Hitter of the Night in the CPL for Games Played on May 29th

My Hitter of the Night in the Coastal Plain League is Joe Mercurio from the Forest City Owls by way of the University of Maine. The Brewster, NY native went 2 for 3, with a homer (1), stolen base, walk, 3 runs scored and 4 knocked in.

Honorable Mention
*Will Skinner (Walters State--Forest City) 3 for 3, 3 runs, db, bb
*Jared DeLong (Austin Peay--Edenton) 3 for 4, 1 run, 2 stb
*Byron McKoy (Temple--Gastonia) 1 for 4, homer, 1 run, 1 rbi
*Greyson Schram (Concord--Gastonia) 3 for 4, 1 run, 1 rbi
*Richard Jones (The Citadel--Thomasville) 2 for 4, homer, 1 run, 1 rbi

Pitcher of the Night in the CPL for Games Played on May 29th

My Pitcher of the Night in the Coastal Plain League is Scott Cole from the Martinsville Mustangs by way of the University of Virginia at Wise. Scott pitched a 9-inning complete game to help the Mustangs defeat the Wilson Tobs 3-2. Scott allowed 1 earned run on 6 hits in 9 innings of work. He didn't strike out a batter and he fanned 8 on the night.

Honorable Mention
*Bryan Breedlove (Lynchburg--Forest City) win, 3.2 inp, 7 k's
*Jeremiah Meiners (Francis Marion--Columbia) win, 4.1 inp, 1 hit, 1 bb, 4 k's
*Anthony Markham (Charleston Southern--Edenton) win, 7 inp, 3 hits, 0 runs, 2 bb, 5 k's
*Royce Duncan (Quincy--Petersburg) 5 inp, 4 hits, 3 bb, 3 k's
*Will Locante (Tennessee--Florence) win, 4 inp, 4 bb, 5 k's
*Tom Schmidt (Nebraska at Omaha--Fayetteville) 2 inp, 1 hit 4 k's
*Hunter Meekins (Barton College--Outer Banks) 2.1 inp, 1 hit, 1 bb, 2 k's

KIT League Action From May 29th

From Summer Ball News Source

Sikeston Bulls 6-Fulton Railroaders 4.
The Bulls handed the Railroaders a season opening loss in Fulton on Friday night. Sikeston scored 1 run in each of the first 3 innings, and held Fulton scoreless until the bottom of the 5th when the Railroaders finally put 2 runs on the board. The Bulls answered in the top of the 6th with 3 more to make the score 6-2. Bottom of the 7th, Philip Dean lead off with a solo homerun to give Fulton hope and close within 2 runs. The Railroaders added only one more run in 9th, but it was too little too late to catch the Bulls. Fulton's 9 hits over Sikeston's 7 were offset by 5 Railroader errors over 3 on the Bulls. Both starting pitchers went 5 innings. Logan Lawson takes the win for Sikeston giving up 4 hits, 2 runs, 3 walks and 2 strikeouts. Losing pitcher Cory White stuck out 9 batters and allowed 4 hits, but could not get on pace walking 5 and hitting 2 more. Sikeston's Zach Secoy pitched the final 1 1/3 innings to pick up a save. Both teams face off again on Saturday night for the second game of a three game series in Fulton.

Bobcats Down Pirates in Opener
It was just the kind of game Manager Steve Fowler has trademarked as a skipper over the years – small ball, chipping away at a lead run by run, one base at a time. And it was the kind of baseball not seen much in the debut season of the Marion Bobcats.

O'Brien, 18, struggled with his control before being lifted after allowing three runs through three innings, but relievers Bo Daves and Ryan Rogers combined to shut the door on the Pirates. The performance from the bullpen allowed for something not much seen in 2008, patience and clutch-hitting from an opportunistic Bobcat offense.

"We did a lot of things unheard of last year with our depth," Fowler said, pointing to a wealth of talent off the bench this year. In fact, all position players got a chance to contribute but first baseman Brett Cleveringa, who will get the start at first Saturday.

In the ninth inning, down 4-2, it appeared as if the Pirates had the game in hand with closer Wesley Clingman entering the game. But Clingman loaded the bases before being pulled without recording an out. His relief, Luke Rogers, forced in two runs on walks, tying the game 4-4 before registering his third strikeout of the inning.

Bobcat lefty Ryan Rogers, who came in for Daves to start the ninth, continued with a solid performance in the bottom of the ninth to move the game to extra innings. In the 10th frame, Fowler used a leadoff hit from Mitch McClay and back-to-back bunt hits from Mike DeSanto and Jake Martin to set the plate for Andy Harris.

"I dont' like to do it early," said Fowler, referring to DeSanto's intended sacrifice and Martin's successful bunt hit. "It's got to be close."

"They were two almost perfect bunts," he added.

With one out and the base loaded, Harris, a red-shirt freshman from Vanderbilt University, stroked a three-run double to move the Bobcats ahead for the first time in the game, ultimately giving Marion its first piece of first place since joining the KIT League in 2008.
"It was a beautiful hit," Fowler said. "It cleared the bases."

Ryan Rogers (1-0) pitched the bottom of the 10th to earn his first win and best his namesake in the Pirate dugout, Luke Rogers (0-1).

The win at Riverside Park vindicated a season-ending playoff loss in Marion to the Pirates last year and gave Fowler his sixth win since 2008 against the club he managed for seven seasons.
For the Bobcats early in the game, it was the returning faces from the inaugural season that kept the game close. Martin knocked in McClay for the first RBI and run of the new season, Daves pitched four strong innings allowing only one run and catcher Drew Williams handled three pitchers over 10 innings, throwing out one runner at second base.

But the late innings gave newcomers to the squad a chance to contribute.

In the seventh inning, outfielder Mike Rizzuto earned an RBI by drawing a bases-loaded walk from Jesse Darby that scored designated hitter Zach Sutton. Sutton had earlier chased starter Nolan Mullanney after 6 1/3 with the second single of the inning. After Rizzuto's RBI, Christian Stutts was brought in to close the inning for the Pirates, and he kept the Bobcats subdued until leaving in the ninth for Clingman's debut.

"They came together as a team," the manager said of his mix of veterans and rookies to KIT League ball. "Last year they were 20 games in trying to find themselves and still hadn't found it by mid-season."

Fowler was also happy with his starter's performance despite some issues with control.
"He had good movement on his fastball and worked several deep counts," he said of O'Brien. "He also has some jitters early... the whole team did."

Fowler used three pitchers to nail down the win, but anticipated using that number regardless of the situation. He also expects improvement in the defense, which committed two errors, as the players spend more time on the field together.

"We're not as good as were going to be when we get done," he said. "But no matter what happens the rest of the season, tonight was special."

Northwoods League Hitter of the Night For Games Played On May 29th

My Northwoods League Hitter of the Night is Aaron Gates from the La Crosse Loggers and Pepperdine University (pictured left and is courtesy of Ron Hall). Aaron hit a 3-run game-winning homer in the 9th to help propel the Loggers to a victory last night. He wound up going 2 for 5 with 2 runs scored and 3 knocked in.

Honorable Mention
*Riley Henricks (Portland--Green Bay) 2 for 4, db, 3b, 1 run, 2 rbi's
*Joe Bonfe (Sierra College--Eau Claire) 3 for 5
*Nate Baumann (Augustana--Eau Claire) 3 for 5, 2 runs, 1 rbi
*Joe Van Meter (VCU--Battle Creek) 2 for 4, gw single in 9th, 1 rbi
*Garrett Houts (USC--Thunder Bay) 3 for 3, 2 runs, stb
*Joe De Pinto (USC--Madison) 3 for 4, 2b, 1 run
*Troy Channing (St. Mary's--Madison) 2 for 4, db, 1 run, 3 rbi's
*Ben Long (UW Milwaukee--Madison) 2 for 4, homer, 1 run, 2 rbi's
*Mike O'Neill (USC--Alexandria) 3 for 5, homer, 2 runs, 2 rbi's
*Stephen Wickens (Florida Gulf Coast--Brainerd) 3 for 4, 1 run, 1 rbi
*Chris Auten (N. Mexico State--Rochester) 1 for 4, homer, 3 rbi's, 1 run

Pitcher of The Night In The Northwoods League For Games Played On May 29th

My Pitcher of the Night in the Northwoods League is Green Bay Bullfrogs pitcher Zack Varce (Portland). Zack earned a no-decision, but pitched very well. He pitched 5.2 innings of 1-hit, shutout baseball. He walked 2 and fanned 10 batters last night as well.

Honorable Mention
*Chris Odegaard (S. Mountain CC--Eau Claire) win, 7 inp, 3 hits, 3 runs, 1 er, 3 bb, 9 k's
*James Jones (John Logan--Battle Creek) 4 inp, 1 hit, 0 runs, 2 k's
*Pete Woodworth (Florida Gulf Coast--La Crosse) 7 inp, 4 hits, 3 runs, 2 er, 1 bb, 8 k's
*Taylor Babich (Rhodes--Brainerd) win, 6 inp, 4 hits, 0 runs, 3 bb, 2 k's
*Mike Goodman (UNLV--Rochester) 3 inp, 1 hit, 0 runs, 1 bb, 4 k's
*Arik Sikula (Marshall--Rochester) 3 inp, 0 hits, 3 bb, 7 k's
*Matt Swynenberg (Black Hawk College--Mankato) 5.1 inp, 3 hits, 0 runs, 1 bb, 8 k's

Weekend Help Needed!

If you frequent this blog at all, you have probably realized that I just don't/can't blog very much on the weekends. Unlike other college baseball blogs that employ a small army, I am a one man show. (Even though I feel that I put out just as much relevant information.)

So, I am asking for a bit of weekend help with my Hitter's and Pitcher's of the Night posts. Since I have a full-time job, have kids, attend church on Sunday, and still want to have a life, I simply can't pour over the boxscores like I do during the week. If you know of a player in any summer league that is deserving of being mentioned as one of my Pitcher's or Hitter's of the Night, or of being named to my Honorable Mention list, simply send me an email at 316sports@gmail.com. I promise to respond back as quickly as possible. If possible, please include the players name, summer league team, school he plays for and the stats or his stat line. This will make it much easier on me. Thank you very much.

This also doesn't just have to be for weekend games. I have always encouraged you to email or send me a link to a player or other noteworthy news any time of the year or day of the week.

Seven-Run Seventh Lifts Baseball Past Southern, 10-2

From Summer Ball News Source
(photo is courtesy of LSU sports)

BATON ROUGE -- A seven-run seventh inning and a career-high 10 strikeouts by LSU starter Austin Ross lifted the Tigers to a 10-2 victory over fourth-seeded Southern in Game 1 of the NCAA Baton Rouge Regional Friday at Alex Box Stadium.

The Tigers (47-16) will face the winner of Friday’s Minnesota-Baylor contest at 6:00 p.m. CT on Saturday. Southern (30-16) will face the Minnesota-Baylor loser at 1:00 p.m. CT Saturday. Read the rest of this entry here.

Mallards look to bounce back against Alexandria

From Summer Ball News Source
May 29, 2009 — After falling 4-3 to Alexandria in their season opener Thursday, the Mallards look to get back on track as they take on the Beetles again tonight at Knute Nelson Park at 7:05.

On Thursday, Mallards starting pitcher Matt Jansen (Purdue) began the game controlling the strike zone, allowing only one run through the first four innings. However, a rough fifth inning led to three more runs, giving the Beetles just enough to beat out the Mallards in the opener.

Tonight, the Mallards will send out sophomore Cody Winiarski (MATC) to try for the team’s first win of the season. Winiarski was impressive for the Wolfpack this past spring, going 6-1 and posting a team-best 1.94 ERA in 13 appearances. He also had pinpoint control of the strike zone, striking out 44 batters while only walking 14.

The Mallards will also be concerned with their hitting after scoring only three runs on nine hits. Center fielder Kurtis Muller (Iowa) and second baseman Adam McClain (Memphis) had two hits apiece, accounting for two of the Mallards’ three runs. However, the Mallards’ three-four-five hitters went only 3-for-11 with one RBI coming on a Troy Channing (St. Mary’s) sacrifice fly.

Yesterday, Beetles starter Mitch Handley (North Alabama) pitched 4.2 innings, giving up three runs, and strong relief performances from four different Alexandria pitchers helped give the Beetles the win.

Tonight, Matt Fyffe (Eastern Kentucky) will start for the Beetles, looking to complete a two game sweep of Madison. In 19 appearances for the Colonels, Fyffe went 4-5 with an 8.16 ERA. He also was second on the team with 60.2 innings pitched, and led the Colonels with 53 strikeouts.

Following their game against Alexandria, the Mallards will stay on the road for a two game set with the Brainerd Lunkers. On Monday, June 1, they return to Madison for the home opener against Rochester.

Foxes bringing a bit of N. Carolina to Fort Collins

From HAP FRY • HapFry@coloradoan.com
(photo is courtesy of Miranda Grubbs/The Coloradoan)

The Fort Collins Foxes will have a bit of a North Carolina feel to them this season.

And, well ...

"That's a good thing," Foxes first-year coach Michael Bender said.

Bender should know. He's been an assistant the past six years at Montreat College in Asheville, N.C., and he won't have to look far down the dugout to see some familiar faces. Read the rest of this entry here.

Hitter of the Night in the Coastal Plain League

It seems as if every CPL game this season has just about gone down to the wire. This has been a very exciting first two games of the season so far. My Hitter of the Night is Zach Johnson (Campbell--photo is courtesy of Gocamels.com). Zach had the type of game that hitters dream of. He went 4 for 4, with 2 homers, a double, a stolen base, 2 runs scored and 2 rbi's. One of this homers was a game-winning, walk-off, 10th inning homer that propelled the Wilson Tobs to a 6 to 5 win over the Asheboro Copperheads.

Honorable Mention
*Craige Lyerly (Catawba--Asheboro) 2 for 4, 2 runs, 1 rbi
*Jeremy Dowdy (Appalachian State--Wilson)2 for 4, double, 1 run, 1 rbi
*Matt Williams (Liberty--Columbia) 2 for 3, 1 bb
*Alex Hill (UNC Wilmington--Wilmington) 2 for 3, db, 2 stb's, 3 runs, 1 bb
*Allen King (UNC Wilmington--Wilmington) 2 for 4, 1 run, 1 rbi
*Jake Magner (North Dakota--Edenton) 3 for 4, homer, 2 runs, 2 rbi's
*Dan Williams (Penn--Edenton) 2 for 4, 1 rbi, game-winning single
*Tanner Biagini (VMI--Fayetteville) 3 for 3, 2 rbi's
*Zach Caldwell (Missouri Southern--Florence) 3 for 4, 1 run, 2 rbi's
*Taylor Lewis (Maine--Florence) 2 for 3, 1 run, 1 rbi, db
*Wes Hobson (Appalachian State--Thomasville) 4 for 6, double, 2 runs, 1 rbi
*C.J. Beatty (NC A&T--Thomasville) 3 for 5, 2 runs, stb
*Charley Thurber (Tennessee--Thomasville) 3 for 4, 3 runs, 1 bb
*Zack Briggs (Appalachian State--Thomasville) 2 for 5, db, 4 rbi's
*David Christy (Limestone--Martinsville) 3 for 5, 2 rbi's

Hitter of the Night in the Northwoods League

Both the Northwoods League and I agree that Eric Marzec (Youngstown State) is the Hitter of the Night in the Northwoods League. Eric went 4 for 5, with a double, stolen base, 1 run and 3 rbi's for St. Cloud last night. He also scored the winning run in the Bats 10-8 victory over Brainerd.

Honorable Mention
*Troy Larson (Minnesota--Mankato) 2 for 4, 1 run
*Andrew Thomas (Central Michigan--Rochester) 2 for 4, 1 rbi, 1 db
*Danny Brock (St. Louis--Rochester) 2 for 4, 1 run, 2 rbi's, 1 homer
*William Arnold (Central Michigan--Rochester) 1 for 4, homer, 1 run, 1 rbi
*Adam McClain (Memphis--Madison) 2 for 4, 1 run, 2 rbi's, 2 doubles
*Garrett Houts (USC--Thunder Bay) 2 for 4, db, stb
*Tony Mueller (Winona State--La Crosse) 4 for 5, 1 run
*Aaron Fujiki (Yavapai JC--Eau Claire) 2 for 2, 1 run
*Dan Betteridge (Rutgers--St. Cloud) 2 for 4, 1 run, stb
*Danny Oh (Cal--St. Cloud) 2 for 4, 1 run
*Kurtis Frymier (Michigan State--St. Cloud) 2 for 4, 2 runs
*Andrew Gudmunsen (North Dakota--Brainerd) 2 for 4, 1 run
*Zach Stewart (Ohio Dominican--Brainerd) 3 for 5, 3 runs, 1 rbi, 1 db

Pitcher of the Night in the Coastal Plain League For Games Played on May 28th

Tim Adleman (Georgetown) is continuing where he left off last summer. The current Wilson Tobs pitcher is my Pitcher of the Night. He didn't factor in a decision last night, but pitched very well for Wilson. He allowed 1 run (0 er) on just 2 hits in 6 innings of work. He didn't walk a batter and fanned 11 as well. Tim pitched for the Tobs last summer, and was one of the best pitchers in the league. He went 8-0, with a 1.84 in 63.2 innings of work. He had a bb/k ratio of 18/57 as well.

Honorable Mention
*Patrick Sullivan (South Carolina--Columbia) 2 inp, 1 bb
*Daniel Cropper (UNC Wilmington--Wilmington) 5 inp, 2 hits, 0 runs, 1 bb, 7 k's
*Daniel Calhoun (Murray State--Edenton) 7 inp, 4 hits, 1 run, 1 bb, 6 k's
*Randall Thompson (Florida Tech--Edenton) win, 1.1 inp, 2 hits, 1 bb
*Matthew Jebb (Maine--Florence) win, 6 inp, 4 hits, 2 runs, 1 er, 2 bb, 7 k's
*Will Locante (Tennessee--Florence) 2 inp, 0 hits, 1 bb, 4 k's
*Spencer Matthews (LSU--Thomasville) 3 inp, 1 hit, 1 run, 0 er, 4 k's

Pitcher Of The Night In the Northwoods League For Games Played On May 28th

Pitching was the name of the game in the Northwoods League last night. This was a tough choice, but my Pitcher of the Night is Aaron Dott (UW-Whitewater) from the La Crosse Loggers. Aaron picked up the win by throwing 7 shutout innings against the Thunder Bay Bordercats. He allowed just 2 hits, walked just 1 and fanned 9 on the night.

Honorable Mention
Gera Sanchez (New Mexico JC--Eau Claire) win, 6 inp, 2 hits, 0 runs, 1 bb, 9 k's
Devan Kline (Central Michigan--Eau Claire) save, 2 inp, 4 k's
Sean Yost (Nebraska--Duluth) win, 7 inp, 3 hits, 0 runs, 1 bb, 4 k's
Josh McElwee (Newberry--Battle Creek) loss, 5.2 inp, 4 hits, 1 run, 5 bb, 5 k's
Tim Mowry (West Michigan--Battle Creek) 2.1 inp, 0 hits, 0 runs, 1 bb, 5 k's
Garrett Yount (Central Arizona--Thunder Bay) 3 i np, 1 hit, 0 runs, 1 bb, 2 k's
Clayton Gant (Tennessee--La Crosse) 1 inp, 1 bb, 3 k's
Kyle Heim (Iowa--Madison) 2 inp, 4 k's
Zach Robertson (Iowa--Rochester) win, 6 inp, 4 hits, 2 runs, 0 er, 2 bb, 7 k's

Mallards begin 2009 season tonight: Jansen to start versus Alexandria

From Summer Ball News Source
Madison, WI — May 28, 2009. The Mallards being their ninth season tonight as they take on the Alexandria Beetles on the road at 6:05 p.m. Pitcher Matt Jansen (Purdue, pictured) will start the opener for the Mallards, who start their first four games on the road.

Last night the Mallards defeated the Swedish National Team in front of 1,024 fans at the “Duck Pond.” Throughout the game, the Mallards scored 14 runs on 12 hits, and didn’t allow a hit through the first five innings. Although the game didn’t count in the record books, Mallards manager C.J. Thieleke was pleased with his team’s performance.

“I was encouraged a lot by what we saw out there today,” Thieleke said after the game. “The hitting and pitching were both impressive and we saw a lot of things that we liked.”

Last year, Jansen, who was a Northwoods League Mid-Season All Star, finished with a 3.05 ERA and a 2-5 record over 11 starts for the Mallards. This past spring in 13 starts for Purdue, the southpaw posted a 4-6 record with a 6.52 ERA and 59 strikeouts.

The Beetles, who finished with a 35-32 record last season, will counter Jansen with right-hander Mitch Handley. At North Alabama this past spring, Handley tossed in 38 innings as one of the Lions’ top relief pitchers. In 30 appearances, he whiffed 36 batters and posted a 4.03 ERA.

The Mallards will play Alexandria again tomorrow night before heading to Brainerd for a two game set with the Lunkers.

Catch all Mallards action live on ESPN Radio 100.5 FM.

SwampDogs Drop Home Opener to Tobs

From Summer Ball News Source
On an absolutely picture perfect night made for baseball at J.P Riddle Stadium, the Opening Night Ceremonies were under way. It began with the Black Daggers swooping down from the sky with American flag in hand, the crowd roaring from the first pitch as Mo’ Runs got the fans excited for baseball to once again return to Fayetteville.

Unfortunately for the SwampDogs, B.J Dail and the Wilson Tobs had other plans.

Dail (1-0) gave up one run over six and one-third innings as the Tobs cruised to a 6-1 victory in front of 2,084 fans at “The Swamp.”
His counterpart, Matt McGovern (0-1), gave up five runs in five innings of work. McGovern, The Peach Belt Conference Pitcher of the Year, got into trouble in each of the first three innings before settling down in the fourth and fifth.

The scoring got started early in the first inning for the Tobs when Zach Johnson doubled home Bobby Leeper for the only tally of the inning. It would have been two more if not for a sensational backwards diving catch by second baseman Eric Grabe, who flung his body mid-air in short centerfield to make a spectacular play.

The Tobs would add three more in the second courtesy of a Bobby Leeper RBI double followed by a Xavier Maclin two-RBI single.

Then in the third, the Tobs would add their fifth run on a bizarre play. With one out and Zach Johnson on second, Aaron Watkins hit a bouncer to SwampDogs third baseman Tanner Biagini, who reached out to tag Johnson before running outside the basepath, then threw to Airlon Vinson at first to nail Watkins. The SwampDogs thought they had gotten a double play and jogged off the field, but not until Johnson, who was standing at third, ran home and was called safe by home plate umpire Chris Gonzalez. After Head Coach Darrell Handelsman went out to dispute the call, the ruling remained the same much to the dissapointment of the booing SwampDogs fans.

Austin Lasprilla tallied the first hit of the season for the SwampDogs in the fourth inning off of Dail, and Brock Whiteman recorded the team’s first RBI with a single off the glove of a diving Johnson at first base.

The SwampDogs will look to bounce back on the road Thursday night at Florence as they take on the Redwolves at 7:30pm.

The Fayetteville SwampDogs are a member of the Coastal Plain League, the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 13th season, the Coastal Plain League features 14 teams playing in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. The CPL gives college players the chance to refine their skills with the use of wooden bats. Players are housed with local families for the summer and past experiences have been very positive for both players and hosts. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league Web site at http://www.coastalplain.com

Catcher Karl Mundt Lost for Summer; RHP Brain Muransky on DL

From Summer Ball News Source
The BlueSox had two set backs over the last few days. Mundt a catcher form Tulane University is suffering from should problems and will be sidelined for the entire summer. Canonsburg PA native and RHP at Xavier University, Muransky is on rehab for a sore arm and will begin the Prospect League season on the disabled list.

Renken Named Collegiate Baseball All-American

From Summer Ball News Source
(photo is courtesy of mattbrownphoto.com)

Tucson, Ariz. - Cal State Fullerton's Daniel Renken was named a third-team All-American this morning by long-time college baseball resource Collegiate Baseball to extend the Titans' streak to 12 consecutive years with at least one All-American pitcher.

Renken, a first-team All-Big West Conference right-handed pitcher, posted a 9-2 record with a 2.50 ERA in 14 starts for the Titans in the regular season. The sophomore from Cypress has the 19th-best ERA in the nation going into this weekend's NCAA Regional and ranks 18th in the country in fewest hits allowed per nine innings (6.68).

Renken was a Collegiate Baseball and Rivals.com (2nd team) Freshman All-American in 2008.

Cal State Fullerton has had at least one All-American pitcher dating back to the 1998 season - by far the longest streak in the nation. The Titans have had 12 consecutive seasons with at least one All-American pitcher, and at least one in 17 of the last 18 seasons (1997 is the exception).

In 2001 (Kirk Saarloos, Darrick Merrell, Chad Cordero and Jon Smith) and 2003 (Jason Windsor, Chad Cordero, Dustin Miller and Ryan Schreppel) the Titans set school records with four All-American hurlers each campaign. The only other programs to recently come close to Fullerton's success in consecutive All-American hurlers are 2009 opponents Southern Miss and TCU. Both teams snapped their string of four in a row in 2007.

Sean Munley Brings Hot Bat to Albany

From Summer Ball News Source
When the Albany Dutchmen take the field for their first game on June 4th many of the players will be in midseason form after completing 40-plus game collegiate seasons. But perhaps nobody will be hotter than Wheaton College (MA) 1B/DH, Sean Munley.


A Sophomore from Trenton, New Jersey, Munley was an immediate impact player at Wheaton during a Freshman campaign, hitting .325 with 42 RBIs. The left-hander reached new heights in his second season finishing the year with a .391 batting average, good for second on the team. His 63 hits, 15 doubles and 4 HRs also placed him as one of the leaders on a Wheaton team that went 30-12 on the year and claimed a share of the regular season conference title. The 53 RBIs and 30 BBs he accumulated were good enough for the team lead and propelled him to a .477 on-base percentage.

The impressive total of walks gave him 53 career free passes, which ties him for 9th on Wheaton’s all-time list after only two seasons. The NCAA noticed Munley’s dominant season as well, choosing him as a Division Three All-America honorable mention. The recognition was Munley’s third award of the postseason, after he was also recognized by both the New England Intercollegiate Baseball Association (NEIBA) and the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC).

With the collegiate season over, Munley will head into the NYCBL season holding a scorching hot bat to go with his handful of postseason awards, hoping to add to his personal honors while capturing a championship for the Dutchmen.

Chafin Invited to USA Baseball Team Trials

From Summer Ball News Source
(photo is courtesy of Kent State Athletics)
DURHAM, N.C. – Freshman Andrew Chafin (Wakeman, Ohio/Collins Western Reserve) was invited to the 2009 USA Baseball Team Trials to be held at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, N.C., June 15-24.

The National Team Trials will be comprised of 36 collegiate players vying for a spot on the final 22-man roster to be announced on June 24.

Chafin is 4-1 on the year and leads the team with eight saves and a 1.26 ERA. Against Northern Illinois April 3, he threw the final three innings for the save, striking out seven of the 10 batters he faced. Chafin also pitched the final 1.1 innings for the save against nationally ranked Ohio State April 15.

Longview/Kelso granted West Coast League membership

From Summer Ball News Source
Portland, Oregon, Wednesday, May 27 -Longview/Kelso, Washington is the newest member of the West Coast League. League president Ken Wilson announced that the five-year old league, based in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, had awarded Longview/Kelso an expansion franchise.

The Cowlitz County club becomes the tenth member of the West' leading wood-bat summer collegiate league, which launched in 2005 with 7 teams.

"The team will offer exciting baseball and affordable family entertainment in a package never seen in this area," said Wilson. "We're working with a potential owner and expect to move forward quickly."

The pro-like West Coast League fills its rosters with top college players from around the country. The new team will begin play in 2010, with its home games at Story Field on the campus of Lower Columbia College.

"The school administration has worked hard to make this happen and we've been impressed with the overwhelming community support we've received," added Wilson. A stadium lease is soon to be finalized, according to Wilson. "All parties are pulling in the right direction and we expect final agreement to be reached shortly."

"A team in Longview is perfect for our league," pointed out Rick Smith, managing partner of the Kitsap BlueJackets. "We think we'll be able to create a great rivalry with the club there and it gives us another team closer to Corvallis and Bend."

Story Field will be the site of a Kitsap home game this summer as the BlueJackets take on the WCL defending champion Corvallis Knights on Sunday, July 19 at 5:05 pm. Tickets for that game go on sale next Monday, June 1.

The league recently awarded a conditional membership to Klamath Falls, Oregon.

Walla Walla, Washington currently heads a list of cities seeking to join the West Coast League. A number of markets in British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, Idaho and California are also considered candidates to eventually become members of the growing league. The West Coast League plays a 48-game schedule. The 2009 season begins June 5.

May 27th Hitter of the Night in the Coastal Plain League

Homers, stolen bases, walk off singles and three-hit nights, the Coastal Plain League had it all last night.

Hitter of the Night
Ronnie Shaban (Virginia Tech--picture is courtesy of Virginia Tech Athletics) had quite the game last night. The sophomore from Mosely, VA went 3 for 4, with 2 doubles, 2 runs scored and 1 rbi for the Petersburg Generals. He also walked once and was fanned one time. Ronnie scored the game-winning run in the Generals come-from behind 6 to 5 win over the Pilots. Ronnie hit .326 in 175 at-bats for the Hokies this season.

Honorable Mention
Phil Cerreto (Longwood--Martinsville) 2 for 4, 2 runs, 1 rbi, 1 homer
Lloyd Enzor (Southeastern CC--Martinsville) 2 for 4, 1 run, 1 rbi
Dylan Holton (Mt. Olive--Martinsville) 2 for 4, 1 run, 1 rbi, 1 db, 1 stb
Zachary Jordan (TCU--Asheboro) 2 for 2, 1 rbi, 2 bb's, double, stb
Cory Briggs (Ozarks--Florence) 1 for 3, 1 run, 1 rbi, homer
Matt Leeds (College of Charleston--Columbia) 3 for 4, 1 run, 1 bb
Shawn Glover (Erskine--Columbia) 2 for 3, 1 bb
Josh Whitaker (Kennesaw State--Outer Banks) 2 for 4, 2 rbi
Xavier Macklin (N.C. A &T--Wilson) 2 for 4, double, 3 rbi's
Zach Johnson (Campbell--Wilson) 2 for 4, 2 doubles, 1 run, 2 rbi's
Billy Barber (Richmond--Peninsula) 2 for 4, 1 run, 2 rbi's, stb
Vinny Avella (Wagner--Petersburg) 1 for 2, double, 3 rbi's, 3 bb's
Kevin Quaranto (Siena--Petersburg) 1 for 2, game-winning 9th inning single, 1 rbi, 1 bb
Adam Guerra (Saint Louis--Wilmington) 2 for 3, 2 doubles, 1 run, 1 rbi, 1 bb
Adam Eggemeyer (SIU Edwardsville--Wilmington) 2 for 4, 2 rbi's, double
Adam Gray (Mercyhurst--Wilmington) 2 for 4, 1 run
Jordan Jankowski (Miami of Ohio--Thomasville) 2 for 4, 1 rbi, double
Micah Jarrett (Wake Forest--Gastonia) 3 for 3, double, stb, 1 rbi
Wade Moore (NC State--Forest City) 1 for 4, homer, 1 run, 2 rbi's, 1 bb
Vince Belnome (West Virginia--Forest City) 1 for 4, double, 1 run, 1 bb
Kyle Hinrichs (Mt. Olive--Forest City) 1 for 1, pinch-hit game-winning single in 9th

Owls Win Season Opener in Walk-off Fashion

From Summer Ball News Source
The Forest City Owls opened the 2009 season with a 5-4, walk-off victory over the Gastonia Grizzlies at McNair Field Wednesday in front of an announced crowd of 2,587.

Junior Kyle Hinrichs (Mt. Olive College) hit a game-winning single in the bottom of the ninth down the right field line to score Alex Lee (Francis Marion) from second base for the winning run. Lee opened the inning with a walk. Gastonia’s Kurt Frisbee entered the game replacing Seth Grant (0-1) and proceeded to walk Nate Moore (N.C. State). Frisbee struck out back-to-back hitters before allowing the game-winner. Hinrichs was inserted into the designated hitter spot in the seventh inning for the Owls Grant Buckner (West Virginia).

Gastonia (0-1) spoiled a brilliant pitching performance for Owls junior RHP Spencer Patton (SIU-Edwardsville). Patton was dominant on the mound, tossing seven innings and striking out 13 batters. He allowed two runs, one earned, on just two hits and he issued two walks. Patton struck out the side in the first and second innings and fanned at least one batter in each inning. Patton went 4-1 with 50 strikeouts last season for the Owls.

Forest City (1-0) had a 4-1 lead entering the top of the eighth, but committed two costly errors in the final two innings. Gastonia scored twice in the eighth, one on a balk after an error by shortstop Travis Bass (Eastern Connecticut State). Michah Jarrett, who went 3-for-3, had an RBI infield single to cut the deficit to 4-3.

Gastonia scored the tying run in the ninth off Owls junior reliever Josh Biggers (1-0). With a runner on third and two outs, the Grizzlies Greyson Schram reached on a fielding error by Owls third baseman Pratt Maynard (N.C. State) to plate a run to make it a 4-4 tie.

The Grizzlies scored in the first inning after Russell Wilson walked, stole two bases and reached home on an errant throw by Owls catcher Cameron McConnell (Notre Dame). Forest City evened the score 1-1 in the bottom of the second on a bases load walk with Lee at the plate. Konstantine Diamaduros (Wofford) went 2-for-4 on the evening, including an RBI single to centerfield in the third inning to score Vince Belnome (West Virginia) to give the Owls a 2-1 lead. Moore, a CPL All-Star in 2008, hit a two-run home run in the fourth to put the Owls up 4-1.

The Owls and the Grizzlies will be back on the diamond Thursday at 7:05 p.m. in Gastonia.

The Forest City Owls are a proud member of the Coastal Plain League. Entering its 13th season, the CPL is the nation’s hottest summer league featuring 14 teams in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. For more information on the Coastal Plain League visit http://www.coastalplain.com.

May 27th---Pitcher of the Night in the Coastal Plain League

Opening Day saw quite a few outstanding pitching performances in the Coastal Plain League. Throughout the season, I will be picking my Pitcher and Hitters of the Night. Please remember that I pick these awards based on the boxscores and from emails that I receive from coaches, gm's, fans and players.

Pitcher of the Night For May 27th
Adam Schrader (Southwest Minnesota State University--Wilmington Sharks) allowed 0 runs on 2 hits in 7 strong innings to earn the win for the Wilmington Sharks. He walked just 2 batters and struck out 5 on the night.

Honorable Mention
Justin Hall (Mars Hill--Martinsville) Win, 6 inp, 2 runs, 2 hits, 7 bb, 3 k's
Wesley Francis (Barton College--Martinsville) save, 3 inp, 1 hit, 0 runs, 1 bb, 8 k's
John Taylor (South Carolina--Florence) save, 4 inp, 3 hits, 0 runs, 3 bb, 7 k's
John Long (Liberty--Columbia) 1.1 inp, 2 k's
Chris Boggs (ODU--Outer Banks) Win, 5 inp, 3 hits, 2 r, 2 bb, 5 k's
Vance Williams (N.C. State--Outer Banks) 2 inp, 2 bb, 4 k's
B. J. Dail (Mount Olive--Wilson) Win, 6.1 inp, 2 hits, 1 run, 1 bb, 7 k's
Tom Schmidt (Nebraska at Omaha--Fayetteville) 1 inp, 3 k's
Cory Toth (ODU--Peninsula) 5.2 inp, 2 hits, 1 r, 6 bb, 6 k's
Jerry Battapaglia (Villanova--Petersburg) 3 inp, 1 hit, 1 bb, 4 k's
Spencer Patton (SIU Edwardsville--Forest City) Win, 7 inp, 2 hits, 2 r, 2 bb, 13 k's

Mallards rout Swedish national team in exhibition

From Summer Ball News Source
Madison, WI — May 27, 2009. In a final tune-up before their season opener Thursday, the Mallards routed the Swedish National Team 14-5 in a shortened six-inning game Wednesday night at the Duck Pond.

After allowing two unearned runs in the top of the first inning on a Troy Channing error, the Mallards never looked back. They scored six runs with two outs in the bottom of the first, and didn’t relinquish the lead for the remainder of the game.

Leadoff hitter Kurtis Muller reached on an error, and second baseman Adam McClain followed with a single in the bottom half of the first frame. After Joe De Pinto and Troy Channing each popped out, the Mallards had a string of eight straight batters who reached base, totaling the six runs.

Mallards junior outfielder Greg Bieker (Fort Hays St.) led the Mallards offensively, going 3-for-3 with a home run and two RBIs. However, while Bieker had a perfect night at the plate, every starter had at least one hit, totaling 12 base knocks for the game.

“Our hitting was impressive,” Bieker said. “We’re swinging up and down the lineup, which is great to see as a team…It was good for us to get out there and get some good swings and enjoy the game.”

As for pitching, no Mallard hurler gave up a hit until Bieker came in to pitch in relief in the top of the sixth inning. Aside from Bieker, four Mallard pitchers totaled five strikeouts in as many innings, with right-hander Dan Burawa (St. John’s) accounting for three of the five strikeouts.

Mallards Manager C.J. Thieleke was pleased with his team’s pitching performance, particularly with Burawa and Jordan Hershiser (USC), who started the game.

“I’m very, very encouraged about what the pitchers did today,” Thieleke said. “Dan Burawa had electric stuff, and after Jordan settled down, he looked great.”

The Mallards’ bid for a no hitter ended when Bieker came in relief the game in the sixth inning. After retiring the first batter, Adam Sorgi, Bieker gave up three straight hits, and a McClain error led to another unearned run.

“I kind of struggled at the end there, but it was a fun little outing to try something new,” Bieker said.

“I guess that’s why hitters hit and pitchers pitch,” Thieleke added.

But Bieker’s performance on the mound wasn’t the only disappointment for the 1,024 Mallards fans in attendance. With the game clearly in the Mallards’ favor, Thieleke decided to take an at bat in the bottom of the fifth — he struck out on three pitches. He batted again in the same inning, only to produce a weak fly ball to center field.

“He was a great hitter in his day…but it’s good to see him having some fun,” Bieker said.

The Mallards open their season tomorrow as they head to Alexandria to take on the Beetles at 6:05 p.m. Last year, the Beetles went 35-32, while the Mallards finished with an even 34-34 record. Don’t forget to listen to all Mallards games live on ESPN Radio 100.5 FM.

NWL 16th Summer Set to Begin

From Summer Ball News Source
The 16th season of Northwoods League Baseball is set to begin Thursday, May 28th in seven cities across the Upper Midwest. The NWL has had unprecedented success for a summer collegiate league in drawing fans to its ballparks and in 2009 those who are not able to attend will have greater capabilities to follow their teams online. A brand new feature for 2009 will be a live stats system allowing fans to follow the game play-by-play and get real time, updated stats thanks to the NWL's partnership with Pointstreak.com. After launching in 2008 a new and improved video web casting system will be introduced with every game broadcast live and archived at northwoodsleague.tv. Also online at northwoodsleague.com will be all league stats, standings, and the daily recap with audio highlights from around the league, as well as blogs from league personnel.

With dozens of NWL alumni in the Major Leagues and hundreds more working their way up in the minors there are sure to be future Big Leaguers taking the field this summer in the NWL. Highlighting the returning stars, depending on the MLB draft, are former NWL MVP's and current Arizona State University teammates Carlos Ramirez ('08) of Mankato and Kole Calhoun ('07) of Eau Claire. Tim Jobe (Florida Int'l) of Duluth returns after finishing second in batting in '08 with a .338 average and 9 home runs. After hitting .313, 8th best in 2008, Kevin Johnson (Cincinnati) is returning to St. Cloud but this season as a pitcher due to a non-throwing shoulder injury. All-Star Aaron Dott (UW-Whitewater) returns for his third season in La Crosse. Dott threw the 8th no-hitter in NWL history against Green Bay last June. The reigning strikeout king (97 K's), Zach Robertson (Iowa), returns to Rochester for his 3rd year in a Honkers uniform. Keith Castillo (Southern California) will also be returning to the NWL for his 3rd year with the Alexandria Beetles. Castillo, a switch-hitting 1B/C/OF could completely re-write the Beetles career record book with another solid season. Bobby Pritchett (Central Arkansas) returns to Wausau after posting 7 wins on the mound for the Wisconsin Woodchucks in 2008. Another notable returnee, All-Star Mike O'Neill (Southern California), will be playing for the Alexandria Beetles after spending 2008 with NWL champion Thunder Bay. Other 2008 mid-season and/or post-season All-Stars set to return in '09 include: Joe Bonfe (EAU), RJ Hively (BC), Matt Jansen (MAD), Bob Lackovic (WAT), Kyle Gumieny (WIS), Ryan Goins (WAT), Brooks Pinckard (EC), Nick O'Shea (GB), and Troy Frazier (WIS).

Some notable changes have been made in the dugouts for 2009. Tenured managers not returning include 2008 Manager of the Year Jason Nell (MNK, 3yrs, 108 wins); Erik Maas (ALX, 3 yrs, 107 wins); and Tony Arnerich (STC, 3 yrs, 105 wins). Those three managers rank 8th, 9th & 10th respectively for NWL career wins. Returning for their 5th seasons in Madison and Eau Claire are CJ Thieleke and Dale Varsho. Thieleke ranks 5th with 151 wins and Varsho 6th with 132 wins in their tenures. Also returning, after a four-year hiatus, is Tom Fleenor. Fleenor ranks 2nd in NWL history with 218 wins over 6 seasons with the Rochester Honkers ('98-'01) and the St. Cloud River Bats ('03-'04) including three division titles and a league championship in 1999. Fleenor will be taking over the reigns for the Battle Creek Bombers in ‘09.

The NWL All-Star game will be held outside of the United States for the first time as the Border Cats of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada will be hosting the leagues annual showcase on July 21st. Ferguson Jenkins, the first Canadian member of the Baseball Hall of Fame, will headline the festivities.

2009 looks to be another exciting summer in the Northwoods League with many more records sure to fall and large crowds packing ballparks in the 14 NWL affiliate cities in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa and Ontario, Canada.

Illini Send 21 Players to Summer Leagues

From Summer Ball News Source
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Twenty-one University of Illinois baseball players will play on teams from coast to coast this summer, including nine Illini playing in the Northwoods League and four competing in the Prospect League, which includes teams from the former Central Illinois Collegiate League. In all, Illinois will have players on 13 teams in nine different leagues from California to New York. The action begins Wednesday night when the Madison Mallards face the Swedish National Team in an exhibition and the Fayetteville SwampDogs face off with the Wilson Tobs in a Coastal Plain League regular-season game. To follow Fighting Illini players throughout the summer, go here.

Starting in one of the premier summer collegiate leagues, eight Illini will play in the Northwoods League. Third-team All-Big Ten outfielder Willie Argo (Davenport, Iowa), first baseman Mike Giller (Chicago, Ill.) and left-handed pitcher Corey Kimes (Ottawa, Ill.) will spend their summer with the Waterloo Bucks in Waterloo, Iowa, while first-team All-Big Ten shortstop Brandon Wikoff (Peoria, Ill.) and right-handed pitcher Nick Chmielewski (Orland Park, Ill.) will play in front of the best crowd in the NWL with the Madison Mallards in Madison, Wis. Three more Illini will play in Minnesota, with third-team All-Big Ten catcher Aaron Johnson (Sussex Corner, New Brunswick) and left-handed pitcher Phil Haig (Inver Grove Heights, Minn.) playing for the Rochester Honkers, and second-team All-Big Ten outfielder Pete Cappetta (Lisle, Ill.) suiting up for the Duluth Huskies. The NWL kicks off the 2009 season on Thursday, May 28.

In another one of the top summer leagues, outfielder Casey McMurray (Willow Springs, Ill.) will be playing for the Santa Barbara Foresters of the California Collegiate League, who he helped to a 2008 National Baseball Congress World Series title. The Foresters begin their season on June 6.

On the other side of the country, first baseman Matt Dittman (Libertyville, Ill.) and outfielder Doug Schumacher (Oak Lawn, Ill.) will be playing for the Lake Erie Monarchs in the Great Lakes League, and they will get to take part in the Midnight Sun Game in Alaska as part of a 12-game Alaskan tour. The Midnight Sun Game is played on June 21 this year, the day of the summer solstice, when there are 22 hours of daylight. The game will be played in Fairbanks, Alaska, just 160 miles south of the Arctic Circle, and will begin at 10:30 p.m. local time. Lake Erie starts its season on June 11 in Alaska and plays its first game in the Lower 48 on June 24.

Also in the East, right-handed pitcher Wes Braun (Deerfield, Ill.) will toe the rubber for the Albany Dutchmen of the New York Collegiate Baseball League, starting June 4.

Closer to home, four Illini who recently finished their first season in the Orange and Blue will be playing in the Prospect League, which is comprised of six teams from the former Central Illinois Collegiate League and five expansion teams in Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Third-team All-Big Ten pitcher Will Strack (Sycamore, Ill.), pitcher Bryan Roberts (Lisle, Ill.) and catcher Adam Davis (Bloomingdale, Ill.) all will be playing for the DuPage Dragons while second baseman Josh Parr (Chillicothe, Ill.) will suit up for the Springfield Sliders. The Prospect League begins play on June 4 and Springfield first faces DuPage on June 9.

Also in Illinois, third baseman Bill Charvat (Elk Grove Village, Ill.), who redshirted in 2009, will be playing for the Crystal Lake Cardinals of the Chicago Suburban Baseball League and Kevin Manson (Park Ridge, Ill.) will pitch for the Crestwood Panthers in the CSBL, with the season starting on May 31. Outfielder/first baseman Craig Lutes (Normal, Ill.) will play for the Lexington Snipes of the Eastern Illinois Baseball League along with former teammate Ben Reeser (Bloomington, Ill.). The E.I. League season already is underway.

Heading south, right-hander Lee Zerrusen (Teutopolis, Ill.) will take the mound for the Fayetteville SwampDogs of the Coastal Plain League, continuing a long tradition of Illini playing in Fayetteville. The Dogs will open play Wednesday night against the Wilson Tobs. Also, outfielder Daniel Parker (Lawrence, Kansas) will play for the Nevada (Mo.) Griffons of the Missouri-Iowa-Nebraska-Kansas (M.I.N.K.) League, beginning on May 31

SCBL 08 All-Star Returning To Tennessee

The Tennessee Tornado of the SCBL have resigned Kyle Bolton from Madonna University for this summer season. Kyle had an outstanding year this season. He went 7-3, with a 2.84 era in 69.2 innings pitched. He has given up 72 hits and has a bb/k ratio of 21/40. Kyle was an All-Star for the SCBL 08 Champions last summer.

Former Angelo State Pitcher Returns To San Angelo

From Summer Ball News Source
May 14, 2009 - SAN ANGELO, Texas---Chace Vacek becomes the latest player to sign with the San Angelo Colts. The right-handed pitcher has a history with affiliated baseball and is expected to be the Colts closer this season.

This is not the first time Vacek has been on San Angelo. In 2007, he was exceptional for the team. He had a 2.25 ERA with 48 strikeouts in 48 innings while surrendering only 10 walks.

Before the beginning of last season, Vacek’s rights were sold to the New York Yankees organization; he played for the Charleston RiverDogs, an advanced-A affiliate in the South Atlantic League. In 71 1/3 innings, Vacek sported a 3.79 ERA while holding opposing batters to a .249 average against the righty.

Manager, Doc Edwards, said he was surprised that Vacek is returning to San Angelo.

“I did not plan on bringing him back here. He was our closer before he left. He throws hard. His velocity is good. He’s got a hard slider and he has a proven record.”

About United League Baseball
United League Baseball welcomes the opportunity to bring the excitement and tradition of professional baseball to communities with a long-standing love affair with the Nation’s favorite pastime. Every night, history is made in the League’s storied ballparks in San Angelo, Laredo, Amarillo, Edinburg, Harlingen, and Robstown, TX . Join us today for great professional baseball and a value-packed experience for fans, friends, and families! For more information on the Colts or to purchase ticket packages you can contact the team at 325-942-6587 or go online and send an email: coltspressrelease@yahoo.com

Pace University Pitcher Helps To Lead Red Birds To 5-0 Record

Kyle Henriksen (Pace) has currently pitched 2 innings of scoreless baseball for the 5-0 Eastchester Red Birds of the Westchester/Rockland Wood Bat League. Kyle had a 3.46 era in 13 innings of work for the Pace Setters during the regular season.

Joes Sign Two-Way Star For This Summer

When the Hamilton Joes inaugural season begins, they will be able to count on Patrick Curtin to help out in the outfield and with the pitching staff.

Patrick hails from Mason, OH and was one of the best young players for Tiffin University this season. He hit .327/.532/.396 in 171 at-bats this year. He lead the team with 40 runs scored and 6 homers. He also drove in 38 and hit 12 doubles this season.

As a pitcher, Patrick went 1-2, with a 3.80 era in 23.2 innings pitched. He surrendered 32 hits and had a bb/k ratio of 11/12 this season.

Steamers Finalize Preseason Roster with Charge to Battery

From Summer Ball News Source
The Edenton Steamers have solidified the 2009 preseason roster for the upcoming summer season, adding two pitchers and a catcher.

Ben Hewett, a 5-foot-7 junior catcher from Rollins College (Fla.), will complement Ty Boyles behind the plate giving the Steamers two all-around strong catchers. Pitchers reportedly love throwing to Hewett due to his soft hands and energy behind the dish. He threw out over 30 percent of potential base stealers this season at Rollins.

According to a scouting report, Hewett uses his size to his advantage for agility and quickness in blocking balls and getting throws out and features a quick release and strong arm. Offensively, he provides a luxury as a left-handed hitting catcher with some gap pop.

This season for the Tars, Hewett hit .360 at the plate recording 25 runs batted in and scoring an additional 27 runs. He also produced 14 doubles and one triple among his 50 hits on the season.

John Dischert, a 6-foot-5 left-handed redshirt-junior pitcher from the University of Maryland, will be one of the arms in the bullpen for the Steamers this season. Last summer for the Watertown Wizards of the New York Collegiate Baseball League, he made 13 appearances all in relief and recorded two saves. He also struck out 24 batters compared to four walks and had a 2.28 ERA. In his 23.2 innings, he recorded a WHIP just under 1.00, a 2.23 groundout:flyout ratio, and subdued lefty swingers to a .194 batting average.

Dischert was drafted out of high school in the 42nd round by the Philadelphia Phillies organization when he threw over the top. The Wilmington, DE native has since lowered his arm slot, after battling through several injuries, and is still generating excellent velocity along with a sharp slider, proving especially tough against left-handed batters.

Todd Roth, a 6-foot-3 junior right-handed pitcher at the University of Pennsylvania, will join collegiate teammate Dan Williams at Historic Hicks Field this summer. Roth led the Quakers in strikeouts and innings pitched this season after earning postseason conference and Big 5 honors as a sophomore in 2008. The Big 5 is the affiliation of the five Division I baseball programs in Philadelphia.

This season the Lanoka Harbor, N.J. native went 2-2, recording 55 punchouts in 57 innings and 11 starts.

Opening day is quickly approaching. Edenton opens the season on May 27 at the Outer Banks Daredevils, with the first home game following on May 28 against the Petersburg Generals. Season tickets ($90) are now available for all 28 home games at Hicks Field. For ticket information, fans can call (252) 482-4080.

The team opens this summer season on May 27 at the Outer Banks Daredevils. The first home game will be on May 28 against the Petersburg Generals. Season tickets ($90) are now available for all 28 home games at historic Hicks Field. For ticket information, call (252) 482-4080.

The Steamers are hosting two instructional baseball camps for youths 7 to 13 years old – June 29 to July 1 and July 14-16. Kids will be divided by age group and work stations are organized to practice and improve hitting and fielding skills. The $60 registration fee includes instruction, a camp tee shirt, snacks and a free ticket to a Steamers game at Hicks Field. The registration deadline is one week before the first day of each camp session. Registration forms are available at the Steamers office at 111 E. Freemason Street (behind the grand stand) or by calling (252) 482-4080.

The Edenton Steamers are community-owned and operated in Edenton, North Carolina and are a member of the Coastal Plain League, the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its thirteenth season, the Coastal Plain League features 14 teams playing in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. The CPL gives college players the chance to refine their skills with the use of wooden bats. Players are housed with local host families for the summer and past experiences have been very positive for both players and hosts. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at http://www.coastalplain.com.

On The Autograph Front For May 28th!

Today's autograph comes from Blue Jays prospect Chuck Huggins. Chuck is a 6-0/185 pound lefty from San Mateo, CA. He was a DIII star at Trinity College, and he then transferred to UCSB in 2007. Chuck was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 23rd round of last years amateur draft.

He spent his first professional season with Auburn of the New York/Penn League. He went 2-1, with a 2.15 era in 29.1 innings pitched. He had a WHIP of 0.99 and had a bb/k ratio of 10/49.

He is now currently pitching for the Lansing Lugnuts of the Midwest League. He is 1-1, with a 1.57 in 34.1 innings pitched. He has held opponents to a .200 batting average and he has a bb/k ratio of 11/40 this year.

Chuck played for the Fort Collins Foxes of the Mountain Collegiate Baseball League in 2006.

Two Rebel Pitchers Take Mound at The Finch

From Summer Ball News Source
Two pitchers from the University of Mississippi will be taking the mound at historic Finch Field this summer. Kyle Barbeck, 6-0 191-pound LHP, is a freshman from Blue Springs, Missouri; Blair Wright, 6-1 196-pound RHP, is also a freshman, and he is from Memphis, Tennessee.

Barbeck appeared in 11 games this season with one start and a 5.89 ERA. He struck out 15 batters, walked 13, and held opponents to a .342 batting average in 18 1/3 innings of work.

Wright did not play this season for the Rebels, as he was redshirted in order to save a year of eligibility. In high school, Wright posted a 20-9 career record striking out 213 batters while maintaining a 1.56 ERA.

“The HiToms have a great history of Ole Miss players contributing,” Said HiToms President Greg Suire. “We look forward to building on that tradition with these two great young men.”

The HiToms are a member of the Coastal Plain League, the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 13th season, the Coastal Plain League features 14 teams playing in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. The CPL gives college players the chance to refine their skills with the use of wooden bats. Players are housed with local host families for the summer and past experiences have been very positive for both players and hosts. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league Web site at http://www.coastalplain.com.

Checking In On The McKinney Marshals Future Pitching Staff

The McKinney Marshals of the Texas Collegiate League will open their 09 season at home on the 5th of June against the Brazos Valley Bombers. The Bombers have a history of having some of the best pitchers in the TCL play for them. This year should be no different.

Mike Bolsinger (Arkansas) is 4-4, with a 3.35 era in 51 innings pitched. He has a bb/k ratio of 23/57 and has made 24 appearances this season.

Geoffrey Davenport (Arkansas) has pitched 3 innings this season, and has a 12.00 era.

Dan Gentzler (Maryland) went 3-2, with a team leading 3.13 era in 37.1 innings pitched. He gave up 35 hits and had a bb/k ratio of 8/27 this year. He also lead the team with 7 saves.

Marc Gomez (UTSA) went 1-1, with a 7.77 era in 22 innings pitched.

Casey Selsor (UTSA) went 4-2, with a 7.40 era in 45 innings pitched.

Matthew Lackie (Louisiana at Lafayette) went 2-1, with a 6.43 era in 21 innings pitched.

Matt Miller (E. Illinois) had a 8.51 era in 24.1 innings pitched.

Cory Myers (N. Orleans) went 2-8, with a 9.31 era in 48.1 innings pitched.

Joe Zimmerman (N. Orleans) went 3-4, with a 6.01 era in a team-leading 70.1 innings pitched.

Thomas Rooke (Kansas State) went 5-1, with a 3.96 era in 50 innings pitched. He has a bb/k ratio of 10/56 and he also has 4 saves this season.

FCSL Holds Fan Contest/Draft Outlook

From Summer Ball News Source
Win free tickets to Universal Studios!

As the 2009 FCSL season draws nearer, the FCSL has decided to host a fan contest on facebook.com. To be eligible for the contest, log in to Facebook and search “Florida Collegiate Summer League” to become a fan of the FCSL. Details on the contest will be posted Tuesday of next week and the grand prize includes two tickets to Universal Studios Orlando!

The FCSL interns have arrived for the summer and are already making great strides in contributing to the league! We will have 36 interns in total for the summer from all over the country, with colleges such as Winthrop, Clarion, Florida, Rollins, and more represented. Keep a careful eye out in the area(s) surrounding your team’s community for posters, printed materials, and ticket fliers that our interns have provided to local businesses.

Former Winter Pines Warthog and Alabama standout Kent Matthes has been named the SEC player of the year. Matthes broke the single season record for home runs at Alabama with 28 (the previous record was 27) and also set the career record for outfield assists at the school with 23, 7 of which have come this year. Matthes is hitting .365 on the year and has an astounding .883 slugging percentage. He also has a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage and adds 13 stolen bases. Due to his success this year, Matthes has entered the conversation as a top draft pick in 2009.

The 2009 Major League Baseball Draft is schedule for June 9-11 this year and the FCSL has many former and some current players who are on our “draft watch.” Kent Matthes, as mentioned earlier, has gone from a projected mid to late 30th round pick to a possible top 5 rounder in the draft. Former Sanford River Rats right-handed pitcher Chris Heston has made a splash for East Carolina this year, earning Newcomer of the Year and 1st Team All-Conference honors in Conference USA, effectively proving himself to be a great draft candidate. Additionally, he was named as the number three overall prospect in the FCSL for the 2008 season by Baseball America. Stephen Cardullo (Florida State) also played for the River Rats last season and has earned himself second team All-ACC honors and is a finalist for the Brooks Wallace Award, given to the top shortstop in college baseball. These are a couple of former players that you may want to keep your eye on come draft day!

A couple of incoming FCSL players that may generate some draft day buzz include Jabari Blash (Miami Dade), Nick DelGuidice (Florida Atlantic), and John Michael Blake (Lake Sumter CC). Blash has exploded onto the scene this season, turning himself from a relatively unknown player into a potential top 5 rounder with a great physical presence and above average speed in the outfield. He is planning to play for the DeLand Suns, but his situation could change depending on his draft status. DelGuidice and John Michael Blake are both returning to the Leesburg Lightning this year. DelGuidice is a great defensive shortstop and led the FCSL in hits last season with 47. Blake is an athletic pitcher who posted a 0.90 ERA last season in the FCSL. Both DelGuidice and Blake were named top prospects in the FCSL by Baseball America.

The 2009 FCSL opening night game is a week from next Tuesday

Kelly Represents Aggies On All-Big West Teams

From Summer Ball News Source
DAVIS, Calif. - Junior third baseman Ty Kelly was the lone UC Davis player named to the All-Big West Conference Teams, the conference office announced Tuesday afternoon. Kelly nabbed honorable mention accolades after garnering second-team acclaim last season.

Kelly, who was the only UC Davis player to start in all 55 games, led the Aggies with 20 doubles, 66 hits, 40 RBIs, 100 total bases, four home runs and a .465 slugging percentage. His 20 doubles rank him in a tie for third on the single season list. In addition, Kelly was among team leaders in batting average (.307) and on-base percentage (.377). He completed the stellar season with an impressive final week in which he totaled nine RBIs, three doubles and led the team to a conference series win over Cal State Northridge.

UC Irvine enjoyed the most success on the all-conference teams and had Player of the Year Ben Oroloff, Pitcher of the Year Daniel Bibona and Coach of the Year MIke Gillespie. Cal State Fullerton's Tyler Pill and Noe Ramirez shared Freshman Pitcher of the Year honors while Cal Poly's Matt Jensen was Freshman Player of the Year.

UC Davis finished its second season as an official NCAA Division I member with an overall record of 13-42 and a 5-19 mark against conference competition. Big West members UC Irvine, Cal State Fullerton and Cal Poly all earned berths into the NCAA tournament.

Foresters Sign A Shocker

The Santa Barbara Foresters of the California Collegiate League have signed Tim Kelley from Wichita State University. Kelley is a big (6-6) pitcher from Tulsa, OK. Tim had quite the season this year. He was named to the Missouri Valley Conference 2nd Team, and he has helped to lead Wichita State to the Norman Regional that will start later this weekend.

Tim went 5-3, with a team-leading 2.64 era in 88.2 innings pitched during the regular season. He lead the team with 96 k's and walked just 20. He held opponents to a .229 batting average and he also completed 3 games this year. He played for the Derby Twins of the Jayhawk League last summer.

NCF Baseball Stars shortstop, Cameron Dullnig named first team NJCAA Region XIV

From Summer Ball News Source
By Todd Wills

Navarro left fielder Joey Fuda was named Freshman of the Year on the Region XIV East All-Conference Team released on Tuesday.

Fuda, from Katy, has had a superb all-around season. He is batting. 414 with four home runs and 21 RBIs in conference play this season. He finished fourth in the East Division in batting average.

Fuda is one of the anchors of a Navarro offense that will be a big key when the Bulldogs start the Region XIV Tournament against Blinn at 10 a.m. Saturday in Brenham.

Several teammates joined Fuda on the East first-team, including freshman shortstop Cameron Dullnig, sophomore outfielder Clayton Farhat, sophomore pitcher Josh Thomason and freshman pitcher Teddy Nowell.

Dullnig came on strong during conference play, batting .328 with two homers and .372 with homers on the season. Farhat led the East in hitting most of the season and still finished with a .405 average, fifth best in the division.

Thomason was 2-1 with a 3.43 ERA in conference play. He had 21 strikeouts in 34 1/3 innings.

Nowell was 4-1 with a 2.14 ERA in conference play. He had 37 strikeouts in 42 innings.

Division II World Series Recap

From Summer Ball News Sources

UC San Diego 8, West Chester 6
Matt Rossman took a three-hitter into the ninth inning and nationally top-ranked UC San Diego survived a furious rally to defeat No. 2 West Chester 8-6 in an elimination game at the 2009 NCAA Division II Baseball National Finals Tuesday at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, N.C. The Tritons built an 8-1 lead before Matt Baer’s pinch-hit grand slam home run in the top of the ninth highlighted a five-run inning and pulled West Chester within striking range.

UC San Diego plays another elimination game Wednesday at 3 p.m. against either Dowling or Lynn. West Chester, which entered the National Finals with the highest winning percentage among the eight teams, is eliminated from the championship.

UC San Diego (40-14) capitalized on the first balk of the tournament to move a runner into scoring position in the bottom of the first. Garrett Imeson’s one-out single down the left field line brought Vance Albitz home with the first run of the game. Brandon Gregorich followed with a double, but West Chester pitcher Jason Bowman got out of trouble with an infield pop out and a fly out to left.

UC San Diego, which placed three players on the nine-member ABCA National Gold Glove Team, turned double plays in the second and third innings. West Chester converted a double play in the bottom of the second when third baseman Josh Heyne caught a line drive and threw a runner out at first.

West Chester (46-12) appeared to thwart a UC San Diego rally in the bottom of the third as Golden Ram catcher Bob Stumpo converted a pitchout and threw out Albitz attempting to steal second. Bowman retired the next batter on a groundout, but Imeson drew a two-out walk to keep the inning alive.

Gregorich followed with a single and Evan Kehoe’s double drove in Imeson. Both runners scored when Robert Sedin’s ground ball to the left side was misplayed and rolled all the way to just short of the warning track, resulting in a three-base error to extend the Tritons’ lead to 4-0.

West Chester got on the scoreboard in the top of the fourth when Kevin McGrath drove an 0-2 pitch high well beyond the left field fence to lead off the inning. The home run was McGrath’s seventh of the season. UC San Diego retired the next two batters and overcame a two-out walk when shortstop Albitz made a diving stop on a shot to the hole for a force at second. Albitz was named ABCA National Defensive Player of the Year.

West Chester started to take the field for the bottom of the fourth when a sudden downpour halted play. The rain delay lasted 36 minutes.

UC San Diego added a run in the sixth on three consecutive two-out singles. Albitz stole third without a throw and scored on Imeson’s single through the right side.

The Tritons put another run on the scoreboard in the seventh when Sedin drove a 2-0 pitch off the left field foul pole for his third home run of the season. RBI-singles by Josh Tanner and Gregorich in the eighth gave UC San Diego a seven-run lead. The runs proved to be the game-winners.

Rossman (8-2) retired the side in order in the seventh and eighth innings, and got the first out of the ninth before giving up back-to-back singles by Blair Dameron and Charlie Kelly. A fly out to left put Rossman within one out of a complete game. But a walk loaded the bases and Joe Wendle’s rbi-single chased Rossman.

Reliever Ryland MacFadyen went ahead 0-1 on Baer, who was pinch-hitting in the No. 9 spot in the lineup. Baer sent the next pitch over the wall in right-center field to clear the bases and pull the Golden Rams within two runs. The home run was Baer’s third in 39 at bats this season. But MacFadyen sealed the win on a groundout to third.

Gregorich went 3-for-5 to pace UC San Diego’s 14-hit attack, while five other Tritons had two hits apiece. West Chester had four of its seven hits in the ninth inning.

UC San Diego’s eight runs marked the highest single-game run total through the first seven games of this year’s National Finals.

Quotes
“We needed a big start. We played a great team and that was a pretty potent lineup that (pitcher) Matt (Rossman) shut down. The only thing I can think about right now is a month ago when Matt got hit in the face with a line drive and he broke his jaw. He just wanted to know how he could get back out there to pitch. He got back out there and shut down a great offensive team. I can’t say enough about Matt Rossman.”
UC San Diego head coach Dan O’Brien.

“My goal was to get back to pitch with the team sometime this year. I got a chance to pitch at the regionals and then today, and it was awesome.”
UC San Diego starting pitcher Matt Rossman.

“All five of our seniors have had outstanding careers. They’ve led us to this season, taken this team on their backs and carried us to this point. Matt Cotellese has had an outstanding career. He’s basically rewritten all of West Chester’s record books and he might get the chance to play professionally. He’s a great player and an even better person.”
West Chester head coach Greg Mamula.

“I don’t think it’s much of a difference coming off the bench. You watch the pitcher the whole time, so I just time it so when I get up there I know what to do. I was hoping he’d bring me a fsstball and he did. I just happened to be able to lay the bat on it and it went.”
West Chester’s Matt Baer on his ninth-inning pinch-hit grand slam.

Lynn 6, Dowling 5
Chad Crowe’s eighth-inning rbi-single broke a 5-5 tie and reliever Tommy Kahnle retired eight of the final nine batters he faced as nationally fifth-ranked Lynn remained unbeaten with a 6-5 victory over No. 21 Dowling in the second round of the 2009 NCAA Division II Baseball National Finals Tuesday at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, N.C. Dowling rallied from a 5-2 deficit with three runs in the top of the sixth, but a bizarre play eliminated a potential tying baserunner in the top of the ninth.

Lynn advances to the winners’ bracket final Thursday at 7 p.m. Dowling takes on UC San Diego Wednesday at 7 p.m. in an elimination game.

Lynn (44-16) jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first as Daniel Flores tripled in the first run and came home on Gabe MacDougall’s single. The runs ended Dowling’s streak of 28 consecutive innings without allowing an earned run.

A balk and two throwing errors led to a pair of unearned runs for Lynn in the bottom of the second. Kyle Holloway reached on an error, Chad Crowe drew a one-out walk and both runners advanced on a balk. Holloway looked to get caught in a rundown on a ground ball to third, but scored when the throw to the plate bounced in the dirt. Einar Atencio drove in a run on a sacrifice fly to extend the Fighting Knights’ lead to 4-0.

Dowling (35-17) used four consecutive two-out singles to get on the scoreboard in the top of the third. Eddie Squeri lined a single off the glove of Lynn shortstop Crowe and David Wendt followed with a single to left-center. Squeri came home on Daniel Pembroke’s single to center for the Golden Lions’ first run. Matthew Monastero singled through the left side and Wendt tried to score, but MacDougall threw a strike from left field to prevent the run and end the inning.

Dowling took advantage of a Lynn miscue in the top of the fourth as Erik Cabrera reached on an error with one out, then came home on Ralph Tufano’s two-out rbi-double to pull the Golden Lions within 4-2.

Lynn loaded the bases with nobody out in the bottom of the fourth, but came away with only one run. After Holloway led off with a single to center, Jason Ten Eyck and Crowe both reached on bunt singles. Douglas Toro followed with a sacrifice fly to make it a 5-2 game. But Dowling pitcher Nicholas Albero fielded a hot bouncer and ignited a 1-6-3 double play to end the inning.

After Albero walked the first two batters in the bottom of the fifth, Buddy Cipoletti took over on the mound. Cipoletti, who was named Most Outstanding Player in the East Regional, retired the side on a pop out, strikeout and fly out.

Dowling trailed by three runs despite outhitting Lynn 9-5 through five innings. But the Golden Lions would even the score in the sixth.

Cabrera doubled with one out and advanced to third on Joel Duverge’s single. Lynn reliever Evan Ellison came in for Justin Figart, who started the fifth inning in place of starter Kevin Rickert. Tufano drew a walk to load the bases and Kahnle replaced Ellison on the mound.

Kahnle got a strikeout for the second out, but Squeri drew a walk on a full count to pull Dowling within 5-3. The next batter Wendt sent the first pitch to right field for a two-run single as the Golden Lions tied the game.

The contest turned into a late-inning pitcher’s duel between Kahnle (7-4) and Cipoletti (3-4). Cipoletti got an inning-ending double play ball in the sixth and withstood MacDougall’s one-out double in the seventh with a strikeout and a groundout.

Kahnle struck out the side in the seventh – all swinging – and opened a 1-2-3 eighth inning with a strikeout. Kahnie recorded 11 outs in 3 2/3 innings, five by strikeout.

Holloway led off the bottom of the eighth with a single to left and advanced to second on Ten Eyck’s sacrifice. Crowe singled through the left side to bring home Holloway with the go-ahead run. Crowe, the No. 9 batter in the lineup, was 3-for-3 with a walk.

In the top of the ninth, Wendt drew a one-out walk and ball four got past Lynn catcher Holloway. When Holloway was unable to locate the ball, Wendt tried for two. But Holloway recovered and threw Holloway out at second to empty the bases. Kahnle closed out the game with a groundout to short.

Lynn, which is in Bracket Two, will face the Bracket One losers’ bracket survivor in Thursday’s contest. The Fighting Knights are one win away from advancing to the national championship game for the first time in school history.

Dowling’s game against UC San Diego is a rematch of Sunday’s first round contest. Dowling defeated UC San Diego 3-1. The winner of that game advances to play Emporia State Thursday.

Quotes
“They picked us up today. That’s been our motto this year, to pick each other up. They did a great job setting up the rest of the team and that’s how we scored our runs today.”
Lynn head coach Rudy Garbalosa on the bottom third of the Fighting Knights’ batting lineup. Kyle Holloway, Jason Ten Eyck and Chad Crowe, the 7-8-9 batters in the lineup, went a combined 6-for-10 with four runs scored.

“I looked to the dugout for some guidance. I had no idea where the ball was. It shot off my body in a way I couldn’t see it and blended in to the backstop back there. Some thought it was a planned play, but it wasn’t.”
Lynn catcher Kyle Holloway on turning a ball four wild pitch into a 2-6 putout in the top of the ninth.

“We dug ourselves a hole early, but we fought back in the sixth. After that, it just turned into a really great baseball game. It could have gone either way.”
Dowling head coach Chris Celano.

“I knew that after we tied it, I needed to come in as locked in as possible. Last couple of appearances have been solid and I tried to stick with that, stay focused and try to keep it close enough to give our guys a chance to win the game. Lynn is a great team and give credit to them for winning a good old-fashioned baseball game. It was great baseball.”
Dowling relief pitcher Buddy Cipoletti.

Athens Pirates Signee, Mike Roth, Earns Great West Conference Weekly Honors

From Summer Ball News Source
NYIT's Roth Earns Great West Conference Weekly Baseball Honors
Naperville, Ill. - Athens Pirates signee and NYIT junior Mike Roth picked up two victories on the mound in the same day to earn Great West Pitcher of the Week honor, as announced by the conference office today.

Roth, a 6'6" 230 lb. junior from Rockville Centre, N.Y., went 2-0 and had a save in four appearances on the mound last week, with a 1.35 ERA in 6.2 innings of work. On Sunday, Roth picked up victories while pitching in relief in both games of the Bears doubleheader sweep over Bryant. With the two victories in the same day, Roth becomes just the second NYIT player to ever pull off the feat and the first since the 1985 season, when the Bears swept a double header with the University of Maryland on May 5. In both of those wins Roth didn't allow a hit and walked just one batter in 1.2 innings.

Paschal Signs to Play Baseball at C-N

From Summer Ball News Source
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. - Hometown-product Clark Paschal has signed to play baseball at Carson-Newman, head coach Tom Griffin announced Monday.

Paschal batted .286 as a senior at Jefferson County High School, scoring 20 run and striking out only six times in 91 at-bats. He finished the season with a .451 slugging percentage and 17 RBIs.

"Clark is a very smart baseball player with good instincts for the game," Grffin said. "He's a very competitive player who shows good leadership skills on the field. He's just a solid student-athlete who will fit in well with us."

The Eagles were 24-21 in 2009.

Dowling College Star To Play For The Mustangs

Marc Rutledge has his eyes set on the prize of a championship ring. The Dowling College star has helped to lead his team to the NCAA Division 2 Baseball Championships. The Golden Lions will take on Lynn University tonight in Cary, NC. He will be pitching for the Long Island Mustangs of the ACBL this summer.

Marc is currently a freshman pitcher from Ridge, NY. He has a 5-4 record, with a 1.52 era in 65 innings pitched. He has a remarkable WHIP of 0.94 this season. 8 of his 14 appearances has been starts and he has held opponents to a .208 batting average this year.