quality of opponent, contribution to team success and various situational factors (such as clutch play, all-around performance, leadership, adversity overcome, etc.).

The 16 week-8 Primetime Performer honorees are listed below – with short bio. capsules, headshots and action photos to be added later to this page (as in past weeks).

Dugas had a strong all-around series as Alabama swept its rival Auburn (cb360 #24), with the Crimson Tide leadoff hitter extending his on-base streak to 44 games while his other highlights during the series included: collecting his 300th career hit, setting the Alabama record for career triples (14), tying the career doubles mark (64), and ending game-2 with a 2-run home run (4-3). The 5-foot-7 sparkplug hit nearly .500 (9-for-17) during the 4-0 week, which included a 9-5 win over South Alabama, with 17 total bases and 11 times on-base (BB, HBP). He factored directly into 11 of his team’s runs during the week (7RBI-5R-HR).

After opening the series 2-for-4 with 3RBI (R-3B-2B-BB), Dugas ended gm-2 with a clutch 2-out/2-run blast to right field (2-for-4, HBP). His 2-for-5 effort (with a stolen base & run scored) then helped complete the sweep of the Tigers.

Jimmy Reed (Maryland)

Reed – who enjoyed an impressive first half of the season as the Terps closer – was shifted to the starting rotation and then bumped up to game-1, when ace Brett Harman was unable to go. The lifelong closer responded with eight shutout innings to beat North Carolina State (cb360 #17) in the 4-0 opener (2H-2BB-8K-29BF) – sparking his team to the eventual series win. The previous long outing of Reed’s college career had been 4.1 innings  – but he needed only 45 pitches to get through the 4th and went on to pitch to the end of the 8th.

In addition to posting 1-2-3 innings in the 1st, 3rd and 6th, Reeda never faced more than four batters in any inning . He worked around an 8th-inning walk with pair of Ks in that final inning of his outing. Reed still has allowed only one earned run all season, for a 0.34 ERA in 26.2 innings. His other season stats include a 6-to-1 K-to-walk ratio (30 Ks, 5 BB) and a lowly .136 opponent batting average.

Reed was joined on the CB360 Primetime Performers week-8 Honor roll by six others pitchers: Arkansas jr. RHP D.J. Baxendale (Jacksonville, Ark.) … Bradley sr. LHP Joe Burcher (Omaha, Neb.) … Miami jr. RHP E.J. Encinosa (Miami, Fla.) … Sam Hosuton State sr. RHP Michael Oros (Kingwood, Texas) … Cal Poly jr. RHP Joey Wagman (Danville, Calif.) … and Georgia jr./so. LHP Alex Wood (Charlotte, N.C.).

In addition to Dugas, the other position players on the week-8 Primetimer Performers Honor Roll include three shortstops – Appalachian State jr. Will Callaway (Greenville, S.C.), North Florida sr. T.J. Gavlik (Hong Kong) and Arizona State junior Deven Marrero (Davie, Fla.) – along with the first base duo of Florida State jr. Jayce Boyd (Cantonment, Fla.) and Utah Valley senior Goose Kallunki (Orem, Utah), plus a somewhat rare collection of three leftfielders: LSU jr. Arby Fields (Alto Loma, Calif.), Florida International jr. Jabari Henry (Orlando, Fla.) and Oregon so. Brett Thomas (Poway, Calif.).

The 16 week-8 Primetime honorees include five seniors, 10 juniors and one sophomore (one of the juniors has sophomore eligibility). Four of the honorees hail from hometowns in Florida, plus three from California and one each from: Arkansas, Hong Kong, Louisiana, Maryland, Nebraska, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Utah.

Primetime Performer Award Criteria (not based solely on raw stats, but rather …)
• Must have been playing for or against a CB360 top-50 team (in the Composite National Rankings or performed a high level in games that could be key to a team’s conference/NCAA postseason qualification; made significant contribution to team’s success and potential postseason positioning (single-game wins, “quality” wins, series wins, road wins, etc.).
• Involved in clutch performances, such as late game-winning hits, noteworthy comebacks, game-changing plays, team leadership, key defensive efforts, etc.
• Performed at a top level against a team rated highly nationally (or within its conference), with bonus consideration given for key performances away from home field and vs. traditional rivals.
• Overcame adversity or extreme circumstances (for the team and/or individual).
• Any accomplishment that is rare, historic, record-setting, etc., on a national level.

CB360 PRIMETIME PERFORMERS WEEKLY HONOR ROLL (2012; #8)
(April 2-8, 2012 … presented by CollegeBaseball360.com)
             “It’s not so much what you do, as it is when you do it.”

D.J. BAXENDALE
(Arkansas … RHP … Jr. … Jacksonville, AR … #24)

Logged eight shutout innings to win series-deciding game vs. CB360 #30 Georgia (8-0) … faced only 30 batters, after scattering six hits with no walks and season-high seven strikeouts (in his longest outing of 2012) … showed great control all day while locating nearly 80% of his pitches for strikes (84 of 109) …  improved to 6-1 while lowering his season ERA to 4.20 (34 Ks in 40.2 innings).

JOE BIRCHER
(Bradley … LHP … Sr.
Omaha, NE … #31)

Proved his status as one of nation’s strikeout leaders with career-best 12 Ks while going the distance in pressure-packed, 2-1 win over Missouri State (cb360 #36) … that series-opening win sparked Braves on to winning the series vs. the top team in the MVC …  scattered seven hits and did not walk a hitter en route to his sixth career complete game (first by a Bradley pitcher this season) … faced a 3-ball count only twice in the entire game … allowed a solo home run with one out in the 6th before retired 11 of the final 12 batters … averaging 10.6 strikeouts per 9 innings (68 Ks, in 57.2 IP) to go along with a 2.65 season ERA and 4-1 record.

JAYCE BOYD  
(Florida State … 1B … Jr. … Cantonment, FL … cleanup … bats: R … #16)

Hit .500 (8-for-16) during 3-1 week, including 7-for-12 (.583) in sweep at #28 Georgia Tech (2-1 in 10, 12-7, 8-4) that left FSU atop the ACC at 14-1 … reached base five times in tight opener vs. GT (3-for-3, 2BB) … drove 2-out single up the middle in 10th inning of that game, scoring from moments later on a Justin Gonzalez single to left … the next day, he sparked 2-out rally in 9-run top of the 5th, with that RBI single part of his 2-hit effort in gm-2 … closed series by going 2-for-4 (plus a walk) in gm-3 win … earlier in the week, his RBI double drove in FSU’s only run vs.  Florida Gulf Coast.

WILL CALLAWAY
(Appalachian State … SS … Jr. … Greenville, SC
3-hole … bats: R … #32)

Played lead role in App. State continuing its climb up the national rankings, following key SoCon series vs. cb360 #49 College of Charleston (8-6, 8-2, 3-8) … opened series by hitting 3-for-4 with pair of RBI and a run scored (2B, sac-fly) … his 7th-inning single in that game preceded Daniel Kassouf’s 3-run HR, as Mountaineers scored five times to reverse 4-2 deficit into 7-4 lead … launched his own 3-run home run in series-clinching second game, after working to 2-0 count and then driving ball over leftfield fence for clutch 2-out blast … added an RBI double and stolen base in series finale.

*TAYLOR DUGAS
(Alabama … CF … Sr. … Lafayette, LA …
leadoff … bats: L … #1)

Turned in a strong all-around series as Tide swept rival Auburn (cb360 #24; 10-6, 4-3, 6-2), with the Crimson Tide leadoff hitter extending his on-base streak to 44 games while his other highlights during the series included: collecting his 300th career hit, setting the Alabama record for career triples (14), tying the career doubles mark (64), and ending game-2 with a 2-out, 2-run home run (4-3) …the 5-foot-7 sparkplug hit nearly .500 (9-for-17) during the 4-0 week, which included a 9-5 win over South Alabama, with 17 total bases and 11 times on-base (BB, HBP) … factored directly into 11 of his team’s runs during the week (7RBI-5R-HR) … opened series batting 2-for-4 (3RBI-R-3B-2B-BB) … ended gm-2 with clutch 2-out/2-run blast to right field (2-for-4, HBP) … his 2-for-5 effort (w/ stolen base & run scored) helped complete sweep of the Tigers.

E.J. ENCINOSA
(Miami … RHP … Jr. … Miami, FL … #44)

Converted starter who used that versatility to log six innings in marathon game vs. North Carolina (cb360 #3) that extended past midnight, with ‘Canes winning 4-3 in 14 innings to clinch series (and go on to series sweep later that day, after the sun came up) … flamethrower who closed the final six innings and retired all 18 batters he faced, with a caveat – he inherited runners on 1st & 2nd w/ no outs in the 9th, but UNC forced extra-innings after a sac. bunt and passed ball … totaled six strikeouts in his surprise 74-pitch outing, with no baserunners allowed … 12 of his outs came on Ks or groundballs (6), plus a pair of foulouts and an infield lineout … allowed only three balls to reach the outfield in the six innings … the three wins over UNC marked the first time since 2001 the Hurricanes had swept a team ranked as high as #3 … part of Miami staff that posted two shutouts in the series and allowed only three runs in 32 innings (one unearned; 0.56 series ERA) … other top Miami pitchers in the series included Eric Erickson (7IP-4H-5K), AJ Salcines (2GP-2IP-UER-2H-BB-3K), Eric Whaley (7IP-2R-7H-K) and Steven Ewing (6IP-3H-7BB-9K).

ARBY FIELDS
(LSU … LF … Jr. … Alta Loma, CA
8-hole … bats: switch … #9)

Reserve outfielder who was pressed into key role during series finale at #1 Florida, playing integral part as Tigers rallied from early 7-2 deficit to win 8-7 in series-deciding game … entered that finale in 2nd inning, due to injuries suffered by two other leftfielders … made big defensive impact – including one that robbed Mike Zunino of extra-base hit – while also delivering offensive spark … hit 2-for-4 from 8-hole, with RBI and pair of runs scored … drove the right-center gap for 2-out, RBI triple and went on to score tying run in 7th inning … also scored earlier run, in 3-run top of the 4th.

T.J. GAVLIK  
(North Florida … SS … Sr. … Hong Kong
9-hole/leadoff … bats: L … #10)

Helped knock off #1 Florida in 10-5 midweek game, followed by key Atlantic Sun series win over East Tennessee (1-6, 5-2, 13-4) … posted multiple hits (8-for-16; 4RBI-5R-2 2B-2BB) and scored in each game … totaled career-best 3 RBI in win over Gators, while batting out of 9-hole (2-for-4, RBI, 3B) … had RBI single as part of 4-run bottom of the 2nd vs. Florida, adding RBI groundout in the 5th and run-scoring triple into right-center gap (7th; also came around to score) … made diving catch to snare linedrive for final out in Florida game … struck out only once all week, in  18 plate appearances.

JABARI HENRY  
(Florida International … LF … Jr.
Orlando, FL … 5/6-hole … bats: R … #14) 

Showed his penchant for bunching together big hits during team’s 5-0 week, homering four times while totaling 13 RBI and scoring 7 runs … opened week with booming home run to deep-center against Florida A&M (FIU won 13-0, then 9-4 the next day) …helped sweep Sun Belt Conference preseason co-favorite Troy (11-7, 5-3, 4-2), with home run that held up as game-winning run in 8th inning of gm-2 – before homering twice in series finale … also had another eventual game-winning hit, on a 2-run single, in series opener vs. Trojans … totaled 5 RBI in  that first game vs. Troy, in game started by Tyler Ray (widely considered to be SBC’s top pitcher) …hit 5-for-10 in Troy series, with 10 RBI, 4 runs and the pair of HR (BB, SF) … batting at a .462 clip over the past 10 games (6 HR, 23 RBI).

GOOSE KALLUNKI  
(Utah Valley … 1B … Sr. … Orem, UT
5-hole … bats: R … #33

Hit .526 (10-for-19) with three home runs and 12 RBI during 5-0 week that included 5-4 win over CB360 #6 Arizona … the ‘Cats were ranked as high as #4 in the national polls, representing the biggest upset in Utah Valley’s D-I history … hit 2-for-4 with a home run and pair of home runs in upset of Arizona … stroked game-ending double vs. North Dakota, sparking 4-gm sweep of that Great West Conference opening series … added grand slam and 3-run blast later in that series … his season totals include five home runs and 31 RBI.

DEVEN MARRERO  
(Arizona State … SS … Jr. … Davie, FL
2-hole … bats: R … #17) 

Made key contributions in ASU’s sweep of #20 Oregon State (8-2, 3-2, 5-1), with timely hits in each game while playing error-free on 16 fielding chances in the series … his 2-out bunt single, stolen base & run opened the game’s scoring and sparked 4-run bottom of the 3rd in opener … came through in the clutch a day later, stroking 2-run triple that pushed ASU ahead 2-1 in the 5th … singled and scored as part of 5-run rally in 8th inning of the series finale.

MICHAEL OROS
(Sam Houston State … RHP … Sr.
Kingwood, TX … #39)

Registered big midweek win over cb360 #12 Rice, with five shutout innings in his first start of season (3H-3BB-4K) … returned to his reliever role over the weekend and saved 5-3, series-sweeping game vs. Southland Conference contender Northwestern (La.) State, facing only six batters over the final 2.o innings (H-3K, runner erased caught stealing) … leads team in ERA (1.91) while winning all four of his official decisions, with a pair of saves.
*JIMMY REED  
(Maryland … LHP … Jr.
Gaithersburg, MD … #11)

Enjoyed impressive first half of the season as the Terps closer before being shifted to the starting rotation and then bumped up to game-1, when ace Brett Harman was unable to go … the lifelong reliever responded with eight shutout innings to beat North Carolina State (cb360 #17), in the 4-0 opener (2H-2BB-8K-29BF) – sparking team to eventual series win … previous long outing of his college career had been 4.1 innings … needed only 45 pitches to get through the 4th … posted 1-2-3 innings in the 1st, 3rd and 6th and never faced more than four batters in any inning … worked around 8th-inning walk with pair of Ks in that final inning of his outing … has allowed only one earned run all season, for a 0.34 ERA in 26.2 innings … his other season stats include a 6-to-1 K-to-walk ratio (30 Ks, 5 BB) and a lowly .136 opponent batting average.

BRETT THOMAS
(Oregon … LF … So. … Poway, CA
5-hole … bats: L … #2) 

Rose to the occasion in big series at cb360 #5 UCLA, batting 7-for-11 as Ducks won 2-of-3 (6-2, 8-3, 6-8) … totaled nine bases (2 2B), reached base nine times (BB-HBP) and factored into five runs (2RBI-3R) while adding pair of stolen bases and even an outfield assist to round out his strong all-around series … hit 2-for-4 (SB) in series opener, then went 3-for-4 (RBI, R) in the series-clincher … had key 2-out RBI single, as part of Oregon’s 4-run top of the 5th in that gm-2 win … closed with his third multi-hit games of the series, in Saturday finale (2-for-4, RBI, 2R, 2B, SB).

JOEY WAGMAN  
(Cal Poly … RHP … Jr.
Danville, CA … #30)

Dropped his season ERA to 2.05, after scattering seven hits over eight scoreless innings in 6-0 win over cb360 #39 UC Irvine – launching Mustangs on to series sweep (also 3-2, 8-1) of fellow Big West contender UCI … struck out four and walked only one in the 110-pitch outing … had pair of 1-2-3 innings while allowing only two baserunners to reach third base … the game marked the first time since 2008 that a Big West team has defeated Irvine in a series opener (ending UCI’s stretch of 25 straight Big West series without a gm-1 loss).

ALEX WOOD  
(Georgia … LHP … Jr./So.
Charlotte, NC … #33)

Delivered huge series-opening win at cb360 #9 Arkansas (4-2), going the distance with 11 strikeouts to get the best of duel opposite Ryan Stanek (who entered the game with a 1.26 ERA and 6-0 record) … lasted three innings longer than Stanek while negating spirited Baum Stadium crowd of 7,500-plus … seemingly became stronger as game progressed, after pitching without a lead until UGa scored three times in the 5th (for the 4-2 final margin) … allowed the pair of runs on seven hits and three walks, while dropping his season ERA to 2.45.

* Dugas is the CB360 week-8 Primetime Player of the Week while Reed is the Primetime Pitcher of the Week

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Action photos below (and above) courtesy of the respective schools.

DJ Baxendale (Arkansas)

Joe Bircher (Bradley)

Jayce Boyd (Florida State)

Will Callaway (Appalachian State)

EJ Encinosa (Miami)

Arby Fields (LSU)

TJ Gavlik (North Florida)

Jabari Henry (Florida International)

Goose Kallunki (Utah Valley)

Deven Marrero (Arizona State)

Michael Oros (Sam Houston State)

Brett Thomas (Oregon)

Joey Wagman (Cal Poly)

Alex Wood (Georgia)

Previous CB360 Primetime Performers (2012):
Week-1 … Week-2 … Week-3 … Week-4 … Week-5 … Week-6

The Primetime Performer awards program – also utilized on affiliate sites CollegeSports360.com, CollegeSoccer360.com and CollegeFencing360.com – seeks to recognize players based on more than simple raw stats, instead taking into account quality of opponent, contribution to team success and various situational factors (such as clutch play, all-around performance, leadership, adversity overcome, etc.).

The 14 week-7 Primetime Performer honorees are listed below – with short bio. capsules, headshots and action photos included at the bottom of the page.

Ole Miss sophomore ace – and clutch pinch-runner – Bobby Wahl

WAHL narrowly edged two Pac-12 righthanders – Arizona sophomore Konner Wade (Scottsdale, Ariz.) and Oregon senior Alex Keudell (Portland, Ore.) – for the top pitching honor among the week-7 Primetime Performers, in part due to the unique dual role that Wahl played in the Ole Miss series win over top-ranked Florida (3-0, 4-9, 7-6).

Most notably, Wahl turned in eight strong innings in the series-opening shutout, holding the potent Gators lineup to a pair of hits and three walks, while striking out six in that career-long outing. Wahl led the way in handing Florida its first shutout loss since April 4, 2011 . He allowed only one baserunner into scoring position and retired 13 of the final 14 batters he faced, improving to 5-0 while posting his third Friday-night shutout effort of the season.

In the waning moments of the weekend series, Wahl was called in to pinch-run (something he had not done since high school). He promptly scooted from 1st to 3rd on a single up the middle and scored on a ground ball for the dramatic 9th-inning finish. Ole Miss now has won all three series it has played vs. #1-ranked teams, during the tenue of head coach Mike Bianco.

LSU sophomore catcher Ty Ross

ROSS handled the catching duties during a strong all-around week from the LSU pitching staff, while also providing key production from the bottom half of the batting order. He posted 2-hit efforts in each game of the huge series sweep of CB360 #3 Arkansas (10-6, 2-1, 3-2 in 11), highlighted by coming  through in the clutch with a game-ending single in game-2 and then scoring the 11th-inning run a day later to complete the sweep.

In the low-scoring series vs. Arkansas, Ross hit 6-for-13 with a pair of clutch RBI, two runs scored, a home run, double and walk. He also twice gunned down leadoff batter Tim Carver on stolen-base attempts, including one to end the top of the 8thin the tense game-2.

Ross hit 2-for-5 in the opener, with a solo home run and another run scored. He added an early leadoff double in game-2 before ending the game in the 9th, on a 1st-pitch, opposite-field single to right (vs. Barret Astin) to score Mason Katz. Ross then reached base three times in the series finale (2-for-4, BB) and again was among the final-inning heroes, sparking the rally on a 2-out single and coming around to score in bottom of the 11th. He directed an LSU pitching staff that posted a 3.00 team ERA (52 Ks, 8 BB) during the series vs. the potent Arkansas squad.

In addition to Wahl, Wade and Keudell, the week-7 CB360 Primetime Performers include six other pitchers: four righthanders – Georgia Southern junior Chris Beck (Jefferson, Ga.) … San Francisco jr./so. Abe Bobb (Denver, Colo.) … UNLV freshman Erick Fedde (Las Vegas, Nev.) … and Long Beach State junior Shawn Stuart (Turlock, Calif.) – along with a pair of young LHPs, in Southern Miss so./fr. Jake Drehoff (Alpharetta, Ga.) and Cal State Northridge freshman Jerry Keel (Palmdale, Calif.). Other Primetime honorees include two more catchers – Texas State junior Andrew Stumph (Katy, Texas) and Kentucky senior Michael Williams (Knoxville, Tenn.) – plus California junior third baseman Mitch Delfino (Cloverdale, Calif.) and North Carolina State junior leftfielder Tarran Senay (South Park, Pa.)

The 14 Primetime honorees include three seniors, six juniors, three sophomores and a pair of freshmen – with three from California hometowns, two from Georgia, and one each from Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Nevada, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.

CHRIS BECK
(Georgia Southern … RHP … Jr. … Jefferson, GA … #25)

Elite pitching prospect who provided a rare glimpse at his versatility by notching the first save of his career and then racking up a career-best 16 strikeouts later in the week … closed 5-3 win at Georgia Tech (cb360 #28), striking out Kyle Wren & Brandon Thomas before inducing Sam Dove’s flyout for a 1-2-3 bottom of the 9th, vs. the top of the GT batting order … struck out 10 of the first 14 batters he faced (16 total Ks), en route to 4-2 series-opening win over fellow SoCon contender College of Charleston (cb360 #41) … allowed a pair of runs on seven hits and two walks in that 6-inning start … averaging 11.5 strikeouts per nine innings this season (61 Ks in 47.2 IP).

ABE BOBB
(San Francisco … RHP … Jr./So. … Denver, CO … #35)

Saturday starter who tacked on another quality outing, this time in a Sunday series finale, as Dons won a rare 1-0 thriller vs. surging San Diego (cb360 #26), which had been shut out only once previously this season … countered six hits allowed by striking out six and walking none, in 7.1 tense innings vs. the Toreros … forced contact early vs. USD while regularly working ahead in the count by executing his pitches, changing arm angle and attacking the hitters …has posted four wins this season while compiling a 2.33 ERA and impressive 36-to-5 K-to-walk ratio.

MITCH DELFINO
(California … 3B … Jr. … Cloverdale, CA … 2-hole … bats: R … #44)

Racked up a 1.245 OPS (on-base plus slugging) during the week, as Bears posted 7-6 road win over quality Fresno State team before winning 2-of-3 vs. Texas (cb360 #20) in Round Rock, Texas (a virtual home series for the ‘Horns) … reached base eight times during the week (6-for-17, 2 BB), with 14 total bases (2 HR, 2 2B) and six RBI … provided three key RBI in close win over Fresno, with two-run double and a solo home run … homered again in another 1-run thriller, adding a timely RBI single in 6th inning of that 6-5 series clincher vs. Texas.

JAKE DREHOFF
(Southern Mississippi … LHP … So./Fr. … Alpharetta, GA … #29)

Nearly went the distance while picking up 2-1 win that ties series vs. Conference USA favorite Rie (cb360 #11) … kept the ball low in the zone while racking up 19 outs via groundballs (plus an infield popup and foulout) … improved to 4-0, after scattering nine hits and three walks over the 8.2 innings (the longest outing by a USM pitcher this season).

ERICK FEDDE
(UNLV … RHP … Fr. … Las Vegas, NV … #20)

Delivered seven shutout innings to help Rebels take series finale at Mountain West favorite TCU (cb360 #38) … struck out seven while allowing only three hits, plus three walks … did not allow a multi-hit inning … retired final 11 batters he faced.

JERRY KEEL
(Cal State Northridge … LHP … Fr. … Palmdale, CA … #40)

Make several clutch pitches while working out of several jams, en route to complete-game win, 5-1, in series finale vs. Big West power Cal State Fullerton (cb360 #12) … scattered nine hits and two walks over the marathon 133-pitch outing, with three strikeouts … allowed a run in the first, before putting eight straight zeroes on the scoreboard … held the potent 2-3-4 trio of Anthony Trajano, Michael Lorenzen and Carlos Lopez to a 2-for-10 combined day (those three went 9-for-13 a day earlier, in 8-6 win over the Matadors) … lowered his team-best ERA to 1.49.

ALEX KEUDELL
(Oregon … RHP … Sr. … Portland, OR … #47)

Registered the first solo shutout of his four-year college career, winning a rare 1-0 pitchers duel (opposite Brady Rodgers) to ultimately help Ducks sweep Arizona State (cb360 #24) … the shutout was the first for Oregon in its all-time series vs. ASU … faced only three batters over the minimum (30), offsetting four hits and two walks allowed with a pair of pickoff throws and a double-play ball (part of his 14 groundball outs, to go along with a pair of strikeouts) … an Andrew Aplin double was the only extra-base hit allowed in his third career complete game.

* TY ROSS
(LSU … C … So. … Naples, FL … 6-/7-hole … bats: R … #26)

Handled catching duties during strong all-around week from the LSU pitching staff, while also providing key production from bottom half of the batting order … posted 2-hit efforts in each game of huge series sweep of CB360 #3 Arkansas (10-6, 2-1, 3-2 in 11) … came through in the clutch with game-ending single in game-2, then scored 11th-inning run a day later to complete the sweep … hit 6-for-13 in the low-scoring Arkansas series, with a pair of clutch RBI, two runs scored, a home run, double and walk … also twice gunned down leadoff batter Tim Carver on stolen-base attempts (including one to end the top of the 8th, in the tense game-2) … hit 2-for-5 in the opener, with a solo home run and another run scored … added an early leadoff double in game-2 before ending the game in the 9th, on a 1st-pitch, opposite-field single to right (vs. Barret Astin), scoring Mason Katz … reached base three times in series finale (2-for-4, BB) and again was among the final-inning heroes, sparking rally on a 2-out single and coming around to score in bottom of the 11th … directed LSU pitching staff that posted 3.00 team ERA (52 Ks, 8 BB) during series vs. potent Arkansas squad.

TARRAN SENAY  
(North Carolina State … LF … Jr. … South Park, PA … 5-/6-hole … bats: L … #32)

Played key role for Wolfpack squad hoping to remain among nation’s top-20, batting 6-for-13 (.462) that included 4-3, 11-inning win over East Carolina and key series vs. Virginia (5-2, 2-5, 7-6) … his 3-for-5 game vs. ECU (2 RBI, R, 2B) included 2-out single to right that scored Brett Austin with the winning run in the 11th … hit his first home run of the season during series vs. UVa … closed week by batting 2-for-4 with a double and key sacrifice bunt in series-clinching comeback vs. Cavaliers … his 6th-inning double in that game preceded Andrew Ciecin’s sacrifice fly … later executed sac.-bunt as part of game-winning, 2-run rally in bottom of 9th.

SHAWN STUART
(Long Beach State … RHP … Jr. … Turlock, CA … #22)

Secured series-deciding win with 1-hit shutout at Cal Poly (cb360 #36), after totaling a season-high nine strikeouts and allowing only three baserunners through the full nine innings (one walk and one hit-batter among 30 faced, with 107 pitches) … fashioned first 1-hitter by a Long Beach pitcher since 2006.

ANDREW STUMPH
(Texas State … C … Jr. … Katy, TX … 5-hole … bats: R … #30)

Helped Bobcats extend their impressive string of midweek wins, with some key hits in victories over CB360 #17 Oregon (11-3, 7-6) … smacked his first home run in first game vs. the Ducks, then rose to the challenge in 8th inning og game-2 – with RBI single (eventual gamewinner) after Oregon had walked Jeff McVaney in favor of facing Stumph … also threw out two attempted base-stealers in the Oregon series … later helped win Southland Conference series vs. McNeese State, batting 6-for-13 (6RBI-2R-HR-2B).

KONNER WADE
(Arizona … RHP … So. … Scottsdale, AZ … #48) 

Picked a great time for the best outing of his career, going the distance in a 3-hitter that clinched series vs. #2 Stanford (4-2) … carried no-hitter into 6th inning, while facing one of Pac-12′s top lineups … touched for only one earned run … did not allow a hit over the final three innings and retured final seven batters he faced, highlighted by striking out the side in the 8th … totaled seven strikeouts vs. only one walk … ranked second among Pac-12 pitchers with 52 total Ks this season (also third in the league in low opp. batting avg., at .198) … the Wildcats went on to sweep Stanford  (for the first time since 1993) and now have won seven straight weekend series this season.

* BOBBY WAHL
(Mississippi … RHP/pinch-runner … So. … Springfield, VA … #19)

Played unique dual role in series win over top-ranked Florida (3-0, 4-9, 7-6), most notably in his eight strong innings that opened the series … held potent Gators lineup to a pair of hits and three walks, while striking out six in that career-long outing … led the way in handing Florida its first shutout loss since April 4, 2011 …  allowed only one baserunner into scoring position and retired 13 of the final 14 batters he faced … improved to 5-0 while posting his third Friday-night shutout effort of the season … called in to pinch-run (something he had not done since high school) in the series finale, scooting from 1st to 3rd on a single up the middle and scoring on a ground ball for the dramatic 9th-inning finish … Ole Miss now has won all three series it has played vs. #1-ranked teams, during the tenue of head coach Mike Bianco.

MICHAEL WILLIAMS
(Kentucky … C … Sr. … Knoxville, TN … 8-hole … bats: R … #35)

Helped Wildcats extend their historic season (capped by the program’s first #1 national rankings) during 3-1 week that included 7-4 win over Western Kentucky and series win at Cb360 #21 Georgia (6-7, 9-8, 11-2) … provided big lift from the 8-hole,  batting .500 during the week (8-for-16), reaching base 10 times (2 BB) and factoring into 11 of his team’s runs (9RBI, 2 R), with a pair of doubles … pulled a 3-run double down the leftfield line to spark series-tying effort in game-2 (he hit 3-for-5 in that key game, with 4 RBI) … added another strong game in series-deciding showdown (2-for-4, 2RBI-BB-2B) … hit 2-for-3 with 3 RBI in midweek win over WKU (R-BB).

* – Ross is the CB360 Primetime Player of the Week and Wahl the Primetime Pitcher of the Week

__________________

Action photos pictured below (and above) courtesy of the respective schools and their photo staffs (special thanks to Chuck Cox of RoadTripSports.com for the photo of Cal’s Delfino, from action in Round Rock)

Chris Beck (Georgia Southern)

Abe Bobb (San Francisco)

Mitch Delfino (California)

Jake Drehoff (Southern Miss)

Erick Fedde (UNLV)

Jerry Keel (Cal State Northridge)

Alex Keudell (Arizona State)

Tarran Senay (NC State)

Shawn Stuart (Long Beach State)

Andrew Stumph (Texas State)

Konner Wade (Arizona)

Michael Willams (Kentucky)

Previous CB360 Primetime Performers (2012): Week-1 … Week-2 … Week-3 … Week-4 … Week-5

Zack Godley (Tennessee)

The Primetime Performer awards program – also utilized on affiliate sites CollegeSports360.com, CollegeSoccer360.com and CollegeFencing360.com – seeks to recognize players based on more than simple raw stats, instead taking into account quality of opponent, contribution to team success and various situational factors (such as clutch play, all-around performance, leadership, adversity overcome, etc.).

GODLEY turned in eight strong innings to lead Volunteers in handing Kentucky (cb360 #9) its first loss of the season, in a 4-1 series opener (the ‘Cats had started 22-0). He limited the hot-hitting oppoition to the lone run on three hits, with four strikeouts in am outing that matched longest of his career. Godley retired 21 of the final 25 batters he faced (after allowing a 1st-inning run), with no Kentucky runners reaching second based during the 2nd-8th innings. He has compiled a 2.92 season ERA and 4-1 record, with 30 strikeouts and only six walks in 37 innings (with a .221 opp. batting avg.).

Royce Bolinger (Gonzaga)

BOLINGER hit .529 (9-for-17) to lead a sweep of the 4-game series vs. cb360 #44 Hawaii (4-1, 4-0, 7-6, 9-3), with three home runs and seven RBI. His pair of hits in Friday’s game included an RBI single to open the series scoring in the Bulldogs’ first trip to the plate. He followed with a strong doubleheader (4-for-8, 2 RBI, 3 R), as his home run paced the game-1 shutout. Bolinger hit 3-for-5 and went deep twice in the series finale, highlighted by an early 2-run blast to deep-center field (plus another 2-run shot later in the game). he riding a 9-game hitting streak while batting .366 for the season (19 RBI, 5 HR), helping Gonzaga (16-6) extend its solid start to the season.

The week-6 CB360 Primetime Performers include five other righthanded pitchers: Rhode Island jr. Sean Furney (Warwick, R.I.) … Oral Roberts so. Alex Gonzales (Delray Beach, FL) … Arizona State jr. Brady Rodgers (Richmond, Texas) …  Texas Tech jr./so. Duke von Schamann (Edmond, Okla.) … and Texas A&M jr. Michael Wacha (Texarkana, Texas).

The nine other position players among the Primetime Performers include a couple corner outfielder who double as catchers – Wofford sr. Mac Doyle (Conway, S.C.) and New Mexico jr. Mitchell Garver (Albuquerque, N.M.) – along with Belmont so. LF William Dodd (Murfreesboro, Tenn.) and a repeat honoree in Auburn so. CF Ryan Tella (Fremont, Calif.), plus Boston College fr. 2B Blake Butera (Madisonville, La.), Sam Houston State jr. 3B Kevin Miller (Pearland, Texas) and three first basemen:  New Mexico State sr. Kurt Snowley (Milwaukie, Ontario), Southern Mississippi jr. Blake Brown (Semmes, Ala.) and Virginia sr. Jared King (Radford, Va.)

The 16 Primetime honorees include four seniors, eight juniors, three sophomores and a freshmen – with three from Texas hometowns, two from South Carolina, and one each from Arizona, Alabama, California, Florida, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Ontario, Rhode Island, Tennessee and Virginia.

ROYCE BOLINGER
(Gonzaga … CF/RF/LF … Sr. … Scottsdale, AZ … 3-hole/cleanup … bats: R … #21)

Hit .529 (9-for-17) to lead sweep of 4-game series vs. cb360 #44 Hawaii (4-1, 4-0, 7-6, 9-3), with three home runs and seven RBI … his pair of hits on Friday included RBI single to open the series scoring in Bulldogs’ first trip to the plate … followed with strong doubleheader (4-for-8, 2 RBI, 3 R), with his home run pacing the game-1 shutout … hit 3-for-5 and went deep twice in the series finale, highlighted by an early 2-run blast to deep-center field (plus another 2-run shot) … riding a 9-game hitting streak while batting .366 for the season (19 RBI, 5 HR).

BLAKE BROWN
(Southern Mississippi … 1B … Jr. … Semmes, AL … 3-hole … bats: R … #22) 

Powered Eagles to 10-0 win at cb360 #19 Mississippi, batting 3-for-5 with a home run and nearly another (tripled off wall in dead-center) en route to three RBI and a pair of runs scored … that 1st-inning triple led to him scoring the game’s first run at Ole Miss … also helped team take CUSA series from Houston (8-0, 17-2, 5-10) … matched his season home run total (3) during the week, highlighted by 2-run blast that started a 13-run explosion from Southern Miss in the 5th (he also doubled and scored in that “bakers-dozen” output) … collected hits in all four games while batting .353 during the week and totaling eight RBI (pushing his team-best total to 29) … launched 3-run HR in series finale vs. the Cougars.

BLAKE BUTERA
(Boston College … 2B … Fr. … Madisonville, LA … 2-hole … bats: R … #3)

His bases-loaded, game-winning single clinched series win over cb360 #15 Georgia Tech (15-7, 4-3, 1-2), with that clutch at-bat producing a 2-out, opposite-field single to right field … earlier had opened the series by batting 3-for-5 with an RBI, double and stolen base … added a hit in tight series finale … reached base seven times in the series (5-for-13, 2 BB) … totaled eight hits during team’s 3-1 week, including 3-for-5 effort in 8-5 win at Bryant (RBI, 2R, 2B).

WILLIAM DODD
(Belmont … LF … So. …Murfreesboro, TN … 9-hole … bats: R … #15)

Provided huge boost from bottom of the lineup in Bruins’ near-sweep of series vs. cb360 #27 Stetson that featured stunning game-1 blowout (23-4, 5-0, 4-5 in 10 inn.) … also played in 6-5 win at Western Kentucky, ultimately batting .533 during the week (8-for-15) with a 1.000 slugging pct. (2 HR, 2B) and nine RBI from the 9-hole … his career day (4-for-5, 2 HR, 6 RBI) sparked opening win over the Atlantic-Sun favorite Hatters.

MAC DOYLE
(Wofford … RF/C … Sr. … Conway, SC … 3-hole … bats: R …#3) 

Rose to the occasion vs. what likely will be the Terriers’ top opponent of the season, homering twice vs. cb360 #6 South Carolina – leading team to 5-4, 11-inning road victory (first win over a top-10 opponent in the program’s history) … also homered in series vs. one of SoCon’s top teams, Samford, as part of his 15 total bases during four-game week … launched 2-2 pitch over fence in left-center, for 3-2 deficit in top of 6th vs. two-time defending champ SC … later tied game on another 2-strike, 2-run blast, sending 1-2 pitch over leftfield fence for 4-4 game in 8th … reached base four times (BB, HBP) in the historic win over the Gamecocks.

SEAN FURNEY
(Rhode Island … RHP … Jr. … Warwick, RI … #40)

Answered the bell in impressive fashion during his first start of the season, winning the series-deciding game vs. Atlantic-10 Conference favorite Charlotte (5-1), capping showdown weekend between the A-10′s top contenders … held 49ers to a lone run on six hots and no walks in eight full innings, with four strikeouts while facing only 27 batters (3 over the min.; 2 caught stealing, 1 DP) … also posted 1-2-3 relief inning (2 Ks) to help deliver 7-5 midweek win at Sacred Heart … struck out six batters and walked none during the week.

MITCHELL GARVER
(New Mexico … LF/C … Jr. … Albuquerque, NM … 6-hole … bats: R … #10)

Played lead role in series win over cb360 #26 TCU (9-8, 4-5, 12-7), as Lobos surged past the Frogs atop the Mountain West standings … hit 5-for-12 in the three games – including strong effort in tense opener (2-for-4, RBI-3R-3B; scored tying run in 9th) … added 2-for-3 showing that nearly helped deliver game-2 win (2RBI-2R, HR, 2B … his 2nd-inning HR came with UNM facing an early 3-0 deficit … showed his defensive versatility by serving behind the plate in game-3, after playing in left field earlier in the series … scored pair of key runs in that final game, also gunning down a runner attempting to steal third base … reached base seven times in the series (BB, HBP), with only one strikeout.

ZACK GODLEY
(Tennessee … RHP … Jr. … Bamburg, SC … #15)

Turned in eight strong innings to lead Volunteers in handing Kentucky (cb360 #9) its first loss of the season, in 4-1 series opener (‘Cats had started 22-0) … limited hot-hitting opponent to the lone run on three hits, with four strikeouts in outing that matched longest of his career … retired 21 of final 25 batters faced (after allowing 1st-inning run), with no Kentucky runners reaching second based during the 2nd-8th innings …  has compiled a 2.92 season ERA and 4-1 record, with 30 strikeouts and only six walks in 37 innings (.221 opp. batting avg.).

ALEX GONZALEZ
(Oral Roberts … RHP … So. … Delray Beach, FL … #13) 

Delivered win in 3-0 series finale at cb360 #14 Cal State Fullerton, after shutting down the Titans for 7.2 innings … allowed only five hits (all singles) and one walk, with six strikeouts while facing 29 batters, as ORU beat a ranked opponent for the first time this season … has recovered from late-Feb. back injury, with his season stats now including a 1.40 ERA and 2-1 record in 25.2 innings (16 Ks).

JARED KING
(Virginia … 1B … Sr. … Radford, VA … 5-hole … bats: R … #13)

Hit .462 (6-for-13) during the week for Virginia team that enjoyed possibly its best weekend of the season, sweeping cb360 #33 Clemson (6-3, 5-1, 5-3) after 12-3 midweek win over VMI … condensed week also included Monday series finale at #4 Florida State (5-7) … reached base in nearly 60% of his plate appearances during the week (6 BB, HBP) while also leading team with eight RBI during the week … his career-best 4 RBI paced opening win over Clemson (3-for-4) … reached base safely in all five games and was on base 3-plus times in every game but one.

KEVIN MILLER
(Sam Houston State … 3B … Jr. … Pearland, TX… 5-hole … bats: R … #4)

Key member of Bearkats team that swept cb360 #28 and Southland Conference favorite Texas State (4-3, 10-4, 5-2), batting .466 during 4-game week that included earlier battle vs. #29 Baylor … rapped four doubles during the series, with three RBI and error-free play at the hot corner … doubled three times as part of his strong game during series-clincher (4-for-5, RBI, 3 R).

BRADY RODGERS
(Arizona State … RHP … Jr. … Richmond, TX … #20) 

Turned in strong game-1 outing vs. cb360 #32 California, sparking ASU to taking that Pac-12 series (5-1, 2-3, 9-6) … worked out of several jams while going the distance in that win, with six strikeouts in the complete game (8H, BB) … has won all four of his decisions this season, while totaling 39 strikeouts.

KURT SNOWLEY
(New Mexico State … 1B/DH … Sr. … Milwaukie, Ontario … 8/9-hole … bats: switch … #12) 

Followed up week in which he hit for the cycle (in game vs. Southeast Missouri State) by registering several top efforts, as NMSU fashioned 6-0 week that included pair of wins at cb360 #7 Arizona (7-4, 13-8) and then a 4-game sweep of Texas-Pam America (14-6, 11-9, 9-8, 19-2), which had won at Texas A&M the previous week … hit .524 (11-for-21) while appearing in the first five games of the week, reaching base 14 times (2 BB, HBP) with only one strikeout … amassed a 1.274 OPS (on-base plus slugging) during the week, for NMSU squad that has won 12 straight and owns the nation’s best team on-base pct. (.443) … posted matching 3-hit games vs. Arizona, with an RBI, run scored and double in the opener (RBI-2R-2B in gm-2) … added a 4-for-5 showing in game-2 of UTPA series (2RBI-R-2B).

RYAN TELLA
(Auburn … CF … So. … Fremont, CA … 3-hole … bats: L … #4)

Repeat honoree on the CB360 Primetime Performers, after batting 5-for-12 in series win over cb360 #13 LSU (4-3, 3-2, 3-4 in 10 inn.) … had a home run, triple and double in the tightly-fought series … earlier hit 3-for-4 with an RBI and run scored during midweek win over South Alabama …  has team-best 15 multi-hit games this season … scored or drove in four of his team’s 10 runs during the weekend (3 RBI, 2 R, HR), as Auburn won the Tigers-vs.-Tigers series for the third straight season (had not happened since 1988-90) … leads SEC in overall on-base pct. (.536) and second in batting (.438), also ranking fourth in stolen bases (8) and seventh in slugging (.584) … has reached base safely in 20 straight games.

DUKE Von SCHAMANN
(Texas Tech … RHP … Jr./So. … Edmond, OK … #15)

Helped Red Raiders end recent slide with clutch series-opening win vs. cb360 #36 Oklahoma, going the distance in 6-1 win over the Sooners … scattered six hits and walked only one (with one hit-batter) in the 104-pitch outing, with three strikeouts … became first TT pitcher since 2009 to record a 9-inning complete game … located nearly 80% of his pitches for strikes (82).

MICHAEL WACHA
(Texas A&M … RHP … Jr. … Texarkana, TX … #38) 

Carried perfect game into the 8th and went on to complete solo shutout (4-0) in series shutout vs. cb360 #38 Pepperdine team that already had knocked off several top-25 opponents this season … faced three batters over the minimum (30), after allowing a pair of singles while another batter reached via error … totaled eight strikeouts in the 114-pitch outing … retired the first 21 batters he faced before leadoff batter in 8th reached on a throwing error that followed a strikeout … a weakly-hit infield single then ended the no-hitter … did not walk a batter, en route to fashioning the third complete game of his A&M career.

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All photos on this page courtesy of the respective schools and their photography staffs

Blake Brown (Southern Mississippi)

Blake Butera (Boston College)

William Dodd (Belmont)

Mac Doyle (Wofford)

Sean Furney (Rhode Island)

Mitchell Garver (New Mexico)

Alex Gonzales (Oral Roberts)

Jared King (Virginia)

Kevin Miller (Sam Houston State)

Brady Rogers (Arizona State)

Kurt Snowley (New Mexico State)

Ryan Tella (Auburn)

Duke von Schaman (Texas Tech)

Michael Wacha (Texas A&M)