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Previews Continue With Teams 11-20…

Vanderbilt head coach Tim Corbin took his team to its first CWS in 2011

With the start of the season rapidly approaching, here’s a look at some of the top teams in the country heading into the 2012 college baseball season.

Our rankings are based on a “composite formula” that combines not only the existing weekly preseason national polls, but also other factors like strength of schedule and preseason conference polls. Other criteria will continually be added throughout the season to our composite rankings.

Here is a look at teams 11-20 heading into the season.

( ) Stats in parenthesis are from the 2011 season.

* After a statistic denotes team leader in that statistical category.

CLICK HERE to see capsules for teams 1-10

CLICK HERE to see capsules for teams 21-30

CLICK HERE to see the entire CB360 2012 Preseason Composite National Rankings

11. Vanderbilt

2011 Record: 54-12

With three straight national championships and a slew of NCAA bids every year, it is apparent just how good and how tough the SEC is on a yearly basis. However, the SEC’s Western Division took that to another level last year.

After several near misses, Vanderbilt finally reached the College World Series in 2011. Vandy’s historic bid made it one of three teams from the SEC West to reach Omaha. The other two, of course, were eventual national champion South Carolina and national runner-up Florida.

If Commodore head coach Tim Corbin is to get back to the CWS in 2012, it may be his best coaching job ever. Vandy suffers major key losses after having 11 – that’s right 11 – players from last year’s CWS team sign professional contracts last summer.

The most significant losses are in the weekend rotation, where All-Americans Sonny Gray (12-4, 2.43 ERA) and Grayson Garvin (13-2, 2.48 ERA) as well as less heralded, but still valuable Taylor Hill (6-1, 2.73 ERA) all must be replaced. The trio combined for 337 1/3 of the staff’s 583 innings and 325 of 567 strikeouts in 2011. As if the front end losses weren’t bad enough, closer Navery Moore (4-2, 1.21 ERA, 11 SV*) is now in the pro ranks as well. Will Clinard (2-2, 2.75 ERA, 35 App*, 39 1/3 IP, 48 K, 3 SV), T.J. Pecoraro (7-0, 1.59 ERA, 39 2/4 IP, 41 K) and Kevin Ziomek (3-0, 1.59 ERA, 45 1/3 IP, 47 K) are among the returnees who will assume larger roles in ’12.

There are a few more recognizable names back in the everyday lineup for Vandy. Notably, Anthony Gomez (.336, 48 RBIs, 61 Runs*, 12 Doubles), leadoff man Tony Kemp (.329, 58 Runs, 7 Triples*, 17 SB) and Mike Yastrzemski (.296, 60 Runs, 42 RBIs, 23 SB*). Vandy will still miss the run production of Aaron Westlake (.344, 18 HR*, 56 RBIs, .640 Slg.%) and Jason Esposito (.340, 9 HR, 59 RBIs*, 22 Doubles*).

Chris Harvey will be the one to watch for Vanderbilt all season. The strong armed catcher skipped his senior year of high school completely to enroll at Vanderbilt last fall. Corbin says of the 18 year old phenom “What separates him from most young players is his feel for hitting and his overall maturity for the game.” Harvey, who is part of what Baseball America has rated as the No. 1 freshman class in the country, comes from an athletic family. His sister, Megan, is a swimmer at Georgetown, while his brother, Michael, wrestles at North Carolina.

12. TCU

2011 Record: 43-19

A trip to the 2010 College World Series was the watershed moment for Jim Schlossnagle’s Horned Frogs, and heading into 2011 they looked like they were set for another Omaha run. The script didn’t quite hold though, as an injury to ace Matt Purke (5-1, 1.71 ERA) caused too much ripple effect in the roles of the rest of the pitching staff. Ultimately, TCU took two steps back, seeing upstart Dallas Baptist win the Ft. Worth Regional.

Purke signed a professional contract after two years at TCU, but fellow starters Kyle Winkler (8-2*, 1.39 ERA*, 13 Starts*, 2 CG, 90 2/3 IP*) and Steven Maxwell (5-1, 3.13 ERA) must also be replaced along with the bat of Taylor Featherston (.335*, 3 HR, 42 RBIs).

Despite that substantial turnover, TCU still has plenty back for a shot at another deep NCAA run. The offense is led by Josh Elander (.333, 5 HR, 38 RBIs, 11 Doubles), Jantzen Witte (.331, 4 HR, 45 RBIs, 21 Doubles*), Jason Coats (.325, 8 HR*, 56 RBIs*, 16 Doubles) and Brance Rivera (.324, 7 HR, 36 RBIs, 14 SB*). The most intriguing new addition is that of 6’5, 260 pound freshman Kevin Cron, who is the younger brother of former Utah All-American C.J. Cron. Kevin was a third round selection out of high school in last year’s MLB Draft, while C.J. went to the Angels in the first round.

Sophomore Andrew Mitchell (6-1, 2.84, 12 Starts, 22 App., 2 SV, 76 IP, 73 K) did a little of everything last year, with the Horned Frogs going 17-5 in games he pitched. He will have a more settled role this year with the previously mentioned departures. Stefan Crichton (6-3, 1.98 ERA, 26 App., 5 SV*, 50 IP) and  Nick Frey (1-0, 3.45 ERA, 10 App., 4 Starts) will look to expanded roles as well.

TCU will be tested early, with a season-opening home series against Ole Miss, followed by three games at Cal State Fullerton the next weekend. With a move to the Big 12 on the way, 2012 will be the Horned Frogs’ last season in the Mountain West Conference.

13. Florida State

2011 Record: 46-19

One thing has become automatic in Mike Martin’s first 32 years as Florida State head coach – an NCAA appearance. The Seminoles have gone to 32 straight NCAA Tournaments, gone to 14 College World Series and averaged an amazing 52 wins in Martin’s first 32 seasons at the helm.

The only thing the ABCA Hall of Famer hasn’t done is the same thing no ACC team has done since 1955 – win a national championship.

As usual, the Seminoles return a lot of offense to make a run at Omaha. James Ramsey (.364*, 10 HR*, 67 RBIs*, 18 Doubles, 58 Runs*, 3 Triples, 11 SB*, 1.022 OPS*) was FSU’s top all-around bat in 2011. He’s joined by the likes of Jayce Boyd (.343, 8 HR, 60 RBIs, 17 Doubles, 44 Runs, 10 SB), Devon Travis (.329, 6 HR, 33 RBIs, 26 Doubles*, 58 Runs*), Justin Gonzalez (.264, 8 HR, 40 RBIs, 13 Doubles, 50 Runs) and Sherman Johnson (.256, HR, 40 RBIs, 18 Doubles, 51 Runs, 10 SB).

The biggest losses to the pitching staff are ace Sean Gilmartin (12-2*, 2.09 ERA, 120 1/3 IP*, 130 K*), two-way player Mike McGee (4-3, 4.68 ERA, 5 SV/.321, 10 HR*, 58 RBIs) and closer Daniel Bennett (3-1, 2.29 ERA, 39 App.*, 15 SV*).

A solid group of returning pitching includes Robert Benincasa (3.58 ERA, 2-2, 20 App.), Gary Merians (6-2, 4.03 ERA), Brian Busch (6-2, 4.29 ERA, 26 App., 63 IP), Hunter Scantling (3-3, 4.45 ERA, 12 Starts, 58 2/3 IP), and Scott Sitz (4-2, 5.92 ERA, 51 2/3 IP).

14. Arizona

2011 Record: 39-21

While the majority of the teams in Division I baseball were struggling to adjust to the new BBCOR bats last year, that was not the case for Arizona. The national batting average dropped from .305 in 2010 to .282 last year (.023), but the Wildcats’ average slipped just .001 – from .321 to .320. Arizona finished third in the nation with its .321 average last season, and was one of just 49 of the nearly 300 DI teams to hit at a .300 or better clip.

Andy Lopez returns his top five bats, Bryce Ortega (.353*, HR, 28 RBIs, 57 Runs*, 25 SB*), Joey Rickard (.347, 4 HR, 37 RBIs, 16 SB), Cole Frenzel (.346, 3 HR, 16 Doubles, 48 RBIs), Alex Mejia (.335, 42 RBIs, 12 Doubles, 4 Triples), and Robert Refsnyder (.320, 6 HR*, 55 RBIs*, 6 Triples*, 13 Doubles) from that high octane offense. Those five combined for more than half of the team’s 370 RBIs and 14 of 29 home runs in 2011.

In addition to the big bats that are back, the Wildcats also return their top two pitchers - Kurt Heyer (8-5, 2.41 ERA*, 138 1/3 IP*, 134 K*) and Kyle Simon (11-3*, 2.72 ERA, 129 IP, 5 CG*). The duo accounted for 19 of the pitching staff’s 39 wins, 38 of 60 starts, more than half of its 534 innings, and all seven complete games.

15. Miami

2011 Record: 38-23

Since going to the College World Series in 2008, the last three seasons have all ended the same for Jim Morris’ Miami Hurricanes – with losses to Florida in Gainesville. The 2009 and 2011 campaigns ended in Regionals, while 2010 came in an error plagued Super Regional defeat.

Maybe Morris decided it was time to find an ace in the hole…or behind the plate anyway.

After three great seasons at Bethune-Cookman, Peter O’Brien looks to provide instant impact after transferring to Miami for his final year of eligibility. The NCAA ruled recently that O’Brien will be allowed to play immediately. The senior catcher batted .304 with 14 home runs and 69 RBIs in 2011.

O’Brien was the MEAC Player of the Year in 2010 and went on to play for the USA Collegiate National Team that summer. He was selected in the third round of the 2011 MLB Draft, but turned down the chance to turn pro for a year in Coral Gables and the ACC.

O’Brien will have plenty of help in the lineup, with Rony Rodriguez (.308, 13 HR*, 44 RBIs*, 16 Doubles*, 43 Runs, 1.008 OPS*), Brad Fieger (.280, 2 HR, 29 RBIs, 14 Doubles, 28 Runs), Dale Carey (.271, 24 RBIs, 30 Runs), and Stephen Perez (.263, 31 RBIs, 12 Doubles, 25 Runs, 14 SB) among those in the supporting cast.

The Hurricanes have one of the more experienced pitching staffs in the ACC this year as well, with juniors Steven Ewing (8-2, 2.66 ERA*, 74 1/3 IP, 77 K), Eric Whaley (7-5, 2.70 ERA, 93 1/3 IP*, 82 K) and E.J. Encinosa (5-6, 3.45 ERA, 86 IP) as well as sophomore Bryan Radziewski (9-2*, 3.35 ERA, 91 1/3 IP, 92 K*) all back. Those four combined to make all but two of the team’s 61 starts in ’11. The biggest hole to fill is that of closer Daniel Miranda (3-1, 2.67 ERA, 15 SV*), who was an eighth round pick in last year’s MLB Draft.

16. Oklahoma

2011 Record: 41-19

After a trip to the 2010 College World Series, Sunny Golloway and Oklahoma had high expectations heading into last season. There was reason, with the bulk of the CWS squad returning. However, despite 41 wins, the Sooners went two-and-out after being sent to the Ft. Worth Regional (hosted by fellow ’10 CWS participant TCU).

While no coach ever wants to say he’s in rebuilding mode, that’s where Golloway is entering 2012.

A total of 11 Sooners, including six pitchers, were drafted last June, leaving OU with big holes to fill in both the everyday lineup and on the mound. Kevin Seitzer (.358*, 4 HR, 17 Doubles*, 41 RBIs), catcher Tyler Ogle (.343, 9 HR*, 45 RBIs*, 53 Runs*) and Garrett Buechele (.317, 8 HR, 63 RBIs*) and the most significant offensive losses. The pitching staff is hit just as hard, with the departures of starters Michael Rocha (10-3*, 1.75 ERA*, 5 CG*, 113 IP*, 82 K*) and Burch Smith (10-4*, 3.90 ERA, 87 2/3 IP) and closer Ryan Duke (2-1, 4.05 ERA, 7 SV*). Rocha and Smith made 32 of the team’s 60 starts last year, while Duke leaves as the program’s all-time saves leader (35).

Lefites Jordan John (4-2, 2.35 ERA, 7 Starts, 61 1/3 IP), who was drafted in 28^th round by Houston last year and 2011 Freshman All-American Dillon Overton (8-4, 2.30 ERA, 7 Starts, 71 1/3 IP) move to the front of the rotation this year. They are joined by a slew of junior college transfers, including expected closer Damien Magnifico.

Top returning bats in the lineup include Evan Mistich (.316, 2 HR, 16 RBIs), Erik Ross (.315, 21 RBIs, 19 SB*), Caleb Busheyhead  (.288, 18 RBIs), Max White (.286, 3 HR, 20 RBIs), and 2010 NCAA hero Cody Reine (.256, 4 HR, 27 RBIs).

17. UCLA

2011 Record: 35-24

The Bruins were not a potent offensive team in 2010 when they advanced all the way to the College World Series Finals before losing to South Carolina. They didn’t have to be though, because they had dual aces Gerrit Cole and Trevor Bauer. Even with those two, they were upset at their own NCAA Regional by San Francisco in their first round game and then were eliminated by UC Irvine. Cole and Bauer went first and third, respectively, overall in last year’s MLB Draft, so while head coach John Savage has reinforcements, there are still huge shoes to fill.

Adam Plutko (7-4, 2.01 ERA, 107 2/3 IP, 92 K) becomes the man at the front of the rotation, while guys like Nick Vander Tuig (3-4, 2.90 ERA, 9 SV*, 28 App.*) and Zack Weiss (5-3, 2.86 ERA, 66 IP, 53 K) will have more important roles as well.

There is some flux in the everyday lineup, but the biggest impact will be the loss of Rick Vanderhook. The veteran assistant ran the Bruin offense for three seasons while helping Savage win two Pac-10 titles, but he is now the head coach at Cal State Fullerton.

Cody Keefer (.303, 18 RBIs, 29 Runs, 13 Doubles), Beau Amaral (.299, 2 HR, 29 RBIs, 37 Runs*, 16 Doubles*), Cody Regis (.284, 6 HR*, 45 RBIs*), Jeff Gelalich (.268, 2 HR, 13 RBIs, 35 Runs, 4 Triples*, 13 Doubles, 10 SB), and Chris Giovinazzo (.250, 2 HR, 18 RBIs, 28 Runs, 15 SB*, 12 Doubles) are the most notable returnees.

18. Clemson

2011 Record: 43-20

Last year’s NCAA Tournament looked like it was set-up for an early shot at redemption for Clemson, but instead it turned into an early exit. The Tigers started the 2010 College World Series by going 2-0, only to fall to their biggest rival, South Carolina, en-route to the Gamecocks’ first national title.

Both Palmetto State school hosted Regionals last year, and if each won they would square-off in a Super Regional with the winner advancing to Omaha. Problem was, UConn got in the way of that super power match-up by knocking off the Tigers twice to claim the Clemson Regional.

Jack Leggett begins his 19^th season at the Clemson helm (where he’s averaged better than 45 wins a season) with a wealth of both pitching and offensive talent, but he does have some vital production to replace. Namely, Brad Miller (.395*, 5 HR, 50 RBIs, 1.057 OPS*, 21 SB), Will Lamb (.348, 3 HR, 39 RBIs), John Hinson (.331, 9 HR, 41 RBIs, 23 SB*), and Chris Epps (.292, 10 HR, 42 RBIs).

The good new is, while those formidable bats are gone, Leggett has the likes of Richie Shaffer (.315, 13 HR*, 15 Doubles, 55 RBIs*, 62 Runs*), Phil Pohl (.333 avg., 4 HR, 33 RBIs, 22 Doubles*), Spencer Kieboom (.282 avg, 1 HR, 31 RBIs, 10 Doubles) Jon McGibbon (.339 avg., 1 HR, 14 RBIs, 4 Doubles), and Jason Stoltz (.285, HR, 27 RBIs, 30 Runs) to carry the load while talented youngsters break into the lineup.

The pitching staff faces far fewer significant losses, with the likes of David Haseldon (6-1, 2.23 ERA, 25 App. 76 2/3 IP, 3 SV), Kevin Pohle (5-2, 1.93 ERA*, 32.2 IP, 17 K), Jonathan Meyer (5-2, 3.31 ERA, 68 IP, 63 K, CG*, SV), Dominic Leone (6-2, 3.70 ERA, 65 2/3 IP, 72 K), ), and Scott Firth (5-1, 3.06 ERA) all back to anchor a likely 18^th NCAA appearance in 19 seasons for Leggett.

Clemson and South Carolina play their traditional non-conference series the first weekend of March, with three games in three different cities in three days: March 2 in Charleston, SC, March 3 in Columbia and March 4 in Clemson.

19. Georgia

2011 Record: 33-32

A 3-1 mark at the SEC Tournament got Georgia above .500 and into the NCAA Tournament last year. Included in those three wins were triumphs over eventual national champion South Carolina and national runner-up Florida.

The Bulldogs were shipped to the Corvallis Regional, going 2-2 before falling to host Oregon State in the Regional final. The NCAA bid was the sixth in 10 seasons under head coach David Perno and the 11th in program history (seven of those 11 all-time NCAA bids have come since 2001). It was also a much needed berth, after missing the tournament in 2010.

Perno must replace Zach Cone (.275, 4 HR, 35 RBIs), who struggled with BBCOR last year, but was still the 37^th overall pick in last year’s draft. The pop of Chase Davidson (.278, 7 HR, 31 RBIs) will also be missed, but Georgia’s top two statistical bats, Kyle Farmer (.308 avg., 8 HR*, 58 RBIs*, 16 Doubles) is the and Levi Hyams (.332 avg.*, 5 HR, 38 RBI, 17 Doubles*) are both back along with Pete Verdin (.258 avg., 1 HR, 15 RBI, 6 Doubles).

Ben Cornwell was one of a pair of Bulldog pitchers who signed pro contracts last summer, but the pitching staff still returns Michael Palazzone (10-5*, 3.14 ERA, 4 CG*, 128.1 IP*, 78 K) along with Alex Wood (6-7, 4.44 ERA, 1 CG, 101.1 IP, 79 K*). The duo combined for all five of the staffs complete games, , more than 40-percent of the innings pitched and made 31 of 65 starts. Closer Tyler Maloof (2-2, 7.16 ERA, 18 SV*, 27.2 IP, 25 K) and Blake Dieterich (3-3, 3.67 ERA) each made 28 appearances, with the latter making four starts. Bryan Benzor (2-0, 3.94 ERA, 17 App.), Chase Hawkins (2-3, 4.82 ERA, 22 App., 8 Starts), Patrick Boling (1-2, 5.62 ERA, 18 App.) and Earl Daniels (1-0, 6.20 ERA, 24 App.) give the Bulldogs added staff depth.

20. Cal State Fullerton

2011 Record: 41-17

Rick Vanderhook begins his first season as head coach at Cal State Fullerton in 2012, but he is anything but unfamiliar with the land of the Titans. Vanderhook, who spent the last three seasons as an assistant at UCLA, is just the fifth head coach in program history. He was an assistant coach for a total of 21 seasons in Fullerton under the previous four head coaches –  Augie Garrido, Larry Cochell, George Horton, and Dave Serrano (who left to become head coach at Tennessee), so don’t look for the Titans’ offensive philosophy to change.

Vanderhook inherits a lot of returning experience offensively, but he’ll need to replace a ton of pitching. Noe Ramirez (8-4*, 1.69 ERA) and two-way player Tyler Pill (7-1, 2.28 ERA/.323, HR, 30 RBIs, 11 Doubles) are gone from the weekend rotation. Another two-way player and closer Nick Ramirez (1-1, 2.13 ERA, 16 SV*/.291, 17 Doubles*, 9 HR*, 49 RBIs*) is gone as well.

Fullerton’s top returnees include Michael Lorenzen (.342*, 2 HR, 31 RBIs, 3 Triples, 33 Runs, 19 SB,  .906 OPS*), Carlos Lopez (.342*, 34 RBIs, 4 Triples*), Richy Pedroza (.331, 22 RBIs, 37 Runs), and Dylan Floro (4-2, 4.23 ERA, SV).

The Titans will be tested early and often. The season starts with a three game series at 2011 national runner-up Florida, followed by a three game home series against TCU. The Titans have three games at 2011 CWS participant Texas A&M March 9-11, not to mention two games at Arizona State later in the month as well as midweek games against UCLA.

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Leaves Clemson After Trip To CWS…

Tom Riginos

Riginos (pronounced rih-JEEN-uhs) will be introduced to the media and Winthrop supporters during a press conference scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 4, at 2:00 p.m. in the Winthrop Coliseum’s Eagle Room.

He is taking over as a college head coach for the first time after serving on Tiger Head Coach Jack Leggett’s staff for the past eight years as the team’s hitting and outfielders coach.  Before going to Clemson, Riginos served for nine years (1994-2002) at his alma mater, Stetson University as the recruiting coordinator and hitting and outfielders coach.

Success has followed the 42-year-old Clearwater, FL native throughout his 17-year career.  While at Stetson, Riginos helped guided the Hatters to five NCAA Regional appearances.  During his Clemson tenure, the Tigers advanced to two NCAA Regional tournaments, three NCAA Super Regional appearances, and made two trips to the College World Series in 2006 and again this past season.  The combined record of Stetson and Clemson during Riginos’ 17-year career stands at 671-393-3 (.630).  While serving at Stetson and Clemson, those two schools averaged 39 wins per season and compiled a combined nine years with 40 or more victories.

In his two years as Clemson’s recruiting coordinator (2008-10), Riginos brought in top-20 recruiting classes both years.  The 2009 class was ranked #9 by Collegiate Baseball while the 2010 class was ranked #29 by Baseball America.  At Stetson he recruited eight classes that gained national recognition and he also recruited six All-Americans and 10 freshman All-Americans while with the Hatters.

“We had a very strong pool of candidates for our head baseball coaching position, and in Tom Riginos we believe we have hired one of the top coaches on the collegiate level,” said Hickman.  “Coach Riginos has had tremendous success in attracting talented players to both Stetson and Clemson and then developing those players into championship caliber student-athletes.  We believe he will continue to bring that success to Winthrop.”

Not only has Riginos been successful in the coaching profession, he also had an outstanding playing career at Stetson where he was a four-year letterman (1987-90) and served as captain of the 1990 squad.  During his Hatters career, he helped lead that school to three NCAA Regional appearances and three consecutive conference championships.  He finished his 225-game career as one of Stetson’s all-time stolen base leaders with 61.

After earning a bachelor of arts degree in sports administration from Stetson in 1990, Riginos spent one year on the coaching staff of his alma mater, Countryside High School in Clearwater before enrolling in graduate school at Eastern Kentucky University.  He served as the top assistant and graduate assistant coach for the Colonels who were coached by former Stetson head coach Jim Ward.  Riginos received a master of science degree in physical education/sports administration from EKU in 1993.

Riginos is married to the former Shalleen Kelly.  The couple has twin girls, Alexandra and Grace, age 9, and a son, Chatham, 14-months.  Riginos also has a son, Ben, 22.

(Winthrop Release)

For the first time since mid-February, we are coming out of a weekend that featured no college baseball. A few days earlier, the season concluded in Omaha with South Carolina’s extra-inning victory over UCLA. CollegeBaseball360.com recently announced its latest edition of the Primetime Performer Honor Roll – with 14 players recognized for their clutch play during the 2010 College World Series.  (front-page photo courtesy of TCU)

South Carolina sophomore lefthander Michael Roth

A full tribute to the CWS Primetime Performers follows below, featuring headshots and action photos – along with expanded bio./accomplishment capsules – for each of the 14 players.

TCU senior catcher Bryan Holaday

Leading the way are TCU senior catcher Bryan Holaday (Dallas, Texas) and South Carolina sophomore lefthander Michael Roth (Greer, S.C.), the respective Primetime Player and Primetime Pitcher of the 2010 College World Series (as selected by CollegeCaseball360.com).

CLICK HERE for the CB360 Primetime Performer archive.

CLICK HERE for CWS team/players stats package (provided exclusively by CollegeBaseball360.com)

Roth is joined by four other South Carolina players on CB360’s 2010 CWS Primetime Performers Honor Roll: senior RHP Blake Cooper (Neeses, S.C.), sophomore centerfielder Jackie Bradley, Jr. (Prince George, Va.), freshman first baseman Christian Walker (Limerick, Pa.) and fr./so. RH closer Matt Price (Sumter, S.C.). Holaday was one of three TCU players named to the Primetime team, along with sophomore shortstop Taylor Featherston (Katy, Texas) and freshman LHP Matt Purke (Spring, Texas).

UCLA – which finished as runner-up but had inconsistent performances from numerous individual players – is represented on the CWS Primetime Perforemrs list by freshman centerfielder Beau Amaral (Huntington Beach, Calif.) and sophomore righthanded strikeout machine Trevor Bauer (Valencia, Calif.). Two Oklahoma players – who both hail from the home state of rival Texas – also are Primetime honorees: sophomore catcher Tyler Ogle (San Antonio) and junior RHP Zach Neal (Flower Mound). Two other players round out the 2010 CWS Primetime Honor Roll: Florida State junior centerfielder Tyler Holt (who hails from Gainesville, site of rival University of Florida) and Clemson jr./so. third baseman John Hinson (Asheville, N.C.)

The CWS Primetime honorees include five starting pitchers (RHPs Cooper, Bauer and Neal; LHPs Roth and Purke), three centefielders (Bradley, Amaral and Holt) and a pair of catchers (Holaday and Ogle), plus the first baseman Walker, shortstop Featherson, third baseman Hinson and closer Price. The 14 selections feature the battle-tested seniors Holaday and Cooper, three juniors (Hinson, Holt & Neal), a group of six sophomore that includes several likely high draft picks in 2010 (Bradley, Bauer, Featherston, Ogle, Price and Roth), and the promising freshman trio of Amaral, Purke & Walker.

The honorees hail from seven different home states, led by five from Texas (the TCU and Oklahoma players) and three of the South Carolina players who are native sons (Cooper, Price & Roth), plus the UCLA duo (both in-state California products) and one each from Florida (Holt), North Carolina (Hinson), Pennsylvania (Walker) and Virginia (Bradley).

… ROTH rose to the occasion during four appearances at the 2010 College World Series, where he compiled a 1.10 ERA and answered the call with strong outings in his first two starts of the season (he also made only two starts as a freshman, in 2009). His most impressive appearance came in his first start, as the 6-1, 210-pound lefthander went the distance in 3-hit fashion to defeat in-state rival Clemson (5-1) – in what was SC’s third of four straight wins when facing elimination. Over the course of his 16.1 innings at the CWS, Roth limited the opposition to a .167 combined batting avg. (9 H) and had three times as many strikeouts (9) as walks (3, also 3 hit batters and 20 groundouts).

During his four appearances, Roth allowed 4-of-16 leadoff batters to reach base – but the opposition hit only 3-for-20 (.150) vs. him with runners on base and Roth closed out innings with near-perfect efficiency (limiting opponents to 1-for-17 hitting/.059 with 2-outs).

Roth’s first appearance came in relief of Blake Cooper, retiring 4-of-5 batters he faced (HBP, K) in the 6th/7th to maintain a 3-2 deficit vs. Oklahoma (SC rallied but still lost its opener, 4-3). Four days later, the scenario repeated itself – as Roth again relieved Cooper (with another narrow deficit vs. OU, 1-0) and retired all 4 he faced (K) – but this time the Gamecocks completed their rally for a 3-2, 12-inning win.

Less than 24 hours later, Roth was back on the mound as a surprise starter vs. rested in-state rival Clemson. His complete-game masterpiece in that 5-1 win saw virtually all of Clemson’s 33 batters fail to drive the ball out of the infield. Roth allowed only thee runners into scoring position (one reached third base), with his 9.0 innings featuring a 2nd-inning double/run scored, singles in the 8th and 9th, 16 groundball outs, 4 Ks, 2 foulouts, an infield lineout double play (4-3) and 3 flyouts (also a walk,  2 hit batters and a runner who reached on an E4 throw).

Richie Shaffer’s 3rd-inning leadoff double represented the only ball vs. Roth that reached the outfield until Spencer Kieboom’s flyout to right ended the 5th. Roth located 67 of his 108 pitches for strikes and did not allow a hit from Clemson’s #1 thru #4 spots in the batting order (0-for-14, BB, HBP, K … Chris Epps/John Nester, Mike Freeman, Jess Schaus and Kyle Parker).

Clemson twice put the leadoff man on vs. Roth, who proved extra-tough with runners on base (1-for-10 opp. batting) and with 2-outs (1-for-9).

Roth’s strong start vs. UCLA in the title-clinching win set up the 2-1 final score, with the decisive run coming in the bottom of the 11th. His 5.0 innings included the lone run scored on 6 hits and 2 walks, with 3 strikeouts. The Bruins failed to generate a 2-out hit vs. Roth (0-for-5), who avoided the big inning and laid the groundwork for the rare 1-1 game through 9-plus innings.

Roth finished the season with a team-best 1.34 ERA and 3.5 K-to-walk ratio (35/10) spanning 37 appearances and 40.1 innings (27 hits allowed, .196 opp. avg.).

HOLADAY reached base multiple times in each of TCU’s five games in Omaha and hit more home runs (4) than any other player in the 2010 CWS (no other players had more than 2 HR). He joined SC’s Walker (.414) as the only players with 17-plus ABs who hit above .400 in the CWS (.409; 9-for-22), with his other stats including 5 RBI, a CWS-leading 8 runs scored, a double (part of his 1.000 slugging pct.) and a walk. His 1.458 OPS (.458 on-base) ranked second only to Ogle’s 1.624, among the players in the eight-team CWS field.

Situationally, the 5-11, 190-pound righthanded-hitting Holaday batted equally well against lefthanded (3-for-8/.375) and RH pitching (6-for-14/.429) and went 3-for-4 (3 RBI) with 2-outs on the board (also 3-for-9 w/ runners on).

Beyond his offensive numbers, Holday continued to direct the talented TCU pitching staff and made an ever bigger impression on observers due to his leadership and inspiring play. Several opposing coaches at the CWS singled out Holaday for his all-around contributions to TCU’s success.

Holaday had a big debut in the CWS opener vs. Florida State (8-1 win), batting 3-for-5 from his customary 2-hole spot (a rare lineup position for a catcher on any level). His single and run scored helped the Frogs jump out to a 5-0 lead in the 1st inning, and he added another single in the 2nd before sending his 14th home run of the season over the leftfield fence (for a 7-1 cushion in the 4th).

Two days later, vs. UCLA ace Gerrit Cole, Holaday reached base twice (HBP, BB) but the TCU offense failed to generate enough runs (in a 6-3 loss). Holaday then helped his team rally to avoid elimination, in an 11-7 comeback vs. Florida State. The veteran catcher scored a run in the 3rd and had a 5th-inning single, before playing his part in the 8th-inning eruption that saw TCU turn a 4-run deficit into a 4-run lead.

With one run on the board in the top of the 8th and TCU still trailing (7-4), Holaday stepped in with 2-outs and FSU relief ace Mike McGee on the mound. He took the first pitch for a ball before connecting on an RBI double to left field. Two batters later, Matt Curry’s grand slam vaulted TCU into the lead – but Holaday’s clutch 2-out double had helped set the table for that huge home run.

Two days later, Holaday’s 1st-inning single and run scored helped put TCU on its way to avenging the earlier loss to UCLA (6-2). He added a home run in the 8th for the final cushion – and homered twice twice more (once to left-center, once dead-center) in the third game vs. the Bruins, a 10-3 loss.

The recipient of the Johnny Bench Award – recognizing college baseball’s top all-around catcher in 2010 – Holaday finished the season with a .355 batting avg., 53 RBI, a team-best 72 runs scored, 42 extra-base hits (17 HR, 3B, 24 2B), 42 free passes (29 BB, 13 HBP) and a gaudy 1.069 OPS (.438 on-base plus .631 slugging).

Criteria for the Primetime Performer awards (and for determining the Primetime Player/Pitcher) extends beyond raw stats, with the other factors that play a role in the selection process including:

• Consistency of play throughout the team’s games during the CWS (i.e. started strong and finished strong)
• Involved in clutch performances, such as late game-winning hits, noteworthy comebacks, game-changing plays, etc.
• Contribution to team success
• Defensive play (routine and sensational)
• Leadership and other intangible factors
• General impact on the game
• Overcame adversity or extreme circumstances (for the team and/or individual)
• Any accomplishment that is rare, historic, record-setting, etc., on a national level

PRIMETIME PERFORMERS HONOR ROLL #18
(College World Series; June 19-29, 2010)
presented by CollegeBaseball360.com

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

note: all photos courtesy of the respective schools (action photo of Walker will be added when provided/located)

BEAU AMARAL (CF … #25)
UCLA  •  Fr.
Huntington Beach, CA  •  Huntington Beach HS
5-10  •  175  •  Bats: Left

Top of the lineup batter (leadoff/2-hole) who hit team-best .375 (9-for-24) during six CWS games (with 2 RBI, 4 runs, 3 doubles, 2 walks, 2 HBP and a stolen base) … compiled a .964 OPS (.464 on-base, .500 slugging pct.) during his stay in Omaha (he was the only player to hit more than 2 doubles) … picked up the slack for UCLA offense that averaged only 5.2 runs per game in Omaha (the rest of the team hit .257 at the CWS) … hit for the same avg. (.375) vs. LH and RH pitchers, also batting .417 (5-12) with runners aboard during the CWS … proved to be an effective table-setter , reaching on 4-of-7 leadoff plate appearances … reached on his first five trips to the plate (3-for-4, BB, HBP, RBI, R, SB) during 11-3 opening win over Florida (#6 seed over #3) … got aboard on 1st-inning HBP during that game, followed by a single/SB/R in the 3rd, a walk in the 4th and two more singles  (in the 5th and 7th) … led from the leadoff spot in key 6-3 winners-bracket win over TCU (3-for-3, BB, RBI, 2R) … walked and scored in the 1st inning of that game, followed by singles in the 2nd and 4th and a 7th-inning double down the leftfield line that led to him scoring team’s final run … joined his teammates in suffering through 4-hit loss vs. TCU four days later, but he and the Bruins bounced back to beat the Frogs again (10-3) for a spot in the championship series … UCKA endured 4-hit loss vs. South Carolina in title-series opener (7-1) before more competitive second game (2-1 decisive loss, in 11 inn.) … had a single and double in that final game, but was stranded each time … earned second team all-Pac-10 honors in 2010, en route to team-best .354 season batting avg. (31 RBI, 45 R, 4 HR, 12 2B, 20 BB, 16 HBP, .442 on-base, 9 SB).

TREVOR BAUER (RHP … #47)
UCLA  •  So.
Valencia, CA  •  Hart HS
6-1  •  175

Struck out 24 batters spanning 15 innings pitched in Omaha (14.4 Ks/9 IP), with only 4 walks in his pair of outings (6:1 K-to-walk ratio) … allowed 6 runs (5 earned; 3.00 ERA) en route to picking up key wins over Florida (11-3) and TCU (10-3; bracket final) … limited opposing hitters to a .182 combined batting avg. (10 H), with his other CWS stats including a  pair of wild pitches and 2 balks … proved equally tough vs. righthanded (.188 batting avg.) and lefthanded hitters (.174) … allowed only 3 hits with men on base (.176) and surrendered only 4 two-out hits (.200) … struck out 11 (4 “looking) in the opening win over Florida, with 3 runs, 6 hits and a pair of walks allowed in that 7-inning outing (2 BK) … 17 of his 21 outs vs. the Gators came via Ks or groundouts (6) … proved tough to hit for the UF righthanded hitters (2-for-12; also 2-for-12 w/runners on and 2-for-10 with 2-outs) … his elimination-game win over TCU included 8.0 strong innings (30 batters faced), with more than half of his strikeouts (7 of 13) coming on called strike-3s … limited Horned Frogs to 3 runs (2 earned) on 4 hits and pair of walks (2 WP) … allowed leadoff baserunner only twice in the TCU game (also did not allow a lefthanded hit, 0-for-7, while limiting Frogs to 1-for-5 batting with runners on and 2-for-20 w/ 2-outs) … struck out the final four TCU batters he faced, en route to his 8th double-digit K game of the season … became first UCLA pitcher ever to post three wins in one NCAA Tournament … ended his All-America 2010 season with UCLA-record and nation-leading 165 strikeouts (in 131.1 innings; 11.3 Ks per 9 IP), plus a 3.02 season ERA, 12-3 record, 41 walks (4-to-1 K/walk ratio) and a .244 opponent batting avg. … first UCLA pitcher with 12-plus wins since 1997 (when future big-leaguer Jim Parque won 13).

JACKIE BRADLEY, Jr. (CF … #19)
South Carolina  •  So.
Prince George, VA  •  Prince George HS
5-10  •  175  •  Bats: Left

Talented all-around player and 3-hole hitter who stormed out of the gate at the CWS, batting 5-for-8 with 7 RBI and a pair of home runs in the first two games … ended up leading all players at the 2010 CWS with 9 RBI, while batting .345 (10-for-29) with 5 runs scored and a 1.027 OPS (.441 on-base plus .586 slugging pct.; 3BB, 2HBP, 2HR, 2B) …hit 4-for-10 in Omaha with runners in scoring position (also 4-for-10/3 RBI with 2-outs) … kept Gamecocks in the game during opening 4-3 loss to Okahoma (2-for-4, 2RBI-HR-BB) … sent ball over rightfield fence to forge 4th-inning tie in that first game vs. OU (2-2) … also had 1st-inning single and 2-out walk in the 9th, as SC rallied to nearly tie the game (1R in 9th, left bases loaded) … drove in 4 runs to help eliminate top seed Arizona State, 11-4 (3-for-4, HR, HBP) … had 1st-inning single in that game, then launched huge 3-run HR to left-center as part of crushing 8-run bottom of the 2nd (also had bases-loaded HBP in the 3rd and singled in the 9th) … his only hit in elimination game vs. Oklahoma was a big one: a 2-out single to right that tied the game in the 12th (he scored moments later on a Brady Thomas single, for 3-2 win) … stroked a 3rd-inning RBI double the next day, for early 3-0 lead vs. in-state rival Clemson (5-1 win; also walked in 8th) … had early single and a HBP in bracket final rematch vs. the Tigers, later earning an intentional walk and coming around to score 7th-inning run that secured final margin in that 4-3 game … opened the title series vs. UCLA with a 2-out bunt single and run scored, adding another infield single in that 7-1 win … helped clinch title in 2-1, 11-inning thriller vs. UCLA … a second team all-SEC performer in 2010, with his final stats including team-best totals in batting avg. (.368) and RBI (60), plus 56 runs scored, 26 extra-base hits (13 HR, 3B, 12 2B), four more walks than strikeouts (41/37, plus 8 HBP), an impressive 1.060 OPS (.473 on-base plus .587 slugging pct.), 7 stolen bases and a .933 fielding pct. (1 error).

BLAKE COOPER (RHP … #27)
South Carolina  •  Sr.
Neeses, SC  •  Edisto HS
5-10  •  180

Battle-tested veteran who made three starts at the CWS, logging 300 total pitches and a 2.41 ERA while going 1-1 with 21 strikeouts, only 5 walks, 3 hit batters and 13 hits allowed (.197 opp. batting avg.) in 18.2 innings … proved tough against lefthanded batters (1-for-6) … allowed 8-of-20 leadoff batters to reach, but limited the opposition to .179 batting with runners on base (12-for-60) and .150 w/ 2-outs (3-for-20) … had a solid outing but limited run support in CWS opener vs. Oklahoma (4-3), taking the loss after 5 IP (3R-6H-BB-5K-22BF-67 pitches) … returned to the mound four days later for strong start in 12-inning elimination-game rematch vs. OU (3-2 win) … allowed a single run over 5.2 innings during that clutch outing (4H-2BB-HB-6K-22BF-98p), limiting OU to 1-for-7 batting with runners on (0-for-4 w/ 2-outs) … was back on the mound four days later, picking up huge 7-1 win vs. UCLA in title series opener (8+IP-R-3H-BB-10K-10 groundouts-32BF-136p) for his 34th career victory with the Gamecocks … took a no-hitter into 5th inning of that game and carried a 1-hitter into the 8th … allowed a ball out of the infield only three times through the first 8.0 innings (2 flyouts; his 24 outs included the 10 Ks, 10 GOs, a foulout to the 2B and a lineout back to the mound) … limited UCLA leadoff batters to reaching only twice (plus 1-for-11 with runners on, 0-for-8 w/ 2-outs) … a first team all-SEC selection in 2010, when he finished the season with a 2.76 ERA, 13-2 record and 3.2 K-to-walk ratio (126/39) in 137 innings (111 H, .223 opp. avg., 15 HB, only 1 wild pitch).

TAYLOR FEATHERSTON (SS … #12)
TCU  •  So.
Katy, TX  •  Taylor HS
6-1  •  175  •  Bats: Right

Slick-fielding shortstop who played error-free in four CWS games (19 fielding chances; three double-plays) while providing a huge offensive boost from the 7-hole … racked up a 1.183 OPS (.450 on-base plus .733 slugging pct.) in Omaha, after batting 6-for-15 (.333) with 12 total bases (HR-3B-2B) and 4 walks (also a sac.-fly) … his .733 slugging was 4th-best among all players at the 2010 CWS … joined South Carolina RF/3B Whit Merrifield as only players that hit for the cycle over the course of their respective CWS games (not in one game) … finished second at the CWS with 7 RBI (behind SC’s Jackie Bradley, Jr., who drove in 9 runs) … 4 of his RBI came with 2-outs (also hit 3-for-5 w/ runners in scoring position) … had early sac.-fly and nearly scored in the 3rd inning (BB/reached 3rd) to help beat Florida State in 8-1 CWS opener … delivered one of the most exciting moments of the 2010 CWS two days later, when his 2-out, bases-clearing triple cut UCLA’s lead in half (6-3) with two full innings still to play (the Bruins held on to that final margin) … his single was part of TCU’s thrilling 8-run top of the 8th, as the Frogs rallied to beat FSU again (11-7, this time in an elimination game) … two days later, he reached base in all four of his plate appearances (2-for-2, 2 BB, 3 RBI) to help beat UCLA, 6-2 … walked with the bases-loaded in that game, then singled and stole a base, walked again and launched 2-run HR over leftfield fence to turn a 3-2 game into a 5-2 cushion heading into the 8th … closed with a double and walk in decisive third game vs. UCLA (10-3 loss) … a first team all-Mountain West Conference selection (also MVP of the NCAA Ft. Worth Regional), he hit .338 during the 2010 season, with 52 RBI, 59 runs scored and an impressive extra-base combination (16 2B, 7 3B, 8 HR), plus 23 walks and a .991 OPS (.420 OB, .571 slug.).

JOHN HINSON (3B … #4)
Clemson  •  Jr./So.
Asheville, NC  •  Reynolds HS
6-0  •  175  •  Bats: Left

Six-hole batter who led Clemson to a 2-0 start at the CWS and ended up hitting team-best .438 (7-for-16) during four games in Omaha (3B, BB, 2 SB; no errors at the hot corner) … his .438 batting was best at the CWS among players with 12-plus at-bats … factored into nearly one-third of his team’s 16 runs (3 RBI, 3 R) in Omaha … hit 3-for-5 with runners in scoring position and reached 2-of-4 times as leadoff batter … helped knock off top-seeded Arizona State (6-3), with an RBI single and run scored to cap a 3-run top of the 5th (also singled in the 7th) … returned to Rosenblatt two days later and was the offensive hero in 6-4 winners-bracket win over Oklahoma (3-for-4, 2 RBI, R, 2 SB) … sent 4th-inning RBI single to center field, stole second and scored, for 4-1 midgame lead on the Sooners (added RBI single in the 5th) … part of Tigers team that totaled only 3 hits in 5-1 loss vs. in-state rival South Carolina, followed by 2-for-5 effort (5th-inning RBI single/run) in elimination-game rematch vs the Gamecocks (6-3 loss) … finished second on the 2010 Tigers in season batting avg. (.351), RBI (75) and home runs (17), adding a team-best 25 stolen bases, plus 60 runs scored, 9 doubles, a triple, 26 walks and a 1.008 OPS (.410 on-base; .598 slugging).

*BRYAN HOLADAY (C … #16)
TCU  •  Sr.
Dallas, TX  •  North Central Texas JC/W.T. White HS
5-11  •  190  •  Bats: Right

Reached base multiple times in each of TCU’s five games in Omaha and hit more home runs (4) than any other player in the 2010 CWS (no other players had more than 2 HR) … one of two players with 17-plus ABs who hit above .400 in the CWS (.409; 9-for-22), adding 5 RBI, a CWS-leading 8 runs scored, a double (part of his 1.000 slugging pct.) and a walk .. his 1.458 OPS (.458 on-base) ranked second at the CWS … batted equally well against lefthanded (3-for-8/.375) and RH pitching (6-for-14/.429) and went 3-for-4 (3 RBI) with 2-outs (3-for-9 w/ runners on) … continued to direct talented pitching staff and made an ever bigger impression on observers due to his leadership and inspiring play … had big debut in CWS opener vs. Florida State (8-1 win), batting 3-for-5 from his customary 2-hole spot (a rare lineup position for a catcher on any level) … his single and run scored helped Frogs jump out to a 5-0 lead in the 1st inning, and he added another single in the 2nd before sending ball over leftfield fence for 7-1 cushion in the 4th … two days later, vs. UCLA ace Gerrit Cole, he reached base twice (HBP, BB) but the TCU offense failed to generate enough runs in  6-3 loss) … helped his team rally to avoid elimination, in 11-7 comeback vs. FSU … scored in the 3rd and had a 5th-inning single, before playing his part in 8th-inning eruption that saw TCU turn a 4-run deficit into a 4-run lead … with one run on the board in the top of the 8th and TCU still trailing (7-4), he stepped in with 2-outs to face FSU relief ace Mike McGee, connecting on a 0-1 pitch for an RBI double to left field (minutes before Matt Curry’s grand slam) … two days later, his 1st-inning single and run scored helped put TCU on its way to avenging earlier loss to UCLA (6-2) … added a home run in the 8th for final cushion – and homered twice twice more (once to left-center, once dead-center) in third game vs. the Bruins, a 10-3 loss … recipient of the Johnny Bench Award, recognizing college baseball’s top all-around catcher in 2010 … finished season with .355 batting avg., 53 RBI, team-best 72 runs scored, 42 extra-base hits (17 HR, 3B, 24 2B), 42 free passes (29 BB, 13 HBP) and a gaudy 1.069 OPS (.438 on-base, .631 slug.).

TYLER HOLT (CF … #15)
Florida State  •  Jr.
Gainesville, FL  •  Gainesville HS
6-0  •  190  •  Bats: Right

Leadoff batter who hit .417 at the CWS (5-for-14), with a .533 on-base pct. (3 walks), 4 runs scored, 2 RBI, a home run and only a single strikeout … his .417 batting was 2nd-best at the CWS among players with 12-plus ABs … compiled the 4th-best OPS (1.200; .533 on-base plus .667 slugging pct.) among players at the 2010 CWS … reached base 3-of-5 times when leading off the inning … singled vs. TCU ace Matt Purke and scored to open the scoring at the 2010 CWS (also walked in next trip to the plate; 8-1 loss) … reached base four times (3-for-4, BB) to lead 8-5 elimination-game victory over in-state rival Florida (2 RBI-3R-HR) … led off the bottom of the 1st in that game with a home run to center field (vs. Hudson Randall), later adding a walk/run (sparking 3-run bottom of 3rd), a single up the middle/run and an RBI single into the right-center gap … singled and scored in the 5th for 5-2 lead in elimination-game rematch vs. TCU (later drew 8th-inning walk to load the bases, but TCU escaped en route to closing out a thrilling 11-7 comeback win) … his 2010 All-America season included an impressive all-around collection of statistical accomplishments, with a team-best .355 batting avg., 87 runs scored, 48 RBI and 30 stolen bases on 33 attempts, plus 13 home runs among his 42 extra-base hits (26 2B, 3 3B), 11 more walks than strikeouts (59/48, plus 4 HBPs), a 1.100 OPS (.471 on-base; .629 slug.) and a .994 fielding pct. (only 1 E).

ZACH NEAL (RHP … #32)
Oklahoma  •  Jr.
Flower Mound, TX  •  Howard JC/Sam Houston St./Flower Mound HS
6-2  •  210

Likely would have picked up elimination-game win versus eventual NCAA champion South Carolina, but he received only one supporting run from the OU offense as Sooners lost, 3-2 in 12 innings … logged 7.0 shutout innings before allowing leadoff hit in the 8th (his final batter faced, with the runner coming around to tie the score) … retired 14 straight at one point and faced only 28 batters, with 5 hits allowed, a walk, hit batter and 7 strikeouts … limited the SC lefthanded hitters to 1-for-8 combined hitting and allowed only a pair of 2-out hits (2-for-9) … the 104-pitch outing (62 strikes) easily ranked as one of his best of the season (4.23 final ERA), matching his fewest earned runs allowed in 18 starts during the 2010 season … earlier had an 8-inning no-decision in the NCAA Regional round vs. North Carolina (3R-8H-3BB-10K; OU won 7-6 in 10) … earned 2010 second team all-Big 12 honors, with his other season stats including an 8-3 record, nearly a 4-to-1 K/walk ratio (95/24, in 105.2 innings) and a .275 oppnent batting avg.

TYLER OGLE (C … #35)
Oklahoma … So. … San Antonio, TX
5-10  •  180  •  Bats: Right

Cleanup hitter whose .455 batting (5-for-11) at the CWS picked up the slack for an OU offense that hit only .196 during its three games in Omaha (rest of team was .165) … factored into half of team’s 10 runs at the CWS (4 RBI-3R-2HR) while compiling a CWS-best 1.629 OPS (.538 on-base plus a CWS-leading 1.091 slugging pct.; 2B, 2 BB, sac-bunt) with no strikeouts … hit 2-for-3 with runners in scoring position and 2-for-4 with 2-outs (reached as leadoff batter 3-of-5 times) … brought home the game’s first run with 2-out single in the 1st, as OU beat eventual NCAA champ South Carolina (4-3) … two days later, he had a walk, 8th-inning home run and RBI double in the 9th but the Sooners lost to Clemson in the winners-bracket (6-4) … nearly carried OU to elimination-game win vs. SC (3-2 loss, in 12 inn.) … led off 2nd inning of that game with single and run scored, adding sac. bunt and a walk as Sooners endured nine scoreless innings … was in line to be the 12th-inning hero, when his home run cleared the centerfield fence to lead off the top of the inning (1-0 pitch from Ethan Carter; SC scored twice in bottom of 12th) … his 2010 final statistics included a .331 batting avg. (2nd-best among the OU regulars), plus 46 RBI, 39 runs, 11 home runs, 11 doubles, an equal number of walks vs. strikeouts (26; plus 4 HBP) and a 1.040 OPS (.439 on-base; .601 slug.).

MATT PRICE (RHP … #22)
South Carolina  •  So./Fr.
Sumter, SC  •  Sumter HS
6-2  •  215

Closer for national champs who compiled a 0.93 ERA spanning four CWS appearances … his two wins included decisive game that won national title (2-1, in 11 inn.) …. allowed a single run in his 9.2 innings while racking up 15 Ks to only a single walk … held opposing hitters to a .189 combined batting avg. (7-for-27) and had a “WHIP” (walks + hits per 9 IP) of 7.72 … a triple was his only extra-base hit allowed (also had three HBPs and faced 41 total batters) … allowed a couple inherited runners to score but still closed out the huge win that eliminated #1 seed Arizona State, 11-4 (1.2 IP, 3 H, 4 K, HB, 9 BF) … returned to the mound two days later for an impressive performance in another elimination game (3-2 vs. Oklahoma, in 12 inn.) … faced only 10 batters while pitching the 9th-11th innings of that thriller (HB, 5 Ks) … was the pitcher of record in 4-3 win over in-state rival Clemson, sending Gamecocks on to the title series (1.2IP-R-3H-3K-10BF) … closed title-clinching win vs. UCLA, with 2.2 shutout innings (H-BB-HB-3K-12 BF) … a second team all-SEC selection, he finished the 2010 season with a 2.26 ERA, 10 saves and a 4-1 record in 31 relief appearances, along with a 4.4 K-to-walk ratio (83/19), a lowly .183 opp. batting avg., an impressive 9.05 “WHIP” (37 H; had 19 more innings pitched than hits allowed), 9 hit batters and no wild pitches.

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

Rookie sensation and 2009 MLB Draft 1st-rounder who lived up to his billing while pitching on the big stage at the CWS, where he won both of his starts en route to compiling a 1.35 ERA over 13.1 innings (9 Ks, 6 BB, HB, WP, 7 H, .152 opp. batting avg.) … allowed only a pair of hits from lefthanded batters (2-for-17; .118) during the wins over Florida State (8-1) and UCLA (6-2) … surrendered a leadoff baserunner four times in Omaha, but opposing hitters were only 3-for-18 with runners on base (.168) and 1-for-13 with 2-outs (.077) … 35 of his 40 outs at the CWS came via strikeouts or groundball outs (26) … was touched for only one run (unearned) in his CWS debut vs. FSU (7IP-7K-4BB-4H-11GO-28BF-115 pitches) … held the Seminoles’ lefthanded bats to 1-for-8 while working out of several jams (FSU was 2-for-13 w/ runners on and 0-for-6 w/ 2-outs) … returned six days later to help beat UCLA and stave off elimination, with 14 groundouts in that 6.1-inning appearance (2R-3H-2K-2BB-HB-25BF-107 p) … allowed only 1-of-7 Bruins leadoff batters to reach (1-for-5 UCLA batting w/ runners on, 1-for-7 w/ 2-outs, 1-for-9 by lefties) … ended his All-America season as national leader in wins (16-0; 20 appearances/18 starts), along with a 3.02 ERA, a 4.2 K-to-walk ratio (142/34 in 116.1 innings; 11.0 Ks per 9 IP), and 25 more innings pitched (116.1) than hits allowed (91; .212 opp. batting avg.).

*MICHAEL ROTH (LHP … #29)
South Carolina  •  So.
Greer, SC  •  Riverside HS
6-1  •  210

Rose to the occasion during four appearances at the CWS, where he compiled a 1.10 ERA and answered the call with strong outings in his first two starts of season (also made only two starts in ’09) … limited CWS opposition to .167 batting avg. (9 H) and had three times as many strikeouts (9) as walks (3, also 3 HB & 20 groundouts) … allowed 4-of-16 leadoff batters to reach, but the opposition hit only 3-for-20 (.150) with runners on base and  1-for-17 hitting (.059) w/ 2-outs … his first appearance came in relief of Blake Cooper, retiring 4-of-5 batters (HBP, K) in the 6th/7th to maintain 3-2 deficit vs. Oklahoma (4-3 loss) … four days later, the scenario repeated itself – as he again relieved Cooper (with another narrow deficit vs. OU, 1-0) and retired all four he faced (K) as SC went on to win 3-2 in 12 … was back on the mound less than 24 hours later, as surprise starter vs. rested in-state rival Clemson … his 3-hit masterpiece in that 5-1 win saw virtually all of Clemson’s 33 batters fail to drive the ball out of the infield … allowed only three runners into scoring position (one reached third), with his 9.0 innings featuring a 2nd-inning double/run scored, singles in the 8th and 9th, 16 groundball outs, 4 Ks, 2 foulouts, an infield lineout double play (4-3) and 3 flyouts (BB,  2 HB, E4 throw) … located 67 of 108 pitches for strikes and did not yield a hit from Clemson’s #1 thru #4 batters (0-for-14) … allowed Clemson leadoff batters on-base twice and proved extra-tough with runners on (1-for-10 opp. batting) and 2-outs (1-for-9) … his strong start vs. UCLA in title-clinching win set up 2-1 final score (11 inn.) … his 5.0 innings included the lone run scored on 6 H and 2 BB (3 Ks) … the Bruins failed to generate a 2-out hit vs. him (0-for-5) … finished season with team-best 1.34 ERA in 37 appearances (2-1, 3 saves, 35K/10 BB, 27H/.196 opp avg., 40.1 IP).

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

Cleanup hitter who led the national champions with a .414 battting avg. (12-for-29) during the CWS, with the 12 hits representing the most of any player (also had top CWS batting avg. among players with more than 16 ABs) … homered twice at CWS, with 5 RBI, 3 runs scored, a 1.090 OPS (.469 on-base plus .621 slugging pct.), 3 walks and struck out only once … had solid game (2-for-3, HR, BB) in 4-3 opening loss vs. Oklahoma, with game-tying blast in the 2nd (1-1), a single in the 4th and walk in the 8th … drew a walk in 11-7 win that eliminated top-seeded Arizona State, followed by big game in another elimination game (3-2 vs. OU in 12 inn.; 3-for-5, RBI, BB) … reached base in his final four plate appearances during that thriller, with singles in the 6th, 8th (tying hit to left scored Evan Marzilli) and 11th – plus 2-out walk in the 12th that advanced the eventual winning run (Jackie Bradley, Jr.) … had a single but was stranded in 5-1 win over Clemson before playing key role in 4-3 rematch vs. the rival Tigers (sending SC to title series) … led off 4th inning of that game with home run to left (2-1 lead) and later supplied clutch 2-out single to center, forging 3-3 tie in the 7th … his 2-for-5 effort in 7-1 win over UCLA included 2-out single/run scored in the 1st (for quick 2-0 lead) … reached base three times in title-clinching win vs. Bruins (2-1, in 11), with 2nd-inning walk and singles in the 5th and 7th … earned spot on the SEC All-Freshman Team, with his final 2010 stats including a .327 batting avg., 51 RBI, 35 runs, 23 extra-base hits (9 HR, 2 3B, 12 2B), an equal number of walks and strikeouts (18, plus 4 HBP) and a .902 OPS (.384 OB, .518 slug.).

* – Holaday has been honored by CB360 as the CWS Primetime Player while Roth is the Primetime Pitcher for the 2010 CWS.

Coaches Jack Leggett and Ray Tanner share postgame thoughts. … Clemson players Mike Freeman and Casey Harman discuss their performances … South Carolina players Christian Walker and Whit Merrifield discuss their big game.

South Carolina and Clemson coaches Ray Tanner and Jack Leggett and players talk about the nearly perfect pitching performance by South Carolina’s Mike Roth.

In the latest update of CB360’s exclusive Senior Class Salute, we take a look at a TCU baseball program that has accumulated one of the nation’s highest victory totals over the past four seasons (184-64; .742). The Horned Frogs today will be playing Florida State for the second time at the College World Series, with FSU (196-64; .754) also ranking among the winningest programs from 2007-10. (front page photo of Tyler Lockwood courtesy of TCU)

LOCKWOOD ranks as one of the more versatile and valuable pitchers at the 2010 College World Series, as a former starter who shifted into a relief/closer role this season (following the arrival of 1st-round talent Matt Purke). The 6-foot, 170-pound Lockwood has crafted a 1.97 ERA in 26 relief appearances this season, with 7 saves, a 6-2 record, nearly twice as many strikeouts as walks (36/17), and 6.1 more innings pitched than hits allowed (59.1/53). The Kempner High School product has help opposing hitters to a .239 batting avg., with his solid control numbers including only 5 hit batters and a single wild pitch.

Over the course of his stellar four-year career, Lockwood has compiled a 3.32 ERA and 22-8 record in 86 appearances (23 starts), with nearly a 3-to-1 career K-to-walk ratio (194/67) and 290 his allowed in 290.1 innings (30 HB, 12 WP, 7 SV).

MARSHALL – a 5th-year senior – played sparingly in 2006 and ’07 (1.1 innings each season) before making 53 relief appearances over the past three seasons. His career numbers with the Horned Frogs include a 4.00 ERA, 5-2 record and 10 saves, plus 56 strikeouts, 30 walks and 67 hits allowed in 72 innings (9 HB, 4 WP). The 6-foot-3, 140-pound veteran was TCU’s closer in 2009 (prior to Lockwood’s shift in role), with Marshall’s stellar 2009 season including a 1.48 ERA and 9 saves in 24 appearances (2-2, 20 K, 4 BB, 22 H, 30.1 IP).

MAXWELL – who has a 5th-year of eligibility (after making only three appearances in 2008) – has combined with the dominant lefthander Purke and sophomore RHP Kyle Winkler to form one of the nation’s top 3-man rotations this season. His strong 2010 season has included a 2.41 ERA and 11-2 record in 17 starts, with 89 strikeouts, only 34 walks and 83 hits allowed in 100.2 innings.

The three-headed monster of Maxwell-Purke-Winkler has combined for a 28-4 record and 2.89 ERA spanning 54 appearances (52 starts) and 327.1 innings during the 2010 season. The trio has amassed a 3.2-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio (321/102) and has thrown 48 more innings than hits allowed (280). Opposing hitters have combined to hit only .280 vs. the TCU 3-man rotation this season.

In his four seasons at TCU, the 6-0/180-pound Maxwell has gone 16-4 with a 3.44 ERA in 47 appearances (31 starts … 150 K, 55 BB, 170 H, 14 HB, 8 WP in 178 innings).

The 28 teams on the list of winning programs from 2007-10 include six from the ACC, five SEC, plus three Big 12 programs and three from Conference USA, along with two each from the BIG EAST and Big West, and one each from the Atlantic-10, Big South, Missouri Valley, Mountain West, Pacific-10, Southern Conf. and the Summit League.

Three teams on this list – Wichita State (#15), Charlote (#18) and East Carolina (#20) – failed to reach the 2010 NCAAs.

There have been 76 different teams over the past four years (2007-10) that have posted at least one season with 40-plus wins.

Winningest Senior Classes in 2010 College Baseball Season (2007-10)
(through June 22 games at the 2010 College World Series)
(research courtesy of CollegeBaseball360.com; please credit accordingly)
* – 2010 College World Series teams

Three Games On Tap For Monday…Hopefully!

Our coverage of the 2010 College World Series is brought to you by The Dugout in Omaha, with everything you’re looking for when it comes to officially licensed CWS hats and shirts.  If you can’t make it to Rosenblatt make sure to follow the link for all of your CWS gear!

CB360 CWS Scoreboard

Monday Schedule

10 am – FINAL: Clemson 6, #1 Arizona St. 3
3:30 pm – FINAL: Florida St. 8,  Florida 5 (Gators Eliminated)
8 pm – FINAL: UCLA 6, TCU 3

By Collegebaseball360.com Editor Sean Stires

Sunday’s CB360 CWS Blog

8:20 am – Well, the Arizona State vs. Clemson game that was supposed to have been played last night is supposed to start in about an hour and a half.  It’s not looking too promising right now though, because it’s been pouring down rain all morning.  I woke-up at around 3:45 this morning and heard it coming down pretty good then.  It stopped for a short time, but it’s been raining pretty steadily for a few hours now.  The local weather shows a front that looks like it could pass within the next couple hours.

Two more games are also scheduled for later today.  Florida State vs. Florida in the afternoon elimination game and TCU vs. UCLA tonight.  It’s likely to be a touch and go day.  Stay tuned…

10:22 am - The sun is shining and Arizona State vs. Clemson is underway.  It’s the first morning game at the CWS since June 10, 2000 when USC played Florida State.  This morning’s game is also a rematch of last year’s Tempe Super Regional won by the Sun Devils.

Clemson head coach Jack Leggett was fired-up after the home plate meeting with ASU’s Tim Esmay and the umpires.  Leggett raced away from the plate and was immediately engulfed in a near dog pile by his team before they batted in the top of the first inning.

• ASU starter Seth Blair (12-1) has already walked a season-high four batters in his first two innings on the mound.  Blair is the Pac 10 Pitcher of the Year.  He ended his day with five free passes.

• Blair topped the 100 pitch mark with two on and no outs in the top of the 5th inning.  He left after 4 1/3 innings with runners at the corners in the top of the 5th.  He threw 110 pitches and gave-up five earned runs.  It was his second shortest start of the season, after a 3.0 inning start vs BYU on May 10.

• It’s easy to see why ASU’s Rauol Torrez wears the “C” (for captain) on his
  

  Rauol Torrez

  chest.  Torrez lined what could have easily been just a single to left field in the third inning, but he didn’t settle for one base.  Torrez never broke stride and made it into second ahead of the throw from Jeff Schaus.  He then took third on a wild pitch by Casey Harman and scored on a Sac Fly to right by Austin Barnes.  His slide home just beat the throw by Kyle Parker.

• As if the heads-up base running weren’t enough, Torrez made a Brooks Robinson-esque play at third in the top of the next inning.  Spencer Kieboom hit a hot shot just inside the line, which carried Torrez into foul territory.  He did a piroutett and fired a strike across the diamond to get the out.

• Clemson came into the series with 95 errors this season, which ranks in the bottom one-third of the 301 Division One college teams in the country.  However, the Tigers also came into the CWS with 75 double plays turned, which is good for 3rd nationally.

• The Tigers caught a break in the top of the 5th with ASU LF Drew Maggi lost a fly ball off the bat of Richie Shaffer in a high sky.  Maggi froze with his hands up in the air to both sides…the ball landed some 30 feet away from him.

• The biggest “BOO” of the CWS so far came from the smallest crowd to date when a ball girl dropped a foul ball that caromed off the net behind the plate.  Some traditions never change…

• The announced attendance for the morning game was 14,198 for a four game total of 83,953.

• All 14 of Clemson’s hits in its 6-3 win over ASU were singles.

CB360 Clemson/ASU Postgame Video

• The Florida vs. Florida State match-up in the 3:30 pm elimination game was the 5th meeting in the 5th different city between the two rivals this season.  Florida State won previous encounters in Tampa, Jacksonville and Tallahassee, while Florida beat the Seminoles in Gainesville.

• Florida State leadoff man Tyler Holt started the bottom of the first inning with a home run high off the batter’s eye in center field.  Holt was starting in his 198th consecutive game.

• Mike McGee launched a 3-run shot in the third inning.  McGee is also FSU’s closer and is a finalist for the John Olerud Award given to the two-way player of the year.   He came into a bases loaded situation with the tying run at first base in the 9th inning.  The game ended on a line drive to shortstop Stephen Cardullo who then stepped on second to end the game.  McGee now has 13 saves and 16 HR this season.
  

  Stephen Cardullo

• Cardullo had an even more impressive blast when he sent one over the batter’s eye and out of the stadium to straight away centerfield…where the distance is 408.

• Clemson and Florida State are trying to end a 55-year championship drought for the ACC.  The only Atlantic Coast Conference team to win the College World Series was Wake Forest in 1955.

• Does anyone else always make an audible “Oooo” every time they see a batter get hit by a pitch?

• Florida called on #3 starter Brian Johnson after fellow freshman and #2 starter Randall Hudson gave-up four runs in 2 2/3 IP.  Johnson didn’t fair much better though.  He surrendered two runs on six hits in 3 1/3 innings in just his second relief appearance of the season.  The last hit Johnson gave-up was Cardullo’s HR.

• It worked!  99.9 % of the time the old “fake to third throw to first” never works, but it did today.  FSU pitcher Daniel Bennett picked-off Florida’s Tyler Thompson at first base when he executed the move to end the top of the 8th inning.

• The announced crowd for the Florida-Florida State game was 19,841 for a five game total of 103,794 and an average of 20,759.

CB360 Florida/Florida State Postgame Video

• UCLA pitcher Trevor Bauer said after Saturday’s start that he doesn’t like big baseball caps that make him look “like a conductor”.  That’s why he has worn the same hat for the last two years.

• Every win UCLA gets during the CWS adds to its school record season total.

• Beach balls in the outfield bleachers are the norm here, but there was a barrage of beach balls on the warning track in left field just before the start of the sixth inning.

• The most electric moment of the CWS so far was Taylor Featherston’s 2-out, 3-run triple in the top of the 7th inning.  The TCU shortstop laced a Gerrit Cole pitch over Beau Amaral in left centerfield to get the Horned Frogs on the board.  TCU had managed just one hit throught the first six innings, but had four hits in the inning to cut their deficit to 5-3.

• The TCU-UCLA game drew a crowd of 23,345 to make it a six game total of 127,139…still about 10 K behind last year’s pace.  Does no LSU and no Texas really affect the draw that much?  So much for Rosenblatt nostalgia…

• Gerrit Cole (11-3) had 13 strikeouts to lead UCLA to its 6-3 win over TCU.  He had the one hiccup when he gave-up the bases loaded triple to Taylor Featherston in the 7th, but he came back in the 8th and had the last two of his punchouts.  Cole and TCU’s Matt Purke have lived-up to their billing.  They have been the most impressive individuals of the CWS so far.

• With its win UCLA now waits until Friday to play either Florida State or TCU again.  Those two play an elimination game Wednesday night.

UCLA/TCU Postgame Video Interviews

The Florida State Seminoles – which will take on TCU in the opening game of the 2010 College World Series (Saturday at 1 CT) – have compiled a 195-63 record (.756) spanning the past four seasons (2007-10) and rank fourth on CB360’s exclusive Senior Class Salute. This offering is modeled after a similar feature on sister site CollegeSoccer360.com (see links below): (front page photo courtesy of Florida State)

Shortstop Stephen Cardullo has appeared in 180 games during his four-year FSU career (photo courtesy of Florida State).

(Note: the Senior-Class Salute will be a regular CB360 feature throughout the 2010 NCAAs and in future seasons … CB360 also will be developing lists for top junior classes based on career wins and top combined records over the past two seasons).

Two members of the 2010 Florida State team – shortstop Stephen Cardullo (Coral Springs, Fla.) and corner outfielder Ohmed Danesh (Orlando, Fla.) – have been members of the Seminoles program during each of the past four seasons, playing lead roles in the 195 victory total. Cardullo (180 career games played) has been a starter over the past two seasons and earned All-America honors as a junior, while Danesh has appeared in 90% of FSU’s games (231 of 258) during his four-year career.

Outfielder Ohmed Danesh has appeared in 90% of FSU's games (231 of 258) during his four seasons with the Seminoles (photo courtesy of Florida State).

Florida State trails only Coastal Carolina (202-53), fellow CWS entrant Arizona State (201-50; .801) and North Carolina (197-70)  among programs with the most wins over the past four seasons (FSU can tie UNC with two wins in Omaha over the next few days). The Seminoles’ next opponent, TCU (183-66), has compiled the 8th-most wins spanning the past four seasons and could climb as high as fifth on that list, sitting right behind Virginia (184), Louisville (185), Texas (185) and Rice (186).

With one win at the 2010 CWS, Arizona State can tie Coastal Carolina as the winningest D-1 baseball programs over the past four seasons (ASU already has the top winning pct. on this list, with an .801 to .792 margin on Coastal).

Six of the eight College World Series teams are included on the list below: ASU, FSU, TCU, (12) South Carolina (174-81; .682) … (19) Oklahoma (162-86-1; .653) … and (23) Clemson (159-95-1; .626). Florida has compiled a four-year record of 152-91 (.626) while the final 2010 CWS team, UCLA, has gone 141-98 (.590) from 2007-10.

The 28 teams on this list include six from the ACC, five SEC, plus three Big 12 programs and three from Conference USA, along with two each from the BIG EAST and Big West, and one each from the Atlantic-10, Big South, Missouri Valley, Mountain West, Pacific-10, Southern Conf. and the Summit League.

Three teams on this list – Wichita State (#15), Charlote (#18) and East Carolina (#20) – failed to reach the 2010 NCAAs.

There have been 76 different teams over the past four years (2007-10) that have posted at least one season with 40-plus wins.

Winningest Senior Classes in 2010 College Baseball Season (2007-10)
(prior to 2010 NCAA College World Series)
(research courtesy of CollegeBaseball360.com; please credit accordingly)
* – 2010 College World Series teams

Place	Team	Won	Loss	Tie	Pct.	'10 W	'10 L	'10 T	'09 W	'09 L	'09 T	'08 W	'08 L	'08 T	'07 W	'07 L	'07 T
(1)	Coastal Carolina	202	53	0	.792	55	10	0	47	16	0	50	14	0	50	13	0
(2)	Arizona State*	201	50	0	.801	52	8	0	51	14	0	49	13	0	49	15	0
(3)	North Carolina	197	70	0	.738	38	22	0	48	18	0	54	14	0	57	16	0
(4)	Florida State*	195	63	0	.756	47	18	0	45	18	0	54	14	0	49	13	0
(5)	Rice	186	70	0	.727	40	23	0	43	18	0	47	15	0	56	14	0
(6)	Texas	185	68	1	.730	50	13	0	50	16	1	39	22	0	46	17	0
(6)	Louisville	185	77	0	.706	50	14	0	47	18	0	41	21	0	47	24	0
(8)	Virginia	184	68	1	.729	51	14	0	49	15	1	39	23	0	45	16	0
(9)	TCU*	183	63	0	.744	51	12	0	40	18	0	44	19	0	48	14	0
(10)	Vanderbilt	178	82	0	.685	46	20	0	37	27	0	41	22	0	54	13	0
(11)	LSU	175	84	2	.674	41	22	0	56	17	0	49	19	1	29	26	1
(12)	South Carolina*	174	81	0	.682	48	15	0	40	23	0	40	23	0	46	20	0
(12)	Texas A&M	174	83	1	.676	43	21	1	37	24	0	46	19	0	48	19	0
(14)	UC Irvine	173	71	1	.708	39	21	0	45	15	0	42	18	0	47	17	1
(15)	Cal State Fulleton	172	81	0	.680	46	18	0	47	16	0	41	22	0	38	25	0
(15)	Wichita State	172	85	0	.669	41	19	0	30	27	0	48	17	0	53	22	0
(17)	Miami	171	77	0	.690	43	20	0	38	22	0	53	11	0	37	24	0
(18)	Charlotte	164	67	0	.710	39	17	0	33	22	0	43	16	0	49	12	0
(19)	Oklahoma*	162	86	1	.653	49	16	0	43	20	0	36	26	1	34	24	0
(19)	Mississippi	162	95	0	.630	39	24	0	44	20	0	39	26	0	40	25	0
(22)	Arkansas	161	90	0	.641	43	21	0	41	24	0	34	24	0	43	21	0
(22)	East Carolina	160	91	0	.638	32	27	0	46	20	0	42	21	0	40	23	0
(23)	Clemson*	159	95	1	.626	43	23	0	44	22	0	31	27	1	41	23	0
(24)	Georgia Tech	158	80	1	.663	47	15	0	38	19	1	41	21	0	32	25	0
(25)	Oral Roberts	157	73	0	.683	36	27	0	33	15	0	48	14	0	40	17	0
(25)	Southern Miss.	157	95	0	.623	36	24	0	40	26	0	42	22	0	39	23	0
(25)	Coll. of Charleston	157	80	0	.663	44	19	0	35	22	0	39	20	0	39	19	0
(28)	St. John's	156	77	0	.670	43	20	0	30	22	0	42	16	0	41	19	0

CLICK HERE to see similar Senior Class Salute on sister site CollegeSoccer360.com
(… here’s another sample of a Senior-Class Salute from CS360 … and here’s another)

(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.