May 22, 2009

Rankings are from CBI Composite Poll

2009 Conference Tournaments

CBI Live: #7 Arkansas 10, #2 Florida 7

CBI Live: #1 LSU 4, #5 South Carolina 1

Around the Tournaments
Coastal Carolina reaches title game in Big South

Rhoad launches three homers for EMU, Boston College mauls Miami

Big South

#1 Coastal Carolina 7, #3 Liberty 0

#1 Coastal Carolina 8, #6 High Point 4 (HPU eliminated)

#2 Winthrop 21, #4 Radford 3 (Radford eliminated)
In Asheville, N.C., Austin Fleet (7-2) tossed seven shutout innings with four hits, one walk and five strikeouts as Coastal Carolina blanked Liberty to advance to the championship game against the winner of Liberty and Winthrop. Jose Iglesias had four RBI for the Chanticleers (45-14). P.J. Jimenez had a double for the Flames (33-20), one of their four hits.

Earlier in the day, David Anderson went 3 for 5 to lead Coastal Carolina past HPU at McCormick Field. Anderson had an RBI triple in the first and doubled to spark a two-run third for the Chanticleers (44-14). Coastal led 8-0 before the Panthers (21-32) scored four in the seventh. Daniel Bowman had three hits and three RBI for the Chants. Billy Alvino had two hits for HPU.

Bryn Henderson went 5 for 6 with two homers, five runs and seven RBI as Winthrop set a Big South record for runs in eliminating Radford. The Eagles (34-24) pounded out 26 hits and led 10-0 after five innings. Kevin Nolan went 4 for 6 with four runs and two RBI in the onslaught. Of note, Alex Gregory went 1 for 2 with a RBI for the Highlanders (26-24) and finished his season with a .407 batting average to top .400 for the third straight season. Only North Carolina's Dustin Ackley, who's hitting .409, has a shot to make a similar claim.

Mid-American

#4 Kent State 12, #5 Miami 8 (Miami eliminated)
#6 Toledo 9, #7 Eastern Michigan 3 (EMU eliminated)

#5 Miami 10, #8 Central Michigan 4 (CMU eliminated)

#7 Eastern Michigan 13, #3 Ohio 4 (OU eliminated)

In Chillicothe, Ohio, Jason Patton went 2 for 6 with a homer and four RBI as Kent State beat Miami for the second time in the tourney to advance to its fourth straight tourney final. Chris Tremblay had two hits and three runs, and Anthony Gallas added two hits and two runs for the Golden Flashes (41-15). Adam Eaton went 3 for 4 with a homer, three runs and three RBI, and Chris Nadeau homered and drove in three for the RedHawks (30-25).

Toledo advanced to the MAC title game for the second time in school history with its win over EMU. Chris Dudics had three hits, one run and one RBI for the Rockets (24-29). Tim Krofcheck and Jim Vahalik both drove in two for Toledo. Jim Gulliver homered and knocked in three for the Eagles (25-35).

Jordan Petraitis had a pair of two-run singles in a nine-run eighth as Miami eliminated CMU. The first hit by Petraitis tied the game at 3-3 and a triple by Chris Nadeau brought in Petraitis for a 4-3 lead for the RedHawks (30-24). The second hit by Petraitis capped the rally for Miami. Matt Faiman had three hits, one run and one RBI for the Chippewas (28-30).

Kyle Rhoad belted three homers and drove in five as EMU powered past Ohio. Rhoad had a solo shot in the first, and his three-run blast capped a five-run second as the Eagles (25-34) built a 6-0 lead. His third dinger came in the eighth to complete the scoring. Aaron Crooks went deep in the fourth and Zack Leonard belted a three-run homer in the fifth for EMU. Marc Krauss hit his 27th home run for the Bobcats (29-24). Chris Klimko had three hits and two RBI for Ohio. EMU must beat Toledo twice to reach the title game.

ACC

#8 Boston College 10, #5 Miami 1
#7 Duke 10, #3 Clemson 4
#6 Virginia 11, #2 North Carolina 1 (8)
Starter Pat Dean (6-4) allowed just one run on eight hits while fanning five in seven innings as Boston College (33-24) defeated Miami (36-20). Harry Darling and Robbie Anston each drove in two for the Eagles, who had a 7-0 lead by the fifth. BC finished 2-1 in the ACC Tournament, hoping to help its resume for an NCAA Tournament bid. The Hurricanes went 1-2 in Durham.
 

Jake Lemmerman went a single shy of the cycle and drove in three as Duke (35-23) beat Clemson (39-19). Leadoff hitter Alex Hassan also collected three RBI for the Blue Devils, who broke the game open with a six-run sixth. Andrew Wolcott (8-3) gave up four runs, two earned, over 7.1 innings for the win. Each team committed three errors.

Eight different Cavaliers drove in a run and the team produced a 10-run third without the benefit of a home run as Virginia (41-12-1) defeated North Carolina (42-15) in a game called after eight innings due to the 10-run rule. Hitters eight and nine - Franco Valdes and John Barr - each collected two RBI. Starter Danny Hultzen (8-1) allowed just one run on five hits over 6.1 innings with six strikeouts for the victory.

America East
#1 Binghamton 11, #2 Albany 7

#4 Vermont 13, #3 Stony Brook 11 (Stony Brook eliminated)
In Endicott, N.Y., Kyle Klee had two hits and three RBI as Binghamton outscored Albany to move to the championship game. Dave Ciocchi had two hits, including a homer, two runs and two RBI for the Bearcats (28-20). Ryan Gugel went 3 for 4 with two hits and two RBI for the Great Danes (25-30-1).

In the day's first game, hockey star Justin Milo tripled, homered and drove in three, and Ethan Paquette had three hits and drove in three as Vermont eliminated Stony Brook. The Catamounts (23-32) scored six times in the eighth inning, with Mark Micowski and Paquette delivering two-run triples. Michael Tansey went 3 for 5 with two homers and three RBI, and Chad Marshall had four hits and three runs for Stony Brook (29-23).
 

Atlantic 10

#2 Rhode Island 9, #1 Dayton 2

#3 Xavier 6, #4 Massachusetts 3 (UMass eliminated)

#3 Xavier 11, #1 Dayton 3 (Dayton eliminated)

In Dayton, Ohio, Nick Greenwood (7-3) allowed two runs in eight innings with no walks and five strikeouts as URI advanced to Saturday’s championship game with its win over Dayton at Fifth Third Field. The Rams (37-18-1) scored three in the first and one in the second to take control. Jeff Cammans had two hits and three RBI for URI. Dan Rhault had three hits, three runs and two RBI for the Rams. Zach Jacob went 3 for 4 with one RBI for the Flyers (38-18).

Bobby Freking went 3 for 4 with two RBI as Xavier topped UMass. Freking had a two-run double to cap a three-run first for the Musketeers (35-19). Billy O’Conner homered in the second as XU built a 4-0 lead. Kyle Multer went deep for the Minutemen (27-26) in the third.

Billy O’Conner reached base five times as Xavier downed Dayton to reach the championship game. The Musketeers (36-19) must beat Rhode Island twice to claim its first title. O’Conner had a two-run single to snap a 2-2 tie in a three-run fourth for XU. John McCambridge went 3 for 4 with two runs and three RBI for the Musketeers. Zach Jacob went 3 for 4 with one run for the Flyers (38-19).

Big East

#6 Connecticut 4, #2 USF 2

#5 Notre Dame 11, #4 St. John's 10 (St. John’s eliminated)
#2 USF 11, #3 West Virginia 6 (WVU eliminated)

In Clearwater, Fla., Mike Nemeth and George Springer both scored twice as UConn upended USF at Bright House Field. Matt McDonald (5-1) allowed three hits and one run in seven innings with two walks and five strikeouts to earn the win for the Huskies (35-23). David Erickson surrendered a run in the ninth, but recorded his 11th save. Ryan Lockwood had two hits and drove in both runs for the Bulls (33-24).

Golden Tate delivered a bases-loaded single in the bottom of the ninth as Notre Dame rallied from a 9-0 deficit to beat St. John's and stay alive in the Big East tournament. The Fighting Irish (35-22) were trailing 10-4 before a 2 hour, 38-minute rain delay. But it came back with seven unanswered runs as David Mills and Cameron McConnell drove in three runs apiece. Will Hudgins tossed four scoreless innings to post the win for Notre Dame. Carlos Del Rosario went 3 for 5 with two RBI for the Red Storm (30-22).
 

Todd Brazeal had two hits, including a three-run homer, as USF eliminated WVU. The Bulls (34-24) must beat UConn twice to reach the title tilt. Jonathan Kosco went 4 for 6 with three runs for USF, which uses a six-run seventh to take control. Dan DiBartolomeo went 3 for 4 with a homer and three RBI for the Mountaineers (37-18).

Big Ten
#3 Indiana 13, #1 Ohio State 3
#2 Minnesota 13, #4 Illinois 4 (Illinois eliminated)
#2 Minnesota 12, #6 Purdue 3 (Purdue eliminated)

In Columbus, Ohio, Tyler Rogers went 3 for 4 with a triple and four RBI as Indiana used a seven-run fifth inning to rout top-seeded Ohio State. Alex Dickerson (three hits), Kipp Schutz and Brian Lambert each drove in two runs for the Hoosiers (31-25), who will play OSU or Minnesota in the championship round. The Buckeyes fell to 40-16.
 
Earlier, Michael Kvasnicka went 3 for 4 with a homer, three runs and five RBI, and Nick O'Shea went 2 for 4 with two homers and four RBI as Minnesota stayed alive by eliminating Illinois. The Golden Gophers (37-16) scored six runs in the first three innings and added five runs in the sixth. The Fighting Illini hope for an NCAA bid with a 34-20 record.

In the day’s first game, Tom Buske (9-3) went the distance with seven hits, two walks and four strikeouts as Minnesota pounded Purdue. Derek McCallum had three hits, including a homer, two runs and four RBI for the Golden Gophers (36-16). Eric Decker had four hits and two runs for the Gophers. Brandon Haveman had three hits for the Boilermakers (25-26).

Big 12
#7 Texas Tech 4, #3 Missouri 2
#6 Texas A&M 17, #2 Oklahoma 15

In Oklahoma City, Taylor Ashby and Michael Reed had RBI singles and Texas Tech scored another run on a throwing error in a three-run eighth inning to overcome Missouri. Nathan Karns allowed one unearned run and struck out seven in six brilliant innings, and Chad Bettis (6-1) tossed the final three innings for the Red Raiders (25-31). Ian Berger allowed three hits and one earned run in six solid innings for the Tigers (33-24).

Joe Patterson went 4 for 5 with two runs and four RBI as A&M outscored OU. Brett Parsons went 3 for 5 with five RBI for the Aggies (35-22). J.T. Wise went 3 for 4 with three runs and four RBI for the Sooners (41-17). A&M scored four in the sixth and four in the eighth to take a 17-10 lead before OU plated five in the ninth.

Colonial

#3 UNC Wilmington 5, # 1 George Mason 3 (GMU eliminated)
#2 Georgia State 9, #1 George Mason 3

#3 UNC Wilmington 5, #6 Delaware 4 (UD eliminated)

In Wilmington, N.C., Alex Hill picked a great time for his first homer as the right fielder enjoyed a 2-for-4 day with two runs and two RBI in support of Daniel Cropper as UNC Wilmington eliminated top-seeded George Mason to advance to Saturday's final. The Seahawks (31-22) will need two wins over Georgia State to win the title. Cropper worked into the eighth inning with six hits, two earned runs and five strikeouts. Bryan Booth worked out of a jam and tossed the final 1.2 innings to post his sixth save. Chris Henderson homered and drove in two for the Patriots (42-12), who entered the day with a RPI in the top 40 and now have to wait till Monday to see if they will be a part of the NCAA tournament.

Earlier, Bradley Logan went 2 for 4 with a homer, two runs and two RBI, and Ryan Moore tossed a complete game as Georgia State knocked off George Mason to advance to the championship game. Moore (7-1) allowed three earned runs and struck out seven and was the recipient of six Panthers runs over the final four innings. Marc Mimeault also hit a two run homer for Georgia State (38-20). Chris Henderson had three hits for the Patriots (42-11).

In the day's first game, freshman Steven Davis (5-2) allowed three runs and six hits in 6.1 innings with no walks and a career-high nine strikeouts as host UNCW stayed alive against Delaware at Brooks Field. Andrew Cain and Mike Rooney both had two hits for the Seahawks (30-22). Bill Merkler and Pat Dameron both went 2 for 4 for the Blue Hens (28-20).

Conference USA

#2 Rice 7, #3 Houston 2 (Houston eliminated)
#5 Southern Miss 3, #4 Tulane 1 (Tulane eliminated)

#3 Houston 4, #6 UAB 1 (UAB eliminated)

#4 Tulane 3, #1 East Carolina 0 (ECU eliminated)

In Hattiesburg, Miss., Chad Mozingo had a two-run inside-the-park homer late, and Mike Ojala worked into the sixth inning as Rice advanced to the championship game by beating Houston. Ryan Lewis drove in two, and Diego Seastrunk had three hits and two runs for the Owls (38-15), who have outscored their opponents 28-3 in the tourney. Chris Wallace went 2 for 4 with a homer for the Cougars (27-31).
 

Corey Stevens had two hits and a run as Southern Miss edged Tulane to advance to the championship game against Rice. The Golden Eagles (35-22) snapped a 1-1 tie with a run in the fifth and added an insurance run in the sixth. Jeremy Schaffer and Nick Boullosa both had two hits for the Green Wave, which stranded 13 runners.

Michael Goodnight (5-5) allowed one run on six hits in 8.1 innings with four walks and a career-high 10 strikeouts as Houston said goodbye to UAB. Donnie Joseph got a game-ending double play for his 11th save. David Murphy hit his first career homer for the Cougars (27-30). Chase Dempsay drove in two for Houston. Digger Towe had two hits and one RBI for the Blazers (31-26).

Josh Zeid (6-0) pitched seven shutout innings with seven hits, two walks and two strikeouts as Tulane eliminated ECU. Preston Claiborne worked the final two innings to earn the save. Scott Powell had a two-run double in the fifth to snap a scoreless tie. He finished with three hits for the Green Wave (34-24). Drew Allain threw out Dustin Harrington (3 for 4) of the Pirates (42-17) at the plate in both the third and seventh innings. Tulane must beat host Southern Miss twice to reach the championship game.

Horizon

#3 Wright State 7, #1 Illinois-Chicago 6
#2 Milwaukee 6, #5 Cleveland State 5 (CSU eliminated)

#2 Milwaukee 10, #4 Valparaiso 7 (Valpo eliminated)

In Lorain, Ohio, Garret Gray singled in the game-winning run in the eighth inning as Wright State rallied from a 6-1 deficit to beat top-seeded Illinois-Chicago. Gray had a RBI single and Aaron Fields had a two-run double as the Raiders (32-27) scored five times in the seventh inning. Michael Schum picked up his fourth win this season against the Flames. 
 

Josh Groves had two hits and three runs as Milwaukee nipped CSU. Tim Patzman, Shawn Wozniak and Doug Dekoning each had three hits for the Panthers (28-26). Alex Johnson had three hits, including a homer, and two RBI for the Vikings (21-31).

Brad Lusti went the distance as UWM used a seven-run second to eliminate Valparaiso at The Pipe Yard. Lusti (5-4) allowed four earned runs and did not walk a batter. Shawn Wozniak had two hits and three RBI for the Panthers (27-26). Dan DeBruin had three hits and two RBI for the Crusaders (28-24).

Metro Atlantic

#3 Marist 4, #1 Manhattan 3 (11)

#2 Canisius 9, #4 Rider 8 (Rider eliminated)

In Trenton, N.J., Richard Curylo belted a two-run homer in the top of the 11th to propel Marist over Manhattan and into the title game. Ryan Gauck had a two-run homer in the sixth for the Red Foxes (30-25) that tied the game at 2. Ryan Masters had an RBI single in the bottom of the 11th for the Jaspers (35-17).

Perry Silverman homered to spark a three-run fifth as Canisius eliminated Rider at Waterfront Park. Steve McQuail had a two-run single in a three-run sixth for the Golden Griffins (34-21). Mason Heyne homered in the second for the Broncs (26-23), his 17th.

Missouri Valley

#4 Creighton 7, #1 Missouri State 6 (10)
#3 Wichita State 4, #6 Illinois State 0

#5 Southern Illinois 10, #2 Indiana State 6

In Wichita, Kan., Robbie Knight had a two-run single in the top of the 10th inning as Creighton eliminated top-seeded Missouri State to reach the Missouri Valley Conference championship game. Elliott Soto went 4 for 6 with two runs and a RBI, and Vicente Cafaro went 3 for 4 with a RBI for the Bluejays (31-24). Bob Lackovic (6-1) tossed 2.1 innings to pick up the win. The Bears (34-20) now must wait to see if they've done enough to deserve a NCAA at-large bid.
 

Jordan Cooper (8-5) tossed a five-hitter with nine strikeouts as Wichita State blanked Illinois State (25-23) to advance to the MVC title game against Creighton. Ryan Engrav went 3 for 4 with two RBI for the Shockers (29-25).

Mark Kelly and Tyler Bullock both had two hits and two RBI to lead SIU past Indiana State at Eck Stadium. Bullock homered and scored twice for the Salukis (24-28). Brian Jett had two home runs and three RBI for the Sycamores (33-21).

Mountain West
#6 Utah 4, #4 San Diego State 1

#6 Utah 6, #1 TCU 4 (TCU eliminated)
In Fort Worth, Texas, Tyler Yagi had a two-run single in the third to put Utah ahead to stay against San Diego State. The teams will meet in the championship game on Saturday, with the Aztecs (40-20) looking for their first NCAA tourney appearance since 1991 and the Utes (25-29) seeking their first since 1963. Cory Vaughn had an RBI groundout for SDSU in the fourth before Utah added single runs in the eighth and ninth.

Jordan Whatcott, Utah's top starter, came on to retire two batters with men on first and second to post his first career save as the Utes continued their incredible run by eliminating top-seeded TCU. The Utes (24-29) move on to their first tourney championship game after beating the Horned Frogs (36-16) for the second time this week. Devin Walker went 3 for 3 with a homer, three runs and three RBI, and C.J. Cron went 3 for 4 with two runs and two RBI for Utah.

Northeast

#4 Monmouth 7, #2 Sacred Heart 6 (11)

#1 Wagner 6, #3 Central Connecticut State 5 (10) (CCSU eliminated)

In New Britain, Conn., Nick Pulsonetti had a game-winning sac fly in bottom of the 11th as Monmouth edged Sacred Heart to advance to the championship game for the third straight year. Brett Holland had three hits and three runs for the Hawks (31-23). Jeff Heppner drove in a pair for the Pioneers (28-26-1).

Vin Avella hit a game-winning homer in the bottom of the 10th to lift Wagner over CCSU at New Britain Stadium. It was the 16th home run for Avella and his school-record 33rd career dinger. Brian Martutartus had three hits and three RBI for the Seahawks (31-20). Sean Parker had two homers for the Blue Devils (26-22), while Richie Tri and Mitch Wells also went deep for CCSU.

Ohio Valley

#5 Tennessee Tech 13, #6 Jacksonville State 12 (10)

#2 Murray State 5, #1 Eastern Illinois 4 (EIU eliminated)

#2 Murray State 8, #3 Morehead State 5 (Morehead eliminated)

In Paducah, Ky., Casanova Donaldson had the game-winning hit in the bottom of the 10th as Tennessee Tech outlasted JSU to advance to the championship game. The Gamecocks (30-25) scored four in the ninth to force extra innings. A.J. Kirby-Jones had two homers for the Golden Eagles (29-22-1), tying the school’s single-season record with 20. He scored four and knocked in three. Donaldson also had three hits and three RBI.

Elliot Frey had a two-run single in the bottom of the ninth to lead Murray State past EIU. Daniel Hill had a homer for the Thoroughbreds (34-20-1). Brett Nommensen went 3 for 5 with a run and one RBI for the Panthers (36-14), who now must wait to see if they receive an NCAA at-large bid.

In the day's first game, Daniel Calhoun finished strong on the mound as Murray State eliminated Morehead State at Brooks Stadium. Calhoun (11-3), the OVC Pitcher of the Year, allowed five runs on eight hits over the first four innings, but surrendered two hits and no runs the rest of the way for his school-record 11th complete game of the season. Elliott Frey knocked in two for the Thoroughbreds (33-20-1). Andrew Deeds had two hits, including a homer, and three RBI for the Eagles (20-32).

Southern
#3 The Citadel 5, #6 Appalachian State 3 (ASU eliminated)
#8 Furman 7, #4 Western Carolina 6 (WCU eliminated)

In Greenville, S.C., Matt Crim hurled a complete game, and Sonny Meade blasted a three-run homer in the third as The Citadel eliminated Appalachian State. Crim (8-4) allowed eight hits and two earned runs and struck out eight for the Bulldogs (36-21), who need two wins against Elon to reach the championship game. Nick Orvin went 3 for 4 with a run, and David Greene scored twice for The Citadel. Wes Hobson had two hits and two runs for Appy State (33-21). The Bulldogs must beat Elon twice to reach the title game.
 

Furman scored four in the second and held off WCU. The Paladins (24-30) must beat Georgia Southern twice to reach the championship game. Reese Wade went 4 for 4 with one RBI for Furman. Nick Liles had three hits and one RBI for the Catamounts (35-22).

Southland

#7 Sam Houston State 7, #2 Southeastern Louisiana 2 (SELA eliminated)

#1 Texas State 13, #4 Lamar 2 (Lamar eliminated)

#4 Lamar 4, #5 UT Arlington 3 (UTA eliminated)
#2 Southeastern Louisiana 5, #3 UTSA 4 (12) (UTSA eliminated)

In Corpus Christi, Texas, Jon Reed and Adam DeLaGarza drove in two runs apiece as Sam Houston state advanced to the championship game by eliminating Southeastern Louisiana. The Bearkats (35-22) are shooting for their third straight tourney title and will meet either Lamar or Texas State. Dallas Gallant allowed two runs on four hits in six innings to improve to 4-4. Southeastern Louisiana (37-22) was ousted one win short of the school record and awaits word from the NCAA committee.
 

Texas State scored six in the second to take control early in its win over Lamar to advance to the title game. Bret Atwood had three hits for the Bobcats (40-14), including a three-run homer. Chris Dunkin went 3 for 3 for the Cardinals (38-22), while Tyler Link had two hits and drove in both runs for Lamar.

Earlier, Jeremiah Sammy hit a game-tying sacrifice fly, and Chris Dunkin singled in the game-winner as Lamar scored twice in the ninth inning to eliminate UT Arlington. Ricky Testa tossed the final 2.1 innings to improve to 8-3 for the Cardinals (38-21).
 

Ross Barbier scored the game-winner in the bottom of the 12th as Southeastern Louisiana survived against UTSA at Whataburger Field. The Lions (37-21) must beat Sam Houston State twice to reach the championship game. Jose Hernandez homered in the fourth for the Roadrunners (32-24), one of his three hits. Cass Hargis had a two-run triple and scored in a four-run fourth for Southeastern. Hargis finished with four hits.

Summit
#1 Oral Roberts 9, #2 Southern Utah 6

#3 South Dakota State 9, #2 Southern Utah 4 (SUU eliminated)

#3 South Dakota State 7, #4 Centenary 3 (10) (Centenary eliminated)

In Tulsa, Okla., Colby Price ripped a two-run homer to cut the deficit to one - and after three walks to load the bases - Juan Martinez blasted a grand slam as Oral Roberts scored six times in the ninth inning to overcome Southern Utah and advance to the championship game. Keli'i Zablan had a three-run homer to put Southern Utah up 6-2 in the fourth inning.

Layne Somsen (4-7) went the distance with no walks and four strikeouts as SDSU sent home SUU to advance to the title tilt against host Oral Roberts. Joel Blake had four hits, including a homer, and three runs for the Jackrabbits (26-29), while Billy Stitz homered twice. Matt Sanford had two dingers for the Thunderbirds (27-24).

South Dakota State used a four-run 10th to oust Centenary from the Summit League Championship. Caleb Thielbar (5-8) went the distance for the Jackrabbits (25-29), with two walks and 12 strikeouts in 10 innings. Stephen Turner had a two-run single in the 10th for SDSU. Jesse Sawyer had two doubles and two runs for the Jacks. The Gents (33-19) had tied the game at 3-3 in the bottom of the seventh on an RBI single by Travis Leversen, one of his three hits.

Sun Belt
#1 Middle Tennessee 12, #8 Florida Atlantic 7 (FAU eliminated)
#7 ULM 16, #3 Troy 1 (Troy eliminated)
#1 Middle Tennessee 17, #5 Louisiana-Lafayette 8
In Troy, Ala. six different Blue Raiders collected at least one RBI and the team tallied seven extra-base hits as Middle Tennessee (40-16) beat Florida Atlantic (30-26) in Game 9 of the Sun Belt Championships. Blake McDade went 2 for 4 with two RBI to lead MTSU. Chad Edwards (8-1) gave up just three third-inning runs over six innings with six strikeouts for the win.

Starter Don Williams (6-2) pitched seven innings of one-run ball with five strikeouts as ULM (30-26) beat Troy (33-23). Ben Soignier led the Warhawks by going 2 for 3 with two walks, three runs and five RBI. Jordy Poche drove in an additional four runs in the eighth spot. ULM must beat Western Kentucky twice to reach the championship game.

The Blue Raiders hit four homers and set a tournament record after doubling six times for a total of 20 as Middle Tennessee (41-16) beat ULL (27-29-1) to force another meeting to determine one spot in the championship game. Nathan Hines finished 4 for 6 with three doubles, a homer and four RBI to lead MTSU, which scored eight runs in the seventh to erase an 8-7 deficit. Coty Woods (5-2) pitched 1.1 scoreless innings of relief for the win.

SWAC

3E Alcorn State 3, 2W Arkansas-Pine Bluff 1 (UAPB eliminated)

3W Grambling State 15, 2E Jackson State 1 (JSU eliminated)

3E Alcorn State 7, 4W Texas Southern 1

In Baton Rouge, La., Rodney Warren had a two-run single in the sixth to put Alcorn State ahead for good in eliminating UAPB. The Braves (27-18) must beat Texas Southern twice to reach the championship game. Collin Arnold (6-5) went the distance to earn his second win of the tournament. He allowed nine hits and one run with no walks and three strikeouts. Gvona Turner and Zac Varnell both had two hits for the Golden Lions (21-25).

Grambling State scored in all but one inning in its seven-inning triumph over JSU (36-21). After scoring single runs in the first and second, the victorious Tigers (16-36) put up five in the fourth, four in the fifth and three in the sixth. Anthony Clifton, O.J. Simmons and Chris Wolfe each knocked in three for GSU, which must now defeat Southern twice to reach the title game.

After a three-hour rain delay, Kenneth Rowan’s two-run double keyed a three-run sixth as Alcorn State topped Texas Southern. Joshua Brumfield (4-0) allowed four hits and one run in going the distance for the Braves (27-18). Alcorn State and Texas Southern (24-28) will meet again on Saturday for a berth in the championship game.

WAC
#5 Hawaii 5, #6 Nevada 4 (10) (Nevada eliminated)

#3 Fresno State 6, #1 San Jose State 3

#4 New Mexico State 6, #2 Louisiana Tech 5

In Honolulu, Vinnie Catricala hit a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 10th inning as Hawaii eliminated Nevada. Catricala finished with two hits and two RBI, and Kolten Wong added two hits and two RBI for the Rainbows. Matt Bowman went 3 for 4 for the Wolf Pack.

Tom Mendonca had three hits with a homer and two RBI as Fresno State stayed alive with a win over SJSU (40-19). Gavin Hedstrom also had three hits for the Bulldogs (29-28). Derek Benny (4-3) fanned three in nine innings, his third complete game this season.

Mike Sodders and Kyle Decater both had two hits and two RBI as NMSU nipped Louisiana Tech. Tyler Sturdevant (7-5) struck out five in seven innings for the Aggies (43-15). Devon Dageford had three hits, including a homer, and four RBI for the Bulldogs (29-21).

West Coast

Gonzaga 4, Loyola Marymount 3

In Spokane, Wash., Ryan Wiegand’s run-scoring infield single in the bottom of the ninth lifted Gonzaga past LMU in the opener of their three-game championship series. The Bulldogs (34-16) trailed 2-0 before scoring single runs in the seventh and eighth and a pair in the ninth. Shon Roe homered in the top of the ninth for the Lions (30-28).