On The Ground In Omaha The Day Before The Series

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Groundskeepers prepare Rosenblatt Stadium for the College World Series. (AP photo)

6:45 am – I live in the Eastern Time zone and I usually get up at around 7:30, so it’s no surprise that my internal clock is still set even though my body now a time zone to the west.  I’m wide awake even though I had no intention to be.  Time to make the coffee…good thing I brought my own coffee maker (the perks of driving rather than flying), even though my wife gave me that look when I packed it!

7:30 am – I’ve been watching Mike and Mike on TV.  All the talk is, of course, about Kobe and the Lakers.  Puke.  Local TV had some CWS driving tips last night, like avoiding the 13th street exit off I-80 as much as possible.  I found that out the hard way last year.  It gets backed-up pretty quickly.

7:45 am – I was just going to head outside the hotel to stretch the legs with a stroll for a bit, but then I heard this rush of wind.  I hadn’t pulled back the blackout curtains yet.  When I did I saw big black storm clouds…not good for practice day for the eight teams at Rosenblatt.  Most of last year’s practice day was scrapped by rain, although teams still signed autographs inside the packed stadium walkways.  Storms never shock in Omaha during the CWS, but there were more than 30 tornadoes a couple states north of here in Minnesota last night.  Hopefully this doesn’t get too serious.  TCU has the first scheduled practice of the day in a little bit more than an hour.

8:05 am - One of the local TV stations just showed some shots from Rosenblatt from about an hour ago.  They said it went from a beautiful sunny morning to black in just a matter of minutes.  The satellite TV here at the hotel keeps cutting in and out.  Bad looking stuff on the radar.  Not looking good at all for practices, autographs and Fan Fest…at least for the next few hours.

8:40 am – Great news!  It’s clearing-up outside and the local weather guys are saying most of the storms are heading south of Omaha.  Supposed to be…wait for it…hot and humid this afternoon with a chance for some showers this evening during opening ceremonies and fireworks.  Getting ready to venture out soon.

10:30 am – After picking-up my media credential downtown I’m at the stadium and caught the end of Florida State’s batting practice.  Didn’t see anyone hit any out, but there was a bit of a breeze blowing in.  It’s a beautiful morning right now after what was looking like the start of a nasty day.  Nomar Garciaparra, who’ll be working the CWS for ESPN, was chatting-up FSU head coach Mike Martin behind the batting cage.

11 am – At the first press conference of the day, featuring Tim Esmay of Arizona

Tim Esmay

State, Jack Leggett of Clemson, Sunny Golloway of Oklahoma, and South Carolina’s Ray Tanner.  This is the group of coaches from teams that will play Sunday’s first round games.

Some of the highlights…

Leggett talked about playing at the CWS against an Arizona State team that included future Major Leaguers like Hubie Brooks, Bob Horner, Floyd Bannister, and Bob Welch.  He says yellow school buses picked-up players at their hotels to take them to Rosenblatt Stadium.

Esmay talked about his ASU team playing against Robin Ventura and Oklahoma State in 1987 when Ventura was in the midst of what would end-up his NCAA record 58-game hitting streak.

Leggett/Esmay Video

Tanner/Golloway Video

Tanner talked about something that happened at last week’s Super Regionals.  South Carolina ace Blake Cooper had just finished his start against Coastal Carolina and was icing his shoulder in the dugout.  A hard hit foul ball was headed right at Cooper’s head, so he instinctively put his hand up to protect his head.  It was his pitching hand, and it was sore and swollen for a few days, but after some ice Tanner says it’s now better.  He will start Sunday vs. Oklahoma.

The other three coaches announced their starters as well:  South Carolina-Blake Cooper (12-1, 2.81) vs. Oklahoma- Michael Rocha (7-2, 3.57), Clemson-Casey Harman (7-3, 3.73) vs. Arizona State-Seth Blair (12-0, 3.35).

12:05 – I caught part of UCLA’s on-field practice.  Tyler Rahmatulla, who broke his right wrist in the Bruin’s Super Regional dog pile celebration, has a cast on his wrist.  No surprise, he wasn’t looking very happy.

I talked to UCLA SID Alex Timiraos and he filled me in on the story of Bruin pitcher Trevor Bauer’s hat, which is as faded looking as an old worn-out pair of denim jeans.  Bauer is a sophomore who enrolled at UCLA in what would have been his senior year in high school.  He got the hat right after getting to Westwood and it’s the only game cap he’s worn since he started playing.  Bauer (10-3, 3.02) will start Saturday vs. Florida.  It’s his first game one start of the season.  Gerrit Cole (10-3, 3.25) has been UCLA’s game one guy to this point so far.

1 pm – Writing in the Rosenblatt press box right now while Oklahoma is on the field taking batting practice.

2 pm – At the press conference with Florida’s Kevin O’Sullivan, Florida State’s

Mike Martin

Mike Martin, TCU’s Jim Schlossnagle, and UCLA’s John Savage.  It’s always interesting and fun to see how different coaches react and interact when they’re around each other.  I was right behind Savage when we were walking into the press conference room and O’Sullivan was talking to someone in the entryway.  They shook hands and after Savage moved along O’Sullivan had a youth-like nervous kind of innocent look as if to say “That’s the guy we’re going up against.”

Martin/Schlossnagle Video

O’Sullivan/Savage Video

The four coaches officially announced Saturday’s starting pitchers:  UCLA-Trevor Bauer (10-3, 3.02) vs. Florida- Alex Panteliodis (11-2, 3.26), Florida State-Sean Gilmartin (9-7, 4.89) vs. TCU-Matt Purke (14-0, 3.23)

Noteable quotes…

Martin on FSU outfielder Tyler Holt “He’s a dirt bag, fireball redneck…take your pick”.  And on TCU being in its first College World Series “They belong here.  To do what they did in Austin (beating Texas in the Super Regionals) is an unbelievable accomplishment”.

“I fell off my chair.” – Savage on his reaction when he learned that sophomore pitcher Gerrit Cole would attend UCLA instead of signing pro after being drafted in the first round of the 2008 MLB draft by the New York Yankees.

“We’ll find a spot.” – Schlossnagle on what he said to Matt Purke last fall when he asked him if he had a spot on the roster for him at TCU.  The freshman was drafted in the first round out of high school a year ago by the Texas Rangers.

“He’s the coach of all coaches.” – Savage talking about the late great former UCLA basketball coach John Wooden, who died earlier this month.

2:45 pm – Eating lunch in the press box while watching South Carolina finish its batting practice.  A cheeseburger from Omaha Steaks…that’s a pretty solid lunch!

3:30 pm – Arizona State has been taking batting practice while I’ve been writing and editing video.  It’s strange to look down at the field and not see Pat Murphy with the Sun Devils.

4:30 pm - Stepped outside the stadium to get an ice cream cone at Zestos.  It’s a College World Series tradition, but like a lot of other traditions it doesn’t sound like it’s one that will continue once things move downtown next year.  Let’s hope they at least have a Zestos tent or stand next to the new stadium next year.

After grabbing my cone I headed across the street to check out the shirts and hats and everything else at the tents, including The Dugout on the corner right across from Zestos.  A lot of great stuff!  I don’t know which ones to choose…and I have a lot of people to bring stuff home for!

7:15 pm – I’m back at my hotel after leaving the Rosenblatt neighborhood for the day.  I’ve been posting video from earlier today as well as updating this blog.  I’ve also been watching The Long Home Run on one of the local stations.  It’s the documentary about the College World Series and Rosenblatt.  It’s definitely worth a watch.

(Full Release)

Oklahoma sophomore rightfielder Cody Reine

Two sophomores who helped take their teams to Super-Regional series wins on the road are the featured individuals on the latest edition of CB360’s exclusive Primetime Performer Weekly Honor Roll, for the NCAA Super-Regional round spanning games played on June 11-14. (front-page photo courtesy of Oklahoma)

TCU sophomore righthander Kyle Winkler

Oklahoma rightfielder Cody Reine (Walker, La.) is the Primtime Player of the Week and TCU righthander Kyle Winkler (Sugar Land, Texas) the Primetime Pitcher of the Week, with 11 others joining them on the Primtime Honor Roll (as selected by CollegeBaseball360.com). Reine and Winkler headline the 17th installment of the CB360 Primetime Performer Weekly Honor Roll, which includes 11 other players who helped carry their teams to the College World Series (or, in a few cases, to the brink of advancing).

CLICK HERE for the Primetime Honor Roll archive (scroll down on that page for the 16 previous Honor Roll releases).

REINE – who also was a CB360 Primetime Honor Roll selection following the NCAA Regional round – showed that he packs plenty of power into his 5-9, 215-pound frame, as the lefthanded-hitting cleanup hitter posted a pair of 2-HR games while sparking Oklahoma to the Super-Regional series win at #5 national seed Virginia (2-3, 10-7, 11-0). During the two wins, Reine racked up 11 RBI and hit 5-for-8 (plus a walk) while batting in the #5 spot.

Oklahoma sophomore rightfielder Cody Reine homered twice in the series-tying win of the Super Regional at #5 national seed Virginia ... and he matched the 2-HR feat one day later, in the decisive third game (photo courtesy of Oklahoma).

In the Super-Regional opener, Virginia ace Danny Hultzen limited Reine (batting cleanup) and six other Oklahoma starters to 0-1 hits, but Reine’s power stroke quickly put the Sooners back in the series. He drove in half of his team’s runs (5 of 10) in the game-2 win, starting with a 3-run blast in the 1st inning (0-1 pitch from Robert Morrey) as OU claimed an early 4-2 cushion.

Five innings later, with the Sooners holding a 6-4 lead, Reine jumped on a 1-1 pitch from Cody Winiarski and drove the ball over the fence in right-center for another 2-run shot.

The deciding game saw Reine rise up for 6 RBI, including a 1st-inning home run for the second straight day (this 3-run blast came with 2-outs, on a 1-0 pitch from Branden Kline).  He added another 3-run HR in the 8th, as OU inched closer to Omaha.

Reine is batting .341 for the season, with 42 RBI and 10 home runs.

WINKLER was placed into a pressure-packed spot for game-3 of the Super-Regional series at #2 national seed Texas. Not only did he have the chance to pitch TCU to the program’s first CWS trip, but such a victory would come against the in-state rival that had knocked off the Horned Frogs one year earlier in the same Super-Regional round.

TCU sophomore Kyle Winkler delivered a clutch game-3 outing at #2 national seed Texas, logging 7.2 shuout innings as the Frogs won (4-1) to secure the program's first College World Series trip (photo courtesy of TCU).

With so much riding on his shoulders – and Texas talented #3 starter Brandon  Workman opposing him – Winkler met the challenge head-on by working into the 8th while Workman (5IP-R-4H-4K) was forced out three innings earlier. The TCU sophomore was the much-deserved pitcher of record in the historic 4-1 victory, after limiting Texas to 5 hits and 3 walks in his 7.2-inning shutout stint (he struck out six 0f his 32 batters faced, during the 112-pitch outing).

Winkler will enter the College World Series with a 2.84 season ERA and 12-1 record in 17 starts this season, plus 90 strikeouts, 33 walks and 103 hits allowed (.242 opp. batting avg.) in 114 innings pitched.

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/advancement; made significant contribution to team’s 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.

The other 11 members of the CB360 Primetime Performer Weekly Honor Roll for the NCAA Regionals include (see capsules for each player at bottom of release): Vanderbilt jr. DH Curt Casali (New Canaan, Conn.) … Florida State so. 3B Sherman Johnson (Tampa, Fla.) … Arizona State so. LHP Mitchell Lambson (Tualatin, Ore.) … Florida so. LHP Alex Panteliodis ( Tampa, Fla.) … TCU fr. LHP Matt Purke (Spring, Texas) … UCLA so. 2B Tyler Rahmatulla (Mission Viejo, Calif.) …UCLA jr. LHP Rob Rasmussen (Arcadia, Calif.) … Clemson fr. 1B Richie Shaffer (Charlotte, N.C.) … Oklahoma jr. RHP Bobby Shore (Oceanside, Calif.) … Alabama sr. 3B/RHP Jake Smith (Shannon, Ala.) … and South Carolina fr. 1B Christian Walker (Limerick, Pa.).

The week-17 honorees include four impressive lefthanded pitchers (Lambson, Panteliois, Purke and Rasmussen), along with righthanders Winkler and Shore, the two-way talent Smith (3B/RHP), a pair of first basemen (Shaffer and Walker), second baseman Rahmatulla, third baseman Johnson, rightfielder Reine and DH Casali. The 13 selections feature the lone senior Smith, three juniors (Casali, Rasmussen and Shore), six sophomores (Reine, Winkler, Johnson, Lambson, Panteliodis and Rahmatulla), and the freshman trio of Purke, Shaffer and Walker.

The honorees hail from nine different home states, including a pair of players (Johnson and Panteliodis) who were teammates at Alonso High School in Tampa, Fla. There also are three California products – Shore and UCLA teammates Rahmatulla and Rasmussen – along with two who have Texas hometowns (Winkler and Purke), plus one each from: Alabama (Smith), Connecticut (Casali), Louisiana (Reine), North Carolina (Shaffer), Oregon (Lambson) and Pennsylvania (Walker).

PRIMETIME PERFORMERS WEEKLY HONOR ROLL #17
(NCAA Super-Regionals; June 11-14, 2010)
presented by CollegeBaseball360.com

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

CURT CASALI (DH … #9)
Vanderbilt  •  Jr.
New Canaan, CT  •  New Canaan HS
6-2  •  215  •  Bats: Right

5-hole hitter who batted .500 (7-for-14) during tight Super-Regional series at Florida State, with FSU posting pair of 1-run wins (9-8, 7-6) while Commodores took game-2 (6-2) … had pair of RBI doubles (one in the 1st and another in 8th, for 4-2 lead) during win over the Seminoles (also scored a run) … his strong game in opener (4-for-5, 8th HR of season, 2-out RBI double) nearly carried Commodores to game-1 win … also had a pair of RBI in close series finale.

SHERMAN JOHNSON (3B … #32)
Florida State  •  So.
Tampa, FL  •  Alonso HS
5-10  •  180  •  Bats: Left

Repeat CB360 Primetime honoreee who followed up clutch performances in the Regional round by delivering several key plays in hard-fought Super-Regional series vs. Vanderbilt (9-8, 2-6, 7-6) … factored into 3 runs (2RBI-2R; 9th HR of season) during the tight opener, also adding a single in 7th-inning rally that tied score (7-7) … singled and reached on a HBP in game-2 before driving in four of FSU’s 7 runs in the decisive third game (his 2-out/3-run double in the 8th turned a 4-3 lead into a 7-3 cushion … played error-free at the hot corner during the three games.

MITCHELL LAMBSON (LHP … #40)
Arizona State  •  So.
Tualatin, OR  •  Tualatin HS
6-1  •  195

Faced the minimum 15 batters in huge 5-inning relief appearance that closed 12-inning win (7-6) over Arkansas in Super-Regional opener … allowed pair of baserunners (H-BB) that were erased on a pickoff move and a batters-interference call … his 7 strikeouts included 3-up/3-down in the 11th.

ALEX PANTELIODIS (LHP … #24)
Florida  •  So.
Tampa, FL  •  Alonso HS
6-2  •  235

Continued his stellar season with yet another appearance on the Primetime Honor Roll, after logging complete-game victory in Super-Regional opener vs. in-state rival Miami (7-2) … faced only 30 batters (3 over min.; 3H-BB) while recording 22 of his outs via strikeouts (12) or groundball outs (10, including a double-play) … retired finaal 14 batters he faced (6 Ks, 7 GOs) … located nearly 75% of his pitches for strikes (85 of 116).

MATT PURKE (LHP … #47)
TCU  •  Fr.
Spring, TX  •  Klein HS
6-4  •  180

Extended his stellar rookie campaign by winning Super-Regional series opener at #2 national seed Texas (3-1), getting the best of pitchers duel opposite Cole Green (who dropped to 11-2, after 5.2IP-3R-5H-3BB-4H) … allowed the lone run while working into the 8th (7.2), with 19 of his outs coming via Ks (11) or groundouts (8) … faced only 28 batters (3H-BB-HB) in the 110-pitch outing, en route to a 14-0 season record.

TYLER RAHMATULLA (2B … #5)
UCLA  •  So.
Mission Viejo, CA  • Mater Dei HS
5-11  •  180  •  Bats: Right

3-hole batter who delivered one of the biggest hits in the entire 2010 NCAA Tournament, driving 3-1 pitch over left-center fence for 2-out/2-run blast in 9th inning of game-2 vs. Cal State Fullerton … that home run lifted UCLA into 7-6 lead and Bruins went on to force game-3 by winning in the 10th (11-7) … played error-free in the series (14 fielding chances) … also had pair of doubles in 4-3 opening-game loss (RBI, R) and closed 2-for-4 with an RBI in the 8-1 clincher.

ROB RASMUSSEN (LHP … #27)
UCLA  •  Jr.
Arcadia, CA  •  Pasadena Poly HS
5-11  •  170

Lived up to his reputation as nation’s top #3 starter in the rotation, with 2-hitter that beat Fullerton in Super-Regional finale (8-1) … faced only 32 batters in that 112-pitch outing, limiting the potent Titans lineup to a pair of hits and a single walk (2 HB) while striking out 9 CSF batters.

*CODY REINE (RF … #11)
Oklahoma  •  So.
Walker, LA  •  Grayson JC/Walker HS
5-9  •  215  •  Bats: Left

Cleanup/5-hole batter who filled that role in timely fashion by batting 5-for-8 in pair of wins over #5 national seed Virginia (with 2 HRs in each game), as Sooners overcame game-1 loss to win Super-Regional series on the road (2-3, 10-7, 11-0) … hit 2–for-3 with a walk and 5 RBI in game-2 before driving in 6 runs (3-for-5) during the stunning runaway clincher.

RICHIE SHAFFER (1B … #8)
Clemson  •  Fr.
Charlotte, NC  •  Providence Senior HS
6-2  •  190  •  Bats: Right

7-hole batter who had totaled only 2 home runs this season before besting that total with 3 HRs in Super-Regional series vs. Alabama (4-5, 19-5, 8-6) … hit 4-for-10 with 7 RBI in pair of wins over the Crimson Tide … smacked pair of home in decisive third game (3 RBI), after also homering in game-2 blowout (4 RBI, sac-fly) … drew a walk in low-scoring opener.

BOBBY SHORE (RHP … #16)
Oklahoma  •  Jr.
Oceanside, CA  •  Palomar JC/Oceanside HS
6-1  •  175  •  Bats: Right

Rose to the occasion in decisive third game of Super Regional at #5 national seed Virginia (11-0 win) … faced only 29 batters in his 8.0 shutout innings, allowing 4 hits and a pair of walks with 5 strikeouts in the 99-pitch outing … his clutch appearance helped Sooners complete series comeback, after narrow 3-2 loss in opener (won game-2, 10-7).

JAKE SMITH (3B/RHP … #14)
Alabama  •  Sr.
Shannon, AL  •  Hueytown HS
6-2  •  190  •  Bats: Right

Two-way talent who played big role in 5-4 win during Super-Regional opener at Clemson … went 2-for-4 from the 5-hole and smacked his 14th home run of the season, before closing the final 2.0 innings for his 6th save of the season (H, 2 Ks) … also homered in game-2 and had a walk and run scored in tight finale (8-6 loss).

CHRISTIAN WALKER (1B … #13)
South Carolina  •  Fr.
Limerick, PA  •  Kennedy-Kendrick HS
6-0  •  210  •  Bats: Right

5-hole hitter who helped South Carolina win Super-Regional series at #4 national seed Coastal Carolina (4-3, 10-9) … batted 2-for-5 in each of the wins, adding 5 RBI, 2 runs scored, a home run and hit-by-pitch … his 2-run single sparked SC to 3-0 lead in 1st inning of game-1 … supplied the big hit in the clinching win, as his 3-run blast in the 8th provided the final 10-9 margin (Coastal held an early 5-2 lead).

*KYLE WINKLER (RHP … #8)
TCU  •  So.
Sugar Land, TX  •  Kempner HS
5-11  •  190  •  Bats: Right

Delivered game-3 Super-Regional win at Texas (4-1) that sent Horned Frogs to Omaha for the program’s first College World Series appearance … worked into the 8th to outduel Brandon Workman (5IP-R-4H-4K), logging 7.2 shutout innings with 5 hits and 3 walks allowed … struck out 6 of his 32 batters faced, during 112-pitch outing.

By The Numbers And Analysis For Each Of The Omaha Eight

The beginning of the end is almost here.  The last College World Series that will ever be played at Rosenblatt Stadium starts Saturday.  Below are statistical breakdowns of this year’s eight CWS teams as well as a “by the numbers” look at each team and analysis.

Once the CWS begins Collegebaseball360.com will have daily coverage of every game in Omaha, including post game video with players and coaches, a daily blog and a daily CWS scoreboard.

CWS Bracket One

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Jim Schlossnagle

TCU Horned Frogs (51-12)
Head Coach: Jim Schlossnagle  (7th season)

1…College World Series appearance by the Horned Frogs.  It’s also the first CWS appearance by any Mountain West Conference team in the 11 year history of the league.

51…Wins this season-a school record.

37-3…Combined record of TCU starting pitchers Matt Purke, Kyle Winkler and Steven Maxwell.   The trio has also combined for 312 strikeouts and just 95 walks in 317 2/3 IP.

23-0…TCU’s record this season when its pitching staff strikes out at least 10 batters in a game.

14…Wins with no losses by Purke.  The freshman was also the 14th overall pick in the first round by the Texas Rangers in the 2009 MLB draft, but he chose to go to college instead.

5-1…The Horned Frogs’ record so far in the NCAA post season.  Their only loss was vs. Texas in game two of their Super Regional.

.340…Team batting average, which is 10th best in the nation this season.

3.46…Team ERA-good for a #7 national ranking.  TCU is the only team in the nation to rank in the top 10 in both team batting average and ERA.

.558…Team slugging percentage-the best of any of the eight CWS teams and good for a #6 NCAA ranking.

1…TCU player, Matt Curry, who has double-digit home runs and stolen bases.  Curry leads the Horned Frogs with 17 and 12, respectively.  Curry also has team highs with 26 doubles and an 1.173 OPS.

.373 & 66…Team best batting average and RBIs by outfielder Jason Coats, who has also hit 13 HR.

ANALYSIS: TCU has the best combination of pitching and hitting of the eight teams in Omaha.  Any questions about the Horned Frogs offensive and pitching stats against Mountain West Conference competition have already been answered.  They took two of three from one of the nation’s best offensive teams, New Mexico, during the regular season.  They also beat the nation’s best pitching team, Texas, in last week’s Super Regional.  The biggest question would appear to be whether they can avoid the awe factor of the program’s first CWS appearance.

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Mike Martin

Florida State Seminoles (47-18)
Head Coach: Mike Martin  (31st season)

20…College World Series appearances by the FSU-the fifth most all-time appearances by a school.

2,570…Florida State baseball games head coach Mike Martin has been involved in as a player, assistant and head coach.  Martin has been involved in nearly 75% of the 2,526 wins in the history of Florida State baseball.

15 & 68…Team leading home runs and RBIs by Mike McGee, who is also batting .328.

12…Team leading saves by McGee, which is tied for 10th in the nation.  The junior, who doubles as the team’s closer, is 4-0 on the mound with a 1.37 ERA.

0…Complete games by the FSU pitching staff.  The Seminoles join Arizona State as the only two CWS pitching staffs without a CG this season.

15…Out of 15 FSU pitchers who have made at least one relief appearance during the season.

255…Walks issued by the Seminole staff-the most of any of the teams in Omaha.

30…Team best stolen bases by Tyler Holt, who is also batting a team best .352 and leads the ‘Noles with 82 runs scored.

ANALYSIS: As usual, Mike Martin’s Seminoles have a team that can hit, but there are questions with their pitching depth.  Sean Gilmartin was knocked-out early in FSU’s Super Regional opener against Vanderbilt and then had to come back out of the bullpen to help win game three.  A win over TCU and freshman ace Matt Purke in the opener would be huge.

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John Savage

UCLA Bruins (48-14)
Head Coach: John Savage  (6th season)

3…College World Series appearances by the Bruins.  This is their first since 1997.

48…School record wins this season.

#6…National seed of the Bruins, which are one of just three national seeds to make it to Omaha.

22…School record wins to open the season by UCLA.  The Bruins first setback was an 8-4 loss to Stanford on April 3rd.

2.94 & .218…Team ERA and opponent batting average of the Bruin pitching staff.  The ERA is the second best in the nation (behind Texas).

639…NCAA leading strikeouts fired by the UCLA pitching staff.

396…Of the strikeouts that have been recorded by weekend starters Gerrit Cole, Trevor Bauer and Rob Rasmussen.  The trio is also a combined 31-8 this season.

11…Wins this season by Rasmussen.  The junior has the most wins by a Bruin hurler since Jim Parque set the school record with 13 on the team’s 1997 CWS team.

1…Career complete game Rasmussen has tossed.  It came in Sunday’s Super Regional clincher vs. Cal State Fullerton.

.464 & .401…Team slugging percentage and on-base percentage.  The slugging percentage is the lowest in the CWS field, while the on-base percentage is tied for the second lowest with Oklahoma.

0…Double digit home run hitters for UCLA.  They’re the only such CWS team this year.

.328-7-45…Batting average, HR and RBIs by Tyler Rahmatulla, who started 61 of UCLA’s 62 games this season as their primary 3-hole hitter.  The sophomore will miss the CWS after breaking his wrist in the Bruins’ Super Regional celebration dog pile.

ANALYSIS: As evidenced by the strikeout total UCLA is built on not just pitching, but power arms and that’s what usually gets it done in the post season (although not for Texas last week).  The Bruin pitchers aren’t just strong-armed, they’re confident as well.  UCLA must overcome the loss of Rahmatulla, who emerged early as one of their top run producers.  A team that doesn’t have a lot of offense to begin with can’t afford to lose what offense it has.

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Kevin O'Sullivan

Florida Gators (47-15)
Head Coach:  Kevin O’Sullivan  (3rd season)

6…College World Series appearances by the Gators.  This is their first trip to Omaha since finishing as the national runner-up in 2005.

3…Years as a head coach by Gator boss Kevin O’Sullivan.  He made trips to the CWS as a Clemson assistant in 2000, 2002 and 2006.

3…National seed of the Gators, making the first round Florida vs. UCLA game the only one to feature two national seeds.

6.9…Runs a game scored by Florida-the lowest of the eight teams in the field in Omaha.

.381…On-base percentage by the Gators-the lowest of the eight CWS competitors.

1…Complete game this season by the Florida pitching staff.  Alex Panteliodis got it last week when he struck out 12 in Florida’s 7-2 win over Miami in the Super Regional opener.

11…Saves by Kevin Chapman, who has made a staff high 30 appearances while holding opposing batters to a .183 average.

6…Florida position players who have started at least 25 games who are either freshmen or sophomores.

2…Freshmen, Brian Johnson (6-4) and Hudson Randall (8-3), who join the sophomore Panteliodis (11-2) in the weekend pitching rotation.

3.97 & .413…Johnson’s ERA and batting average this season.  The freshman has started 14 times on the mound as well as 26 games in the Gator line-up.

17 & 70…Team leading home runs and RBIs by freshman Austin Maddox, who has started 61 of his team’s 62 games this season.

.358 & 23…Team high batting average and stolen bases by Matt den Dekker, who is one of a handful of seniors on the team.  He has also hit 13 home runs and has scored a team best 64 runs.

.978…Team fielding percentage-the best of the eight CWS teams and 6th best in the nation.

ANALYSIS: The Gators don’t do anything particularly flashy, they are just good across the board and they find a way to win.  They’re battled tested with big SEC series wins, including the regular season finale vs. fellow CWS team South Carolina.   There’s a possible Omaha awe factor as well for the young Gators.

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The Dugout in Omaha has everything you’re looking for when it comes to officially licensed CWS hats and shirts!

CWS Bracket Two

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Tim Esmay

Arizona State Sun Devils (52-8)
Head Coach: Tim Esmay  (1st season)

#1…National seed.  The Sun Devils are one of just three national seed (along with UCLA and Florida) to make it to Omaha this year.

22…College World Series appearances by ASU-the third most all-time behind Texas (33) and Miami (23)

24…Consecutive wins by ASU to open the season.  They suffered their first loss on April 2nd with a 6-5 setback to Oregon in 12 innings.

134…Stolen bases by the Sun Devils-the most of any CWS team.  Drew Maggi leads ASU with 35 swipes.

14…NCAA leading triples hit by Pac 10 Player of the Year Zack MacPhee, who also leads the Sun Devils with a .679 slugging percentage.  MacPhee’s .394 batting average is second only to Riccio Torrez’s .399 avg.

33-3…Combined record of starting pitchers Merrill Kelly, Jake Borup and Pac 10 Pitcher of the Year Seth Blair.

7-2…The trios ASU record last year, with all the decisions courtesy of Blair.  Kelly is in his first year at ASU after transferring from Yavapai CC, while Borup made just eight appearances last year as a freshman.

0…Innings pitched this year by Josh Spence due to an elbow injury.  Spence was 10-1 with a 2.37 ERA for last year’s CWS team.  He was drafted in the third round of last year’s MLB draft by the Angels, but chose to return to ASU for his senior season.

0…Complete games by the ASU pitching staff.  They join Florida State as the only two staffs in Omaha without a CG this year.

23…Saves by Sun Devil pitchers-the most of any CWS team this season.  Jordan Swaggerty leads the way with 14, which is tied for the third most in the nation.

.239…Opponent batting average by the Sun Devil staff.  The mark is second only to UCLA’s CWS leading .219.

ANALYSIS: Arizona State brought plenty of confident teams to Omaha under former head coach Pat Murphy, but never brought home the big prize.  Under Tim Esmay the Sun Devils enter the CWS this year in circumstances similar to last year’s Cal State Fullerton team that was 5-0 in Regionals and Super Regionals, but went 0-2 in Omaha.  ASU still has the same swagger under Esmay as they head under Murphy, but can they finally go the distance with it?

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Jack Leggett

Clemson Tigers (43-23)
Head Coach: Jack Leggett  (17th season)

12…College World Series appearances by Clemson – the 11th most all-time appearances by a team.

43…Wins by the Tigers – the fewest of the eight CWS teams.

23…Clemson losses – the most of the field in Omaha.

20 & 20…Touchdown passes thrown and home runs hit by quarterback/outfielder Kyle Parker, who is the first such 20/20 two-sport athlete in Division One history.  The Colorado Rockies took Parker with the 26th pick in the first round of this year’s MLB draft.

4.72…Team ERA – the highest of this year’s CWS teams.

.280…Opponent batting average, which is also the highest of the eight pitching staffs in Omaha.

8.8…Runs a game scored by the Tigers, making them the highest scoring offense in Omaha this year.

17 & 23…Home runs hit and stolen bases by 3B John Hinson, who is also batting .345 with 72 RBIs.

15 & 85…Home runs and RBIs by OF Jeff Schaus, whose RBI total ranks fifth in the nation and is the most of any player at the College World Series.

7-2…Alex Frederick’s record on the mound.  The reliever has made just one start with a team high 30 appearances and is tied with starter Casey Harman (7-3) for the second most wins on the Tiger staff.

1…Complete game (tossed by Harman) by the Clemson pitching staff.

5…Tigers relievers, incuding Frederick, who have made at least 20 appearances this season.  Harman and Scott Weismann (8-2) have each made 17 starts and are the only Clemson pitchers without a relief appearance in 2010.

ANALYSIS: The Tigers hit and then hit some more, as evidenced by their 31 runs in their three Super Regional games vs. Alabama.  They scored at least 10 runs in a game 25 times this season, but how will they fair in their first round match-up against an Arizona State team that pitches, hits and plays defense?  ASU is going to put it in play and Clemson’s defense also ranks just 135th in the nation.

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Sunny Golloway

Oklahoma Sooners (49-16)
Head Coach: Sunny Golloway  (6th season)

10…College World Series appearances by the Sooners, who haven’t been to Omaha since 1995.  OU won the 1994 National Championship.

100…Home runs hit this season by Oklahoma – the most by any of the eight CWS teams and good for eighth in the nation.

65…Sac bunts by the Sooners, which is also the most by any of the eight CWS teams and good for seventh in the nation.

4…Home runs hit in OU’s two Super Regional wins over Virginia by Cody Reine.  The OF was 5-for-8 with 11 RBIs in the game two and three victories.  Five of his 10 HR this year have come in NCAA play.

95…Stolen bases by Oklahoma.  With five more swipes OU would join Coastal Carolina and Miami as the only three teams with at least 100 HR and 100 SB this season.

2…Straight wins by Oklahoma to close their Super Regional series after losing 3-2 to Virginia in the opener.  The Cavaliers hadn’t lost back to back games all season.

0…Runs allowed by the Sooners in their 11-0 Super Regional clinching win over UVA.  It’s their first shutout in NCAA play since 1992.

.371/16/64…Team best batting average, home runs and RBIs by Garrett Buechelle.  The sophomore is the son of 11-year MLB veteran Steve Buechelle.

.311/15/52…Batting average, home runs and RBIs by Cameron Seitzer.  The sophomore is the son of 12-year MLB veteran Kevin Seitzer.

.976…Team fielding percentage – tied with Arizona State for the second best fielding rate at the CWS.

5-0…Record of pitcher Jack Mayfield.  The freshman has made just three starts with 13 relief outings, but he has one of the pitching staff’s three complete games this year.

7 & 5…Wins and saves by Jeremy Erben, who leads the Sooners with 31 appearances, including 29 in relief.  Erben’s saves are second to Ryan Duke, who leads the team with 11.

540…Miles from OU’s campus in Norman, OK to Omaha, NE.  The number has been posted in the Sooner’s dugout all season.

ANALYSIS: Oklahoma took a page out of Virginia’s own book when it went on the road to beat the Cavs in last week’s Super Regional (as UVA did last year at Ole Miss).  The first round match-up vs. South Carolina’s Blake Cooper (see below) is an intriguing one.  Despite the big offensive numbers the Sooners have put-up this year they were shutout twice and scored just three runs in three games against the best pitchers they’ve seen so far: Texas.

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Ray Tanner

South Carolina Gamecocks (48-15)
Head Coach: Ray Tanner  (14th season)

9…College World Series appearances by the Gamecocks.  Their last appearance was in 2004.

3…Times (including this year) that South Carolina made it to Omaha in the same year as intrastate rival Clemson.  The two also appeared together at the CWS in 2002 and 1977.

2-0…South Carolina’s record vs. Clemson at the ’02 CWS – the only games between the two teams in Omaha.

12…Home runs hit and stolen bases by Whit Merrifield.  The junior leads his team in both categories and he’s the only Gamecock with double digit home runs and stolen bases.

13 & 70…Sacrifice bunts and runs scored by Merrifield - both tops in the SEC.

9…South Carolina players who have hit at least seven home runs and driven-in at least 28 runs in 2010.

15 & 52…Team leading doubles and RBIs by Adrian Morales.  The junior is batting .286.

.371…Team high batting average of Jackie Bradley, Jr., who had 51 RBIs entering the CWS.

12 & 118 1/3…Wins and innings pitched by Gamecock ace Blake Cooper, who leads the SEC in both departments.  The senior (12-1, 2.81 ERA) suffered his only loss of the season in his last start of the regular season to SEC regular season champion Florida.

4…Complete games pitched by the SC pitching staff – the most of the eight CWS teams.  Sam Dyson (5-5, 4.39 ERA) has tossed three of them, while Cooper has the other.

91…Combined relief appearances by Michael Roth (1-1, 1.50, 3 SV), Matt Price (3-1, 2.54, 10 SV) and Jose Mata (7-1, 2.34).  Roth is second in the SEC with 33 appearances, while Mata’s 31 are tied for third.

568…Strikeouts by the Gamecock pitching staff.  The total ranks third in the nation and is second only to UCLA’s 619 of the teams in Omaha.

ANALYSIS: Like SEC rival Florida, South Carolina is a team that lacks a lot of flash, but just gets it done.  Cooper is a bulldog who has gone up against the top pitchers in the SEC and lost just once all season.  While none of the other starters approach his production, the bullpen is deep enough to make the Gamecocks a legit threat.  Their Sunday match-up with OU could be the best of the four first round games.

Thoughts and Notes From Day One Super Regional Play

Matt Purke struckout 11 in TCU's 3-1 win over Texas. (TCU photo)

(I’m not going to mention the name of my phone provider, because c’mon this isn’t a product placement blimp.)  Anyway, I got to watch most of the last three innings of the Texas-TCU game on my phone while dining…and while my wife was driving.  I say “most”, because my phone ran out of juice with one out to go in the game.  I guess I still need to make the extra investment for a car charger.

Purked: How about the performance by TCU freshman Matt Purke in the 3-1 upset of #2 national seed Texas?  The lefty retired the first eight batters he faced and then 11 of the next 12 after allowing a hit in the third inning.  He struckout 11 and is now 14-0.

Backs To The Wall: Give Vanderbilt credit for rallying from a 6-0 deficit in the first three innings of the game.  The Commodores actually rallied back to tie the game and then take 7-6 and 8-7 leads before McGee’s heroics.  One Vandy loss now sends Florida State to Omaha and the Commodores back to Nashville.  Don’t count Tim Corbin’s guys out though.  They were 3-0 in elimination games to win last week’s Louisville Regional, including two wins over the #7 national seeded Cardinals.

Credit Where It’s Due: I was critical of the newly retired Eric Byrnes when he was making his debut as a college baseball analyst last week for his apparent lack of preparation.  Byrnes noted during Friday’s Florida-Miami telecast that he stayed in Florida all week to do his research rather than return home to the west coast.  Byrnes came with good stuff Friday, including locker room material Miami provided Florida, like Hurricane head coach Jim Morris calling his team the New York Yankees of college baseball.  Byrnes, Kyle Peterson and play-by-play man Clay Matvick seem a lot more comfortable together in the booth this week, and Byrnes’ care free attitude seems to bring out a lot more of Peterson’s personality.  More “Oppo Tacos” please.

Costly Miscue: It wasn’t scored as an error, but a big mistake by Miami shortstop Stephen Perez led to Florida’s first three runs of the Gainesville Super Regional.  With two outs and the bases loaded Perez thought he caught a sinking line drive off the bat of Brian Johnson to apparently end the inning.  However, it was ruled the he took it on a short hop, and since Perez never threw to first base it was ruled a hit and a run scored.  Florida’s next batter, Mike Zunino, then lined a single to left to score two more & make the score 3-0.

Alex Panteliodis (Gatorcountry.com)

Upon Further Review: Instant replay of Perez’s non catch appeared to show he had actually caught the ball.  Byrnes asked about using instant replay in college baseball like it’s used in college football and to some extent in MLB games.  “If you have the technology use it,” Byrnes said.  I agree with that to an extent.  I do think the big leagues need more replay, but I’m not in favor of it in the college game.  The biggest reason is with 301 Division One teams the Super Regionals and the College World Series are the only games guaranteed to be on TV.  Even the Regionals don’t have full television coverage.  The argument can be made that post season games are the most important, so available technology should be used when it’s there.  But what about those last three games of the regular season?  They were just as important to teams like Tennessee and Kentucky and several others who were trying to get into their post season tournaments, but TV isn’t uniformly in play like it is for the MLB.  When every college game’s on TV I’ll go for it (and by the way, that would be a pretty big day if every game is on TV), but until then no replay is the way to go.

Johnny Pants: A big time effort from Florida pitcher Alex Panteliodis.  The sophomore fanned 12 in a career-best nine innings to help the Gators down the Hurricanes 7-2.  It’s not just the first complete game of the season for Florida, it’s the staff’s first since 2008.  Pitching isn’t quite the same precious commodity in Super Regional play as it is in Regionals, but it’s always big to save every arm possible in the first game of a big series.  While Panteliodis went the distance for Florida, David Guiterrez and Jason Santana each worked four innings for Miami.

Miscues II: Miami had two errors which lead to five unearned runs in the five-run loss.  The Hurricanes have now committed 10 errors in their six NCAA Tournament games this year, while Florida is yet to commit an error in its four NCAA games.

Son Of A Robby: Florida’s Tyler Thompson is the son of 11-year MLB veteran Robby Thompson.  He was named to our Regional Prime Time Performer Honor Roll this week for his three home run game in last week’s Regional title game win over FAU.  Thompson homered again in Friday’s win over Miami to give him four HR in his last two games after hitting just two during the regular season.

Special K Day: Friday was a big strikeout day for starting pitchers.  Cal State Fullerton’s Noe Ramirez (12-1) had 13 Ks in 7 IP in a 4-3 win over #6 national seed UCLA.  Bruin starter Gerrit Cole had 7 Ks in 6 2/3 IP in the loss to move his season total to 138, which is the third best in Bruins history.

On The Clock: Don’t be surprised if the subject of the length of games comes up during and after the College World Series.  Last night’s Cal State Fullerton-UCLA game lasted 3:35.  Remember that experimental 20 second clock at the SEC Tournament?  It kept most 9-inning games at around three hours.  I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s implemented in the NCAA post season soon.

Visit our Super Regional Central Page – with links to all eight Super Regional capsules.

Louisville’s Clark, Stanford’s Pries Headline Weekly Primetime Honorees …

Louisville sr. 1B Andrew Clark

Louisville senior first baseman Andrew Clark (New Palestine, Ind.) and Stanford sophomore righthander Jordan Pries (Alameda, Calif.) headline CB360’s most recent Primetime Performers Weekly Honor, for action during the end of March/start of April. Clark has been named the national Primetime Player of the Week and Pries is the Primetime Pitcher of the Week, while 16 others join them in comprising the Primetime Performer Weekly Honor Roll (as selected by CollegeBaseball360.com).

Stanford so.RHP Jordan Pries

PRIES went the distance on April 2 in game-2 of the series at #2 UCLA, as the Cardinal handed the Bruins their first loss of the season (8-4). The 6-0, 190-pound righthander allowed three earned runs on eight hits and four walks, with four strikeouts while facing a potent UCLA lineup that featured four players hitting above .390 for the season.

The 133-pitch complete game saw Pries sparkle through the first 7.2 innings, as he allowed only an unearned run and four hits until late in the 8th inning. Twice in the game, Pries retired seven in a row – and his first six frames featured two 1-2-3 innings and four others in which he induced a double-play ball.

Stanford's Jordan Pries limited #2 UCLA to one run (unearned) and four hits until late in the 8th inning, en route to a complete-game win that handed the Bruins their first loss of the season. – photo courtesy of Stanford

Pries allowed five hits from UCLA’s top-two hitters in the lineup (Blair Dunlap and Beau Amaral), but the sophomore steered clear of any big innings by limiting the other Bruins batters to a combined 3-for-23 in the upset win.

CLARK led Louisville to a 4-0 week, helping keep the Cardinals on course for a possible top-8 seed in the NCAA Championship. The 6-3, 225-pound lefthanded hitter batted at a .556 clip during the week (10-for-18), with four home runs, 10 RBI, nine runs scored, a pair of doubles, a walk and a sacrifice fly (plus a 1.333 slugging pct.).

In a midweek game at Indiana, the 3-hole hitter continued to star in his comeback from a ribcage stress fracture. The Hoosiers opted to send their ace Friday-night starter, LHP Drew Leininger, to the mound for a potential 3-inning save and IU was one out from the upset – but Clark drove a 1-1 pitch over the rightfield fence for a 2-run homer and the winning 5-4 margin. The blast ended Leininger’s impressive shutout streak that had spanned 28.2 innings (Leininger also entered the game with a lowly 0.79 season ERA).

Senior first baseman Andrew Clark - who recently returned from a ribcage stress fracture - helped keep Louisville among the nation's top teams, with his highlights included a 9th-inning home run for the final margin at Indiana and 13 total bases in the opener vs. BIG EAST challenger Villanova. - photo courtesy of Louisville

Two days later, Clark single-handedly turned away BIG EAST challenger Villanova by batting 5-for-5, racking up 13 total bases (2 HR, 2 2B) and factoring into seven of the Louisville runs (5 RBI, 4 R) during the 12-4 opener. The Cardinals went on to sweep the Wildcats and remain tied atop the BIG EAST standings (5-1; 24-3 overall).

In his seven games since returning from the ribcage injury, Clark is batting .444 with 13 RBI. His .408 season batting avg. includes 25 RBI, 17 runs scored and six home runs in 14 games played.

Primetime Performer Award Criteria
• Must have been playing for or against a CB360 top-50 team (in the Composite National Rankings) or performed a high level in a game that could be key to a team’s conference/NCAA postseason qualification.
• Involved in clutch performances, such as late game-winning hits, noteworthy comebacks, game-changing plays, team leadership, key defensive efforts, etc.
• Performing 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.
• Overcoming adversity or extreme circumstances (for the team and/or individual).
• Any accomplishment that is rare, historic, record-setting, etc., on a national level.

(from left) Andrew Ciencin (NC St.), Harrry Clark (UAB), Grant Dayton (Auburn), Clayton Farhat (Lamar), Cole Green (Texas) and Justin Jones (Cal).

The other 16 members of the CB360 Primetime Performer Weekly Honor Roll include: N.C. State so. 3B Andrew Ciencin (Cranford, N.J.) … Alabama-Birmingham freshman catcher Harry Clark (Memphis, Tenn.) … Auburn jr. LHP Grant Dayton (Huntsville, Ala.) … Lamar jr. LF Clayton Farhat (Plano, Texas) … Texas jr. RHP Cole Green (Coppell, Texas) … California fr. LHP Justin Jones (Oakdale, Calif.) … Arkansas so. CF Collin Kuhn (Beaver Dam, Wis.) … so. RHP Jacob Lee (Jonesboro, Ark.) … Texas Tech so. RF Scott LeJeune (Austin, Texas) …San Diego St. fr. RHP Ethan Miller (Chino Hills, Calif.) … Coastal Carolina jr. CF Rico Noel (Lawton, Okla.) … Florida so. LHP Alex Panteliodis (Tampa, Fla.) … Oregon jr. LF Marcus Piazzisi (Placentia, Calif.) … Tennessee jr. LF P.J. Polk (Murfreesboro, Tenn.) … Tulane so. catcher Jeremy Schaffer (Bellaire, Texas) … and Virginia Tech jr. RF Austin Wates (Richmond, Va.).

(from left) Collin Kuhn (Arkansas), Jacob Lee (Arkansas St.), Scott LeJuene (Texas Tech), Ethan Miller (San Diego St.), Rico Noel (Coastal Carolina) and Alex Panteliodos (Florida).

The 18 honorees include seven pitchers (three LHPs), three leftfielders, two catchers, a pair of centerfielders, two rightfielders, a first baseman and a third baseman. The selections feature one senior, seven juniors, seven sophomores and three freshmen. Four of the players are California natives are four others are Texas products, along with two from the state of Tennessee and one each from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Virginia and Wisconsin.

(from left) Marcus Piazzisi (Oregon), P.J. Polk (Tennessee), Jeremy Shaffer (Tulane) and Austin Wates (Virginia Tech).

PRIMETIME PERFORMERS WEEKLY HONOR ROLL (April 6, 2010)

(presented by CollegeBaseball360.com)

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

Player (Pos.) … School … Yr. … Hometown … Stats & Notes
Andrew Ciencin (3B) … North Carolina State … So. …. Cranford, NJ
6-hole hitter whose 7th-inning grand slam provided winning margin in series-clinching win over #3 Virginia (7-5); hit 2-for-4 and scored game’s first run in earlier win over UVa (6-5)

*Andrew Clark (1B) … Louisville … Sr. … New Palestine, IN
3-hole hitter continued to star after returning from ribcage stress fracture; his 10-for-18/4-HR/10-RBI/9-R week included GW homer at Indiana (ending ace LHP Drew Leininger’s 28.2-inn. shutout streak) and 13 total bases in opener vs. BIG EAST challenger Villanova (5-5, 2HR-5RBI; UL swept)

Harry Clark (C) … Alabama-Birmingham  … Fr. … Memphis, TN
Rookie 8-hole batter hit 3-for-4 with 2 RBI (R, 2B) in 6-4 upset of in-state power #25 Alabama

Grant Dayton (LHP) … Auburn … Jr. … Huntsville, AL
Seven strong innings to win finale of rivalry series at #25 Alabama (1R-7H-6K)

Clayton Farhat (LF) … Lamar … Jr. … Plano, TX
2-hole hitter who led series win vs. #24 SE Louisiana; 4-for-8 with 4 RBI in the two wins (7-4/8-1; R-3B-2B-SAC)

Cole Green (RHP) … Texas … Jr. … Coppell, TX
Dominant outing to win tight game-2 (2-0) in sweep at #16 Oklahoma (which entered game with .323 team batting avg.); faced only 26 batters in 7.2-inn., 112-pitch outing (3H-2BB-6K); only runner to reach 2nd base vs. Green was after late dropped ball on forceout

Justin Jones (LHP) … California … Fr. … Oakdale, CA
Logged 8.0 shutout innings and faced only 28 batters (4H-5K) in game-2 win over #21 Arizona (8-0), as Bears posted their first Pac-10 series sweep since 2007

Collin Kuhn (CF) … Arkansas … So. … Beaver Dam, WI
Leadoff batter who came through with 2-out/2-strike grand slam to beat #49 Kentucky in 17-16 shootout that clinched SEC series (bailed out staff that coughed up 8-run lead); career-high 4 hits in that series finale (3R-2B-BB-HBP), also strong effort in game-2 win (10-1; 2-for-5, 3RBI-2R-HR-2B)

Jacob Lee (RHP) … Arkansas State … So. … Jonesboro, AR
Delivered series-clinching win (3-1) vs. #20 Western Kentucky team that was averaging nearly 10R per game (6.2 shutout IP-5H-3BB-8K)

Scott LeJeune (RF) … Texas Tech … So. … Austin, TX
Cleanup batter who led series win vs. #24 Kansas State (8-5/13-4 wins); hit 6-for-8 in the pair of wins (3RBI-3R-2 2B-BB-HBP)

Ethan Miller (RHP) … San Diego State … Fr. … Chino Hills, CA
Beat #14 TCU with 7.0 shuout innings, in his second start of season (3-1; 8H-BB-3K)

Rico Noel (CF) … Coastal Carolina … Jr. … Lawton, OK
Leadoff batter whose 11th-inning HR delivered 4-3 win at #11 Clemson (2-for-4, 2 RBI, sac. fly)

Alex Panteliodis (LHP) … Florida … So. … Tampa, FL
Won pitchers duel opposite #18 Vanderbilt’s highly-rated ace Sonny Gray, in 3-2 series opener (6.1IP-R-7H-2BB-6K)

Marcus Piazzisi (LF) … Oregon … Jr. … Placentia, CA
2-hole hitter whose 12th-inning single handed #1 Arizona St. its first loss (6-5; hit 3-for-5 with 2RBI, 2 BB); also doubled in 1-0 loss to ASU and had RBI/R as part of early 3-0 lead in finale (3-7 loss)

P.J. Polk (LF) … Tennessee … Jr. … Murfreesboro, TN
Leadoff man who homered twice in game-2 win (5-2) at #12 Mississippi; hit combined 6-for-12 pair of wins during series upset (10-6 finale; 4 RBI-4R)

*Jordan Pries (RHP) … Stanford … So. … Alameda, CA
His 133-pitch complete game handed #2 UCLA its first loss (8-4; 3 earned runs-8H-4BB-4K); allowed only one run (unearned) and four hits until late in the 8th

Jeremy Schaffer (C) … Tulane … So. .. Bellaire, TX
Smacked 1st-inning grand slam in 10-5 win at #36 Tulane (2-for-4; 5RBI-2R-SB-SAC); added 425-ft blast to dead-center in 7-5 clincher of key CUSA series (2RBI-BB)

Austin Wates (RF) … Virginia Tech … Jr. … Richmond, VA
3-hole batter who paced series win at #4 Florida State (VT had not won at FSU since ’89; 1-25 in previous 26 games vs. ‘Noles) … led 10-5 opening win (4-5, 3RBI-R-2 2B) and scored in gm-2 (8-7; VT’s first-ever series win over FSU)

* – Adam Clark is the CB360 Primetime Player of the Week and Pries the Primetime Pitcher of the Week … note that rankings above refer to the CB360 top-50 … class years are based on academic standing (some players may have an extra year of eligibility)

Here’s the latest “unofficial” look at college baseball’s national stats leader as of Thursday, April 1.

J.D. Ashbrook

HOME RUNS

1.  A.J. Kirby-Jones-Tennessee Tech  14

2.  J.D. Ashbrook-Morehead St.  12

2.  Wes Cunningham-Murry St.  12

2.  Chris Duffy-Central Florida  12

2.  Ben Harty-New Mexico St.  12

2.  Peter O’Brien-Bethune-Cookman  12

7.  Jordan Ballard-VMI  11

7.  Michael Choice-UT Arlington  11

7.  Mac Doyle-Wofford  11

7.  Paul Hoilman-East Tennessee St.  11

7.  Kyle Parker-Clemson  11

Jake Overstreet

RBIs

1.  Jake Overstreet-South Alabama  48

2.  Chris Duffy-Central Florida  47

3.  Jacob Tanis-Mercer  43

4.  Danny Brock-St. Louis  42

5.  Sam Eberle-Jacksonville St.  41

5.  Drew Lee-Moorehead St.  41

7.  Ben Harty-New Mexico St.  40

7.  A.J. Kirby-Jones-Tennessee Tech  40

9.  Kyle Blackburn-Georgia Southern  39

9.  Nate Woods-Belmont  39

Sean Toole

BATTING AVERAGE

1.  Sean Toole-Pittsburgh  .508 (31-61)

2.  Matt Szczur-Villanova  .500  (41-82)

3.  Chris Benson-Utah Valley  .494 (41-83)

4.  Garret Bivone-UT Pan American  .492 (30-61)

5.  Kevin Tokarski-Illinois State  .487  (38-78)

6.  Justin Bencsko-Villanova  .485 (32-66)

6.  Chris Duffy-Central Florida  .485 (49-101)

8.  Ryan Rivers-Charlotte  .471 (41-87)

9.  Adam Doleac-Southern Mississippi  .468 (29-62)

10.  Dom Hayes-West Virginia  .460 (40-87)

A.J. Kirby-Jones

SLUGGING PERCENTAGE

1.  A.J. Kirby-Jones-Tennessee Tech  1.023

2.  Chris Duffy-Central Florida  .980

3.  Wes Cunningham-Murray State  .930

4.  Paul Hoilman-East Tennessee State  .910

5.  Mac Doyle-Wofford  .879

6.  Zack MacPhee-Arizona State  .865

7.  Jacke Healey-Youngstown St.  .857

8.  Ryan Rivers-Charlotte  .851

9.  Kevin Tokarski-Illinois State  .846

10.  Chace Perkins-New Mexico State  .845

Brian Harris

ON-BASE PERCENTAGE

1.  Brian Harris-Vanderbilt  .595

2.  Kevin Tokarski-Illinois State  .592

3.  Justin Bencsko-Villanova  .584

3.  Vincent Mejia-UT Pan American  .584

5.  Chad Salem-Manhattan  .582

6.  Brock Stassi-Nevada  .578

7.  Nate Roberts-High Point  .577

8.  A.J. Kirby-Jones-Tennessee Tech  .573

9.  Taylor Dugas-Alabama  .570

10.  Dan Gulbransen-Jacksonville  .568

Merrill Kelly

WINS

1. Corey Baker-Pittsburgh  6

1. Gerrit Cole-UCLA  6

1. D.D. Hanks-South Alabama  6

1. Merrill Kelly-Arizona State  6

1. Josh Schneider-Morehead State  6

1. Asher Wojciechowski-The Citadel  6

Matt Andress-Appalachian State  5

Trevor Bauer-UCLA  5

Jake Borup-Arizona State  5

Bryant Cotton-St. Louis  5

Ryan Daniel-Liberty  5

Matt Davenport-William & Mary  5

Brandon Efferson-Southeastern Louisiana  5

Mike Gipson-Florida Atlantic  5

Cole Green-Texas  5

Kyle Hunter-Kansas State  5

Justin Jones-California  5

Keegan Linza-Liberty  5

Brandon Love-Mercer  5

Nick Montgomery-Middle Tennessee State  5

Alex Panteliodis-Florida  5

Marcus Pointer-Pacific  5

David Rowse-Pacific  5

Thomas Royse-Louisville  5

Matt Shelton-Sam Houston State  5

John Stilson-Texas A&M  5

Paul Tremlin-Cal State Northridge  5

Brandon Williamson-Dallas Baptist  5

Alex Wimmers-Ohio State  5

Barret Loux

Strikeouts

1.  Asher Wojciechowski-The Citadel  59

2.  Barret Loux-Texas A&M  58

3.  Trevor Bauer-UCLA  56

3.  Gerrit Cole-UCLA  56

3.  Taylor Jungmann-Texas  56

6.  Noe Ramirez-Cal State Fullerton  53

7.  Jason Mitchell-UT Arlington  52

8.  D.D. Hanks-South Alabama  51

8.  Luke Irvine-Northwestern (LA) State  51

10.  Tanner Peters-UNLV  50

Chad Sheppard

SAVES

1.  Matty Ott-LSU  9

1.  Kevin Arico-Virginia  9

3.  Chad Sheppard-Northwestern State  7

3.  Jordan Swagerty-Arizona State  7

5.  Wes Alsup-Tennessee Martin  6

Adam Cimber-Washington  6

Chris Dennis-Portland  6

Chris Franklin-Southeastern Louisiana  6

Tyler Gebler-Rutgers  6

Dan Gentzler-Maryland  6

John Ivie-Belmont  6

Chris Patterson-Appalachian State  6

Brooks Pinckard-Baylor  6

Ryne Purcell-Eastern Kentucky  6

Chance Ruffin-Texas  6

Lex Rutledge-Samford  6

Seth Simmons-East Carolina  6

An Unofficial 2nd Look At The National Leaders

Corey Baker

Wins

These Pitchers Are Tied With 5 Victories

Matt Andress-Appalachian State

Corey Baker-Pittsburgh

Aaron Barrett-Mississippi

Jake Borup-Arizona State

Gerrit Cole-UCLA

Ryan Daniel-Kansas State

Brandon Efferson-Southeastern Louisiana

Merrill Kelly-Arizona State

Brandon Love-Mercer

Alex Panteliodis-Florida

Marcus Pointer-Pacific

Josh Schneider-Morehead State

Brandon Williamson-Dallas Baptist

Alex Wimmers-Ohio State

Asher Wojciechowski-The Citadel

Gerrit Cole

Strikeouts

1.  Taylor Jungmann – Texas  51

2.  Gerrit Cole – UCLA  49

3.  Asher Wojciechowski – The Citadel 48

4.  Trevor Bauer – UCLA  47

4.  Barret Loux – Texas A&M  47

6.  Jason Mitchell – UT Arlington  43

7. Tanner Peters – UNLV  44

8.  Daniel Bibona-UC Irvine  43

8. Danny Hultzen – Virginia  43

8.  Ryan Fraser – Memphis  43

Matty Ott

Saves

1.  Matty Ott-LSU  8

2.  Kevin Arico-Virginia  7

2.  Chad Sheppard-Northwestern State  7

2.  Jordan Swagerty-Arizona State  7

5.  Chris Patterson-Appalachian State  6

5.  Seth Simmons-East Carolina  6

7.  Wes Alsup-Tennessee Martin  5

Chris Dennis-Portland  5

Austin Fleet-Coastal Carolina  5

Chris Franklin-Southeastern Louisiana  5

John Ivie-Belmont  5

Drew Mahaffey-The Citadel  5

Daniel Ottone-Western Carolina  5

Brooks Pinckard-Baylor  5

Ryne Purcell-Eastern Kentucky  5

Mikel Rodenberg-High Point  5

Chance Ruffin-Texas  5

Lex Rutledge-Samford  5

John Soldinger-Manhattan  5

Garrett Bivone

Batting Average

1.  Garrett Bivone-UT Pan American  .531  (26-49)

2.  Chris Duffy-Central Florida  .530  (44-83)

3.  Matt Szczur-Villanova  .529 (37-70)

4.  Justin Bencsko-Villanova  .527  (29-55)

5.  Mark Hill-George Mason  .517  (41-60)

6.  Sean Toole-Pittsburgh  .509  (27-53)

7.  Matt Dittman-Illinois  .500  (22-44)

7.  David Popkins-UC Davis  .500  (21-42)

9.  Chris Benson-Utah Valley  .492  (31-63)

10.  Brandon Padula-Maryland  .486  (36-74)

A.J. Kirby-Jones

Home Runs

1.  A.J. Kirby-Jones-Tennessee Tech  13

2.  Chris Duffy-Central Florida  12

3.  Ben Harty-New Mexico State  11

4.  Mac Doyle-Wofford  10

Paul Hoilman-East Tennessee St.  10

Phil Wunderlich-Louisville  10

Pat Biserta-Rutgers  10

Danny Brock-St. Louis  10

J. D. Ashbrook-Morehead State   10

Kyle Parker-Clemson  10

Chris Duffy

RBIs

1.  Chris Duffy-Central Florida  40

2.  A.J. Kirby-Jones-Tennessee Tech  39

2.  Drew Lee-Morehead State  39

4.  Ben Harty-New Mexico State  38

4.  Jacob Tanis-Mercer  38

6.  Danny Brock-St. Louis  36

6.  Sam Eberle-Jacksonville State  36

6.  Nate Woods-Belmont  36

6.  Joe Leonard-Pittsburgh  36

10.  Connor Powers-Mississippi St.  34

10.  Paul Karmas-St. John’s  34

Mac Doyle

Slugging Percentage

1.  A.J. Kirby-Jones-Tennessee Tech  1.155

2.  Chris Duffy-Central Florida  1.120

3.  Mac Doyle-Wofford  1.000

4.  Paul Hoilman-East Tennessee St.  .959

5.  Jacke Healey-Youngstown State  .950

6.  Zack MacPhee-Arizona State  .922

7.  Brandon Hairston-Norfolk State  .909

8.  Ryan Soares-George Mason  .908

9.  Wes Cunningham-Murray State  .897

10.  T.J. Blanton-Bowling Green  .895

Brian Harris

On-Base Percentage

1.  Justin Bencsko-Villanova  .613

2.  Brian Harris-Vanderbilt  .608

2.  Nate Roberts-High Point  .608

4.  Taylor Dugas-Alabama  .607

5.  A.J. Kirby-Jones-Tennessee Tech  .606

6.  Chad Salem-Manhattan  .602

7.  Mark Hill-George Mason  .600

8.  Alan Denman-Campbell  .595

9.  Vincent Mejia-UT Pan American  .587

10.  David Popkins-UC Davis  .585

Chris Duffy

Triple Crown Watch

Chris Duffy-Central Florida

BA: .530  #2

HR:  12  #2

RBI:  40  #1

Big Names & Lessor Known Hurlers On The List

LUBBOCK, TX — As starting pitchers across the country continue to impact the success of their teams, the College Baseball Foundation has released the first Pitcher of the Year Watch List for 2010.  The Pitcher of the Year Award will be presented in Lubbock, Texas,on July 2 as part of the College Baseball Awards Show.

“This watch list is full of great college pitchers from around the country,” said Landon Holly, who together with Justin Knowles serves as co-chair for the Pitcher of the Year committee.  All the major conferences across the country have multiple representatives on the list, with the Pac-10 leading the way with nine.  Many of the smaller conferences also have representation on the list.

This is the second year the CBF will present the Pitcher of the Year Award.  Deck McGuire of Georgia Tech is the only 2009 finalist to appear on the 2010 watch list.  2009 Stopper of the Year Award winner Addison Reed of San Diego State (now a starter) is on the Pitcher of the Year watch list as well.

The award will be presented on July 2 in Lubbock, TX as part of the College Baseball Awards Show.

2010 College Pitcher of the Year Watch List

Jimmy Nelson-Alabama-SEC

Jake Borup-Arizona State-Pac 10

Mitchell Lambson-Arizona State-Pac 10

Josh Spence-Arizona State-Pac 10

Drew Smyly-Arkansas-SEC

Logan Verrett-Baylor-Big 12

Eric Johnson-California-Pac 10

Asher Wojciechowski-The Citadel-Southern

Matt Rein-Coastal Carolina-Big South

Cody Wheeler-Coastal Carolina-Big South

Alex Panteliodis-Florida-SEC

John Gast-Florida State-ACC

Sean Gilmartin-Florida State-ACC

Deck McGuire-Georgia Tech-ACC

Drew Leininger-Indiana-Big 10

Matt Little-Kentucky-SEC

Shawn Teufel-Liberty-Big South

Anthony Ranaudo-LSU-SEC

Neil Holland-Louisville-Big East

Thomas Royse-Louisville-Big East

Matt Harvey-North Carolina-ACC

Francis Brooke-Northwestern-Big 10

Alex Wimmers-Ohio State-Big 10

Jeremy Erben-Oklahoma-Big 12

Aaron Barrett-Mississippi-SEC

Drew Pomeranz-Mississippi-SEC

Tyler Anerson-Oregon-Pac 10

Greg Peavey-Oregon State-Pac 10

Tanner Robles-Oregon State-Pac 10

Addison Reed-San Diego State-Mountain West

D.D. Hanks-South Alabama-Sun Belt

Trevor Vermeulen-South Dakota State-Summit

Josh Janway-Southeastern Louisiana-Southland

Scott Copeland-Southern Mississippi-Conference USA

Todd McInnis-Southern Mississippi-Conference USA

Cole Green-Texas-Big 12

Taylor Jungmann-Texas-Big 12

Chance Ruffin-Texas-Big 12

Barret Loux-Texas A&M-Big 12

John Stilson-Texas A&M-Big 12

Daniel Bibona-UC Irvine-Big West

Eric Pettis-UC Irvine-Big West

Mario Hollands-UC Santa Barbara-Big West

Trevor Bauer-UCLA-Pac 10

Gerrit Cole-UCLA-Pac 10

Jason Mitchell-UT Arlington-Southland

Sonny Gray-Vanderbilt-SEC

Danny Hultzen-Virginia-ACC

Jesse Hahn-Virginia Tech-ACC

An Unofficial Look At The National Leaders

Justin Bencsko

Batting Average

1.  Justin Bencsko-Villanova .558  (24-43)

2.  Kevin Tokarski-Illinois State .551 (27-49)

3.  Mark Hill-George Mason .537  (22-41)

4.  Chris Duffy-Central Florida .529  (37-70)

5.  Brandon Padula-Maryland .518  (29-56)

6.  B.J. LaRosa-Bucknell .509  (27-53)

7.  Chad Salem-Manhattan .500  (19-38)

7.  Zach Macphee-Arizona State .500  (27-54)

7.  Garrett Bivone-UT Pan American .500  (18-36)

10.  Carlos Alonso-Delaware .491  (27-55)

Chris Duffy

RBIs

1.  Chris Duffy-Central Florida  35

2.  Ben Harty-New Mexico St.  33

2.  Joe Leonard-Pittsburgh       33

4.  Connor Powers-Mississippi St. 32

4.  Jake Overstreet-So. Alabama   32

6.  Jacob Tanis-Mercer  31

7.  Danny Brock-St. Louis 30

7.  Sam Roberts-VMI  30

7.  Thomas Carroll-Mercer  30

10.  Jeff Schaus-Clemson  29

Danny Brock

Home Runs

1.  Chris Duffy-Central Florida  11

2.  Danny Brock-St. Louis  9

2.  Mike Sodders-New Mexico State  9

2.  A.J. Kirby-Jones-Tennessee Tech  9

5.  Ryan Aguayo-New Mexico St.  8

5.  Stephen Yarrow-San Francisco  8

5.  Paul Hoilman-East Tenn. State  8

5.  Ben Harty-New Mexico St.  8

5.  Connor Powers-Mississippi St.  8

5.  Kyle Parker-Clemson  8

5.  Jordan Ballard-VMI  8

Taylor Jungmann

Strikeouts

1.  Taylor Jungmann-Texas  43

2.  Gerrit Cole-UCLA  41

2.  Tanner Peters-UNLV  41

4.  Jason Mitchell-UT Arlington  38

5.  Trevor Bauer-UCLA  38

6.  Barret Loux-Texas A&M  37

6.  Asher Wojciechowski-The Citadel  37

8.  Shawn Tolleson-Baylor  36

9.  Andrew Kittredge-Washington  35

10.  Cody Martin-Gonzaga  35

Matt Andress

Wins

The Following 18 Pitchers Are All Tied With 4 Victories

Matt Andress-Appalachian State

Corey Baker-Pittsburgh

Jake Borup-Arizona State

Gerrit Cole-UCLA

Ryan Daniel-Kansas State

Brandon Efferson-Southeastern Louisiana

Cole Green-Texas

D.D. Hanks-South Alabama

Merrill Kelly-Arizona State

Brandon Love-Mercer

Alex Panteliodis-Florida

Marcus Pointer-Pacific

Dayne Quist-UC Davis

Cameron Selik-Kansas

John Stilson-Texas A&M

Brandon Williamson-Dallas Baptist

Asher Wojciechowski-The Citadel

Pete Woodworth-Florida Gulf Coast

Kevin Arico

Saves

1.  Kevin Arico-Virginia  6

1.  Matty Ott-LSU  6

1.  Chris Patterson-Appalachian State 6

1.  Jordan Swagerty-Arizona St.  6

5.  Wes Alsup-UT Martin  5

5.  Austin Fleet-Coastal Carolina  5

5.  Drew Manhaffey-The Citadel  5

5.  Bruce Pinckard-Baylor  5

5.  Ryne Purcell-Eastern Kentucky  5

5.  Mikel Rodenberg-High Point  5

5.  Chance Ruffin-Texas  5

5.  Chad Sheppard-Northwestern St.  5

5.  Seth Simmons-East Carolina  5