ST. PETERSBURG, FL – Tickets for the second Big Ten-BIG EAST Baseball Challenge, hosted by the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Sports Commission, will be available online at www.BigTenBIGEASTChallenge.com beginning at Noon on Wednesday, October 28, 2009. The Challenge will take place February 26-28, 2010, at various current and former big-league facilities. Those interested in purchasing tickets via phone can call 410-472-3500.
An all-tournament pass, which provides access to all 30 games of the Challenge, can be purchased for $25. Individual day passes are available for $10, and individual venue passes for Bright House Field and Dunedin Stadium are available for $5. An individual day pass will admit one spectator to any game on a given day at Progress Energy Park, the Raymond A. Naimoli Complex and Jack Russell Stadium. An individual venue pass will admit one spectator to any game on a given day at Bright House Field or Dunedin Stadium. Alumni groups, youth and social organizations also can sell all-tournament passes with a portion of the proceeds going to the selling organization. Information about fundraising opportunities is available at www.BigTenBIGEASTChallenge.com.
Ohio State's Challenge schedule
February 26, 2010
4:30 pm Al Lang Stadium: University of South Florida vs. Ohio State University
February 27, 2010
4:00 pm Bright House Field: Ohio State University vs. University of Notre Dame
February 28, 2010
1:00 pm Naimoli Complex (#5): Ohio State University vs. University of Cincinnati
The complete release and challenge schedule can be found here form the Big Ten.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Where we stand: Catchers
First part of 2009 wrap-ups and 2010 previews begins with the catchers.
Returning Players:
Sr. Shawn Forsythe (18 games, 4 starts)
Jr. Dan Burkhart (105, 105) 2009 starter
Jr. DJ Hanlin (4, 0)
R-Fr. David Fathalikhani (0, 0)
Incoming Players:
F Steel Russell
Spring Roundup:
Burkhart is coming off of a 2009 campaign which saw him share first team All-Big Ten honors with Indiana catcher Josh Phegley. Though the all conference selection resulted in a tie, it was Burkhart who the coaches selected as the Big Ten Player of the Year.
Being used in the 5-hole before sliding up a spot during the second half of the season anchoring the Bucks as its clean-up hitter, the Cincinnati Moeller product batted .354, with 13 doubles, three triples, 10 home runs, and 62 RBI. Burkhart’s .529 slugging percentage was second on the team behind CF Michael Stephens. His .429 on-base percentage tied for the team lead along with DH Ryan Dew and SS Tyler Engle. Combined Burkhart’s 1.018 OPS tied for the team lead with Stephens, ideal production from your clean-up hitter. In conference play the numbers Burkhart put up stayed consistent, posting a line of .350-.575-461.
What makes Burkhart stand out besides the raw numbers is digging deeper into the numbers and seeing a complete player. Blending power wth patience, in drawing 31 base on balls compared to 29 strikeouts, only three other Big Ten hitters with 10+ home runs finished with a BB: K ratio of 1 or better. Teammate Dew who walked an equal amount of strikeout at 12. Purdue third basemen Dan Black who walked 62 times against 46 strikeouts, and Phegley with 45 free passes to34 strikeouts.
Defensively opponents successfully stole bases off Burkhart 65% of the time which finished 4th best behind Minnesota’s Kyle Knudson 60%, Chad Noble from Northwestern at 62%, and Aaron Johnson from Illinois at 64%. Providing a solid glove along with a strong arm Burkhart allowed just 3 passed balls, fewest in the Big Ten.
As you can imagine with the Big Ten Player of the Year in front of you on the depth chart, finding a way to squeeze yourself into the line-up can be challenging, a task that was dealt to Hanlin and Forsythe. Forsythe who is entering his 5th season with the program did pick up at-bats and playing time in 2009, providing veteran depth for the Buckeyes behind the plate.
Appearing in 17 games making four starts, Forsythe batted .238 picking up five hits in 21 at-bats. All five were singles, but the former Sheridan General did drive in three runs, and crossed home four times himself. A bug-a-boo for Forsythe however was his defense behind the plate. Compared to the three passed balls Burkhart allowed in 57 starts, Forsythe allowed two, collected three catcher interference, and base runners successfully stole nine bags in 11 attempts.
DJ Hanlin rounds out the returning catchers. A junior, Hanlin saw playing time in four games, went 1-for-2 and drove in a run. Walk-on David Fathalikhani did not see any playing time in 2009, taking a red-shirt year.
Summer Showings:
As expected, as one of college baseball’s best, Burkhart spent the summer playing in the most prestigious of collegiate summer leagues, the Cape Cod Baseball League. Playing for the Hyannis Mets, Burkhart was selected an alternative to the CCBL All Star game. With the wooden bat Burkhart hit at a .295 clip, third on the team, with a pair of doubles and a triple.
Along with Burkhart, Forsythe dropped the aluminum for the wood in honoring his skills over the summer. Playing for Rockbridge Rapids alongside teammates Brian DeLucia and Jared Strayer, Forsythe made eight starts, appearing in 13 games. In 24 at-bats, Forsythe batted .125, collecting three hits and a RBI.
Autumn Activities:
Burkhart went 6-for-12 with 4 RBI, in the three game Scarlet & Gray World Series. Catching the entire first two games behind the plate, Burkhart trotted out to third for the deciding third game, a site new to Buckeye fans.
Neither Forsythe nor Hanlin collected a hit in the three games, sharing catching duty for the Gray team. While Fathalikhani did pick up a hit in his lone at-bat for the Scarlet team.
Where we stand:
Obviously the position is Burkhart’s to lose, which we highly doubt that will happen. As the player Coach Bob Todd referred to time and time again as the team’s most valuable player, a lot will be expected from Burkhart. After his breakout sophomore year, though not on the level Phegley was, Burkhart’s name is resonating through the collegiate baseball world.
As the reigning Big Ten Player of the Year, Burkhart will not sneak up on anyone, however given the skill and depth of the Buckeyes line-up, opposing pitchers won’t have the luxury of giving Burkhart the Dan Black treatment of intentional, unintentional free passes. Burkhart will get his chances to again by the catalyst in the Buckeyes batting order, presumably batting clean-up once again.
As long as Burkhart maintains his focus he should once again put up stellar numbers. Where another year of college baseball under his belt, the line-up the Bucks have, and a sense of urgency that this is the year, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Burkhart bat near .370, line-up 15 home runs, and drive in close to 75 runs
Behind Burkhart you can expect Forsythe to step in on days Burkhart is given off, and do a serviceable job. Hanlin could provide pinch-hit value and a lot defensive replacement off the bench on those days. Fathalikhani is probably still a year or two away from extended playing time. True freshman Steel Russell who will be highlighted later will also provide depth for what could be the Big Ten’s best collection of backstops.
Grade: A. Though top heavy with Burkhart, having Forsythe with some time behind the plate doesn't the the cupboard bare. The numbers are there and if Russell brings the bat from Autumn to Spring this group could be very deep with numbers and talent.
Returning Players:
Sr. Shawn Forsythe (18 games, 4 starts)
Jr. Dan Burkhart (105, 105) 2009 starter
Jr. DJ Hanlin (4, 0)
R-Fr. David Fathalikhani (0, 0)
Incoming Players:
F Steel Russell
Spring Roundup:
Burkhart is coming off of a 2009 campaign which saw him share first team All-Big Ten honors with Indiana catcher Josh Phegley. Though the all conference selection resulted in a tie, it was Burkhart who the coaches selected as the Big Ten Player of the Year.
Being used in the 5-hole before sliding up a spot during the second half of the season anchoring the Bucks as its clean-up hitter, the Cincinnati Moeller product batted .354, with 13 doubles, three triples, 10 home runs, and 62 RBI. Burkhart’s .529 slugging percentage was second on the team behind CF Michael Stephens. His .429 on-base percentage tied for the team lead along with DH Ryan Dew and SS Tyler Engle. Combined Burkhart’s 1.018 OPS tied for the team lead with Stephens, ideal production from your clean-up hitter. In conference play the numbers Burkhart put up stayed consistent, posting a line of .350-.575-461.
What makes Burkhart stand out besides the raw numbers is digging deeper into the numbers and seeing a complete player. Blending power wth patience, in drawing 31 base on balls compared to 29 strikeouts, only three other Big Ten hitters with 10+ home runs finished with a BB: K ratio of 1 or better. Teammate Dew who walked an equal amount of strikeout at 12. Purdue third basemen Dan Black who walked 62 times against 46 strikeouts, and Phegley with 45 free passes to34 strikeouts.
Defensively opponents successfully stole bases off Burkhart 65% of the time which finished 4th best behind Minnesota’s Kyle Knudson 60%, Chad Noble from Northwestern at 62%, and Aaron Johnson from Illinois at 64%. Providing a solid glove along with a strong arm Burkhart allowed just 3 passed balls, fewest in the Big Ten.
As you can imagine with the Big Ten Player of the Year in front of you on the depth chart, finding a way to squeeze yourself into the line-up can be challenging, a task that was dealt to Hanlin and Forsythe. Forsythe who is entering his 5th season with the program did pick up at-bats and playing time in 2009, providing veteran depth for the Buckeyes behind the plate.
Appearing in 17 games making four starts, Forsythe batted .238 picking up five hits in 21 at-bats. All five were singles, but the former Sheridan General did drive in three runs, and crossed home four times himself. A bug-a-boo for Forsythe however was his defense behind the plate. Compared to the three passed balls Burkhart allowed in 57 starts, Forsythe allowed two, collected three catcher interference, and base runners successfully stole nine bags in 11 attempts.
DJ Hanlin rounds out the returning catchers. A junior, Hanlin saw playing time in four games, went 1-for-2 and drove in a run. Walk-on David Fathalikhani did not see any playing time in 2009, taking a red-shirt year.
Summer Showings:
As expected, as one of college baseball’s best, Burkhart spent the summer playing in the most prestigious of collegiate summer leagues, the Cape Cod Baseball League. Playing for the Hyannis Mets, Burkhart was selected an alternative to the CCBL All Star game. With the wooden bat Burkhart hit at a .295 clip, third on the team, with a pair of doubles and a triple.
Along with Burkhart, Forsythe dropped the aluminum for the wood in honoring his skills over the summer. Playing for Rockbridge Rapids alongside teammates Brian DeLucia and Jared Strayer, Forsythe made eight starts, appearing in 13 games. In 24 at-bats, Forsythe batted .125, collecting three hits and a RBI.
Autumn Activities:
Burkhart went 6-for-12 with 4 RBI, in the three game Scarlet & Gray World Series. Catching the entire first two games behind the plate, Burkhart trotted out to third for the deciding third game, a site new to Buckeye fans.
Neither Forsythe nor Hanlin collected a hit in the three games, sharing catching duty for the Gray team. While Fathalikhani did pick up a hit in his lone at-bat for the Scarlet team.
Where we stand:
Obviously the position is Burkhart’s to lose, which we highly doubt that will happen. As the player Coach Bob Todd referred to time and time again as the team’s most valuable player, a lot will be expected from Burkhart. After his breakout sophomore year, though not on the level Phegley was, Burkhart’s name is resonating through the collegiate baseball world.
As the reigning Big Ten Player of the Year, Burkhart will not sneak up on anyone, however given the skill and depth of the Buckeyes line-up, opposing pitchers won’t have the luxury of giving Burkhart the Dan Black treatment of intentional, unintentional free passes. Burkhart will get his chances to again by the catalyst in the Buckeyes batting order, presumably batting clean-up once again.
As long as Burkhart maintains his focus he should once again put up stellar numbers. Where another year of college baseball under his belt, the line-up the Bucks have, and a sense of urgency that this is the year, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Burkhart bat near .370, line-up 15 home runs, and drive in close to 75 runs
Behind Burkhart you can expect Forsythe to step in on days Burkhart is given off, and do a serviceable job. Hanlin could provide pinch-hit value and a lot defensive replacement off the bench on those days. Fathalikhani is probably still a year or two away from extended playing time. True freshman Steel Russell who will be highlighted later will also provide depth for what could be the Big Ten’s best collection of backstops.
Grade: A. Though top heavy with Burkhart, having Forsythe with some time behind the plate doesn't the the cupboard bare. The numbers are there and if Russell brings the bat from Autumn to Spring this group could be very deep with numbers and talent.
Red-hot Angle sparks Desert Dogs
Orioles prospect records fifth straight multi-hit game
By Daren Smith / MLB.com
The fact that Matt Angle has logged five straight multi-hit games for the Arizona Fall League's Phoenix Desert Dogs came as news to Matt Angle.
"Really?" the Orioles outfield prospect asked after Saturday's three-hit night. "When you're not playing every day, sometimes it's hard to keep track."
Angle went 3-for-5, grabbed a share of the league lead with his sixth stolen base and scored twice as the Desert Dogs cruised to a 7-3 victory over the Scottsdale Scorpions.
The 2007 seventh-round Draft pick might not be the best known prospect among the Orioles' contingent, but he's making a name for himself in the AFL. Angle is 13-for-25 with 10 runs scored during his current tear to raise his average to .406.
"I just wanted to come out here and play, get some experience," he said. "There are some great players out there and I just wanted to compete with them. I was excited to play some winter ball."
Even when he struggled in his first two Fall League games, going 0-for-7, the Ohio State product drew three walks, stole a couple of bases and scored a run.
"I definitely already made a couple of adjustments," he said after working with coaches Moe Hill and Brian McArn. "I shortened up a little bit from the first week I was here. I'm using my hands a lot more than my body."
Angle hit .289 with 40 steals at Class A Advanced Frederick this season before a brief stint at Double-A Bowie. He attributes his recent success at the plate to preparation.
"I try to get to the cage early," he said. "I take the same number of swings every day going into the game. ... I just try to see pitches and when the opportunity's there to steal, I try to take advantage. I don't try to force anything too much."
Angle helped the Desert Dogs (7-4) erase an early two-run deficit. Held to two hits over four innings by Scorpions starter Joe Martinez (Giants), Phoenix scored five times in the fifth. A.J. Jimenez (Blue Jays) and Angle had RBI base hits, former first-round pick Chris Marrero (Nationals) delivered a two-run single and Brandon Waring (Orioles) drew a bases-loaded walk.
Waring capped the Desert Dogs' scoring with a two-run double in the seventh.
Ryohei Tanaka (1-1), an Orioles farmhand who rooms with Angle, got the win after tossing 3 1/3 innings of scoreless relief.
Diamondbacks first baseman Brandon Allen went 3-for-3 with an RBI double for Scottsdale (6-5).
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Hurley & Kovanda named 2010 Captains
Courtesy OhioStateBuckeyes.com
COLUMBUS, OH- Coming off a 42-win season that included a Big Ten championship and a trip to the NCAA tournament, the Ohio State baseball team announced its 2010 captains at its Scarlet and Gray World Series victory dinner Tuesday evening. Seniors Cory Kovanda and Zach Hurley were each voted captains by their peers.
"Two quality young men dominated in the captains voting," coach Bob Todd said. "There really was no question who the team wanted to be captains this year."
Kovanda, a second baseman from Columbus, has started at second base each of his first three years at Ohio State and hit .341 with 11 doubles and 38 RBI in 2009.
"I'm honored," Kovanda said. "This team and its chemistry...you cannot ask for more of an honor than to be representing this team. I'm ready to contribute what I can and to lead."
Hurley, an outfielder from Springboro, Ohio, batted .346 with 12 doubles and led the team with 14 stolen bases his junior season. He was drafted in the 45th round of the Major League Baseball amateur draft in June but opted to return to Columbus for his senior year.
"This is such a privilege to be chosen captain," Hurley said. "This has been a goal of mine since I came here and I am really at a loss for words right now. It is really awesome that your teammates think that much of you. It's the highest honor you can get."
In addition, freshman right-handed pitcher Brett McKinney was named rookie captain of the 2009 squad.
Full team practices for the Buckeyes will begin Feb. 1 with the first game slated for Feb. 19 at North Florida.
COLUMBUS, OH- Coming off a 42-win season that included a Big Ten championship and a trip to the NCAA tournament, the Ohio State baseball team announced its 2010 captains at its Scarlet and Gray World Series victory dinner Tuesday evening. Seniors Cory Kovanda and Zach Hurley were each voted captains by their peers.
"Two quality young men dominated in the captains voting," coach Bob Todd said. "There really was no question who the team wanted to be captains this year."
Kovanda, a second baseman from Columbus, has started at second base each of his first three years at Ohio State and hit .341 with 11 doubles and 38 RBI in 2009.
"I'm honored," Kovanda said. "This team and its chemistry...you cannot ask for more of an honor than to be representing this team. I'm ready to contribute what I can and to lead."
Hurley, an outfielder from Springboro, Ohio, batted .346 with 12 doubles and led the team with 14 stolen bases his junior season. He was drafted in the 45th round of the Major League Baseball amateur draft in June but opted to return to Columbus for his senior year.
"This is such a privilege to be chosen captain," Hurley said. "This has been a goal of mine since I came here and I am really at a loss for words right now. It is really awesome that your teammates think that much of you. It's the highest honor you can get."
In addition, freshman right-handed pitcher Brett McKinney was named rookie captain of the 2009 squad.
Full team practices for the Buckeyes will begin Feb. 1 with the first game slated for Feb. 19 at North Florida.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Yahoo Sports/Rivals.com Programs on the rise and decline
Many programs have statements to make
Kendall Rogers throwing more love towards the Buckeyes. Resident favorite national media member Eric Sorenson has some catching up to do.....
Kendall's take
It’s a comparison few would make. But in a way, college baseball mimics the stock market.
As with the stock market, there are some programs out there like Texas, Cal State Fullerton, LSU, Florida State and North Carolina that are constants. There also are programs such as Baylor, Nebraska, California, Arizona and Tulane that can’t seem to find their places in college baseball’s stock market.
Then there are programs such as Texas Christian, Virginia, East Carolina, Kansas and Ohio State that may remind some of the rising tech stars of the late 1990s.
TCU reached a super regional last season and has a chance to be even better in 2010, Virginia will be a national title contender in the spring, East Carolina has a golden opportunity to be the best team in the state of North Carolina for once, Kansas could make a huge statement in the Big 12 and Ohio State has the personnel to return to Omaha for the first time since ’67.
Some stocks will rise and some will fall. But for many, it’s all about timing.
Perhaps that scenario will play out for some of our rising and declining programs.
Ohio State on the rise
Analysis. The Buckeyes haven’t had an issue making a name for themselves this decade. But in terms of being a player on the national stage, the Bucks have yet to master that objective. That could change in the spring. Ohio State welcomes back several key players from a squad that finished last season with a 42-19 record and a Big Ten regular season championship. OSU will have one of the nation’s best pitchers in Alex Wimmers. It also welcomes back a plethora of talent at the plate. This team can get to Omaha.
Kendall Rogers throwing more love towards the Buckeyes. Resident favorite national media member Eric Sorenson has some catching up to do.....
Kendall's take
It’s a comparison few would make. But in a way, college baseball mimics the stock market.
As with the stock market, there are some programs out there like Texas, Cal State Fullerton, LSU, Florida State and North Carolina that are constants. There also are programs such as Baylor, Nebraska, California, Arizona and Tulane that can’t seem to find their places in college baseball’s stock market.
Then there are programs such as Texas Christian, Virginia, East Carolina, Kansas and Ohio State that may remind some of the rising tech stars of the late 1990s.
TCU reached a super regional last season and has a chance to be even better in 2010, Virginia will be a national title contender in the spring, East Carolina has a golden opportunity to be the best team in the state of North Carolina for once, Kansas could make a huge statement in the Big 12 and Ohio State has the personnel to return to Omaha for the first time since ’67.
Some stocks will rise and some will fall. But for many, it’s all about timing.
Perhaps that scenario will play out for some of our rising and declining programs.
Ohio State on the rise
Analysis. The Buckeyes haven’t had an issue making a name for themselves this decade. But in terms of being a player on the national stage, the Bucks have yet to master that objective. That could change in the spring. Ohio State welcomes back several key players from a squad that finished last season with a 42-19 record and a Big Ten regular season championship. OSU will have one of the nation’s best pitchers in Alex Wimmers. It also welcomes back a plethora of talent at the plate. This team can get to Omaha.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
McKinney leads Scarlet in victory
COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Ohio State baseball team's annual Scarlet and Gray World Series was decided on the final game of the three game series with Scarlet coming out on top, 8-3, Wednesday evening at Bill Davis Stadium.
The Gray scored a run in the top of the first inning. Senior Cory Kovanda doubled sharply to left and came around to score on senior Cory Rupert's single to right.
Scarlet came back against Gray pitcher Theron Minium with two two-out runs to take a 2-1 lead. After a walk to Brian DeLucia, Ryan Cypret, Steel Russell and Joe Ciamacco all singled to plate the two runs.
Ryan Dew's RBI single in the third increased the Scarlet lead to 3-1. Scoring on the play was Dan Burkhart, who had stroked a one-out single.
Gray threatened in the fourth with two on and nobody out. But like he did Friday with the bases loaded and nobody out, McKinney got out of the jam. He struck out David Corna for the first out and then got an inning-ending and textbook, 4-6-3 double play.
Tyler Engle laid down a delicately nice bunt with one out in the Scarlet fifth. He moved to second on a throwing error on the play and went to third on a wild pitch. Minium helped himself by striking out Burkhart to get the second out of the inning. It also signaled the end of Minium's start as Nick Jones came in to try and get the third out of the inning. And he did. With one pitch he coaxed a ground out.
Scarlet starter McKinney had another nice outing. He went 5.0 innings allowing just one run off five hits. He struck out three and did not walk a batter to improve his record to 2-0 this fall.
Gray cut the lead to one run with a two-out score in the sixth. Stephens singled, stole second and scored on Matt Streng's double to left.
But Scarlet went back up by two in its half of the sixth as Burkhart doubled in Chris Griffin, who had singled with one out.
Back came Gray. With two out in the eighth and facing side-armed throwing Jared Strayer, Stephens and Matt Streng hit back-to-back doubles with Stephens scoring to make the score 4-3.
Scarlet finally put the game away with four runs in the eighth inning off a walk, a hit, a fielder's choice, and three errors to carry a 8-3 lead into the ninth inning.
Strayer shut down Gray in the ninth to earn the save.
Dan Burkhart and Ryan Cypret each had a pair of hits for Scarlet. Streng finished 3-for-4 with a pair of runs batted in while Kovanda and Stephens each added two hits for Gray.
The Gray scored a run in the top of the first inning. Senior Cory Kovanda doubled sharply to left and came around to score on senior Cory Rupert's single to right.
Scarlet came back against Gray pitcher Theron Minium with two two-out runs to take a 2-1 lead. After a walk to Brian DeLucia, Ryan Cypret, Steel Russell and Joe Ciamacco all singled to plate the two runs.
Ryan Dew's RBI single in the third increased the Scarlet lead to 3-1. Scoring on the play was Dan Burkhart, who had stroked a one-out single.
Gray threatened in the fourth with two on and nobody out. But like he did Friday with the bases loaded and nobody out, McKinney got out of the jam. He struck out David Corna for the first out and then got an inning-ending and textbook, 4-6-3 double play.
Tyler Engle laid down a delicately nice bunt with one out in the Scarlet fifth. He moved to second on a throwing error on the play and went to third on a wild pitch. Minium helped himself by striking out Burkhart to get the second out of the inning. It also signaled the end of Minium's start as Nick Jones came in to try and get the third out of the inning. And he did. With one pitch he coaxed a ground out.
Scarlet starter McKinney had another nice outing. He went 5.0 innings allowing just one run off five hits. He struck out three and did not walk a batter to improve his record to 2-0 this fall.
Gray cut the lead to one run with a two-out score in the sixth. Stephens singled, stole second and scored on Matt Streng's double to left.
But Scarlet went back up by two in its half of the sixth as Burkhart doubled in Chris Griffin, who had singled with one out.
Back came Gray. With two out in the eighth and facing side-armed throwing Jared Strayer, Stephens and Matt Streng hit back-to-back doubles with Stephens scoring to make the score 4-3.
Scarlet finally put the game away with four runs in the eighth inning off a walk, a hit, a fielder's choice, and three errors to carry a 8-3 lead into the ninth inning.
Strayer shut down Gray in the ninth to earn the save.
Dan Burkhart and Ryan Cypret each had a pair of hits for Scarlet. Streng finished 3-for-4 with a pair of runs batted in while Kovanda and Stephens each added two hits for Gray.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Gray Tops Scarlet, 5-2, to Even Series
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Clutch hitting and a strong performance by starter Drew Rucinski pushed Gray past Scarlet, 5-2, Monday afternoon at Bill Davis Stadium, tying the Scarlet and Gray World Series at one win apiece. A deciding Game 3 will be played Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.
The junior from Broken Arrow, Okla. had everything working, retiring 13 of the 17 batters he faced.
"Rucinski looked filthy today," Scarlet catcher Dan Burkhart said. "He has developed a changeup that's almost like Alex Wimmers' changeup. It really messed with the left-handed hitters today and if he is able to throw it this season he is going to keep a lot of batters off balance."
The Gray team got on the board in the top half of the first on a two-out single by senior Michael Stephens driving in another senior, Zach Hurley. The visitors tacked on another in the third when redshirt junior Matt Streng drove in senior Cory Kovanda on a ground ball to second base.
Scarlet threatened in the bottom of the fourth with runners on first and third and just one down but a Chris Griffin liner was snagged by redshirt freshman Zach Nowland at first and turned into an unassisted double play to end the inning.
With one down in the top of the fourth, freshman Hunter Mayfield singled and advanced to third on a double into the gap in right-center by Hurley. Kovanda then drove home Mayfield on a sacrifice fly to put Gray up 3-0.
After Kovanda drove in redshirt junior D.J. Hanlin to increase the Gray lead to 4-0 in the top of the sixth, Scarlet put a pair on the board in the bottom of the frame to cut the lead in half. After walking to lead off the inning, redshirt freshman Joe Ciamacco scored on a Burkhart groundout and freshman Steel Russell would score on a wild pitch for the second Scarlet run.
Gray added an insurance run to go up 5-2 in the top of the seventh when Stephens singled to lead off the inning, advanced to third on a single by redshirt junior Matt Streng and scored on a single by redshirt sophomore David Corna.
Scarlet would make it interesting in the bottom of the seventh as three of the first four hitters singled but junior Paul Geuy induced a pop-up by Russell and Griffin grounded into the game-ending fielder's choice.
"It kind of all came together for us," Kovanda said. "We were good defensively and got some really good pitching. We're in first gear and getting ready to cruise into second Wednesday night."
Kovanda finished the day 2-for-3 with a run scored and pair of runs batted in. Hurley, Kovanda, Stephens and Streng each had a pair of hits for the Gray squad. Russell went 2-for-3 with a run scored for Scarlet.
Rucinski tossed five-plus innings, giving up just one earned on a pair of hits while striking out three. Geuy picked up the save for Gray and redshirt junior Dean Wolosiansky took the loss for Scarlet, going 3.2 innings, giving up seven hits and two earned runs.
The rubber game of the 2009 Scarlet and Gray World Series will be tonight at Bill Davis Stadium. First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m
The junior from Broken Arrow, Okla. had everything working, retiring 13 of the 17 batters he faced.
"Rucinski looked filthy today," Scarlet catcher Dan Burkhart said. "He has developed a changeup that's almost like Alex Wimmers' changeup. It really messed with the left-handed hitters today and if he is able to throw it this season he is going to keep a lot of batters off balance."
The Gray team got on the board in the top half of the first on a two-out single by senior Michael Stephens driving in another senior, Zach Hurley. The visitors tacked on another in the third when redshirt junior Matt Streng drove in senior Cory Kovanda on a ground ball to second base.
Scarlet threatened in the bottom of the fourth with runners on first and third and just one down but a Chris Griffin liner was snagged by redshirt freshman Zach Nowland at first and turned into an unassisted double play to end the inning.
With one down in the top of the fourth, freshman Hunter Mayfield singled and advanced to third on a double into the gap in right-center by Hurley. Kovanda then drove home Mayfield on a sacrifice fly to put Gray up 3-0.
After Kovanda drove in redshirt junior D.J. Hanlin to increase the Gray lead to 4-0 in the top of the sixth, Scarlet put a pair on the board in the bottom of the frame to cut the lead in half. After walking to lead off the inning, redshirt freshman Joe Ciamacco scored on a Burkhart groundout and freshman Steel Russell would score on a wild pitch for the second Scarlet run.
Gray added an insurance run to go up 5-2 in the top of the seventh when Stephens singled to lead off the inning, advanced to third on a single by redshirt junior Matt Streng and scored on a single by redshirt sophomore David Corna.
Scarlet would make it interesting in the bottom of the seventh as three of the first four hitters singled but junior Paul Geuy induced a pop-up by Russell and Griffin grounded into the game-ending fielder's choice.
"It kind of all came together for us," Kovanda said. "We were good defensively and got some really good pitching. We're in first gear and getting ready to cruise into second Wednesday night."
Kovanda finished the day 2-for-3 with a run scored and pair of runs batted in. Hurley, Kovanda, Stephens and Streng each had a pair of hits for the Gray squad. Russell went 2-for-3 with a run scored for Scarlet.
Rucinski tossed five-plus innings, giving up just one earned on a pair of hits while striking out three. Geuy picked up the save for Gray and redshirt junior Dean Wolosiansky took the loss for Scarlet, going 3.2 innings, giving up seven hits and two earned runs.
The rubber game of the 2009 Scarlet and Gray World Series will be tonight at Bill Davis Stadium. First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m
Saturday, October 10, 2009
16-Hit Attack Sparks Scarlet to 7-0 Win
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State Scarlet team opened the 2009 Scarlet and Gray World Series with a 7-0 win over the Gray behind solid pitching from freshman starter Brett McKinney and a 16-hit attack with catcher Dan Burkhart leading the way with four hits, three runs and two RBI.
McKinney, a 6-2, 225-pound right-hander from Badin High School in Hamilton, Ohio, worked 5.0 scoreless innings while allowing just five hits, one walk and he struck out four. His two biggest strikeouts came in the second inning with the bases loaded and nobody out. He got out of the jam by coaxing a fly ball for the third out and he was not seriously threatened from that point.
“It felt really good…great,” McKinney, whose parents Chuck and “Mel” were among the 100-or-so fans in the stands, said. “I knew I could do it [pitch well]. It makes a difference when you are locating pitches and throwing strikes. And I was able to throw strikes with all three pitches – my fastball, slider and change-up.”
McKinney also said getting out of the bases-loaded squeeze was “a confidence booster.”
Gray starting pitcher Theron Minium also pitched himself out of a bases loaded jam, in the top of the first inning. His came with two outs and he was able to get out of the inning with a fly-out as well.
Minium gave up just one unearned run and took the loss. He pitched 3.2 innings, scattered five hits and had one walk and two strikeouts.
Scarlet, coached by Pete Jenkins, jumped on top in the fourth when redshirt freshman Ryan Cypret knocked in Brad Hallberg, another second-year freshman. The visitors would add another pair in the fifth when Burkhart, the Player of the Year in the Big Ten last year, doubled in junior shortstop Tyler Engle. Burkhart then came around to score to extend the Scarlet lead to 3-0.
Burkhart singled and scored in the seventh inning and then had an RBI double, part of a three-run eighth inning, to put the game away.
“Something had been wrong mechanically with my swing but I just figured it out a couple days ago,” Burkhart said. “Actually a couple other players noticed what I was doing and they helped me. Tonight it felt good.”
Cypret had three hits and two RBI while Ryan Dew had two hits, including an eighth-inning double, and a pair of RBI. Hallberg and junior outfielder Brian DeLucia, returning to the field after medical redshirt seasons in 2009, had two hits apiece.
Gray had only seven hits off a trio of Scarlet pitchers. Michael Stephens and David Corna had two apiece.
The Scarlet and Gray World Series continues at 3 p.m. Monday at Bill Davis Stadium. Junior right-hander Dean Wolosiansky will make the start for Scarlet and the Gray squad will go with 2009 All-American Alex Wimmers.
More News and Notes from the Press Box:
Coach Bob Todd on what he saw Friday: “I’m glad the rain held off and we got to play. There were a couple of really nice plays today. Zach Hurley made a nice throw from center to get a runner at the plate and Dan Burkhart really did a nice job of running the bases, especially scoring from third on an infield hit.”
Three of the team’s four fall-walk-on pitchers saw action in the game. Drew Malley pitched 2.0 scoreless innings for the Scarlet. Nick Jones pitched 2.0 innings and Paul Geuy pitched 1.1 innings, respectively, for Gray.
Jared Strayer closed the game for the Scarlet with one inning of nearly perfect work. His only blemish was hitting Michael Stephens, who has a knack for getting hit anyway.
Strayer unveiled a new sidearm delivery he has been working on since the end of last season.
Burkhart, who caught the entire game, on the freshman Brett McKinney: “He was solid. Like a freshman, he wanted to show us what he had and I thought he did a good job. He threw strikes and that led to outs and that’s what we needed with this weather. And he got the job done with the bases loaded. You can’t ask for anything better than two strikeouts in that situation. He showed us how he is going to compete.”
And more Bob Todd: “We did some things fundamentally well today that we’ve been preaching about all fall. We’ve still got a ways to go, though.”
Somehow a wall of rain that has blanketed the Midwest the last 24 hours did not open up during the game and the teams were able to get a pre-determined eight uninterrupted innings of baseball played.
For the first time in years – Years! – the members of the baseball team had to actually put the tarp onto the field. This was spur of the moment Thursday and the coaches gave the best-in-the-business Bill Davis Stadium grounds crew a break while they were busy preparing other fields for about an eight-event day on Friday on campus.
McKinney, a 6-2, 225-pound right-hander from Badin High School in Hamilton, Ohio, worked 5.0 scoreless innings while allowing just five hits, one walk and he struck out four. His two biggest strikeouts came in the second inning with the bases loaded and nobody out. He got out of the jam by coaxing a fly ball for the third out and he was not seriously threatened from that point.
“It felt really good…great,” McKinney, whose parents Chuck and “Mel” were among the 100-or-so fans in the stands, said. “I knew I could do it [pitch well]. It makes a difference when you are locating pitches and throwing strikes. And I was able to throw strikes with all three pitches – my fastball, slider and change-up.”
McKinney also said getting out of the bases-loaded squeeze was “a confidence booster.”
Gray starting pitcher Theron Minium also pitched himself out of a bases loaded jam, in the top of the first inning. His came with two outs and he was able to get out of the inning with a fly-out as well.
Minium gave up just one unearned run and took the loss. He pitched 3.2 innings, scattered five hits and had one walk and two strikeouts.
Scarlet, coached by Pete Jenkins, jumped on top in the fourth when redshirt freshman Ryan Cypret knocked in Brad Hallberg, another second-year freshman. The visitors would add another pair in the fifth when Burkhart, the Player of the Year in the Big Ten last year, doubled in junior shortstop Tyler Engle. Burkhart then came around to score to extend the Scarlet lead to 3-0.
Burkhart singled and scored in the seventh inning and then had an RBI double, part of a three-run eighth inning, to put the game away.
“Something had been wrong mechanically with my swing but I just figured it out a couple days ago,” Burkhart said. “Actually a couple other players noticed what I was doing and they helped me. Tonight it felt good.”
Cypret had three hits and two RBI while Ryan Dew had two hits, including an eighth-inning double, and a pair of RBI. Hallberg and junior outfielder Brian DeLucia, returning to the field after medical redshirt seasons in 2009, had two hits apiece.
Gray had only seven hits off a trio of Scarlet pitchers. Michael Stephens and David Corna had two apiece.
The Scarlet and Gray World Series continues at 3 p.m. Monday at Bill Davis Stadium. Junior right-hander Dean Wolosiansky will make the start for Scarlet and the Gray squad will go with 2009 All-American Alex Wimmers.
More News and Notes from the Press Box:
Coach Bob Todd on what he saw Friday: “I’m glad the rain held off and we got to play. There were a couple of really nice plays today. Zach Hurley made a nice throw from center to get a runner at the plate and Dan Burkhart really did a nice job of running the bases, especially scoring from third on an infield hit.”
Three of the team’s four fall-walk-on pitchers saw action in the game. Drew Malley pitched 2.0 scoreless innings for the Scarlet. Nick Jones pitched 2.0 innings and Paul Geuy pitched 1.1 innings, respectively, for Gray.
Jared Strayer closed the game for the Scarlet with one inning of nearly perfect work. His only blemish was hitting Michael Stephens, who has a knack for getting hit anyway.
Strayer unveiled a new sidearm delivery he has been working on since the end of last season.
Burkhart, who caught the entire game, on the freshman Brett McKinney: “He was solid. Like a freshman, he wanted to show us what he had and I thought he did a good job. He threw strikes and that led to outs and that’s what we needed with this weather. And he got the job done with the bases loaded. You can’t ask for anything better than two strikeouts in that situation. He showed us how he is going to compete.”
And more Bob Todd: “We did some things fundamentally well today that we’ve been preaching about all fall. We’ve still got a ways to go, though.”
Somehow a wall of rain that has blanketed the Midwest the last 24 hours did not open up during the game and the teams were able to get a pre-determined eight uninterrupted innings of baseball played.
For the first time in years – Years! – the members of the baseball team had to actually put the tarp onto the field. This was spur of the moment Thursday and the coaches gave the best-in-the-business Bill Davis Stadium grounds crew a break while they were busy preparing other fields for about an eight-event day on Friday on campus.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Scarlet & Gray WS Finalized
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State baseball team’s Scarlet and Gray World Series is upon us. Starting Friday, Oct. 9 at 3 p.m. at Bill Davis Stadium and continuing Monday, Oct. 12 at 3 p.m. and Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 6:30 p.m., two teams of Buckeyes will battle for fall ball supremacy in the annual event. Admission is free to all three games.
The Scarlet team will be coached by Pete Jenkins, making his third coaching appearance in the fall classic. Leading the Gray team is first-year student assistant coach Justin Miller.
The Ohio State coaches elected to go to an every-other-day format for the series this year as they continue their all-fall-ball-long goal of not taxing the arms of a rather depleted pitching staff. Five pitchers will sit out this series, leaving the Scarlet team with a staff consisting of three junior right-handed pitchers – Dean Wolosiansky, Jared Strayer and Drew Malley, sophomore RHP Eric Shinn and freshman RHP Brett McKinney.
Malley’s name may bring a familiar ring. If so, that’s because he pitched for the Buckeyes during the 2007 fall ball season before electing to transfer to South Florida (he is from Tampa, Fla.). After pitching one season with the Bulls, he transferred back to Ohio State last year but did not seek to rejoin the team. He was one of four players who made it through walk-on tryouts two weeks ago.
The Gray team will counter with ace junior RHP Alex Wimmers along with junior RHP Drew Rucinski and junior LHP Theron Minium. Fall walk-ons Paul Guey and Nick Jones will also be available to pitch.
The baseball program’s booster organization – the Diamond Club – will hold a BBQ picnic prior to the start of the Wednesday night game. All fans are encouraged to stop by the BBQ, join the Diamond Club and enjoy some good food before cheering on the Buckeyes.
2009 Scarlet & Gray World Series Schedule
Game 1 – 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9: RHP Brett McKinney (Scarlet) vs. LHP Theron Minium (Gray)
Game 2 – 3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12: RHP Dean Wolosiansky (Scarlet) vs. RHP Alex Wimmers (Gray)
Game 3 – 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14: RHP Brett McKinney (Scarlet) vs. LHP Theron Minium (Gray)
Scarlet Position Players Gray Position Players
1B Sr. Ryan Dew 1B/3B Jr. Matt Streng
2B RFr. Ryan Cypret 1B RFr. Zach Knowland
SS Jr. Tyler Engle 2B Sr. Cory Kovanda
3B/OF Jr. Brian DeLucia SS/3B Sr. Cory Rupert
C Jr. Dan Burkhart C Sr. Shawn Forsythe
C RFr. David Fathilikhani C Jr. D.J. Hanlin
C Fr. Steel Russell OF Sr. Zach Hurley
OF Sr. Chris Griffin OF So. David Corna
OF RFr. Joey Ciammaco OF Fr. Hunter Mayfield
DH Brad Hallberg DH Sr. Michael Stephens
Injured and will not play: Sr. LHP Eric Best; Jr. LHP Andrew Armstrong; So. RHP Ross Oltorik; Fr. RHP Cole Brown; Jr. RHP Brian Babinski.
The Scarlet team will be coached by Pete Jenkins, making his third coaching appearance in the fall classic. Leading the Gray team is first-year student assistant coach Justin Miller.
The Ohio State coaches elected to go to an every-other-day format for the series this year as they continue their all-fall-ball-long goal of not taxing the arms of a rather depleted pitching staff. Five pitchers will sit out this series, leaving the Scarlet team with a staff consisting of three junior right-handed pitchers – Dean Wolosiansky, Jared Strayer and Drew Malley, sophomore RHP Eric Shinn and freshman RHP Brett McKinney.
Malley’s name may bring a familiar ring. If so, that’s because he pitched for the Buckeyes during the 2007 fall ball season before electing to transfer to South Florida (he is from Tampa, Fla.). After pitching one season with the Bulls, he transferred back to Ohio State last year but did not seek to rejoin the team. He was one of four players who made it through walk-on tryouts two weeks ago.
The Gray team will counter with ace junior RHP Alex Wimmers along with junior RHP Drew Rucinski and junior LHP Theron Minium. Fall walk-ons Paul Guey and Nick Jones will also be available to pitch.
The baseball program’s booster organization – the Diamond Club – will hold a BBQ picnic prior to the start of the Wednesday night game. All fans are encouraged to stop by the BBQ, join the Diamond Club and enjoy some good food before cheering on the Buckeyes.
2009 Scarlet & Gray World Series Schedule
Game 1 – 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9: RHP Brett McKinney (Scarlet) vs. LHP Theron Minium (Gray)
Game 2 – 3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12: RHP Dean Wolosiansky (Scarlet) vs. RHP Alex Wimmers (Gray)
Game 3 – 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14: RHP Brett McKinney (Scarlet) vs. LHP Theron Minium (Gray)
Scarlet Position Players Gray Position Players
1B Sr. Ryan Dew 1B/3B Jr. Matt Streng
2B RFr. Ryan Cypret 1B RFr. Zach Knowland
SS Jr. Tyler Engle 2B Sr. Cory Kovanda
3B/OF Jr. Brian DeLucia SS/3B Sr. Cory Rupert
C Jr. Dan Burkhart C Sr. Shawn Forsythe
C RFr. David Fathilikhani C Jr. D.J. Hanlin
C Fr. Steel Russell OF Sr. Zach Hurley
OF Sr. Chris Griffin OF So. David Corna
OF RFr. Joey Ciammaco OF Fr. Hunter Mayfield
DH Brad Hallberg DH Sr. Michael Stephens
Injured and will not play: Sr. LHP Eric Best; Jr. LHP Andrew Armstrong; So. RHP Ross Oltorik; Fr. RHP Cole Brown; Jr. RHP Brian Babinski.
Friday, October 2, 2009
4th class of 2010 commit: Indiana SS Jacob Hayes
Jacob Hayes, a 5-foot-10, 170-pound shortstop from Terre Haute South HS, has verbally committed to the Ohio State University. Physically strong and extremely athletic, Hayes is a 6.7 runner who can really swing it from the left side. Last spring he batted, a team leading, .383 with 34 runs, 41 hits, 6 doubles, 2 triples, 4 home runs, 16 RBIs and 14 stolen bases. In 2008, Hayes posted a .417 batting average.
Courtesy Prep Baseball Report
Hayes is the cousin of former Buckeye Mike Hayes (88-92). In 1990 Hayes was an Academic All-Big Ten selection, while leading the Buckeyes in ERA with a 3.15 mark. The Buckeyes made two NCAA trips while Hayes was in Scarlet & Gray in 1991 and 1992.
Joining Hayes as verbal commits thus far:
Greg Greve 3B/P Walsh Jesuit
Clayton Crum RHP Klein, TX
Tim Wetzel OF Mayfield HS
Courtesy Prep Baseball Report
Hayes is the cousin of former Buckeye Mike Hayes (88-92). In 1990 Hayes was an Academic All-Big Ten selection, while leading the Buckeyes in ERA with a 3.15 mark. The Buckeyes made two NCAA trips while Hayes was in Scarlet & Gray in 1991 and 1992.
Joining Hayes as verbal commits thus far:
Greg Greve 3B/P Walsh Jesuit
Clayton Crum RHP Klein, TX
Tim Wetzel OF Mayfield HS
Rivals.com/Yahoo Sports: Big Ten Fall Preview
Big Ten teams ready to take next step
Kendall Rogers-
Ohio State and Minnesota seem to think so.
The Buckeyes made a statement last season by reaching the Tallahassee Regional title game against Florida State. They enter fall workouts with much confidence with the return of ace pitcher Alex Wimmers and a crop of leading hitters.
Minnesota also returns several key players and has Omaha aspirations entering the fall.
Michigan hopes to rebound this fall and Indiana would love to build off its surprising regional appearance last season. There’s also Michigan State, which made a bold statement in its first season with coach Jake Boss leading the way.
Ohio State
Biggest loss. P Jake Hale
What to watch. The Buckeyes headline the list of northern programs that have the best chance to reach the CWS. The Bucks reached the title game of the Tallahassee Regional last season and return almost every key player this fall. OSU hit .328 last season and welcomes back Ryan Dew, Dan Burkhart, Zach Hurley, Michael Stephens, Cory Kovanda and Matt Streng. On the mound, the Bucks welcome back ace pitcher Alex Wimmers in addition to Dean Wolosiansky, Eric Best and Drew Rucinski. Offense isn’t a question mark this fall, but the pitching staff must find a way to improve. The Bucks have a chance to get to Omaha if their pitching improves.
The rest of the Big Ten
Kendall Rogers-
Ohio State and Minnesota seem to think so.
The Buckeyes made a statement last season by reaching the Tallahassee Regional title game against Florida State. They enter fall workouts with much confidence with the return of ace pitcher Alex Wimmers and a crop of leading hitters.
Minnesota also returns several key players and has Omaha aspirations entering the fall.
Michigan hopes to rebound this fall and Indiana would love to build off its surprising regional appearance last season. There’s also Michigan State, which made a bold statement in its first season with coach Jake Boss leading the way.
Ohio State
Biggest loss. P Jake Hale
What to watch. The Buckeyes headline the list of northern programs that have the best chance to reach the CWS. The Bucks reached the title game of the Tallahassee Regional last season and return almost every key player this fall. OSU hit .328 last season and welcomes back Ryan Dew, Dan Burkhart, Zach Hurley, Michael Stephens, Cory Kovanda and Matt Streng. On the mound, the Bucks welcome back ace pitcher Alex Wimmers in addition to Dean Wolosiansky, Eric Best and Drew Rucinski. Offense isn’t a question mark this fall, but the pitching staff must find a way to improve. The Bucks have a chance to get to Omaha if their pitching improves.
The rest of the Big Ten
OSU Athletics Fall Ball Update: Fundamentally Sound
Coach Bob Todd likes the enthusiasm and effort his team is exhibiting
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Two weeks ago, coach Bob Todd stressed how the fall practice sessions were an opportunity to stress fundamentals and teach technique. Now nearing the midpoint of the fall sessions, the team is indeed getting its fill of both fundamental and technique work. And that is not so much out of necessity. The team, after all, returns an experienced, veteran unit with 19 seniors and juniors, and nine-of-10 every day starters from last year intact.
All that fundamental work is being increased because of a lack of pitching arms to throw intra-squad games on a daily basis. At least three Buckeyes are not throwing at all and the coaches want to be very careful with how much they utilize the rest of the staff this fall.
“We’re finding it tough to play some intra-squad games because of our pitching situation,” Todd said. “We are nursing some arms this fall. Eric Best, Andrew Armstrong and Cole Brown aren’t throwing at all and we are even going to take it easy with guys like Alex Wimmers, Dean Wolosiansky and Drew Rucincki. They threw a lot last spring and then again this summer. We are really going to take care of their arms.”
Regardless of the lack of intra-squad games, Todd is pleased with the direction fall ball has gone so far.
“I’m pleased with our practices. The players are working hard and there is a great team attitude. I really like the enthusiasm of the entire squad. We are having some upbeat practices.”
The players agreed with the coach’s assessment.
“Practices are going great,” junior pitcher Wolosiansky said. His comments were echoed by senior outfielders Zach Hurley and Michael Stephens. The three of them were enjoying a recent Sunday afternoon by taking in some of the Scarlet & Gray day action at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium. The women’s soccer team was in the midst of a 1-0 win over Michigan to improve their record to 8-1-1 on the season.
Although Bill Davis Stadium was next door, the players weren’t heading over to the park for some additional Sunday work. They’ve had plenty of work so far and, besides, the field hockey team was playing on North Turf Field so there was more sports for the three to watch.
And they saw another win, too. Ohio State defeated Indiana, 3-2, for its sixth win in succession to improve to 7-3-0 on the season.
Random Notes from the Diamond:
Zach Hurley and Michael Stephens both said that freshman right-hander Brett McKinney has looked good on the mound so far. Dean Wolosiansky said he thinks the first-year Buckeye is positioning himself to be a weekday starter this season.
Coach Bob Todd on Ryan Dew’s transition to first base: “Ryan played first base some as a freshman and also in high school, so the position is not foreign to him. There are things he’s got to work on and get better at…but we have four months [until the start of the season].”
Todd on Brian DeLucia’s outfield work: “Although Brian DeLucia couldn’t throw in the spring because of his injured finger, he did practice some in the outfield so he’s had some experience seeing the ball, going after it and learning about the necessary adjustments. He needs more time out there but he is coming along.”
This much is known about the Scarlet & Gray World Series schedule: Wednesday, Oct. 14will be the series game under the lights with the Diamond Club hosting their BBQ for the fans. Coaches are thinking of starting the World Series on a Friday (Oct. 9) and then continuing on the following Monday (Oct. 12) to get two days rest for the pitchers and conclude the three-game series on a Wednesday. Stay tuned.
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Two weeks ago, coach Bob Todd stressed how the fall practice sessions were an opportunity to stress fundamentals and teach technique. Now nearing the midpoint of the fall sessions, the team is indeed getting its fill of both fundamental and technique work. And that is not so much out of necessity. The team, after all, returns an experienced, veteran unit with 19 seniors and juniors, and nine-of-10 every day starters from last year intact.
All that fundamental work is being increased because of a lack of pitching arms to throw intra-squad games on a daily basis. At least three Buckeyes are not throwing at all and the coaches want to be very careful with how much they utilize the rest of the staff this fall.
“We’re finding it tough to play some intra-squad games because of our pitching situation,” Todd said. “We are nursing some arms this fall. Eric Best, Andrew Armstrong and Cole Brown aren’t throwing at all and we are even going to take it easy with guys like Alex Wimmers, Dean Wolosiansky and Drew Rucincki. They threw a lot last spring and then again this summer. We are really going to take care of their arms.”
Regardless of the lack of intra-squad games, Todd is pleased with the direction fall ball has gone so far.
“I’m pleased with our practices. The players are working hard and there is a great team attitude. I really like the enthusiasm of the entire squad. We are having some upbeat practices.”
The players agreed with the coach’s assessment.
“Practices are going great,” junior pitcher Wolosiansky said. His comments were echoed by senior outfielders Zach Hurley and Michael Stephens. The three of them were enjoying a recent Sunday afternoon by taking in some of the Scarlet & Gray day action at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium. The women’s soccer team was in the midst of a 1-0 win over Michigan to improve their record to 8-1-1 on the season.
Although Bill Davis Stadium was next door, the players weren’t heading over to the park for some additional Sunday work. They’ve had plenty of work so far and, besides, the field hockey team was playing on North Turf Field so there was more sports for the three to watch.
And they saw another win, too. Ohio State defeated Indiana, 3-2, for its sixth win in succession to improve to 7-3-0 on the season.
Random Notes from the Diamond:
Zach Hurley and Michael Stephens both said that freshman right-hander Brett McKinney has looked good on the mound so far. Dean Wolosiansky said he thinks the first-year Buckeye is positioning himself to be a weekday starter this season.
Coach Bob Todd on Ryan Dew’s transition to first base: “Ryan played first base some as a freshman and also in high school, so the position is not foreign to him. There are things he’s got to work on and get better at…but we have four months [until the start of the season].”
Todd on Brian DeLucia’s outfield work: “Although Brian DeLucia couldn’t throw in the spring because of his injured finger, he did practice some in the outfield so he’s had some experience seeing the ball, going after it and learning about the necessary adjustments. He needs more time out there but he is coming along.”
This much is known about the Scarlet & Gray World Series schedule: Wednesday, Oct. 14will be the series game under the lights with the Diamond Club hosting their BBQ for the fans. Coaches are thinking of starting the World Series on a Friday (Oct. 9) and then continuing on the following Monday (Oct. 12) to get two days rest for the pitchers and conclude the three-game series on a Wednesday. Stay tuned.
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