March 17, 2012

Rankings are from CBI Composite Poll

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Around the Bases
Johnson pitched Florida past Vanderbilt to win SEC series

Kentucky edges South Carolina again, Texas tops Oklahoma

In Gainesville, Fla., Brian Johnson (right) allowed two singles over six scoreless innings as top-ranked Florida clinched a SEC series victory over Vanderbilt with a 5-1 decision Saturday, its 16th straight win. Johnson (3-0) walked one and matched his career best with nine strikeouts. The Gators (2-0, 18-1) scored one in the fourth before Daniel Pigott delivered a two-run single in the fifth and was followed by a two-run dinger by Preston Tucker in building a 5-0 lead. Mike Zunino went 2 for 3 with one run for the Gators. Anthony Gomez went 2 for 4 with one RBI for the Commodores (0-2, 7-12).

No. 19 Kentucky 4, No. 3 South Carolina 3

In Lexington, Ky., A.J. Reed had a RBI double in the bottom of the seventh to break a 3-3 deadlock in a SEC series-clinching victory over South Carolina in front of a crowd of 1,950 at Cliff Hagan Stadium. Austin Cousino went 2 for 5 with two runs for the Wildcats (2-0, 20-0). A.J. Reed (4-0, 2 IP, 2 H, 1 BB, 2 K) earned the victory, while Trevor Gott fanned two in the ninth for his fourth save. Christian Walker went 3 for 4 with two doubles and one run for the Gamecocks (0-2, 15-3). Matt Price (2-1, 6.1 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 3 BB, 5 K) was saddled with the loss.

Texas 9, No. 17 Oklahoma 5

In Norman, Okla., Erich Weiss went 4 for 5 with two runs, and Jordan Etier had two hits and three RBI as Texas knocked off Oklahoma for the second straight day, capturing their annual series for the 14th straight year. Mark Payton contributed three hits and two runs, and Jonathan Walsh and Jacob Felts each added two hits for the Longhorns (2-0, 9-8). Hoby Milner (3-3) tossed three innings of one-run relief for Texas. Erik Ross had two hits and two runs for the Sooners (0-2, 11-8).

No. 4 North Carolina 9, Maryland 5

In College Park, Md., Chaz Frank drove in three runs, and Mike Zolk had three hits and three runs as North Carolina beat Maryland for the second straight day. Chris Munnelly (2-0) allowed three runs in six innings to post the win for the Tar Heels (5-0, 16-3). Leading 4-1 entering the seventh, the Tar Heels scored three runs in the seventh, including one on a squeeze from Zolk. Frank added a two-run single in the ninth for insurance. Tom Zengel and Parks Jordan contributed two RBI apiece for Carolina. Matt Bosse had two RBI for the Terrapins (0-5, 13-6).

No. 5 Arkansas 8, Alabama 4

In Fayetteville, Ark., Arkansas used a five-run third to take a 7-1 lead and secured a SEC series win over Alabama in front of 8,915 fans at Baum Stadium. Derrick Bleeker went 2 for 4 with two doubles, two runs and two RBI, while Matt Vinson had two hits and two RBI for the Razorbacks (2-0, 18-2). Ryne Stanek (5-0, 5.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 4 K) earned the victory, while Brandon Moore (3.1 IP, 4 H, 2 UE, 1 K) registered his second save. Brett Booth had two hits and two RBI for the Crimson Tide (0-2, 8-11).

No. 6 Florida State 12, Virginia 3

In Tallahassee, Fla., Hunter Scantling tossed four scoreless innings in relief as Florida State won the opener of its ACC series with Virginia. Scantling (3-0) allowed two hits, did not walk a batter and struck out four. Jared King (2 for 4) had a two-run single in the first and the Cavaliers (2-2, 11-6-1) added a run in the top of the fourth to take a 3-0 lead. The Seminoles (4-0, 15-2) had their offense wake up as they scored in each of their final five at-bats. Devon Travis (3 for 3) had a two-run single to cap a three-run fourth as FSU tied the game at 3. John Nogowski drove in two with a base hit in the fifth to give the Seminoles the lead for good. James Ramsey (2 for 5) launched a three-run homer in the seventh and Jose Brizuela (2 for 4, 2 R) added a two-run single in the eighth for FSU.

No. 7 Rice 12, Grambling State 1

In Houston, Matthew Reckling allowed one run on three hits and struck out a career-best 13 to lead Rice to an easy win over Grambling State. Michael Fuda went 2 for 4 with a triple and five RBI, and Shane Hoelcher went 4 for 5 with two runs and a RBI as the Owls (15-5) totaled 17 hits. Michael Ratterree had three hits, and Christian Stringer contributed three runs for Rice. Jose Longoria had the lone RBI for Grambling (10-7).

No. 8 Texas A&M 9, Kansas State 2

In College Station, Texas, Ross Stripling went the distance as Texas A&M evened its Big 12 series with Kansas State. Stripling (3-0) allowed six hits and two runs with two walks and eight strikeouts. Jared King (2 for 4) had a two-run homer in the top of the third for the Wildcats (1-1, 12-7) before Jacob House (2 for 4, 2 R, 4 RBI) belted a three-run dinger in the bottom of the frame to give the Aggies (1-1, 15-5) the lead for good. Brandon Wood (2 for 3, 2 R, 2 RBI) also went deep for Texas A&M.

No. 9 Arizona 8-12, Washington State 7-9

In Tucson, Ariz., Robert Refsnyder went 3 for 3 with three RBI in the opener while having the highlight of the night with a diving catch as Arizona swept a Pac-12 doubleheader from Washington State at Hi Corbett Field. Stephen Manthei got the win, pitching 1.2 innings of three-hit ball after Konner Wade went 6.1 innings and gave up six runs for the Wildcats (2-1, 16-4). Joe Pistorese (1-2) took the loss after giving up two runs in one inning for the Cougars (1-2, 10-8). In the second game, Refsnyder banged out three hits and scored three runs in another come-from-behind win for Arizona. Manthei (3-0) earned his second win of the day after going 2.1 innings in relief. Kyle Swannack (1-2) received the loss after giving up five earned runs over 4.1 innings. Alex Mejia went 3 for 5 and scored three runs for Arizona.

No. 11 Miami (Fla.) 2, Duke 1
In Durham, N.C. Tyler Palmer delivered an RBI single in the top of ninth to lead Miami over Duke. Michael Broad led off the ninth by being hit by a Drew Van Orden pitch, and after a Justin Menderos sacrifice bunt moved Broad over to second, David Putnam relieved Van Orden to face Palmer, Miami’s leadoff hitter. Palmer’s game-winning hit was his only one on the day and helped the Hurricanes (4-1, 15-4) to even the ACC series at one game apiece. Trent Stewart (7 IP, 6 H, 3 BB, 1 ER, 7 K) had a solid start for the Blue Devils (1-4, 8-13). Eric Whaley picked up his second win for Miami, as he went 8.1 innings, surrendered eight hits and only allowed one unearned run.
 

No. 13 LSU 4, Mississippi State 3

In Baton Rouge, La., Mason Katz had a two-run homer in the first to spark LSU to its second straight one-run win over Mississippi State in front of 7,604 fans at Alex Box Stadium. Ryan Eades (4-1, 7 IP, 8 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 2 K) registered the win, while Nick Goody (1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 K) picked up his second save. The Tigers (2-0, 16-3) led 4-1 after six before the Bulldogs (0-2, 14-7) got single runs in the eighth and ninth. Trey Porter went 4 for 5 with a homer and two RBI for MSU.

Auburn 10, No. 14 Ole Miss 4
In Oxford, Miss., Zach Alvord hit a grand-slam in the top of the eighth to give put the game out of reach and help Auburn even the series with Ole Miss at one apiece.  Alvord had two hits on the day, but the Tigers (1-1, 11-8) were able to jump out to an early 5-0 lead after five first-inning errors by the Rebels (1-1, 15-4). Slade Smith pitched four scoreless innings in relief to get the save, while Auburn starter Will Kendall (3-0) went five innings and allowed four hits and four runs to get the win.  Matt Snyder (3 for 4) and Preston Overbey (3 for 4) provided six of Ole Miss’ eight hits.
 

Washington 5-2, No. 15 Oregon 0-3 (Game 2 – 13 innings)

In Seattle, Tyler Davis gave up three hits in six scoreless innings in the opener as Washington split a Pac-12 doubleheader with Oregon. Davis picked up a win in his first decision for the Huskies (2-1, 12-7). Jake Reed (1-2) took the loss after going eight innings and giving up four earned runs on eight hits. Chase Anselment went 3 for 4 for the Huskies. J.J Altobelli went 2 for 4 for the Ducks (1-2, 13-5). In the finale, Brando Tessar and Jimmie Sherfy combined to go 13 innings for Oregon and gave up only two runs and struck out 14. Sherfy (3-0) picked up the win in relief. Aaron Jones went 1 for 4 with two RBI. Adam Cimber (0-1) took the loss after giving up one run over 3.2 innings.

Virginia Tech 12, No. 16 Georgia Tech 9
In Atlanta, Jake Atwell hit two home runs to help power Virginia Tech past Georgia Tech in an intense ACC match-up. Atwell (4 for 5, 4 R) helped the Hokies (2-3, 15-5) jump out to an 8-0 lead midway through the sixth, but the Yellow Jackets (2-3, 13-6) were able to respond, scoring one in the sixth and four in the seventh. RBI doubles by Andrew Rash (2 for 3, 2 RBI, 2 R) and Kyle Wernicki allowed Virginia Tech to take an 11-5 lead in the eighth. In the bottom of the eighth Daniel Palka (1 for 4, HR), Zane Evans (1 for 4, 2B, 2 RBI), and Connor Winn (1 for 4, 2 RBI) delivered key run-scoring hits to help spur a four-run inning, but in the end the Georgia Tech comeback effort fell short.

No. 18 Georgia 10, Tennessee 5
In Athens, Ga., Levi Hyams had three hits, including a go-ahead RBI single in a five-run fourth, as Georgia erased a 5-1 deficit to defeat SEC-rival Tennessee. Hyams (3 for 4, R, 3 RBI) also hit a homer in the bottom of the eighth to put the game out of reach. Curt Powell (2 for 4, 2 R, RBI) and Hunter Cole (3 for 4, HR, 2 RBI) also had big days for the Bulldogs (2-0, 15-5). Jake Rowland (1 for 3, RBI) and David Morgan (2 for 4, RBI) had helped Volunteers (0-2, 10-8) jump out to an early lead before the Georgia comeback.
 

Oregon State 9-4, No. 20 California 2-1

In Berkeley, Calif., Dan Child did not allow an earned run in eight innings in the nightcap as Oregon State swept a Pac-12 doubleheader from California. Child (2-1) surrendered five hits and one unearned run with one walk and six strikeouts. Tony Bryant fanned one in a hitless ninth for his fourth save. Ryan Dunn homered for the Beavers (2-0, 13-5). Tony Renda had a double for the Golden Bears (0-2, 11-6). In the opener, Ben Wetzler (4-0, 6 H, 2 BB, 4 K) allowed two runs in eight innings to secure the victory. Tyler Smith went 3 for 4 with two RBI, while John Tommasini was 1 for 3 and also knocked in two for OSU. Mitch Delfino had two hits and one RBI for Cal.

Wichita State 8-5, Purdue 2-3

In Wichita, Kan., Casey Gillaspie had three hits and two RBI, and Erik Harbutz went 4 for 5 with a RBI as Wichita State knocked off Purdue in the first game of a doubleheader. In the nightcap, Kevin Hall and Johnny Coy each drove in two runs as the Shockers (12-10) completed the sweep. Josh Smith struck out six in 6.1 innings in the opener for WSU, and Coy contributed three runs and two RBI. The Boilermakers fell to 14-3.

Missouri State 5, Oral Roberts 0

In Tulsa, Okla., Nick Petree tossed eight scoreless innings and struck out nine as Missouri State blanked Oral Roberts. Petree (4-1) ran his scoreless-innings streak to 15 for the Bears (14-6). Brock Chaffin had a two-run single in the fifth, and Brent Seifert went 3 for 5 for Missouri State. Jose Trevino went 3 for 3 for ORU (9-9).

Louisville 14, Ball State 5

In Louisville, Ky., Stewart Ijames went 2 for 3 with a homer and five RBI as Louisville downed Ball State in a battle of Cardinals. Ijames had RBI double in the first, a three-run dinger in the second and a sacrifice fly in the fourth as UL (13-6) built a 9-3 lead. Ty Young went 3 for 4 with two runs and one RBI, while Nick Ratajczak had two doubles and three runs for Louisville. Jeff Thompson (4-0, 6 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 BB, 6 K) recorded the victory. Kirby Campbell went 2 for 4 with a triple and two RBI for BSU (3-11).

Clemson 6, Boston College 3

In Clemson, S.C., Phil Pohl went 2 for 3 with two RBI as Clemson defeated Boston College to secure an ACC series win. The Tigers (2-3, 8-8) used a four-run second to erase a 2-1 deficit. Steve Wilkerson went 3 for 5 with a double and one RBI, while Brad Felder (2 for 4, 2 R) homered for Clemson. Dominic Leone (3-1, 5.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 4 BB, 1 K) earned the win, while Jonathan Meyer (3.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 5 K) got his first save. Nate LaPointe had a two-run dinger in the second for the Eagles (0-5, 6-10).

Baylor 4, Texas Tech 3

In Waco, Texas, Cal Towey scored the game-winner in the bottom of the eighth as Baylor clinched a Big 12 series win over Texas Tech. Towey had two hits and two runs for the Bears (2-0, 13-7). Logan Vick went 3 for 4 with two doubles, one run and one RBI for Baylor. Brad Kuntz (2-2, 2 IP, 1 K) recorded the win. Tim Proudfoot and Scott LeJeune both had two hits for the Red Raiders (0-2, 12-7).

Florida Atlantic 9, FIU 5

In Miami, Mark Nelson homered twice and drove in a career-high six as Florida Atlantic clinched a Sun Belt series win over FIU. The Panthers (0-2, 8-9) built a 4-0 lead after five. Nelson’s two-run dinger capped a three-run sixth as the Owls (2-0, 13-7) pulled to within one. Nelson’s grand slam punctuated a six-run seventh as FAU took a 9-4 advantage. Kevin Alexander (3-0, 7 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 3 K) picked up the victory. Aramis Garcia went 3 for 4 with three RBI, while David Vazquez went 2 for 4 with a homer and two runs for FIU.

TCU 10, UNLV 2

In Las Vegas, Jason Coats homered twice and knocked in five as TCU secured a Mountain West series win over UNLV. Coats had a RBI groundout in the first, a solo shot in the fifth and a three-run tater in the eighth. Davy Wright had two hits, including a double, and two RBI, while Kyle Von Tungeln went 2 for 3 with a double and three runs for the Horned Frogs (2-0, 10-6). Andrew Mitchell (1-2, 4.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 4 K) got the win. Trent Cook (2 for 3) homered for the Rebels (0-2, 10-9).

Michigan 3, UAB 1

In Myrtle Beach, S.C., Coley Crank had a leadoff homer to snap a 1-1 tie in the top of the ninth as Michigan edged UAB. Matt Ogden (1-1, 2 IP, 2 H, 3 K) won in relief of starter Benn Ballantine (7 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 4 BB, 4 K). Patrick Biondi went 2 for 3 with a triple and one run for the Wolverines (8-10). Ben Bullard (1-2, 8.2 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB) tied a school record for the Blazers (13-6) with 15 strikeouts, of which 14 were swinging. Coy Arrowood went 1 for 2 with one RBI for UAB.

(photo by Jimmy Jones)