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Emory, Millsaps split series
Travis Bogue, Millsaps got the win on Sunday
Frank Ezelle
In game one, Emory starting pitcher Jason Glushon paved the way for the Eagles' victory, pitching eight innings and allowing just one run on four hits against the fourth-highest scoring offense in Division III baseball last season. With the win, Glushon improves to 3-0 on the season with a 1.42 ERA. The senior has pitched at least eight innings in each of his first three starts this year. Buffa was on the losing end for the first time this year, falling to 2-1 on the season after allowing 10 hits and four runs in seven innings. Drew Maddox, Bobby Osburn and Brandon Ingram pitched the final two innings for the Majors in relief.
The Eagles fell behind in the bottom of the fourth inning, after a balk was called against Glushon, allowing a runner to advance to third base, who then scored on a Hunter Owen's RBI-groundout. Emory got the run back in the top of the seventh inning though, when Brandon Custer hit a leadoff double. After advancing to third on an error by the pitcher on a pickoff attempt to second base, Custer was plated by Bo Schill on a groundout to second base to tie the ballgame at a run a piece.
After a pair of leadoff singles from Zander Sotiriou and David Hissey, Steve Bralver broke open a 1-1 ballgame with his second hit of the game, an RBI-single to leftfield. The Eagles went on to rally for three more runs in the inning off a wild pitch, RBI-single and sacrifice fly from pinch hitter Dan Molnar to put the game out of reach.
The Emory bullpen shut the door from there, as senior closer Rich Babb retired John Pacillo on a line drive to the second baseman to secure the Eagles' seventh-straight victory to open the season.
The win comes in Emory's first game away from Chappell Park this season, as the Eagles improve to 7-1 during their 2007 campaign. Millsaps goes to 6-1 at home and 9-3 overall.
In the game on Sunday, Junior left-hander Travis Bogue picked up his third win of the season and teammate Hunter Owen broke out of an 0-for-7 slump with a three-run homerun to leftfield in the first inning to help the homestanding Millsaps Majors earn a weekend split with a 12-2 win on Sunday afternoon at Twenty Field.
A day after being held to a season-low six hits in a 5-1 loss to Emory, the Majors bats came alive once again. Millsaps picked up 15 hits from eight different batters, including Justin Carter (.393) who was 4-for-5 at the plate with two RBIs and two runs scored. Luke Morrow (2-for-4), Hunter Abrams (3-for-5) and Russ Boyd (2-for-4) were the other three Majors with multi-hit games.
Millsaps plated three runs in the first, two in the second, six in the fourth and a single run in the fifth to take a 12-0 lead. Eagles' catcher Nick Wills picked up a pinch-hit RBI single in his first collegiate at bat in the top of the eighth inning. Jake Ornstein, picked up his first career RBI on a groundout in the eighth to bring the score to 12-2
Bogue (3-1) had a solid day on the mound for the Majors, scattering five hits and two runs while striking out a season-high six Eagles. Bogue also received outstanding help from his infield as Millsaps turned three double plays on the afternoon. Ian Ganzer (1-1) was hit with the loss for Emory, surrendering five runs and six hits in only two innings of work. Five different Eagles pitched the final six innings, allowing a combined nine hits, seven runs, three strikeouts and two walks.
Permalink | Mar 05, 2007
Texas-Tyler remains unbeaten
UT Tyler players Clay Copeland (left) and Kendall Fox celebrate after scoring during Friday night's victory over #14 Texas Lutheran
Texas-Tyler Athletic dept
Texas-Tyler, out of the ASC East, improved to 12-0 overall. TLU, from the ASC West, fell to 11-3. The cross-division games between ASC East and ASC West teams do not count in conference standings.
In the first game Friday, Texas-Tyler's Ryan Campbell struck out eight in six innings, and the two, three and four batters (Clay Copeland, Brett Amyx and Andrew Damewood) in the Patriots' lineup went a combined 9-for-15 with seven runs scored and five RBI. Jason Foley gave TLU an early 2-0 lead in the first inning with a two-run double, but Texas-Tyler scored five runs in the first off TLU starter Adam Enloe. Enloe (1-1) allowed eight earned runs in four innings. Campbell improved to 3-0. Joseph Towns and Zach James each had three RBI for Texas-Tyler. Jake Kaase was 3-for-5 with two runs scored and two RBI for TLU. The Bulldogs had a four-run seventh inning to pull within 8-6, but the Patriots scored six in the bottom of the seventh and another run in the eighth to pull away from TLU.
In the doubleheader, Texas-Tyler won in dramatic fashion. With the double-header win, the Patriots swept No. 14 Texas Lutheran, giving the Bulldogs their first loss in a sweep since 2004. Patriots head coach James Vilade says it was emotional two days. "The intensity was there the whole weekend," Vilade said. "Both teams have to be pretty exhausted by now, but that was a huge series for us." "It's one of those things that when you see that matchup early, it was of interest to a lot of people because of Texas Lutheran's ranking, and we were both undefeated. This was a huge three games for our program,. It shows a lot of what this team is made of. You couldn't point to one guy all weekend who carried us, guys just took turns stepping up and carrying the load."
In game one Saturday, the Patriots rallied from a 4-1 deficit with a four-run fifth to take the lead. Kendall Fox walked to lead the inning, then was driven in by Andrew Damewood. Joseph Towns doubled in Brett Amyx, then Michael Caggiano hit a two-run homer to take the lead for good. Towns would add a two RBI double in the sixth. Brett Holland got the win, going five strong innings. He gave up four hits and four runs, three of those earned. Patrick McClure and Blake Burnett came in for the final two innings to close the door. "Holland threw the ball really well," Vilade said. "McClure was great, he had a lot of good pitches, and Burnett came in in a tough situation and got the save. Twice now, he's come in to finish the game with guys on base and done a great job for us."
The Patriots didn't lead game two until the final at-bat, but pulled out a sensational win in the bottom of the ninth for the 6-5 win. With the score tied at four going into the final frame, the Bulldogs scored on a wild pitch to take a one-run lead. In the Patriots ninth, Fox singled and took second on a wild pitch, then Clay Copeland walked. With two runners on, Damewood hit a sensational drive down the third base line for a two RBI walk-off double. "That was great motivation for our team, the crowds were great all weekend. It starts with getting the leadoff hitter on, Fox really drove one into left field. Clay got a walk, and gave Damewood a chance at the plater, and he really got a hold of it. It was legit." Michael Stutts pitched three innings of three-hit ball in relief for the win. Damewood finished 2-for-5 with three RBI, and Chris Goss also added a pair of RBI.
Permalink | Mar 03, 2007
Pena, Briggs with no-hit games
Schreiner pitcher Bernard Pena and St Mary's (Md.) Brian Briggs add to the parade of early no-hit games this season.
In the second game of a doubleheader with Division II Texas A & M International, Schreiner came back with a vengeance. Junior pitcher, Bernard Pena, dominated TAMIU hurling the first no-hit game of his career. Pena stuck out four, while walking only one batter, in the seven-inning game. Schreiner's bats came alive giving Pena a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first and then adding three more runs in the second. The Mountaineers added 3 more runs in the fourth and closed the game out 7-0. Senior outfielder, Jeremiah Kester, led the offensive attack going 3-4 at the plate and scoring three runs. For his efforts, Pena was named ASC West Division Pitcher of the Week.
St. Mary's cruised to a 12-0 victory in the first game of a doubleheader against Scranton behind the efforts of junior pitcher Brian Briggs who struck out three on his way to pitching his first career no-hitter. He pitched a perfect game for 5.2 innings before walking junior shortstop Steve Melly. The last St. Mary's no-hitter came in 1997 when Alex Warner defeated Gallaudet 13-0. On offense, junior left fielder Josh Feldman went 3-for-4 at the plate while knocking in a pair of runs. Senior center fielder Kevin Fogle drove in three runs on two hits.
In the second game of a doubleheader with Division II Texas A & M International, Schreiner came back with a vengeance. Junior pitcher, Bernard Pena, dominated TAMIU hurling the first no-hit game of his career. Pena stuck out four, while walking only one batter, in the seven-inning game. Schreiner's bats came alive giving Pena a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first and then adding three more runs in the second. The Mountaineers added 3 more runs in the fourth and closed the game out 7-0. Senior outfielder, Jeremiah Kester, led the offensive attack going 3-4 at the plate and scoring three runs. For his efforts, Pena was named ASC West Division Pitcher of the Week.
St. Mary's cruised to a 12-0 victory in the first game of a doubleheader against Scranton behind the efforts of junior pitcher Brian Briggs who struck out three on his way to pitching his first career no-hitter. He pitched a perfect game for 5.2 innings before walking junior shortstop Steve Melly. The last St. Mary's no-hitter came in 1997 when Alex Warner defeated Gallaudet 13-0. On offense, junior left fielder Josh Feldman went 3-for-4 at the plate while knocking in a pair of runs. Senior center fielder Kevin Fogle drove in three runs on two hits.
Permalink | Mar 02, 2007
Bluffton bus crashes, 6 dead
The 2006 Bluffton Beavers at spring break.
The bus toppled off the Northside Drive bridge onto Interstate 75, police spokesman Joe Cobb said.
The university identified the victims as sophomores David Betts and Tyler Williams; freshmen Scott Harmon and Cody Holp; bus driver Jerome Niemeyer; and his wife, Jean Niemeyer, all of them from Ohio.
Beyond the six killed, 28 players and their coach, James Grandey, 29, were taken to the hospital. He and six players were reported in serious or critical condition; many of the rest were soon released. The players' injuries included broken bones, cuts and bruises.
The team was scheduled to play against Hiram, Thiel, John Carroll and Baldwin-Wallace in Fort Myers, Fla., this weekend.
Cobb said 12 to 15 people were taken to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. Firefighters were pulling people through the roof of the bus, which was on its side.
"This is a sad tragedy for the students, families, friends and Bluffton University campus community. We are asking for prayers of support during this time," said President James M. Harder.
"We truly are a close-knit community," Harder said at a press conference at Bluffton, where the last day of classes before spring break were canceled.
"We know these students on a first-name basis."
At a campus chapel service the night before the bus trip, students had prayed for safe travel for their sports teams and other students during spring break.
"Sometimes you take that stuff for granted," said Katie Barrington, a junior from Brooklyn Heights, Ohio.
Bluffton football players were working out in the weight room when they saw news of the crash on TV and recognized the logo on the bus as the company that all the school's sports teams have used, assistant football coach Steve Rogers said.
"That's when reality hit everybody," he said. "Everybody was in shock. Nobody knew what to say or what to feel." He added: "It hits home harder than it would if it had happened at a bigger school. Everybody knows each other."
Matt Ferguson, a freshman baseball player from Pleasant Hill, Ohio, said most of the freshmen had stayed behind.
"We were bummed out we didn't get to go," he said. "Now, we don't know what to think."
Permalink | Mar 02, 2007
Todd Koch, Univ of the Ozarks has the first no-hitter in D3 baseball this year.
Ozark Athletics
Last week Salisbury joined NC Wesleyan and University of the Ozarks as the only schools to throw a no-hitter this season.
On Friday the Salisbury baseball team no-hit Eastern, 7-0, on a windy afternoon at Sea Gull Field. The no-hitter was a complete team effort as four Sea Gull pitchers took to the hill. The winning pitcher for Salisbury was senior Bryan Brainer (2-1) who tossed five innings of no-hit ball and recorded nine strikeouts. Adam Keeling, Matt Peterson and Eric Willey came out of the bullpen and finished off the no-hitter. Eastern starting pitcher Andrew Reynolds suffered the loss as he pitched four innings and gave up eight hits and four runs.
On February 10, University of the Ozarks sophomore pitcher Todd Koch pitched a no-hitter in his first appearance of the 2007 season as the University of the Ozarks Eagles defeated Principia College (Ill.) 6-0 in the first game of a double-header. Only two Principia runners reached base, the first came in the third inning on a catcher's interference call, and the second came in the seventh inning when Josh Reesman was hit by a pitch. It is only the second modern-day no-hitter in school history. The right-handed Koch overpowered the Panthers throughout the contest using a fastball and a wicked curve, and did not allow a single walk. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound San Antonio native ended the game with 9 strikeouts.
Just three days after Koch's no-hitter, NC Wesleyan pitcher Blake Rice added his second career no-hitter. Rice tossed a complete game no-hitter in his first outing of the season. The victim, Frostburg State, had just four runners reach base as Rice struck out seven and walked only two on the day. The #7 Bishops took game one by a 2-0 score and went on to complete the twinbill sweep of the Bobcats with a 3-0 victory in game two. Rice's no-no was similar to last season's against Piedmont College. With temperatures hovering around 40 degrees, the All-American senior worked quickly and efficiently, facing just two batters past the minimum in the seven-inning contest. The no-hitter is the fourth in Wesleyan history. Prior to Rice's two in 2006 in 2007, the last Bishop no-no came in 1993.
On Friday the Salisbury baseball team no-hit Eastern, 7-0, on a windy afternoon at Sea Gull Field. The no-hitter was a complete team effort as four Sea Gull pitchers took to the hill. The winning pitcher for Salisbury was senior Bryan Brainer (2-1) who tossed five innings of no-hit ball and recorded nine strikeouts. Adam Keeling, Matt Peterson and Eric Willey came out of the bullpen and finished off the no-hitter. Eastern starting pitcher Andrew Reynolds suffered the loss as he pitched four innings and gave up eight hits and four runs.
On February 10, University of the Ozarks sophomore pitcher Todd Koch pitched a no-hitter in his first appearance of the 2007 season as the University of the Ozarks Eagles defeated Principia College (Ill.) 6-0 in the first game of a double-header. Only two Principia runners reached base, the first came in the third inning on a catcher's interference call, and the second came in the seventh inning when Josh Reesman was hit by a pitch. It is only the second modern-day no-hitter in school history. The right-handed Koch overpowered the Panthers throughout the contest using a fastball and a wicked curve, and did not allow a single walk. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound San Antonio native ended the game with 9 strikeouts.
Just three days after Koch's no-hitter, NC Wesleyan pitcher Blake Rice added his second career no-hitter. Rice tossed a complete game no-hitter in his first outing of the season. The victim, Frostburg State, had just four runners reach base as Rice struck out seven and walked only two on the day. The #7 Bishops took game one by a 2-0 score and went on to complete the twinbill sweep of the Bobcats with a 3-0 victory in game two. Rice's no-no was similar to last season's against Piedmont College. With temperatures hovering around 40 degrees, the All-American senior worked quickly and efficiently, facing just two batters past the minimum in the seven-inning contest. The no-hitter is the fourth in Wesleyan history. Prior to Rice's two in 2006 in 2007, the last Bishop no-no came in 1993.
Permalink | Mar 01, 2007
Ohio Wesleyan 2B Kyle Sherman, named to preseason All-American team
Ohio Wesleyan Athletics
Baseball America Division III Preseason All-America Team
C – Gerard Haran, Sr., The College of New Jersey
1B – Blake Bullis, Sr., The College of New Jersey
2B – Kyle Sherman, Sr., Ohio Wesleyan
3B – Zach Lutz, Jr., Alvernia
SS – Bo Thunell, So., George Fox
OF – Tony Konicek, Sr., Gustavus Adolphus
OF – Ross Bennett, Jr., Wisconsin-Platteville
OF – Ryan Borque, Sr., Southern Maine
DH – Rob Bowness, Sr., Montclair St.
P – Jordan Zimmerman, Jr., Wisconsin-Stevens Point
P – Dan Remenowsky, Jr., Otterbein
P – Jimmy Dougher, Sr., Cortland St.
Gerard Haran, in three seasons with the College of New Jersey Lions, has already managed to rewrite several single-season and career records and, with his junior season, became the first Lion baseball player to earn American Baseball Coaches Association National Division III Player of the Year honors. He finished the 2006 season with 14 home runs, elevating his career record to 35, a running school mark. He finished with a .415 average with 64 runs, 71 hits, 21 doubles, and 64 RBIs. He has also been hit by a pitch 17 times, another Lion record, and finished with an .807 slugging percentage for the 2006 season. Nationally, his numbers were among many of the top performances in Division III, as he ranked tenth in home runs per game (0.30), seventh in runs scored per game (1.39), eighth in slugging percentage, and 30th in doubles per game (0.46). Other catchers to watch are Rob Raux, Ithaca, Jason Pollard, RPI
Blake Bullis, College of New Jersey, earned a spot on the ABCA Division III All-America Second Team in 2005 and on the first team in 2006 for his outstanding play at first base. Bullis led the Lions with 72 RBIs, while connecting on 14 home runs, as well. He added 16 doubles, three triples, and a team-leading 75 hits. He had a .395 average with a .732 slugging percentage and a .434 on-base percentage in 2006. He was ranked 10th in home runs per game (0.30) nationally in 2006, as well as third with RBIs per game (1.57). Bullis will move to the outfield for his senior season. Other first basemen to watch are Jess Maloney, Greensboro, and Zac Birley, Manchester
Kyle Sherman of Ohio Wesleyan was a third-team All-America and first-team All-North Coast Athletic Conference pick at second base last year. He led the conference in runs scored, shared the league lead in RBI and ranked second in home runs and third in slugging percentage (.703) in 2006. Sherman finished the season with a .392 batting average, 59 runs, and 10 home runs. Sherman was nationally ranked fifteenth in RBI per game (1.35). Keep your eye on another quality second baseman, Ricky Angel, Illinois Wesleyan
Selected by Baseball America as the preseason All-American shortstop, George Fox's Bo Thunell is moving to third base for the 2007 season. Third Team All-American Thunell, who was All-Region and All-Northwest Conference First Team, put together one of the finest rookie seasons in Bruin history, batting .417 with 7 home runs and leading the conference in RBI (48). Thunnel was nationally ranked as the third hardest player to strikeout in 2006 with a strikeout every 54.3 AB.
Zach Lutz, the defending Player of the Year in both the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference, earned the All-America Team honor as a third baseman. Lutz was an absolute force for the Crusaders last season ranking nationally in five different offensive categories including 13th in batting average at .464. Lutz led the Crusaders in average, hits (71), doubles (24), RBIs (59), total bases (115), slugging percentage (.752), walks (31), and on-base percentage (.557). The 6-2 junior has scored 50 or more runs in each of his first two seasons and had 70 or more hits both years. He was the MVP of the PAC Championship last season leading the Crusaders to their eighth PAC Title, and earned All-American honors for the second straight season. Other third basemen to watch are Scott Guillerault, Wheaton; and Shawn Pfeil, Washington and Jefferson.
Outfielders Tony Konicek, Gustavus Adolphus, Ross Bennett, UW-Platteville and Ryan Bourque, Southern Maine were tabbed for the preseason All-American team. Konicek, the returning Division III Midwest Region Position Player of the Year and First Team All-America, lead the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic in batting average (.484), hits (59), doubles (16), home runs (8), runs batted in (48) and total bases (101). Konicek made only one error in 88 chances. Konicek's batting average, which ranked fourth in all of Division III in 2006, and also was ranked nationally in slugging percentage (seventh, .828), runs batted in per game (tenth, 1.41), and doubles per game (24th, 0.47). UW-Platteville outfielder Ross Bennett earned 2006 NCAA Divsion III All-Midwest Region baseball honors. With his second team selection, Bennett becomes the highest decorated Pioneer since Matt Northey earned similar second team honors in 1994. Bennett ranked 24th in the nation with 10 home runs and 32nd nationally with a .720 slugging percentage. Overall, he hit .385 with 55 hits, 12 doubles, 10 home runs and 42 RBIs in 2006, leading the Pioneers in all those categories. Ryan Bourque led the Southern Maine Huskies with a .395 batting average. He contributed 18 doubles and 53 RBIs as he helped the Husklies become the 2006 Little East Conference Champions. Other outfielders to watch are: Chris Pecora, NC Wesleyan; Nick Vera, Trinity (Texas); Dan Wentzell, George Fox; Ryan Anderson, Shenendoah
Junior designated hitter Rob Bowness, Montclair State, was an ABCA Division III All-American Third in 2006. Bowness, a First-Team All-Mid-Atlantic Region and First-Team All-New Jersey Athletic Conference selection this year as well, led Montclair State with 10 home runs becoming the first MSU player to reach double-digits in round trippers since 2000. The left-handed hitting junior his hitting .314 with 12 doubles, six triples and team-best 48 runs batted in. Last year Bowness ranked among the Top 10 in NJAC in RBI (3rd), triples (1st), home runs (3rd) and total bases (3rd-115).
UW-Stevens Point sophomore Jordan Zimmermann was named the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Midwest Region Pitcher of the Year in 2006 after helping the Pointers reach the NCAA Division III World Series. Zimmermann compiled 103 strikeouts and 20 walks in 87 innings pitched, holding opponents to just a .172 batting average. Zimmermann had a 5-5 record as the Pointers scored a total of seven runs in his five defeats. The Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Year and a second-team All-American, he had eight complete games in his 11 starts. Other utility players to watch are Jeremy Peters, Ithaca, Kurt Yacko, Chapman.
Jim Dougher, the State University of New York Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Year each of the past two seasons, finished 2006 with a 9-1 record, a 2.12 earned run average and one save in 13 appearances. He struck out 64 batters, walked only 17 and allowed 60 hits in 72 and one-third innings. Through three seasons, Dougher has a career 16-3 record with a 1.84 ERA and has lost only once as a starter. Dan Remenowsky, a right-handed pitcher, earned third team All-America honors as well as first team All-Mideast Region honors in 2006. Remenowsky finished the 2006 season 9-2 with one save, eight complete games, four shutouts, and a 1.94 ERA in 13 appearances. In 79 innings, the sophomore tallied 94 strikeouts, second on the Otterbein all-time single season strikeout list. Remenowsky went undefeated in the Ohio Athletic Conference with six wins to earn OAC pitcher of the year honors while allowing conference opponents to bat just .129. Other pitchers to watch are Devin Drag, Chapman; Blake Rice, NC Wesleyan; Shawn Gilblair, Eastern Conn State; Ryan Fair, Aurora; Jason Pizzoferrato, Western New England; Dan Zeffiro, Kean; Doug Stevens, Otterbein.
C – Gerard Haran, Sr., The College of New Jersey
1B – Blake Bullis, Sr., The College of New Jersey
2B – Kyle Sherman, Sr., Ohio Wesleyan
3B – Zach Lutz, Jr., Alvernia
SS – Bo Thunell, So., George Fox
OF – Tony Konicek, Sr., Gustavus Adolphus
OF – Ross Bennett, Jr., Wisconsin-Platteville
OF – Ryan Borque, Sr., Southern Maine
DH – Rob Bowness, Sr., Montclair St.
P – Jordan Zimmerman, Jr., Wisconsin-Stevens Point
P – Dan Remenowsky, Jr., Otterbein
P – Jimmy Dougher, Sr., Cortland St.
Gerard Haran, in three seasons with the College of New Jersey Lions, has already managed to rewrite several single-season and career records and, with his junior season, became the first Lion baseball player to earn American Baseball Coaches Association National Division III Player of the Year honors. He finished the 2006 season with 14 home runs, elevating his career record to 35, a running school mark. He finished with a .415 average with 64 runs, 71 hits, 21 doubles, and 64 RBIs. He has also been hit by a pitch 17 times, another Lion record, and finished with an .807 slugging percentage for the 2006 season. Nationally, his numbers were among many of the top performances in Division III, as he ranked tenth in home runs per game (0.30), seventh in runs scored per game (1.39), eighth in slugging percentage, and 30th in doubles per game (0.46). Other catchers to watch are Rob Raux, Ithaca, Jason Pollard, RPI
Blake Bullis, College of New Jersey, earned a spot on the ABCA Division III All-America Second Team in 2005 and on the first team in 2006 for his outstanding play at first base. Bullis led the Lions with 72 RBIs, while connecting on 14 home runs, as well. He added 16 doubles, three triples, and a team-leading 75 hits. He had a .395 average with a .732 slugging percentage and a .434 on-base percentage in 2006. He was ranked 10th in home runs per game (0.30) nationally in 2006, as well as third with RBIs per game (1.57). Bullis will move to the outfield for his senior season. Other first basemen to watch are Jess Maloney, Greensboro, and Zac Birley, Manchester
Kyle Sherman of Ohio Wesleyan was a third-team All-America and first-team All-North Coast Athletic Conference pick at second base last year. He led the conference in runs scored, shared the league lead in RBI and ranked second in home runs and third in slugging percentage (.703) in 2006. Sherman finished the season with a .392 batting average, 59 runs, and 10 home runs. Sherman was nationally ranked fifteenth in RBI per game (1.35). Keep your eye on another quality second baseman, Ricky Angel, Illinois Wesleyan
Selected by Baseball America as the preseason All-American shortstop, George Fox's Bo Thunell is moving to third base for the 2007 season. Third Team All-American Thunell, who was All-Region and All-Northwest Conference First Team, put together one of the finest rookie seasons in Bruin history, batting .417 with 7 home runs and leading the conference in RBI (48). Thunnel was nationally ranked as the third hardest player to strikeout in 2006 with a strikeout every 54.3 AB.
Zach Lutz, the defending Player of the Year in both the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference, earned the All-America Team honor as a third baseman. Lutz was an absolute force for the Crusaders last season ranking nationally in five different offensive categories including 13th in batting average at .464. Lutz led the Crusaders in average, hits (71), doubles (24), RBIs (59), total bases (115), slugging percentage (.752), walks (31), and on-base percentage (.557). The 6-2 junior has scored 50 or more runs in each of his first two seasons and had 70 or more hits both years. He was the MVP of the PAC Championship last season leading the Crusaders to their eighth PAC Title, and earned All-American honors for the second straight season. Other third basemen to watch are Scott Guillerault, Wheaton; and Shawn Pfeil, Washington and Jefferson.
Outfielders Tony Konicek, Gustavus Adolphus, Ross Bennett, UW-Platteville and Ryan Bourque, Southern Maine were tabbed for the preseason All-American team. Konicek, the returning Division III Midwest Region Position Player of the Year and First Team All-America, lead the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic in batting average (.484), hits (59), doubles (16), home runs (8), runs batted in (48) and total bases (101). Konicek made only one error in 88 chances. Konicek's batting average, which ranked fourth in all of Division III in 2006, and also was ranked nationally in slugging percentage (seventh, .828), runs batted in per game (tenth, 1.41), and doubles per game (24th, 0.47). UW-Platteville outfielder Ross Bennett earned 2006 NCAA Divsion III All-Midwest Region baseball honors. With his second team selection, Bennett becomes the highest decorated Pioneer since Matt Northey earned similar second team honors in 1994. Bennett ranked 24th in the nation with 10 home runs and 32nd nationally with a .720 slugging percentage. Overall, he hit .385 with 55 hits, 12 doubles, 10 home runs and 42 RBIs in 2006, leading the Pioneers in all those categories. Ryan Bourque led the Southern Maine Huskies with a .395 batting average. He contributed 18 doubles and 53 RBIs as he helped the Husklies become the 2006 Little East Conference Champions. Other outfielders to watch are: Chris Pecora, NC Wesleyan; Nick Vera, Trinity (Texas); Dan Wentzell, George Fox; Ryan Anderson, Shenendoah
Junior designated hitter Rob Bowness, Montclair State, was an ABCA Division III All-American Third in 2006. Bowness, a First-Team All-Mid-Atlantic Region and First-Team All-New Jersey Athletic Conference selection this year as well, led Montclair State with 10 home runs becoming the first MSU player to reach double-digits in round trippers since 2000. The left-handed hitting junior his hitting .314 with 12 doubles, six triples and team-best 48 runs batted in. Last year Bowness ranked among the Top 10 in NJAC in RBI (3rd), triples (1st), home runs (3rd) and total bases (3rd-115).
UW-Stevens Point sophomore Jordan Zimmermann was named the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Midwest Region Pitcher of the Year in 2006 after helping the Pointers reach the NCAA Division III World Series. Zimmermann compiled 103 strikeouts and 20 walks in 87 innings pitched, holding opponents to just a .172 batting average. Zimmermann had a 5-5 record as the Pointers scored a total of seven runs in his five defeats. The Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Year and a second-team All-American, he had eight complete games in his 11 starts. Other utility players to watch are Jeremy Peters, Ithaca, Kurt Yacko, Chapman.
Jim Dougher, the State University of New York Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Year each of the past two seasons, finished 2006 with a 9-1 record, a 2.12 earned run average and one save in 13 appearances. He struck out 64 batters, walked only 17 and allowed 60 hits in 72 and one-third innings. Through three seasons, Dougher has a career 16-3 record with a 1.84 ERA and has lost only once as a starter. Dan Remenowsky, a right-handed pitcher, earned third team All-America honors as well as first team All-Mideast Region honors in 2006. Remenowsky finished the 2006 season 9-2 with one save, eight complete games, four shutouts, and a 1.94 ERA in 13 appearances. In 79 innings, the sophomore tallied 94 strikeouts, second on the Otterbein all-time single season strikeout list. Remenowsky went undefeated in the Ohio Athletic Conference with six wins to earn OAC pitcher of the year honors while allowing conference opponents to bat just .129. Other pitchers to watch are Devin Drag, Chapman; Blake Rice, NC Wesleyan; Shawn Gilblair, Eastern Conn State; Ryan Fair, Aurora; Jason Pizzoferrato, Western New England; Dan Zeffiro, Kean; Doug Stevens, Otterbein.
Permalink | Feb 27, 2007
Zach Lutz earned Baseball America 2007 preseason All-America Team honors.
Alvernia Sports Department
Thirty three teams have been to the championship round from the Mid-Atlantic Region. Twenty nine were from the New Jersey Athletic Conference and this dominance of the region continues in 2007, so much that the regional preview looks like a preview of the NJAC. Johns Hopkins and Alvernia are also favorites in the Mid-Atlantic region.
After capturing the NJAC Championship and advancing to the championship game of the NCAA Division III Tournament Boyertown Regional in 2006, The College of New Jersey (2006 record: 38-8, 2006 conference record: 13-5) has been selected as the 2007 preseason baseball favorite in the New Jersey Athletic Conference. The Lions, two-time defending conference champion, are seeking their seventh conference title since the inception of the NJAC baseball championship back in 1958.The Lions, who have advanced to the NCAA Division III Tournament in each of the past two seasons, return three all-conference players including the 2006 NCAA Division III Player of the Year in senior All-American catcher Gerard Haran (.415, 14 HR's, 54 RBI). In addition, Dell's squad returns a pair of all-conference performers in senior All-American first baseman Blake Bullis (.395, 14 HR's, 72 RBI) and junior left-handed pitcher Bob Buskett (7-0, 2.12 ERA). "We should challenge for the New Jersey Athletic Conference title," said Head Coach Rick Dell.
Montclair State (35-19-2, 13-5) was selected to finish second in the NJAC and received two first place votes. Montclair earned an at-large selection to the NCAA Division III Tournament and won the Boyertown Regional to advance to the NCAA Division III National Championship Series in Grand Chute, Wis. Catcher Andrew Vicaro leads the Red Hawks (.300, 42 RBI), one of seven returning player starters. Montclair returns a pair of all-conference performers in senior designated hitter Rob Bowness (.319, 10 HRs, 49 RBI) and junior right-handed pitcher Nick Recchia (4-3, 4.52 ERA). "Andrew was clearly our team MVP in 2006," said Head Coach Norm Schoenig. "He played a vital role not only behind the plate but also with his offensive run production."
Kean (31-17, 11-7), who earned an at-large selection to the NCAA Division III Tournament, was selected to place third and received one first place vote. Kean returns a league-high six all-conference players from its 2006 squad including senior shortstop Perry Schatzow (.339, 42 RBI), senior right-handed pitcher Joe Augustine (7-1, 2.15 ERA), senior first baseman Aaron Richard (.375, 39 RBI), junior second baseman Maikel DeLaRosa (.341, 17 RBI), senior outfielder Joe D'Andrea (.350, 26 RBI), and the 2006 NJAC Rookie of the Year in sophomore designated hitter Mike Shymanski (.354, 29 RBI).
After posting a 30-15 overall record in 2006 en route to an at-large selection to the NCAA Division III Tournament, Rowan (30-15, 20-10) was tapped to place fifth. The Profs return two of the league's 2006 major award winners in junior left-hander Ryan Kulik (7-3, 3.05) the 2006 NJAC Pitcher of the Year, and senior right-hander Tyler Dempsey (1-3, 5 saves, 21 SO) the 2006 NJAC Fireman of the Year. In addition, Rowan returns a pair of all-conference performers in junior third baseman Bruce Reibis (.352, 46 RBI) and senior outfielder Tim Edmeads (.310, 44 RBI).
The 2007 baseball season at Alvernia (30-13, 15-6) has officially started with the announcement from Baseball America that junior 3B/P Zach Lutz is a member of the preseason All-America Team for the second year in a row. Lutz, the defending Player of the Year in both the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference and the Eastern College Athletic Conference South Region earned the All-America Team honor as a third baseman. Lutz was an absolute force for the Crusaders last season ranking nationally in five different offensive categories including 13th in batting average at .464. Lutz led the Crusaders in average, hits (71), doubles (24), RBIs (59), total bases (115), slugging percentage (.752), walks (31), and on-base percentage (.557). The 6-2 junior hit .423 in his freshman season and has a .442 career average. Senior Jason Zeigler paces the rotation. He was 8-2 with a 4.02 ERA and 60 strikeouts in 2006.
The 2007 Johns Hopkins baseball team (28-9-2, 14-3-1) has dedicated the upcoming season to Mike Durgala a 2005 Hopkins graduate, who was killed in a car accident on August 3, 2006 while returning to Baltimore after serving as a counselor at a baseball camp at Gettysburg College. Durgala, a two-time Second Team All-Centennial selection at first base, helped lead Johns Hopkins to three Centennial Conference Championships and three appearances in the NCAA Tournament during his career. Junior outfielder Rob Pietroforte, a First Team All-Centennial Conference selection and ABCA D-III Mid-Atlantic Region Second Team All-Star, played in 36 games during his first season as an everyday player for the Blue Jays. He was second in the Centennial Conference in batting average, hitting .424 at season's end and finished third in the conference in slugging percentage, hits, on-base percentage and total bases. Junior Ryan Kuhlman Sr. (5-0 3.91) started in seven games in 2006, finishing two and was fifth in the Centennial Conference with 55 strikeouts, with a 4.2 strikeout-to-walk ratio, best among starting pitchers.
Other teams to watch: William Paterson (26-14), Frostburg St. (29-13)
After capturing the NJAC Championship and advancing to the championship game of the NCAA Division III Tournament Boyertown Regional in 2006, The College of New Jersey (2006 record: 38-8, 2006 conference record: 13-5) has been selected as the 2007 preseason baseball favorite in the New Jersey Athletic Conference. The Lions, two-time defending conference champion, are seeking their seventh conference title since the inception of the NJAC baseball championship back in 1958.The Lions, who have advanced to the NCAA Division III Tournament in each of the past two seasons, return three all-conference players including the 2006 NCAA Division III Player of the Year in senior All-American catcher Gerard Haran (.415, 14 HR's, 54 RBI). In addition, Dell's squad returns a pair of all-conference performers in senior All-American first baseman Blake Bullis (.395, 14 HR's, 72 RBI) and junior left-handed pitcher Bob Buskett (7-0, 2.12 ERA). "We should challenge for the New Jersey Athletic Conference title," said Head Coach Rick Dell.
Montclair State (35-19-2, 13-5) was selected to finish second in the NJAC and received two first place votes. Montclair earned an at-large selection to the NCAA Division III Tournament and won the Boyertown Regional to advance to the NCAA Division III National Championship Series in Grand Chute, Wis. Catcher Andrew Vicaro leads the Red Hawks (.300, 42 RBI), one of seven returning player starters. Montclair returns a pair of all-conference performers in senior designated hitter Rob Bowness (.319, 10 HRs, 49 RBI) and junior right-handed pitcher Nick Recchia (4-3, 4.52 ERA). "Andrew was clearly our team MVP in 2006," said Head Coach Norm Schoenig. "He played a vital role not only behind the plate but also with his offensive run production."
Kean (31-17, 11-7), who earned an at-large selection to the NCAA Division III Tournament, was selected to place third and received one first place vote. Kean returns a league-high six all-conference players from its 2006 squad including senior shortstop Perry Schatzow (.339, 42 RBI), senior right-handed pitcher Joe Augustine (7-1, 2.15 ERA), senior first baseman Aaron Richard (.375, 39 RBI), junior second baseman Maikel DeLaRosa (.341, 17 RBI), senior outfielder Joe D'Andrea (.350, 26 RBI), and the 2006 NJAC Rookie of the Year in sophomore designated hitter Mike Shymanski (.354, 29 RBI).
After posting a 30-15 overall record in 2006 en route to an at-large selection to the NCAA Division III Tournament, Rowan (30-15, 20-10) was tapped to place fifth. The Profs return two of the league's 2006 major award winners in junior left-hander Ryan Kulik (7-3, 3.05) the 2006 NJAC Pitcher of the Year, and senior right-hander Tyler Dempsey (1-3, 5 saves, 21 SO) the 2006 NJAC Fireman of the Year. In addition, Rowan returns a pair of all-conference performers in junior third baseman Bruce Reibis (.352, 46 RBI) and senior outfielder Tim Edmeads (.310, 44 RBI).
The 2007 baseball season at Alvernia (30-13, 15-6) has officially started with the announcement from Baseball America that junior 3B/P Zach Lutz is a member of the preseason All-America Team for the second year in a row. Lutz, the defending Player of the Year in both the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference and the Eastern College Athletic Conference South Region earned the All-America Team honor as a third baseman. Lutz was an absolute force for the Crusaders last season ranking nationally in five different offensive categories including 13th in batting average at .464. Lutz led the Crusaders in average, hits (71), doubles (24), RBIs (59), total bases (115), slugging percentage (.752), walks (31), and on-base percentage (.557). The 6-2 junior hit .423 in his freshman season and has a .442 career average. Senior Jason Zeigler paces the rotation. He was 8-2 with a 4.02 ERA and 60 strikeouts in 2006.
The 2007 Johns Hopkins baseball team (28-9-2, 14-3-1) has dedicated the upcoming season to Mike Durgala a 2005 Hopkins graduate, who was killed in a car accident on August 3, 2006 while returning to Baltimore after serving as a counselor at a baseball camp at Gettysburg College. Durgala, a two-time Second Team All-Centennial selection at first base, helped lead Johns Hopkins to three Centennial Conference Championships and three appearances in the NCAA Tournament during his career. Junior outfielder Rob Pietroforte, a First Team All-Centennial Conference selection and ABCA D-III Mid-Atlantic Region Second Team All-Star, played in 36 games during his first season as an everyday player for the Blue Jays. He was second in the Centennial Conference in batting average, hitting .424 at season's end and finished third in the conference in slugging percentage, hits, on-base percentage and total bases. Junior Ryan Kuhlman Sr. (5-0 3.91) started in seven games in 2006, finishing two and was fifth in the Centennial Conference with 55 strikeouts, with a 4.2 strikeout-to-walk ratio, best among starting pitchers.
Other teams to watch: William Paterson (26-14), Frostburg St. (29-13)
Permalink | Feb 25, 2007
Hunter Abrams hits a HR in early season action.
Frank Ezelle
It is springtime and every team is loaded with talent and dreams of championships. Baseball teams in the South Region have already started the 2007 season and several teams are making the dream of a D3 World Series a possibility. The favorites have come out of the gate with wins and so have some surprise teams like Averett (currently 12-1).
North Carolina Wesleyan: (2006 Record: 31-19, 2006 Conference Record: 11-7). won the conference tourney and parlayed it into a trip to the D3 World Series in 2006. The Battlin' Bishops return all key players except two infielders. Keep your eye on Chris Pecora (.403, 34 RBI, 37 SB) and Blake Rice (10-3,2.68 ERA) as NC Wesleyan makes another run at the Championship. The USA South AC is changing the conference format from a 3-game series to 2-game series. The conference members must think that they are beating themselves out of an at-large bid. Whether this gets another USASAC team a Pool C bid will be determined, but only if the top conference members can replace those extra 6 games in the schedule with winnable in-region games.
Millsaps (37-13, 15-5) is the defending SCAC co-champs and is the second pick to make the D3 World Series. The Majors lost All-American Garner Wetzel, and 2 key pitchers in John Fox and Todd Kindler, but they have a solid core of returnees from the Central Region finalist team. With the admission of Austin College to the SCAC, Millsaps moves to the SCAC-West in a reshuffling of the SCAC. Look for Hunter Abrams (.413, 17 2b, 53 RBI) and Jay Hollenbeck (5-0, 2.08 ERA) to lead the Majors back to the playoffs in 2007.
Emory (31-9, 6-0) won the UAA by virtue of their spring tourney, earned a Pool B bid and were eliminated in two games in the Rocky Mount Regional. The Eagles return nine players who started double-digit games in 2006. Three of four pitchers in the rotation return as does their #1 reliever. A good portion of the senior leadership will come from the Emory pitching staff, which finished the 2006 season fifth in the nation with a 2.58 earned run average. Returning senior pitchers include starters Jason Glushon (9-2, 1.86 ERA) and Ian Ganzer (6-3, 2.22 ERA). Emory is expecting to get into the playoffs again this year.
Bridgewater (32-14-1, 15-3) won the 2006 ODAC regular season championship and parlayed that South Region record into a Pool C bid. BC basically returns everyone except catcher Grant French. Keep your eye on the 2006 ODAC player of the year, Ricky Read (10-1, 2.68 ERA, .337, 49 RBI), as the Eagles try to win the conference title once again. Bridgewater has key games versus NCWC, Emory, Marietta (an in-region game) and York PA.
Virginia Wesleyan (24-22, 12-6) was the ODAC tourney champion and earned the Pool A bid. Virginia Wesleyan, a 3rd place finisher at the 2006 South Region Playoffs, is picked to win the ODAC this year. The Marlins return the heart of the lineup, only losing one starting OF, one starter and one reliever. Key to the Marlins' offense success will be Ricky Allred (.375, 43 RBI, 14 2B). VWC already has three consecutive wins over top 30 teams with key games versus NCWC, Emory (2) and York, PA remaining.
Salisbury University (37-10, 8-2) was the 2006 Capital Athletic Conference Tourney winners over York. The Seagulls are expected to make their 8th straight NCAA playoffs in 2007. Coach Doug Fleetwood lost RHP Nick Dunk but has at least five other pitchers on the staff with experience, and returns many of his experienced position players. Watch for Colin Kraus (.376, 40 RBI, 43 BB) to lead the Sea Gulls' offense "We should have another very good team," said Fleetwood. "We have been to the regionals seven years in a row and hope to continue."
Other teams to watch: York (25-16-1), LaGrange (24-16), Methodist (26-17).
North Carolina Wesleyan: (2006 Record: 31-19, 2006 Conference Record: 11-7). won the conference tourney and parlayed it into a trip to the D3 World Series in 2006. The Battlin' Bishops return all key players except two infielders. Keep your eye on Chris Pecora (.403, 34 RBI, 37 SB) and Blake Rice (10-3,2.68 ERA) as NC Wesleyan makes another run at the Championship. The USA South AC is changing the conference format from a 3-game series to 2-game series. The conference members must think that they are beating themselves out of an at-large bid. Whether this gets another USASAC team a Pool C bid will be determined, but only if the top conference members can replace those extra 6 games in the schedule with winnable in-region games.
Millsaps (37-13, 15-5) is the defending SCAC co-champs and is the second pick to make the D3 World Series. The Majors lost All-American Garner Wetzel, and 2 key pitchers in John Fox and Todd Kindler, but they have a solid core of returnees from the Central Region finalist team. With the admission of Austin College to the SCAC, Millsaps moves to the SCAC-West in a reshuffling of the SCAC. Look for Hunter Abrams (.413, 17 2b, 53 RBI) and Jay Hollenbeck (5-0, 2.08 ERA) to lead the Majors back to the playoffs in 2007.
Emory (31-9, 6-0) won the UAA by virtue of their spring tourney, earned a Pool B bid and were eliminated in two games in the Rocky Mount Regional. The Eagles return nine players who started double-digit games in 2006. Three of four pitchers in the rotation return as does their #1 reliever. A good portion of the senior leadership will come from the Emory pitching staff, which finished the 2006 season fifth in the nation with a 2.58 earned run average. Returning senior pitchers include starters Jason Glushon (9-2, 1.86 ERA) and Ian Ganzer (6-3, 2.22 ERA). Emory is expecting to get into the playoffs again this year.
Bridgewater (32-14-1, 15-3) won the 2006 ODAC regular season championship and parlayed that South Region record into a Pool C bid. BC basically returns everyone except catcher Grant French. Keep your eye on the 2006 ODAC player of the year, Ricky Read (10-1, 2.68 ERA, .337, 49 RBI), as the Eagles try to win the conference title once again. Bridgewater has key games versus NCWC, Emory, Marietta (an in-region game) and York PA.
Virginia Wesleyan (24-22, 12-6) was the ODAC tourney champion and earned the Pool A bid. Virginia Wesleyan, a 3rd place finisher at the 2006 South Region Playoffs, is picked to win the ODAC this year. The Marlins return the heart of the lineup, only losing one starting OF, one starter and one reliever. Key to the Marlins' offense success will be Ricky Allred (.375, 43 RBI, 14 2B). VWC already has three consecutive wins over top 30 teams with key games versus NCWC, Emory (2) and York, PA remaining.
Salisbury University (37-10, 8-2) was the 2006 Capital Athletic Conference Tourney winners over York. The Seagulls are expected to make their 8th straight NCAA playoffs in 2007. Coach Doug Fleetwood lost RHP Nick Dunk but has at least five other pitchers on the staff with experience, and returns many of his experienced position players. Watch for Colin Kraus (.376, 40 RBI, 43 BB) to lead the Sea Gulls' offense "We should have another very good team," said Fleetwood. "We have been to the regionals seven years in a row and hope to continue."
Other teams to watch: York (25-16-1), LaGrange (24-16), Methodist (26-17).
Permalink | Feb 23, 2007
Can Brandon Boesiger lead the Wooster Scots to a championship
The top team in the mideast region is the number one team in the nation, the Otterbein Cardinals. Behind the Cardinals are familiar rivals, including last year's National Championship winner. Manchester, Wooster and Marietta are in the midst of a rebuilding years and how new recruits respond will be key to each school's successes. Up and coming are the Washington and Jefferson Presidents. A solid year in 2006 and a good recruiting class could make the Presidents the surprise of the region.
Otterbein (2006 Record: 34-16, 2006 Conference Record: OAC: 16-2) return every starter from a team that was ranked 11th in the final 2006 Division III poll. The Otterbein Cardinals are led by All-American candidates, Dan Remenowsky (9-2, 1.92 ERA) and Doug Stevens (10-0, 2.47 ERA) and are the favorite to claim the National Championship in May. Offensively for the Cardinals, keep an eye on Jerry Tulga (.420, 16 RBI and Ben Titus (.373, 35 Runs, 33 RBI).
Manchester (35-11, 19-2) is the preseason pick to win the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference crown. The Spartans return a host of key components from last season's team including reigning conference MVP Zac Bireley (.371, 9 HR, 50 RBI). Also key to the Spartan's success will be the pitching of Tyler Wolfe (6-4, 2.63 ERA) and Marcus Miller (9-1, 3.36 ERA).
The 2006 Champion Marietta Pioneers (43-11, 15-3) lost several key players from last year's championship team to graduation and the MLB amateur draft. They had a large recruiting class with 20 new faces wearing the pin stripes of the Pioneers. Justin Baumler (8-2, 3.57 ERA) will be the ace of the staff that saw the departure of Mike Eisenberg and Mike DeMark to pursue their dream of a MLB career. "This will be a different club from a year ago, but we still should be successful," said coach Brian Brewer.
Wooster (38-9, 15-1) will be looking for their fourth straight North Coast Athletic Conference title. Leading the Scots will be their two captains, Brandon Boesiger (.427, 17 2B, 30 RBI) and Shaun Swearingen (.435, 20 SB, 46 RBI). "Those two guys are as blue collar as you can get. Both get the most out of their ability. They're great role models. They're very good students," Head Coach Tim Pettorini commented. Boesiger will be twice as valuable behind the plate as he will backstop a very young staff. If the pitching staff can learn on the job, the Wooster Scots might find themselves contending for a national championship.
The Washington and Jefferson Presidents (34-13, 12-6) return 25 letterwinners, all eight starting position players and their top six pitchers from last year's school-record 34-13 squad which claimed the Presidents' Athletic Conference and ECAC Southern Championship titles. W&J also finished the season as the No. 5 ranked team in the Mideast Region. W&J is on the move and was close to some big breakthrough wins last year. If they see continued successes from an experienced squad, they could be the surprise team of 2007.
Others to watch: Adrian (26-17), Denison (25-15 ), Mt St Joseph (30-17) , Ohio Wesleyan (26-14), Rose-Hulman (25-15
Otterbein (2006 Record: 34-16, 2006 Conference Record: OAC: 16-2) return every starter from a team that was ranked 11th in the final 2006 Division III poll. The Otterbein Cardinals are led by All-American candidates, Dan Remenowsky (9-2, 1.92 ERA) and Doug Stevens (10-0, 2.47 ERA) and are the favorite to claim the National Championship in May. Offensively for the Cardinals, keep an eye on Jerry Tulga (.420, 16 RBI and Ben Titus (.373, 35 Runs, 33 RBI).
Manchester (35-11, 19-2) is the preseason pick to win the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference crown. The Spartans return a host of key components from last season's team including reigning conference MVP Zac Bireley (.371, 9 HR, 50 RBI). Also key to the Spartan's success will be the pitching of Tyler Wolfe (6-4, 2.63 ERA) and Marcus Miller (9-1, 3.36 ERA).
The 2006 Champion Marietta Pioneers (43-11, 15-3) lost several key players from last year's championship team to graduation and the MLB amateur draft. They had a large recruiting class with 20 new faces wearing the pin stripes of the Pioneers. Justin Baumler (8-2, 3.57 ERA) will be the ace of the staff that saw the departure of Mike Eisenberg and Mike DeMark to pursue their dream of a MLB career. "This will be a different club from a year ago, but we still should be successful," said coach Brian Brewer.
Wooster (38-9, 15-1) will be looking for their fourth straight North Coast Athletic Conference title. Leading the Scots will be their two captains, Brandon Boesiger (.427, 17 2B, 30 RBI) and Shaun Swearingen (.435, 20 SB, 46 RBI). "Those two guys are as blue collar as you can get. Both get the most out of their ability. They're great role models. They're very good students," Head Coach Tim Pettorini commented. Boesiger will be twice as valuable behind the plate as he will backstop a very young staff. If the pitching staff can learn on the job, the Wooster Scots might find themselves contending for a national championship.
The Washington and Jefferson Presidents (34-13, 12-6) return 25 letterwinners, all eight starting position players and their top six pitchers from last year's school-record 34-13 squad which claimed the Presidents' Athletic Conference and ECAC Southern Championship titles. W&J also finished the season as the No. 5 ranked team in the Mideast Region. W&J is on the move and was close to some big breakthrough wins last year. If they see continued successes from an experienced squad, they could be the surprise team of 2007.
Others to watch: Adrian (26-17), Denison (25-15 ), Mt St Joseph (30-17) , Ohio Wesleyan (26-14), Rose-Hulman (25-15
Permalink | Feb 21, 2007
Central region up for grabs
Carthage's Boe Baitinger looks for a breakout season.
Mike Gryniewicz
Carthage (34-9 in 2006, 19-2 conference): Even in a rebuilding year, Carthage still managed to win the tough CCIW. Carthage returns their entire lineup this year including center fielder Boe Baitinger (.379, 10 2B, 28 SB). They add two former players (Chris Sadjak and Jose Alba) who missed most of the 2006 campaign due to injury. Coach Augie Schmidt said that with most of the lineup returning, Carthage should be very good this year. The Red Men are poised to make it back to the Championship since their last appearance in 2002.
Augustana (31-10, 15-6): The Vikings return a solid core of players from a very competitive 2006 CCIW team that finished second in the conference. Senior pitcher Kevin Kuntz was a second team All-Central Region selection and sophomore designated hitter Don Hansen was a third team pick.
Aurora (34-14, 14-1): The Spartans should be the top contender in the newly formed Northern Athletics Conference. The NATHC combines the Lake Michigan Conference and Northern Illinois-Iowa Conference. Aurora, with players like Ryan Fair 912 SV, 1.40 ERA) and Ryan Lasacco (.344, 13 2B, 44 RBI), should run away with this league, but Edgewood, Marian and Lakeland could all apply pressure on them. The newly formed conference will be able to earn only Pool B bids for the first two season but will qualify for automatic bids starting in 2009.
Wartburg (27-15, 11-5): A perennial favorite in this conference with 10 straight titles; expect the Knights to be in the playoffs again when it is all said and done.
Illinois Wesleyan (28-14, 14-7): Always a solid program, IWU could contend for the CCIW title along with Augustana and Carthage. This should be a three-horse race, like last year.
Webster (26-18, 14-7): A program that played in the NCAA playoffs last year, the Gorloks should improve this season. Seniors Scott Aeschleman and Will Myers will lead the Gorlok staff. The Gorlok infield graduated last year's shortstop; however, the team will look to senior Adam York, reigning conference player of the year to take over at shortstop.
Other teams to watch: Coe (23-17, 10-6) and Washington U. (34-7).
Permalink | Feb 20, 2007