Team defeats George Mason, 11-5, and North Florida 10-8, now 6-0.
No. 30 Ohio State picked up two wins Saturday to improve to 6-0 on the season. The Buckeyes defeated North Florida, 10-8, in the nightcap after defeating George Mason, 11-5, earlier in the day.
Against North Florida, Ohio State scored eight two-out runs while amassing double digit runs and hits for the third consecutive game. Ohio State built a 9-3 lead through its half of the sixth inning on the strength of four hits and three RBI from Zach Hurley and two hits and three RBI from Dan Burkhart.
North Florida (2-6), behind four home runs for the game and a five-run sixth inning, made it a game of it at 10-8 heading into the eighth inning. The Ospreys loaded the bases with one out, but Jake Hale got a strikeout and a ground out to end the inning and preserve the Buckeyes’ two-run lead.
After holding the Buckeyes in check in the top of the ninth, the Ospreys came right back and put two men on in the top of the ninth with nobody out. But Hale got an infield pop out, a ground-out force play at second off a heads-up play by Matt Streng, and a strikeout to secure his second save of the season and 13th of his career. Hale pitched the final 1.2 innings.
Starter Dean Wolosiansky got the win with 5.2 innings of work. The sophomore picked up his first win this year after allowing eight hits and six earned runs while striking out six and walking three.
Hurley led a spirited offensive attack for Ohio State with a career-high five hits and career-high four RBI. The junior from Cincinnati had a double, triple and three singles. Michael Arp had a couple of hits, a run and an RBI. A total of eight different Buckeyes had either an RBI or a run scored in the game.
In the first game Ohio State broke open a tight game with six runs off five hits in the fifth inning to defeat George Mason, 11-5. Hurley, enjoying a birthday weekend with the team along with pitcher Josh Barrera, led off the fifth with a home run to right field to increase Ohio State’s lead to 2-0. Then with one out in the inning, six consecutive Buckeyes reached base, including run-scoring singles by Burkhart, Cory Rupert, Ryan Dew and Arp. An RBI groundout by Tyler Engle drove in the sixth run of the inning and the Buckeyes cruised from there.
Starting pitcher Alex Wimmers went 5.2 innings to pick up his second win of the season. The sophomore from Cincinnati scattered eight hits, allowed just one earned run, struck out seven and walked three.
Wimmers wasn’t quite as sharp as he was one week ago in a win over Notre Dame, but he was effective when he needed to be. He got out of a two-out, bases loaded jam in the second inning and he loaded them up in the third, as well, with a hit and a pair of walks. With one out, he struck out Shane Davis and he followed with a ground out to get out of the inning without surrendering a run.
Ohio State grabbed the lead, 1-0, in the fourth as Rupert reached on a one-out infield single and Dew moved him to third with a perfect, hit-and-run single to left. Arp followed with a line drive single to right to drive in the first run of the game and the first run this season off Kevin Crum, a solid freshman starter for the Patriots who lasted 4.1 innings and dropped to 1-1 on the year.
Wimmers’ first easy inning – he struck out the side in the fourth – sparked the Buckeyes because one-half inning later they sent 10 men to the plate in the decisive, six-run fifth.
Dew homered for a second consecutive game, a solo shot in the seventh, for his third hit of the game. He led a middle of the lineup attack as the No. 6 hitter Rupert, No. 7 Dew and No. 8 Arp each had multiple hits against the Patriots while combining for four runs scored and five RBI. Arp had three hits and Michael Stephens had his first three-hit game as a Buckeye while contributing a pair of runs and steals, respectively.
The Buckeyes conclude their four-games-in-Jacksonville weekend by taking on Connecticut at 11 a.m. at Harmon Stadium…weather permitting.
George Mason Box Score
North Florida Box Score
Saturday, February 28, 2009
In Progress: Buckeyes Explode for 6 Runs in 5th, lead George Mason
Hot bats and talented sophomore pitching has helped carried the Bucks to a 4-0 start in 2009. The theme has continue in their first game of the day against the Patriots of George Mason. Currently in the bottom of the 8th inning, Ohio State is leading 9-3.
For the 2nd game in a row, two Buckeyes have hit HR's. Left-fielder Zach Hurley connected for a lead-off HR to start thr 5th inning, while DH Ryan Dew has homered in back-to-back games with a blast to right-center in the 7th. Dew on the day is 3-for-3 with 2 runs and 2 RBI. Joining Hurley and Dew as offensive forces today are junior Cory Rupert who is 2-for-4 on the game, senior Michael Arp 2-for-4 with 2 RBI, and center-fielder Michael Stephens 3-for-4 with 2 runs, and 2 stolen bases.
Sophomore Alex Wimmers was selected by Coach Todd to take the mound today. In 5.2 innings pitched Wimmers struck out 7, walked 3, allowed 8 hits and 2 runs, 1 earned. Junior Eric Best is currently pitching in relief.
For the 2nd game in a row, two Buckeyes have hit HR's. Left-fielder Zach Hurley connected for a lead-off HR to start thr 5th inning, while DH Ryan Dew has homered in back-to-back games with a blast to right-center in the 7th. Dew on the day is 3-for-3 with 2 runs and 2 RBI. Joining Hurley and Dew as offensive forces today are junior Cory Rupert who is 2-for-4 on the game, senior Michael Arp 2-for-4 with 2 RBI, and center-fielder Michael Stephens 3-for-4 with 2 runs, and 2 stolen bases.
Sophomore Alex Wimmers was selected by Coach Todd to take the mound today. In 5.2 innings pitched Wimmers struck out 7, walked 3, allowed 8 hits and 2 runs, 1 earned. Junior Eric Best is currently pitching in relief.
Buckeyes Defeat Ospreys, 11-6; Now 4-0
Dan Burkhart and Ryan Dew combine for seven RBI; Rucinski gets win
No. 30 Ohio State improved to 4-0 with an 11-6 win over North Florida Friday at Harmon Stadium on the campus of UNF. Dan Burkhart had four hits and four RBI and Ryan Dew had three RBI to lead the offensive charge.
Six errors by North Florida and a host of other oddities turned the game into a strange affair.
Ohio State scored its first, first-inning runs of the season by tallying two runs off two hits, two errors, a wild pitch and a past ball. Burkhart had a two-RBI single to drive home Ohio State’s runs.
UNF tied it in its half of the first as Michael Smith hit his first collegiate home run – a two-run shot – out of the park in left field.
No runs were scored in the second, but at the end of two the crowd of 874 fans on hand had seen three errors, a wild pitch, a passed ball, a pop-out double play to the catcher, and a runner caught stealing.
And by the end of the third inning things had gotten even weirder. Ohio State scored four unearned runs in their half of the third on two, two-run home runs to right center field by Burkhart and Dew. The plays were aided by a called third strike passed ball that put Michael Stephens on first base, a line drive to short that was ruled an intentional drop, thus negating a sure double play with Stephens off first, and a catcher’s interference. Burkhart and Dew took advantage of the miscues by bashing their first home runs of the season.
UNF put two men on its half of the third, but Michael Stephens made a diving catch in center and Michael Arp nailed a runner at the plate for the team’s first outfield assist of the season to keep the score 6-2 at the end of three.
UNF starter Phil Rorabaugh ran into trouble in the fifth by way of a hit batsmen and a double. Reliever Tucker Pryor allowed two runs after taking over for Rorabaugh, on a single by Cory Rupert and a sacrifice fly by Dew.
North Florida closed the gap to 8-4 in the fifth on another two-run home run, this one by Brian Wilson. Two batters later, Drew Rucinski relieved starter Andrew Armstrong, who went 4.1 innings and allowed eight hits, four runs and three walks in a no decision. After giving up a walk to load the bases with one out, Rucinski got Ryan Puskar to line to first for a double play to end the inning.
Ohio State extended the lead to 9-4 in the sixth, scoring a run on a wild pitch, and the team added two more unearned runs in the seventh, compliments of a three-error UNF inning that allowed the Buckeyes to have six outs.
In addition to the errors, North North Florida, a team that led Mississippi State late and only lost to Michigan by one, hit three batters, threw two wild pitches, had a catcher’s interference and a player caught stealing, gave up six unearned runs, hit into three double plays, only walked two batters, hit four home runs and outhit Ohio State, 13-11.
Rucinski got the win to improve to 2-0 this season. Jake Hale pitched a scoreless ninth inning, getting two strikeouts in the process.
The two teams will go at it again Saturday night at 7 p.m. Although some rain is in the forecast for Saturday, Ohio State is scheduled to play George Mason at 3 p.m. at UNF’s Harmon Stadium followed by a second game against North Florida. Sophomores Alex Wimmers and Dean Wolosiansky are the scheduled starters in the two games, respectively.
Game Notes & Recap
No. 30 Ohio State improved to 4-0 with an 11-6 win over North Florida Friday at Harmon Stadium on the campus of UNF. Dan Burkhart had four hits and four RBI and Ryan Dew had three RBI to lead the offensive charge.
Six errors by North Florida and a host of other oddities turned the game into a strange affair.
Ohio State scored its first, first-inning runs of the season by tallying two runs off two hits, two errors, a wild pitch and a past ball. Burkhart had a two-RBI single to drive home Ohio State’s runs.
UNF tied it in its half of the first as Michael Smith hit his first collegiate home run – a two-run shot – out of the park in left field.
No runs were scored in the second, but at the end of two the crowd of 874 fans on hand had seen three errors, a wild pitch, a passed ball, a pop-out double play to the catcher, and a runner caught stealing.
And by the end of the third inning things had gotten even weirder. Ohio State scored four unearned runs in their half of the third on two, two-run home runs to right center field by Burkhart and Dew. The plays were aided by a called third strike passed ball that put Michael Stephens on first base, a line drive to short that was ruled an intentional drop, thus negating a sure double play with Stephens off first, and a catcher’s interference. Burkhart and Dew took advantage of the miscues by bashing their first home runs of the season.
UNF put two men on its half of the third, but Michael Stephens made a diving catch in center and Michael Arp nailed a runner at the plate for the team’s first outfield assist of the season to keep the score 6-2 at the end of three.
UNF starter Phil Rorabaugh ran into trouble in the fifth by way of a hit batsmen and a double. Reliever Tucker Pryor allowed two runs after taking over for Rorabaugh, on a single by Cory Rupert and a sacrifice fly by Dew.
North Florida closed the gap to 8-4 in the fifth on another two-run home run, this one by Brian Wilson. Two batters later, Drew Rucinski relieved starter Andrew Armstrong, who went 4.1 innings and allowed eight hits, four runs and three walks in a no decision. After giving up a walk to load the bases with one out, Rucinski got Ryan Puskar to line to first for a double play to end the inning.
Ohio State extended the lead to 9-4 in the sixth, scoring a run on a wild pitch, and the team added two more unearned runs in the seventh, compliments of a three-error UNF inning that allowed the Buckeyes to have six outs.
In addition to the errors, North North Florida, a team that led Mississippi State late and only lost to Michigan by one, hit three batters, threw two wild pitches, had a catcher’s interference and a player caught stealing, gave up six unearned runs, hit into three double plays, only walked two batters, hit four home runs and outhit Ohio State, 13-11.
Rucinski got the win to improve to 2-0 this season. Jake Hale pitched a scoreless ninth inning, getting two strikeouts in the process.
The two teams will go at it again Saturday night at 7 p.m. Although some rain is in the forecast for Saturday, Ohio State is scheduled to play George Mason at 3 p.m. at UNF’s Harmon Stadium followed by a second game against North Florida. Sophomores Alex Wimmers and Dean Wolosiansky are the scheduled starters in the two games, respectively.
Game Notes & Recap
Friday, February 27, 2009
In Progress: Bucks Slugging Past North Florida
In the top of the 8th, Ohio State is leading North Florida 11-4.
Leading the way offensively for OSU is sophomore Catcher Dan Burkhart. Burkhart on the night so far is 4-for-5 with a double, a home run, 4 RBI, and 2 runs scored. DH Ryan Dew continues his hot start to the season, after going 6-for-10 last night, Dew connects for his 1st home run of the season, a three-run shot in the top of the 3rd.
Sophomore Andrew Armstrong took the mound tonight as the Buckeyes starting pitcher. Armstrong pitched 4.1 innings, allowed 8 hits, 4 runs all earned, walked 3 and struck out none.
Classmate, Drew Rucinski entered in the 5th inning relieving Armstrong, and has since pitch 2.2 innings of 1 hit shutout baseball. Rucinski has struck out 3 as his consecutive scoreless streak to start 2009, currently sits at 9 innings.
Leading the way offensively for OSU is sophomore Catcher Dan Burkhart. Burkhart on the night so far is 4-for-5 with a double, a home run, 4 RBI, and 2 runs scored. DH Ryan Dew continues his hot start to the season, after going 6-for-10 last night, Dew connects for his 1st home run of the season, a three-run shot in the top of the 3rd.
Sophomore Andrew Armstrong took the mound tonight as the Buckeyes starting pitcher. Armstrong pitched 4.1 innings, allowed 8 hits, 4 runs all earned, walked 3 and struck out none.
Classmate, Drew Rucinski entered in the 5th inning relieving Armstrong, and has since pitch 2.2 innings of 1 hit shutout baseball. Rucinski has struck out 3 as his consecutive scoreless streak to start 2009, currently sits at 9 innings.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Rucinski Named Big Co-Pitcher of the Week
Rucinski, from Tulsa Union H.S., picked up the save against Notre Dame and the win vs. Cincinnati by pitching a combined 6.1 innings in the two tense games without allowing a run. Rucinski allowed just three hits, struck out six, walked one and allowed opposing batters to hit just .143 in the two games.
Rucinski Collects 1st Big Ten honor
Big Ten Co-Pitcher of the Week
Rucinski Collects 1st Big Ten honor
Big Ten Co-Pitcher of the Week
Buckeyes Nationally Ranked
Three wins at the BIG EAST-Big Ten Challenge last weekend earned the Ohio State baseball team a national ranking by Collegiate Baseball newspaper and a slew of individual honors with three Buckeyes named to the 18-man all-tournament team, one selected co-Big Ten Pitcher of the Week and a fourth named honorable mention all-tourney.
Collegiate Baseball, which publishes the longest-running college baseball poll, released its first regular season poll Monday and the Buckeyes were ranked 30th nationally. The Top 30 ranking comes after Ohio State defeated three of the top six teams in the BIG EAST Conference preseason poll: 2-0 over Notre Dame, 6-4 over UConn and 6-5 over Cincinnati. The wins helped the Big Ten win the Challenge, 15 wins to nine.
The Buckeyes came through the tournament unbeaten on the strength of excellent pitching, expert fielding and competitive and opportunistic plate appearances. The pitching staff’s 3.00 earned run average and .232 opponents’ batting average were each second among the 18 teams. The Buckeye fielders led all teams with a .991 fielding percentage (one error in 110 chances). And the offense may have been in the middle of the pack in terms of batting average (.290), but the team’s leadoff hitters reached base 48 percent of the time and they drove in a runner from third base with less than two outs 71 percent of the time.
Complete Poll
Collegiate Baseball, which publishes the longest-running college baseball poll, released its first regular season poll Monday and the Buckeyes were ranked 30th nationally. The Top 30 ranking comes after Ohio State defeated three of the top six teams in the BIG EAST Conference preseason poll: 2-0 over Notre Dame, 6-4 over UConn and 6-5 over Cincinnati. The wins helped the Big Ten win the Challenge, 15 wins to nine.
The Buckeyes came through the tournament unbeaten on the strength of excellent pitching, expert fielding and competitive and opportunistic plate appearances. The pitching staff’s 3.00 earned run average and .232 opponents’ batting average were each second among the 18 teams. The Buckeye fielders led all teams with a .991 fielding percentage (one error in 110 chances). And the offense may have been in the middle of the pack in terms of batting average (.290), but the team’s leadoff hitters reached base 48 percent of the time and they drove in a runner from third base with less than two outs 71 percent of the time.
Complete Poll
Big Ten Wins Inaugural Big East-Big Ten Challenge; Four Buckeyes make All-Tournament team
The Big Ten Conference won the inaugural Big East-Big Ten Challenge by taking 15 of the 24 games played between the two conferences. The Challenge was held Feb. 20-22 in St. Petersburg, Fla.
The Big Ten jumped out to a 5-3 lead on Day 1 with wins from Michigan, Michigan State, Northwestern, Ohio State and Purdue. The Spartans won the first game of the Challenge, knocking off Connecticut, 4-2. The Wolverines followed with a 6-5 victory against South Florida on a walk-off hit by senior Kenny Fellows. The Buckeyes then shut out Notre Dame, 2-0, while the Boilermakers outlasted Cincinnati, 11-10, and the Wildcats took down Georgetown, 5-3. Also on Friday, Illinois defeated Iowa, 8-3, in an intraconference matchup.
The Big Ten and Big East split Saturday’s eight-game interconference schedule with wins from Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota and Ohio State. The Hoosiers’ first win of the season came in a 12-4 decision over Georgetown, while the Wolverines improved to 2-0 with a 6-1 triumph over Cincinnati. The Golden Gophers picked up a 5-4 win over West Virginia, and the Buckeyes took down Connecticut, 6-4. Michigan also won a non-challenge game over Purdue, 4-3 in 10 innings, while Penn State defeated Northwestern, 9-1.
On the final day of the event, the Big Ten won six of eight games to put the conference’s final win total at 15. Illinois out-slugged West Virginia, 17-10, while Indiana bested South Florida, 9-7. Michigan improved to 4-0 on the year with a 4-2 win over St. John’s, while Ohio State out-lasted Cincinnati, 6-5, and Penn State earned a 6-1 win over Seton Hall. In an intraconference contest, Minnesota recorded a 7-2 win over Michigan State.
At the conclusion of the event, nine Big Ten players were named to the All-Tournament team by CollegeBaseball360.com, while 11 more received honorable mention recognition.
Three Ohio State sophomore pitchers, each who pitched 6 or more shut out innings received All-Tournament honors. Friday night start Alex Wimmers received one of the four starting pitcher sections on the first team after his 6 inning, 7 strikeout performance. Classmate Drew Rucinski, who pitched the last three innings of the shut out of Notre Dame, was selected as one of two relief pitchers. Ruckinski also pitched 3.1 innings in the challenger finale against Cincinnati Sunday, relieving Dean Wolosianski. Rucinski again came in form the pen and held the opposition scoreless.
The third sensational sophomore, Andrew Armstrong picked up where Wimmers left off. On Saturday against Connecticut Armstrong pitched 6.1 scoreless innings picking up the win. His start landed him as a honorable mention starting pitcher.
It wasn't just the pitchers who received accolades for their performance over the weekend. Selected as one of two designated hitters on the first team, junior Ryan Dew picked up the honor after going 6-for-10 to start the season at a blistering .600 batting average. Dew reached base seven times in total, as his six singles were matched with a walk. Dew also scored two runs over the weekend, both coming in Saturday's game.
Complete All-Tournament team
The Big Ten jumped out to a 5-3 lead on Day 1 with wins from Michigan, Michigan State, Northwestern, Ohio State and Purdue. The Spartans won the first game of the Challenge, knocking off Connecticut, 4-2. The Wolverines followed with a 6-5 victory against South Florida on a walk-off hit by senior Kenny Fellows. The Buckeyes then shut out Notre Dame, 2-0, while the Boilermakers outlasted Cincinnati, 11-10, and the Wildcats took down Georgetown, 5-3. Also on Friday, Illinois defeated Iowa, 8-3, in an intraconference matchup.
The Big Ten and Big East split Saturday’s eight-game interconference schedule with wins from Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota and Ohio State. The Hoosiers’ first win of the season came in a 12-4 decision over Georgetown, while the Wolverines improved to 2-0 with a 6-1 triumph over Cincinnati. The Golden Gophers picked up a 5-4 win over West Virginia, and the Buckeyes took down Connecticut, 6-4. Michigan also won a non-challenge game over Purdue, 4-3 in 10 innings, while Penn State defeated Northwestern, 9-1.
On the final day of the event, the Big Ten won six of eight games to put the conference’s final win total at 15. Illinois out-slugged West Virginia, 17-10, while Indiana bested South Florida, 9-7. Michigan improved to 4-0 on the year with a 4-2 win over St. John’s, while Ohio State out-lasted Cincinnati, 6-5, and Penn State earned a 6-1 win over Seton Hall. In an intraconference contest, Minnesota recorded a 7-2 win over Michigan State.
At the conclusion of the event, nine Big Ten players were named to the All-Tournament team by CollegeBaseball360.com, while 11 more received honorable mention recognition.
Three Ohio State sophomore pitchers, each who pitched 6 or more shut out innings received All-Tournament honors. Friday night start Alex Wimmers received one of the four starting pitcher sections on the first team after his 6 inning, 7 strikeout performance. Classmate Drew Rucinski, who pitched the last three innings of the shut out of Notre Dame, was selected as one of two relief pitchers. Ruckinski also pitched 3.1 innings in the challenger finale against Cincinnati Sunday, relieving Dean Wolosianski. Rucinski again came in form the pen and held the opposition scoreless.
The third sensational sophomore, Andrew Armstrong picked up where Wimmers left off. On Saturday against Connecticut Armstrong pitched 6.1 scoreless innings picking up the win. His start landed him as a honorable mention starting pitcher.
It wasn't just the pitchers who received accolades for their performance over the weekend. Selected as one of two designated hitters on the first team, junior Ryan Dew picked up the honor after going 6-for-10 to start the season at a blistering .600 batting average. Dew reached base seven times in total, as his six singles were matched with a walk. Dew also scored two runs over the weekend, both coming in Saturday's game.
Complete All-Tournament team
Senior Hale named to NCBWA Stopper of the Year Watch List
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (NCBWA) – Forty players have been named to the initial watch list for the fifth annual National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year Award, given to the top relief pitcher in NCAA Division I baseball, as announced by the association Tuesday.
With two of the finalists for the 2008 honor back for another season (Scott Bittle of Ole Miss and Eric Pettis of UC Irvine), as well as an impressive list of All-Americans, another exciting race for this year's Stopper of the Year Award is anticipated. Georgia relief ace Joshua Fields, a first-round draft pick of the Seattle Mariners and the Southeastern Conference’s all-time saves leader, claimed last year's award. Nine of this year’s nominees were included in the 2009 NCBWA Preseason All-America Team announced by the organization in December.
The Atlantic Coast Conference led the way with nine players named to the preseason watch list. The Big 12 and the West Coast Conference added four pitchers each on this year's watch list, while the SEC and Pacific-10 Conference are represented by three players each.
Complete List
With two of the finalists for the 2008 honor back for another season (Scott Bittle of Ole Miss and Eric Pettis of UC Irvine), as well as an impressive list of All-Americans, another exciting race for this year's Stopper of the Year Award is anticipated. Georgia relief ace Joshua Fields, a first-round draft pick of the Seattle Mariners and the Southeastern Conference’s all-time saves leader, claimed last year's award. Nine of this year’s nominees were included in the 2009 NCBWA Preseason All-America Team announced by the organization in December.
The Atlantic Coast Conference led the way with nine players named to the preseason watch list. The Big 12 and the West Coast Conference added four pitchers each on this year's watch list, while the SEC and Pacific-10 Conference are represented by three players each.
Complete List
Sunday, February 22, 2009
DeLucia’s Two HRs Power Buckeyes
Led by two home runs and four runs batted in from junior third baseman Brian DeLucia, Ohio State defeated Cincinnati, 6-5, Sunday at Red McEwen Field to complete play in the BIG EAST-Big Ten Challenge with a 3-0 record. UC drops to 0-3 with losses to Purdue, Michigan and the Buckeyes.
The Buckeyes had to battle the Bearcats, whom they were playing for the first time since 2003, in a back-and-forth game that featured seven ties and lead changes. Sophomore Drew Rucinski picked up the win in relief, pitching 3.1 innings of one-hit, no-run ball. Jake Hale got the save with an additional 1.1 innings of effective relief work. The big senior retired five of six batters he faced, including three by strikeout, and gave up just one hit and one walk. He recorded his 12th career save, tying him for fifth on Ohio State’s career saves list.
Cincinnati touched Ohio State starter Dean Wolosianski for runs in each of the first three innings, but after Ohio State fell behind 2-0 in the second, one swing of DeLucia’s bat in the bottom of the second gave Ohio State a 3-2 lead. After Justin Miller and Cory Rupert had reached base with singles, DeLucia crushed a Brian Garman pitch over the left center field wall for a three run home run, the team’s first of the year.
Cincinnati came right back with a two-out, two-run home run by Justin Riddel to reclaim the lead at 4-3 after its half of the third.
Ohio State junior Michael Stephens, moments after making a diving stab of a low liner to end UC’s third inning, stroked a double to lead off the Buckeyes’ third and he scored on Dan Burkhart’s triple, tying the score at 4-all. The triple was Burkhart’s second of the year.
DeLucia then led off the fourth with another home run, this time a no-doubt line drive to left, giving the Buckeyes a 5-4 lead.
A Cameron Satterwhite home run in the fifth inning tied the score once again, and two singles later the day was done for Wolosianski, who scattered nine hits and gave up five runs in 4.1 innings of work. Rucinski, who pitched so well in relief Friday vs. Notre Dame, came in and stopped the bleeding by striking out two Bearcats to get the Buckeyes out of the inning.
After Rucinski mowed down the Bearcats three-up-three-down in the sixth, the Buckeyes manufactured a run to take a 6-5 lead. Stephens reached on an error and moved to second on a balk. Justin Miller laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt to get Stephens to third base, and then Stephens scored on a sacrifice fly by Burkhart.
That would be it for the scoring as Rucinski retired the first seven batters he faced and 11 of 13 before turning the game over to Hale, Ohio State’s most experienced pitcher, with runners on first and third in the eighth inning. Hale got the Buckeyes out of the jam with a groundout, and then he came back to strike out the side in the ninth, including called third strikes on Spina and another UC power hitter, Riddel who homered three times during the “Challenge.”
UC reliever Andrew Burkett shut the Buckeye bats down, retiring all eight batters he faced from the sixth inning on.
Buckeyes go 3-0 in Challenge
The Buckeyes had to battle the Bearcats, whom they were playing for the first time since 2003, in a back-and-forth game that featured seven ties and lead changes. Sophomore Drew Rucinski picked up the win in relief, pitching 3.1 innings of one-hit, no-run ball. Jake Hale got the save with an additional 1.1 innings of effective relief work. The big senior retired five of six batters he faced, including three by strikeout, and gave up just one hit and one walk. He recorded his 12th career save, tying him for fifth on Ohio State’s career saves list.
Cincinnati touched Ohio State starter Dean Wolosianski for runs in each of the first three innings, but after Ohio State fell behind 2-0 in the second, one swing of DeLucia’s bat in the bottom of the second gave Ohio State a 3-2 lead. After Justin Miller and Cory Rupert had reached base with singles, DeLucia crushed a Brian Garman pitch over the left center field wall for a three run home run, the team’s first of the year.
Cincinnati came right back with a two-out, two-run home run by Justin Riddel to reclaim the lead at 4-3 after its half of the third.
Ohio State junior Michael Stephens, moments after making a diving stab of a low liner to end UC’s third inning, stroked a double to lead off the Buckeyes’ third and he scored on Dan Burkhart’s triple, tying the score at 4-all. The triple was Burkhart’s second of the year.
DeLucia then led off the fourth with another home run, this time a no-doubt line drive to left, giving the Buckeyes a 5-4 lead.
A Cameron Satterwhite home run in the fifth inning tied the score once again, and two singles later the day was done for Wolosianski, who scattered nine hits and gave up five runs in 4.1 innings of work. Rucinski, who pitched so well in relief Friday vs. Notre Dame, came in and stopped the bleeding by striking out two Bearcats to get the Buckeyes out of the inning.
After Rucinski mowed down the Bearcats three-up-three-down in the sixth, the Buckeyes manufactured a run to take a 6-5 lead. Stephens reached on an error and moved to second on a balk. Justin Miller laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt to get Stephens to third base, and then Stephens scored on a sacrifice fly by Burkhart.
That would be it for the scoring as Rucinski retired the first seven batters he faced and 11 of 13 before turning the game over to Hale, Ohio State’s most experienced pitcher, with runners on first and third in the eighth inning. Hale got the Buckeyes out of the jam with a groundout, and then he came back to strike out the side in the ninth, including called third strikes on Spina and another UC power hitter, Riddel who homered three times during the “Challenge.”
UC reliever Andrew Burkett shut the Buckeye bats down, retiring all eight batters he faced from the sixth inning on.
Buckeyes go 3-0 in Challenge
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Bucks Build Lead & Defeat UConn, 6-4
CLEARWATER, Fla. – Ohio State broke open a tight game with three runs in the eighth inning to build a 6-0 lead and then held on to defeat UConn, 6-4, Saturday at Jack Russell Stadium. Ohio State is 2-0 in the BIG EAST-Big Ten Challenge while UConn drops to 0-2.
Heroes for the Buckeyes were sophomore pitcher Andrew Armstrong and juniors Brian DeLucia and Zach Hurley.
Armstrong pitched a career-long 6.2 innings and didn’t allow a run while scattering three hits, striking out five and walking two. He allowed just five batters to reach base and only one runner reached second before giving way to Jake Hale in the seventh inning and Ohio State leading 2-0.
DeLucia’s two-run double in the sixth inning put the first runs on the scoreboard and Hurley’s bases-clearing triple in the eighth extended Ohio State’s lead to 6-0, a margin they would need because the pesky Huskies chipped away with three runs in the eighth and another in the ninth to close the gap to within two. UConn had two men on in the ninth with the winning run at the plate, but junior Eric Best struck out Pierre LePage to end the game.
“Today the intensity was there and there were a lot of good things about this game, but we were still a little flat,” head coach Bob Todd said. “Something was missing. We were coming off a long day yesterday and a long delay today, but that’s baseball. We have to adjust to that stuff, especially the hitters.”
Armstrong was simply terrific. Like sophomore classmates Alex Wimmers and Drew Rucinski’s combined shutout Friday over Notre Dame, Armstrong was in complete command on the mound, and he needed to be because the Buckeyes weren’t scoring and it was anyone’s game. Armstrong faced just one batter over the minimum through five innings.
While UConn wasn’t getting any opportunities, the Buckeyes loaded the bases in the third inning but couldn’t score. Ryan Dew led off with a single to right and with one out Hurley reached on an infield single that caromed off pitcher Elliott Glynn’s lower right leg. Michael Arp reached on another infield single, but the inning ended when Glynn got Michael Stephens to ground out to third.
The Buckeyes, stranded runners in every inning form the third on, finally were able to score in the sixth. Cory Rupert singled with one out and, with the hit-and-run on, Dew chopped a single over the first baseman’s head that advanced Rupert to third. Dew advanced to second on a wild pitch and DeLucia plated both runners by ripping a double down the left field line for a 2-0 lead.
Armstrong was replaced with two on and two out in the seventh inning by Jake Hale. Seeing his first action of the season and his first relief action since the 2007 season, Hale got Doug Elliott to fly out deep to right field to end the inning with Ohio State hanging on to a 2-0 lead.
In the top of the eighth, Ohio State scored four times for a 6-0 lead. Rupert led off with a single, Dew walked and DeLucia was hit by a pitch. Hurley sent the first pitch he faced from reliever David Jennings and drove it over the center fielder’s head to score all three runners. Hurley later scored on a Cory Kovanda sacrifice fly.
Best, coming off a fine, eight-save sophomore season, relieved Hale in the eighth after the first two batters reached via walks. Best, in his first outing of 2009, was able to get the last six outs of the game, including three by strikeout, to preserve the win, although the Huskies did make it interesting.
The first spring trip of the 2009 season for Ohio State will conclude Sunday at 10 a.m. with a game against Cincinnati at Red McEwen Field on the campus of the University of South Florida. The two teams have played 86 times on the diamond, but this will be the first game since the 2003 season.
Sophomore Andrew Armstrong pitches 6.2 shutout innings
Heroes for the Buckeyes were sophomore pitcher Andrew Armstrong and juniors Brian DeLucia and Zach Hurley.
Armstrong pitched a career-long 6.2 innings and didn’t allow a run while scattering three hits, striking out five and walking two. He allowed just five batters to reach base and only one runner reached second before giving way to Jake Hale in the seventh inning and Ohio State leading 2-0.
DeLucia’s two-run double in the sixth inning put the first runs on the scoreboard and Hurley’s bases-clearing triple in the eighth extended Ohio State’s lead to 6-0, a margin they would need because the pesky Huskies chipped away with three runs in the eighth and another in the ninth to close the gap to within two. UConn had two men on in the ninth with the winning run at the plate, but junior Eric Best struck out Pierre LePage to end the game.
“Today the intensity was there and there were a lot of good things about this game, but we were still a little flat,” head coach Bob Todd said. “Something was missing. We were coming off a long day yesterday and a long delay today, but that’s baseball. We have to adjust to that stuff, especially the hitters.”
Armstrong was simply terrific. Like sophomore classmates Alex Wimmers and Drew Rucinski’s combined shutout Friday over Notre Dame, Armstrong was in complete command on the mound, and he needed to be because the Buckeyes weren’t scoring and it was anyone’s game. Armstrong faced just one batter over the minimum through five innings.
While UConn wasn’t getting any opportunities, the Buckeyes loaded the bases in the third inning but couldn’t score. Ryan Dew led off with a single to right and with one out Hurley reached on an infield single that caromed off pitcher Elliott Glynn’s lower right leg. Michael Arp reached on another infield single, but the inning ended when Glynn got Michael Stephens to ground out to third.
The Buckeyes, stranded runners in every inning form the third on, finally were able to score in the sixth. Cory Rupert singled with one out and, with the hit-and-run on, Dew chopped a single over the first baseman’s head that advanced Rupert to third. Dew advanced to second on a wild pitch and DeLucia plated both runners by ripping a double down the left field line for a 2-0 lead.
Armstrong was replaced with two on and two out in the seventh inning by Jake Hale. Seeing his first action of the season and his first relief action since the 2007 season, Hale got Doug Elliott to fly out deep to right field to end the inning with Ohio State hanging on to a 2-0 lead.
In the top of the eighth, Ohio State scored four times for a 6-0 lead. Rupert led off with a single, Dew walked and DeLucia was hit by a pitch. Hurley sent the first pitch he faced from reliever David Jennings and drove it over the center fielder’s head to score all three runners. Hurley later scored on a Cory Kovanda sacrifice fly.
Best, coming off a fine, eight-save sophomore season, relieved Hale in the eighth after the first two batters reached via walks. Best, in his first outing of 2009, was able to get the last six outs of the game, including three by strikeout, to preserve the win, although the Huskies did make it interesting.
The first spring trip of the 2009 season for Ohio State will conclude Sunday at 10 a.m. with a game against Cincinnati at Red McEwen Field on the campus of the University of South Florida. The two teams have played 86 times on the diamond, but this will be the first game since the 2003 season.
Sophomore Andrew Armstrong pitches 6.2 shutout innings
Ohio State Defeats Notre Dame, 2-0
DUNEDIN, Fla. – Ohio State opened its 126th season of baseball in fine fashion by defeating Notre Dame, 2-0, Friday at Dunedin Stadium. Sophomore pitchers Alex Wimmers and Drew Rucinski combined for the opening day shutout by striking out 10 Irish while scattering six hits with just three walks.
Wimmers, making his first collegiate start, pitched 6.0 impressive innings, striking out seven and allowing just six hits. The Cincinnati native struck out the side in the first inning, although he did give up a double to projected first-round draft pick A.J. Pollack. He got out of trouble in the third after walking a runner, but he got two pop-outs with men on first and third, including coaxing one pop fly from the dangerous Pollock. He also got out of a jam in the sixth unscathed.
“I was running on adrenalin initially,” Wimmers said. “I pleased with my effort overall, although I could have done a little better. I walked too many batters.”
Head coach Bob Todd was pleased with the way his team competed.
“I thought we did a really good job of competing in the batter’s box,” Todd said. “We did some things right and there were a lot of things we did that I liked. We still have to get better, though. Dupra [Notre Dame starter Brian] was a good pitcher, but we beat him. We’ve got to keep doing that. We’ve got to beat No. 1 pitchers.
“And I thought Alex and Drew did a great job for us tonight. They competed on the mound. They kept us in the ball game.”
Wimmers, who picked up the win, gave way to Rucinski in the seventh and the Broken Arrow, Okla., product was equally impressive on the mound. Rucinski pitched the final three innings, faced just one batter over the minimum and struck out the side in the crucial ninth inning to register the save.
Offensively, Ohio State had just six hits against Dupra, who went 6.1 innings and walked just one while striking out two.
Ohio State scored in the fourth inning on a two-out, RBI single by senior captain Justin Miller. Cory Kovanda had led off the inning with a walk, took second on a ground out and then scored on Miller’s hit up the middle.
Notre Dame challenged in the sixth, loading the bases with two outs behind two walks and an infield single. But Wimmers slammed three straight pitches past Billy Boockford, including a called third strike, to end the inning and keep the Buckeyes in front, 1-0.
The Buckeyes increased the lead to 2-0 in the seventh and chased Dupra in the process. Dan Burkhart opened the inning by lacing a triple down the right field line. Cory Rupert then ripped a double to left to score Burkhart.
At that point, the game was in the hands of the Buckeye defense and pitchers, and the Scarlet and Gray performed flawlessly to record its first season-opening shutout since downing Alabama-Birmingham, 2-0, in 2002.
The Buckeyes will play Connecticut, a 4-2 loser to Michigan State Friday, in a 4 p.m. game Saturday at Jack Russell Stadium in Clearwater, Fla.
Wimmers and Rucinski shut out Irish
Wimmers, making his first collegiate start, pitched 6.0 impressive innings, striking out seven and allowing just six hits. The Cincinnati native struck out the side in the first inning, although he did give up a double to projected first-round draft pick A.J. Pollack. He got out of trouble in the third after walking a runner, but he got two pop-outs with men on first and third, including coaxing one pop fly from the dangerous Pollock. He also got out of a jam in the sixth unscathed.
“I was running on adrenalin initially,” Wimmers said. “I pleased with my effort overall, although I could have done a little better. I walked too many batters.”
Head coach Bob Todd was pleased with the way his team competed.
“I thought we did a really good job of competing in the batter’s box,” Todd said. “We did some things right and there were a lot of things we did that I liked. We still have to get better, though. Dupra [Notre Dame starter Brian] was a good pitcher, but we beat him. We’ve got to keep doing that. We’ve got to beat No. 1 pitchers.
“And I thought Alex and Drew did a great job for us tonight. They competed on the mound. They kept us in the ball game.”
Wimmers, who picked up the win, gave way to Rucinski in the seventh and the Broken Arrow, Okla., product was equally impressive on the mound. Rucinski pitched the final three innings, faced just one batter over the minimum and struck out the side in the crucial ninth inning to register the save.
Offensively, Ohio State had just six hits against Dupra, who went 6.1 innings and walked just one while striking out two.
Ohio State scored in the fourth inning on a two-out, RBI single by senior captain Justin Miller. Cory Kovanda had led off the inning with a walk, took second on a ground out and then scored on Miller’s hit up the middle.
Notre Dame challenged in the sixth, loading the bases with two outs behind two walks and an infield single. But Wimmers slammed three straight pitches past Billy Boockford, including a called third strike, to end the inning and keep the Buckeyes in front, 1-0.
The Buckeyes increased the lead to 2-0 in the seventh and chased Dupra in the process. Dan Burkhart opened the inning by lacing a triple down the right field line. Cory Rupert then ripped a double to left to score Burkhart.
At that point, the game was in the hands of the Buckeye defense and pitchers, and the Scarlet and Gray performed flawlessly to record its first season-opening shutout since downing Alabama-Birmingham, 2-0, in 2002.
The Buckeyes will play Connecticut, a 4-2 loser to Michigan State Friday, in a 4 p.m. game Saturday at Jack Russell Stadium in Clearwater, Fla.
Wimmers and Rucinski shut out Irish
Friday, February 20, 2009
Season Opener: Notre Dame Fighting Irish
The much anticipated season opener is upon us and the first pitch is expected to be thrown in less than an hour. I unfortunately am traveling and unable to keep up or post how the action is going. Feel free to post throughout the game here with commentary and insight during the game.
Probable pitching match-ups
Game 1: RHP Brian Dupra (3-3, 5.44) vs. RHP Alex Wimmers (0-3, 4.50)
Ohio State vs. Notre Dame over the years
In its opening game of the season, Ohio State and Notre Dame meet for the 44th time overall and the first time since a June 2002 NCAA regional game in South Bend, Ind., that Notre Dame won, 9-6. The series between the schools dates back to 1902, with the Fighting Irish leading, 26-18.
As always GO BUCKS!
Probable pitching match-ups
Game 1: RHP Brian Dupra (3-3, 5.44) vs. RHP Alex Wimmers (0-3, 4.50)
Ohio State vs. Notre Dame over the years
In its opening game of the season, Ohio State and Notre Dame meet for the 44th time overall and the first time since a June 2002 NCAA regional game in South Bend, Ind., that Notre Dame won, 9-6. The series between the schools dates back to 1902, with the Fighting Irish leading, 26-18.
As always GO BUCKS!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Pair honor deceased mothers by playing on
Kovanda and Arp to use 2009 to honor mothers.
Ohio State second baseman Cory Kovanda never had to search the grandstands to see if his mother was at a game.
Linda Kovanda was not shrill, but she had a distinctive voice. Every one of the Buckeyes knew when she wanted them to score some runs.
"I could pick out her voice in the crowd," Cory said. "There would be times she would get pretty loud. She could get excited. She didn't just cheer for me. She got behind all the players."
When Ohio State opens the season against Notre Dame in the Big East-Big Ten Challenge on Friday in Dunedin, Fla., the players will be missing one of their biggest backers.
Linda, who was a special education coordinator for Dublin Public Schools, died of pancreatic cancer on Feb. 9 after a 20-month fight. She was 53.
How can her son take the field? His answer is, how could he not?
"For 17 months you would never had known my mom had cancer because she fought every step and she made almost every game," said Kovanda, a junior from Worthington Kilbourne. "I've always played for her, for my family and for God. I have to play. I know she'll be watching."
Outfielder Michael Arp will try to be there for his teammate. His mother, Jill, passed away unexpectedly in October.
"I've told Cory that it's a bumpy road and it's going to take both of us time," said Arp, a senior from Reynoldsburg. "We'll definitely help one another. There are days when you are completely fine. Then there are days when you don't want to get out of bed."
Coach Bob Todd has had to keep an eye on the mental state of such players many times in four-plus decades as a college coach.
What will help Arp and Kovanda, Todd said, is that both have good foundations because they come from strong families.
Kovanda has had to learn how to play with Type 1 diabetes. Arp had to make the transition from middle infielder to corner outfielder and part-time player to full-time player.
"I'm definitely watching both of them more closely," Todd said. "This is such a difficult time for them. What is going to help them pull through this is that their mothers followed their careers and were behind them. They know their mothers would want them to continue with baseball and school."
Arp said there would be reminders throughout the season of what he and Kovanda have lost.
"Our moms won't be there for the meet the team luncheon and they won't be there for Senior Day," he said. "What we've got to do is dig deep and get through it. You've got to get your mind right. This is going to take time. This is hard. In the end, we're honoring our mothers."
Kovanda did just that as a speaker during a memorial service for his mother last Wednesday at Worthington Christian Church.
"I told some humorous stories because my mom wanted the service to be upbeat," he said. "You never think about having to do something like that. It was one of the most difficult things I've had to do."
The next day, Kovanda was at practice.
"The good thing is that you always have the guys," he said. "I came back to practice knowing they would be behind me. I can always talk to them about anything."
Courtesy The Columbus Dispatch
Ohio State second baseman Cory Kovanda never had to search the grandstands to see if his mother was at a game.
Linda Kovanda was not shrill, but she had a distinctive voice. Every one of the Buckeyes knew when she wanted them to score some runs.
"I could pick out her voice in the crowd," Cory said. "There would be times she would get pretty loud. She could get excited. She didn't just cheer for me. She got behind all the players."
When Ohio State opens the season against Notre Dame in the Big East-Big Ten Challenge on Friday in Dunedin, Fla., the players will be missing one of their biggest backers.
Linda, who was a special education coordinator for Dublin Public Schools, died of pancreatic cancer on Feb. 9 after a 20-month fight. She was 53.
How can her son take the field? His answer is, how could he not?
"For 17 months you would never had known my mom had cancer because she fought every step and she made almost every game," said Kovanda, a junior from Worthington Kilbourne. "I've always played for her, for my family and for God. I have to play. I know she'll be watching."
Outfielder Michael Arp will try to be there for his teammate. His mother, Jill, passed away unexpectedly in October.
"I've told Cory that it's a bumpy road and it's going to take both of us time," said Arp, a senior from Reynoldsburg. "We'll definitely help one another. There are days when you are completely fine. Then there are days when you don't want to get out of bed."
Coach Bob Todd has had to keep an eye on the mental state of such players many times in four-plus decades as a college coach.
What will help Arp and Kovanda, Todd said, is that both have good foundations because they come from strong families.
Kovanda has had to learn how to play with Type 1 diabetes. Arp had to make the transition from middle infielder to corner outfielder and part-time player to full-time player.
"I'm definitely watching both of them more closely," Todd said. "This is such a difficult time for them. What is going to help them pull through this is that their mothers followed their careers and were behind them. They know their mothers would want them to continue with baseball and school."
Arp said there would be reminders throughout the season of what he and Kovanda have lost.
"Our moms won't be there for the meet the team luncheon and they won't be there for Senior Day," he said. "What we've got to do is dig deep and get through it. You've got to get your mind right. This is going to take time. This is hard. In the end, we're honoring our mothers."
Kovanda did just that as a speaker during a memorial service for his mother last Wednesday at Worthington Christian Church.
"I told some humorous stories because my mom wanted the service to be upbeat," he said. "You never think about having to do something like that. It was one of the most difficult things I've had to do."
The next day, Kovanda was at practice.
"The good thing is that you always have the guys," he said. "I came back to practice knowing they would be behind me. I can always talk to them about anything."
Courtesy The Columbus Dispatch
Monday, February 16, 2009
Buckeyes Eye Big Ten Crown, NCAA Berth
Experience – seven position player starters along with six pitchers are a part of 21 returning lettermen – along with flexibility will be the cornerstone for the 2009 Ohio State Buckeyes in their pursuit to win a Big Ten championship and advance to the NCAA tournament for the 13th time under 22nd-year head coach Bob Todd.
The entire starting infield – C Dan Burkhart, 1B Justin Miller, 2B Cory Kovanda, 3B Cory Rupert and SS Tyler Engle – returns intact. Miller, a senior captain, and juniors Kovanda and Rupert have started for two years now and have 331 starts between them. Burkhart and Engle are sophomores.
The pitching corps’ experience is headlined by senior Jake Hale, who has made 26 starts among his 52 appearances, and junior Eric Best (46 appearances with eight saves). A quartet of sophomores also return. All gained valuable playing time last season as either a starter (Dean Wolosiansky and Andrew Armstrong) or as a reliever (Alex Wimmers and Drew Rucinski).
Additionally, three outfielders return who have combined for 161 starts: senior Michael Arp and juniors Zach Hurley and Ryan Dew.
“The experience we will bring into this season is invaluable,” Todd said. “You can’t teach experience and, as I look at this team, I think we have a nucleus of being good defensively.”
The team was sixth in the Big Ten in fielding last year with a .959 rate, but credit that to early season inexperience. As the Big Ten season unfolded, the Buckeyes improved their fielding to .964 which was good for fourth in all conference games.
NOW BATTING FOR THE BUCKEYES
Offensively, the team hit .318 in all games (third-best among Big Ten teams) but .299 in conference games, which ranked eighth. The Buckeyes managed just 19 home runs all season, which meant the team was manufacturing its runs and made coming from behind somewhat of a challenge.
Miller is the team’s most accomplished hitter. A .348 career hitter, he’s coming off a junior season in which he led the team in eight offensive categories including batting (.395 overall average), hits (79), home runs (four) and RBI (61). A two-time team captain, he’ll lead at the plate and in the field, where he is flexible enough to play first base, catcher and third.
Kovanda is solid at second base, with 104 starts behind him and a plate presence that continues to improve. He increased his average last season 35 points over his freshman numbers, and enters the season a career .304 hitter. He led the team in runs scored (45) and was also best at reaching base with an on-base percentage of .441.
Rupert, a shortstop as a freshman in 2007, adjusted nicely to a move to third base, hitting better than 50 percentage points above his freshman year numbers with a .313 average and 39 RBI, which ranked second on the team.
Engle’s exceptional defensive efforts at shortstop prompted Rupert’s move to third. Engle started 48 times as a true freshman and, coming off a summer surgery that limited his practice time in the fall, is expecting to be better than ever this spring.
Only two freshmen catchers have started for Ohio State the last 21 years: Mike Durant in 1989 and Eric Fryer in 2005. Durant played in the majors and Fryer was a top 10-round draft pick. Only time will tell if Burkhart advances that far, but he is a terrific talent...defensively as well as offensively. He hit .308 overall and .284 in the Big Ten and did so while handling the responsibility of starting 48 times.
Junior Brian DeLucia hit .354 in 28 games last year with 18 starts. He and Ben Toussant (17 games) are capable replacements at third and first base, respectively, and sophomore middle infielder Matt Streng is coming of a solid 2008 fall camp. Second-year player T.J. McManus continues to work on his swing and first base duties, and veterans Shawn Forsythe and D.J. Hanlin are behind Burkhart behind the plate.
ROAMING THE OUTFIELD
Despite the loss of center fielder and sixth-round draft pick J.B. Shuck and 46-game outfield starter Tony Kennedy, Todd and Co. will have experience and options in the outfield. Zach Hurley hit .302 with 18 RBI in 35 starts last year and Ryan Dew hit .261 with 27 RBI in 34 starts. Arp made 20 starts in the outfield and hit .367 overall and .419 in 18 Big Ten games.
Juco transfer Michael Stephens was an All-American last year and he will make an impact in the outfield. Junior Chris Griffin performed well when called upon last year and David Corna is in his second season with the team.
AND ON THE MOUND
Although much of the staff from last year returns – and it was a good staff with the No. 2 ERA (4.76) in the Big Ten – the mound make-up may look dramatically different. That’s because Hale, Wimmers, Best and Rucinski may all be pitching in different situations than they did last year.
Wolosiansky won’t change positions. He will remain a starter. That’s because the 6-5 sophomore is coming off a freshman All-America season last year with a 7-4 record and a 4.22 ERA. He went 5-2 in the Big Ten, including a win over Michigan, and amassed 70.1 innings pitched. He was named second-team all-Big Ten.
Hale, last season’s Friday starter throughout the Big Ten season and a second-team all-Big Ten selection, is expected to be used as the team’s closer this season. He saved 10 games in this role in 2007 and with a resume of over 200 innings pitched, he’s got the experience to not only handle the move, but excel in it.
Best, who moved into the closer’s role last season and excelled with eight saves and 18 games finished, may have an opportunity to start this year. He’s made four starts in his 46 previous appearances and he has a 7-3 career record.
Wimmers was typically Best’s set-up man last year, playing in 25 games and finishing 17 with both figures ranking among the Top 10 in the Big Ten. He was also one of the team’s top strikeout artists, with 51 in 40.0 innings. He, too, will have an opportunity to start this season for the Buckeyes.
Armstrong, like Best, is a left-hander who picked up valuable experience last year as a true freshman and supplemented it with a fine summer in the Valley Baseball League. Armstrong was 4-3 with the Buckeyes and posted a top three (among starters) ERA of 4.50.
Rucinski played in 15 games last season and, coming off a fine summer league campaign as well, could work his way into a starting assignment position. Regardless who starts, Todd is optimistic about his staff.
“We have uncertainty among our starting pitchers,” Todd said, “but we do have five or six players in a position to win our top three pitching spots. Those who don’t become one of those top three starters will certainly give us a quality bullpen.”
Josh Barrera returns to the mound this season after a medical red-shirt season in 2008 and he could provide a lift to the staff. He is 7-2 at Ohio State with a 4.44 ERA through 73.1 innings pitched.
Jared Strayer (1.59 ERA in five appearances), Theron Minium and Eric Shinn are upperclassmen who will also be in the mix for playing time this season.
In addition to the juco transfer Stephens, the Buckeyes added five freshmen newcomers for a total of six new players to the team. Ross Oltorik is a pitcher who spent the fall as a member of the Ohio State football team. Infielders include Ryan Cypret, Brad Hallberg and Zach Nowland. Joe Ciamacco is an outfielder. All but Oltorik experienced the intensity of the Scarlet & Gray World Series last fall. Freshman catcher David Fathalikhani joined the team in time at the start of the winter quarter.
Meet the 2009 Baseball Buckeyes
The entire starting infield – C Dan Burkhart, 1B Justin Miller, 2B Cory Kovanda, 3B Cory Rupert and SS Tyler Engle – returns intact. Miller, a senior captain, and juniors Kovanda and Rupert have started for two years now and have 331 starts between them. Burkhart and Engle are sophomores.
The pitching corps’ experience is headlined by senior Jake Hale, who has made 26 starts among his 52 appearances, and junior Eric Best (46 appearances with eight saves). A quartet of sophomores also return. All gained valuable playing time last season as either a starter (Dean Wolosiansky and Andrew Armstrong) or as a reliever (Alex Wimmers and Drew Rucinski).
Additionally, three outfielders return who have combined for 161 starts: senior Michael Arp and juniors Zach Hurley and Ryan Dew.
“The experience we will bring into this season is invaluable,” Todd said. “You can’t teach experience and, as I look at this team, I think we have a nucleus of being good defensively.”
The team was sixth in the Big Ten in fielding last year with a .959 rate, but credit that to early season inexperience. As the Big Ten season unfolded, the Buckeyes improved their fielding to .964 which was good for fourth in all conference games.
NOW BATTING FOR THE BUCKEYES
Offensively, the team hit .318 in all games (third-best among Big Ten teams) but .299 in conference games, which ranked eighth. The Buckeyes managed just 19 home runs all season, which meant the team was manufacturing its runs and made coming from behind somewhat of a challenge.
Miller is the team’s most accomplished hitter. A .348 career hitter, he’s coming off a junior season in which he led the team in eight offensive categories including batting (.395 overall average), hits (79), home runs (four) and RBI (61). A two-time team captain, he’ll lead at the plate and in the field, where he is flexible enough to play first base, catcher and third.
Kovanda is solid at second base, with 104 starts behind him and a plate presence that continues to improve. He increased his average last season 35 points over his freshman numbers, and enters the season a career .304 hitter. He led the team in runs scored (45) and was also best at reaching base with an on-base percentage of .441.
Rupert, a shortstop as a freshman in 2007, adjusted nicely to a move to third base, hitting better than 50 percentage points above his freshman year numbers with a .313 average and 39 RBI, which ranked second on the team.
Engle’s exceptional defensive efforts at shortstop prompted Rupert’s move to third. Engle started 48 times as a true freshman and, coming off a summer surgery that limited his practice time in the fall, is expecting to be better than ever this spring.
Only two freshmen catchers have started for Ohio State the last 21 years: Mike Durant in 1989 and Eric Fryer in 2005. Durant played in the majors and Fryer was a top 10-round draft pick. Only time will tell if Burkhart advances that far, but he is a terrific talent...defensively as well as offensively. He hit .308 overall and .284 in the Big Ten and did so while handling the responsibility of starting 48 times.
Junior Brian DeLucia hit .354 in 28 games last year with 18 starts. He and Ben Toussant (17 games) are capable replacements at third and first base, respectively, and sophomore middle infielder Matt Streng is coming of a solid 2008 fall camp. Second-year player T.J. McManus continues to work on his swing and first base duties, and veterans Shawn Forsythe and D.J. Hanlin are behind Burkhart behind the plate.
ROAMING THE OUTFIELD
Despite the loss of center fielder and sixth-round draft pick J.B. Shuck and 46-game outfield starter Tony Kennedy, Todd and Co. will have experience and options in the outfield. Zach Hurley hit .302 with 18 RBI in 35 starts last year and Ryan Dew hit .261 with 27 RBI in 34 starts. Arp made 20 starts in the outfield and hit .367 overall and .419 in 18 Big Ten games.
Juco transfer Michael Stephens was an All-American last year and he will make an impact in the outfield. Junior Chris Griffin performed well when called upon last year and David Corna is in his second season with the team.
AND ON THE MOUND
Although much of the staff from last year returns – and it was a good staff with the No. 2 ERA (4.76) in the Big Ten – the mound make-up may look dramatically different. That’s because Hale, Wimmers, Best and Rucinski may all be pitching in different situations than they did last year.
Wolosiansky won’t change positions. He will remain a starter. That’s because the 6-5 sophomore is coming off a freshman All-America season last year with a 7-4 record and a 4.22 ERA. He went 5-2 in the Big Ten, including a win over Michigan, and amassed 70.1 innings pitched. He was named second-team all-Big Ten.
Hale, last season’s Friday starter throughout the Big Ten season and a second-team all-Big Ten selection, is expected to be used as the team’s closer this season. He saved 10 games in this role in 2007 and with a resume of over 200 innings pitched, he’s got the experience to not only handle the move, but excel in it.
Best, who moved into the closer’s role last season and excelled with eight saves and 18 games finished, may have an opportunity to start this year. He’s made four starts in his 46 previous appearances and he has a 7-3 career record.
Wimmers was typically Best’s set-up man last year, playing in 25 games and finishing 17 with both figures ranking among the Top 10 in the Big Ten. He was also one of the team’s top strikeout artists, with 51 in 40.0 innings. He, too, will have an opportunity to start this season for the Buckeyes.
Armstrong, like Best, is a left-hander who picked up valuable experience last year as a true freshman and supplemented it with a fine summer in the Valley Baseball League. Armstrong was 4-3 with the Buckeyes and posted a top three (among starters) ERA of 4.50.
Rucinski played in 15 games last season and, coming off a fine summer league campaign as well, could work his way into a starting assignment position. Regardless who starts, Todd is optimistic about his staff.
“We have uncertainty among our starting pitchers,” Todd said, “but we do have five or six players in a position to win our top three pitching spots. Those who don’t become one of those top three starters will certainly give us a quality bullpen.”
Josh Barrera returns to the mound this season after a medical red-shirt season in 2008 and he could provide a lift to the staff. He is 7-2 at Ohio State with a 4.44 ERA through 73.1 innings pitched.
Jared Strayer (1.59 ERA in five appearances), Theron Minium and Eric Shinn are upperclassmen who will also be in the mix for playing time this season.
In addition to the juco transfer Stephens, the Buckeyes added five freshmen newcomers for a total of six new players to the team. Ross Oltorik is a pitcher who spent the fall as a member of the Ohio State football team. Infielders include Ryan Cypret, Brad Hallberg and Zach Nowland. Joe Ciamacco is an outfielder. All but Oltorik experienced the intensity of the Scarlet & Gray World Series last fall. Freshman catcher David Fathalikhani joined the team in time at the start of the winter quarter.
Meet the 2009 Baseball Buckeyes
Season Opens vs. Notre Dame, UConn and Cincinnati
Ohio State opens its 126th season of baseball by participating in the inaugural BIG EAST-Big Ten Challenge, sponsored by the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Sports Commission of Florida. Ohio State plays Notre Dame at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, to open its season and follows that with games Saturday and Sunday against Connecticut and Cincinnati, respectively.
All 10 of the Big Ten’s baseball-playing institutions will compete. Eight BIG EAST representatives will participate: South Florida, Connecticut, Georgetown, St. John’s, Seton Hall, West Virginia, Cincinnati and Notre Dame.
Eight games will be played daily between the two conferences along with one contest between two Big Ten schools. Games will be played in the various major league spring training venues in the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area, including Bright House Field, Dunedin Stadium and Progress Energy Park/Al Lang Field.
For complete schedule of games, stadium locations and directions, visit bigeastbigtenchallenge.com or click on the above link.
Ohio State Baseball This Week
Ohio State (30-26, 15-15 Big Ten in 2008)
at the
BIG EAST-BIG TEN CHALLENGE
Game 1: vs. Notre Dame
(33-21-1; 16-10 BIG EAST in 2008)
Friday, Feb. 20 - 7 p.m.
Dunedin Stadium, Dunedin, Fla.
Game 2: vs. Connecticut
(27-28; 11-16 BIG EAST in 2008)
Saturday, Feb. 21 - 4 p.m.
Jack Russell Stadium, Clearwater, Fla.
Game 3: vs. Cincinnati
(39-20; 19-8 BIG EAST in 2008)
Sunday, Feb. 22 - 10 a.m.
Red McEwen Field, Tampa, Fla.
HOME and AWAY DESIGNATIONS
Ohio State will be the home team in the games vs. Notre Dame and Cincinnati and it will be the visitor vs. Connecticut.
FOLLOW THE ACTION via LIVE STATS
Track every hit and play of every game this baseball season through Live Stats, available on OhioStateBuckeyes.com. Click on the Live Stats link on the main home page in the upper right hand corner or through the baseball schedule page to access.
Follow the Buckeyes on 103.9 WTDA Talk FM starting with the Big Ten Conference series opener vs. Penn State, March 27.
OHIO STATE vs. NOTRE DAME
In its opening game of the season, Ohio State and Notre Dame meet for the 44th time overall and the first time since a June 2002 NCAA regional game in South Bend, Ind., that Notre Dame won, 9-6. The series between the schools dates back to 1902, with the Fighting Irish leading, 26-18.
OHIO STATE vs. UCONN
The game Saturday at 4 p.m. will mark only the sixth meeting between the two schools, with the Bucks leading the series, 4-2. Last year, the two teams met in West Palm Beach, Fla., with Ohio State winning, 6-4. The series dates to 1970 with all six games played in the state of Florida. Ohio State has won three consecutive over UCONN. The teams will meet next week as well: at the Kennel Club Classic at the University of North Florida.
OHIO STATE vs. CINCINNATI
The final game for Ohio State in the BIG EAST-Big Ten Challenge pits the Buckeyes against in-state rival Cincinnati for the first time since the 2003 season. The series is one of the oldest on record for Ohio State, dating back to 1891. Ohio State leads the all-time series, 64-20-2. Coach Bob Todd’s Buckeyes are 8-2 vs. UC and have won six consecutive games. During that streak, Ohio State has outscored UC, 82-22, including a 17-0 win in the last meeting (2003 season).
FIRST 21 GAMES IN FLORIDA
Nothing like a glass of fresh Florida orange juice to start a day and the Buckeyes will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the delicious beverage as the team will play its first 21 games in the “Sunshine State.” Trips will take the team to St. Petersburg, Jacksonville, Winter Haven, West Palm Beach and Miami. The Bucks open against Notre Dame and close vs. Miami.
ROAD WARRIORS
Ohio State will play its first 24 games on the road and 27 of its first 29 away from Bill Davis Stadium. The Buckeyes don’t play at home until March 31 (vs. Xavier). The team’s first two Big Ten weekends are on the road: at Penn State (March 27-29) and at Minnesota (April 3-5). Two of the three games vs. Minnesota will be played in the Metrodome.
BEAST OF A BIG EAST SCHEDULE
Ohio State plays seven games against BIG EAST teams this season, including six games against teams picked to finish in the top six of the league this year. Ohio State will play two games at preseason favorite to win the BIG EAST Louisville plus games against the Nos. 3, 5, 6 and 11 teams (Notre Dame, Cincinnati, Connecticut [two] and Pittsburgh, respectively).
7 + 6 = EXPERIENCE
Ohio State will open the season with an experienced bunch of players as seven position player starters and six pitchers with significant innings in 2008 are a part of 21 returning lettermen for 22nd year coach Bob Todd. The team will be seeking its 15th Big Ten Conference championship this season, the seventh under coach Bob Todd and the first since the 2001 season.
INFIELD IS INTACT
The entire starting infield from last season – C Dan Burkhart, 1B Justin Miller, 2B Cory Kovanda, 3B Cory Rupert and SS Tyler Engle – returns intact. Miller, a senior captain, and juniors Kovanda and Rupert have started for two years now and have 331 starts between them. Burkhart and Engle are sophomores.
JAKE, BEST & THE SOPHS
The pitching corps’ experience is headlined by senior RHP Jake Hale, who has made 26 starts among his 52 appearances, and junior LHP Eric Best (46 appearances with eight saves). Expect to see both of those players anchoring the bullpen this season.
A quartet of sophomores also return. All gained valuable playing time last season as either a starter (RHP Dean Wolosiansky and LHP Andrew Armstrong) or as a reliever (RHPs Alex Wimmers and Drew Rucinski). All four sophomores could end up in the starting rotation this season for the Buckeyes. Stay tuned.
ROAMING THE OUTFIELD
Three outfielders return who have combined for 161 starts: senior Michael Arp and juniors Zach Hurley and Ryan Dew. They’ll be joined by juco transfer Michael Stephens to give Ohio State a flexible unit and a competitive situation where the hot bats will be in the lineup.
MILLER REPEATS AS CAPTAIN
Justin Miller will captain the team this season and thus becomes only the 14th multi-season captain in OSU baseball history.
2009 SEASON NOTES ...
Ohio State’s roster includes three seniors, 11 juniors, 11 sophomores and eight freshmen ... Ohio State will play games against three teams that are ranked in the preseason by either Collegiate Baseball, Baseball America, PING! Baseball or NCBWA (Louisville, Miami (Fla.), Kent State) ... A new ticket booth has been built at Bill Davis Stadium, just outside the main concourse behind home plate ... A new outfield wall has been installed, too ... The outfield wall will include plaques for the retired jerseys of Marty Karow (13), Fred Taylor (27) and Steve Arlin (22) ... Big Ten series now consist of three nine-inning games instead of the four-game series that has been in place since 1981 ... For the first time since 1994, the Big Ten tournament will be played at a neutral site. In December 2008 the Big Ten elected to move the tournament and the choice was Columbus, Ohio’s new Huntington Park, the new home of the Columbus Clippers, the AAA affiliate of the Cleveland Indians.
A LOOK BACK AT 2008...
Ohio State is coming off a 30-26 season that included a 15-15 mark in the Big Ten Conference. The team extended its Big Ten record by advancing to the Big Ten tournament for a 12th consecutive year.
NEXT WEEK
The Buckeyes compete in the University of North Florida’s Kennel Club Classic, a seven-game, four-team tournament held at UNF’s Harmon Stadium. Competing teams include the host Osprey, Buckeyes, Connecticut and George Mason.
2009 Season Opener
All 10 of the Big Ten’s baseball-playing institutions will compete. Eight BIG EAST representatives will participate: South Florida, Connecticut, Georgetown, St. John’s, Seton Hall, West Virginia, Cincinnati and Notre Dame.
Eight games will be played daily between the two conferences along with one contest between two Big Ten schools. Games will be played in the various major league spring training venues in the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area, including Bright House Field, Dunedin Stadium and Progress Energy Park/Al Lang Field.
For complete schedule of games, stadium locations and directions, visit bigeastbigtenchallenge.com or click on the above link.
Ohio State Baseball This Week
Ohio State (30-26, 15-15 Big Ten in 2008)
at the
BIG EAST-BIG TEN CHALLENGE
Game 1: vs. Notre Dame
(33-21-1; 16-10 BIG EAST in 2008)
Friday, Feb. 20 - 7 p.m.
Dunedin Stadium, Dunedin, Fla.
Game 2: vs. Connecticut
(27-28; 11-16 BIG EAST in 2008)
Saturday, Feb. 21 - 4 p.m.
Jack Russell Stadium, Clearwater, Fla.
Game 3: vs. Cincinnati
(39-20; 19-8 BIG EAST in 2008)
Sunday, Feb. 22 - 10 a.m.
Red McEwen Field, Tampa, Fla.
HOME and AWAY DESIGNATIONS
Ohio State will be the home team in the games vs. Notre Dame and Cincinnati and it will be the visitor vs. Connecticut.
FOLLOW THE ACTION via LIVE STATS
Track every hit and play of every game this baseball season through Live Stats, available on OhioStateBuckeyes.com. Click on the Live Stats link on the main home page in the upper right hand corner or through the baseball schedule page to access.
Follow the Buckeyes on 103.9 WTDA Talk FM starting with the Big Ten Conference series opener vs. Penn State, March 27.
OHIO STATE vs. NOTRE DAME
In its opening game of the season, Ohio State and Notre Dame meet for the 44th time overall and the first time since a June 2002 NCAA regional game in South Bend, Ind., that Notre Dame won, 9-6. The series between the schools dates back to 1902, with the Fighting Irish leading, 26-18.
OHIO STATE vs. UCONN
The game Saturday at 4 p.m. will mark only the sixth meeting between the two schools, with the Bucks leading the series, 4-2. Last year, the two teams met in West Palm Beach, Fla., with Ohio State winning, 6-4. The series dates to 1970 with all six games played in the state of Florida. Ohio State has won three consecutive over UCONN. The teams will meet next week as well: at the Kennel Club Classic at the University of North Florida.
OHIO STATE vs. CINCINNATI
The final game for Ohio State in the BIG EAST-Big Ten Challenge pits the Buckeyes against in-state rival Cincinnati for the first time since the 2003 season. The series is one of the oldest on record for Ohio State, dating back to 1891. Ohio State leads the all-time series, 64-20-2. Coach Bob Todd’s Buckeyes are 8-2 vs. UC and have won six consecutive games. During that streak, Ohio State has outscored UC, 82-22, including a 17-0 win in the last meeting (2003 season).
FIRST 21 GAMES IN FLORIDA
Nothing like a glass of fresh Florida orange juice to start a day and the Buckeyes will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the delicious beverage as the team will play its first 21 games in the “Sunshine State.” Trips will take the team to St. Petersburg, Jacksonville, Winter Haven, West Palm Beach and Miami. The Bucks open against Notre Dame and close vs. Miami.
ROAD WARRIORS
Ohio State will play its first 24 games on the road and 27 of its first 29 away from Bill Davis Stadium. The Buckeyes don’t play at home until March 31 (vs. Xavier). The team’s first two Big Ten weekends are on the road: at Penn State (March 27-29) and at Minnesota (April 3-5). Two of the three games vs. Minnesota will be played in the Metrodome.
BEAST OF A BIG EAST SCHEDULE
Ohio State plays seven games against BIG EAST teams this season, including six games against teams picked to finish in the top six of the league this year. Ohio State will play two games at preseason favorite to win the BIG EAST Louisville plus games against the Nos. 3, 5, 6 and 11 teams (Notre Dame, Cincinnati, Connecticut [two] and Pittsburgh, respectively).
7 + 6 = EXPERIENCE
Ohio State will open the season with an experienced bunch of players as seven position player starters and six pitchers with significant innings in 2008 are a part of 21 returning lettermen for 22nd year coach Bob Todd. The team will be seeking its 15th Big Ten Conference championship this season, the seventh under coach Bob Todd and the first since the 2001 season.
INFIELD IS INTACT
The entire starting infield from last season – C Dan Burkhart, 1B Justin Miller, 2B Cory Kovanda, 3B Cory Rupert and SS Tyler Engle – returns intact. Miller, a senior captain, and juniors Kovanda and Rupert have started for two years now and have 331 starts between them. Burkhart and Engle are sophomores.
JAKE, BEST & THE SOPHS
The pitching corps’ experience is headlined by senior RHP Jake Hale, who has made 26 starts among his 52 appearances, and junior LHP Eric Best (46 appearances with eight saves). Expect to see both of those players anchoring the bullpen this season.
A quartet of sophomores also return. All gained valuable playing time last season as either a starter (RHP Dean Wolosiansky and LHP Andrew Armstrong) or as a reliever (RHPs Alex Wimmers and Drew Rucinski). All four sophomores could end up in the starting rotation this season for the Buckeyes. Stay tuned.
ROAMING THE OUTFIELD
Three outfielders return who have combined for 161 starts: senior Michael Arp and juniors Zach Hurley and Ryan Dew. They’ll be joined by juco transfer Michael Stephens to give Ohio State a flexible unit and a competitive situation where the hot bats will be in the lineup.
MILLER REPEATS AS CAPTAIN
Justin Miller will captain the team this season and thus becomes only the 14th multi-season captain in OSU baseball history.
2009 SEASON NOTES ...
Ohio State’s roster includes three seniors, 11 juniors, 11 sophomores and eight freshmen ... Ohio State will play games against three teams that are ranked in the preseason by either Collegiate Baseball, Baseball America, PING! Baseball or NCBWA (Louisville, Miami (Fla.), Kent State) ... A new ticket booth has been built at Bill Davis Stadium, just outside the main concourse behind home plate ... A new outfield wall has been installed, too ... The outfield wall will include plaques for the retired jerseys of Marty Karow (13), Fred Taylor (27) and Steve Arlin (22) ... Big Ten series now consist of three nine-inning games instead of the four-game series that has been in place since 1981 ... For the first time since 1994, the Big Ten tournament will be played at a neutral site. In December 2008 the Big Ten elected to move the tournament and the choice was Columbus, Ohio’s new Huntington Park, the new home of the Columbus Clippers, the AAA affiliate of the Cleveland Indians.
A LOOK BACK AT 2008...
Ohio State is coming off a 30-26 season that included a 15-15 mark in the Big Ten Conference. The team extended its Big Ten record by advancing to the Big Ten tournament for a 12th consecutive year.
NEXT WEEK
The Buckeyes compete in the University of North Florida’s Kennel Club Classic, a seven-game, four-team tournament held at UNF’s Harmon Stadium. Competing teams include the host Osprey, Buckeyes, Connecticut and George Mason.
2009 Season Opener
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Seniors Arp, Hale, and Miller discuss the 2009 Buckeyes
Three Ohio State Buckeyes who know – seniors Michael Arp, Jake Hale and Justin Miller – stepped to the plate today to offer their assessments on the team’s prospects at the three key areas of the Ohio State baseball team: outfield play, infield play and pitching. A few hitting thoughts are mixed in, too.
Arp, a fifth-year senior from Reynoldsburg, Ohio and Reynoldsburg High School, has made 48 starts in the outfield and has played a total of 89 games for the Buckeyes. He has a career batting average of .314 and he has hit .354 vs. Big Ten Conference competition. He sizes up what we may see in the Ohio State outfield in 2009.
Hale is the team’s most experienced pitcher with 26 starts, 26 relief appearances and 52 total appearances. The Albany, Ohio native and Alexander High School graduate also leads the team in wins with 13, saves with 11 and with 203.2 innings pitched. He knows about Ohio State’s “arms” and he shares what he knows.
Miller is the hot-hitting senior first baseman from Dayton, Va., and Turner Ashby High School who has the skills to play first base, catcher and third base, although we’ll see him playing at first most of the time this season. A veteran of 148 starts and a career .348 hitter, Miller addresses an Ohio State infield that returns all five starters from last year and has a combined 427 starts.
The Buckeyes are currently in the midst of full team practice sessions in advance of their 2009 season-opening weekend Feb. 20-22 in St. Petersburg, Fla., at the BIG EAST-Big Ten Challenge. The Buckeyes will meet Notre Dame, Connecticut and Cincinnati in that first weekend of play.
Hale on this years pitching staff
Arp discussing his outfield teammates
Miller's take on the 2009 infield
Courtsey Ohiostatebuckeyes.com
Arp, a fifth-year senior from Reynoldsburg, Ohio and Reynoldsburg High School, has made 48 starts in the outfield and has played a total of 89 games for the Buckeyes. He has a career batting average of .314 and he has hit .354 vs. Big Ten Conference competition. He sizes up what we may see in the Ohio State outfield in 2009.
Hale is the team’s most experienced pitcher with 26 starts, 26 relief appearances and 52 total appearances. The Albany, Ohio native and Alexander High School graduate also leads the team in wins with 13, saves with 11 and with 203.2 innings pitched. He knows about Ohio State’s “arms” and he shares what he knows.
Miller is the hot-hitting senior first baseman from Dayton, Va., and Turner Ashby High School who has the skills to play first base, catcher and third base, although we’ll see him playing at first most of the time this season. A veteran of 148 starts and a career .348 hitter, Miller addresses an Ohio State infield that returns all five starters from last year and has a combined 427 starts.
The Buckeyes are currently in the midst of full team practice sessions in advance of their 2009 season-opening weekend Feb. 20-22 in St. Petersburg, Fla., at the BIG EAST-Big Ten Challenge. The Buckeyes will meet Notre Dame, Connecticut and Cincinnati in that first weekend of play.
Hale on this years pitching staff
Arp discussing his outfield teammates
Miller's take on the 2009 infield
Courtsey Ohiostatebuckeyes.com
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Follow the Buckeyes on Radio, TV, Internet
Beginning March 27 with the opening of Big Ten Conference play, all of the remaining Ohio State’s baseball games will be broadcast live via over-the-air commercial radio signal or on the Internet. Columbus’ 103.9 WTDA Talk FM will carry 24 games live this season, plus the Big Ten tournament, in addition to all games being available on the internet at OhioStateBuckeyes.com. Listen in as veteran Buckeye announcers Frank Fraas and Marty Bannister, along with former players Brian Mannino and Bob Spears, describe all the excitement of 2009 Buckeye baseball.
Big Ten Network Televised Games
The Big Ten Network has released its 2009 schedule of games and the Buckeyes will be featured five times on the network: the April 18 and April 19 games at Purdue (with noon start times) and all three games of the Ohio State/Michigan series from Bill Davis Stadium May 1-3 (7 p.m. start Friday with 1 p.m. starts both Saturday and Sunday).
In addition, the Big Ten Network will broadcast the entire Big Ten Tournament from Huntington Park, in Columbus, Ohio.
The Bob Todd Radio Show
The Bob Todd Radio Show will air weekly on WBNS-AM 1460. The show will be hosted by Skip Mosic. Media and fans wishing to participate on the call can dial (614) 821-1460 to ask a question or send an email to skip.mosic@radiohio.com. The 2009 air dates for the Bob Todd Radio Show are as follows:
Monday March 16.....8 p.m.
Monday March 23.....8 p.m.
Monday March 30.....7 p.m.
Tuesday April 7.....7 p.m.
Tuesday April 14....7 p.m.
Monday April 20.....7 p.m.
Thursday April 30...7 p.m.
Tuesday May 5.......7 p.m.
Wednesday May 13....7 p.m.
Tuesday May 20......7 p.m.
Streaming Video at OhioStateBuckeyes.com
All Ohio State home games – with the three games vs. Michigan that will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network as the only exception – will be video streamed live online at OhioStateBuckeyes.com. The games, with both video and audio, will be carried by Buckeye Vision, a subscription-based package available on the official web site of Ohio State athletics. For more information, or to subscribe go to Buckeye Vision under the Multimedia link in the upper-right hand corner of the OhioStateBuckeyes.com homepage.
Live Stats at OhioStateBuckeyes.com
Track every hit and play of every game this baseball season through Live Stats, available on OhioStateBuckeyes.com. Click on the Live Stats link on the main home page in the upper right hand corner or through the baseball schedule page to access.
The Ohio State baseball team will open its season Feb. 20 against Notre Dame at the BIG EAST-Big Ten Challenge in St. Petersburg, Fla.
Click on the attached pdf for the complete Ohio State baseball “broadcasts” schedule with up-to-date game times, broadcast information and stadium location (for the spring trip games).
Following the 2009 Baseball Buckeyes
Big Ten Network Televised Games
The Big Ten Network has released its 2009 schedule of games and the Buckeyes will be featured five times on the network: the April 18 and April 19 games at Purdue (with noon start times) and all three games of the Ohio State/Michigan series from Bill Davis Stadium May 1-3 (7 p.m. start Friday with 1 p.m. starts both Saturday and Sunday).
In addition, the Big Ten Network will broadcast the entire Big Ten Tournament from Huntington Park, in Columbus, Ohio.
The Bob Todd Radio Show
The Bob Todd Radio Show will air weekly on WBNS-AM 1460. The show will be hosted by Skip Mosic. Media and fans wishing to participate on the call can dial (614) 821-1460 to ask a question or send an email to skip.mosic@radiohio.com. The 2009 air dates for the Bob Todd Radio Show are as follows:
Monday March 16.....8 p.m.
Monday March 23.....8 p.m.
Monday March 30.....7 p.m.
Tuesday April 7.....7 p.m.
Tuesday April 14....7 p.m.
Monday April 20.....7 p.m.
Thursday April 30...7 p.m.
Tuesday May 5.......7 p.m.
Wednesday May 13....7 p.m.
Tuesday May 20......7 p.m.
Streaming Video at OhioStateBuckeyes.com
All Ohio State home games – with the three games vs. Michigan that will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network as the only exception – will be video streamed live online at OhioStateBuckeyes.com. The games, with both video and audio, will be carried by Buckeye Vision, a subscription-based package available on the official web site of Ohio State athletics. For more information, or to subscribe go to Buckeye Vision under the Multimedia link in the upper-right hand corner of the OhioStateBuckeyes.com homepage.
Live Stats at OhioStateBuckeyes.com
Track every hit and play of every game this baseball season through Live Stats, available on OhioStateBuckeyes.com. Click on the Live Stats link on the main home page in the upper right hand corner or through the baseball schedule page to access.
The Ohio State baseball team will open its season Feb. 20 against Notre Dame at the BIG EAST-Big Ten Challenge in St. Petersburg, Fla.
Click on the attached pdf for the complete Ohio State baseball “broadcasts” schedule with up-to-date game times, broadcast information and stadium location (for the spring trip games).
Following the 2009 Baseball Buckeyes
Monday, February 9, 2009
2009 Season Preview Part I: Outfield
In kicking off The Buckeye Nine's preview of the 2009 season, we take a closer look at the corp composing the outfield. How the outfield shakes out will be one of the more interesting decisions Coach Todd has to make in filling out his line-up game by game. With a mixture of veterans, youth, newcomers, and unknowns there is a chance many different combinations will be used to fill out the line-up.
For the second time in as many seasons, Coach Todd will be searching for a centerfielder to anchor the outfield. Former Buckeye J.B. Shuck followed Matt Angle as Ohio State CF's to be drafted and leave following their Junior seasons. Angle selected during the 2007 draft in the 7th round by the Baltimore Orioles, and Shuck in the '08 draft in the 6th round by the Houston Astros, have left big shoes to fill to the next CF who patrols Bill Davis Stadium. Combining outstanding speed and glovework in the field, and a consistent bat as a lefty, Angle and Shuck have left their marks on Ohio State baseball, the next in line might not be too far off.
Springboro, Ohio native, Junior Zach Hurley is most likely to take over CF duties for the 2009 season. A career .281 hitting in his time at Ohio State, Hurley has seen action in 71 games over the last two seasons, starting in 42. With the need to replace Angle and former Ohio State standout Jacob Howell in the outfield, Coach Todd turned to Hurley quiet often last season selecting him to start 35 times. His most prominent role was being the teams centerfielder when Shuck was making the move from outfielder to pitcher Sunday afternoon's.
The 42 games Hurley played in, showed the depth and luxury Ohio State had when their 4th outfielder produced the way Hurley did. Hitting at a .302 mark (42-139), Hurley posted an on-base percentage of .373 in the process of drawing 17 walks, and slugged .410 which was 4th best on the team. With 8 doubles, 2 triples, and 1 four-bagger, Hurley collected 11 extra-base hits, also 4th best, even though 8 Buckeyes stepped to the plate more often, making Hurley's number more impressive.
Hurley's impressive 2008 campaign did not stop with the conclusion of the Ohio State baseball season. Playing for the Cincinnati Steam of the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League, Hurley put together an impressive summer that opened the eyes of many scouts. Leading the league in batting with a .433 average to go along with 30 RBI and 3 Home Runs in the wooden bat league, Hurley was named the GLSCL’s Player of the Year and its No. 1 pro prospect, Baseball America listed Hurley as the league’s third-best pro prospect. Perfect Game Crosschecker recognized Hurley as a potential high round draft pick, by putting together the 19th best season in the summer of 2008 of all collegiate players. Camdendepot.com ranks Hurley as the 16th best outfield amongst 2009 draft eligible players.
The more Hurley is on the field, the fewer question marks and cons in his game there are. There is a slight red-flag as Hurley is coming off of surgery that limited his role in fall practices, but Hurley is expected to be 100% and ready to go at seasons open. For Hurley to become a complete player, becoming more aggressive after getting on base and utilizing his speed will be huge. Hurley shows he does posses above average speed when roaming in the outfield, yet last season only saw him attempt 7 steals, being successful in 5. Hurley has good plate discipline with a 1:1 BB:K ration at 17 a piece, he does have a tendency to chase the high out of zone pitches, compacting his personal strike zone as he did over the summer will lead to better contact, more walks, and more production. Hurley will look to continue his progression as a player and become an anchor in Ohio State's outfield.
Another Junior that has already become an anchor in Ohio State's outfield, being the starter for the majority of the last two seasons in rightfield, is Ryan Dew. Dew a Central Ohio native, hails from Worthington, is a Kilbourne Wolves product along with teammate Cory Kovanda. Making the short move from the northwest part of the city to Campus has been as easy and quick rewarding transition for Dew. Since starting as a Freshman, Dew has already played in 97 games for Ohio State, starting in 71, and currently boasts a career average of .265 (70-264) with 4 HR, and 45 RBI.
Posting near identical numbers from his freshman year that saw him hit .269 (35-130), Dew hit .261 for Coach Todd in '08, going 35-for-134 at the plate. The batting for average did take a slight hit, but Dew saw an increase in power as he hit 3 HR's compared to 1 the season before, including the game-winning shot in game 1 of the Michigan State series in the 10th inning. Dew's wasn't the only one to gain from an increase in power as his RBI production increased from 18 to 27 and his 12 extra-base hits were 3rd on the team.
Improving on power while maintaining patience isn't also a task that goes over smooth for most players. Dew shows he is an expection. Showing outstanding plate discipline as a Freshman, striking out only 8 times, Dew improved on the mark, limiting his strikeouts to just 7 for the entire season. His 7 strikeouts in 134 AB's, made Dew the 21st toughets player to strike out in all of Division I baseball, striking out only once every 19.1 AB.
Displaying plate discipline is not Dew's only strong spot. Though he checks in at 6'1 and 220 pounds, Dew is an above average fielder, with solid range, outstanding ball recognition off the bat, and a good arm. There isn't too much about Dew's defensive abilities that will draw a "wow", but if you take a closer look, Dew shows he can play a solid corner outfield and is the definition of consistent. In 54 chances, Dew committed 0 errors and had an outfield assist. For his career Dew has committed just 1 error for a .990 fielding percentage in 104 chances.
With patience at the plate, solid fielding, and the potential for power, expect Dew to again be in competition to receive the majority of playing time at rightfield. Dew has been consistent in every phase over his two years both in the box and in the field, it would not be a surprise to have Dew hit .275, knock 6 HR's, drive in 30, play good defense and be in the line-up. With his frame and quick bat Dew could reach double-digits in HR's for the Bucks. A lot of it will depend on adjustments made to his swing if any are made.
With outstanding pitch recognition and taking very few risks on balls out of the zone, Dew has a great understanding of the strike zone. Where Dew gets into trouble is during his swing. When there is a pitch in his wheelhouse, the lefty relies too much on his upper-body strength, forcing his wrists and hands to get too out in front resulting in a pop up. Ideally in his swing Dew would take just a bit more of a stride after loading his back leg and letting more of his hips generate power, keeping his wrists and bat a tad behind and not providing a significant uppercut. I personally feel after two years in the program Dew will break out and have a great Junior season becoming a power bat that scares opponents.
Though Dew and Hurley provide plenty of experience, none on the team have been around Bill Davis and will be able to pass along knowledge as much as 5th year Senior Michael Arp. Though he was red-shirted in 2005, as one of just three Seniors on the team, Arp is the only Buckeye to know what it takes to reach the NCAA tournament two times. A feat the Buckeyes would like to see become a reality this season. A career .314 hitter in 89 games, Arp is looking to become a full-time player and have an outstanding season to cap his time in Columbus.
Reaching the big stage isn't something Arp has gained just by tagging a long. Being a key contributor and producing in clutch situations has become a staple of Arp's time in Columbus. Arp providing the game-winning two-run double in the 2007 Big Ten Championship game versus Minnesota. The hit lead Ohio State to become the first 6th seed in Big Ten Tournament history to win the title, and proceeded to lead the Bucks to receiving an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament, competing in the College Station Regional.
For some one hit in a clutch situation becomes the only moment that signifies their career, see Michigan's Alan Oaks HR off Vanderbilt's and #1 draft pick David Price, and they slide back into the shadows and become an unknown once again. Not Arp. Riding the momentum of such a clutch hit, Arp showed in 2008 that his big hit wasn't a fluke.
In seeing action in 34 games, starting 22 amongst leftfield, rightfield, and DH, Arp hit a robust .367 (29-79), slugged .443, posted a a team best .442 on-base percentage, drove in 15 and hit his first career HR. When you think the numbers couldn't be more impressive Arp shows he knows when to produce when needed. in 18 Big Ten games, Arp batted .418 (18-43) with 7 RBIs to improve to a .354 (34-96) career hitter in conference play. Going 4-for-7 throughout the season as a pinch-hitter Coach Todd knows Arp's value in the field, or coming off the bench in a late game situation.
Arp has shown in his 3 seasons that his bat in ready and capable of being an everyday player. Coming into college as an infielder before converting to the outfield, defense at times does get a bit tricky for Arp, but there is not a harder working player on the team, and throughout his career Arp has improved and is nothing short of a solid outfielder defensively. With underrated speed, Arp can still a base here and there as he was 3-for-3 last season in stolen base attempts. Arp plays with emotion and passion, and if he does not end up in the outfield, expect Arp to make a strong case for being the team's DH. A player with Arp's bat, experience, and energy is something this line-up will only benefit from.
Between Arp, Dew, and Hurley, 257 games have been played. The last Buckeye expected to compete for a spot in the outfield has played in a total of 0 games in Scarlet and Gray. JUCO transfer Michael Stephens is 2008 junior college All-American, where he played the first two seasons of his career at Fullerton College in California. The coaching staff logged quite a few miles in bring Stephens to campus, but by all sign, it shows to hav been a great move.
In 2008 hit .435 with 72 hits. Knocked in 51 RBI, and had 5 HR's and 17 doubles last season as a sophomore. As a Hornet, Stephens finished 8th in the California Community College Athletic Association with his average, slugged .639, reached base in more than half of his plate appearances, posting a .510 on-base percentage, and stole 9 of 12 bases in 44 games.
The cross country flight, and change in climate didn't cool Stephens' hot bat. After arriving in Columbus and having a good fall practice, Stephens lead the Buckeyes in hitting during the Scarlet and Gray series, going 6-for-8 with 3 doubles, and three RBI. If his fall performance was any indication that he can hit and produce on a Division I level, Stephens will surely be forcing his way into the line-up one way or another.
As many know in sports, nothing is certain, and never assume anything is set in stone. Though those four players are expected to compete and comprise the outfield, three other Buckeyes on the roster are not going down without a fight.
Junior Chris Griffin has the most experience of the remaining outfielders as 2009 will be Griffin's fourth season in the program. Hailing from Pickerington the red-shirt Junior has had playing time in 5 games over the previous two seasons. Though he is 1-for-5 in his career, don't sneeze at the one hit. Last season in a pressure situation, Griffin came to bat against Eastern Michigan with the bases loaded as the Buckeyes were tied at 12-12 in the 7th. Griffin's first career hit, a RBI single ended up being the game winner as the Bucks won 15-12. Griffin in limited playing time has displayed above average speed and a good glove.
Another Buckeye that has been in the program eager to make his mark and obtain playing time is Brad Brookbank. A high school teammate of pitcher Taylor Barnes, Brookbank comes from Cincinnati St. Xavier, a school rich in baseball history. Brookbank played centerfield in the 2008 Scarlet and Gray Series going 1-for-5 with an RBI, and 2 runs scored over 2 games.
The last Buckeye to be a part of the outfield corp is true Freshman Joe Ciamacco. The 4th Central Ohio native of the outfielders, Ciamacco went to Hilliard Davidison High School. In his senior season the former Wildcat hit .395 with 7 doubles, and 2 triples to go along wit 30 runs, and 21 RBIs. Ciamacco was a force on the basepaths as he stole 33 bases. Ciamacco had a productive Scarlet and Gray Series with 3 hits in 5 AB's knocking in 2 runs.
Overall the outfield is not as deep as year before. Though Stephens does appear to be more than capable of handling the duty, only three Buckeyes have made starts in the outfield for Coach Todd. Defensively, the outfield is slight above average. The lack of overall speed is made up for by great awareness and field presence. Though Hurley did show a flash of brilliance with an over the shoulder on the run catch last year in game 4 versus Penn State, there won't be a ton of highlight making grabs. There will however be plenty of routine plays made routinely, very few errors, players in the correct plays and plenty of energy. Centerfield has been blessed to be anchored by players the Angle and Shuck who use their speed to cover ground unlike any other Big Ten centefielder. It will be a tough task for Hurley to step in and replicate their abilities, but smart play and enough speed will get the job done. Stephens, Dew, Arp will hold down the corners with no problem.
At the plate, this season has the potential to be one of the more powerful group of outfielders to pass through Bill Davis in sometime. Hurley is riding a wave of momentum that can see him become a very high draft pick. If he can produce with an aluminum bat the way he did over the summer with a wooden, pencil him in as all-Big Ten right now. Stephens will be out to show his staggering JUCO numbers can stand up in Big Ten play. Dew brings plenty of power potential, and a plate patience and discipline not many around have, if the balls he puts into ball can find a few holes here and there, a monster season is in store. Arp will be Arp. A bat off the bench if needed, but a true high average consistent hitter if inserted into the line-up daily. Outside of Stephens, it will be a stretch to see a 15+ base stealer here. Unlike years past however, small ball might not be needed. Quite a few extra base hits can come from this group.
Overall the group is solid in every facet of the game. Defensively the outfield is ahead of the infield, at bat a tad behind. Speed is the only concern here, but the other tools are all there, and this will be the most consistent core of players for Coach Todd in 2009.
For the second time in as many seasons, Coach Todd will be searching for a centerfielder to anchor the outfield. Former Buckeye J.B. Shuck followed Matt Angle as Ohio State CF's to be drafted and leave following their Junior seasons. Angle selected during the 2007 draft in the 7th round by the Baltimore Orioles, and Shuck in the '08 draft in the 6th round by the Houston Astros, have left big shoes to fill to the next CF who patrols Bill Davis Stadium. Combining outstanding speed and glovework in the field, and a consistent bat as a lefty, Angle and Shuck have left their marks on Ohio State baseball, the next in line might not be too far off.
Springboro, Ohio native, Junior Zach Hurley is most likely to take over CF duties for the 2009 season. A career .281 hitting in his time at Ohio State, Hurley has seen action in 71 games over the last two seasons, starting in 42. With the need to replace Angle and former Ohio State standout Jacob Howell in the outfield, Coach Todd turned to Hurley quiet often last season selecting him to start 35 times. His most prominent role was being the teams centerfielder when Shuck was making the move from outfielder to pitcher Sunday afternoon's.
The 42 games Hurley played in, showed the depth and luxury Ohio State had when their 4th outfielder produced the way Hurley did. Hitting at a .302 mark (42-139), Hurley posted an on-base percentage of .373 in the process of drawing 17 walks, and slugged .410 which was 4th best on the team. With 8 doubles, 2 triples, and 1 four-bagger, Hurley collected 11 extra-base hits, also 4th best, even though 8 Buckeyes stepped to the plate more often, making Hurley's number more impressive.
Hurley's impressive 2008 campaign did not stop with the conclusion of the Ohio State baseball season. Playing for the Cincinnati Steam of the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League, Hurley put together an impressive summer that opened the eyes of many scouts. Leading the league in batting with a .433 average to go along with 30 RBI and 3 Home Runs in the wooden bat league, Hurley was named the GLSCL’s Player of the Year and its No. 1 pro prospect, Baseball America listed Hurley as the league’s third-best pro prospect. Perfect Game Crosschecker recognized Hurley as a potential high round draft pick, by putting together the 19th best season in the summer of 2008 of all collegiate players. Camdendepot.com ranks Hurley as the 16th best outfield amongst 2009 draft eligible players.
The more Hurley is on the field, the fewer question marks and cons in his game there are. There is a slight red-flag as Hurley is coming off of surgery that limited his role in fall practices, but Hurley is expected to be 100% and ready to go at seasons open. For Hurley to become a complete player, becoming more aggressive after getting on base and utilizing his speed will be huge. Hurley shows he does posses above average speed when roaming in the outfield, yet last season only saw him attempt 7 steals, being successful in 5. Hurley has good plate discipline with a 1:1 BB:K ration at 17 a piece, he does have a tendency to chase the high out of zone pitches, compacting his personal strike zone as he did over the summer will lead to better contact, more walks, and more production. Hurley will look to continue his progression as a player and become an anchor in Ohio State's outfield.
Another Junior that has already become an anchor in Ohio State's outfield, being the starter for the majority of the last two seasons in rightfield, is Ryan Dew. Dew a Central Ohio native, hails from Worthington, is a Kilbourne Wolves product along with teammate Cory Kovanda. Making the short move from the northwest part of the city to Campus has been as easy and quick rewarding transition for Dew. Since starting as a Freshman, Dew has already played in 97 games for Ohio State, starting in 71, and currently boasts a career average of .265 (70-264) with 4 HR, and 45 RBI.
Posting near identical numbers from his freshman year that saw him hit .269 (35-130), Dew hit .261 for Coach Todd in '08, going 35-for-134 at the plate. The batting for average did take a slight hit, but Dew saw an increase in power as he hit 3 HR's compared to 1 the season before, including the game-winning shot in game 1 of the Michigan State series in the 10th inning. Dew's wasn't the only one to gain from an increase in power as his RBI production increased from 18 to 27 and his 12 extra-base hits were 3rd on the team.
Improving on power while maintaining patience isn't also a task that goes over smooth for most players. Dew shows he is an expection. Showing outstanding plate discipline as a Freshman, striking out only 8 times, Dew improved on the mark, limiting his strikeouts to just 7 for the entire season. His 7 strikeouts in 134 AB's, made Dew the 21st toughets player to strike out in all of Division I baseball, striking out only once every 19.1 AB.
Displaying plate discipline is not Dew's only strong spot. Though he checks in at 6'1 and 220 pounds, Dew is an above average fielder, with solid range, outstanding ball recognition off the bat, and a good arm. There isn't too much about Dew's defensive abilities that will draw a "wow", but if you take a closer look, Dew shows he can play a solid corner outfield and is the definition of consistent. In 54 chances, Dew committed 0 errors and had an outfield assist. For his career Dew has committed just 1 error for a .990 fielding percentage in 104 chances.
With patience at the plate, solid fielding, and the potential for power, expect Dew to again be in competition to receive the majority of playing time at rightfield. Dew has been consistent in every phase over his two years both in the box and in the field, it would not be a surprise to have Dew hit .275, knock 6 HR's, drive in 30, play good defense and be in the line-up. With his frame and quick bat Dew could reach double-digits in HR's for the Bucks. A lot of it will depend on adjustments made to his swing if any are made.
With outstanding pitch recognition and taking very few risks on balls out of the zone, Dew has a great understanding of the strike zone. Where Dew gets into trouble is during his swing. When there is a pitch in his wheelhouse, the lefty relies too much on his upper-body strength, forcing his wrists and hands to get too out in front resulting in a pop up. Ideally in his swing Dew would take just a bit more of a stride after loading his back leg and letting more of his hips generate power, keeping his wrists and bat a tad behind and not providing a significant uppercut. I personally feel after two years in the program Dew will break out and have a great Junior season becoming a power bat that scares opponents.
Though Dew and Hurley provide plenty of experience, none on the team have been around Bill Davis and will be able to pass along knowledge as much as 5th year Senior Michael Arp. Though he was red-shirted in 2005, as one of just three Seniors on the team, Arp is the only Buckeye to know what it takes to reach the NCAA tournament two times. A feat the Buckeyes would like to see become a reality this season. A career .314 hitter in 89 games, Arp is looking to become a full-time player and have an outstanding season to cap his time in Columbus.
Reaching the big stage isn't something Arp has gained just by tagging a long. Being a key contributor and producing in clutch situations has become a staple of Arp's time in Columbus. Arp providing the game-winning two-run double in the 2007 Big Ten Championship game versus Minnesota. The hit lead Ohio State to become the first 6th seed in Big Ten Tournament history to win the title, and proceeded to lead the Bucks to receiving an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament, competing in the College Station Regional.
For some one hit in a clutch situation becomes the only moment that signifies their career, see Michigan's Alan Oaks HR off Vanderbilt's and #1 draft pick David Price, and they slide back into the shadows and become an unknown once again. Not Arp. Riding the momentum of such a clutch hit, Arp showed in 2008 that his big hit wasn't a fluke.
In seeing action in 34 games, starting 22 amongst leftfield, rightfield, and DH, Arp hit a robust .367 (29-79), slugged .443, posted a a team best .442 on-base percentage, drove in 15 and hit his first career HR. When you think the numbers couldn't be more impressive Arp shows he knows when to produce when needed. in 18 Big Ten games, Arp batted .418 (18-43) with 7 RBIs to improve to a .354 (34-96) career hitter in conference play. Going 4-for-7 throughout the season as a pinch-hitter Coach Todd knows Arp's value in the field, or coming off the bench in a late game situation.
Arp has shown in his 3 seasons that his bat in ready and capable of being an everyday player. Coming into college as an infielder before converting to the outfield, defense at times does get a bit tricky for Arp, but there is not a harder working player on the team, and throughout his career Arp has improved and is nothing short of a solid outfielder defensively. With underrated speed, Arp can still a base here and there as he was 3-for-3 last season in stolen base attempts. Arp plays with emotion and passion, and if he does not end up in the outfield, expect Arp to make a strong case for being the team's DH. A player with Arp's bat, experience, and energy is something this line-up will only benefit from.
Between Arp, Dew, and Hurley, 257 games have been played. The last Buckeye expected to compete for a spot in the outfield has played in a total of 0 games in Scarlet and Gray. JUCO transfer Michael Stephens is 2008 junior college All-American, where he played the first two seasons of his career at Fullerton College in California. The coaching staff logged quite a few miles in bring Stephens to campus, but by all sign, it shows to hav been a great move.
In 2008 hit .435 with 72 hits. Knocked in 51 RBI, and had 5 HR's and 17 doubles last season as a sophomore. As a Hornet, Stephens finished 8th in the California Community College Athletic Association with his average, slugged .639, reached base in more than half of his plate appearances, posting a .510 on-base percentage, and stole 9 of 12 bases in 44 games.
The cross country flight, and change in climate didn't cool Stephens' hot bat. After arriving in Columbus and having a good fall practice, Stephens lead the Buckeyes in hitting during the Scarlet and Gray series, going 6-for-8 with 3 doubles, and three RBI. If his fall performance was any indication that he can hit and produce on a Division I level, Stephens will surely be forcing his way into the line-up one way or another.
As many know in sports, nothing is certain, and never assume anything is set in stone. Though those four players are expected to compete and comprise the outfield, three other Buckeyes on the roster are not going down without a fight.
Junior Chris Griffin has the most experience of the remaining outfielders as 2009 will be Griffin's fourth season in the program. Hailing from Pickerington the red-shirt Junior has had playing time in 5 games over the previous two seasons. Though he is 1-for-5 in his career, don't sneeze at the one hit. Last season in a pressure situation, Griffin came to bat against Eastern Michigan with the bases loaded as the Buckeyes were tied at 12-12 in the 7th. Griffin's first career hit, a RBI single ended up being the game winner as the Bucks won 15-12. Griffin in limited playing time has displayed above average speed and a good glove.
Another Buckeye that has been in the program eager to make his mark and obtain playing time is Brad Brookbank. A high school teammate of pitcher Taylor Barnes, Brookbank comes from Cincinnati St. Xavier, a school rich in baseball history. Brookbank played centerfield in the 2008 Scarlet and Gray Series going 1-for-5 with an RBI, and 2 runs scored over 2 games.
The last Buckeye to be a part of the outfield corp is true Freshman Joe Ciamacco. The 4th Central Ohio native of the outfielders, Ciamacco went to Hilliard Davidison High School. In his senior season the former Wildcat hit .395 with 7 doubles, and 2 triples to go along wit 30 runs, and 21 RBIs. Ciamacco was a force on the basepaths as he stole 33 bases. Ciamacco had a productive Scarlet and Gray Series with 3 hits in 5 AB's knocking in 2 runs.
Overall the outfield is not as deep as year before. Though Stephens does appear to be more than capable of handling the duty, only three Buckeyes have made starts in the outfield for Coach Todd. Defensively, the outfield is slight above average. The lack of overall speed is made up for by great awareness and field presence. Though Hurley did show a flash of brilliance with an over the shoulder on the run catch last year in game 4 versus Penn State, there won't be a ton of highlight making grabs. There will however be plenty of routine plays made routinely, very few errors, players in the correct plays and plenty of energy. Centerfield has been blessed to be anchored by players the Angle and Shuck who use their speed to cover ground unlike any other Big Ten centefielder. It will be a tough task for Hurley to step in and replicate their abilities, but smart play and enough speed will get the job done. Stephens, Dew, Arp will hold down the corners with no problem.
At the plate, this season has the potential to be one of the more powerful group of outfielders to pass through Bill Davis in sometime. Hurley is riding a wave of momentum that can see him become a very high draft pick. If he can produce with an aluminum bat the way he did over the summer with a wooden, pencil him in as all-Big Ten right now. Stephens will be out to show his staggering JUCO numbers can stand up in Big Ten play. Dew brings plenty of power potential, and a plate patience and discipline not many around have, if the balls he puts into ball can find a few holes here and there, a monster season is in store. Arp will be Arp. A bat off the bench if needed, but a true high average consistent hitter if inserted into the line-up daily. Outside of Stephens, it will be a stretch to see a 15+ base stealer here. Unlike years past however, small ball might not be needed. Quite a few extra base hits can come from this group.
Overall the group is solid in every facet of the game. Defensively the outfield is ahead of the infield, at bat a tad behind. Speed is the only concern here, but the other tools are all there, and this will be the most consistent core of players for Coach Todd in 2009.
The Buckeye Nine Heads into the 2009 Season
With Central Ohio being treated with weather above 50 degrees and sunshine in the air, I'm sure many are feeling the desire to head over to Bill Davis and catch a game. Unfortunately we're still a month and half away from the home opener, but the college baseball season does start in just 12 days with our Buckeyes taking on Notre Dame in the opening game to the Big East/Big Ten Challenge. The anticipation is building, optimism is spilling from the clubhouse into the minds of fans, and dreams of NCAA's are being made.
Over the next two weeks The Buckeye Nine will be providing an in-depth preview of the 2009 Ohio State season. With position by position breakdowns, scouting non-conference opponents, a Big Ten preview, and interviews stretching from players to national media members, The Buckeye Nine will be your place to get your Ohio State baseball fix.
This week The Buckeye Nine will be looking at the 2009 Bucks position by position. Today you will get a closer look at the group of players patrolling the outfield this season. Tomorrow middle infielders and catcher will be previewed. Wednesday corner infielders, and potention canidates for the DH role. Thursday the players more than likely that will be making up the weekend rotation. Friday midweek starters, relief, and closer.
By the time Saturday comes, we will be less than 1 week away from the start of the '09 season. To get a feel on how successful the Bucks may or may not be, we will begin to breakdown the schedule and take a glance at opponents that will be traveling to Bill Davis, or be seen in Florida.
Starting Sunday, as the first week of the season is here, The Buckeye Nine will try to mix a closer look inside with program with player Q&A's throughout the week, a national perspective with a Q&A's from guest who cover college baseball nationally, as well as a Big Ten preview. Next week will provide three unique prisms to view Ohio State baseball, providing the best "State of the Program" as possible.
As always The Buckeye Nine is here to provide coverage, knowledge, and a forum for Ohio State baseball to be shared. I hope that during the 2009 season The Buckeye Nine can provide all of the needs in following our Bucks, and as always we are appreciative of everyone who takes the time to stop by and read. Feedback and ideas to help supplement covering the team is more than welcomed and encouraged.
Over the next two weeks The Buckeye Nine will be providing an in-depth preview of the 2009 Ohio State season. With position by position breakdowns, scouting non-conference opponents, a Big Ten preview, and interviews stretching from players to national media members, The Buckeye Nine will be your place to get your Ohio State baseball fix.
This week The Buckeye Nine will be looking at the 2009 Bucks position by position. Today you will get a closer look at the group of players patrolling the outfield this season. Tomorrow middle infielders and catcher will be previewed. Wednesday corner infielders, and potention canidates for the DH role. Thursday the players more than likely that will be making up the weekend rotation. Friday midweek starters, relief, and closer.
By the time Saturday comes, we will be less than 1 week away from the start of the '09 season. To get a feel on how successful the Bucks may or may not be, we will begin to breakdown the schedule and take a glance at opponents that will be traveling to Bill Davis, or be seen in Florida.
Starting Sunday, as the first week of the season is here, The Buckeye Nine will try to mix a closer look inside with program with player Q&A's throughout the week, a national perspective with a Q&A's from guest who cover college baseball nationally, as well as a Big Ten preview. Next week will provide three unique prisms to view Ohio State baseball, providing the best "State of the Program" as possible.
As always The Buckeye Nine is here to provide coverage, knowledge, and a forum for Ohio State baseball to be shared. I hope that during the 2009 season The Buckeye Nine can provide all of the needs in following our Bucks, and as always we are appreciative of everyone who takes the time to stop by and read. Feedback and ideas to help supplement covering the team is more than welcomed and encouraged.
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