Latest news and notes takes a look at former Buckeye hurler Eric Best starting his collegiate coaching career after a fine career on the diamond. Fellow ex-Buckeye pitcher Dan DeLucia fills us in on his latest trip to the disabled list. In summer league action Matt Streng ends his solid summer on a tear.
Showing posts with label Dan DeLucia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dan DeLucia. Show all posts
Friday, August 6, 2010
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Buckeye Baseball Alumni Update 7/31
It's the last day of July and while the MLB trade deadline highlights most baseball circles, there is a lot going on related to Buckeye baseball.
In our latest alumni news we have yet another Buckeye minor league promotion, a return from the DL, an unfortunate return to the DL, and a continuation of a very impressive season for one pitcher.
In our latest alumni news we have yet another Buckeye minor league promotion, a return from the DL, an unfortunate return to the DL, and a continuation of a very impressive season for one pitcher.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Buckeyes in the Pros
This has been well past-due.
In turning our attention from the current Buckeyes to those who help make the program the Big Ten's best, we take a look at those who donned the scarlet and gray and are currently in the professional ranks.
With Buckeyes on nearly every step of the farm system ladder, the group is highlighted by a pair of former teammates who received All-Star recognition this week in Nick Swisher and Doug Deeds, a pair of another teammates who have received promotions to AAA, as well as one last pair of former teammates from the 2009 Big Ten Champion team currently in the Northwest League.
In turning our attention from the current Buckeyes to those who help make the program the Big Ten's best, we take a look at those who donned the scarlet and gray and are currently in the professional ranks.
With Buckeyes on nearly every step of the farm system ladder, the group is highlighted by a pair of former teammates who received All-Star recognition this week in Nick Swisher and Doug Deeds, a pair of another teammates who have received promotions to AAA, as well as one last pair of former teammates from the 2009 Big Ten Champion team currently in the Northwest League.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Buckeyes in the Minors: DeLucia & Shuck
A day late, but as promised we catch up with two former Buckeyes who are enjoying success in Advance A ball. Be it overpowering hitters enjoying baseball from the mound sandwiched between the Atlantic and Gulf Coast as is Dan DeLucia or abusing opposing pitchers sending balls into the warm breeze off the Pacific as is J.B. Shuck, the two 2008 draft picks are causing quit the stirs in their respective Florida Coast and California Leagues.
It was the Houston Astros who selected the two-way standout from Ohio State in the 6th round, selecting the Galion, Ohio native J.B. Shuck as an outfielder with the 182nd pick overall. Shuck was a New York-Penn League All Star is first professional season, finishing 2008 batting .300 for the Tri-City of the NYPL. After enjoying a very strong debut season, Shuck continued to turn heads in the 'Stros minor league camp. J.B. forced his way into having the organization bump him all the way up to A+ ball, skipping the Low A level.
The jump from A- to A+ has been said to be the toughest for a hitter. What would it be like for Shuck going from short season A to High A? Shuck and the Astros could not anticipate the 2009 summer J.B. is enjoying. Through 108 games the sweet-swinging lefty is hitting .329 which places him sixth in the California League, as does his .404 on-base percentage. Though leading off for the Lancaster JetHawks, Shuck is slugging .437 off 26 doubles, 10 triples and a home run. Shuck has successfully stolen 18 bases in 25 attempts.
Expect to see Shuck in AA at Corpus Christi in 2010 as mentioned today by the Houston Chronicle
. "(Jon) Gaston, J.B. Shuck and T.J. Steele, who has missed much of the season to injury, are hovering in the high .300s or low .400s in on-base percentage and form a trio that could be in for a real test next year at Class AA.
They also cover a lot of ground in that spacious outfield.
“We're a very good offensive lineup throughout,” Gaston said. “And we're porbably the fastest in the league. It's a good outfield. We can play all three positions.”
As we focus in on how the other lefty of the 2008 draft class is doing, DeLucia continue to shine as he finds second life with the Dunedin Blue Jays. As previously mentioned here DeLucia started 2009 in the Northern League playing in front of Canadians before seeing the Toronto Blue Jays offered him a minor league contract in hopes of one day returning to Canada in their uniform. If DeLucia continues he progress that might not be out of the question.
Former three-time captain for the Scarlet & Gray has a 1-1 record with a .87 ERA. DeLucia has allowed just 2 runs in 20.2 innings pitched. DeLucia has 16 strikeouts to match the 16 hits allowed, the 8 walks combined with the hits add up for a WHIP of 1.18. Equally as impressive is DeLucia is limiting opponents to a .216 batting average against. That number gets even stingier as righties are hitting just .184 off Danny.
So far so good in 2009 for a pair of former All-Big Ten Buckeyes. As the minor seasons come to a conclusion here over the next month, both Shuck and DeLucia hope to finish strong in High A leaving the door to AA in 2010 wide open.
It was the Houston Astros who selected the two-way standout from Ohio State in the 6th round, selecting the Galion, Ohio native J.B. Shuck as an outfielder with the 182nd pick overall. Shuck was a New York-Penn League All Star is first professional season, finishing 2008 batting .300 for the Tri-City of the NYPL. After enjoying a very strong debut season, Shuck continued to turn heads in the 'Stros minor league camp. J.B. forced his way into having the organization bump him all the way up to A+ ball, skipping the Low A level.
The jump from A- to A+ has been said to be the toughest for a hitter. What would it be like for Shuck going from short season A to High A? Shuck and the Astros could not anticipate the 2009 summer J.B. is enjoying. Through 108 games the sweet-swinging lefty is hitting .329 which places him sixth in the California League, as does his .404 on-base percentage. Though leading off for the Lancaster JetHawks, Shuck is slugging .437 off 26 doubles, 10 triples and a home run. Shuck has successfully stolen 18 bases in 25 attempts.
Expect to see Shuck in AA at Corpus Christi in 2010 as mentioned today by the Houston Chronicle
. "(Jon) Gaston, J.B. Shuck and T.J. Steele, who has missed much of the season to injury, are hovering in the high .300s or low .400s in on-base percentage and form a trio that could be in for a real test next year at Class AA.
They also cover a lot of ground in that spacious outfield.
“We're a very good offensive lineup throughout,” Gaston said. “And we're porbably the fastest in the league. It's a good outfield. We can play all three positions.”
As we focus in on how the other lefty of the 2008 draft class is doing, DeLucia continue to shine as he finds second life with the Dunedin Blue Jays. As previously mentioned here DeLucia started 2009 in the Northern League playing in front of Canadians before seeing the Toronto Blue Jays offered him a minor league contract in hopes of one day returning to Canada in their uniform. If DeLucia continues he progress that might not be out of the question.
Former three-time captain for the Scarlet & Gray has a 1-1 record with a .87 ERA. DeLucia has allowed just 2 runs in 20.2 innings pitched. DeLucia has 16 strikeouts to match the 16 hits allowed, the 8 walks combined with the hits add up for a WHIP of 1.18. Equally as impressive is DeLucia is limiting opponents to a .216 batting average against. That number gets even stingier as righties are hitting just .184 off Danny.
So far so good in 2009 for a pair of former All-Big Ten Buckeyes. As the minor seasons come to a conclusion here over the next month, both Shuck and DeLucia hope to finish strong in High A leaving the door to AA in 2010 wide open.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Buckeyes in the Minors: Dan DeLucia Dunedin Blue Jays
Photo courtesy Jim Davidson of the o-zone.netIf the 2009 minor league season were to receive a grade, from a Buckeyes perspective it would only be fitting that it would be an A+.
Showing Chris Webb is indeed human and subject to an occasional error, in combing minor league rosters, a sick leisure activity for me (yes I'm not normal) I encountered a familiar name on an unfamiliar team. Wearing #22 and pitching for the Dunedin Blue Jays, hails a 6'4 lefty from Columbus, Ohio named Daniel DeLucia.
That's right folks, the only three-time captain in Ohio State baseball history is currently in the minor league, and playing pretty darn well.
I'm not entirely sure how I missed this, how nothing has been spread by my accountes, but a player with the class, talent, and passion for the game like DeLucia deserves praise and mention.
DeLucia started the 2009 professional season on a delayed note, he was released from the Tigers organization after spring training. He made a few trips to Bill Davis Stadium to support his former teammates, and could even be heard on the radio as he called the Purdue series for 103.9 WTDA. DeLucia would eventually sign and play with the Winnipeg Goldeneyes of the Northern League. His time in Canada paid dividends.
Putting two and two together, one can assume that while pitching for the Goldeneyes, the Canadian MLB team, the Toronto Blue Jays either caught word or saw Dan perform well. Fast forward to late June and DeLucia is signed, in the Blue Jays system, and like Geese in October, heads south to Florida.
In the Gulf Coast League, playing for the Blue Jays Rookie Ball affiliate, Dan appeared in three games, tossing two innings of three hit, no run ball. Given DeLucia's age, his skill, and experience, once the Blue Jays saw he was minor league ready and has potential, DeLucia by passed short-season A, low A, and found himself in Advance A ball, playing for the Dunedin Blue Jays of the Florida State League.
The Blue Jays mark the 6th Advanced A team that a former Buckeye has played on. 2007 draftee Matt Angle is currently a Frederick Key in the Carolina League, as was 2006 8th round pick Jedidiah Stephen. Joining them in the Carolina League is another '07 product in Eric Fryer, who accounts for two A+ teams alone. Fryer started the season as a Tampa Yankee in the Florida State League before being traded to the Pirates from the Yanks, and is now a Lynchburg HillCat. Moving over to the left coast, in the California League, 2008 draftee JB Shuck is a Lancaster JetHawk, and before being promoted to AA San Antonio the first of the 2007 trio, Cory Luebke played for Lake Elsinore Storm.
Hoping to follow in the footsteps of Luebke and make a rise to AA as a left-handed pitcher is DeLucia. Though coming out of the 'pen, opposed to Cory going every fifth game, DeLucia has been just as impressive. DeLucia is 1-0, appearing in six games. You can't find a better ERA, as Dan's sits at 0.00, not allowing a run in 12.2 innings pitched, only conceding five hits in that time. As a result opponents are hitting a microscopic .119 off of the Watterson Eagle alumnus, striking out 10 times against three free passes.
It is really great to see Dan get another chance, and so far, doing well in making the most of it. Not only was DeLucia the only three-time captain at Ohio State, but he was one of the best leaders, and team players you'll find. DeLucia worked rigorously to come back in 2008 for a fifth and final season after seeing his 2007 season cut short due to Tommy-John surgery. Just knowing that DeLucia can come back from that, you know DeLucia will do whatever it takes to climb the ladder. The Buckeye Nine will be there supporting Dan and following his progression. My apologies to DeLucia for the previous oversights, and we wish him well.
DeLucia's MiLB page
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Buckeyes in the Minors: Courtesy BuckeyeSports.com
The longer I'm in this "blogging business" a few things I have learned. First, if you have an idea, do it. Because second, if you don't someone else will.
Well I've been wanting to update the world on the former Buckeyes in the minor leagues and how they're doing. Unfortunately I've been struggling to find the time to sit down and do it, my apologies, with work, interning, and starting this new Ohio baseball site.
Fortunately, BuckeyeSports.com did took the time to look up and see how former players were doing. Kudos to the Buckeye Sports Bulletin for taking time and effort to follow some of our former Buckeyes, when up to this point, the Department of Athletics has embarrassingly put out little regarding even our current Buckeyes and their summer situations. They even plug the Buckeye Nine.
Talkin' Baseball and the Buckeyes
By Marcus Hartman
BuckeyeSports.com
Posted Jul 1, 2009
First, on Eric Fryer: the Yanks traded the outfielder who can also catch as part of a deal to acquire veteran third baseman Eric Hinske on Tuesday, a move MLB.com seems to think could have been in the works for a while:
The Pirates have had their eye on Fryer for over a year now, with Huntington noting that the Pirates tried to acquire him last year while Fryer was in the Brewers' system. Fryer, 23, has been playing with the Yankees' high Class A Tampa affiliate, where he made 55 appearances in left, five behind the plate and one in right this season. In 59 games, he's hit .250 with 11 doubles, two home runs, 24 RBIs and 34 runs scored. Fryer, a 10th-round Draft selection in 2007, has been assigned to high Class A Lynchburg, and the Pirates plan to develop him as a catcher.
New York originally acquired Fryer this past offseason after he had a huge season in Single-A for the Milwaukee Brewers organization...
Other MiLB performers of note this year (this is not a comprehensive list but rather some highlights):
Outfielder Matt Angle is hitting .282 with 24 stolen bases in 30 tries in 66 games for the Frederick Keys (Baltimore Orioles) in advanced Single-A in the Carolina League.
First baseman Ronnie Bourquin was recently called up to Double-A Erie in the Eastern League after a torrid 62 games with West Michigan in low Single-A. For the Whitecaps, he hit .304 with 21 doubles and 47 RBI. He is off to a slow start with the SeaWolves, however, with seven hits in his first 23 at-bats (.174 average). He did hit a homer and a triple while driving in five runs in his first seven games in Erie.
Also sent to Double-A recently but having a much better go of it (and in the Southern League) is outfielder Doug Deeds, who is hitting .352 with an 1.011 OPS in 16 games with the Tennessee Smokies. The downside for Deeds? His move this season was down rather than up. He began the year with Iowa in the Triple-A Pacific Coast League, where he batted .264 with 15 extra-base hits in 47 games after being a non-roster invitee to spring training. He drove in 18 and struck out 37 times with 10 walks in Iowa.
A bit further down the line, Jack "J.B." Shuck entered July hitting .314 with 15 stolen bases and a .393 OBP through 70 games for the Lancaster JetHawks in the advanced Single-A California League. Among his 91 hits were 13 doubles and six triples in his first full year as a pro.
Turning to pitchers, we have two notable Buckeyes.
June 29, lefty Cory Luebke made his first appearance of the season in Double-A, and it was winning debut for the Maria Stein Marion Local product. Pitching for San Antonio in the Padres organization, he struck out four while walking one and allowing four hits and one run (earned) in 5.0 innings. That was after going 8-2 with a 2.34 ERA in 14 starts in the California League.
Meanwhile, second-year pro Dan DeLucia made his first appearance of the year with one inning for the Gulf Coach League Blue Jays in rookie ball June 23. He struck out one and walked another while not allowing a hit. (DeLucia, by the way, is a writer for the website ColumbusSports.com, and he chronicles some of his travels there, as you'll see if you follow this link).
As blog The Buckeye Nine pointed out last week, Luebke and Bourquin both took part in midseason all-star games in June.
With all that said, we have to leave you with some bad news: Former Ohio State LHP and the Cleveland Indians' starter in the home opener this season Scott Lewis will see Dr. James Andrews for a second opinion about his ailing pitching arm, says The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer.
Well I've been wanting to update the world on the former Buckeyes in the minor leagues and how they're doing. Unfortunately I've been struggling to find the time to sit down and do it, my apologies, with work, interning, and starting this new Ohio baseball site.
Fortunately, BuckeyeSports.com did took the time to look up and see how former players were doing. Kudos to the Buckeye Sports Bulletin for taking time and effort to follow some of our former Buckeyes, when up to this point, the Department of Athletics has embarrassingly put out little regarding even our current Buckeyes and their summer situations. They even plug the Buckeye Nine.
Talkin' Baseball and the Buckeyes
By Marcus Hartman
BuckeyeSports.com
Posted Jul 1, 2009
First, on Eric Fryer: the Yanks traded the outfielder who can also catch as part of a deal to acquire veteran third baseman Eric Hinske on Tuesday, a move MLB.com seems to think could have been in the works for a while:
The Pirates have had their eye on Fryer for over a year now, with Huntington noting that the Pirates tried to acquire him last year while Fryer was in the Brewers' system. Fryer, 23, has been playing with the Yankees' high Class A Tampa affiliate, where he made 55 appearances in left, five behind the plate and one in right this season. In 59 games, he's hit .250 with 11 doubles, two home runs, 24 RBIs and 34 runs scored. Fryer, a 10th-round Draft selection in 2007, has been assigned to high Class A Lynchburg, and the Pirates plan to develop him as a catcher.
New York originally acquired Fryer this past offseason after he had a huge season in Single-A for the Milwaukee Brewers organization...
Other MiLB performers of note this year (this is not a comprehensive list but rather some highlights):
Outfielder Matt Angle is hitting .282 with 24 stolen bases in 30 tries in 66 games for the Frederick Keys (Baltimore Orioles) in advanced Single-A in the Carolina League.
First baseman Ronnie Bourquin was recently called up to Double-A Erie in the Eastern League after a torrid 62 games with West Michigan in low Single-A. For the Whitecaps, he hit .304 with 21 doubles and 47 RBI. He is off to a slow start with the SeaWolves, however, with seven hits in his first 23 at-bats (.174 average). He did hit a homer and a triple while driving in five runs in his first seven games in Erie.
Also sent to Double-A recently but having a much better go of it (and in the Southern League) is outfielder Doug Deeds, who is hitting .352 with an 1.011 OPS in 16 games with the Tennessee Smokies. The downside for Deeds? His move this season was down rather than up. He began the year with Iowa in the Triple-A Pacific Coast League, where he batted .264 with 15 extra-base hits in 47 games after being a non-roster invitee to spring training. He drove in 18 and struck out 37 times with 10 walks in Iowa.
A bit further down the line, Jack "J.B." Shuck entered July hitting .314 with 15 stolen bases and a .393 OBP through 70 games for the Lancaster JetHawks in the advanced Single-A California League. Among his 91 hits were 13 doubles and six triples in his first full year as a pro.
Turning to pitchers, we have two notable Buckeyes.
June 29, lefty Cory Luebke made his first appearance of the season in Double-A, and it was winning debut for the Maria Stein Marion Local product. Pitching for San Antonio in the Padres organization, he struck out four while walking one and allowing four hits and one run (earned) in 5.0 innings. That was after going 8-2 with a 2.34 ERA in 14 starts in the California League.
Meanwhile, second-year pro Dan DeLucia made his first appearance of the year with one inning for the Gulf Coach League Blue Jays in rookie ball June 23. He struck out one and walked another while not allowing a hit. (DeLucia, by the way, is a writer for the website ColumbusSports.com, and he chronicles some of his travels there, as you'll see if you follow this link).
As blog The Buckeye Nine pointed out last week, Luebke and Bourquin both took part in midseason all-star games in June.
With all that said, we have to leave you with some bad news: Former Ohio State LHP and the Cleveland Indians' starter in the home opener this season Scott Lewis will see Dr. James Andrews for a second opinion about his ailing pitching arm, says The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Buckeyes in the Minors, Part 1
With Senior LHP Dan DeLucia, and Junior OF/P J.B. Shuck drafted this past June, the total of former Buckeyes in the minors continue to grow each year, as the baseball program continue to produce elite baseball player.
With Buckeyes scattered across the ranks from Short Season A all the way up to AAA, playing across America in places from Salisbury, Maryland to Omaha, Nebraska, and in leagues such as the New York-Penn League, or the Pacific Coast League, there are former Bucks making an impact in Minor League Baseball.
Today I'll provide the Buckeye Nine with a brief rundown of former Buckeyes that were drafted in the last 2 seasons, and how they are currently doing in their respective farm systems.
Jack "JB" Shuck- JB has been showing why the Astros made him a 6th round pick this past June. JB who is currently playing with the Tri-City ValleyCats, the 'Stros SS-A ball team, is currently in the top 15 in multiple New York-Penn League categories.
As a lead off hitter, be it by hit, or other means it is undeniable how important it is to get on base. JB shows he can handle batting at the top of the order, hitting at a .304 clip, good enough for 13th best in the league and by drawing 23 walks, good enough for 7th. His superb batting, combined with his strike zone discipline has his on-base percentage at a robust .392, which 9th in the league.
Getting on base isn't only where JB is getting it done, wth help from his ValleyCats line-up, JB has cross home more than any other player in the New York-Penn League, with his 35 runs. JB has collected 4 triples the 3rd most in NYPL, and has only committed 1 error in patrolling center field.
Dan DeLucia- It was a pleasant surprise when in the 35th round, the Detroit Tigers selected the only 3-time captain in Ohio State baseball history. Rebounding from an injury shortened 2007 season, DeLucia put together a solid final campaign that made scouts aware that the Lefty still has it in him. Like JB, Dan is playing in the New York-Penn League, with the Oneonta Tigers.
Working mostly out of the bullpen, with 8 appearances and 1 start, DeLucia has been lights out in posting a record of 2-1. Compiling 17 innings in those 8 games, Dan has allowed only 2 earned runs to cross the plate. That equates to a minuscule 1.06 ERA.
NYPL batters have managed only 1 hit an inning off Dan, for total of 17, are are only hitting .258 off him. He has shown good solid command in striking out 11 times, while drawing only 8 walks.
Matt Angle- The Buckeyes have produced two very good lead off hitting center fielders in the past two drafts. As many know, before JB, it was Matt Angle who roamed center field in Bill Davis Stadium. Angle was drafted in June of 2007 by the Baltimore Orioles in the 7th round after his Junior season.
After a slow start in which he hit .244 in the first 63 games, Angle, who plays for the Delmarva Shorebirds, has been on fire batting .339 in his last 43, to where he is currently hitting .284 on the season. Angle like JB, has outstanding strike zone discipline, and has drawn a South Atlantic League, or "Sally League" best 55 walks.
With the ability to obtain base on balls, he posts a .374 on-base percentage which is 14th best. Angle doesn't just stop with getting on best, the swift left-handed hitter has 30 stolen bases, 10th best, and 65 runs, which is 15th. His speed has enabled him to hit 4 triples at the plate, while in the field has led him to cover ground better than any Sally Leaguer, with just 1 error on the season.
Eric Fryer-The former Buckeye catcher, also selected in the 2007 draft, joins Angle as the 2nd player Ohio State has in the Sally League. Playing for the Brewers Class A affiliate, the West Virginia Power, Fryer has emerged as one of the top hitters in the league, even though he had a delay in starting his season.
Spending the start of the season in extended spring training, the Brewers organization wanted to see if Fryer could handle a position change. After his extended stay, and move from catcher to left fielder, Eric hit the Sally League with a force, and a sign he could more than handle the change. Fryer has spent time this season as both an outfielder and catcher, doing both well, but it is his bat that has opposing managers talking.
Fryer is hitting .337 for the second best batting average, has a on-base percentage of .401 3rd best, a slugging percentage of .512 6th best, and checks in at 6th as well in OPS, combined on-base plus slugging. He has put up gaudy power numbers with 18 Doubles, 4 Triples, and 8 Home Runs, in just 80 games, yet pitchers must pay attention to him on the bases, as he has stolen a surprising 13 bases in 15 attempts.
As you can see, each athlete is playing great baseball and succeeding at their level of play. As they continue to climb the ranks of professional baseball, they are showing just how great of baseball players come from The Ohio State University, while representing the program with class. Good luck to all, and I'm sure the readers of the Buckeye Nine wish them the best, and a strong finish as minor league seasons across America wind down.
Tomorrow I will give an update on how the older former Buckeyes are doing for their respective teams and how their seasons are going.
With Buckeyes scattered across the ranks from Short Season A all the way up to AAA, playing across America in places from Salisbury, Maryland to Omaha, Nebraska, and in leagues such as the New York-Penn League, or the Pacific Coast League, there are former Bucks making an impact in Minor League Baseball.
Today I'll provide the Buckeye Nine with a brief rundown of former Buckeyes that were drafted in the last 2 seasons, and how they are currently doing in their respective farm systems.
Jack "JB" Shuck- JB has been showing why the Astros made him a 6th round pick this past June. JB who is currently playing with the Tri-City ValleyCats, the 'Stros SS-A ball team, is currently in the top 15 in multiple New York-Penn League categories.
As a lead off hitter, be it by hit, or other means it is undeniable how important it is to get on base. JB shows he can handle batting at the top of the order, hitting at a .304 clip, good enough for 13th best in the league and by drawing 23 walks, good enough for 7th. His superb batting, combined with his strike zone discipline has his on-base percentage at a robust .392, which 9th in the league.
Getting on base isn't only where JB is getting it done, wth help from his ValleyCats line-up, JB has cross home more than any other player in the New York-Penn League, with his 35 runs. JB has collected 4 triples the 3rd most in NYPL, and has only committed 1 error in patrolling center field.
Dan DeLucia- It was a pleasant surprise when in the 35th round, the Detroit Tigers selected the only 3-time captain in Ohio State baseball history. Rebounding from an injury shortened 2007 season, DeLucia put together a solid final campaign that made scouts aware that the Lefty still has it in him. Like JB, Dan is playing in the New York-Penn League, with the Oneonta Tigers.
Working mostly out of the bullpen, with 8 appearances and 1 start, DeLucia has been lights out in posting a record of 2-1. Compiling 17 innings in those 8 games, Dan has allowed only 2 earned runs to cross the plate. That equates to a minuscule 1.06 ERA.
NYPL batters have managed only 1 hit an inning off Dan, for total of 17, are are only hitting .258 off him. He has shown good solid command in striking out 11 times, while drawing only 8 walks.
Matt Angle- The Buckeyes have produced two very good lead off hitting center fielders in the past two drafts. As many know, before JB, it was Matt Angle who roamed center field in Bill Davis Stadium. Angle was drafted in June of 2007 by the Baltimore Orioles in the 7th round after his Junior season.
After a slow start in which he hit .244 in the first 63 games, Angle, who plays for the Delmarva Shorebirds, has been on fire batting .339 in his last 43, to where he is currently hitting .284 on the season. Angle like JB, has outstanding strike zone discipline, and has drawn a South Atlantic League, or "Sally League" best 55 walks.
With the ability to obtain base on balls, he posts a .374 on-base percentage which is 14th best. Angle doesn't just stop with getting on best, the swift left-handed hitter has 30 stolen bases, 10th best, and 65 runs, which is 15th. His speed has enabled him to hit 4 triples at the plate, while in the field has led him to cover ground better than any Sally Leaguer, with just 1 error on the season.
Eric Fryer-The former Buckeye catcher, also selected in the 2007 draft, joins Angle as the 2nd player Ohio State has in the Sally League. Playing for the Brewers Class A affiliate, the West Virginia Power, Fryer has emerged as one of the top hitters in the league, even though he had a delay in starting his season.
Spending the start of the season in extended spring training, the Brewers organization wanted to see if Fryer could handle a position change. After his extended stay, and move from catcher to left fielder, Eric hit the Sally League with a force, and a sign he could more than handle the change. Fryer has spent time this season as both an outfielder and catcher, doing both well, but it is his bat that has opposing managers talking.
Fryer is hitting .337 for the second best batting average, has a on-base percentage of .401 3rd best, a slugging percentage of .512 6th best, and checks in at 6th as well in OPS, combined on-base plus slugging. He has put up gaudy power numbers with 18 Doubles, 4 Triples, and 8 Home Runs, in just 80 games, yet pitchers must pay attention to him on the bases, as he has stolen a surprising 13 bases in 15 attempts.
Cory Luebke- The third Buckeye drafted in the 2007 draft, was actually the first to come off the board. Coming off of an amazing season, in which he was name Big Ten Pitcher of the Year, Big Ten Tournament Outstanding Player, and popping up on All American lists across the county, Luebke was selected with the 63rd pick overall by the San Diego Padres.
An impressive 2007 minor league season saw Luebke play in 3 different levels. Rising from SS-A to A+ in finishing with the Lake Elsinore Storm of the California League for their playoff run. Lake Elsinore is where Cory started the 2008 season.
Though he at times showed the stuff that made him an incredible pitcher in 2007, 2008 started a bit rough as in 72.1 innings Luebke allowed 97 hits, and 55 earned runs, he did have an impressive 60 K's in those 72.1 IP. After a few tweaks in his mechanics, and a change of scenery, Luebke emerged as a Fort Wayne Wizard of the Midwest League in late July.
Be it pitching closer to home, or the changes his pitching coaches has helped him made, Luebke is pitching like the Big Ten Pitcher of the Year he was, and as he did a year before is getting it done in Class A. In 23.1 innings with Ft. Wayne, Cory has a 2-2 record, with a 3.47 ERA. In his 5 starts he has allowed 24 hits, 9 earned runs, 8 walks, while striking out 14.
As you can see, each athlete is playing great baseball and succeeding at their level of play. As they continue to climb the ranks of professional baseball, they are showing just how great of baseball players come from The Ohio State University, while representing the program with class. Good luck to all, and I'm sure the readers of the Buckeye Nine wish them the best, and a strong finish as minor league seasons across America wind down.
Tomorrow I will give an update on how the older former Buckeyes are doing for their respective teams and how their seasons are going.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Buckeyes Make Pro Debuts
Dan DeLucia came out of the bullpen Saturday night to make his debut with Oneonta. Dan pitched two scoreless innings, allowing one hit and two walks. One of his outs was getting J.B. Shuck to ground into a fielder's choice. Shuck's Tri-City Vally Cats won 10-0 while recording the first no-hitter in franchise history.
Thanks to RockyBuckeye for the update, who added... "Ha, teammates two weeks ago, facing off in their first weeks playing pro ball."
J.B. ended the game 2-for-5 with a double and a triple. Shuck was 0-for-4 in a 4-2 loss to Lowell in his debut Tuesday night.
Follow the two former Buckeyes in their first pro seasons:
Tri-City Vally Cats
Oneonta Tigers
Thanks to RockyBuckeye for the update, who added... "Ha, teammates two weeks ago, facing off in their first weeks playing pro ball."
J.B. ended the game 2-for-5 with a double and a triple. Shuck was 0-for-4 in a 4-2 loss to Lowell in his debut Tuesday night.
Follow the two former Buckeyes in their first pro seasons:
Tri-City Vally Cats
Oneonta Tigers
Monday, June 9, 2008
All Four Seniors Graduate
Congrats to all four seniors from the 2008 Ohio State baseball team: Dan DeLucia, Tony Kennedy, Chris Macke and Rory Meister. The four were among the 115 current and former OSU student-athletes who received their degrees Sunday in Ohio Stadium. Additionally, former Buckeye Christian Snavely returned to pick up his degree during the hot ceremony in Columbus.
DeLucia earned his degree in finance while Kennedy's degree is in information systems. Macke graduated with a degree in sport and leisure studies and Meister picked up his degree in human development and family sciences. Snavely, who left after his junior season in 2003 after getting drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays, returned to earn his degree in family resource management. He spent four seasons in the Blue Jays organization.
It is great to see former players come back and earn their degrees and I am happy for all four seniors who are leaving campus with degrees in hand.
DeLucia earned his degree in finance while Kennedy's degree is in information systems. Macke graduated with a degree in sport and leisure studies and Meister picked up his degree in human development and family sciences. Snavely, who left after his junior season in 2003 after getting drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays, returned to earn his degree in family resource management. He spent four seasons in the Blue Jays organization.
It is great to see former players come back and earn their degrees and I am happy for all four seniors who are leaving campus with degrees in hand.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Surprise Draft for Buckeyes
The Major League Baseball first-year player draft was held Thursday and Friday and it was full of surprises for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Two of the surprises were good. Another was not.
J.B. Shuck was the only Buckeye to go on day one. I'm not sure anyone expected the Buckeyes' most versatile athlete to go in the sixth round, but the Houston Astros picked him up with their final pick of day one.
Dan DeLucia, came back from Tommy John surgery in 10 months to make an opening day start. His work ethic received notice by the Detroit Tigers who picked DeLucia up in the 35th round.
One Buckeye who wasn't taken in any of the Draft's 50 rounds was Jake Hale. Previously drafted twice, the OSU junior was overlooked this year and now must take a serious look at his baseball future.
Also overlooked was first baseman Justin Miller, though the fact he wasn't drafted was not as big of a surprise as Hale.
I would like to thank everyone for following the draft here. The comments reflect most of the Big Ten picks. Special thanks to RockyBuckeye and BaseballBucks33.
J.B. Shuck was the only Buckeye to go on day one. I'm not sure anyone expected the Buckeyes' most versatile athlete to go in the sixth round, but the Houston Astros picked him up with their final pick of day one.
Dan DeLucia, came back from Tommy John surgery in 10 months to make an opening day start. His work ethic received notice by the Detroit Tigers who picked DeLucia up in the 35th round.
One Buckeye who wasn't taken in any of the Draft's 50 rounds was Jake Hale. Previously drafted twice, the OSU junior was overlooked this year and now must take a serious look at his baseball future.
Also overlooked was first baseman Justin Miller, though the fact he wasn't drafted was not as big of a surprise as Hale.
I would like to thank everyone for following the draft here. The comments reflect most of the Big Ten picks. Special thanks to RockyBuckeye and BaseballBucks33.
Friday, June 6, 2008
DeLucia Picked in 35th Round
Ohio State left-handed pitcher Dan DeLucia is picked up by the Detroit Tigers in the 35th round as the 1,063rd overall pick.
“I am ecstatic,” DeLucia said in the Ohio State news release. “This has been a dream of mine for years to get drafted and have an opportunity to play professional baseball and I am just so grateful that the Tigers are giving me that opportunity.”
Not many athletes have a better work ethic than DeLucia, who underwent Tommy John Surgery in April 2007 and returned to make his third opening-day start as a Buckeye. In 11 starts he compiled a 3-3 record and had a 4.70 ERA with 44 strikeouts in 51.2 innings pitched. Not bad for the only three-time captain in 125 years of Ohio State baseball.
It is absolutely great to see him rewarded like this. The Tigers got a great pitcher and even better person.
Let fellow readers of The Buckeye Nine know what you think of this selection and feel free to leave J.B. a note here.
“I am ecstatic,” DeLucia said in the Ohio State news release. “This has been a dream of mine for years to get drafted and have an opportunity to play professional baseball and I am just so grateful that the Tigers are giving me that opportunity.”
Not many athletes have a better work ethic than DeLucia, who underwent Tommy John Surgery in April 2007 and returned to make his third opening-day start as a Buckeye. In 11 starts he compiled a 3-3 record and had a 4.70 ERA with 44 strikeouts in 51.2 innings pitched. Not bad for the only three-time captain in 125 years of Ohio State baseball.
It is absolutely great to see him rewarded like this. The Tigers got a great pitcher and even better person.
Let fellow readers of The Buckeye Nine know what you think of this selection and feel free to leave J.B. a note here.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
On to the Loser's Bracket
Illinois scored the go-ahead run in the bottom of the seventh inning and held on to defeat Ohio State, 3-2, in the opening game of the 2008 Big Ten Tournament (Box Score). The Buckeyes head to the loser's bracket and will play again Thursday at 12:05 p.m. against sixth-seeded Indiana, which lost 6-1 to third-seeded Penn State (Box Score).
Illinois scored an unearned run in the bottom of the first. Catcher Dan Burkhart's throwing error trying to nab Kyle Hudson on his steal of second allowed him to reach third. He scored on a sacrifice fly by Brandon Wikoff.
Burkhart made amends in the top of the second when he drove in Cory Kovanda and Zach Hurley with a two-out double to left center to move the Buckeyes in front 2-1. Both runs were unearned.
Illinois tied it up again in the bottom of the third and it remained that way until Joe Bonadonna hit a solo home run in the seventh to lift his team to victory. The Fighting Illini also got a complete game from starter Kevin Manson.
Ryan Dew delivered a lead-off pinch-hit single to start the ninth, but J.B. Shuck hit into a double play and Justin Miller, who needed a hit in his final at bat to extend his 14-game hit streak, flied out to end the game. Dew's single was just the fourth hit of the game for the Buckeyes. Other hits came from Hurley, Kovanda and Burkhart, who finished the game with a pair of RBI. The four hits represented a season low.
Fifth-year senior and three-time captain Dan DeLucia (who is an OSU finalist for the Big Ten Medal of Honor) pitched four innings and allowed two runs (one earned) on five hits in what could be his final outing in a Buckeye uniform. He walked three and struck out three before the coaching staff went to Dean Wolosiansky, who pitched 3.0 innings and allowed the go-ahead run in the seventh. He allowed five hits before handing the eighth inning to Eric Best.
The trio combined to allow 11 hits in an incredibly tight ball game. Wikoff, Aaron Johnson and Ryan Hastings each had two hits for the Illini.
Jake Hale is expected to start Thursday for Ohio State vs. Indiana. The Buckeyes and Hoosiers did not meet in 2008.
Don't miss Big Ten Tournament coverage from The-Ozone.net: Recap and Photo Gallery.
Illinois scored an unearned run in the bottom of the first. Catcher Dan Burkhart's throwing error trying to nab Kyle Hudson on his steal of second allowed him to reach third. He scored on a sacrifice fly by Brandon Wikoff.
Burkhart made amends in the top of the second when he drove in Cory Kovanda and Zach Hurley with a two-out double to left center to move the Buckeyes in front 2-1. Both runs were unearned.
Illinois tied it up again in the bottom of the third and it remained that way until Joe Bonadonna hit a solo home run in the seventh to lift his team to victory. The Fighting Illini also got a complete game from starter Kevin Manson.
Ryan Dew delivered a lead-off pinch-hit single to start the ninth, but J.B. Shuck hit into a double play and Justin Miller, who needed a hit in his final at bat to extend his 14-game hit streak, flied out to end the game. Dew's single was just the fourth hit of the game for the Buckeyes. Other hits came from Hurley, Kovanda and Burkhart, who finished the game with a pair of RBI. The four hits represented a season low.
Fifth-year senior and three-time captain Dan DeLucia (who is an OSU finalist for the Big Ten Medal of Honor) pitched four innings and allowed two runs (one earned) on five hits in what could be his final outing in a Buckeye uniform. He walked three and struck out three before the coaching staff went to Dean Wolosiansky, who pitched 3.0 innings and allowed the go-ahead run in the seventh. He allowed five hits before handing the eighth inning to Eric Best.
The trio combined to allow 11 hits in an incredibly tight ball game. Wikoff, Aaron Johnson and Ryan Hastings each had two hits for the Illini.
Jake Hale is expected to start Thursday for Ohio State vs. Indiana. The Buckeyes and Hoosiers did not meet in 2008.
Don't miss Big Ten Tournament coverage from The-Ozone.net: Recap and Photo Gallery.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Screwed
The All-Big Ten teams have been announced and well, the Buckeyes didn't fare too well. We have to remember we were fifth in the final standings, yet somehow I feel slighted.
Jake Hale and Dean Wolosiansky earned second team honors while J.B. Shuck was named to the third team as both a pitcher and an outfielder. Dan DeLucia was annual Sportsmanship Award winner from Ohio State. Congrats are in order for these guys, but...
Justin Miller got screwed... nothing. I just don't understand it! Let The Buckeye Nine know what you think. Here is the Ohio State release that was a lot more diplomatic than this post.
Click here for the official Big Ten release. These awards are voted on by Big Ten coaches.
Jake Hale and Dean Wolosiansky earned second team honors while J.B. Shuck was named to the third team as both a pitcher and an outfielder. Dan DeLucia was annual Sportsmanship Award winner from Ohio State. Congrats are in order for these guys, but...
Justin Miller got screwed... nothing. I just don't understand it! Let The Buckeye Nine know what you think. Here is the Ohio State release that was a lot more diplomatic than this post.
Click here for the official Big Ten release. These awards are voted on by Big Ten coaches.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Not In Yet, But In Control
Ohio State and Iowa split Friday's doubleheader meaning the Buckeyes are fifth heading into the final day of Big Ten conference play.
Box Scores: Game One Game Two
According to OhioStateBuckeyes.com, Ohio State remains in fifth place in the standings, one-half game ahead of Northwestern and Indiana. These three teams are in contention for the final two Big Ten tourney berths, but Ohio State is in the driver’s seat. Any combination of a Buckeye win or a Northwestern or Indiana loss will put the Buckeyes into the tourney.
Friday, the Buckeyes didn't struggle in a 12-2 victory. After collecting only five hits and stranding six runners Thursday in a 4-3 loss to Iowa, Ohio State wasted no time in getting on the board, jumping all over Iowa starter Nick Erdman. The Buckeyes collected five hits and scored four runs in the second inning, including RBI singles by Cory Kovanda and Tyler Engle, and an RBI double from Tony Kennedy. Another run scored on a wild pitch.
Iowa pulled within two in the bottom of the second. The Buckeyes got one of Iowa ’s two runs back in the top of the third as Engle had his second RBI single of the day to score Cory Rupert, who had singled. Ohio State put the game away in the fourth by scoring six more runs off four hits, two errors and an Iowa balk to stake DeLucia to an 11-2 lead.
Rupert and the bottom of the batting order sparked the Buckeyes. Rupert had three hits and three runs scored. Dan Burkhart had a couple of hits and two runs scored. Kovanda had a hit and two runs scored and Engle had two hits, two RBI and a run scored.
DeLucia went 5.0 innings and allowed seven hits and the two earned runs. He struck out two and walked two and improved his record to 3-3 on the season and 24-13 for his Ohio State career.
In the nightcap, Iowa won 7-4. Kurtis Muller hit a grand slam home run in the first inning and Caleb Curry hit a two-run homer in the second to build a 6-0 lead off Ohio State starter Dean Wolosiansky. The Buckeyes got a run in the third and another in the fourth to cut the lead to 6-2, but Iowa scored an unearned run with two outs in their half of the fourth to build a five-run cushion at 7-2.
Justin Miller’s third hit of the game – a two-run home run in the sixth inning – pulled the Buckeyes within the three-run final score. It was Miller’s team-leading fourth home run of the year and it increased his team-leading RBI total to 60.
The Buckeyes ended up leaving the bases loaded in the sixth as reliever Brock Alberts got the final out of the inning on a pop fly to short. Alberts then shut the Buckeyes down in the seventh for his first save of the year.
Ohio State is now 29-24 overall and 14-15 in the Big Ten. The teams conclude conference play Saturday at 2:05 p.m.
Box Scores: Game One Game Two
According to OhioStateBuckeyes.com, Ohio State remains in fifth place in the standings, one-half game ahead of Northwestern and Indiana. These three teams are in contention for the final two Big Ten tourney berths, but Ohio State is in the driver’s seat. Any combination of a Buckeye win or a Northwestern or Indiana loss will put the Buckeyes into the tourney.
Friday, the Buckeyes didn't struggle in a 12-2 victory. After collecting only five hits and stranding six runners Thursday in a 4-3 loss to Iowa, Ohio State wasted no time in getting on the board, jumping all over Iowa starter Nick Erdman. The Buckeyes collected five hits and scored four runs in the second inning, including RBI singles by Cory Kovanda and Tyler Engle, and an RBI double from Tony Kennedy. Another run scored on a wild pitch.
Iowa pulled within two in the bottom of the second. The Buckeyes got one of Iowa ’s two runs back in the top of the third as Engle had his second RBI single of the day to score Cory Rupert, who had singled. Ohio State put the game away in the fourth by scoring six more runs off four hits, two errors and an Iowa balk to stake DeLucia to an 11-2 lead.
Rupert and the bottom of the batting order sparked the Buckeyes. Rupert had three hits and three runs scored. Dan Burkhart had a couple of hits and two runs scored. Kovanda had a hit and two runs scored and Engle had two hits, two RBI and a run scored.
DeLucia went 5.0 innings and allowed seven hits and the two earned runs. He struck out two and walked two and improved his record to 3-3 on the season and 24-13 for his Ohio State career.
In the nightcap, Iowa won 7-4. Kurtis Muller hit a grand slam home run in the first inning and Caleb Curry hit a two-run homer in the second to build a 6-0 lead off Ohio State starter Dean Wolosiansky. The Buckeyes got a run in the third and another in the fourth to cut the lead to 6-2, but Iowa scored an unearned run with two outs in their half of the fourth to build a five-run cushion at 7-2.
Justin Miller’s third hit of the game – a two-run home run in the sixth inning – pulled the Buckeyes within the three-run final score. It was Miller’s team-leading fourth home run of the year and it increased his team-leading RBI total to 60.
The Buckeyes ended up leaving the bases loaded in the sixth as reliever Brock Alberts got the final out of the inning on a pop fly to short. Alberts then shut the Buckeyes down in the seventh for his first save of the year.
Ohio State is now 29-24 overall and 14-15 in the Big Ten. The teams conclude conference play Saturday at 2:05 p.m.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Senior Salutes
OhioStateBuckeyes.com is paying tribute to this year's seniors - Dan DeLucia, Tony Kennedy, Chris Macke and Rory Meister. The foursome will be honored prior to Sunday's series finale vs. Illinois. That game is the final Big Ten game they will play at Bill Davis Stadium.
So far, the site has video of Tony Kennedy and Dan DeLucia.
Update... Ohio State has added a video tribute to Chris Macke and Rory Meister.
Thank you Seniors. It is a pity you could not be honored before your final Big Ten game at Bill Davis Stadium. I'm guessing the 4,000 sixth-graders from Columbus Public Schools will be too worried about getting hit in the mouth with a foul ball on Tuesday when I suspect you will be recognized.
So far, the site has video of Tony Kennedy and Dan DeLucia.
Update... Ohio State has added a video tribute to Chris Macke and Rory Meister.
Thank you Seniors. It is a pity you could not be honored before your final Big Ten game at Bill Davis Stadium. I'm guessing the 4,000 sixth-graders from Columbus Public Schools will be too worried about getting hit in the mouth with a foul ball on Tuesday when I suspect you will be recognized.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
10-Spot Lifts OSU to DH Sweep
Ohio State scored 10 runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to fuel the team to a 14-8 victory to complete the doubleheader sweep of Illinois Saturday at Bill Davis Stadium. It was the first doubleheader sweep by the Buckeyes this season.
Box Scores: Game One Game Two
The Buckeyes built a 3-1 lead through three innings only to see the Illini take the lead with seven runs in the top of the fifth. Ohio State came right back to take a 13-8 lead thanks to timely hitting, including a three-run double by Justin Miller.
Miller finished the game 3-for-5 with four RBI. Cory Rupert also drove in four in going 3-for-4. Dan Burkhart also was 3-for-4. J.B. Shuck was 2-for-4 and drove in two and Ryan Meade added two hits as well.
The Buckeyes pounded out 16 hits, including doubles by Michael Arp, Miller and Rupert, who also tripled.
Eric Best earned the win in relief after getting the save in game one. He allowed one hit and walked two in his 1.1 innings of work. He replaced Dean Wolosiansky who was roughed up for eight runs on seven hits in 4.0 innings. He did not record a strikeout and walked two. Alex Wimmers pitched the final 1.1 innings and struck out three.
The Buckeyes are now 27-22 overall and moved into fourth place in the league standings with a 13-13 record. Illinois slipped to 29-20 and 15-12.
The teams conclude the series tomorrow with a 1:05 p.m. scheduled first pitch. Severe weather could wash out the finale. Columbus has only a 90 percent chance of rain in the Mother's Day forecast.
Completion of Friday Game
The Fighting Illini led 7-2 when play was suspended in Friday's series opener Friday with Ohio State. Each team added two runs Saturday when play resumed giving Illinois the 9-4 victory.
Friday Box Score
Zach Hurley was 4-for-5 for the Buckeyes and Justin Miller, Dan Burkhart and Tyler Engle each added two hits. The four accounted for 10 of the team's 12 hits. Illinois had 14 hits with five players accounting for 10 hits. The teams combined for five errors. Ohio State had three.
Ohio State got on the board with a solo run in the second and gave up seven unanswered runs, including three runs in each the third and fifth innings. Each team scored one in the sixth to get to the 7-2 interruption point. Ohio State got one run in the bottom of the eighth and another in the ninth, but gave up two in the top of the ninth.
Jake Hale took the loss. He allowed seven runs (just three earned) on nine hits. He struck out two and walked three in 5.2 innings. Josh Edgin pitched 3.1 innings and allowed two runs on five hits, but struck out six. Hale fell to 5-3 on the season.
Saturday Game One
In game the first game of the scheduled doubleheader, it was all Ohio State.
After giving up a Illini run in the top of the first, the Buckeyes responded with three runs in the bottom of the inning. When Illinois added its second run in the top of the sixth, the Buckeyes exploded for sixth to put the game on ice.
Miller was 2-for-4 with three RBI and Burkhart also was 2-for-4. Zach Hurley drove in two and scored two. Ohio State had eight hits and no errors. Illinois had six hits and one error.
Dan DeLucia got the win in his final start at Bill Davis Stadium. He allowed both runs on four hits in 5.1 innings. He struck out five and walked three before handing the game over to Eric Best, who got his seventh save of the season in 1.2 scoreless innings and allowed two hits.
The-Ozone.net Recap
Photo Galleries: Game One Game Two Game Three
Box Scores: Game One Game Two
The Buckeyes built a 3-1 lead through three innings only to see the Illini take the lead with seven runs in the top of the fifth. Ohio State came right back to take a 13-8 lead thanks to timely hitting, including a three-run double by Justin Miller.
Miller finished the game 3-for-5 with four RBI. Cory Rupert also drove in four in going 3-for-4. Dan Burkhart also was 3-for-4. J.B. Shuck was 2-for-4 and drove in two and Ryan Meade added two hits as well.
The Buckeyes pounded out 16 hits, including doubles by Michael Arp, Miller and Rupert, who also tripled.
Eric Best earned the win in relief after getting the save in game one. He allowed one hit and walked two in his 1.1 innings of work. He replaced Dean Wolosiansky who was roughed up for eight runs on seven hits in 4.0 innings. He did not record a strikeout and walked two. Alex Wimmers pitched the final 1.1 innings and struck out three.
The Buckeyes are now 27-22 overall and moved into fourth place in the league standings with a 13-13 record. Illinois slipped to 29-20 and 15-12.
The teams conclude the series tomorrow with a 1:05 p.m. scheduled first pitch. Severe weather could wash out the finale. Columbus has only a 90 percent chance of rain in the Mother's Day forecast.
Completion of Friday Game
The Fighting Illini led 7-2 when play was suspended in Friday's series opener Friday with Ohio State. Each team added two runs Saturday when play resumed giving Illinois the 9-4 victory.
Friday Box Score
Zach Hurley was 4-for-5 for the Buckeyes and Justin Miller, Dan Burkhart and Tyler Engle each added two hits. The four accounted for 10 of the team's 12 hits. Illinois had 14 hits with five players accounting for 10 hits. The teams combined for five errors. Ohio State had three.
Ohio State got on the board with a solo run in the second and gave up seven unanswered runs, including three runs in each the third and fifth innings. Each team scored one in the sixth to get to the 7-2 interruption point. Ohio State got one run in the bottom of the eighth and another in the ninth, but gave up two in the top of the ninth.
Jake Hale took the loss. He allowed seven runs (just three earned) on nine hits. He struck out two and walked three in 5.2 innings. Josh Edgin pitched 3.1 innings and allowed two runs on five hits, but struck out six. Hale fell to 5-3 on the season.
Saturday Game One
In game the first game of the scheduled doubleheader, it was all Ohio State.
After giving up a Illini run in the top of the first, the Buckeyes responded with three runs in the bottom of the inning. When Illinois added its second run in the top of the sixth, the Buckeyes exploded for sixth to put the game on ice.
Miller was 2-for-4 with three RBI and Burkhart also was 2-for-4. Zach Hurley drove in two and scored two. Ohio State had eight hits and no errors. Illinois had six hits and one error.
Dan DeLucia got the win in his final start at Bill Davis Stadium. He allowed both runs on four hits in 5.1 innings. He struck out five and walked three before handing the game over to Eric Best, who got his seventh save of the season in 1.2 scoreless innings and allowed two hits.
The-Ozone.net Recap
Photo Galleries: Game One Game Two Game Three
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Celebrating 125 Years of Ohio State Baseball
In the four-game series this weekend vs. Illinois, Ohio State is celebrating 125 years of Ohio State baseball that will feature two legendary coaches being honored for their accomplishments.
Marty Karow, Ohio State skipper from 1951 until 1976, led the Buckeyes to four College World Series, winning the national title in 1966. He will have his jersey – No. 13 – officially retired by the athletics department in a ceremony between doubleheader games Saturday.
Bob Todd, the winningest coach in Ohio State history with more than 800 wins in his 21 seasons as Ohio State coach, will be honored before the Friday game on his induction into the American Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame (which will officially take place in January at the ABCA Convention).
Karow, who won a then-record 479 Ohio State games, will be only the third individual to have his jersey retired. Fred Taylor, Ohio State’s first baseball All-American, had his No. 27 retired in 2003. Steve Arlin, the great Ohio State pitcher who led the Buckeyes to back-to-back College World Series and to the 1966 CWS championship, had his jersey No. 22 retired in 2005. Karow’s jersey will be retired 33 years to the date of his last home game as coach: a 1-0 win over Michigan May 10, 1975. He passed away in 1986, three months shy of his 82nd birthday.
Todd, who has 947 career victories in this, his 25th season as a collegiate head coach, has guided Ohio State to six of its 14 Big Ten Conference championships and he has also led the team to a Big Ten record eight Big Ten tournament titles. In addition, he has led the team into 12 NCAA tournaments. Todd has done more than win championships at Ohio State , though. He was the driving force behind the fund raising efforts and the building of the majestic Bill Davis Stadium.
“The Ohio State Department of Athletics is thrilled to honor the legacy of Marty Karow by retiring his jersey,” Gene Smith, Director of Athletics, said, “and we are most proud of the lasting achievements of coach Bob Todd that have enabled him to attain the highest coaching honor possible: being enshrined into the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.”
The Illinois weekend will also be an opportunity to celebrate the current student-athletes as well as the past accomplishments of those before them. Among the efforts planned for the weekend:
Ohio State ’s baseball captains – 151 different individuals have served as captain over the years including this year’s captains, Dan DeLucia and Justin Miller – will have their annual captain’s breakfast Sunday morning.
This year’s four seniors – Dan DeLucia, Tony Kennedy, Chris Macke and Rory Meister – will be honored on the field prior to the 1:05 p.m. Sunday game.
In conjunction with the Diamond Club, the baseball program’s booster organization, a BBQ picnic will take place on Saturday and will be open to the public for a minimal charge with all proceeds benefiting the baseball program. For more information about joining the Buckeye Diamond Club, email BuckeyeDiamondClub@hotmail.com.
A display of past Ohio State baseball trophies, including Big Ten Conference championship trophies and the 1966 College World Series trophy, will be assembled at Bill Davis Stadium throughout the weekend.
From OhioStateBuckeyes.com
Marty Karow, Ohio State skipper from 1951 until 1976, led the Buckeyes to four College World Series, winning the national title in 1966. He will have his jersey – No. 13 – officially retired by the athletics department in a ceremony between doubleheader games Saturday.
Bob Todd, the winningest coach in Ohio State history with more than 800 wins in his 21 seasons as Ohio State coach, will be honored before the Friday game on his induction into the American Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame (which will officially take place in January at the ABCA Convention).
Karow, who won a then-record 479 Ohio State games, will be only the third individual to have his jersey retired. Fred Taylor, Ohio State’s first baseball All-American, had his No. 27 retired in 2003. Steve Arlin, the great Ohio State pitcher who led the Buckeyes to back-to-back College World Series and to the 1966 CWS championship, had his jersey No. 22 retired in 2005. Karow’s jersey will be retired 33 years to the date of his last home game as coach: a 1-0 win over Michigan May 10, 1975. He passed away in 1986, three months shy of his 82nd birthday.
Todd, who has 947 career victories in this, his 25th season as a collegiate head coach, has guided Ohio State to six of its 14 Big Ten Conference championships and he has also led the team to a Big Ten record eight Big Ten tournament titles. In addition, he has led the team into 12 NCAA tournaments. Todd has done more than win championships at Ohio State , though. He was the driving force behind the fund raising efforts and the building of the majestic Bill Davis Stadium.
“The Ohio State Department of Athletics is thrilled to honor the legacy of Marty Karow by retiring his jersey,” Gene Smith, Director of Athletics, said, “and we are most proud of the lasting achievements of coach Bob Todd that have enabled him to attain the highest coaching honor possible: being enshrined into the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.”
The Illinois weekend will also be an opportunity to celebrate the current student-athletes as well as the past accomplishments of those before them. Among the efforts planned for the weekend:
Ohio State ’s baseball captains – 151 different individuals have served as captain over the years including this year’s captains, Dan DeLucia and Justin Miller – will have their annual captain’s breakfast Sunday morning.
This year’s four seniors – Dan DeLucia, Tony Kennedy, Chris Macke and Rory Meister – will be honored on the field prior to the 1:05 p.m. Sunday game.
In conjunction with the Diamond Club, the baseball program’s booster organization, a BBQ picnic will take place on Saturday and will be open to the public for a minimal charge with all proceeds benefiting the baseball program. For more information about joining the Buckeye Diamond Club, email BuckeyeDiamondClub@hotmail.com.
A display of past Ohio State baseball trophies, including Big Ten Conference championship trophies and the 1966 College World Series trophy, will be assembled at Bill Davis Stadium throughout the weekend.
From OhioStateBuckeyes.com
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Bucks Snap Streak with Win vs. Michigan
Ohio State and Michigan split a doubleheader Saturday in Ann Arbor. It was all Wolverines in the first game, 6-1 (Box Score), with the Buckeyes claiming a win in the top of the seventh for 3-2 win in game two (Box Score). The win by the Buckeyes snapped a string of 11 consective regular season losses to Michigan.
Ryan Meade's sacrifice gave the Buckeyes a 1-0 lead in the first inning of game one. They maintained the lead until Michigan scored two in the fifth and four more in the sixth. Dan DeLucia last 3.0 innings and did not allow a run on one hit and struck out three. Alex Wimmers pitched the final 3.0 innings, allowing all six runs on five hits. He struck out one but walked five in falling to 0-2.
Ohio State had just four hits and committed three errors. Michigan had seven hits and one error.
In game two, the Buckeyes scored twice in the first thanks to RBI by Justin Miller and Meade. Michigan tied the game in the bottom of the fifth. The first run scored on a balk but Mike Dufek doubled in the tying run.
Justin Miller drove in the winning run in the top of the seventh inning for his second RBI of the game. Ohio State had eight hits and benefited from four Michigan errors.
Dean Wolosiansky pitched 6.2 innings and allowed both runs on four hits. He struck out three but walked four before handing the ball to Eric Best who got the final out to earn his sixth save of the season. Wolo improved to 7-2.
Ohio State is now 24-20 overall and 11-11 in the Big Ten. The Wolverines are 33-11, 19-4.
The teams close out the series Sunday with a single, nine-inning game at 1:05 p.m.
I appreciate all the help from RockyBuckeye and BaseballBucks33 today while I was away from my computer. This was my 100th post as a blogger. Thanks for your support! Be sure to tell your friends about the site.
Ryan Meade's sacrifice gave the Buckeyes a 1-0 lead in the first inning of game one. They maintained the lead until Michigan scored two in the fifth and four more in the sixth. Dan DeLucia last 3.0 innings and did not allow a run on one hit and struck out three. Alex Wimmers pitched the final 3.0 innings, allowing all six runs on five hits. He struck out one but walked five in falling to 0-2.
Ohio State had just four hits and committed three errors. Michigan had seven hits and one error.
In game two, the Buckeyes scored twice in the first thanks to RBI by Justin Miller and Meade. Michigan tied the game in the bottom of the fifth. The first run scored on a balk but Mike Dufek doubled in the tying run.
Justin Miller drove in the winning run in the top of the seventh inning for his second RBI of the game. Ohio State had eight hits and benefited from four Michigan errors.
Dean Wolosiansky pitched 6.2 innings and allowed both runs on four hits. He struck out three but walked four before handing the ball to Eric Best who got the final out to earn his sixth save of the season. Wolo improved to 7-2.
Ohio State is now 24-20 overall and 11-11 in the Big Ten. The Wolverines are 33-11, 19-4.
The teams close out the series Sunday with a single, nine-inning game at 1:05 p.m.
I appreciate all the help from RockyBuckeye and BaseballBucks33 today while I was away from my computer. This was my 100th post as a blogger. Thanks for your support! Be sure to tell your friends about the site.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Another Doubleheader Split
Big Ten Network Highlights: Doubleheader Recap
Ohio State split a doubleheader at Northwestern Saturday, following a 6-4 loss in game one (Box Score) with a 13-1 victory in game two (Box Score). The Buckeyes have a 2-1 lead in the series with the final game to be played Sunday at 2:05 p.m. They beat the Wildcats 11-2 in the series opener on Friday.
In the first game Saturday, the Buckeyes went up by three in the fourth before Northwestern tied the game in the bottom of the fifth. Designated hitter Chris Macke drove in Michael Arp to put the good guys back in front in the sixth until the the Wildcats errupted for three runs and the win in the bottom of the inning.
OSU starter Dan DeLucia gave up a one-out single in the bottom of the sixth and then walked the next batter. That prompted Bob Todd to signal for Rory Meister out of the doghouse, err bullpen. Meister gave up singles to his first three batters as Northwestern moved ahead 5-4. The final run scored on a fielder's choice.
Tony Kennedy led off the top of the seventh with a single and moved to second on a ground out. Zach Hurley reached on a fielding error by Wildcat third baseman Chris Lashmet to bring the winning run to the plate with just one out, but reliever Matt Havey who came in after Kennedy's single, struck out his final to batters to pick up a save in Eric Jokisch's win. Kennedy had four of the Buckeyes' 10 hits.
Dan DeLucia took the loss for Ohio State after allowing five runs on nine hits in 5.1 innings. He falls to 1-3 on the season.
In the nightcap, Ohio State sprinted to a 10-0 lead through three innings thanks to eight runs that crossed the plate in the second, all with two out. Ryan Dew hit a three-run homer and the Bucks promptly loaded the bases to see Brian DeLucia hit an inside-the-park grand slam to left-center field. Dan Burkhart capped the inning with a solo shot.
The Buckeyes added three more in the sixth. Ryan Meade drove in two with a double to right center. Northwestern finally got on the board with Jake Wilson's pinch-hit single in the bottom of the inning.
Ohio State pounded out 14 hits and was led by Brian DeLucia who was 3-for-5 and four RBI. Kennedy, Cory Kovanda and Meade each had two hits.
Dean Wolosiansky went the distance allowing the one run on nine hits. He had four strikeouts and walked one to improve to 6-2 on the year.
Ohio State improved to 22-17 overall and 10-8 in the Big Ten. Northwestern is 15-19 and 9-10.
Ohio State split a doubleheader at Northwestern Saturday, following a 6-4 loss in game one (Box Score) with a 13-1 victory in game two (Box Score). The Buckeyes have a 2-1 lead in the series with the final game to be played Sunday at 2:05 p.m. They beat the Wildcats 11-2 in the series opener on Friday.
In the first game Saturday, the Buckeyes went up by three in the fourth before Northwestern tied the game in the bottom of the fifth. Designated hitter Chris Macke drove in Michael Arp to put the good guys back in front in the sixth until the the Wildcats errupted for three runs and the win in the bottom of the inning.
OSU starter Dan DeLucia gave up a one-out single in the bottom of the sixth and then walked the next batter. That prompted Bob Todd to signal for Rory Meister out of the doghouse, err bullpen. Meister gave up singles to his first three batters as Northwestern moved ahead 5-4. The final run scored on a fielder's choice.
Tony Kennedy led off the top of the seventh with a single and moved to second on a ground out. Zach Hurley reached on a fielding error by Wildcat third baseman Chris Lashmet to bring the winning run to the plate with just one out, but reliever Matt Havey who came in after Kennedy's single, struck out his final to batters to pick up a save in Eric Jokisch's win. Kennedy had four of the Buckeyes' 10 hits.
Dan DeLucia took the loss for Ohio State after allowing five runs on nine hits in 5.1 innings. He falls to 1-3 on the season.
In the nightcap, Ohio State sprinted to a 10-0 lead through three innings thanks to eight runs that crossed the plate in the second, all with two out. Ryan Dew hit a three-run homer and the Bucks promptly loaded the bases to see Brian DeLucia hit an inside-the-park grand slam to left-center field. Dan Burkhart capped the inning with a solo shot.
The Buckeyes added three more in the sixth. Ryan Meade drove in two with a double to right center. Northwestern finally got on the board with Jake Wilson's pinch-hit single in the bottom of the inning.
Ohio State pounded out 14 hits and was led by Brian DeLucia who was 3-for-5 and four RBI. Kennedy, Cory Kovanda and Meade each had two hits.
Dean Wolosiansky went the distance allowing the one run on nine hits. He had four strikeouts and walked one to improve to 6-2 on the year.
Ohio State improved to 22-17 overall and 10-8 in the Big Ten. Northwestern is 15-19 and 9-10.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Two Buckeye Seniors on BTN Monday Night
Ohio State seniors Dan DeLucia and Tony Kennedy will appear on the Big Ten Network's "Big Ten Tonight" nightly sportscast Monday, April 21. The two Buckeyes will be featured on the BTN's "Talk Back" segment. Big Ten Tonight is a 60-minute program that airs Monday through Thursday, and Saturday and Sunday at 10 p.m. ET. Bringing the viewer Big Ten highlights, analysis, features, historical segments, interviews and breaking news, Big Ten Tonight has a mini-studio at each campus, providing Big Ten Tonight with interviews with coaches and players on a nightly basis.
Big Ten Network Adds Buckeye Telecasts
The Big Ten Network has added two more Ohio State road games to its upcoming baseball programming schedule. The additional dates give Ohio State a total of nine regular season appearances on the Big Ten Network, the most by any school. Upcoming Ohio State baseball games that will be televised on the Big Ten Network include:
Sat., April 26 – Ohio State at Northwestern (DH), 1 p.m., ET
Fri., May 2 – Ohio State at Michigan , 6:35 p.m., ET
Sat., May 17 – Ohio State at Iowa , 2 p.m., ET
The start time for the Ohio State at Northwestern doubleheader April 26 has been changed to 1 p.m. from its initial 2 p.m. start. Both games of the doubleheader will be televised.
Big Ten Network Adds Buckeye Telecasts
The Big Ten Network has added two more Ohio State road games to its upcoming baseball programming schedule. The additional dates give Ohio State a total of nine regular season appearances on the Big Ten Network, the most by any school. Upcoming Ohio State baseball games that will be televised on the Big Ten Network include:
Sat., April 26 – Ohio State at Northwestern (DH), 1 p.m., ET
Fri., May 2 – Ohio State at Michigan , 6:35 p.m., ET
Sat., May 17 – Ohio State at Iowa , 2 p.m., ET
The start time for the Ohio State at Northwestern doubleheader April 26 has been changed to 1 p.m. from its initial 2 p.m. start. Both games of the doubleheader will be televised.
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