March 23, 2012

Rankings are from CBI Composite Poll

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Around the Bases
Godley helps Tennessee hand Kentucky its first loss

Florida tops South Carolina, Wacha pitches Texas A&M past Pepperdine

In Knoxville, Tenn., Zack Godley (right) allowed only three hits and one earned run in eight splendid innings as Tennessee ended eighth-ranked Kentucky’s 22-game winning streak Friday 4-1 in handing the Wildcats their first loss. Godley (4-1) struck out four and retired 21 of the final 25 batters he faced. After A.J. Reed singled in a run for the Wildcats (3-1, 22-1) in the top of the first, Davis Morgan singled in the bottom half for the Volunteers (2-2, 13-8). Drew Steckenrider singled, moved up on a grounder and stole third before Zach Osborne plated him with a RBI grounder for a 2-1 lead in the fifth. Steckenrider made a leaping grab at the wall to preserve the slim lead, and the Vols added two runs on a safety squeeze by Chris Pierce and a passed ball. Taylor Rogers (4-1) pitched well for the Wildcats, allowing three hits and two earned runs in 6.1 innings.

No. 1 Florida 8, No. 6 South Carolina 2

In Columbia, S.C., Mike Zunino and Brian Johnson belted consecutive home runs in a five-run first as Florida evened its SEC series with South Carolina. Following a 79-minute weather delay to start the game, Zunino ripped a three-run homer and Johnson (2 for 5, 2 RBI) added a solo shot in the initial frame. Vickash Ramjit (3 for 4) launched homers in the sixth and eighth for the Gators (4-1, 21-2). Johnson (4-0, 6 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 4 K) also picked up the victory. Christian Walker homered and scored both runs for the Gamecocks (1-4, 17-6).

No. 11 Texas A&M 4, Pepperdine 0

In Malibu, Calif., Michael Wacha was perfect through seven and finished with a two-hit shutout as Texas A&M downed Pepperdine in the opener of their non-conference series. Wacha (4-0) did not walk a batter and struck out eight. The Aggies (17-5) scored three in the sixth and added one in the eighth. Tyler Naquin and Blake Allemand both went 2 for 4 with a double and a run for Texas A&M. Aaron Brown and Kolten Yamaguchi both went 1 for 3 for the Waves (16-6).

Mississippi State 11, No. 3 Arkansas 2

In Starkville, Miss., Hunter Renfroe had a pair of two-run homers as Mississippi State defeated Arkansas in front of 4,007 fans at Dudy Noble Field in the opener of their SEC series. Renfroe had an inside-the-park homer in the first and left the yard in the third as the Bulldogs (2-2, 16-7) built a 6-1 lead. Chris Stratton (5-0) allowed five hits and two runs with nine strikeouts over seven innings. Tim Carver had a RBI groundout and Sam Bates added a run-scoring double for the Razorbacks (3-1, 20-3).

No. 7 Rice 1, Memphis 0

In Memphis, Tenn., Matthew Reckling tossed a three-hit shutout as Rice nipped Memphis in the Conference USA series opener. Reckling (4-0) walked one and struck out eight. Shane Hoelscher had a run-scoring groundout in the top of the eighth for the game’s lone run. Christian Stringer had two hits for the Owls (1-0, 17-7). Ford Wilson went 1 for 2 with a double for the Tigers (0-1, 9-12).

No. 9 Miami 4, Maryland 1

In Coral Gables, Fla., Eric Erickson allowed five hits and one run in seven strong innings, and battery-mate Peter O’Brien stayed hot with a two-run single as Miami slipped past Maryland in the ACC. Erickson (4-2) was handed a 3-0 lead in the third when O’Brien singled and Terps starter Brady Kirkpatrick balked in a run. E.J. Encinosa closed for his seventh save for the Hurricanes, who have won nine of 10 and improved to 6-1, 18-4. K.J. Hockaday had a RBI single for Maryland (1-6, 15-8).

No. 17 Oregon State 6, No. 10 Arizona 5

In Corvallis, Ore., Ryan Dunn knocked in the game-winner with a base hit in the bottom of the ninth as Oregon State edged Arizona in the Pac-12 series opener. The Beavers (4-0, 15-5) scored in each of the first three innings to build a 5-1 lead. The Wildcats (2-2, 16-7) put up two in the eighth and two in the ninth to knot the score. Dunn finished with three hits, including a double, and two RBI, while Tyler Smith went 2 for 4 with a double, two runs and one RBI. Alex Mejia (3 for 5) and Robert Refsnyder both drove in two, while Johnny Field had two hits and two runs for Arizona. Closer Tony Bryant (1.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 2 K) blew a save but picked up the win to go 3-0.

Auburn 4, No. 12 LSU 3

In Auburn, Ala., Ryan Tella’s RBI single in the bottom of the eighth broke a 3-3 deadlock as Auburn edged LSU in the SEC series opener. JaCoby Jones homered in the top of the eighth for the visiting Tigers (2-2, 17-5) to knot the score at 3. Zach Alvord (2 for 4, 2B) had a two-run single in the fourth for the home Tigers (3-1, 14-8). Slade Smith (1-3, 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 BB) picked up the win, while Justin Bryant got the final out for his third save.

No. 13 UCLA 12, Washington State 3

In Los Angeles, Beau Amaral went 2 for 3 with a home run and three RBI as UCLA beat Washington State at Jackie Robinson Stadium. The Bruins (3-1, 16-4) scored five in the bottom of the first and led 9-0 after four. Adam Plutko (3-1) went six innings while giving up two earned runs with 10 strikeouts. J.D Leckenby (3-3) was saddled with the loss after allowing nine runs on eight hits in five innings for the Cougars (1-3, 10-9).

No. 14 Cal State Fullerton 5, Oral Roberts 3

In Fullerton, Calif., Kenny Mathews (3-0) gave up one run in 5.2 innings as Cal State Fullerton clinched a series win over Oral Roberts at Goodwin Field. Mathews (3-0) allowed six hits with 11 strikeouts. Matt Chapman went 3 for 4 with an RBI for the Titans (14-7). Mike Torrence (1-4) took the loss after going 5.2 innings and giving up three runs on six hits with six strikeouts for the Golden Eagles (9-12). Michael Lorenzen picked up his eighth save after going 1.2 innings of two-hit ball and two strikeouts.

Boston College 15, No. 15 Georgia Tech 7
In Chestnut Hill, Mass., Anthony Melchionda and Blake Butera helped lead Boston College past Georgia Tech in the ACC series opener. Butera (3 for 5, 2B, RBI, R) and Melchionda (2 for 5, HR, 3 RBI, 2 R) led the way for an Eagles’ offense that pounded out 19 hits on the night. Boston College’s (1-6, 8-12) offense chased Buck Farmer (4-2, 4.1 IP, 14 H, 11 ER) early and supported starting pitcher Eric Stevens (5.2 IP, 10 H, 6 ER, 1 BB, 7 K) who was able to earn the win despite an up and down performance. Sam Dove (HR) and Mott Hyde (2 R, 2 RBI) both had three hits for the Yellow Jackets (3-4, 14-8).

No. 16 Georgia 1, Vanderbilt 0
In Nashville, Tenn., Curt Powell’s homer was enough to push Georgia past Vanderbilt in the SEC series opener. Powell’s (1 for 4) fourth-inning blast was the only hit that Kevin Ziomek (2-2. 5.1 IP, ER, 6 K) allowed, yet it allowed the Bulldogs (3-1, 17-6) to edge the Commodores (0-4, 7-15) in a low-scoring affair that only had ten combined hits. Bryan Benzor struck out five in 2.1 innings of relief to earn his third victory. Spencer Navin and Conrad Gregor had two hits for Vanderbilt.

No. 19 Oregon 3, Utah 1

In Eugene, Ore., Aaron Jones scored the eventual game-winner in the fifth as Oregon edged Utah in the opener of their Pac-12 series. Jones (2 for 2) lined a one-out triple into the left-center gap in the fifth to bring home J.J Altobeli to tie the game. Alex Keudell (2-3) went seven innings for the Ducks (2-2, 14-5), giving up only one run on five hits with five strikeouts. Joe Pond (2-3) went six innings for the Utes (2-2, 6-14) while giving up two runs on four hits and seven walks with seven strikeouts. Parker Morin went 2 for 4 for the Utes. Jimmie Sherfy picked up his third save for the Ducks after going 0.2 innings of shutout ball.

No. 20 Ole Miss 11, Alabama 7

In Tuscaloosa, Ala., Ole Miss erupted for seven in the top of the seventh to down Alabama in the SEC series lid-lifter. The A-Team of Alex Yarbrough (2 for 4, 3 RBI), Andrew Mistone (2 for 5, 4 RBI) and Auston Bousfield (1 for 5) all had two-run singles in the seventh for the Rebels (2-2, 16-6). Dylan Chavez (2-0, 1.2 IP, 3 H, 1 UE, 2 K) earned the victory in relief. Taylor Dugas went 4 for 5 with a homer and two runs for the Crimson Tide (0-4, 8-14).

Arizona State 5, California 1

In Tempe, Ariz., Brady Rodgers gave up only one run in a complete-game effort as Arizona State took Game 1 of its Pac-12 set with California. Rodgers (4-0) scattered eight hits while striking out six. Andrew Aplin went 3 for 4 with one RBI for the Sun Devils (2-2, 14-7). Justin Jones (2-3) gave up two earned runs on nine hits over seven innings in the loss. Andrew Aplin went 3 for 4 for ASU with an RBI. Darrel Matthews was 2 for 3 and knocked in one for the Golden Bears (0-4, 12-8).

Missouri State 3, Creighton 0

In Springfield, Mo., Pierce Johnson hurled a five-hit shutout with a career-high 16 strikeouts as Missouri State stopped Creighton in the MVC series opener at Hammons Field. Johnson (2-3) walked one. The Bears (1-0, 17-6) scored single runs in the second, third and seventh. Kevin Medrano went 2 for 4 with a run for Missouri State. Brad Kewon went 3 for 4 for the Bluejays (0-1, 11-8).

Indiana State 2, Evansville 0

In Evansville, Ind., Dakota Bacus hurled a four-hit shutout with a career-high 13 strikeouts as Indiana State opened MVC play by blanking Evansville for its 13th straight win. Bacus (4-1) walked just two. Jeremy Lucas had two hits, including a double, and drove in both runs for the Sycamores (1-0, 18-4). Cole Isom (1-3, 9 IP, 9 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 5 K) took the loss for the Purple Aces (0-1, 14-8).

Southern Miss 8, Houston 0

In Hattiesburg, Miss., Andrew Pierce struck out 15 in seven innings as Southern Miss blanked Houston in the Conference USA series opener. Pierce (3-1) scattered seven hits and did not walk a batter. Chase Horn (4 H, 2 K) worked the final two innings to preserve the shutout. Ashley Graeter (2 for 3, HR, 3 R) and Joe Martin (1 for 1, 2B, 2 BB) both drove in three for the Golden Eagles (1-0, 13-9). Codey Morehouse had three hits, including two doubles, for the Cougars (0-1, 9-11).

Wichita State 8, Long Beach State 7

In Wichita, Kan., Wichita State scored six in the bottom of the ninth to rally past Long Beach State. Josh Halbert (2 for 4) and Taylor Doggett (1 for 5) both drove in two, while Dayne Parker went 4 for 5 with two double, two runs and one RBI for the Shockers (14-10). Matt Duffy went 2 for 5 with a double and two RBI for the Dirtbags (6-14).

New Mexico 9, TCU 8

In Albuquerque, N.M., Ben Woodchick drove in the game-winner with a base hit in the bottom of the ninth to cap a two-run rally as New Mexico topped TCU in the Mountain West series opener. Jason Coats (4 for 5, 2 R, 5 RBI) belted a two-run homer to cap a three-run rally in the top of the ninth as the Horned Frogs (3-1, 11-8) took an 8-7 lead. D.J. Peterson went 3 for 5 with two RBI, while Mitchell Garver was 2 for 4 with three runs and one RBI for the Lobos (4-0, 9-10).

UCF 2, East Carolina 1

In Orlando, Fla., Ronnie Richardson drove in the game-winner with a double in the bottom of the eighth as UCF edged East Carolina to kick off their Conference USA series. Travis Shreve (2 for 3) scored both runs for the Knights (1-0, 18-5). Joe Rogers (2-0, 2 IP, 1 BB, 2 K) won in relief of Brian Adkins (7 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 2 K). Kevin Brandt (3-2, 8 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K) went the distance for the Pirates (0-1, 15-6).

Massachusetts 5, Fordham 4

In Bronx, N.Y., Adam Picard had a run-scoring single with two outs in the top of the ninth as Massachusetts rallied past Fordham in Atlantic 10 play to give head coach Mike Stone his 600th win with the Minutemen. Rich Graef had a two-run single to cap a three-run eighth as UMass (1-0, 3-6) tied the game at 4. Dennis Torres (1-2, 8 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 5 K) picked up the victory, while Leif Sorenson (1 IP, 1 H, 1 K) recorded his third save. Ryan Lee went 2 for 4 with a double, one run and one RBI for the Rams (0-1, 7-15).

Monmouth 2-2, Wagner 0-9

In Staten Island, N.Y., Pat Light carried a perfect game into the eighth in the opener as Monmouth split a Northeast Conference doubleheader with Wagner. Hayden Hunter had a leadoff single in the eighth for the initial baserunner for the Seahawks (4-2, 12-8). Light (4-1) went the distance with two hits, no walks and 11 strikeouts. Ryan Van Spronsen (3-1, 9 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 7 K) also registered a complete game for Wagner. Chris Perret had a two-run double in the second for the Hawks (4-2, 12-8). Ryan Casey (2-1, 7 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 5 K) also went the distance in Game 2 for the Seahawks. Jayson Keel went 2 for 4 with three RBI for the Seahawks. Kyle Perry homered and drove in two for Monmouth.

Sam Houston State 4, Texas State 3

In Huntsville, Texas, Anthony Azar had a two-run homer to cap a four-run seventh as Sam Houston State nipped Texas State to start their Southland set. Cody Dickson (3-2, 8 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 K) earned the victory, while Michael Burchett got the final three outs for his first save for the Bearkats (5-2, 12-9). Nick Smelser went 2 for 4 with a homer and two RBI for the Bobcats (4-3, 14-7).

Virginia 6, Clemson 3

In Charlottesville, Va., Jared King went 3 for 4 with four RBI, and Scott Silverstein tossed six solid innings as Virginia beat Clemson in the ACC. King had a two-run single as the Cavaliers (3-4, 13-8-1) scored three times in the bottom of the eighth to break from a 3-1 game. Colin Harrington went 2 for 4 with three runs and a RBI for Virginia. Silverstein (2-2) allowed five hits and one earned run with three strikeouts. Jason Stolz went 3 for 4 with a RBI for the Tigers (3-4, 11-9).

(photo courtesy of Tennessee Media Relations Office)