By Kendall Rogers
Yahoo Sports
Just over a year after college baseball implemented a uniform start date and condensed schedule, change once again struck the sport Thursday afternoon.
The NCAA Board of Directors voted not to reduce the baseball season from 56 to 52 games. They did, however, approve a measure that adds a week to the start of the regular season, making it 14 weeks instead of the current 13.
The new schedule will go into effect in spring 2010.
Opponents of the measure proposed the NCAA add the extra week at the back of the schedule. The NCAA, however, said that wasn’t possible.
“We wanted to add the week on the front end of the schedule because that’s what our programs are familiar with from the earlier days,” NCAA Division I Vice President David Berst said. “If we had moved the week to the back end of the season, that would’ve made too much of an impact on our championships schedules.”
Though coaches such as Texas A&M’s Rob Childress and LSU’s Paul Mainieri were in favor of adding a week to either end, Michigan’s Rich Maloney was staunchly opposed to the change and wanted the week added to the end of the season. Maloney points to potential financial hardships as a reason for his opposition.
“It will enhance the financial burden that we already to go through, because now we have to add another week to the schedule, likely on the road,” Maloney said. “Adding the week to the start of the season just shoots down the original intent of the uniform start date for our sport.”
What are your initial thoughts? For the move or against the move? Clearly it lightens the load on midweek games, and overall pitching depth, which we could use this season, but it does force the Bucks to spend even more time on the road as Michigan's Rick Maloney points out. Not many people are against the universal start date persay, just the fact it compresses the schedule. Do you think, if they were to add a week, it should be done at the end of the year?
Thursday, April 30, 2009
The Lantern: Burkhart blast Bucks past Zips
Nathan Schlabach
Issue date: 4/30/09
It took one inning for the Buckeyes to take a commanding 5-2 lead on Akron, a lead they would never relinquish.
The big inning of the game came in the bottom of the third inning when two men were out. The Buckeyes put five on the board on five hits.
The big hit came off the bat of catcher Dan Burkhart, who hit a three-run bomb to right center, which just cleared the outfield fence and the outstretched arm of the right fielder.
Burkhart had one hit and three RBIs Wednesday night.
He also had a stellar night behind the plate, blocking the plate and preventing runners from moving up bases all night.
The DH Michael Stephens also had a big day offensively with two hits and three RBIs in four at bats.
"I'm starting to click a little bit I mean I am starting to see pitches up and hammering them," Stephens said. "[I'm] just doing my job and trying to get the RBIs in."
Stephens and Burkhart accounted for six of the seven OSU runs.
The Bucks used a combination of five pitchers to hold Akron with three runs and nine hits.
Jake Hale came in for the ninth and the Stomper of the Year candidate secured the three outs.
Armstrong returns
OSU pitcher Andrew Armstrong returned from a month-long injury that he suffered on March 29 against Penn State.
He started the game and pitched three innings, allowing two runs and four hits. He is now 2-1 for the season with a 5.18 ERA.
"I felt a lot better than I have," Armstrong said. "I'm just working everyday to get back to where I need to be in order to help this team."
Defense
The Buckeye defense showed up on Wednesday with a couple diving catches and some good plays. It was a better performance than previous Wednesday games.
"It's one of the things we've worked on. We've emphasized the defense all season," coach Bob Todd said. "As long as were handling the baseball out there, it's taking a lot of pressure off our pitching staff."
The Buckeyes are ranked fifth in team fielding with a .965 fielding percentage.
Game notes
This marked the 30th matchup between these teams, a series that started in 1980. It was also a matchup of mentor against assistant, as Akron's coach Pat Bangtson was once an assistant under OSU coach Bob Todd.
Stats
The Buckeyes are now 2-3 on Wednesday games this season. They have been outscored 45-25 in four Wednesday games.
At Bill Davis Stadium the Bucks are now 216-100 all time with a .689 winning percentage. They are 8-4 at home in 2009.
OSU relief pitcher Jake Hale and starting pitcher Alex Wimmers have been named to the national Pitcher of the Year watch list.
Issue date: 4/30/09
It took one inning for the Buckeyes to take a commanding 5-2 lead on Akron, a lead they would never relinquish.
The big inning of the game came in the bottom of the third inning when two men were out. The Buckeyes put five on the board on five hits.
The big hit came off the bat of catcher Dan Burkhart, who hit a three-run bomb to right center, which just cleared the outfield fence and the outstretched arm of the right fielder.
Burkhart had one hit and three RBIs Wednesday night.
He also had a stellar night behind the plate, blocking the plate and preventing runners from moving up bases all night.
The DH Michael Stephens also had a big day offensively with two hits and three RBIs in four at bats.
"I'm starting to click a little bit I mean I am starting to see pitches up and hammering them," Stephens said. "[I'm] just doing my job and trying to get the RBIs in."
Stephens and Burkhart accounted for six of the seven OSU runs.
The Bucks used a combination of five pitchers to hold Akron with three runs and nine hits.
Jake Hale came in for the ninth and the Stomper of the Year candidate secured the three outs.
Armstrong returns
OSU pitcher Andrew Armstrong returned from a month-long injury that he suffered on March 29 against Penn State.
He started the game and pitched three innings, allowing two runs and four hits. He is now 2-1 for the season with a 5.18 ERA.
"I felt a lot better than I have," Armstrong said. "I'm just working everyday to get back to where I need to be in order to help this team."
Defense
The Buckeye defense showed up on Wednesday with a couple diving catches and some good plays. It was a better performance than previous Wednesday games.
"It's one of the things we've worked on. We've emphasized the defense all season," coach Bob Todd said. "As long as were handling the baseball out there, it's taking a lot of pressure off our pitching staff."
The Buckeyes are ranked fifth in team fielding with a .965 fielding percentage.
Game notes
This marked the 30th matchup between these teams, a series that started in 1980. It was also a matchup of mentor against assistant, as Akron's coach Pat Bangtson was once an assistant under OSU coach Bob Todd.
Stats
The Buckeyes are now 2-3 on Wednesday games this season. They have been outscored 45-25 in four Wednesday games.
At Bill Davis Stadium the Bucks are now 216-100 all time with a .689 winning percentage. They are 8-4 at home in 2009.
OSU relief pitcher Jake Hale and starting pitcher Alex Wimmers have been named to the national Pitcher of the Year watch list.
The Lantern: Bullpen back in gear
Alex Kopilow
Issue date: 4/30/09
Ohio State baseball coach Bob Todd was pleased to see his bullpen hold Akron batters to one run in the Buckeyes' 7-3 win Wednesday. It serves as a sign that the bullpen has recovered after last week's gaffe against Ball State, where the Buckeyes gave up 20 runs in four innings.
Five pitchers for the OSU relief corps gave up zero earned runs on five hits and struck out six batters in seven innings pitched.
The key was we pitched ahead [of the count] and we didn't walk people," Todd said.
Armstrong gave up back-to-back singles to Nick Solitario and Kevin Haas. Solitario advanced to third on Haas' single and scored when Zips designated hitter Jake Plata singled to center field. With a 1-0 lead and runners on first and third base, Armstrong threw a wild pitch, allowing Zach Roberts to score from third base.
OSU loaded the bases with two outs in the third inning on a single, double and a walk. Michael Stephens hit a two-RBI single to left field to tie the game at two. OSU catcher Dan Burkhart hit a three-run home run to right center field to give the Buckeyes a 5-2 lead.
"Those are the kinds of things we need to have a successful season, big two out hits," Todd said.
OSU starting pitcher Andrew Armstrong earned the win in his first start in two weeks after suffering from tendonitis in his left arm. He improved his record to 2-1 in a start that coach Todd described as decent. Armstrong gave up two runs on four hits and struck out three batters in three innings pitched.
OSU second baseman Corey Kovanda singled left field to lead off the fifth inning. Michael Stephens doubled to left center field and earned his third RBI of the game. The Buckeyes extended their lead to 7-2 when Ryan Dew singled to right field to score Stephens from second base.
Starting pitcher Scott Foster took the loss for the Zips. The redshirt freshman gave up seven runs on seven hits in four and two-thirds innings pitched.
Akron added its third run in the eighth inning. Jake Platta reached first base on a catcher's interference call on OSU backup catcher Shawn Forsythe. Akron catcher John Turk singled to advance Platta to third base. Pinch hitter Kyle Hallett doubled to leftfield to score Platta.
The No. 27 Buckeyes improved their record to 32-10, while the Zips fell to 14-28 for the year.
Ohio State is 1-3 in Wednesday games this season at Bill Davis Stadium. This season, OSU has lost to Marshall, Kent State and Ball State, and earned a win over Morehead State.
The baseball team will begin its nine-game home stand in a weekend series against the Michigan Wolverines at 7 p.m. Friday at Bill Davis Stadium.
Issue date: 4/30/09
Ohio State baseball coach Bob Todd was pleased to see his bullpen hold Akron batters to one run in the Buckeyes' 7-3 win Wednesday. It serves as a sign that the bullpen has recovered after last week's gaffe against Ball State, where the Buckeyes gave up 20 runs in four innings.
Five pitchers for the OSU relief corps gave up zero earned runs on five hits and struck out six batters in seven innings pitched.
The key was we pitched ahead [of the count] and we didn't walk people," Todd said.
Armstrong gave up back-to-back singles to Nick Solitario and Kevin Haas. Solitario advanced to third on Haas' single and scored when Zips designated hitter Jake Plata singled to center field. With a 1-0 lead and runners on first and third base, Armstrong threw a wild pitch, allowing Zach Roberts to score from third base.
OSU loaded the bases with two outs in the third inning on a single, double and a walk. Michael Stephens hit a two-RBI single to left field to tie the game at two. OSU catcher Dan Burkhart hit a three-run home run to right center field to give the Buckeyes a 5-2 lead.
"Those are the kinds of things we need to have a successful season, big two out hits," Todd said.
OSU starting pitcher Andrew Armstrong earned the win in his first start in two weeks after suffering from tendonitis in his left arm. He improved his record to 2-1 in a start that coach Todd described as decent. Armstrong gave up two runs on four hits and struck out three batters in three innings pitched.
OSU second baseman Corey Kovanda singled left field to lead off the fifth inning. Michael Stephens doubled to left center field and earned his third RBI of the game. The Buckeyes extended their lead to 7-2 when Ryan Dew singled to right field to score Stephens from second base.
Starting pitcher Scott Foster took the loss for the Zips. The redshirt freshman gave up seven runs on seven hits in four and two-thirds innings pitched.
Akron added its third run in the eighth inning. Jake Platta reached first base on a catcher's interference call on OSU backup catcher Shawn Forsythe. Akron catcher John Turk singled to advance Platta to third base. Pinch hitter Kyle Hallett doubled to leftfield to score Platta.
The No. 27 Buckeyes improved their record to 32-10, while the Zips fell to 14-28 for the year.
Ohio State is 1-3 in Wednesday games this season at Bill Davis Stadium. This season, OSU has lost to Marshall, Kent State and Ball State, and earned a win over Morehead State.
The baseball team will begin its nine-game home stand in a weekend series against the Michigan Wolverines at 7 p.m. Friday at Bill Davis Stadium.
Buckeyes Swing Past Zips 7-3
Ohio State tuned up for a big weekend against Michigan by defeating Akron, 7-3, Wednesday at Bill Davis Stadium in front of 987 fans. The win improved No. 27 Ohio State’s record to 32-10. Akron drops to 14-28.
Michael Stephens and Dan Burkhart had three RBI apiece to lead Ohio State. Cory Kovanda scored two runs and five Ohio State pitchers had 11 strikeouts as opposed to just two walks while scattering nine hits.
Andrew Armstrong made his first start since March 23 and his first appearance since March 29, vs. Penn State, due to a lingering arm issue. In a nice-to-have-him-back effort, Armstrong went 3.0 innings, allowed four hits, gave up two earned runs, walked a batter and struck out three. He also picked up the win to improve to 2-1 on the season.
“The key was our pitchers pitched ahead and didn’t walk people,” Ohio State coach Bob Todd said. “It was good to see Andrew Armstrong come back. He isn’t pitching like he did for us in the fall, but I hope he keeps improving and gets better and better.”
Former Ohio State assistant coach Pat Bangtson’s Zips took a 2-0 lead with a couple of runs off a wild pitch and a fielder’s choice in the third inning off Armstrong.
Ohio State responded in a big way, putting a handful of runs up on the board – all with two out – in its half of the third to take a 5-2 lead. Stephens had a two-run single and Burkhart crushed a Scott Foster pitch deep into right center field for a three-run home run, his eighth of the season to tie Stephens for the team lead.
Stephens drove in Kovanda with a double in the fifth inning and Ryan Dew singled home Stephens to increase the Buckeyes’ lead to 7-2.
Meanwhile, sophomore Jared Strayer was putting together his second consecutive effective relief appearance. Entering the game in the fourth inning, Strayer pitched 3.0 innings and allowed just two hits, walked one and struck out two Zips. He left at the start of the seventh inning but not before tying his career high in innings pitched, set previously vs. Marshall back on April 1.
Dean Wolosiansky, Eric Best and Jake Hale all pitched an effective one inning to close the game out strong from a staff standpoint. Each pitcher struck out two batters.
OSU Athletics Release & Game Notes
Box Score
Michael Stephens and Dan Burkhart had three RBI apiece to lead Ohio State. Cory Kovanda scored two runs and five Ohio State pitchers had 11 strikeouts as opposed to just two walks while scattering nine hits.
Andrew Armstrong made his first start since March 23 and his first appearance since March 29, vs. Penn State, due to a lingering arm issue. In a nice-to-have-him-back effort, Armstrong went 3.0 innings, allowed four hits, gave up two earned runs, walked a batter and struck out three. He also picked up the win to improve to 2-1 on the season.
“The key was our pitchers pitched ahead and didn’t walk people,” Ohio State coach Bob Todd said. “It was good to see Andrew Armstrong come back. He isn’t pitching like he did for us in the fall, but I hope he keeps improving and gets better and better.”
Former Ohio State assistant coach Pat Bangtson’s Zips took a 2-0 lead with a couple of runs off a wild pitch and a fielder’s choice in the third inning off Armstrong.
Ohio State responded in a big way, putting a handful of runs up on the board – all with two out – in its half of the third to take a 5-2 lead. Stephens had a two-run single and Burkhart crushed a Scott Foster pitch deep into right center field for a three-run home run, his eighth of the season to tie Stephens for the team lead.
Stephens drove in Kovanda with a double in the fifth inning and Ryan Dew singled home Stephens to increase the Buckeyes’ lead to 7-2.
Meanwhile, sophomore Jared Strayer was putting together his second consecutive effective relief appearance. Entering the game in the fourth inning, Strayer pitched 3.0 innings and allowed just two hits, walked one and struck out two Zips. He left at the start of the seventh inning but not before tying his career high in innings pitched, set previously vs. Marshall back on April 1.
Dean Wolosiansky, Eric Best and Jake Hale all pitched an effective one inning to close the game out strong from a staff standpoint. Each pitcher struck out two batters.
OSU Athletics Release & Game Notes
Box Score
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Buck-a-Buger Night vs. Akron
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio State continues its longest homestand of the season with four games this week at Bill Davis Stadium. Wednesday at 6:35 p.m. the Buckeyes host former assistant coach Pat Bangtson and his Akron Zips.
This Week in Ohio State Baseball
No. 25 Ohio State (31-10; 11-4 Big Ten Conference)
Game 42 vs. Akron (14-27; 8-10 MAC East)
Wednesday, April 29 - 6:35 p.m.
Buck-a- Burger Night!!
INTERNET AUDIO, STREAMING VIDEO & LIVE STATS
OhioStateBuckeyes.com
FIRST THINGS FIRST
Ohio State and Akron are meeting for the 30th time in a series that was initiated in 1980. Ohio State leads the series, 19-10, including a 6-3 record for Bob Todd-coached teams. Pat Bangtson’s Akron club won the last meeting, 7-3, in the second game of a double-header last year.
A TIME TO EAT BURGER
One dollar...just $1 will get fans a hamburger at the game Wednesday vs. Akron as part of Buck-a-Burger night. Bring $5 to the game and get five burgers. Buy a bunch...only while supplies last.
BUCKEYES 1-3 ON HUMP DAY
Ohio State is only 1-3 in Wednesday games this season at Bill Davis Stadium with losses to Marshall, Kent State and Ball State (been outscored, 42-18, in those games, too) and a win over Morehead State.
A QUICK LOOK AT OHIO STATE
Ohio State is coming off a 10-6 loss to Northwestern Sunday, but has won seven of its last 10 games, including a 2-1 Big Ten series win over Northwestern. ... The team’s 11-4 record in the Big Ten is good for a tie for first place with Illinois. ... Coach Bob Todd’s teams have won 30 or more games for 24 consecutive seasons, including all 22 of his Ohio State teams. ... The team is 26-2 when leading after the sixth inning and 26-0 when leading after the seventh. Some even quicker notes:
• The team batting average of .330 and slugging pct. of .507 each lead the Big Ten Conference.
• Its 5.45 ERA is fifth in the Big Ten. The staff’s .279 opposing batting average is 2nd.
• The Buckeyes are fielding at a .965 rate, good for fifth in the Big Ten.
• In Big Ten games only, Ohio State is fielding at a .974 rate, good for second in the league.
THE AKRON ZIPS
Pat Bangtson left Ohio State after the 2005 season for Akron and his first head coaching assignment. His Zips make the short trip into Columbus having won eight of their last 12 games. Six players for the Zips currently boast a batting average of over .300 with three totaling over 50 hits on the year.
In MAC play, the Zips have played well at home, going 6-3, but the road has provided its woes with a 2-7 record. Akron is chasing a spot in the MAC Tournament, which takes the top three teams from each division. The next two with the best record, regardless of division, receive at-large bids. Akron is currently fifth in the East Division and looking for an at-large bid. A quick survey of other teams looking for at-large bids includes Bowling Green (10-7), Eastern Michigan, (7-11), Northern Illinois (6-11) and Western Michigan (6-12). Here’s more about the Zips:
• The team has won five of its last six games.
• After a home MAC series with Miami this weekend, Akron plays its final two conference weekends on the road at Kent State and at Bowling Green.
OSU Athletics Release & Game Notes
This Week in Ohio State Baseball
No. 25 Ohio State (31-10; 11-4 Big Ten Conference)
Game 42 vs. Akron (14-27; 8-10 MAC East)
Wednesday, April 29 - 6:35 p.m.
Buck-a- Burger Night!!
INTERNET AUDIO, STREAMING VIDEO & LIVE STATS
OhioStateBuckeyes.com
FIRST THINGS FIRST
Ohio State and Akron are meeting for the 30th time in a series that was initiated in 1980. Ohio State leads the series, 19-10, including a 6-3 record for Bob Todd-coached teams. Pat Bangtson’s Akron club won the last meeting, 7-3, in the second game of a double-header last year.
A TIME TO EAT BURGER
One dollar...just $1 will get fans a hamburger at the game Wednesday vs. Akron as part of Buck-a-Burger night. Bring $5 to the game and get five burgers. Buy a bunch...only while supplies last.
BUCKEYES 1-3 ON HUMP DAY
Ohio State is only 1-3 in Wednesday games this season at Bill Davis Stadium with losses to Marshall, Kent State and Ball State (been outscored, 42-18, in those games, too) and a win over Morehead State.
A QUICK LOOK AT OHIO STATE
Ohio State is coming off a 10-6 loss to Northwestern Sunday, but has won seven of its last 10 games, including a 2-1 Big Ten series win over Northwestern. ... The team’s 11-4 record in the Big Ten is good for a tie for first place with Illinois. ... Coach Bob Todd’s teams have won 30 or more games for 24 consecutive seasons, including all 22 of his Ohio State teams. ... The team is 26-2 when leading after the sixth inning and 26-0 when leading after the seventh. Some even quicker notes:
• The team batting average of .330 and slugging pct. of .507 each lead the Big Ten Conference.
• Its 5.45 ERA is fifth in the Big Ten. The staff’s .279 opposing batting average is 2nd.
• The Buckeyes are fielding at a .965 rate, good for fifth in the Big Ten.
• In Big Ten games only, Ohio State is fielding at a .974 rate, good for second in the league.
THE AKRON ZIPS
Pat Bangtson left Ohio State after the 2005 season for Akron and his first head coaching assignment. His Zips make the short trip into Columbus having won eight of their last 12 games. Six players for the Zips currently boast a batting average of over .300 with three totaling over 50 hits on the year.
In MAC play, the Zips have played well at home, going 6-3, but the road has provided its woes with a 2-7 record. Akron is chasing a spot in the MAC Tournament, which takes the top three teams from each division. The next two with the best record, regardless of division, receive at-large bids. Akron is currently fifth in the East Division and looking for an at-large bid. A quick survey of other teams looking for at-large bids includes Bowling Green (10-7), Eastern Michigan, (7-11), Northern Illinois (6-11) and Western Michigan (6-12). Here’s more about the Zips:
• The team has won five of its last six games.
• After a home MAC series with Miami this weekend, Akron plays its final two conference weekends on the road at Kent State and at Bowling Green.
OSU Athletics Release & Game Notes
Columbus Dispatch: Rotation concerns put Todd in a difficult spot
Monday, April 27, 2009 3:05 AM
By Mark Znidar
The Columbus Dispatch
The phrase "Two out of three ain't bad" perfectly fits the game of baseball.
More often than not, 67 percent success results in championships.
Just the same, Ohio State's 10-6 loss to Northwestern yesterday in Bill Davis Stadium, after winning the first two games of the series, went down hard because of the missed opportunity to sweep the last place team in the Big Ten.
"Obviously, winning two of three is a good weekend," Buckeyes coach Bob Todd said. "As coaches, though, you get a little selfish."
What concerns Todd is the Buckeyes (31-10, 11-4) getting a third straight rocky start from the rotation. Junior Eric Best gave up three runs and seven hits in 4 2/3 innings.
On Friday, ace Alex Wimmers allowed four runs in 7 2/3 innings. On Saturday, Dean Wolosiansky was touched for five runs in seven innings.
The trio generally has gotten the job done the first five weekends of Big Ten play. Wolosiansky had been fifth in the conference in ERA and Wimmers was seventh in opponents' batting average at .211.
Is Ohio State, which is tied for first place with Illinois with three series remaining, locked into its rotation?
"To a certain extent, that may be right," Todd said. "You get past our (current starters) and we become suspect."
The options are limited because left-handers Andrew Armstrong (tendinitis) and Josh Barrera (labrum) are rehabilitating from injuries. They have combined to start 14 games.
Todd and pitching coach Eric Parker have discussed moving closer Jake Hale or set-up man Drew Rucinski into the rotation, but either move would have its drawbacks.
No other Big Ten team has a back end of the bullpen like Ohio State. Hale leads the conference in ERA (1.00) and saves (10). Rucinski has been dependable in the seventh and eighth innings.
"That's one of the reasons we don't want to tinker," Todd said.
Catcher Dan Burkhart understands why the rotation might stand pat.
"If we have the lead in the eighth or ninth, we're going to win the game with Hale in there," he said. "Our pitching staff, we're just battling."
The Buckeyes had their chances for the sweep, but they left the bases loaded in the third and fourth innings and stranded 11 base runners for the game.
Shortstop Tyler Engle saluted Northwestern (12-26, 3-10) for playing well.
"You tip your hats to them," he said. "We battled the last two days. In this conference, everybody gives you a good game. We just have that (championship) ring in mind. No one in our locker room has a ring. The guys who played here last year left without a ring. We want a ring."
By Mark Znidar
The Columbus Dispatch
The phrase "Two out of three ain't bad" perfectly fits the game of baseball.
More often than not, 67 percent success results in championships.
Just the same, Ohio State's 10-6 loss to Northwestern yesterday in Bill Davis Stadium, after winning the first two games of the series, went down hard because of the missed opportunity to sweep the last place team in the Big Ten.
"Obviously, winning two of three is a good weekend," Buckeyes coach Bob Todd said. "As coaches, though, you get a little selfish."
What concerns Todd is the Buckeyes (31-10, 11-4) getting a third straight rocky start from the rotation. Junior Eric Best gave up three runs and seven hits in 4 2/3 innings.
On Friday, ace Alex Wimmers allowed four runs in 7 2/3 innings. On Saturday, Dean Wolosiansky was touched for five runs in seven innings.
The trio generally has gotten the job done the first five weekends of Big Ten play. Wolosiansky had been fifth in the conference in ERA and Wimmers was seventh in opponents' batting average at .211.
Is Ohio State, which is tied for first place with Illinois with three series remaining, locked into its rotation?
"To a certain extent, that may be right," Todd said. "You get past our (current starters) and we become suspect."
The options are limited because left-handers Andrew Armstrong (tendinitis) and Josh Barrera (labrum) are rehabilitating from injuries. They have combined to start 14 games.
Todd and pitching coach Eric Parker have discussed moving closer Jake Hale or set-up man Drew Rucinski into the rotation, but either move would have its drawbacks.
No other Big Ten team has a back end of the bullpen like Ohio State. Hale leads the conference in ERA (1.00) and saves (10). Rucinski has been dependable in the seventh and eighth innings.
"That's one of the reasons we don't want to tinker," Todd said.
Catcher Dan Burkhart understands why the rotation might stand pat.
"If we have the lead in the eighth or ninth, we're going to win the game with Hale in there," he said. "Our pitching staff, we're just battling."
The Buckeyes had their chances for the sweep, but they left the bases loaded in the third and fourth innings and stranded 11 base runners for the game.
Shortstop Tyler Engle saluted Northwestern (12-26, 3-10) for playing well.
"You tip your hats to them," he said. "We battled the last two days. In this conference, everybody gives you a good game. We just have that (championship) ring in mind. No one in our locker room has a ring. The guys who played here last year left without a ring. We want a ring."
Buckeyes Big Ten Win Streak Snapped at 8
Ohio State did not capitalize on two bases loaded situations early in the game and Northwestern put the game away with four runs in the sixth inning to defeat No. 24 Ohio State, 10-6, Sunday at Bill Davis Stadium. Despite the loss, Ohio State wins the series, 2-1, and is in a first-place in the Big Ten with an 11-4 record. The Buckeyes are 31-10 overall
Eight Buckeye runners were left stranded on base in the third through fifth innings, keeping the home team from cutting into 3-1 and 3-2 Northwestern leads at the time.
“We were our own worst enemy,” Ohio State coach Bob Todd said. “One time I looked up and we had three hits in an inning but only one run.
“Winning two-of-three is a good weekend, though. You can’t worry about the ramifications of losing a game today because there will be other losses in the Big Ten by us and by other teams.”
To the Wildcats credit, they scored in the first inning for the third consecutive game, getting two runs off three hits for a quick 2-0 lead, and putting Ohio State in a comeback position once again.
The Wildcats added a run in the third – Chad Noble singling in Trevor Stevens for the second time in the game – to go up, 3-0, before Ohio State scored only one run in the third yet had the bases loaded.
Ohio State added an unearned run in the fifth to close the gap to 3-2, but the Wildcats scored four runs off two doubles and two walks to build a 7-2 lead and the home team simply wasn’t able to recover. Northwestern improved to 12-26 with the win and 3-10 in the Big Ten Conference.
“We tip our hat to Northwestern” shortstop Tyler Engle said. “They came out every game and scored some runs in the first inning, and they just played good baseball.”
Stevens, freshman son of NU coach Paul Stevens, led the way Sunday with three hits and three runs scored. Noble had three hits and three RBI. Relief pitcher David Jensen worked 3.0 innings to pick up the win and improve to 2-2 on the year.
Michael Stephens led a 13-hit Ohio State afternoon with three hits and two runs. Cory Kovanda had a couple of hits, including his 10th double of the season, and scored a run. Matt Streng also had two hits and a run scored. Eric Best falls to 6-2 with the loss.
OSU Athletics Recap & Game Notes
Box Score
Eight Buckeye runners were left stranded on base in the third through fifth innings, keeping the home team from cutting into 3-1 and 3-2 Northwestern leads at the time.
“We were our own worst enemy,” Ohio State coach Bob Todd said. “One time I looked up and we had three hits in an inning but only one run.
“Winning two-of-three is a good weekend, though. You can’t worry about the ramifications of losing a game today because there will be other losses in the Big Ten by us and by other teams.”
To the Wildcats credit, they scored in the first inning for the third consecutive game, getting two runs off three hits for a quick 2-0 lead, and putting Ohio State in a comeback position once again.
The Wildcats added a run in the third – Chad Noble singling in Trevor Stevens for the second time in the game – to go up, 3-0, before Ohio State scored only one run in the third yet had the bases loaded.
Ohio State added an unearned run in the fifth to close the gap to 3-2, but the Wildcats scored four runs off two doubles and two walks to build a 7-2 lead and the home team simply wasn’t able to recover. Northwestern improved to 12-26 with the win and 3-10 in the Big Ten Conference.
“We tip our hat to Northwestern” shortstop Tyler Engle said. “They came out every game and scored some runs in the first inning, and they just played good baseball.”
Stevens, freshman son of NU coach Paul Stevens, led the way Sunday with three hits and three runs scored. Noble had three hits and three RBI. Relief pitcher David Jensen worked 3.0 innings to pick up the win and improve to 2-2 on the year.
Michael Stephens led a 13-hit Ohio State afternoon with three hits and two runs. Cory Kovanda had a couple of hits, including his 10th double of the season, and scored a run. Matt Streng also had two hits and a run scored. Eric Best falls to 6-2 with the loss.
OSU Athletics Recap & Game Notes
Box Score
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Live Chat: The College Baseball Blog
Feel free to hop in and ask the guys any questions as they discuss this weekends action in the college baseball world.
Miller's Big Day Carries Buckeyes
Justin Miller powered No. 24 Ohio State to an 11-7 win over Northwestern Saturday by hitting a grand slam home run and driving in a career-high six runs. The series-clinching win, after a 5-4 win Friday, improved Ohio State’s records to 31-9 overall and to a Big Ten-leading 11-3 in the conference.
Miller, playing in his 200th career game as a Buckeye, sent an Eric Jokisch pitch high and deep to centerfield in the first inning for his first career grand slam. Scoring ahead of Miller’s sixth home run of the year and his 11th career home run was Cory Kovanda, who had singled, Michael Stephens, who doubled and Dan Burkhart, who had walked.
“I didn’t think I hit the ball that well,” Miller said after the game. “I thought I had one RBI with a sacrifice fly, not four.”
After Northwestern scored two in the second to close the deficit to 4-3, Matt Streng led off the Buckeyes’ second inning with his seventh home run of the season to extend the lead to 5-3. A Ryan Dew RBI single in the third put the Buckeyes up, 6-3.
Northwestern, 11-26 and 2-10 in the Big Ten, wouldn’t go away, though, scoring a run in the fourth to get to within 6-4.
It’s was Miller’s time, again, in the fifth inning. With two men on, the two-time senior captain ripped a double off the centerfield wall to score two more runs, build the lead back to a five-run cushion and the Buckeyes cruised to the win from there.
Dean Wolosiansky pitched 7.0 innings of seven-hit, five-earned run baseball to improve his record to a Big Ten-best 9-1 on the season. Jokisch, who gave up nine runs in 4.1 innings pitched, dropped to 3-5 with the loss.
Jake Hale pitched the final two innings in a non-save situation to finish a game for the 24th time this season.
Miller, in addition to his homer, double and six RBI, also had a single during his grand day. Michael Stephens had two hits and two runs scored, Ryan Dew had two more hits – he leads the team with a .396 average – and Michael Arp had a pair of hits and two RBI to support Miller’s offensive numbers. Kovanda and Burkhart each scored a pair of runs.
OSU Athletics Recap & Game Notes
Box Score
Columbus Dispatch
Miller, playing in his 200th career game as a Buckeye, sent an Eric Jokisch pitch high and deep to centerfield in the first inning for his first career grand slam. Scoring ahead of Miller’s sixth home run of the year and his 11th career home run was Cory Kovanda, who had singled, Michael Stephens, who doubled and Dan Burkhart, who had walked.
“I didn’t think I hit the ball that well,” Miller said after the game. “I thought I had one RBI with a sacrifice fly, not four.”
After Northwestern scored two in the second to close the deficit to 4-3, Matt Streng led off the Buckeyes’ second inning with his seventh home run of the season to extend the lead to 5-3. A Ryan Dew RBI single in the third put the Buckeyes up, 6-3.
Northwestern, 11-26 and 2-10 in the Big Ten, wouldn’t go away, though, scoring a run in the fourth to get to within 6-4.
It’s was Miller’s time, again, in the fifth inning. With two men on, the two-time senior captain ripped a double off the centerfield wall to score two more runs, build the lead back to a five-run cushion and the Buckeyes cruised to the win from there.
Dean Wolosiansky pitched 7.0 innings of seven-hit, five-earned run baseball to improve his record to a Big Ten-best 9-1 on the season. Jokisch, who gave up nine runs in 4.1 innings pitched, dropped to 3-5 with the loss.
Jake Hale pitched the final two innings in a non-save situation to finish a game for the 24th time this season.
Miller, in addition to his homer, double and six RBI, also had a single during his grand day. Michael Stephens had two hits and two runs scored, Ryan Dew had two more hits – he leads the team with a .396 average – and Michael Arp had a pair of hits and two RBI to support Miller’s offensive numbers. Kovanda and Burkhart each scored a pair of runs.
OSU Athletics Recap & Game Notes
Box Score
Columbus Dispatch
Friday, April 24, 2009
Buckeye 2-Run Bottom 9th Wins Game 5-4
For the first time this season the Ohio State baseball team wins a game after trailing through 7.
Trailing 4-3 going into their last at-bat, Zach Hurley led-off the 9th with a single through the left side. A perfectly executed bunt sacrafice by Cory Kovanda moved Hurley into scoring position. Michael Stephens followed reached base via a HBP. With runners on first and second, Dan Burkhart sent a shot back up the middle, with Hurley scoring just ahead of the the throw home. Advancing on the throw to third was Stephens, who in the next at-bat scored the game winning run, as captain Justin Miller hit a chopper to short that Stephens beat the throw home.
Recap from OSU Athletics
No. 24 Ohio State has a bunch of wins this season – 30 to be exact – but Friday at Bill Davis Stadium the team earned its first when trailing after the seventh inning with a hard-earned 5-4 victory over Northwestern in front of a season high 1,758 fans.
Trailing 4-3 entering the ninth inning and 0-9 in such situations this season, the Buckeyes manufactured two runs for the victory to improve to 30-9 overall and a Big Ten Conference-leading 10-3 in the league. Northwestern drops to 11-25 overall and 2-9 in the Big Ten.
“We need to win games like this,” said Ohio State coach Bob Todd, who has now guided all 22 of his Ohio State teams to 30 or more victories. “Zach Hurley set the stage in the ninth and Cory Kovanda did his job by getting Hurley into scoring position with a sacrifice bunt.”
“That was a good comeback win,” Burkhart, one of four Buckeyes with two hits, said. “We needed to get that.”
Ohio State played from behind the entire game. Northwestern’s hitters were seeing pitches clearly in the first inning, collecting five hits to score three runs off Ohio State starter Alex Wimmers. Wimmers ended up striking out the side in the inning, but a three-run inning against Wimmers simply doesn’t happen much this year.
“Wimmers battled through even though he didn’t have his good stuff,” Todd said.
The runs didn’t faze Wimmers and the Buckeyes fought back. Burkhart doubled in the second and scored on Miller’s single to put the Buckeyes on the scoreboard. Matt Streng led off the fifth inning with his sixth home run of the season to close the gap to 3-2.
A two-out walk with a man on board, followed by a Hamilton Wise single, scored a Wildcat run in the sixth inning to give a boost of adrenalin to the Northwestern bench, along with a 4-2 lead.
Streng singled to lead off the Buckeye seventh and eventually scored on a wild pitch to close the gap once again to one run at 4-3. Midway through the inning Wildcat starter Joe Muraski was replaced by David Jensen. Mursaki went 6.2 innings and gave up seven hits, just two earned runs with four walks and three strikeouts.
Wimmers left shortly thereafter. After getting the first two batters out in the eighth, back-to-back walks prompted a visit to the mound from coach Todd and the end of the effort for Wimmers. The sophomore went 7.2 innings and scattered eight hits, gave up the four runs, walked three and struck out 10 Wildcats.
The score stayed at 4-3 into the bottom of the ninth inning, when Ohio State had the top of its order coming to the plate. And they did their job.
Drew Rucinski pitched the final 1.1 innings to pick up the win and improve to 7-2 on the season. Cole Livermore, NU’s third pitcher of the night, dropped to 0-2 with the loss.
Box score
Dispatch Recap
Trailing 4-3 going into their last at-bat, Zach Hurley led-off the 9th with a single through the left side. A perfectly executed bunt sacrafice by Cory Kovanda moved Hurley into scoring position. Michael Stephens followed reached base via a HBP. With runners on first and second, Dan Burkhart sent a shot back up the middle, with Hurley scoring just ahead of the the throw home. Advancing on the throw to third was Stephens, who in the next at-bat scored the game winning run, as captain Justin Miller hit a chopper to short that Stephens beat the throw home.
Recap from OSU Athletics
No. 24 Ohio State has a bunch of wins this season – 30 to be exact – but Friday at Bill Davis Stadium the team earned its first when trailing after the seventh inning with a hard-earned 5-4 victory over Northwestern in front of a season high 1,758 fans.
Trailing 4-3 entering the ninth inning and 0-9 in such situations this season, the Buckeyes manufactured two runs for the victory to improve to 30-9 overall and a Big Ten Conference-leading 10-3 in the league. Northwestern drops to 11-25 overall and 2-9 in the Big Ten.
“We need to win games like this,” said Ohio State coach Bob Todd, who has now guided all 22 of his Ohio State teams to 30 or more victories. “Zach Hurley set the stage in the ninth and Cory Kovanda did his job by getting Hurley into scoring position with a sacrifice bunt.”
“That was a good comeback win,” Burkhart, one of four Buckeyes with two hits, said. “We needed to get that.”
Ohio State played from behind the entire game. Northwestern’s hitters were seeing pitches clearly in the first inning, collecting five hits to score three runs off Ohio State starter Alex Wimmers. Wimmers ended up striking out the side in the inning, but a three-run inning against Wimmers simply doesn’t happen much this year.
“Wimmers battled through even though he didn’t have his good stuff,” Todd said.
The runs didn’t faze Wimmers and the Buckeyes fought back. Burkhart doubled in the second and scored on Miller’s single to put the Buckeyes on the scoreboard. Matt Streng led off the fifth inning with his sixth home run of the season to close the gap to 3-2.
A two-out walk with a man on board, followed by a Hamilton Wise single, scored a Wildcat run in the sixth inning to give a boost of adrenalin to the Northwestern bench, along with a 4-2 lead.
Streng singled to lead off the Buckeye seventh and eventually scored on a wild pitch to close the gap once again to one run at 4-3. Midway through the inning Wildcat starter Joe Muraski was replaced by David Jensen. Mursaki went 6.2 innings and gave up seven hits, just two earned runs with four walks and three strikeouts.
Wimmers left shortly thereafter. After getting the first two batters out in the eighth, back-to-back walks prompted a visit to the mound from coach Todd and the end of the effort for Wimmers. The sophomore went 7.2 innings and scattered eight hits, gave up the four runs, walked three and struck out 10 Wildcats.
The score stayed at 4-3 into the bottom of the ninth inning, when Ohio State had the top of its order coming to the plate. And they did their job.
Drew Rucinski pitched the final 1.1 innings to pick up the win and improve to 7-2 on the season. Cole Livermore, NU’s third pitcher of the night, dropped to 0-2 with the loss.
Box score
Dispatch Recap
The Lantern: OSU looks to gain 30th win of season
Alex Kopilow
Issue date: 4/24/09
The Ohio State baseball team will play the Northwestern Wildcats in a weekend series with hopes of bouncing back from a miserable performance against Ball State Wednesday.
The Buckeyes have a 29-9 overall record and are first place in the Big Ten (9-3). They have won their last six Big Ten games, two three-game sweeps against Michigan State and Purdue, in consecutive weekends.
The Buckeyes have not lost a weekend game at home.
The Northwestern Wildcats are in last place in the Big Ten (2-8). They have lost eight of their last 10 games, earning an overall record of 11-24.
OSU had its worst loss of the season Wednesday against the Ball State Cardinals. The Buckeye bullpen allowed 20 runs in four innings in the 20-8 loss. Twelve of the Cardinals' 16 hits were for extra bases. The Buckeyes have lost consecutive mid-week non-conference games.
"The most important thing for us is to be competitive in the league," coach Bob Todd said. "We're in first place and that's how we have to approach it."
In Wednesday's loss, the Buckeyes had 15 hits but were unable to capitalize on many run-scoring opportunities.
Cardinal center fielder Jeremy Hazelbaker saved a run in the second inning when he made a leaping catch at the wall to take away what would have been a home run for Michael Arp.
"I thought to myself, 'Where's the karma?' " Todd said.
But there is still a light at the end of the tunnel for OSU.
Northwestern ranks last in five out of the six major hitting categories in the Big Ten. The Wildcats are last in the Big Ten in batting average, on base percentage, runs scored, hits and runs batted in.
The Buckeyes split last year's series in Evanston, Ill. Pitchers Jake Hale and Dean Wolosiansky earned wins in the series.
Friday's game will start at 6:35 p.m., with the Saturday and Sunday games beginning at 1:05 p.m.
Issue date: 4/24/09
The Ohio State baseball team will play the Northwestern Wildcats in a weekend series with hopes of bouncing back from a miserable performance against Ball State Wednesday.
The Buckeyes have a 29-9 overall record and are first place in the Big Ten (9-3). They have won their last six Big Ten games, two three-game sweeps against Michigan State and Purdue, in consecutive weekends.
The Buckeyes have not lost a weekend game at home.
The Northwestern Wildcats are in last place in the Big Ten (2-8). They have lost eight of their last 10 games, earning an overall record of 11-24.
OSU had its worst loss of the season Wednesday against the Ball State Cardinals. The Buckeye bullpen allowed 20 runs in four innings in the 20-8 loss. Twelve of the Cardinals' 16 hits were for extra bases. The Buckeyes have lost consecutive mid-week non-conference games.
"The most important thing for us is to be competitive in the league," coach Bob Todd said. "We're in first place and that's how we have to approach it."
In Wednesday's loss, the Buckeyes had 15 hits but were unable to capitalize on many run-scoring opportunities.
Cardinal center fielder Jeremy Hazelbaker saved a run in the second inning when he made a leaping catch at the wall to take away what would have been a home run for Michael Arp.
"I thought to myself, 'Where's the karma?' " Todd said.
But there is still a light at the end of the tunnel for OSU.
Northwestern ranks last in five out of the six major hitting categories in the Big Ten. The Wildcats are last in the Big Ten in batting average, on base percentage, runs scored, hits and runs batted in.
The Buckeyes split last year's series in Evanston, Ill. Pitchers Jake Hale and Dean Wolosiansky earned wins in the series.
Friday's game will start at 6:35 p.m., with the Saturday and Sunday games beginning at 1:05 p.m.
Ohio State host Northwestern 4/24-4/26
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Big Ten Conference leader Ohio State will host the Northwestern Wildcats in a three-game series this weekend at Bill Davis Stadium. The Buckeyes, 29-9 and 9-3 in the Big Ten, and Wildcats, 11-24 and 2-8, respectively, will play at 6:35 p.m. Friday evening and 1:05 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.
POST-GAME FIREWORKS FRIDAY
The Diamond Club, the baseball program’s booster organization, will sponsor a fireworks display following the game Friday night.
POSSIBLE PITCHING MATCHUPS
Fri. - RHP Alex Wimmers (7-1; 2.95) vs. LHP Joe Muraski (3-4; 5.14)
Sat. - RHP Dean Wolosiansky (8-1; 5.01) vs. LHP Eric Jokisch (3-4; 3.36)
Sun. - LHP Eric Best (6-1; 5.02) vs. RHP Zach Morton (0-5; 5.68)
This Weekend in Ohio State Baseball
No. 23 Ohio State (29-9; 9-3 Big Ten Conference)
Game 40 vs. Northwestern (11-24; 2-8 Big Ten Conference)
Friday, April 24 - 6:35 p.m.
Game 41 vs. Northwestern
Saturday, April 25, 1:05 p.m.
Game 42 vs. Northwestern
Sunday, April 26, 1:05 p.m.
All Games at Bill Davis Stadium
BROADCAST RADIO
103.9 WTDA Talk FM
INTERNET AUDIO, STREAMING VIDEO & LIVE STATS
OhioStateBuckeyes.com
RANKINGS
Ohio State is ranked in one or more of the major polls for a ninth consecutive week, coming in this week with a high ranking of No. 23 by the NCBWA. Collegiate Baseball ranks OSU 24th.
OHIO STATE VERSUS NORTHWESTERN
This baseball rivalry dates to 1913 and includes 124 games played. Ohio State leads the all-time series, 82 wins to 42. The teams split a four-game series last year at Rocky Miller Park. Some series notes:
• Coach Bob Todd’s Buckeyes are 30-14 all-time vs. Northwestern.
• Ohio State has won six of the 11 series since 1988, the first year for Todd at Ohio State and for Paul Stevens at Northwestern.
• Ohio State’s last series win came in 2005, 3-1. Northwestern’s last – only – series win came in 1989, 3-1. The teams did not play in 2006-07.
• The two teams tied in 2003 in a Big Ten series played at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. The teams have played to series ties four times.
• Ohio State has either had a series win or a tie in each of the last nine series (six wins; three ties).
OSU Atheltics Preview & Release
POST-GAME FIREWORKS FRIDAY
The Diamond Club, the baseball program’s booster organization, will sponsor a fireworks display following the game Friday night.
POSSIBLE PITCHING MATCHUPS
Fri. - RHP Alex Wimmers (7-1; 2.95) vs. LHP Joe Muraski (3-4; 5.14)
Sat. - RHP Dean Wolosiansky (8-1; 5.01) vs. LHP Eric Jokisch (3-4; 3.36)
Sun. - LHP Eric Best (6-1; 5.02) vs. RHP Zach Morton (0-5; 5.68)
This Weekend in Ohio State Baseball
No. 23 Ohio State (29-9; 9-3 Big Ten Conference)
Game 40 vs. Northwestern (11-24; 2-8 Big Ten Conference)
Friday, April 24 - 6:35 p.m.
Game 41 vs. Northwestern
Saturday, April 25, 1:05 p.m.
Game 42 vs. Northwestern
Sunday, April 26, 1:05 p.m.
All Games at Bill Davis Stadium
BROADCAST RADIO
103.9 WTDA Talk FM
INTERNET AUDIO, STREAMING VIDEO & LIVE STATS
OhioStateBuckeyes.com
RANKINGS
Ohio State is ranked in one or more of the major polls for a ninth consecutive week, coming in this week with a high ranking of No. 23 by the NCBWA. Collegiate Baseball ranks OSU 24th.
OHIO STATE VERSUS NORTHWESTERN
This baseball rivalry dates to 1913 and includes 124 games played. Ohio State leads the all-time series, 82 wins to 42. The teams split a four-game series last year at Rocky Miller Park. Some series notes:
• Coach Bob Todd’s Buckeyes are 30-14 all-time vs. Northwestern.
• Ohio State has won six of the 11 series since 1988, the first year for Todd at Ohio State and for Paul Stevens at Northwestern.
• Ohio State’s last series win came in 2005, 3-1. Northwestern’s last – only – series win came in 1989, 3-1. The teams did not play in 2006-07.
• The two teams tied in 2003 in a Big Ten series played at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. The teams have played to series ties four times.
• Ohio State has either had a series win or a tie in each of the last nine series (six wins; three ties).
OSU Atheltics Preview & Release
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Columbus Dispatch: Comic Relief
Comic relief: Eccentric Hale keeps teammates in stitches, but batters don't laugh when he takes mound
Thursday, April 23, 2009 5:31 AM
By Mark Znidar
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Ohio State teammates never quite know which Jake Hale they're going to get when the reliever crosses the threshold of the locker room before a practice or game.
Will he be wearing the ostrich skin boots? Or will he make a fashion statement with the alligator or snakeskin boots?
Which of the 20 collectible belt buckles will be holding up his jeans? He has even worn one that lights up.
The senior right-hander who is so eccentric that he really should be a lefty also has an assortment of body art. The tattoo that never fails to crack up teammates is a handlebar mustache inked on the inside of his right index finger.
"I'll put the finger to my lip like this," Hale said in demonstration. "It gets them every time. I keep everybody laughing. We have a lot of fun in the bullpen. I'm an off-the-wall kind of guy. I'm a laid-back kind of guy."
That is, he's that way outside the white lines.
When coach Bob Todd signals for Hale, who is 6 feet 7 and 200 pounds, he transforms himself from funny man into a closer with the mentality of a hanging judge.
Hale is just the most recent in a long line of Buckeyes relievers such as Mike Stafford, Cory Cox and Rory Meister who have kept teammates loose with laughter and frustrated opponents with a bag of tricks. Going into a three-game series against Northwestern beginning Friday night in Bill Davis Stadium, Hale leads the Big Ten in appearances (24), games finished (23) and saves (10). He has struck out 42 and given up 21 hits in 32 innings with a fastball, slider and change-up.
"Once I hop the fence and come into a game, I'm a different person," Hale said. "I can turn it on when I have to. I want to be that guy at the end of every game. I feel like I can get anybody out."
It's not as if Hale is blowing them away with heat.
"I'm not just a power pitcher," he said. "I change speeds and location. I don't want anybody to get a report on me. You don't have to throw 100 mph to get people out. I had nothing against Michigan State one day and I threw pitches that were slow and slower. They were like lobs. They were taking their whacks and couldn't hit me."
The Buckeyes (29-8, 9-3) lead the Big Ten, and Hale has been one of the key players. Last Saturday, for instance, he saved both ends of a doubleheader against Purdue. In the first game, he came on with the bases loaded and one out in the eighth and got out of the jam.
"We've used Jake a lot, and he is capable of that," Todd said. "He has that rare quality to pitch on almost a daily basis."
Hale has come a long way since walking on to campus as a raw country boy from Albany, which is south of Athens.
"Jake was a typical college kid, and he went through some experiences on and off the field that weren't serious but things he has learned from," pitching coach Eric Parker said. "He's stronger for that. Jake has learned it's about making the right decisions."
That maturity has come to life in living color on Hale's body. He has a tattoo on the left calf of a tree and city symbolizing community and Albany and Columbus and roots because he's part Native American. On the shin, there is a powerful hand representing his Christianity.
"I'm going to honor my grandmother, Helen Britton, and Lowell Beaver, a man in his 80s who befriended me in high school, by having their fingerprints tattooed on my back," Hale said. "I'll have part of them with me forever."
Todd is proud of his closer.
"Jake, I think, has been getting his priorities straight," he said. "Now, he thinks about attaining goals. He has taken all of our talks to heart and he's putting that into action."
Thursday, April 23, 2009 5:31 AM
By Mark Znidar
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Ohio State teammates never quite know which Jake Hale they're going to get when the reliever crosses the threshold of the locker room before a practice or game.
Will he be wearing the ostrich skin boots? Or will he make a fashion statement with the alligator or snakeskin boots?
Which of the 20 collectible belt buckles will be holding up his jeans? He has even worn one that lights up.
The senior right-hander who is so eccentric that he really should be a lefty also has an assortment of body art. The tattoo that never fails to crack up teammates is a handlebar mustache inked on the inside of his right index finger.
"I'll put the finger to my lip like this," Hale said in demonstration. "It gets them every time. I keep everybody laughing. We have a lot of fun in the bullpen. I'm an off-the-wall kind of guy. I'm a laid-back kind of guy."
That is, he's that way outside the white lines.
When coach Bob Todd signals for Hale, who is 6 feet 7 and 200 pounds, he transforms himself from funny man into a closer with the mentality of a hanging judge.
Hale is just the most recent in a long line of Buckeyes relievers such as Mike Stafford, Cory Cox and Rory Meister who have kept teammates loose with laughter and frustrated opponents with a bag of tricks. Going into a three-game series against Northwestern beginning Friday night in Bill Davis Stadium, Hale leads the Big Ten in appearances (24), games finished (23) and saves (10). He has struck out 42 and given up 21 hits in 32 innings with a fastball, slider and change-up.
"Once I hop the fence and come into a game, I'm a different person," Hale said. "I can turn it on when I have to. I want to be that guy at the end of every game. I feel like I can get anybody out."
It's not as if Hale is blowing them away with heat.
"I'm not just a power pitcher," he said. "I change speeds and location. I don't want anybody to get a report on me. You don't have to throw 100 mph to get people out. I had nothing against Michigan State one day and I threw pitches that were slow and slower. They were like lobs. They were taking their whacks and couldn't hit me."
The Buckeyes (29-8, 9-3) lead the Big Ten, and Hale has been one of the key players. Last Saturday, for instance, he saved both ends of a doubleheader against Purdue. In the first game, he came on with the bases loaded and one out in the eighth and got out of the jam.
"We've used Jake a lot, and he is capable of that," Todd said. "He has that rare quality to pitch on almost a daily basis."
Hale has come a long way since walking on to campus as a raw country boy from Albany, which is south of Athens.
"Jake was a typical college kid, and he went through some experiences on and off the field that weren't serious but things he has learned from," pitching coach Eric Parker said. "He's stronger for that. Jake has learned it's about making the right decisions."
That maturity has come to life in living color on Hale's body. He has a tattoo on the left calf of a tree and city symbolizing community and Albany and Columbus and roots because he's part Native American. On the shin, there is a powerful hand representing his Christianity.
"I'm going to honor my grandmother, Helen Britton, and Lowell Beaver, a man in his 80s who befriended me in high school, by having their fingerprints tattooed on my back," Hale said. "I'll have part of them with me forever."
Todd is proud of his closer.
"Jake, I think, has been getting his priorities straight," he said. "Now, he thinks about attaining goals. He has taken all of our talks to heart and he's putting that into action."
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Oltorik's Solid Start Wasted, Ball State Embarasses Buckeye Bullpen
Ball State scores 20 runs in final 4 innings.
Photo Courtesy the-ozone.net
The title might be a bit harsh, but for anyone who follows the team, win or lose, and cares about the program, tonight's loss is as bad as it gets. Freshman Ross Oltorik who has been struggling this year to provide Coach Todd with solid innings, pitches 5 scoreless innings, allowing just 2 hits, as the Bucks led 5-0 and seemingly on their way to a win.
Then the wheels fell off. Theron Minium who was scheduled to start yesterday's game against Bowling Green before inclement weather prompted the game to be cancelled, came in during the top of the 6th to relieve Oltorik. Minium allowed a lead-off double, walked the next batter, a wild pitch, back-to-back errors didn't help Minium, but he didn't help himself allowing 2 stolen bases without paying too much attention to the runners. A home run to centerfield ended Minium's day. His line: .1 IP, 2 hits, 4 runs, 3 earned, 1 BB, 2 SB's.
Starter Eric Best who started game 2 versus Purdue this past Saturday closed out the 6th with 1 hit, 1 strike out and no more damage done.
Going into the top of the 7th, Coach Todd passed the ball over to Jared Strayer in hopes of getting a few outs before turning the game over to close Jake Hale. It didn't happen. A lead off walk, a reach by error put the first to Cardinal batters on. A RBI single, and hit batter ended Strayer's outing. His line: 0 IP, 1 hit 4 runs, 3 earned, 1 BB, 1 HBP.
With the bases load, Drew Rucinski tried to stop the bleeding, again it didn't happen. A 2-RBI double to the first batter he faced, a ground out, thn another 2-RBI double allowed Ball State in total to score 5 runs in the 7th. Rucinski did strike out the last two batters leaving the score 9-6 with the Bucks not out of it, yet.
Rucinski returned to the mound to start the 8th and his 8th didn't go better than his 7th. A hit batter put the leadoff batter on base for the third inning in a row. A failed bunt attempt for an out was followed by the 3rd BSU triple off Rucinski. A walk loaded the bases which were rudely emptied as Kolbrin Vitek hit a Grand Slam of Rucinski to centerfield. Josh Barrera relieved Rucinski getting the last two outs of the 8th. Rucinski's line: 1.1 IP, 4 hits, 5 runs all earned, 1 BB, 1 HBP, 2 K's.
Barrera returned to the mound in the 9th he too struggled. A leadoff double, a wild pitch, a triple, and a walk ended Barrera's time on the bump. Eric Shinn would be Todd's 7th and final pitcher used. Shin got the first batter he faced to flyout, putting Ball State to their final out. Unfortunately it took long for that final out to come. A walk was followed by a 3-run home run. A wild pitch was sandwiched by two singles, a double drove in the Cardinals 19th and 20th runs, before the last batter grounded out back to Shinn. Barrera's line: 1 IP, 2 hits, 3 runs all earned 1 BB, 1 K. Shinn's line: .2 IP, 4 hits, 4 runs all earned, 1 BB.
In total Ball State destoryed Buckeye pitching with 8 doubles, 3 home runs, an a triple. 12 extra base hits in a game, will win you 99% of them.
The Buckeye bats did their part to win. A few players should not go without credit in such an ugly game. Michael Stephens led the way going 3-for-5 with a home run and 3 RBI's. Hitting behind Stephens, Dan Burkhart went 3-for-3 with an RBI. Michael Arp hit a 2-run home run in the 8th for his only hit. Pinch hitter TJ McManus with 2-for-2 in his duty. Matt Streng also had a multi-hit game going 2-for-3 with a run scored.
Stephens and Burkharts performanced were overshadowed as BSU's 3 and 4 hole hitters went 6-for-11 with 12 RBI, 3 home runs, and 3 doubles.
The Buckeyes look to put this game behind them, and in a hurry as they welcome Northwestern into Bill Davis Stadium for a three game set this weekend. The battle will be against the Big Ten's first place team, and last place team. Though after tonight you hope our bullpen shows up or Northwestern's record will be meaningless. Or three complete games.
The loss is Ohio State's third at home, and their third midweek loss. The Bucks are now 5-3 at Bill Davis this season. The weather is supposed to be great this weekend, so come out and support the team and help them defend their home field in conference play.
OSU Athletics Recap & Notes
Box Score
Buckeyes Grade Well in Classroom
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State baseball, women’s basketball, women’s cross country and men’s tennis teams were honored with public recognition awards based on the latest multiyear NCAA Division I Academic Progress Rate (APR), the NCAA announced Wednesday. The honored teams posted multiyear APRs in the top 10 percent of all squads in their respective sports.
“While the entire Department of Athletics is strongly committed to the success of its student-athletes in the classroom, these particular teams have distinguished themselves as representatives of the highest achievers in their respective sports at the national level,” John Bruno, Ohio State faculty athletics representative, said. “We are proud of the efforts that these student-athletes put forth in the classroom and also the values of the coaching staffs that reinforce such efforts.”
The APR provides a real-time look at a team's academic success each semester by tracking the academic progress of each student-athlete. The APR includes eligibility, retention and graduation in the calculation and provides a clear picture of the academic culture in each sport. The most recent APR scores are multi-year rates based on the scores from the 2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07 and 2007-08 academic years.
David Graham, the director of Ohio State’s Student-Athlete Support Services (SASSO) said the department is happy with the performance of these four teams.
“We are very proud of these students for their collective exemplary academic performance as recognized by the NCAA,” Graham said. “This is another example of how committed our students are to their academic pursuits.”
The Buckeye women’s basketball and cross country teams are the only Big Ten schools honored in the respective sports, while baseball is joined by Michigan State and the men’s tennis team is recognized along with Northwestern.
Ty Tucker, the men’s tennis head coach, has led his squad team to four-consecutive Big Ten regular-season titles along with their success in the classroom.
“My players love to compete on the court and in the classroom,” Tucker said. “They love being Buckeyes and representing the university.”
Chris Neal, assistant coach of the women’s cross country team, says his team members recognize the importance of hard work in the classroom.
“I am proud of our student-athletes for the hard work they have put in both on the course and in the classroom,” Neal said. “They are all very focused on their academics and understand how important it is to not only leave Ohio State with a degree, but to also do well enough to keep the door open for grad school. They are all very intelligent young ladies and because of the hard work they are putting in now they will have many opportunities in the future.”
The Ohio State baseball team has won 860 games under 22nd-year head coach Bob Todd, but even with all the success on the field – and the team is currently in first-place in the Big Ten Conference – doing well in school and graduating is something that is consistently discussed with the players.
“I think our APR is a testament to the fact the guys on this team are conscientious about going to class, taking care of their assignments and doing the things that are going to make them successful off the playing field,” Todd said.
Women’s basketball head coach Jim Foster has always stressed the importance of academics to his team. In addition to their success in the classroom, the Buckeyes have won a record-tying five-consecutive Big Ten championships under Foster
“Academics always comes first with my team and I’m very proud to see them recognized for their hard work in the classroom,” Foster said. “They are students first and they understand that academics will carry them further in life than basketball will.”
OSU Athletics Release
NCAA Publicly Recognized Teams
“While the entire Department of Athletics is strongly committed to the success of its student-athletes in the classroom, these particular teams have distinguished themselves as representatives of the highest achievers in their respective sports at the national level,” John Bruno, Ohio State faculty athletics representative, said. “We are proud of the efforts that these student-athletes put forth in the classroom and also the values of the coaching staffs that reinforce such efforts.”
The APR provides a real-time look at a team's academic success each semester by tracking the academic progress of each student-athlete. The APR includes eligibility, retention and graduation in the calculation and provides a clear picture of the academic culture in each sport. The most recent APR scores are multi-year rates based on the scores from the 2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07 and 2007-08 academic years.
David Graham, the director of Ohio State’s Student-Athlete Support Services (SASSO) said the department is happy with the performance of these four teams.
“We are very proud of these students for their collective exemplary academic performance as recognized by the NCAA,” Graham said. “This is another example of how committed our students are to their academic pursuits.”
The Buckeye women’s basketball and cross country teams are the only Big Ten schools honored in the respective sports, while baseball is joined by Michigan State and the men’s tennis team is recognized along with Northwestern.
Ty Tucker, the men’s tennis head coach, has led his squad team to four-consecutive Big Ten regular-season titles along with their success in the classroom.
“My players love to compete on the court and in the classroom,” Tucker said. “They love being Buckeyes and representing the university.”
Chris Neal, assistant coach of the women’s cross country team, says his team members recognize the importance of hard work in the classroom.
“I am proud of our student-athletes for the hard work they have put in both on the course and in the classroom,” Neal said. “They are all very focused on their academics and understand how important it is to not only leave Ohio State with a degree, but to also do well enough to keep the door open for grad school. They are all very intelligent young ladies and because of the hard work they are putting in now they will have many opportunities in the future.”
The Ohio State baseball team has won 860 games under 22nd-year head coach Bob Todd, but even with all the success on the field – and the team is currently in first-place in the Big Ten Conference – doing well in school and graduating is something that is consistently discussed with the players.
“I think our APR is a testament to the fact the guys on this team are conscientious about going to class, taking care of their assignments and doing the things that are going to make them successful off the playing field,” Todd said.
Women’s basketball head coach Jim Foster has always stressed the importance of academics to his team. In addition to their success in the classroom, the Buckeyes have won a record-tying five-consecutive Big Ten championships under Foster
“Academics always comes first with my team and I’m very proud to see them recognized for their hard work in the classroom,” Foster said. “They are students first and they understand that academics will carry them further in life than basketball will.”
OSU Athletics Release
NCAA Publicly Recognized Teams
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Game Against Bowling Green Cancelled
Ohio State University officials have cancelled the scheduled Tuesday evening (April 21) baseball game between Ohio State and Bowling Green State University due to the threat of persistent rain throughout the evening.
A decision was made at 2 p.m. this afternoon so the Bowling Green team would not have to travel the two hours to Columbus only to not play or to start a game that would have to be suspended due to inclement weather. No makeup date was set.
This is the first time this season Ohio State has lost a game due to inclement weather. Bowling Green has now had seven games cancelled due to either snow, wet grounds or rain.
Both teams have Wednesday games scheduled. Ohio State hosts Ball State at 6:35 p.m. at Bill Davis Stadium. Bowling Green plays at Toledo in a 3 p.m. game.
A decision was made at 2 p.m. this afternoon so the Bowling Green team would not have to travel the two hours to Columbus only to not play or to start a game that would have to be suspended due to inclement weather. No makeup date was set.
This is the first time this season Ohio State has lost a game due to inclement weather. Bowling Green has now had seven games cancelled due to either snow, wet grounds or rain.
Both teams have Wednesday games scheduled. Ohio State hosts Ball State at 6:35 p.m. at Bill Davis Stadium. Bowling Green plays at Toledo in a 3 p.m. game.
The Lantern: Big Ten-best OSU hosts BG, Ball State in midweek games
Nathan Schlabach
Issue date: 4/21/09
The Big Ten leading Ohio State Buckeyes baseball team will host two mid-week games this week as they face Bowling Green on Tuesday night and Ball State Wednesday night.
The Buckeyes first mid-week game will be against Bowling Green at Bill Davis Stadium. The first pitch is set for Tuesday night at 6:35 p.m.
Bowling Green (17-16, 8-6 MAC) comes in to Bill Davis Stadium on a two game losing skid, losing two out of three to Kent State this past weekend. They will be looking to rebound before they return to MAC play this weekend against Miami of Ohio.
"There a solid ball club," coach Bob Todd said. He also noted the importance of these mid-week games and how it's a jump starter for their Big Ten series this weekend.
If the Buckeyes play well for these mid-week games it acts as a tune up for their Big Ten games.
"Weekday games are huge," pitcher Alex Wimmers said. "If we are able to win those games it gives us confidence [for the weekend]."
The Buckeyes will finish off their two game mid-week slate on Wednesday night at 6:35 p.m. as the Bucks will take on Ball State at Bill Davis Stadium.
Ball State (16-17, 6-7 MAC) comes in to the game with a one game winning streak after defeating Central Michigan 12-4 on Saturday.
Ball State's pitching coach Mike Stafford is a 1998 graduate of Ohio State is now helping the Ball State baseball team.
"Mike Stafford is doing an outstanding job over there" coach Todd said. "We talked to him in the winter time and he said they were going to have an outstanding ball club."
Hopefully the Buckeyes can come out for both games and get good pitching, timely hitting and get the two wins heading into this weekend games against Northwestern
OSU leads the all time series against Bowling Green 29-18-4 and they also lead the series against Ball State 11-4.
Pitcher Jake Hale has been named Big Ten player of the week he comes in to Tuesday's game with 10 saves and a 1.12 ERA. It is the sixth time this season a Buckeye player has been player of the week.
Hale has also been added to the midseason watch list for the Stopper of the Year Award.
Issue date: 4/21/09
The Big Ten leading Ohio State Buckeyes baseball team will host two mid-week games this week as they face Bowling Green on Tuesday night and Ball State Wednesday night.
The Buckeyes first mid-week game will be against Bowling Green at Bill Davis Stadium. The first pitch is set for Tuesday night at 6:35 p.m.
Bowling Green (17-16, 8-6 MAC) comes in to Bill Davis Stadium on a two game losing skid, losing two out of three to Kent State this past weekend. They will be looking to rebound before they return to MAC play this weekend against Miami of Ohio.
"There a solid ball club," coach Bob Todd said. He also noted the importance of these mid-week games and how it's a jump starter for their Big Ten series this weekend.
If the Buckeyes play well for these mid-week games it acts as a tune up for their Big Ten games.
"Weekday games are huge," pitcher Alex Wimmers said. "If we are able to win those games it gives us confidence [for the weekend]."
The Buckeyes will finish off their two game mid-week slate on Wednesday night at 6:35 p.m. as the Bucks will take on Ball State at Bill Davis Stadium.
Ball State (16-17, 6-7 MAC) comes in to the game with a one game winning streak after defeating Central Michigan 12-4 on Saturday.
Ball State's pitching coach Mike Stafford is a 1998 graduate of Ohio State is now helping the Ball State baseball team.
"Mike Stafford is doing an outstanding job over there" coach Todd said. "We talked to him in the winter time and he said they were going to have an outstanding ball club."
Hopefully the Buckeyes can come out for both games and get good pitching, timely hitting and get the two wins heading into this weekend games against Northwestern
OSU leads the all time series against Bowling Green 29-18-4 and they also lead the series against Ball State 11-4.
Pitcher Jake Hale has been named Big Ten player of the week he comes in to Tuesday's game with 10 saves and a 1.12 ERA. It is the sixth time this season a Buckeye player has been player of the week.
Hale has also been added to the midseason watch list for the Stopper of the Year Award.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Midweek Watch: 2 Games; Bowling Green, Ball State
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio State will kick off a nine game homestand with games Tuesday and Wednesday against Bowling Green and Ball State from the Mid American Conference. Each game will start at 6:35 p.m., respectively
This Week in Ohio State Baseball
No. 24 Ohio State (29-8; 9-3 Big Ten Conference)
Game 38 vs. Bowling Green (17-16; 8-6 MAC East)
Tuesday, April 21 - 6:35 p.m.
Bill Davis Stadium
Game 39 vs. Ball State (17-17; 6-7 MAC West)
Wednesday, April 22 - 6:35 p.m.
Bill Davis Stadium
EXPECTED PITCHING MATCHUPS
Tuesday vs. Bowling Green...
LHP Theron Minium (0-2) vs. TBA
Wednesday vs. Ball State...
RHP Ross Oltorik (1-0) vs.
RHP Cal Bowling (3-0)
OHIO STATE VERSUS...
In a series dating back to 1951, Bowling Green and Ohio State have met 51 times with the Bucks leading the series 29-18-4. Ohio State and Ball State have met 15 times since 1964 with Ohio State leading the series, 11-4.
NEWS ON THE FALCONS
Bowling Green makes its way into Columbus for its fourth straight road game. Bowling Green battled Kent State over the weekend, losing a three-game series, 2-1. BGSU won the opener, 9-2, but Kent State came back to win the Saturday double-header, 12-9 and 9-4. The Falcons are batting an impressive .326 as a team and are being led by Tyler Elkins (.400) and Ryan Shay (.387). The staff ERA is 6.96. Leaders on the mound are RH Brennan Smith (6-3; 2.50) and Matt Malewitz (2-1; 3.88).
AN EYE ON BALL STATE
Ball State is coming off a 2-1 series loss at home to Central Michigan. The Cardinals are now 16-17 overall and are in second scond place in the MAC West with a 6-7 mark. Ball State brings speed to the table, leading the MAC in stolen bases with 84 in 98 attempts. Kolbrin Vitek is hitting .376 with seven HRs and 37 RBI and he is also 2-2 with a 4.05 ERA on the mound. Jeremy Hazelbaker leads with a .440 average. Brad Piatt is 4-1 with a 3.95 ERA.
Full OSU Athletic Release
This Week in Ohio State Baseball
No. 24 Ohio State (29-8; 9-3 Big Ten Conference)
Game 38 vs. Bowling Green (17-16; 8-6 MAC East)
Tuesday, April 21 - 6:35 p.m.
Bill Davis Stadium
Game 39 vs. Ball State (17-17; 6-7 MAC West)
Wednesday, April 22 - 6:35 p.m.
Bill Davis Stadium
EXPECTED PITCHING MATCHUPS
Tuesday vs. Bowling Green...
LHP Theron Minium (0-2) vs. TBA
Wednesday vs. Ball State...
RHP Ross Oltorik (1-0) vs.
RHP Cal Bowling (3-0)
OHIO STATE VERSUS...
In a series dating back to 1951, Bowling Green and Ohio State have met 51 times with the Bucks leading the series 29-18-4. Ohio State and Ball State have met 15 times since 1964 with Ohio State leading the series, 11-4.
NEWS ON THE FALCONS
Bowling Green makes its way into Columbus for its fourth straight road game. Bowling Green battled Kent State over the weekend, losing a three-game series, 2-1. BGSU won the opener, 9-2, but Kent State came back to win the Saturday double-header, 12-9 and 9-4. The Falcons are batting an impressive .326 as a team and are being led by Tyler Elkins (.400) and Ryan Shay (.387). The staff ERA is 6.96. Leaders on the mound are RH Brennan Smith (6-3; 2.50) and Matt Malewitz (2-1; 3.88).
AN EYE ON BALL STATE
Ball State is coming off a 2-1 series loss at home to Central Michigan. The Cardinals are now 16-17 overall and are in second scond place in the MAC West with a 6-7 mark. Ball State brings speed to the table, leading the MAC in stolen bases with 84 in 98 attempts. Kolbrin Vitek is hitting .376 with seven HRs and 37 RBI and he is also 2-2 with a 4.05 ERA on the mound. Jeremy Hazelbaker leads with a .440 average. Brad Piatt is 4-1 with a 3.95 ERA.
Full OSU Athletic Release
Polls, Polls, and more Polls, or Rankings if prefer
It is Monday. And in the college baseball world every Monday from March to June is like Christmas morning. Waiting for the polls to be released to see if your team is receiving the attention, props, credit, whatever you feel they deserve. Its weird but going to a baseball game feels better when theres a little number next to your name.
We've reached the midway point of the Big Ten an the 2/3rds mark overally in the baseball season, 37 games hae been played 18 to go. So to be ranked right now is a good sign that you're having a solid season.
So lets get to them.
The Bucks high ranking this week comes from the National College Baseball Writers Association, or the NCBWA because 5 letters is easier to type than 41. Go ahead and count all 41 letters. Back to the rankings, the Bucks jumped up 3 places after a 3-1 week which saw Ohio State sweep Purdue to move atop of the Big Ten standings, after falling at home 8-7 to Kent State. Heres the entireNCBWA poll.
The Bucks are again in the top 25, coming in at 24 in two polls, College Baseball News and Ping! Baseball
Ohio States 4th and final appearance in a top 25 comes from the ESPN/USA Today Coaches poll. The Buckeyes come in just above the bar at 25th. Its the second time this season the coaches across America have deemed the Bucks a top-25 caliber team.
There you have it. That is how the Bucks 29-8 season up to this point is being viewed across the college baseball landscape. I'd say the guys are doing ok.
We've reached the midway point of the Big Ten an the 2/3rds mark overally in the baseball season, 37 games hae been played 18 to go. So to be ranked right now is a good sign that you're having a solid season.
So lets get to them.
The Bucks high ranking this week comes from the National College Baseball Writers Association, or the NCBWA because 5 letters is easier to type than 41. Go ahead and count all 41 letters. Back to the rankings, the Bucks jumped up 3 places after a 3-1 week which saw Ohio State sweep Purdue to move atop of the Big Ten standings, after falling at home 8-7 to Kent State. Heres the entireNCBWA poll.
The Bucks are again in the top 25, coming in at 24 in two polls, College Baseball News and Ping! Baseball
Ohio States 4th and final appearance in a top 25 comes from the ESPN/USA Today Coaches poll. The Buckeyes come in just above the bar at 25th. Its the second time this season the coaches across America have deemed the Bucks a top-25 caliber team.
There you have it. That is how the Bucks 29-8 season up to this point is being viewed across the college baseball landscape. I'd say the guys are doing ok.
In the 9-Hole with Michael Stephens
Photo Courtesy Jim Davidson of the-OZone.net
Its not often that the Ohio State baseball program dips into the JUCO ranks bringing talent to Columbus that provides and instant impact and helps carry the team. Anyone who has watched or followed the Bucks this season knows that has certainly changed, and for the better.
After Junior Centerfielder J.B. Shuck was drafted in the 6th round last season by the Houston Astros leaving a void in the outfield, Coach Todd and staff was able to bring aboard JUCO All-American Junior Michael Stephens from Fullerton (Cali.) College to fill the need.
Stephens is showing everyone Todd made a wise selection and has been an anchor in the Scarlet and Gray line-up from day one. The Buckeye Nine caught up with Stephens and stuck him in the 9-Hole, giving him 9 questions to discuss his time as a Buckeye.
B9: Coming from California hows the weather here in the Midwest?
MS: Ha, Well... it's definitely not like Southern California that's for sure! The weather's more chilly here and very inconsistent.
B9: Obviously the weather wasn't a major reason, just how did you end up in the Scarlet & Gray, what attracted you most to the university and baseball program?
MS: I honestly can say that I ended up here in Columbus on a simple phone call from the staff. And the number one thing that attracted me here is the facilities. Everything here is done first class; you just cannot find that at many of the other programs in the nation.
B9: A lot has been discussed about the team's chemistry this year, being its your first around the guys did it take long to fit in? how do you think the team cohesiveness is?
MS: The team chemistry is awesome this year. Everyone gels and understands what our goals are for the year in order to secure a Big Ten championship. I felt very much at home stepping into the locker room and meeting everyone from day one.
B9: You wear #24, any special reason? Or was it just what was left and the new guy got stuck with it?
MS: I pretty much got stuck with 24 this year, but I've heard some good things about other players wearing it before me. So, I'm not too disappointed with the decision.
B9: Has the transition from JUCO to DI baseball been smooth for you? is it what you expected?
MS: The transition has been a pretty smooth one. I just had to adapt to the different pitching styles and aggressiveness out here compared to California JC ball. The pitching is pretty close to being the same as the Orange Empire Conference, but the depth in the later innings is much more competitive at the D1 level.
B9: What personal goals did you set for yourself coming into the year? Are you on pace to reach them?
MS: When it came to goals, I didn't set any for myself, just two big ones. Win a Big Ten title and win a National Championship. From day one, I have put up a picture of Omaha in my locker to remind me everyday what i go out and play for; it gives me that extra push on my slower days.
B9: You're tied for the team lead in Home Runs at 7 with Dan Burkhart who hits in clean-up right behind you, any friendly competition there to see who can out do the other?
MS: Lol, Yeah we have our moments together. I hear from the guys, that when someone gets close (or as Dan's sake) tied with me in HR's, a little bit of "shoot when are you gonna step up and drop some bombs." LOL, it makes me laugh and smile, but between Dan and I, I think we've created a little rivalry on who will come on top of the HR race on the team.
B9: What has been your favorite moment as a Buckeye?
MS: So far, favorite moment has been going out on the 50 yd. line in the Shoe for athletes appreciation day. What an awesome experience.
B9: Lastly, California or Ohio girls?
MS:Hahahaha, this is a good one... Well, I've met a lot of amazing people out here, and since the weather is getting nicer, there are many more girls coming out of hibernation, but I'm going to have to say the Cali girls hold it down for this question for sure!!!
As you can tell Stephens has had no problems fitting in with the team and becoming a part of the Ohio State baseball program. Stephens has done an incredible job providing the team with power, a solid glove in the field, and speed on the bases. Stephens play is a big reason why the Bucks sit in first midway through the Big Ten season.
The Buckeye Nine thanks Stephens for his team, and we're glad he's apart of the program, and wishes him success finishing the season.
More Websites for the College Baseball Nut
Be sure to check out the good guys at Dixe Fried Sports as they take a close look at the college baseball, and sports in general in the south. Matt and Justin have done a great job with their site, and Matt has told me he has caught quite a few Big Ten baseball games, thanks in part to the Big Ten Network. Strongly urge many if they have not yet, just take a more national view at different teams in college baseball.
Some great baseball is being played throughout the country, and if the Bucks are able to secure a Regional host, you'll never know who will be playing in Columbus. They also have their own Regional projections and a top 30 in which the Bucks are highly thought of. Try not to be put off too much for the SEC football love. Lord knows Ohio State has had its problems there. They take their college baseball almost as serious as their college football which is refreshing.
Also and this one surprised me, the Big Ten or is it the Big Te Network? either way, the Big Ten has a baseball blog on the Network's website in the baseball section. Its pretty solid and quite informative giving weekend breakdowns, game recaps, and other odds and ends in the Big Ten such as required readings, and must see TV. Pretty enjoyable. Big Ten Baseball Blog Easy way to keep track of whats happening throughout the conference.
Both links are to the right in the appropriate section. Check them out, let me know what you think.
Some great baseball is being played throughout the country, and if the Bucks are able to secure a Regional host, you'll never know who will be playing in Columbus. They also have their own Regional projections and a top 30 in which the Bucks are highly thought of. Try not to be put off too much for the SEC football love. Lord knows Ohio State has had its problems there. They take their college baseball almost as serious as their college football which is refreshing.
Also and this one surprised me, the Big Ten or is it the Big Te Network? either way, the Big Ten has a baseball blog on the Network's website in the baseball section. Its pretty solid and quite informative giving weekend breakdowns, game recaps, and other odds and ends in the Big Ten such as required readings, and must see TV. Pretty enjoyable. Big Ten Baseball Blog Easy way to keep track of whats happening throughout the conference.
Both links are to the right in the appropriate section. Check them out, let me know what you think.
Illini Baseball to Host Bleacher Bum Barbecue in during Ohio State Series
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics will host the Bleacher Bum Barbecue at Illinois Field on May 8 to kick off a pivotal weekend series against the No. 24 Ohio State Buckeyes. Ohio State currently leads the Big Ten at 9-3 in conference play, while the Fighting Illini are only one game behind at 8-4 at the halfway mark of the conference season.
"This event has the opportunity to be one of the best in the nation this year," Illinois head coach Dan Hartleb said. "We have a great fan base, and a big crowd for this series will give us a huge home-field advantage."
The barbecue begins at 5 p.m. with free food being given to the first 1,000 fans. The game, which starts at 6:05 p.m., will feature free admission for all fans and free parking in any of the lots surrounding Illinois Field. In addition, First Federal will be giving away 1,000 mini-bats to students and children.
Fans also will have the opportunity to enter drawings for a pair of tickets to a Chicago Cubs game and another for a pair of St. Louis Cardinals tickets. Finally, a postgame fireworks show will cap off the evening.
The Illini have started the season 23-11 overall, the fifth-best start in the last 25 years, and have been ranked for four weeks this season. Illinois owns series wins over then-No. 1 LSU and then-No. 23 Minnesota and is 12-4 at home this season.
This series will obviously go a long way in determinng who wins the Big Ten Championship this season as the Bucks look to win their first since 2001. If any Buckeye fan can make the trip I strongly urge you to do so. Be very polite and well behaved when mixing with the Illini faithful, but support and cheer our guys on to victory. Illinois has a new playing surface, the athletic department has installed field turf to their diamond and are in the process of renovating the stands, press box, lighting as Illinois continues to improve their baseball program. Just wanted to pass this on as it was passed to me.
"This event has the opportunity to be one of the best in the nation this year," Illinois head coach Dan Hartleb said. "We have a great fan base, and a big crowd for this series will give us a huge home-field advantage."
The barbecue begins at 5 p.m. with free food being given to the first 1,000 fans. The game, which starts at 6:05 p.m., will feature free admission for all fans and free parking in any of the lots surrounding Illinois Field. In addition, First Federal will be giving away 1,000 mini-bats to students and children.
Fans also will have the opportunity to enter drawings for a pair of tickets to a Chicago Cubs game and another for a pair of St. Louis Cardinals tickets. Finally, a postgame fireworks show will cap off the evening.
The Illini have started the season 23-11 overall, the fifth-best start in the last 25 years, and have been ranked for four weeks this season. Illinois owns series wins over then-No. 1 LSU and then-No. 23 Minnesota and is 12-4 at home this season.
This series will obviously go a long way in determinng who wins the Big Ten Championship this season as the Bucks look to win their first since 2001. If any Buckeye fan can make the trip I strongly urge you to do so. Be very polite and well behaved when mixing with the Illini faithful, but support and cheer our guys on to victory. Illinois has a new playing surface, the athletic department has installed field turf to their diamond and are in the process of renovating the stands, press box, lighting as Illinois continues to improve their baseball program. Just wanted to pass this on as it was passed to me.
Jake Hale named Big Ten Pitcher of the Week
Buckeye Pitchers Collect 5th Big Ten honor, second consecutive.
PITCHER OF THE WEEK
Jake Hale, Ohio State
Sr., RHP, Albany, Ohio/Alexander
Hale saved each of Ohio State’s three wins over a 25-hour period as the Buckeyes swept Purdue on the road to claim sole possession of first place in the Big Ten standings. The senior tossed 5.1 innings in the series, not allowing a run on just four hits and two walks while striking out seven. The Stopper of the Year Award candidate leads the Big Ten with 10 saves and has an ERA of just 1.12 in 32 innings of work. The right-hander has finished 23 straight games and has not given up an earned run in the month of April. Hale began the week throwing 2.1 innings of scoreless, one-hit ball against nationally ranked Kent State on Wednesday before preserving a 1-0 win over Purdue on Friday with two scoreless frames. In Game 1 of a doubleheader Saturday, Hale struck out three of the five batters he faced without allowing a runner to reach base. In the series finale, he entered the game with one out in the eighth and the bases loaded and held the one-run lead. For the week, Hale struck out 10 in 7.2 innings, allowing just five hits and three walks with zero earned runs. The weekly award is the first of Hale’s career and the fifth for the Ohio State pitching staff this season.
Hale Pitcher of the Week
PITCHER OF THE WEEK
Jake Hale, Ohio State
Sr., RHP, Albany, Ohio/Alexander
Hale saved each of Ohio State’s three wins over a 25-hour period as the Buckeyes swept Purdue on the road to claim sole possession of first place in the Big Ten standings. The senior tossed 5.1 innings in the series, not allowing a run on just four hits and two walks while striking out seven. The Stopper of the Year Award candidate leads the Big Ten with 10 saves and has an ERA of just 1.12 in 32 innings of work. The right-hander has finished 23 straight games and has not given up an earned run in the month of April. Hale began the week throwing 2.1 innings of scoreless, one-hit ball against nationally ranked Kent State on Wednesday before preserving a 1-0 win over Purdue on Friday with two scoreless frames. In Game 1 of a doubleheader Saturday, Hale struck out three of the five batters he faced without allowing a runner to reach base. In the series finale, he entered the game with one out in the eighth and the bases loaded and held the one-run lead. For the week, Hale struck out 10 in 7.2 innings, allowing just five hits and three walks with zero earned runs. The weekly award is the first of Hale’s career and the fifth for the Ohio State pitching staff this season.
Hale Pitcher of the Week
The Lantern: Buckeyes Sweep Boilers
Nathan Schlabach
Issue date: 4/20/09
A combination of good pitching and big offensive innings helped propel the Ohio State baseball team to sweep Purdue this weekend.
"I was very proud of our team," coach Bob Todd said. "I thought we reacted very well and it just showed a great deal of mental toughness."
In the first game on Saturday, OSU (29-8, 9-3 Big Ten) rallied from a 2-1 deficit with four runs in the fifth inning to take the lead for good and defeat Purdue 7-4.
Five hits and one error helped push four Buckeye runs in the fifth inning to give the Bucks a 5-2 lead.
In the seventh inning Dan Burkhart hit a home run. The Buckeyes added an insurance run in the ninth when Cory Rupert singled, scoring Michael Arp.
Drew Rucinski (6-2) got the win and Jake Hale had the save. Hale had a great weekend with three appearances, pitching 5.1 innings, allowing zero runs and getting three saves.
"There was no doubt he was the reason we were able to have a successful weekend," Todd said. "He just sucked it up and gave us a great performance."
Because of weather the Buckeyes played two games Saturday, winning game two 11-10.
In the second game against Purdue, after falling behind 3-0 in two innings, OSU scored nine consecutive runs to build a 9-3 lead.
"I was very proud of our hitters; we made adjustments the second and third time through the order," coach Todd said. "We did a much better job of approaching how we wanted to hit."
It started in the third with a five-run inning. Dan Burkhart's single to right scored the go-ahead runs, which gave the Buckeyes the 5-3 lead.
The Buckeyes had a four-run fourth inning that increased the lead to 9-3. The big hit of the inning came from Michael Stephens' two-run triple.
Purdue cut it to 9-7 at one point but OSU came back to score more runs. Arp doubled and scored on Stephens' second triple of the day. Burkhart singled, which scored Stephens to make it an 11-7 game.
Stephens' triple was the 22nd for the Buckeyes this season, the fourth-highest single season total.
Purdue wasn't done yet, as they cut it to 11-10 in the eighth inning, but couldn't get the tying run home. In the ninth, Purdue had runners on second and third, but failed to score.
Friday night's game was a good old fashioned pitchers' duel, as the Bucks' two pitchers bested Purdue's one pitcher. The Buckeyes won the game 1-0.
It was a combined effort of Alex Wimmers and Jake Hale, who held Purdue to five hits and nine scoreless innings.
The only score of the game came from a leadoff home run in the eighth inning by Ryan Dew.
Next up for the Buckeyes is a battle with Bowling Green at 6:35 p.m. Tuesday at Bill Davis Stadium.
Issue date: 4/20/09
A combination of good pitching and big offensive innings helped propel the Ohio State baseball team to sweep Purdue this weekend.
"I was very proud of our team," coach Bob Todd said. "I thought we reacted very well and it just showed a great deal of mental toughness."
In the first game on Saturday, OSU (29-8, 9-3 Big Ten) rallied from a 2-1 deficit with four runs in the fifth inning to take the lead for good and defeat Purdue 7-4.
Five hits and one error helped push four Buckeye runs in the fifth inning to give the Bucks a 5-2 lead.
In the seventh inning Dan Burkhart hit a home run. The Buckeyes added an insurance run in the ninth when Cory Rupert singled, scoring Michael Arp.
Drew Rucinski (6-2) got the win and Jake Hale had the save. Hale had a great weekend with three appearances, pitching 5.1 innings, allowing zero runs and getting three saves.
"There was no doubt he was the reason we were able to have a successful weekend," Todd said. "He just sucked it up and gave us a great performance."
Because of weather the Buckeyes played two games Saturday, winning game two 11-10.
In the second game against Purdue, after falling behind 3-0 in two innings, OSU scored nine consecutive runs to build a 9-3 lead.
"I was very proud of our hitters; we made adjustments the second and third time through the order," coach Todd said. "We did a much better job of approaching how we wanted to hit."
It started in the third with a five-run inning. Dan Burkhart's single to right scored the go-ahead runs, which gave the Buckeyes the 5-3 lead.
The Buckeyes had a four-run fourth inning that increased the lead to 9-3. The big hit of the inning came from Michael Stephens' two-run triple.
Purdue cut it to 9-7 at one point but OSU came back to score more runs. Arp doubled and scored on Stephens' second triple of the day. Burkhart singled, which scored Stephens to make it an 11-7 game.
Stephens' triple was the 22nd for the Buckeyes this season, the fourth-highest single season total.
Purdue wasn't done yet, as they cut it to 11-10 in the eighth inning, but couldn't get the tying run home. In the ninth, Purdue had runners on second and third, but failed to score.
Friday night's game was a good old fashioned pitchers' duel, as the Bucks' two pitchers bested Purdue's one pitcher. The Buckeyes won the game 1-0.
It was a combined effort of Alex Wimmers and Jake Hale, who held Purdue to five hits and nine scoreless innings.
The only score of the game came from a leadoff home run in the eighth inning by Ryan Dew.
Next up for the Buckeyes is a battle with Bowling Green at 6:35 p.m. Tuesday at Bill Davis Stadium.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
The College Baseball Blog Live Chat
Brian Foley and the great guys at thecollegebaseballblog have invited me to be a guest tonight in their weekend recap chat. You can follow the chat here, I encourage anyone out there to send their questions and joing in. The chat runs 9-11 and is live.
Midway Point: Bucks in 1st
After 4 weekends of Big Ten play, the Buckeyes sit atop of the Big Ten standings at 9-3. Not the best of quality but I even provided a picture to prove it and make sure its true and not some fantasy land. You can click the picture if you actually want to see the numbers and how every team is doing, I'm satisfied with seeing Ohio State at the top. Its been a long time coming to say the least.
Now before anyone jumps the gun and starting running around the Midwest thumping their chest, we are just 1 game from falling down to 4th, and there are still 4 more series to go. But after back-to-back .500 seasons in the Big Ten, let us relish the moment. Lets always be happy that the Bucks are at home for 3 of the next 4 weekends, after being on the road for 30 of their first 37 games. Yeah this isn't Ohio State football, kudos to our guys for being road warriors.
I'm turning it over to you guys to provide the bulk of the material in this post. With the one half of the Big Ten season played, what comes to mind when looking back? Who has been the teams MVP in your mind? (Poll to the right) Who has been a surprise? What is being done differently in your mind this year? What do you expect over the last 18 games?
Following the Buckeye Nine and of course Ohio State Baseball
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I randomly have a thought about Alex Wimmers pitch sequence against lefties, I can post it on Twitter. Come across injury news/updates, Twitter. You're unable to attend a game and live stats aren't working for the 120th time, check Twitter for inning if not at-bat by at-bat summaries.
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And on the lighter side, Coach Bob Todd's on the field excellence is well noted, and their is a Facebook group, the "Bob Todd Fan Club" where you can join the millions, or dozens of Coach Todd and the Buckeyes backers.
While on Facebook check out the good guys at The College Baseball Blog and their page.
I've joined the rest of America and am on Twitter.
The concept is simple, you just post updates for the world, or "followers" to see.
I randomly have a thought about Alex Wimmers pitch sequence against lefties, I can post it on Twitter. Come across injury news/updates, Twitter. You're unable to attend a game and live stats aren't working for the 120th time, check Twitter for inning if not at-bat by at-bat summaries.
The Buckeye Nine's Twitter Page
Also if you have Facebook, make sure you're a "Fan" of the Buckeye Nine.
The feed on the Facebook Fan page refreshes every 30 minutes, and if there is important news, or the situation calls for it, The Buckeye Nine can send an update to everyone's inbox who is a fan.
The Buckeye Nine on Facebook
And on the lighter side, Coach Bob Todd's on the field excellence is well noted, and their is a Facebook group, the "Bob Todd Fan Club" where you can join the millions, or dozens of Coach Todd and the Buckeyes backers.
While on Facebook check out the good guys at The College Baseball Blog and their page.
Hale of a Weekend; Bucks Sweep DH, Sweep Series
Photo Courtesy The O-Zone
Senior secures sweep.
No. 26 Ohio State won both games of a doubleheader Saturday over Purdue, 7-4 and 11-10, and in the process won all three games of the series to move into no worse than a tie for first place in the Big Ten Conference. Ohio State is now 29-8 on the season and 9-3 in the Big Ten with six consecutive conference wins. Purdue is 16-18 and 5-6.
After falling behind, 3-0, after two innings in Game 2, Ohio State scored nine consecutive runs to build a 9-3 lead. Purdue closed to within 9-7 at one point and to 11-10 with a three-run eighth. In the ninth inning, Purdue had runners on second and third with two out, but Jake Hale got a groundout to end the game and end a sparkling weekend for the senior closer, who saved all three games and now has 10 for the season and 21 for his career.
“This was a great effort by the team,” said Ohio State coach Bob Todd, who moved to within 16 wins of career win No. 1,000. “The players displayed great mental toughness throughout this entire series and they did everything we asked of them in winning both games today.”
A five-run third inning, helped by an error, Purdue’s sixth of the two-game afternoon, gave the Buckeyes a 5-3 lead after their half of the third. Dan Burkhart’s two-out single to right scored the go-ahead runs for the Buckeyes.
A four-run fourth inning, helped by another error, increased the lead to 9-3. Michael Stephens’ two-run triple was the biggest hit of four for the Scarlet and Gray in the inning.
Purdue battled back to make a game of it, closing to within 9-7 on a three-run home run by Drew Madia, part of a four-run sixth inning.
But Ohio State came back to score some breathing room runs in the eighth. Michael Arp doubled with two out and scored on Stephens’ second triple of the day. The triple was also the 22nd for the Buckeyes this year, the fourth-highest single season total and closing to within three of the school mark of 25 triples in one season. Burkhart’s single then scored Stephens to make it an 11-7 game.
The Boilers’ came back with three runs in the eighth off three hits, including a two-run single by Barrett Serrato. Hale, the fifth Ohio State pitcher of the day, got a strikeout to end the eighth with runners on second and third.
Hale had to face the top of the Purdue order in the ninth. He got the first two outs, but a walk and a double by Madia had the tying and winning runs in singling distance. But Hale got Tyler Spillner to ground out to Cory Kovanda and the Buckeyes had a huge win to cap the day.
There were numerous Ohio State stars for the Saturday games, but Hale’s 3.1 innings pitched in the two games and two saves had to be the brightest. Offensively, Ohio State was led by four hits and six RBI from Dan Burkhart, including a Game 1 home run, and five runs, three hits and five RBI from Stephens.
In Game 1, Ohio State rallied from a 2-1 deficit with four runs in the fifth inning to grab the lead for good and defeat Purdue, 7-4.
Four consecutive one-out hits, followed by an error and another hit pushed four Buckeye runs across in the decisive fifth inning to give the Buckeyes a 5-2 lead. Kovanda’s single scored the tying run and Stephens’ single scored the go-ahead run. Another run scored on an error and the fourth run of the inning came across on a single by Ryan Dew.
Burkhart hit his team-high tying seventh home run in the seventh inning to extend the lead to 6-3. The home run was part of a two-hit, two-RBI game for Burkhart. Kovanda had three hits, an RBI and a run scored to provide additional offensive support. Cory Rupert had two hits, including a run-scoring, two-out single in the ninth inning to increase the Buckeyes’ lead to 7-4.
Purdue starter Matt Jansen lasted 4.2 innings and allowed eight hits, two walks and a strikeout. Three of the five runs he surrendered were earned. He is now 3-4 on the season.
Ohio State starter Eric Best went 4.1 innings, allowing six hits, three runs, four walks and two strikeouts. Drew Rucinski worked 3.0 innings and scattered three hits and one run to pick up his sixth victory of the season.
Hale relieved Rucinski in the eighth inning with the bases loaded and one out. The Big Ten’s top finisher struck out Dan Black on three pitches and then forced a ground out to end the inning and leave the bases loaded for Purdue for the second time in the game.
Hale worked a three-up-three-down ninth inning to secure his ninth save of the season and the 20th of his career...numbers that would grow by one about four hours later.
Game Notes & Recap Courtesy OSU Athletics
Game 1 Box Score
Game 2 Box Score
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Hale named to NCBWA 2009 Stopper of the Year Midseason Watch List
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (NCBWA) – Forty-five relief pitchers are included on the midseason watch list for the fifth annual National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year Award, the association announced Thursday. The award is given to the top relief pitcher in NCAA Division I college baseball.
After yesterday's 1-0 victory over Purdue, in which Hale collected his 8th save of the year, Jake now has a statline that includes a 1.26 ERA, 8 saves, 36 strikeouts in 28.2 innings pitched. Hale has allowed just 19 hits, only three being of exra bases (all doubles), limiting opponents to a .183 batting average off of the senior righty. Hale has appeared in 22 of Ohio State's 35 games, closing out 21 of them. Both statistics lead the Big Ten.
Watch List
After yesterday's 1-0 victory over Purdue, in which Hale collected his 8th save of the year, Jake now has a statline that includes a 1.26 ERA, 8 saves, 36 strikeouts in 28.2 innings pitched. Hale has allowed just 19 hits, only three being of exra bases (all doubles), limiting opponents to a .183 batting average off of the senior righty. Hale has appeared in 22 of Ohio State's 35 games, closing out 21 of them. Both statistics lead the Big Ten.
Watch List
Buckeyes to make Big Ten Network Debut, two games Saturday
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Ohio State and Purdue University will play two nine-inning games Saturday instead of one game Saturday and one game Sunday, as originally scheduled. The change to two games was prompted by the threat of inclement weather hitting West Lafayette Sunday. The decision was made prior to the start of the game Friday.
The Big Ten Network, scheduled to televise both weekend games, will televise the first game Saturday live beginning at 12 noon. The network will tape Game 2 Saturday and replay it at noon Sunday.
Anticipated pitching match-ups:
Game 1: RHP Dean Wolosiansky (7-1; 5.51) vs. LHP Matt Jansen (3-3; 6.96)
Game 2: LHP Eric Best (6-1; 4.89) vs. RHP Matt Morgan (3-2; 3.64)
The Big Ten Network, scheduled to televise both weekend games, will televise the first game Saturday live beginning at 12 noon. The network will tape Game 2 Saturday and replay it at noon Sunday.
Anticipated pitching match-ups:
Game 1: RHP Dean Wolosiansky (7-1; 5.51) vs. LHP Matt Jansen (3-3; 6.96)
Game 2: LHP Eric Best (6-1; 4.89) vs. RHP Matt Morgan (3-2; 3.64)
Columbus Dispatch: Home run all OSU need
Alex Wimmers and Jake Hale combined on a shutout, and Ryan Dew's eighth-inning home run was the game's only run in Ohio State's victory over host Purdue in a Big Ten game yesterday.
Wimmers allowed only three hits before departing after walking the leadoff batter in the eighth. Hale allowed a single before getting out of that jam.
In the ninth, Purdue got a two-out double, but Hale got a groundout.
Wimmers struck out seven, including back-to-back strikeouts of two of Purdue's top hitters in the sixth inning with a runner on second base.
Wimmers also was aided by catcher Dan Burkhart, who threw out two runners attempting to steal.
Ohio State had three hits off the Boilermakers' Matt Bischoff until Dew, the designated hitter, hit his third homer of the season.
Ohio State (27-8, 7-3) and Purdue (16-16, 5-4) will play a doubleheader today. They were scheduled to play single, nine-inning games today and Sunday, but the threat of bad weather Sunday led to the change.
Columbus Dispatc
Wimmers allowed only three hits before departing after walking the leadoff batter in the eighth. Hale allowed a single before getting out of that jam.
In the ninth, Purdue got a two-out double, but Hale got a groundout.
Wimmers struck out seven, including back-to-back strikeouts of two of Purdue's top hitters in the sixth inning with a runner on second base.
Wimmers also was aided by catcher Dan Burkhart, who threw out two runners attempting to steal.
Ohio State had three hits off the Boilermakers' Matt Bischoff until Dew, the designated hitter, hit his third homer of the season.
Ohio State (27-8, 7-3) and Purdue (16-16, 5-4) will play a doubleheader today. They were scheduled to play single, nine-inning games today and Sunday, but the threat of bad weather Sunday led to the change.
Columbus Dispatc
Wimmers & Hale Drown Out Boilermakers
In a good old fashioned pitchers’ duel, Ohio State’s two bested Purdue’s one and the Buckeyes’ won the first game of this three-game series, 1-0, Friday afternoon in front of 382 fans at Lambert Field.
The win for Ohio State, on the strength of a combined shutout from Alex Wimmers and Jake Hale and a leadoff, eighth-inning home run by Ryan Dew, improves Ohio State’s records to 27-8 overall and 7-3 in the Big Ten Conference. Purdue is 16-16 overall and 5-4 in the Big Ten.
“Good pitching wins ball games,” coach Bob Todd said. “Now we have to be able to do this again tomorrow.”
The Buckeyes will try to win not once but twice Saturday. That’s because the teams will play two nine-inning games instead of one game Saturday and one game Sunday, as originally scheduled. The change to a Saturday DH was prompted by the threat of inclement weather hitting West Lafayette Sunday. The decision was made prior to the start of the game Friday.
“We’ll be prepared to play two games in one day,” Todd said. “That’s why we played two games on so many Saturdays when we were in Florida. This team knows what to do to get ready to play two.”
The game Friday, on a sun-splashed afternoon, was all about starting pitchers Wimmers for Ohio State and Matt Bischoff for Purdue through the first seven scoreless innings. During that time both pitchers had given up just three hits and both were helped by line-out double plays. Wimmers also benefitted from longtime friend and catcher Dan Burkhart throwing out two Purdue runners trying to steal, in the third inning and to end the seventh.
Wimmers had to work out of trouble in the fourth and fifth innings. He balked and wild pitched a runner to third, but got a strikeout to end the fourth. He faced runners on first and second with one out in the fifth, but got a line-out double play – right fielder Michael Arp to Matt Streng at first – with the Purdue runners aggressively running on the play.
Wimmers wasn’t necessarily in trouble in the sixth with a runner on second and one down, but it wasn’t the best of situations he was looking at as Purdue’s next two batters were the .425-hitting Eric Charles and the .355-hitting (and .748 slugging) Dan Black, who hit two home runs and drove in eight RBI last year against Ohio State. Wimmers struck them both out to end the inning.
Bischoff, meanwhile, had faced just two men over the minimum and had allowed just three harmless singles through seven innings. He retired the first 12 batters he faced and then after scattering the singles in three separate innings, he appeared to be getting stronger as the game wore on. His one-two-three seventh inning included striking out two Buckeyes looking.
The game changed in the eighth inning. Dew, who was do to hit a home run, having not hit one in 30 games, rudely greeted Bischoff to open the eighth inning by crushing his first pitch for a line drive home run over the right field wall for a 1-0 Ohio State lead. It was Dew’s third home run of the season but first since a game five win over George Mason.
“A lot of times a pitcher will lead off the inning with a first-pitch fastball,” Dew said, “and that’s what he threw. I was looking for it and it came middle in, just how I like it.”
A walk to open the eighth inning signaled the end of the day for Wimmers, who exited having allowed just three hits with three walks and seven strikeouts. Jake Hale entered the game and got two quick outs on a sacrifice bunt and a ground out. Brandon Haveman reached on an infield single up the first base line, but Hale held the lead and got the Buckeyes out of the inning by getting Eric Charles to line out to Arp in right.
Things got interesting in the Purdue half of the ninth, but only for a moment. Tyler Spillner hit a two-out double to bring the winning run to the plate, but Hale got Nick Overmeyer to ground out to shortstop Tyler Engle and the Buckeyes had their 27th win of the season.
Wimmers is now 7-1 with the win. Hale added to his Big Ten leading totals with his eighth save, his 22nd relief appearance and his 21st consecutive game finished. Bischoff dropped to 3-3 with the loss.
Courtesy Ohio State Athletics
Box Score
The win for Ohio State, on the strength of a combined shutout from Alex Wimmers and Jake Hale and a leadoff, eighth-inning home run by Ryan Dew, improves Ohio State’s records to 27-8 overall and 7-3 in the Big Ten Conference. Purdue is 16-16 overall and 5-4 in the Big Ten.
“Good pitching wins ball games,” coach Bob Todd said. “Now we have to be able to do this again tomorrow.”
The Buckeyes will try to win not once but twice Saturday. That’s because the teams will play two nine-inning games instead of one game Saturday and one game Sunday, as originally scheduled. The change to a Saturday DH was prompted by the threat of inclement weather hitting West Lafayette Sunday. The decision was made prior to the start of the game Friday.
“We’ll be prepared to play two games in one day,” Todd said. “That’s why we played two games on so many Saturdays when we were in Florida. This team knows what to do to get ready to play two.”
The game Friday, on a sun-splashed afternoon, was all about starting pitchers Wimmers for Ohio State and Matt Bischoff for Purdue through the first seven scoreless innings. During that time both pitchers had given up just three hits and both were helped by line-out double plays. Wimmers also benefitted from longtime friend and catcher Dan Burkhart throwing out two Purdue runners trying to steal, in the third inning and to end the seventh.
Wimmers had to work out of trouble in the fourth and fifth innings. He balked and wild pitched a runner to third, but got a strikeout to end the fourth. He faced runners on first and second with one out in the fifth, but got a line-out double play – right fielder Michael Arp to Matt Streng at first – with the Purdue runners aggressively running on the play.
Wimmers wasn’t necessarily in trouble in the sixth with a runner on second and one down, but it wasn’t the best of situations he was looking at as Purdue’s next two batters were the .425-hitting Eric Charles and the .355-hitting (and .748 slugging) Dan Black, who hit two home runs and drove in eight RBI last year against Ohio State. Wimmers struck them both out to end the inning.
Bischoff, meanwhile, had faced just two men over the minimum and had allowed just three harmless singles through seven innings. He retired the first 12 batters he faced and then after scattering the singles in three separate innings, he appeared to be getting stronger as the game wore on. His one-two-three seventh inning included striking out two Buckeyes looking.
The game changed in the eighth inning. Dew, who was do to hit a home run, having not hit one in 30 games, rudely greeted Bischoff to open the eighth inning by crushing his first pitch for a line drive home run over the right field wall for a 1-0 Ohio State lead. It was Dew’s third home run of the season but first since a game five win over George Mason.
“A lot of times a pitcher will lead off the inning with a first-pitch fastball,” Dew said, “and that’s what he threw. I was looking for it and it came middle in, just how I like it.”
A walk to open the eighth inning signaled the end of the day for Wimmers, who exited having allowed just three hits with three walks and seven strikeouts. Jake Hale entered the game and got two quick outs on a sacrifice bunt and a ground out. Brandon Haveman reached on an infield single up the first base line, but Hale held the lead and got the Buckeyes out of the inning by getting Eric Charles to line out to Arp in right.
Things got interesting in the Purdue half of the ninth, but only for a moment. Tyler Spillner hit a two-out double to bring the winning run to the plate, but Hale got Nick Overmeyer to ground out to shortstop Tyler Engle and the Buckeyes had their 27th win of the season.
Wimmers is now 7-1 with the win. Hale added to his Big Ten leading totals with his eighth save, his 22nd relief appearance and his 21st consecutive game finished. Bischoff dropped to 3-3 with the loss.
Courtesy Ohio State Athletics
Box Score
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
The Lanter: Hurley takes the lead
Alex Kopilow
Issue date: 4/15/09
Junior leftfielder Zach Hurley has been the leadoff hitter for the Ohio State baseball team since the beginning of the year, but he's taken the word "lead" to a whole new level.
Hurley needed surgery on a torn left labrum (shoulder) late last summer, which kept him out of fall practices. Since the season started in late February he has shown no signs that the surgery has hurt his performance.
Hurley is the team leader in runs, hits and stolen bases, which are all typical statistics of a great leadoff hitter. Hurley also leads in categories typical of a cleanup hitter. He leads the team with a .590 slugging percentage, a .436 on-base percentage, and he even leads the team in runs batted in with 39. Hurley also has 15 extra base hits (5 doubles, 5 triples, 5 home runs), which is tied for second on team with outfielder Michael Stephens.
"I think it's more of a tribute to the entire team an how well we're playing," Hurley said. "It really says a lot about our lineup and how loaded we are throughout the entire lineup.
"You can put anyone in the order anywhere you want and they'll come through."
Hurley became an everyday player in 2008, playing in 49 games and making 35 starts in the outfield. He hit over .302, with five stolen bases and had a .410 slugging percentage.
Hurley has spent the last three summers as an outfielder for the Cincinnati Steam in the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League.
Last summer, Hurley led the GLSCL in batting with a .433 average and was named the league's Player of the Year and its No. 1 pro prospect.
"I thought him playing last summer was a big help for him," coach Bob Todd said. "He slowly keeps working hard and slowly keeps getting better."
Hurley was 5-for-10 with four runs, four runs batted in, four walks and a home run against Michigan State last weekend.
Zach Hurley and the No. 26 Buckeyes finish their five-game home stand today against No. 24 Kent State Golden Flashes at 6:35 p.m. at Bill Davis Stadium.
The Buckeyes are 4-1 at home this season and lead the all-time series against Kent State 34-13. In their last meeting, the Buckeyes defeated the Golden Flashes with a 5-3 win in 2004 at Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Dean Wolosiansky will get the start for OSU. Wolosiansky (7-1, 5.59 ERA) earned the win in his last start against Michigan State on Saturday. He pitched six and one-thirds innings and allowed nine hits, three earned runs, no walks and had one strikeout.
Issue date: 4/15/09
Junior leftfielder Zach Hurley has been the leadoff hitter for the Ohio State baseball team since the beginning of the year, but he's taken the word "lead" to a whole new level.
Hurley needed surgery on a torn left labrum (shoulder) late last summer, which kept him out of fall practices. Since the season started in late February he has shown no signs that the surgery has hurt his performance.
Hurley is the team leader in runs, hits and stolen bases, which are all typical statistics of a great leadoff hitter. Hurley also leads in categories typical of a cleanup hitter. He leads the team with a .590 slugging percentage, a .436 on-base percentage, and he even leads the team in runs batted in with 39. Hurley also has 15 extra base hits (5 doubles, 5 triples, 5 home runs), which is tied for second on team with outfielder Michael Stephens.
"I think it's more of a tribute to the entire team an how well we're playing," Hurley said. "It really says a lot about our lineup and how loaded we are throughout the entire lineup.
"You can put anyone in the order anywhere you want and they'll come through."
Hurley became an everyday player in 2008, playing in 49 games and making 35 starts in the outfield. He hit over .302, with five stolen bases and had a .410 slugging percentage.
Hurley has spent the last three summers as an outfielder for the Cincinnati Steam in the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League.
Last summer, Hurley led the GLSCL in batting with a .433 average and was named the league's Player of the Year and its No. 1 pro prospect.
"I thought him playing last summer was a big help for him," coach Bob Todd said. "He slowly keeps working hard and slowly keeps getting better."
Hurley was 5-for-10 with four runs, four runs batted in, four walks and a home run against Michigan State last weekend.
Zach Hurley and the No. 26 Buckeyes finish their five-game home stand today against No. 24 Kent State Golden Flashes at 6:35 p.m. at Bill Davis Stadium.
The Buckeyes are 4-1 at home this season and lead the all-time series against Kent State 34-13. In their last meeting, the Buckeyes defeated the Golden Flashes with a 5-3 win in 2004 at Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Dean Wolosiansky will get the start for OSU. Wolosiansky (7-1, 5.59 ERA) earned the win in his last start against Michigan State on Saturday. He pitched six and one-thirds innings and allowed nine hits, three earned runs, no walks and had one strikeout.
The Lantern: Hale goes in and out of bullpen
Zack Meisel
Issue date: 4/14/09
One simple question has mystified Ohio State baseball coach Bob Todd for the past four years: Is 6-feet-6-inch flamethrower Jake Hale better suited as a starting pitcher or a closer?
"If I had my choice, I'd be a starter," the senior pitcher said. "I like to be in the game a lot. But as a closer, I'm getting a lot of opportunities to have a lot of appearances and be able to throw every day, so I really can't complain about that either."
Hale launched his Buckeye career atop the mound as a starter, coming out of the bullpen in just three of his 14 appearances during his freshman campaign.
Todd needed Hale's durable arm in relief the following year, and the towering righty pitched in 22 of his 26 games out of the 'pen.
Hale returned to his starting role as a junior, opening games in all but one of his 12 appearances.
Now a senior, the lanky hurler might have uncovered a permanent position as a closer. Serving as the pitching staff's last line of defense, Hale leads the Big Ten with seven saves, 20 appearances, an earned run average of 1.48 and an opposing batting average of .178. Each statistic is indicative of his dominance during the closing innings.
As a reliever, Hale benefits from the ability to use all of his pitches, knowing he likely won't face a hitter more than once.
"Moving me into the closer role, I get to show all my pitches the very first time around, because I'm probably not going to see that guy ever again. As a starter, you get to use all of your pitches, but you spread it out. You'll throw your fastball and changeup for the first two or three innings until someone catches on."
Alternating between starting and relieving hasn't been a simple transition. A pitcher must alter mental and physical training regimens, Hale said.
"As a starter, you have to stretch out your bullpens and do a lot more endurance training," he said. "As a closer, you just go out there and give it your all for an inning or two. You just have to train yourself to rebound as fast as you can to be able to throw the next day as well."
At first, Hale wasn't thrilled with the idea of moving into the bullpen.
"I wasn't too keen on it when I was first brought into it," he said. "But now I look back on it and think it was a good idea."
Todd said Hale's adverse attitude toward the initial switch played a factor in him moving back into a starting role as a junior.
"We tried to turn him into a closer two years ago and it made his [draft] stock go higher," he said. "But he didn't really have the right attitude. He did it, but he really wasn't sold on it. Now he's realized that the quickest way to get the attention of the pro people and to help himself is to go back and be the closer. So he's really taken a different attitude."
The Toronto Blue Jays and Cleveland Indians have each drafted Hale in the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft, but Hale has elected to remain a Buckeye and finish his collegiate career.
While Hale has entered each season amid uncertainty about his role on the staff, the versatility garnered from his diverse responsibilities has added an important facet to his game that professional teams covet.
"The versatility makes a huge difference," he said. "To be able to look at a guy and say, 'Well, there's a couple of spots we need to be filled, and having him in our organization, he could either fill one spot or another. He's been in both situations.' That's a great thing to have."
Hale also favors the mental approach that relievers must take, as it suits his easy-going personality.
"As a starter, you're thinking about the game way before it starts, and preparing for it," he said. "The game's on you - you start it off. As a closer, I'm one of those guys who turns it on right when I need to. I'll be goofing around before the game and keeping everybody loose, but whenever it's my turn to go in, I flip the switch."
Through his first three seasons, Hale totaled 52 appearances, split evenly among starting and relieving. Now, as OSU's owner of the ninth inning, Hale has found a stable spot among the pitching staff, finally providing the answer that has for so long evaded him and his coach.
Issue date: 4/14/09
One simple question has mystified Ohio State baseball coach Bob Todd for the past four years: Is 6-feet-6-inch flamethrower Jake Hale better suited as a starting pitcher or a closer?
"If I had my choice, I'd be a starter," the senior pitcher said. "I like to be in the game a lot. But as a closer, I'm getting a lot of opportunities to have a lot of appearances and be able to throw every day, so I really can't complain about that either."
Hale launched his Buckeye career atop the mound as a starter, coming out of the bullpen in just three of his 14 appearances during his freshman campaign.
Todd needed Hale's durable arm in relief the following year, and the towering righty pitched in 22 of his 26 games out of the 'pen.
Hale returned to his starting role as a junior, opening games in all but one of his 12 appearances.
Now a senior, the lanky hurler might have uncovered a permanent position as a closer. Serving as the pitching staff's last line of defense, Hale leads the Big Ten with seven saves, 20 appearances, an earned run average of 1.48 and an opposing batting average of .178. Each statistic is indicative of his dominance during the closing innings.
As a reliever, Hale benefits from the ability to use all of his pitches, knowing he likely won't face a hitter more than once.
"Moving me into the closer role, I get to show all my pitches the very first time around, because I'm probably not going to see that guy ever again. As a starter, you get to use all of your pitches, but you spread it out. You'll throw your fastball and changeup for the first two or three innings until someone catches on."
Alternating between starting and relieving hasn't been a simple transition. A pitcher must alter mental and physical training regimens, Hale said.
"As a starter, you have to stretch out your bullpens and do a lot more endurance training," he said. "As a closer, you just go out there and give it your all for an inning or two. You just have to train yourself to rebound as fast as you can to be able to throw the next day as well."
At first, Hale wasn't thrilled with the idea of moving into the bullpen.
"I wasn't too keen on it when I was first brought into it," he said. "But now I look back on it and think it was a good idea."
Todd said Hale's adverse attitude toward the initial switch played a factor in him moving back into a starting role as a junior.
"We tried to turn him into a closer two years ago and it made his [draft] stock go higher," he said. "But he didn't really have the right attitude. He did it, but he really wasn't sold on it. Now he's realized that the quickest way to get the attention of the pro people and to help himself is to go back and be the closer. So he's really taken a different attitude."
The Toronto Blue Jays and Cleveland Indians have each drafted Hale in the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft, but Hale has elected to remain a Buckeye and finish his collegiate career.
While Hale has entered each season amid uncertainty about his role on the staff, the versatility garnered from his diverse responsibilities has added an important facet to his game that professional teams covet.
"The versatility makes a huge difference," he said. "To be able to look at a guy and say, 'Well, there's a couple of spots we need to be filled, and having him in our organization, he could either fill one spot or another. He's been in both situations.' That's a great thing to have."
Hale also favors the mental approach that relievers must take, as it suits his easy-going personality.
"As a starter, you're thinking about the game way before it starts, and preparing for it," he said. "The game's on you - you start it off. As a closer, I'm one of those guys who turns it on right when I need to. I'll be goofing around before the game and keeping everybody loose, but whenever it's my turn to go in, I flip the switch."
Through his first three seasons, Hale totaled 52 appearances, split evenly among starting and relieving. Now, as OSU's owner of the ninth inning, Hale has found a stable spot among the pitching staff, finally providing the answer that has for so long evaded him and his coach.
No. 26 Ohio State hosts No. 24 Kent State
As big a mid-week game as we’ll have at Bill Davis Stadium this year takes place at 6:35 p.m. Wednesday as the 26-7 Ohio State Buckeyes host 24-7 Kent State University, a team predicted to win the MAC and make the NCAA tournament.
Game 34: vs. No. 24 Kent State (24-7; 9-2 Mid American Conference)
Wednesday, April 15 - 6:35 p.m.
Bill Davis Stadium
BOTH TEAMS NATIONALLY RANKED
Ohio State comes into the game ranked 26th by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association and 28th by PING! Baseball and Kent State is ranked 24th by Collegiate Baseball. The two teams have numerous other similarities:
• Ohio State has won 14 Big Ten Conference regular season championships, eight Big Ten tournament championships and has participated in the NCAA tournament 18 times, including 12 times under the direction of coach Bob Todd.
• Kent State has won nine Mid American Conference championships, six MAC tournament titles and participated in an NCAA tournament eight times, including once under fifth-year coach Scott Stricklin.
TODD AND CYPRET KENT STATE TIESTwenty-seven years ago Bob Todd accepted his first head coaching assignment on a college level after 11 seasons as an assistant coach at Missouri. That first job was at Kent State. In four years with the program, Todd, who also served as an assistant athletics director, never had a losing season while winning 124 games against 82 losses. His teams set MAC records for wins twice, and his last two teams combined for 73 wins.
Assistant coach Greg Cypret, who played at Missouri while Todd was on the Tigers’ staff, spent three years as an assistant at Kent State before coming to Ohio State with Todd in the fall of 1988.
THE SERIES HISTORY
Ohio State and Kent State are playing for the 48th time in a series that started in 1958. Ohio State leads the all-time series, 34-13. In their last meeting, the Buckeyes came out on top with a 5-3 win in 2004 at Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Full OSU Athletics Release
Kent State Game Notes
Game 34: vs. No. 24 Kent State (24-7; 9-2 Mid American Conference)
Wednesday, April 15 - 6:35 p.m.
Bill Davis Stadium
BOTH TEAMS NATIONALLY RANKED
Ohio State comes into the game ranked 26th by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association and 28th by PING! Baseball and Kent State is ranked 24th by Collegiate Baseball. The two teams have numerous other similarities:
• Ohio State has won 14 Big Ten Conference regular season championships, eight Big Ten tournament championships and has participated in the NCAA tournament 18 times, including 12 times under the direction of coach Bob Todd.
• Kent State has won nine Mid American Conference championships, six MAC tournament titles and participated in an NCAA tournament eight times, including once under fifth-year coach Scott Stricklin.
TODD AND CYPRET KENT STATE TIESTwenty-seven years ago Bob Todd accepted his first head coaching assignment on a college level after 11 seasons as an assistant coach at Missouri. That first job was at Kent State. In four years with the program, Todd, who also served as an assistant athletics director, never had a losing season while winning 124 games against 82 losses. His teams set MAC records for wins twice, and his last two teams combined for 73 wins.
Assistant coach Greg Cypret, who played at Missouri while Todd was on the Tigers’ staff, spent three years as an assistant at Kent State before coming to Ohio State with Todd in the fall of 1988.
THE SERIES HISTORY
Ohio State and Kent State are playing for the 48th time in a series that started in 1958. Ohio State leads the all-time series, 34-13. In their last meeting, the Buckeyes came out on top with a 5-3 win in 2004 at Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Full OSU Athletics Release
Kent State Game Notes
From OSU Athletics: Bob Todd, Zach Hurley Audio
Ohio State junior outfielder Zach Hurley and head coach Bob Todd talked about the upcoming week and more in the audio double play this week.
Todd is in his 22nd year with Ohio State and his 26th year overall as a head coach. In his time with the Buckeyes, Todd has won 14 Big Ten titles and has an up-to-date record of 857-442-2 for his Ohio State career. Todd won his 850th game in the 8-3 victory over Penn State March 27th.
Hurley, from Springboro, Ohio, is having an excellent season for the Buckeyes. He has started all 33 games this season and leads the team with 39 RBI. The leftfielder is second on the squad in batting, averaging .382 and has a team-high nine stolen bases
Zach Hurley speaks bout this week's games
Coach Bob Todd on his teams play, Kent State, and Purdue
Todd is in his 22nd year with Ohio State and his 26th year overall as a head coach. In his time with the Buckeyes, Todd has won 14 Big Ten titles and has an up-to-date record of 857-442-2 for his Ohio State career. Todd won his 850th game in the 8-3 victory over Penn State March 27th.
Hurley, from Springboro, Ohio, is having an excellent season for the Buckeyes. He has started all 33 games this season and leads the team with 39 RBI. The leftfielder is second on the squad in batting, averaging .382 and has a team-high nine stolen bases
Zach Hurley speaks bout this week's games
Coach Bob Todd on his teams play, Kent State, and Purdue
Wimmers Collects 3rd Big Ten Honor
Alex Wimmers is the Big Ten pitcher of the week this week, the third time this season the sophomore from Cincinnati and Archbishop Moeller High School has claimed the Big Ten’s weekly award.
Wimmers was named co-pitcher of the week for his two-hit, 11-strikenout command performance in a 6-1 win over Michigan State Friday at Bill Davis Stadium. He shared the award with Indiana’s Eric Arnett.
Wimmers retired the first 11 batters he faced before allowing his only walk of the game in the fourth inning. He carried a no-hitter into the eighth inning before throwing his third complete game of the season while striking out 10 or more batters for the fourth time to improve to 6-1 on the season.
“Alex Wimmers was the story of this game,” Ohio State coach Bob Todd said after the game. “He dominated this ball game.”
With the score 5-0, Spartan catcher Eric Roof broke up Wimmers’ no-hit bid with a leadoff double in the eighth inning.
Ohio State catcher Dan Burkhart, who has caught Wimmers since the two were nine-years-old, said after the game there was nothing you could do about the hit because it was a good pitch that Wimmers threw. Then he paid his longtime friend a compliment that only Burkhart, who has caught so many of Wimmers’ games, would know.
“Alex has had a ton of great outings and this was another great one.”
In being honored for the third time this season by the Big Ten Conference as a pitcher/player of the week, Wimmers joins Ronnie Bourquin and Steve Caravati as the only Buckeyes to be so honored three times in one season. Caravati picked up his three weekly honors in 2004. Bourquin was named player of the week three times during the 2006 campaign. Both Caravati and Bourquin were, subsequently, named the Big Ten’s player of the year at the conclusion of the season.
Ohio State has picked up a Big Ten honor for the fifth time this season. The single season record for Buckeyes claiming the honor is seven in 2004. Twice, in 2003 and again in 2006, Buckeyes were honored six times. Five Buckeyes were honored in 1994, 1999, 2002 and so far in 2009.
2009 Ohio State Big Ten Player/Pitcher of the Week Honorees
Feb. 23 - Drew Rucinski, Pitcher
Mar. 2 - Dan Burkhart, Player
Mar. 16 - Alex Wimmers, Pitcher
Mar. 23 - Alex Wimmers, Pitcher
Apr. 14 - Alex Wimmers, Pitcher
Wimmers Big Ten Co-Pitcher of the Week
Big Ten Release
Wimmers was named co-pitcher of the week for his two-hit, 11-strikenout command performance in a 6-1 win over Michigan State Friday at Bill Davis Stadium. He shared the award with Indiana’s Eric Arnett.
Wimmers retired the first 11 batters he faced before allowing his only walk of the game in the fourth inning. He carried a no-hitter into the eighth inning before throwing his third complete game of the season while striking out 10 or more batters for the fourth time to improve to 6-1 on the season.
“Alex Wimmers was the story of this game,” Ohio State coach Bob Todd said after the game. “He dominated this ball game.”
With the score 5-0, Spartan catcher Eric Roof broke up Wimmers’ no-hit bid with a leadoff double in the eighth inning.
Ohio State catcher Dan Burkhart, who has caught Wimmers since the two were nine-years-old, said after the game there was nothing you could do about the hit because it was a good pitch that Wimmers threw. Then he paid his longtime friend a compliment that only Burkhart, who has caught so many of Wimmers’ games, would know.
“Alex has had a ton of great outings and this was another great one.”
In being honored for the third time this season by the Big Ten Conference as a pitcher/player of the week, Wimmers joins Ronnie Bourquin and Steve Caravati as the only Buckeyes to be so honored three times in one season. Caravati picked up his three weekly honors in 2004. Bourquin was named player of the week three times during the 2006 campaign. Both Caravati and Bourquin were, subsequently, named the Big Ten’s player of the year at the conclusion of the season.
Ohio State has picked up a Big Ten honor for the fifth time this season. The single season record for Buckeyes claiming the honor is seven in 2004. Twice, in 2003 and again in 2006, Buckeyes were honored six times. Five Buckeyes were honored in 1994, 1999, 2002 and so far in 2009.
2009 Ohio State Big Ten Player/Pitcher of the Week Honorees
Feb. 23 - Drew Rucinski, Pitcher
Mar. 2 - Dan Burkhart, Player
Mar. 16 - Alex Wimmers, Pitcher
Mar. 23 - Alex Wimmers, Pitcher
Apr. 14 - Alex Wimmers, Pitcher
Wimmers Big Ten Co-Pitcher of the Week
Big Ten Release
Columbus Dispatch: Pitchers lead sweep, will take BP
Monday, April 13, 2009 3:13 AM
By Mark Znidar
The Columbus Dispatch
The drill for Ohio State pitchers in a typical round of batting practice is as exciting as scrubbing a floor. If they're not shagging baseballs in the outfield, they're catching the balls that have been shagged and tossing them into a bucket behind a screen at second base.
It's about to get more interesting.
"With coach (Bob) Todd, we had kind of a little bet going that if we give up less than six walks and hit only one batter during a series that we'd have some batting practice for the pitchers," left-hander Eric Best said.
For the pitching staff, it will be batter up after the Buckeyes defeated Michigan State 6-1 yesterday for a sweep of their three-game Big Ten series in Bill Davis Stadium.
In 27 innings, Ohio State gave up four walks and hit one batter. The pitchers also gave up only five earned runs and 17 hits.
Best, a junior from Olentangy Liberty, did his best to keep the numbers low by giving up two hits and striking out two in five innings as yesterday's starter. The run he gave up was unearned.
Drew Rucinski gave up two hits in three innings, and Jake Hale worked a perfect ninth.
"It's fun," Best said of batting practice. "You have guys who didn't hit in high school looking terrible, and some guys who can mash the ball."
Shortstop Tyler Engle might not agree with the mashing part. "It's comical," he said. "But it's fun to watch. Now, we'll have to shag for them."
The Spartans (11-21, 3-6) are a bottom feeder in the conference, and the Buckeyes (26-7, 6-3) made sure they stayed that way with impressive fundamental baseball for three days in less-than-ideal conditions.
Yesterday, Ohio State had two extra-base hits -- doubles by Dan Burkhart and Cory Rupert -- but was extraordinary in working the count for four walks and moving runners by going with the pitch.
"We did exactly what we needed to do," Todd said. "We executed better all weekend (than Michigan State) and pitched better all weekend. That's what good teams have got to do. We talk all the time about making adjustments. The thing with the pitchers is, they are going out there and throwing strikes."
The sweep was a shot in the arm for two reasons. The Buckeyes had played 27 of their first 29 games on the road and had lost three of their previous four games.
"I made the comment to the players before the season started that bragging that we won a series is not good enough with the conference going to three-game series" instead of four games, Todd said. "Eight losses won't win the conference."
Chilly, windy conditions kept the crowds down -- attendance was 927 yesterday -- but the players enjoyed being back home.
"There's no place like home and being in front of the home fans," Engle said.
By Mark Znidar
The Columbus Dispatch
The drill for Ohio State pitchers in a typical round of batting practice is as exciting as scrubbing a floor. If they're not shagging baseballs in the outfield, they're catching the balls that have been shagged and tossing them into a bucket behind a screen at second base.
It's about to get more interesting.
"With coach (Bob) Todd, we had kind of a little bet going that if we give up less than six walks and hit only one batter during a series that we'd have some batting practice for the pitchers," left-hander Eric Best said.
For the pitching staff, it will be batter up after the Buckeyes defeated Michigan State 6-1 yesterday for a sweep of their three-game Big Ten series in Bill Davis Stadium.
In 27 innings, Ohio State gave up four walks and hit one batter. The pitchers also gave up only five earned runs and 17 hits.
Best, a junior from Olentangy Liberty, did his best to keep the numbers low by giving up two hits and striking out two in five innings as yesterday's starter. The run he gave up was unearned.
Drew Rucinski gave up two hits in three innings, and Jake Hale worked a perfect ninth.
"It's fun," Best said of batting practice. "You have guys who didn't hit in high school looking terrible, and some guys who can mash the ball."
Shortstop Tyler Engle might not agree with the mashing part. "It's comical," he said. "But it's fun to watch. Now, we'll have to shag for them."
The Spartans (11-21, 3-6) are a bottom feeder in the conference, and the Buckeyes (26-7, 6-3) made sure they stayed that way with impressive fundamental baseball for three days in less-than-ideal conditions.
Yesterday, Ohio State had two extra-base hits -- doubles by Dan Burkhart and Cory Rupert -- but was extraordinary in working the count for four walks and moving runners by going with the pitch.
"We did exactly what we needed to do," Todd said. "We executed better all weekend (than Michigan State) and pitched better all weekend. That's what good teams have got to do. We talk all the time about making adjustments. The thing with the pitchers is, they are going out there and throwing strikes."
The sweep was a shot in the arm for two reasons. The Buckeyes had played 27 of their first 29 games on the road and had lost three of their previous four games.
"I made the comment to the players before the season started that bragging that we won a series is not good enough with the conference going to three-game series" instead of four games, Todd said. "Eight losses won't win the conference."
Chilly, windy conditions kept the crowds down -- attendance was 927 yesterday -- but the players enjoyed being back home.
"There's no place like home and being in front of the home fans," Engle said.
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