Very light update. A few alumni quick hits. More news on the Buckeyes 2011 schedule, prepare for an extended stay in California. Lastly, a look at the life of being a summer league Buckeye.
Showing posts with label Jake Hale. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jake Hale. Show all posts
Monday, August 2, 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: Hale assigned to Rookie Ball Missoula
Keeping up with Buckeyes in the minors, in a bit of puzzling news it appears just today the Arizona Diamondbacks sent former Buckeye All-American reliever Jake Hale down to the Missoula Osprey of the Pioneer League. Hale previously was with the Yakima Bears of the Short Season A Northwest League where Hale was assigned following the draft. The Pioneer Leaguer transaction page shows the move being made effective as today.
The move comes with just more than three weeks remaining in the minor league season. Hale in his time with Yakima was 2-2 with a 5.29 ERA as a reliever. Hale pitched 17 innings allowing 19 hits and 10 runs. In the 12 games Hale struck out 14, walked , while posting a .302 batting average against. Hale's last appearance as a Yakima Bear came August 8th where he pitched two innings of four-hit one-run baseball.
The puzzling part comes on three fronts. With such little left in the season if moves are made typically they are up a level to challenge a player breifly before the season is over, unless a player is in way over his head. Maybe the Diamondbacks do not view a move from SS-A to Rookie ball as a demotion, but with a Low A team in South Bend in the Silver Hawks having Hale face Midwest League batters, especially closer to home would appear to be the move if this was a promotion.
Also even though he allowed a run in his last game, Hale has came around after a rough start to his professional carerr. No signs at least numberwise that Hale was underpeforming. Lastly given Hale's age being 23 and spending 4 years in college to go to a Rookie team full of 1st and 2nd year professionals out of high school msotly 18-20, it isn't a "better fit" you would think.
But it is Arizona's decision and we wish Jake the best. Hopefully it is a mover to allow Jake to work specifically with someone or for other positive reasons as we hope Jake moves up the minor league ladder.
The move comes with just more than three weeks remaining in the minor league season. Hale in his time with Yakima was 2-2 with a 5.29 ERA as a reliever. Hale pitched 17 innings allowing 19 hits and 10 runs. In the 12 games Hale struck out 14, walked , while posting a .302 batting average against. Hale's last appearance as a Yakima Bear came August 8th where he pitched two innings of four-hit one-run baseball.
The puzzling part comes on three fronts. With such little left in the season if moves are made typically they are up a level to challenge a player breifly before the season is over, unless a player is in way over his head. Maybe the Diamondbacks do not view a move from SS-A to Rookie ball as a demotion, but with a Low A team in South Bend in the Silver Hawks having Hale face Midwest League batters, especially closer to home would appear to be the move if this was a promotion.
Also even though he allowed a run in his last game, Hale has came around after a rough start to his professional carerr. No signs at least numberwise that Hale was underpeforming. Lastly given Hale's age being 23 and spending 4 years in college to go to a Rookie team full of 1st and 2nd year professionals out of high school msotly 18-20, it isn't a "better fit" you would think.
But it is Arizona's decision and we wish Jake the best. Hopefully it is a mover to allow Jake to work specifically with someone or for other positive reasons as we hope Jake moves up the minor league ladder.
Monday, July 20, 2009
More All-American Honors for Wimmers and Hale
Announced today were the College Baseball Insider All-American teams. I honestly did not know there were this many publications with AA teams that go down in the records books, but hey it is what it is.
Both Alex Wimmers and Jake Hale were named 3rd team CBI All-Americans.
For the final (unless someone else out there has an All-American team) tally
Wimmers:
Ping! Baseball 1st Team All-American
Louisville Slugger 2nd Team All-American
Baseball America 3rd Team All-American
ABCA (Coaches) 3rd Team All-American
NCBWA (Writers) 3rd Team All-American
College Baseball Insider 3rd Team All-American
Hale:
NCBWA 1st Team
Ping! 2nd Team
ABCA 3rd Team
CBI 3rd Team
Louisville Slugger 3rd Team
College Baseball Insider All-Americans
Both Alex Wimmers and Jake Hale were named 3rd team CBI All-Americans.
For the final (unless someone else out there has an All-American team) tally
Wimmers:
Ping! Baseball 1st Team All-American
Louisville Slugger 2nd Team All-American
Baseball America 3rd Team All-American
ABCA (Coaches) 3rd Team All-American
NCBWA (Writers) 3rd Team All-American
College Baseball Insider 3rd Team All-American
Hale:
NCBWA 1st Team
Ping! 2nd Team
ABCA 3rd Team
CBI 3rd Team
Louisville Slugger 3rd Team
College Baseball Insider All-Americans
Hurley and Hale 2009 Draft Update
Another draft, another year of Buckeyes being selected. Two Buckeyes were selected in the 2009 MLB Amateur draft making it the 8th consecutive season at least two Buckeyes were selected by MLB teams. Senior All-American closer Jake Hale was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 27th round, and Junior outfielder Zach Hurley was selected by the Florida Marlins in the 45th round.
Hale having exhausted his eligibility signed quickly and is in the Diamondbacks system.
Hale was sent to Arizona's short-season A league team, the Yakima Bears in the Northwest League. Willie or Jake whichever you choose, has appeared in six games, all in relief, throwing 7.2 innings and posting a 10.57 ERA off of nine earned runs in that time.
Opponents are batting .414 off the tall righty collecting 12 hits, two home runs, have drawn five walks, while striking out seven times. Not all of the numbers suggest Hale is struggling, after six games Hale's ground-out to air-out ratio is 2.75 which is very encouraging, especially for a reliever.
More than likely to not follow suit and join Hale in the professional ranks is Hurley. Hurley remains unsigned and all signs appear that Zach will be returning in 2010 for his senior season as the Buckeyes defend their Big Ten Championship. The Buckeye Nine wll be catching up with Hurley in the next few weeks to discuss the chance to be drafed, what goes into making a decision, and ultimately his final decision and his future.
Hale having exhausted his eligibility signed quickly and is in the Diamondbacks system.
Hale was sent to Arizona's short-season A league team, the Yakima Bears in the Northwest League. Willie or Jake whichever you choose, has appeared in six games, all in relief, throwing 7.2 innings and posting a 10.57 ERA off of nine earned runs in that time.
Opponents are batting .414 off the tall righty collecting 12 hits, two home runs, have drawn five walks, while striking out seven times. Not all of the numbers suggest Hale is struggling, after six games Hale's ground-out to air-out ratio is 2.75 which is very encouraging, especially for a reliever.
More than likely to not follow suit and join Hale in the professional ranks is Hurley. Hurley remains unsigned and all signs appear that Zach will be returning in 2010 for his senior season as the Buckeyes defend their Big Ten Championship. The Buckeye Nine wll be catching up with Hurley in the next few weeks to discuss the chance to be drafed, what goes into making a decision, and ultimately his final decision and his future.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
NCBWA All Americans: Hale 1st team, Wimmers 3rd
The awards keep rolling in for the two.
After Wimmers was named the 11th player in program history to be named 1st team AA, Hale becomes the 12th, as the National College Baseball Writers Association names Hale to 1 of 3 1st team All America spots for relief pitchers.
Wimmers was selected 3rd-team All America.
These are the 3rd All America teams Jake and Alex have made, both were Louisville Slugger All-Americans, 3rd and 2nd team respectively, both were earlier today named Ping All-Americans, 2nd and 1st team respectively, and now NCBWA finishes the job, both have made a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd team AA list.
NCBWA All America teams
After Wimmers was named the 11th player in program history to be named 1st team AA, Hale becomes the 12th, as the National College Baseball Writers Association names Hale to 1 of 3 1st team All America spots for relief pitchers.
Wimmers was selected 3rd-team All America.
These are the 3rd All America teams Jake and Alex have made, both were Louisville Slugger All-Americans, 3rd and 2nd team respectively, both were earlier today named Ping All-Americans, 2nd and 1st team respectively, and now NCBWA finishes the job, both have made a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd team AA list.
NCBWA All America teams
Jake Hale drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks
With the 816th pick in the 2009 MLB First Player Draft the Arizona Diamondbacks select All-American, Stopper of the Year Finalist Jake Hale.
PING! All-Americans: Wimmers 1st team, Hale 2nd
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Alex Wimmers and Jake Hale each added to their postseason accolades as PING! Baseball named the pair to its 2009 All-America baseball teams. Wimmers was a first-team selection and Hale was a second-team honoree.
This is the second All-American honor for each player this season. Two weeks ago Wimmers was named a second-team Louisville Slugger All-American for 2009 and Hale made the third team.
Wimmers, the 11th Buckeye to be named a first-team All-American, posted a 9-2 record this season with a 3.27 earned run average in addition to Big Ten bests in strikeouts (136) and opposing batting average (.211). He was honored as the Big Ten pitcher or co-pitcher of the week four times this year and selected as a national pitcher of the week twice. He pitched a no-hitter May 2 vs. Michigan with 14 strikeouts, facing just one batter over the minimum. It was the first nine-inning no-hitter in Ohio State history.
Hale, one of five finalists for the fifth annual National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year Award, appeared in a school-record 40 games this season, finished the last 39 games – consecutively – he entered and posted the third-most saves total in college baseball – a school-record 18. He also posted a miniscule 1.31 ERA and an opposing batting average of .191. His 18 saves enabled him to set the Ohio State career saves mark with 29.
There have now been 38 Ohio State players to be honored as an All-American, for a total of 50 times.
OSU Athletics Release
Entire PING! All Americans
This is the second All-American honor for each player this season. Two weeks ago Wimmers was named a second-team Louisville Slugger All-American for 2009 and Hale made the third team.
Wimmers, the 11th Buckeye to be named a first-team All-American, posted a 9-2 record this season with a 3.27 earned run average in addition to Big Ten bests in strikeouts (136) and opposing batting average (.211). He was honored as the Big Ten pitcher or co-pitcher of the week four times this year and selected as a national pitcher of the week twice. He pitched a no-hitter May 2 vs. Michigan with 14 strikeouts, facing just one batter over the minimum. It was the first nine-inning no-hitter in Ohio State history.
Hale, one of five finalists for the fifth annual National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year Award, appeared in a school-record 40 games this season, finished the last 39 games – consecutively – he entered and posted the third-most saves total in college baseball – a school-record 18. He also posted a miniscule 1.31 ERA and an opposing batting average of .191. His 18 saves enabled him to set the Ohio State career saves mark with 29.
There have now been 38 Ohio State players to be honored as an All-American, for a total of 50 times.
OSU Athletics Release
Entire PING! All Americans
Jake Hale Stopper of the Year Finalist
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (NCBWA) – Five of college baseball's top relief specialists have been selected as finalists for the fifth annual National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year Award, the NCBWA announced Wednesday.
This year's finalists include NCAA saves leader Addison Reed of San Diego State, Kyle Bellamy of Miami (Fla.), Jake Hale of Ohio State, Matty Ott of LSU and Eric Pettis of UC Irvine. All five relief aces helped their respective teams advance to the 64-team field of the 2009 NCAA Baseball Tournament, which continues this weekend at eight super regional sites across the nation.
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Superb Ohio State senior closer Jake Hale is one of five finalists for the fifth annual National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year Award, the NCBWA announced Wednesday. The NCBWA's All-America Committee will select the winner, with this year's recipient to be announced Saturday, June 13, the opening day of the 2009 College World Series.
This year's finalists include Hale, from Albany, Ohio and Alexander High School, Addison Reed of San Diego State, Kyle Bellamy of Miami (Fla.), Matty Ott of LSU and Eric Pettis of UC Irvine. All five relief aces helped their respective teams advance to the 64-team field of the 2009 NCAA Baseball Tournament, which continues this weekend at eight super regional sites across the nation.
“Jake has been, in my opinion, the best closer in college baseball this year,” Ohio State coach Bob Todd said. “He has done everything we have asked of him out of the bullpen. He has been dominant in his role.”
Hale appeared in a school-record 40 games this season, finished the last 39 games – consecutively – he entered and posted the third-most saves total in college baseball – a school-record 18. He also posted a miniscule 1.31 ERA and an opposing batting average of .191.
The Stopper of the Year will also be recognized on the College Baseball Awards show, July 2 in Lubbock, Texas. This event will feature the presentation of the Dick Howser Trophy to the National Player of the Year. Other awards scheduled to be presented during the show include the Brooks Wallace Award, honoring the nation’s best shortstop, and the Pitcher of the Year Award. All of the NCBWA season awards will be recognized during the show.
OSU Athletics Release
NCBWA Release
This year's finalists include NCAA saves leader Addison Reed of San Diego State, Kyle Bellamy of Miami (Fla.), Jake Hale of Ohio State, Matty Ott of LSU and Eric Pettis of UC Irvine. All five relief aces helped their respective teams advance to the 64-team field of the 2009 NCAA Baseball Tournament, which continues this weekend at eight super regional sites across the nation.
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Superb Ohio State senior closer Jake Hale is one of five finalists for the fifth annual National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year Award, the NCBWA announced Wednesday. The NCBWA's All-America Committee will select the winner, with this year's recipient to be announced Saturday, June 13, the opening day of the 2009 College World Series.
This year's finalists include Hale, from Albany, Ohio and Alexander High School, Addison Reed of San Diego State, Kyle Bellamy of Miami (Fla.), Matty Ott of LSU and Eric Pettis of UC Irvine. All five relief aces helped their respective teams advance to the 64-team field of the 2009 NCAA Baseball Tournament, which continues this weekend at eight super regional sites across the nation.
“Jake has been, in my opinion, the best closer in college baseball this year,” Ohio State coach Bob Todd said. “He has done everything we have asked of him out of the bullpen. He has been dominant in his role.”
Hale appeared in a school-record 40 games this season, finished the last 39 games – consecutively – he entered and posted the third-most saves total in college baseball – a school-record 18. He also posted a miniscule 1.31 ERA and an opposing batting average of .191.
The Stopper of the Year will also be recognized on the College Baseball Awards show, July 2 in Lubbock, Texas. This event will feature the presentation of the Dick Howser Trophy to the National Player of the Year. Other awards scheduled to be presented during the show include the Brooks Wallace Award, honoring the nation’s best shortstop, and the Pitcher of the Year Award. All of the NCBWA season awards will be recognized during the show.
OSU Athletics Release
NCBWA Release
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Florida State ends Ohio State's season on humiliating note 37-6
The Florida State Seminoles advances to the 2009 NCAA Super Regionals, ending Ohio State's season by winning 37-6. The 37 runs is the most ever allowed in Ohio State history, and clearly an embarassment to every associated with Ohio State baseball in every possible way.
The Buckeyes season will end the year at 42-19 with a Big Ten Championship and NCAA Regional berth.
Sadly seniors Jake Hale, Michael Arp, and Justin Miller saw their careers as Buckeyes come to an end.
There are a lot of issues that need to be addressed. Now is not the time to do so. Thank you to Arp, Hale, and Miller for all they have done and contributed to the Buckeye baseball program. The season did start to right the ship and there are a few things to build upon. There are also a lot that needs corrected.
I will probably skip the recap and everything else associated with this weekend. If for whatever reason you have the urge to relive it, leave a comment, I'll provide links but that'll be the extent.
At Ohio State it is week 10 and finally the last week of the quarter, I have quite a bit of work to do, I've been a bit lax this quarter with basebal, and next week we have finals.
If any All-American honors or pressing news comes through I will post. I will eventually do a season recap or story, but that will take time.
The next major event is June 9th, the 2009 MLB draft and news will be surely added then. Good luck to those draft eligible.
Thanks again to all Buckeyes for their efforts this season and congrats on your 2009 Big Ten Championship.
*On a non-Ohio State note, I am working on and trying to establish a new site for Ohio baseball, covering everything from summer leagues, to the minors, MLB, and obviously collegiate. I'll let you know how that will turn out. I don't think this season will be the end for me and the Buckeye Nine, I cannot make any promises however with hopefully my graduation being this time next year. Thank you to all who come to the site, your comments, attention, and feedback are very much appreciated.
The Buckeyes season will end the year at 42-19 with a Big Ten Championship and NCAA Regional berth.
Sadly seniors Jake Hale, Michael Arp, and Justin Miller saw their careers as Buckeyes come to an end.
There are a lot of issues that need to be addressed. Now is not the time to do so. Thank you to Arp, Hale, and Miller for all they have done and contributed to the Buckeye baseball program. The season did start to right the ship and there are a few things to build upon. There are also a lot that needs corrected.
I will probably skip the recap and everything else associated with this weekend. If for whatever reason you have the urge to relive it, leave a comment, I'll provide links but that'll be the extent.
At Ohio State it is week 10 and finally the last week of the quarter, I have quite a bit of work to do, I've been a bit lax this quarter with basebal, and next week we have finals.
If any All-American honors or pressing news comes through I will post. I will eventually do a season recap or story, but that will take time.
The next major event is June 9th, the 2009 MLB draft and news will be surely added then. Good luck to those draft eligible.
Thanks again to all Buckeyes for their efforts this season and congrats on your 2009 Big Ten Championship.
*On a non-Ohio State note, I am working on and trying to establish a new site for Ohio baseball, covering everything from summer leagues, to the minors, MLB, and obviously collegiate. I'll let you know how that will turn out. I don't think this season will be the end for me and the Buckeye Nine, I cannot make any promises however with hopefully my graduation being this time next year. Thank you to all who come to the site, your comments, attention, and feedback are very much appreciated.
Buckeyes Knock Out Bulldogs... Revenge is a sweet thing.
Buckeyes win 13-6.
Rucinski picks up his 12th win.
Hale picks up his 18th save.
Stephens with 2 HR's, one inside the park, one a 3-run bomb.
Dew goes 4-for-5.
A beautiful day all around.
Buckeyes will turn around and play the host Seminoles at 4:00.
Rucinski picks up his 12th win.
Hale picks up his 18th save.
Stephens with 2 HR's, one inside the park, one a 3-run bomb.
Dew goes 4-for-5.
A beautiful day all around.
Buckeyes will turn around and play the host Seminoles at 4:00.
OSU Athletics: Buckeyes Defeat Marist, Meet Georgia Again
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Ohio State defeated Marist, 6-4, in an NCAA Tallahassee Regional elimination game behind key hits from Michael Arp and Ryan Dew and flawless work out of the bullpen. The Buckeyes, now 41-18 on the season, play at noon Sunday against Georgia, an 8-2 loser Saturday to Florida State.
“I think the key today was our playing good defense,” Ohio State coach Bob Todd said. “We didn’t give them any second opportunities with zero errors and three double plays. So we win and get to play another day.”
Senior closer Jake Hale extended his single season saves record by pitching 2.0 shutdown innings for his 17th save this season and he set a new Ohio State career mark with his 28th career save.
“Jake has been one of the best relief pitchers we have had at Ohio State and he is possibly the best in the nation this year,” Todd said.
“But the unsung hero has been the middle inning relief work of Drew Rucinski. He has done outstanding work for us all season, including today when he didn’t allow any hits or runs in 1.2 innings of work.”
Dew had a three-run triple in the second inning that erased a 2-0 Marist lead and Arp scored the winning run in the sixth inning after a leadoff double.
Ohio State starting pitcher Dean Wolosiansky was seeking to become only the third Buckeye to win 12 or more games in a season, and he kept the Buckeyes in the game by working 5.1 innings. He left with a man on in the sixth and the score tied 4-all, giving way to Rucinski.
Rucinski retired the first five batters he faced to get the Buckeyes into the eighth inning with the lead. As he has done all season, Rucinski did his job before giving way to Hale, and today he picked up his 11th win of the season – remarkably all in relief – to tie Wolosiansky and five other Buckeyes for fourth-place on Ohio State’s all-time single season wins list.
Hale threw two pitches in the eighth inning and got three outs...a double play on his first pitch and a flyout to right on his second. He then set the side down in order in the ninth to set the school career saves record with 28 for his career.
Marist scored first with two runs in the second inning. The inning could have been worse had third baseman Justin Miller not made a nice lunging stab at a low shot to his left to start a textbook 5-4-3 double play to end the inning.
The team’s school record 26th triple of the season was the big blow in a four-run third inning that put Ohio State into the lead, 4-2. After Cory Kovanda singled – the 24th time in the last 26 game he has registered a hit – and Michael Stephens and Dan Burkhart drew walks, Dew ripped B.J. Martin’s (5-6) first pitch down the right field line for a bases-clearing triple. Miller then drove Dew home with a sacrifice fly.
Marist closed to within one at 4-3 by scratching a run out in the fourth on a single, balk, ground out and sacrifice fly. And then in the fifth the Red Foxes tied the score on a solo home run by George Agostini, his second of the year.
The Buckeyes came right back. Arp hustled for a double after hitting a ball over the third baseman’s head to lead off the sixth and was sacrificed to third by Tyler Engle. Matt Streng sent a deep ball to center that Jon Schwind made a terrific catch on, but Arp scored on the play to put the Buckeyes back on top, 5-4.
After Miller and Arp drew walks to lead off the eighth and moved up on Engle’s sac bunt, Ohio State added an insurance run when Streng singled to right, scoring Miller and making the score 6-4.
In the ninth, Hale got a called third strike to open the inning, a blooper to third was out No. 2 and a fly ball was out No. 3 that gave the Buckeyes another game and Hale sole ownership of both of Ohio State’s saves records
Recap & Game Notes
Box Score
“I think the key today was our playing good defense,” Ohio State coach Bob Todd said. “We didn’t give them any second opportunities with zero errors and three double plays. So we win and get to play another day.”
Senior closer Jake Hale extended his single season saves record by pitching 2.0 shutdown innings for his 17th save this season and he set a new Ohio State career mark with his 28th career save.
“Jake has been one of the best relief pitchers we have had at Ohio State and he is possibly the best in the nation this year,” Todd said.
“But the unsung hero has been the middle inning relief work of Drew Rucinski. He has done outstanding work for us all season, including today when he didn’t allow any hits or runs in 1.2 innings of work.”
Dew had a three-run triple in the second inning that erased a 2-0 Marist lead and Arp scored the winning run in the sixth inning after a leadoff double.
Ohio State starting pitcher Dean Wolosiansky was seeking to become only the third Buckeye to win 12 or more games in a season, and he kept the Buckeyes in the game by working 5.1 innings. He left with a man on in the sixth and the score tied 4-all, giving way to Rucinski.
Rucinski retired the first five batters he faced to get the Buckeyes into the eighth inning with the lead. As he has done all season, Rucinski did his job before giving way to Hale, and today he picked up his 11th win of the season – remarkably all in relief – to tie Wolosiansky and five other Buckeyes for fourth-place on Ohio State’s all-time single season wins list.
Hale threw two pitches in the eighth inning and got three outs...a double play on his first pitch and a flyout to right on his second. He then set the side down in order in the ninth to set the school career saves record with 28 for his career.
Marist scored first with two runs in the second inning. The inning could have been worse had third baseman Justin Miller not made a nice lunging stab at a low shot to his left to start a textbook 5-4-3 double play to end the inning.
The team’s school record 26th triple of the season was the big blow in a four-run third inning that put Ohio State into the lead, 4-2. After Cory Kovanda singled – the 24th time in the last 26 game he has registered a hit – and Michael Stephens and Dan Burkhart drew walks, Dew ripped B.J. Martin’s (5-6) first pitch down the right field line for a bases-clearing triple. Miller then drove Dew home with a sacrifice fly.
Marist closed to within one at 4-3 by scratching a run out in the fourth on a single, balk, ground out and sacrifice fly. And then in the fifth the Red Foxes tied the score on a solo home run by George Agostini, his second of the year.
The Buckeyes came right back. Arp hustled for a double after hitting a ball over the third baseman’s head to lead off the sixth and was sacrificed to third by Tyler Engle. Matt Streng sent a deep ball to center that Jon Schwind made a terrific catch on, but Arp scored on the play to put the Buckeyes back on top, 5-4.
After Miller and Arp drew walks to lead off the eighth and moved up on Engle’s sac bunt, Ohio State added an insurance run when Streng singled to right, scoring Miller and making the score 6-4.
In the ninth, Hale got a called third strike to open the inning, a blooper to third was out No. 2 and a fly ball was out No. 3 that gave the Buckeyes another game and Hale sole ownership of both of Ohio State’s saves records
Recap & Game Notes
Box Score
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wimmers & Hale Named Louisville Slugger All-Americans
Alex Wimmers is named 2nd team All-America by Louisville Slugger. Teammate and pitching partner Jake Hale has been named 3rd team Al-America. More to come when Ohio State provides a release. But I thought I'd pass the news along.
All-American Teams
All-American Teams
Friday, May 22, 2009
Columbus Dispatch: Buckeyes show some grit in plucky victory
Friday, May 22, 2009 3:13 AM
By Mark Znidar
The Columbus Dispatch
Anyone needing more proof that Ohio State is a baseball team that refuses to lose received it last night in the second round of the Big Ten tournament.
Starter Alex Wimmers, the right-hander who was co-conference pitcher of the year, didn't come close to dominating hitters.
The Buckeyes also didn't hit the ball like the machine that tore up opposing pitching all season.
Yet facing a three-run deficit in the sixth inning, Ohio State pecked and poked at Illinois, and eventually came away with a 7-4 victory before what is believed to be a single-day Big Ten tournament record crowd of 4,575 in Huntington Park.
"The crowd was with us the entire game," reliever Jake Hale said. "When we tied the game (in the seventh inning), I just knew we were going to win it."
The Buckeyes (40-15) advance to the winner's bracket final against Indiana at approximately 7:05 tonight.
How opportunistic was Ohio State against Illinois?
It scored the tying and winning runs in the seventh inning -- an inning in which OSU had only one hit, a bunt by Cory Kovanda.
When the Buckeyes trailed 4-1, they scored two runs in the sixth on three singles -- two of which never left the infield.
Wimmers wasn't himself almost from the start, giving up a two-run homer to Aaron Johnson in the second inning.
"People who have watched Alex Wimmers all year could see he didn't have his best stuff," Buckeyes coach Bob Todd said. "He was really struggling with his off-speed pitches."
Wimmers gave up two more runs in the sixth on a double by Johnson and a single by Pete Cappetta.
That's when the Buckeyes began to dig in and show why they won the regular-season championship despite having only three seniors.
Michael Stephens, Dan Burkhart and Ryan Dew singled to load the bases in the sixth. Justin Miller drove in a run with a sacrifice fly, and Michael Arp brought in another with a groundout to make it 4-3.
Illinois threatened to break the game open in the seventh when Joe Bonadonna reached on an error and, one out later, Brandon Wickoff doubled to put runners on second and third.
Right-handed set-up man Drew Rucinski came on and retired Dominic Altobelli on a fly to right, then got Johnson on a hard liner to shortstop Tyler Engle.
"That's the kind of situation a reliever gets tossed into all the time," Rucinski said. "I threw all my pitches well. I tried to throw strikes."
Ohio State took advantage of a faltering Strack, who walked Matt Streng and Zach Hurley to start the seventh and gave up a perfect bunt down the third-base line by Kovanda to load the bases.
Two groundouts made it 5-4.
The Buckeyes scored twice in the eighth on a single by Streng and a triple by Hurley.
"I take our hat off to our hitters," Todd said. "We said, 'Settle down and have good at-bats that you're capable of.' We showed some patience."
Hale pitched the ninth to increase his Ohio State season saves record to 16.
By Mark Znidar
The Columbus Dispatch
Anyone needing more proof that Ohio State is a baseball team that refuses to lose received it last night in the second round of the Big Ten tournament.
Starter Alex Wimmers, the right-hander who was co-conference pitcher of the year, didn't come close to dominating hitters.
The Buckeyes also didn't hit the ball like the machine that tore up opposing pitching all season.
Yet facing a three-run deficit in the sixth inning, Ohio State pecked and poked at Illinois, and eventually came away with a 7-4 victory before what is believed to be a single-day Big Ten tournament record crowd of 4,575 in Huntington Park.
"The crowd was with us the entire game," reliever Jake Hale said. "When we tied the game (in the seventh inning), I just knew we were going to win it."
The Buckeyes (40-15) advance to the winner's bracket final against Indiana at approximately 7:05 tonight.
How opportunistic was Ohio State against Illinois?
It scored the tying and winning runs in the seventh inning -- an inning in which OSU had only one hit, a bunt by Cory Kovanda.
When the Buckeyes trailed 4-1, they scored two runs in the sixth on three singles -- two of which never left the infield.
Wimmers wasn't himself almost from the start, giving up a two-run homer to Aaron Johnson in the second inning.
"People who have watched Alex Wimmers all year could see he didn't have his best stuff," Buckeyes coach Bob Todd said. "He was really struggling with his off-speed pitches."
Wimmers gave up two more runs in the sixth on a double by Johnson and a single by Pete Cappetta.
That's when the Buckeyes began to dig in and show why they won the regular-season championship despite having only three seniors.
Michael Stephens, Dan Burkhart and Ryan Dew singled to load the bases in the sixth. Justin Miller drove in a run with a sacrifice fly, and Michael Arp brought in another with a groundout to make it 4-3.
Illinois threatened to break the game open in the seventh when Joe Bonadonna reached on an error and, one out later, Brandon Wickoff doubled to put runners on second and third.
Right-handed set-up man Drew Rucinski came on and retired Dominic Altobelli on a fly to right, then got Johnson on a hard liner to shortstop Tyler Engle.
"That's the kind of situation a reliever gets tossed into all the time," Rucinski said. "I threw all my pitches well. I tried to throw strikes."
Ohio State took advantage of a faltering Strack, who walked Matt Streng and Zach Hurley to start the seventh and gave up a perfect bunt down the third-base line by Kovanda to load the bases.
Two groundouts made it 5-4.
The Buckeyes scored twice in the eighth on a single by Streng and a triple by Hurley.
"I take our hat off to our hitters," Todd said. "We said, 'Settle down and have good at-bats that you're capable of.' We showed some patience."
Hale pitched the ninth to increase his Ohio State season saves record to 16.
OSU Defeats Illinois, 7-4, in Big Ten Tourney
Two weeks after Ohio State and Illinois played a thrilling game in front of more than 5,000 fans at Illinois Field, the two teams hooked up for another tense and terrific ball game at the Big Ten tournament at Huntington Park. This time, Ohio State pulled out the win, 7-4, to remain in the winner’s bracket of the tournament and face Indiana Friday night at 7:05 p.m.
Unlike two weeks ago, when Ohio State lost its only game of the season when leading after the seventh inning, the Buckeyes came from behind with two runs in the sixth, seventh and eighth innings, respectively, to come back from a 4-1 Illinois lead and improve to 40-15 on the season.
“I thought our hitters did a good job battling back,” Ohio State head coach Bob Todd said. “This was a good team effort, though, with good pitches when we had to have them and a good job by our hitters.”
Three consecutive singles to open the Ohio State half of the sixth led to two Buckeye runs and a tightening of the score, to 4-3. Michael Stephens, Dan Burkhart and Ryan Dew singled to load the bases. Stephens scored on Justin Miller's sacrifice fly and Burkhart scored on Michael Arp’s fielder's choice.
An Ohio State error put the leadoff Illini on board in the seventh. After an infield pop-out, Brandon Wikoff doubled to right to put men on second and third. Ohio State starter Alex Wimmers was replaced at that point by Drew Rucincki, who perhaps saved the game by getting the final two outs of the inning on a fly to right - followed by a strong throw home by Arp to keep the runner from advancing - and a lineout to short.
Rucinski's effort in the seventh gave the Buckeyes and their partisan crowd a lift and the team capitalized on it. Matt Streng and Zach Hurley drew walks to open the inning and Cory Kovanda laid down a perfect bunt single to load the bases. A couple RBI ground outs - by Stephens and Dew - would be the extent of the Buckeyes' scoring, but the two runs gave the Scarlet and Gray its first lead of the game at 5-4 and, more importantly, the lead after the seventh inning and in those situations, Ohio State is 33-1 this season. Make that 34-1.
After a perfect, 1-2-3 inning by Rucinski in the eighth inning, the Buckeyes added two insurance runs in the eighth. Matt Streng singled home Arp, who took a fast ball in the back and then stole second to get into scoring position. Zach Hurley tripled to deep center field to score Streng. Hurley attempted an inside the park home run as he was waved home by third base coach Pete Jenkins, but two perfect strikes from center to second and then home got Hurley, who admitted afterward that he “ran into some quicksand rounding third.”
Ruckinski’s performance, which earned him his 10th win of the season in relief against two defeats, and a 7-4 lead set the stage for the ninth inning and the introduction of the best closer in the nation, according to Ohio State coach Bob Todd: Jake Hale. The big man from Albany, Ohio, didn't disappoint. After giving up a leadoff single, he sent the next three batters down in order – strikeout, groundout and strikeout – to extend his school record saves total this season to 16.
“The bullpen rose to the occasion,” Todd said. “Illinois is an outstanding hitting ball club.”
Wimmers went 6.1 innings, scattered six hits, gave up three earned runs, walked four and struck out nine. Illinois starter Will Strack suffered his first loss of the season (6-1) with 6.0 innings of work. He allowed 10 hits and five earned runs.
Illinois jumped on top in the top of the second, Aaron Johnson hitting his 10th home run of the year with a man on for a 2-0 Illinois lead.
Figures that Miller, who hit .680 the last two weeks of the season, would be in the middle of an Ohio State run in the second to cut the lead to 2-1. He walked, moved to second on a wild pitch and scored on Arp's double to right center.
Ohio State had runners on in the next three innings, including two in the fourth, but could not tie the score. Illlinois right fielder Pete Cappetta threw out a Buckeye going to third with one out in that inning to help calm a minor uprising by Ohio State in the fourth.
Illinois added to its lead in the sixth. Brandon Wikoff walked to lead off the inning and scored on another Johnson hit, this one a double laced into left center field. Two batters later and with men on first and second, Cappetta singled to right center to drive in Johnson and give the Illini a 4-1 lead.
This Ohio State team has been through a ton the past two weeks –peaks and valleys and emotions and quiet contemplation and waiting and wins (four consecutive now and six in its last seven games) – that something like a 4-1 deficit wasn’t going to stop this team. And it didn’t.
Recap Courtesy OSU Athletics
Box score
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Burkhart Big Ten Player of the Year, Wimmers Big Ten Pitcher of the Year, Todd Big Ten Coach of the Year
Longest title ever. I know, I apologize, but not really because its a sweet one.
Photo Courtesy The-Ozone.net
8 Buckeyes in total grab All-Conferens nods
Official Release Big Ten Release
INDIANA AND OHIO STATE EARN TOP BIG TEN INDIVIDUAL HONORS
FOR 2009 BASEBALL SEASONOSU’s Burkhart and Todd named Player, Coach of the Year; Buckeyes’ Wimmers shares pitching honor with Indiana’s Arnett; Hoosiers’ Dickerson is top freshman
COLUMBUS, Ohio – On the night before the start of the 2009 Big Ten Baseball Tournament, the Big Ten Conference announced the season’s All-Big Ten teams and individual honors, recognizing Ohio State catcher Dan Burkhart as the conference Player of the Year, Indiana’s Eric Arnett and OSU’s Alex Wimmers as Co-Pitchers of the Year, IU’s Alex Dickerson as Freshman of the Year and Buckeye mentor Bob Todd as Coach of the Year.
Burkhart becomes the fifth Buckeye to be named Big Ten Player of the Year and the first since Ronnie Bourquin in 2006. He is the second Ohio State catcher to earn the honor, joining Jonathan Sweet in 1994. The sophomore backstop led his team to its first conference championship since 2001 on the heels of an 18-6 Big Ten slate and a 39-15 mark headed into tournament play. The sophomore batted .362 on the season with a slugging percentage of .611, reaching base at a .435 clip. He also ranked in the conference’s top five with 57 RBI. Burkhart also handled a pitching staff that held opponents to a .282 batting average and struck out an average of 7.67 batters per game. Burkhart is a semifinalist for the Coleman Company-Johnny Bench Award, which honors the nation’s top collegiate catcher.
A high school friend of Burkhart’s, Wimmers is the second Buckeye in the last three years to receive top conference pitching honors and is the fourth Ohio State player to earn the distinction. Wimmers finished the regular season on top of several Big Ten statistics, including ERA (2.58), opponents’ average (.197), innings pitched (94.1) and strikeouts (122). The sophomore was named Big Ten Player of the Week four times this year and threw the first nine-inning no-hitter in program history on May 2, recording 14 strikeouts in the process. Wimmers enters the tournament with a 9-1 record, including a 4-1 mark in Big Ten play. The righty is a semifinalist for the College Baseball Foundation’s Pitcher of the Year Award.
Co-Pitcher of the Year Arnett is the first Hoosier to earn the conference’s top pitching award. The junior enters the Big Ten Tournament among the conference’s elite in ERA (2.78), innings of work (94.0), strikeouts (93) and opponents’ batting average (.215), which drops to .203 in Big Ten play. The right-hander tied for the conference lead with 11 wins throughout the 2009 campaign and again tied for the Big Ten’s best with seven victories during the conference slate. Arnett is a semifinalist for the College Baseball Foundation’s Pitcher of the Year award.
Dickerson becomes the first Indiana player to be named Big Ten Freshman of the Year. The designated hitter earns the laurel after finishing among the conference’s top 10 in average (.367), hits (80), RBI (52) and home runs (14). The newcomer helped Indiana reach its highest seed in the Big Ten Tournament since 1996 and is a unanimous selection to the inaugural Big Ten All-Freshman Team.
Selected unanimously by his peers as Big Ten Coach of the Year, Todd led the Buckeyes to their first conference title since 2001 on the strength of an 18-6 Big Ten slate with a conference-leading 39 victories heading into the tournament. The accolade is the fifth of Todd’s career as he last took home the honor following his squad’s most recent championship season in 2001. Under Todd’s guidance, eight Buckeyes took home All-Big Ten honors, including four first-team members and the conference’s Player and Co-Pitcher of the Year.
The Big Ten also released the All-Big Ten teams and inaugural All-Freshman team. Ohio State led all teams with four first-team selections in Burkhart, Wimmers, designated hitter Ryan Dew and closer Jake Hale. Wimmers was a unanimous selection to the squad, as was Minnesota second baseman Derek McCallum, Purdue outfielder Brandon Haveman and Indiana’s Arnett. Rounding out the first team are Illinois third baseman Dominic Altobelli and shortstop Brandon Wikoff, Indiana outfielder Kipp Schutz and catcher Josh Phegley, Iowa outfielder Ryan Durant and Michigan first baseman Mike Dufek and starter Chris Fetter.
For the first time, the Big Ten coaches also selected an All-Freshman Team, which consisted of seven unanimous selections in Illinois’ Willie Argo, Indiana’s Dickerson and Blake Monar, Iowa’s Dallas Burke, Minnesota’s AJ Pettersen and Justin Gominsky and Penn State’s Jordan Steranka.
The conference office also announced honorees from each of the 10 baseball squads for the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award. The student-athletes chosen are individuals who have distinguished themselves through sportsmanship and ethical behavior. In addition, the student-athletes must be in good academic standing and have demonstrated good citizenship outside of the sports-competition setting. Honorees for baseball are Illinois’ Altobelli, Indiana’s Jerrud Sabourin, Iowa’s Justin Toole, Michigan’s Kenny Fellows, Michigan State’s Nolan Moody, Minnesota’s Matt Nohelty, Northwestern’s Jake Wilson, Ohio State’s Cory Kovanda, Penn State’s Ryan Boonie and Purdue’s John Cummins.
The complete All-Big Ten teams and award winners can be found below.
FIRST TEAM
1B – Mike Dufek, MICH
2B – Derek McCallum, MINN#
SS – Brandon Wikoff, ILL
3B – Dominic Altobelli, ILL
OF – Kipp Schutz, IND
OF – Ryan Durant, IOWA
OF – Brandon Haveman, PUR#
C – Josh Phegley, IND*
C – Dan Burkhart, OSU*
DH – Ryan Dew, OSU
SP – Eric Arnett, IND#
SP – Chris Fetter, MICH
SP – Alex Wimmers, OSU#
RP – Jake Hale, OSU
SECOND TEAM**
1B – Jerrud Sabourin, IND
2B – Cory Kovanda, OSU
SS – AJ Pettersen, MINN
3B – Justin Miller, OSU
OF – Pete Cappetta, ILL
OF – Ryan LaMarre, MICH
OF – Michael Stephens, OSU
DH – Alex Dickerson, IND
SP – Matt Bashore, IND
SP – Seth Rosin, MINN
SP – Dean Wolosiansky, OSU
RP – Scott Matyas, MINN
THIRD TEAM
1B – John Cummins, PUR
2B – Eric Charles, PUR
SS – Justin Toole, IOWA
3B – Jordan Steranka, PSU
OF – Willie Argo, ILL
OF – Mike Kvasnicka, MINN
OF – Alex Jaffee, PUR
C – Aaron Johnson, ILL
DH – Matt Nohelty, MINN
SP – Will Strack, ILL
SP – Tom Buske, MINN
SP – Matt Bischoff, PUR
RP – Chris Squires, IND*
RP – Ryan Ignas, PSU*
ALL-FRESHMAN TEAM
1B – Nick O’Shea, MINN
2B – Eric Charles, PUR
SS – AJ Pettersen, MINN#
3B – Jordan Steranka, PSU#
OF – Willie Argo, ILL#
OF – Justin Gominsky, MINN#
OF – Tyler Spillner, PUR
C – Dallas Burke, IOWA#
DH – Alex Dickerson, IND#
SP – Will Strack, ILL
SP – Blake Monar, IND#
SP – Tony Bucciferro, MSU
RP – Austin Lubinsky, MINN
BIG TEN INDIVIDUAL HONORS
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Dan Burkhart, OSU
CO-PITCHERS OF THE YEAR
Eric Arnett, IND
Alex Wimmers, OSU
FRESHMAN OF THE YER
Alex Dickerson, IND
COACH OF THE YEAR
Bob Todd, OSU#
SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD HONOREES
Dominic Altobelli, ILL
Jerrud Sabourin, IND
Justin Toole, IOWA
Kenny Fellows, MICH
Nolan Moody, MSU
Matt Nohelty, MINN
Jake Wilson, NU
Cory Kovanda, OSU
Ryan Boonie, PSU
John Cummins, PUR
Photo Courtesy The-Ozone.net
8 Buckeyes in total grab All-Conferens nods
Official Release Big Ten Release
INDIANA AND OHIO STATE EARN TOP BIG TEN INDIVIDUAL HONORS
FOR 2009 BASEBALL SEASONOSU’s Burkhart and Todd named Player, Coach of the Year; Buckeyes’ Wimmers shares pitching honor with Indiana’s Arnett; Hoosiers’ Dickerson is top freshman
COLUMBUS, Ohio – On the night before the start of the 2009 Big Ten Baseball Tournament, the Big Ten Conference announced the season’s All-Big Ten teams and individual honors, recognizing Ohio State catcher Dan Burkhart as the conference Player of the Year, Indiana’s Eric Arnett and OSU’s Alex Wimmers as Co-Pitchers of the Year, IU’s Alex Dickerson as Freshman of the Year and Buckeye mentor Bob Todd as Coach of the Year.
Burkhart becomes the fifth Buckeye to be named Big Ten Player of the Year and the first since Ronnie Bourquin in 2006. He is the second Ohio State catcher to earn the honor, joining Jonathan Sweet in 1994. The sophomore backstop led his team to its first conference championship since 2001 on the heels of an 18-6 Big Ten slate and a 39-15 mark headed into tournament play. The sophomore batted .362 on the season with a slugging percentage of .611, reaching base at a .435 clip. He also ranked in the conference’s top five with 57 RBI. Burkhart also handled a pitching staff that held opponents to a .282 batting average and struck out an average of 7.67 batters per game. Burkhart is a semifinalist for the Coleman Company-Johnny Bench Award, which honors the nation’s top collegiate catcher.
A high school friend of Burkhart’s, Wimmers is the second Buckeye in the last three years to receive top conference pitching honors and is the fourth Ohio State player to earn the distinction. Wimmers finished the regular season on top of several Big Ten statistics, including ERA (2.58), opponents’ average (.197), innings pitched (94.1) and strikeouts (122). The sophomore was named Big Ten Player of the Week four times this year and threw the first nine-inning no-hitter in program history on May 2, recording 14 strikeouts in the process. Wimmers enters the tournament with a 9-1 record, including a 4-1 mark in Big Ten play. The righty is a semifinalist for the College Baseball Foundation’s Pitcher of the Year Award.
Co-Pitcher of the Year Arnett is the first Hoosier to earn the conference’s top pitching award. The junior enters the Big Ten Tournament among the conference’s elite in ERA (2.78), innings of work (94.0), strikeouts (93) and opponents’ batting average (.215), which drops to .203 in Big Ten play. The right-hander tied for the conference lead with 11 wins throughout the 2009 campaign and again tied for the Big Ten’s best with seven victories during the conference slate. Arnett is a semifinalist for the College Baseball Foundation’s Pitcher of the Year award.
Dickerson becomes the first Indiana player to be named Big Ten Freshman of the Year. The designated hitter earns the laurel after finishing among the conference’s top 10 in average (.367), hits (80), RBI (52) and home runs (14). The newcomer helped Indiana reach its highest seed in the Big Ten Tournament since 1996 and is a unanimous selection to the inaugural Big Ten All-Freshman Team.
Selected unanimously by his peers as Big Ten Coach of the Year, Todd led the Buckeyes to their first conference title since 2001 on the strength of an 18-6 Big Ten slate with a conference-leading 39 victories heading into the tournament. The accolade is the fifth of Todd’s career as he last took home the honor following his squad’s most recent championship season in 2001. Under Todd’s guidance, eight Buckeyes took home All-Big Ten honors, including four first-team members and the conference’s Player and Co-Pitcher of the Year.
The Big Ten also released the All-Big Ten teams and inaugural All-Freshman team. Ohio State led all teams with four first-team selections in Burkhart, Wimmers, designated hitter Ryan Dew and closer Jake Hale. Wimmers was a unanimous selection to the squad, as was Minnesota second baseman Derek McCallum, Purdue outfielder Brandon Haveman and Indiana’s Arnett. Rounding out the first team are Illinois third baseman Dominic Altobelli and shortstop Brandon Wikoff, Indiana outfielder Kipp Schutz and catcher Josh Phegley, Iowa outfielder Ryan Durant and Michigan first baseman Mike Dufek and starter Chris Fetter.
For the first time, the Big Ten coaches also selected an All-Freshman Team, which consisted of seven unanimous selections in Illinois’ Willie Argo, Indiana’s Dickerson and Blake Monar, Iowa’s Dallas Burke, Minnesota’s AJ Pettersen and Justin Gominsky and Penn State’s Jordan Steranka.
The conference office also announced honorees from each of the 10 baseball squads for the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award. The student-athletes chosen are individuals who have distinguished themselves through sportsmanship and ethical behavior. In addition, the student-athletes must be in good academic standing and have demonstrated good citizenship outside of the sports-competition setting. Honorees for baseball are Illinois’ Altobelli, Indiana’s Jerrud Sabourin, Iowa’s Justin Toole, Michigan’s Kenny Fellows, Michigan State’s Nolan Moody, Minnesota’s Matt Nohelty, Northwestern’s Jake Wilson, Ohio State’s Cory Kovanda, Penn State’s Ryan Boonie and Purdue’s John Cummins.
The complete All-Big Ten teams and award winners can be found below.
FIRST TEAM
1B – Mike Dufek, MICH
2B – Derek McCallum, MINN#
SS – Brandon Wikoff, ILL
3B – Dominic Altobelli, ILL
OF – Kipp Schutz, IND
OF – Ryan Durant, IOWA
OF – Brandon Haveman, PUR#
C – Josh Phegley, IND*
C – Dan Burkhart, OSU*
DH – Ryan Dew, OSU
SP – Eric Arnett, IND#
SP – Chris Fetter, MICH
SP – Alex Wimmers, OSU#
RP – Jake Hale, OSU
SECOND TEAM**
1B – Jerrud Sabourin, IND
2B – Cory Kovanda, OSU
SS – AJ Pettersen, MINN
3B – Justin Miller, OSU
OF – Pete Cappetta, ILL
OF – Ryan LaMarre, MICH
OF – Michael Stephens, OSU
DH – Alex Dickerson, IND
SP – Matt Bashore, IND
SP – Seth Rosin, MINN
SP – Dean Wolosiansky, OSU
RP – Scott Matyas, MINN
THIRD TEAM
1B – John Cummins, PUR
2B – Eric Charles, PUR
SS – Justin Toole, IOWA
3B – Jordan Steranka, PSU
OF – Willie Argo, ILL
OF – Mike Kvasnicka, MINN
OF – Alex Jaffee, PUR
C – Aaron Johnson, ILL
DH – Matt Nohelty, MINN
SP – Will Strack, ILL
SP – Tom Buske, MINN
SP – Matt Bischoff, PUR
RP – Chris Squires, IND*
RP – Ryan Ignas, PSU*
ALL-FRESHMAN TEAM
1B – Nick O’Shea, MINN
2B – Eric Charles, PUR
SS – AJ Pettersen, MINN#
3B – Jordan Steranka, PSU#
OF – Willie Argo, ILL#
OF – Justin Gominsky, MINN#
OF – Tyler Spillner, PUR
C – Dallas Burke, IOWA#
DH – Alex Dickerson, IND#
SP – Will Strack, ILL
SP – Blake Monar, IND#
SP – Tony Bucciferro, MSU
RP – Austin Lubinsky, MINN
BIG TEN INDIVIDUAL HONORS
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Dan Burkhart, OSU
CO-PITCHERS OF THE YEAR
Eric Arnett, IND
Alex Wimmers, OSU
FRESHMAN OF THE YER
Alex Dickerson, IND
COACH OF THE YEAR
Bob Todd, OSU#
SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD HONOREES
Dominic Altobelli, ILL
Jerrud Sabourin, IND
Justin Toole, IOWA
Kenny Fellows, MICH
Nolan Moody, MSU
Matt Nohelty, MINN
Jake Wilson, NU
Cory Kovanda, OSU
Ryan Boonie, PSU
John Cummins, PUR
Sunday, May 17, 2009
The O-Zone: Buckeyes Claim Conference Championship on Last Day of Season
By John Porentas
Photo courtesy the-ozone.net
Ohio State (39-15, 18-6 Big Ten) claimed the Big Ten regular-season baseball championship, their first since the 2001 season, on the last day of the season by virtue of their 8-6 win over Iowa (16-35, 4-19 Big Ten) and Penn State's 10-8 win over Minnesota later in the day.
The day began with the Buckeyes trailing the Gophers by a half game and needing help from the Nittany Lions to capture the regular-season pennant. They also had to take care of their own business at home. For a while, it looked like neither of those things would happen.
Iowa jumped out to a 4-0 lead over OSU with a single run in the second, two more in the fourth and one more in the sixth off OSU starter Eric Best. OSU's hitters were held scoreless by Hawkeye starter Jarred Hippen for five full innings, and OSU's slim championship hopes looked like they were evaporating. Through five innings they had managed just two hits off Hippen and had hit into two double plays to kill the start of anything that resembled a scoring rally. In the sixth however, things changed.
First baseman Matt Streng broke out of a personal mini-slump with his first hit in the three-game series leading off the sixth and in the process broke the Buckeyes out of their six-inning snooze on offense. The Buckeyes plated five runs in the bottom of the sixth to take a 5-4 lead. The big blow of the inning was a two-out, two-run homerun by senior third baseman Justin Miller. Miller fell behind 0-2 in the count before working Hippen all the way back to a 3-2 count. On 3-2 he stroked a high fly ball to right-center field that got up into a stiff wind blowing out that carried it over the fence to put OSU up for the first time in the game. The two-time captain has hit safely in 17 of his last 25 at bats (.680) over the last six games. Over that time he has scored nine runs and registered 11 RBI. Miller pumped his fist in excitement as he rounded the bases after his game-changing at bat. His emotion in the moment was contagious for the entire OSU squad.
"That was the most emotion I've ever shown on a homerun," said Miller.
"I just got it up in the wind and got it out of here.
"It was just unbelievable. It was senior day and to hit a homerun like that to get us the lead is just amazing."
"As I glanced down our bench I saw people jumping up in the air," said OSU Head Coach Bob Todd. "I saw energy. I saw enthusiasm, which is good."
Best had held his team in the game long enough for OSU's bats to finally wake up.
"Eric Best is slowly making progress," said OSU Head Coach Bob Todd.
"We've talked about somebody needing to be that third pitcher and maybe it's a good time for him to peak."
Best was relieved by Drew Rucinski to start the seventh inning. The Hawkeyes greeted him with a single, a walk and a sacrifice to put runners at second and third with just one down. A sacrifice fly brought in the tying run, but Rucinski was able to get out of the inning without further damage.
The Buckeyes finally chased Hippen in the seventh when a walk and a single put the tying run at third and the go-ahead run at first with one out. Iowa reliever Patrick Shatz then came on to frustrate the Buckeyes and get the Hawkeyes out of the inning when OSU center fielder Mike Stevens grounded into an inning-ending double play with the bases loaded.
The Hawkeyes took the lead with one swing of the bat in the eighth inning. Iowa first baseman Sean Flanagan led off the inning with a solo homerun. It was beginning to look like OSU title hopes would be dashed because the Hawkeyes just would not go away. Neither, it turned out, would the Buckeyes.
In the eighth inning OSU loaded the bases with a one-out single by designated hitter Ryan Dew, and walk to Miller and a single by right fielder Michael Arp. That left up to shortstop Tyler Engle who delivered a ground ball double down the left field line that stayed just inside the bag as it went past third base. The hit scored both Dew and Miller to put OSU back on top 9-8. A popup and a walk loaded the bases with two outs. OSU was then the beneficiary of an error by Iowa shortstop Chett Zeise that allowed the insurance run to come in.
OSU had a two run lead and needed three outs. They called on reliever Jake Hale who made short work of the three hitters he faced to record his 15th save of the season, a new record for Ohio State pitchers. In the process he completed yet another OSU comeback victory and kept his team's faint title hopes alive.
"We competed," said Todd. "That's exactly what it is in a nutshell.
"We didn't do much offensively the first five innings but you could sense there was a lot of determination on that bench. We competed."
Todd said that OSU's early-game offensive malaise may have been the result of some tightness on the part of his hitters in the face of the big game environment.
"I felt like our team was playing a little tentative. I was almost like when they came to the plate it was more like 'Don't make an out' rather than 'Lets be aggressive,' and that's not our style. When we finally relaxed and started swinging the bats we did a much better job," Todd said.
"It was a big game and some of the guys were a little tight," agreed Miller. "It was a pretty big game, we needed to win it and I think some of the guys came out a little tight and it showed the first couple of innings."
With the win in the books the Buckeyes' hope for a title rested on the outcome of the Penn State vs. Minnesota game. The start of that game had been delayed an hour by rain and was a see-saw affair. Penn State took a 3-0 lead in the first, but the Gophers came back to tie the game at three. Penn State then moved out to 5-3 lead as the OSU game ended, but the Gophers came back to take a 6-5 lead about the time the Buckeyes were leaving the clubhouse to head home after their win.
Minnesota grabbed an 8-5 lead but a second rain delay interrupted the game before the teams had completed enough innings to make the game official. After a long delay play was resumed. The Lions came back to regain the lead and send Minnesota to a loss that cost them a Big Ten championship and gave it to the Buckeyes.
Game Notes:
* OSU's team left the clubhouse long before the Minnesota vs.Penn State was decided. That game was televised live on the Big Ten Network, and though the OSU Coaching staff watched that game intently, many players said they just couldn't watch.
"If you were to go into the coaches locker room right now that game is on TV," said Todd at the post-game press conference.
"I'll probably just get update," said third baseman Justin Miller. "I don't want to watch it. I'll drive myself crazy. I'll get an update here and there, but I'm not going to watch it."
* OSU closer Jake Hale put his name in the OSU record book with his 15th save of the season. Hale was humbled by his accomplishment.
"This record was huge," said Hale. "It was one of my main goals apart from us getting a Big Ten championship."
"That's a big record. Only so-many guys have been able to come close to it, and to be able to break it is a big deal to me."
After working as a starter as a freshman Hale was tried as a closer in his sophomore season but never got comfortable with the role that year. He returned to the starting rotation as a junior before reassuming the closers role as a senior. He said this time around he was more successful because of a better outlook on the job and how to approach it.
"I've started all my life. I've turned myself into a completely different person (this year)," said Hale.
"I can joke around until the last second, hop that wall and I turn it on. That was the biggest thing, to change that mentality going out there.
"As soon as I hop that fence it's almost like I blackout. It's total focus, total concentration, it's just me and the catcher out there, nobody else."
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Seniors Set Tone for 2009 Big Ten Championship
Photo Courtesy OhioStateBuckeyes.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The players on the 2009 Ohio State baseball team will agree to a man the success the Buckeyes are enjoying this season, including making a run for a Big Ten Conference championship, was the result of great team chemistry, camaraderie, a willingness to work hard every day and the accepting of roles. Thank the seniors on this team for laying the foundation for what has turned out to be a winning formula.
Saturday, prior to the 1:05 p.m. regular season-ending game against Iowa, two-time team captain Justin Miller, fifth-year senior Michael Arp and Jake Hale were honored for their dedication, perseverance and sacrifice, not to mention their huge hits, defensive stops, strikeouts and winning efforts on behalf of the team over the last four years. Their work, albeit not done, has helped Ohio State to:
•A record of 144-86 the past four years;
•A Big Ten tournament championship and NCAA berth in 2007; and
•A terrific, 39-win, Big Ten Conference championship 2009 season so far with more games to play.
Each of these players has contributed in huge ways to the success of this team.
No. 2 – Michael Arp – Right Fielder; Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Michael Arp is having a career year for the Buckeyes. And that’s because this young man has dedicated himself to improving as a student, ball player and person every day he’s been a Buckeye. It’s a mentality that Michael has lived on the playing fields as well as away from the field with his study habits, workout regime and mentality for healthy living. And it’s an ethic that has produced results. Consider:
•Michael has started every game this season in right field.
•He has not gone hitless in back-to-back games.
•He has hit above .300 all season; and
•He has doubled his 2008 stats with 35 runs scored, 64 hits, 12 doubles, four home runs and 28 RBI.
Michael has also been a terrific defensive outfielder for the Buckeyes.
•He is fielding at a .991 rate and has just one error in the past two years.
•He has made at least nine diving, spectacular catches so far this season.
•And he leads all outfielders with six outfield assists.
Michael, who started his 100th career game Thursday against Iowa, is the son of Chris and Jill Arp. He will graduate this June with a degree in sport and leisure studies. After some time off, Michael will start his career with Wells Fargo Financial later this summer, in Toledo.
No 3 – Willie Paul Jacob “Jake” Hale – Closer, Stopper, Finisher; Albany, Ohio
Jake Hale is having one of the finest seasons ever for an Ohio State relief pitcher, which is remarkable to consider because last season Jake was the team’s Friday night starter. But he listened to his coaches, he understood the potential successes of his coming out of the bullpen and he willingly accepted his role as the team’s closer. Ohio State and Jake have benefitted in a huge way with the move.
•Jake is seeking to hold all the Ohio State saves records.
•He has set the Ohio State single season record of 15 saves this year.
•He is one save away from the career mark of 27 saves.
•With a Big Ten leading 15 saves this season, he is the only Ohio State pitcher with two seasons of 10 or more saves.
And as much as Jake would like to be known as Willie, he is actually going to be remembered as “The Finisher!”
•That’s because Jake has finished 33 consecutive games he has appeared in, to lead the Big Ten in that category as well.
•He’s a major reason why Ohio State is 33-1 this season when leading after the eighth inning.
•And that’s why he is a candidate for the National Stopper of the Year Award.
Majoring in sport and leisure studies, Jake has appeared in a school record 35 games this season and 87 for his career, tied for third among all Buckeyes. The son of Marvin and Paula Hale, Jake would like to continue his baseball career, travel to faraway places like Japan and Australia, and then get into coaching.
No. 28 – Justin Miller – 3B/1B; Dayton, Va.
Justin Miller is a two-time team captain and he is one of only 14 Buckeyes in 126 years of Ohio State baseball to be named captain more than once.
That’s because Justin is a leader. And he doesn’t have to say much to lead because his actions over the last four years speak volumes.
•Justin has the second-most hits in Ohio State history with 268.
•He ranks third all-time at Ohio State with 49 doubles and with 792 at-bats.
•He is fourth in RBI with 176..
•He has a career average of .335.
Twice honored as the Big Ten Conference Player of the Week, Justin is leading the Buckeyes into postseason play again by finishing this regular season on a tear:
•He is batting .680 the last week (17-for-25) with nine runs scored and 11 RBI.
•Those stats have boosted Justin’s season totals to 71 hits,52 RBI and 33 runs.
•And they have pushed him over the 70-hit and 50-RBI mark for the third consecutive season.
•That’s leadership. And that’s Justin.
Majoring in criminology, Justin is the son of Debbie and Brent Miller (and the grandson of Donnie and Louise Miller, who have seen Justin play as much as much as anyone, travelling to Florida for each spring break and making the trip from Virginia to Columbus virtually every home weekend). A career in criminology will have to wait, though. Justin has to get baseball out of his system and it isn’t yet. He’ll be a student-assistant coach somewhere next season. Hopefully right here at Ohio State.
Nice going, senior Buckeyes. Congratulations on your Big Ten Championship.
B9: Taking a look back to the October interview The Buckeye Nine had with Michael Arp... Q&A with Arp it is obvious he and the team knew all along they were capable of a special season and its great to see it come true. Congrats senions, and thank you.
Game 3 Buckeyes win 8-6, Sweep Iowa, Big Ten Champs?
Iowa had been in control throughout the game knocking starter Eric Best around a bit. Through 6 Best had allowed 7 hits, 4 runs all earned, walking 1, striking out 6.
The gray skies appeared to be a foreshadow of the Buckeyes game and title hopes through 5.5.
However these Buckeyes have shown they know no quit and the bottom of the 6th showed that.
Matt Streng started the inning with a single, moved to second as Hurley reached via error. Cory Kovanda stepped to the plate and sent a towering shot off the right field wall for a 2-RBI double. Dan Burkhart singled Kovanda home two batters later.
Following Burkhart was Ryan Dew who beat out a inning ending double play, Dew's hustle proved to be huge. Captain Justin Miller in his final game at Bill Davis Stadium sent a 3-2 pitch over the right field wall for 10th home run of the season giving the Bucks a 5-4 lead. Miller is 3-for-3 on the day, and showing he is the team leader, using a hot bat the last 10 games to carry the Buckeyes offense.
Best's day ends after the 6 innings he pitched. Rucinski relieve Best in the 7th, a leadoff single followed by a walk put two on with no outs. Iowa was able to get a run out of the situation to tie it at 5.
In the bottom of the 7th the Bucks had the bases loaded with Michael Stephens up, a GIDP ended the threat and kept the game tied at 5.
The top of the 8th started with a thud as the Hawkeyes leadoff hitter sent a solo shot out to rightcenter to give Iowa a 6-5 lead.
We're in the bottom of the 8th, Bucks trail 6-5.
In the 8th, a Dew single, Miller walk, Arp infield single again saw the bases loaded for the Buckeyes with 1 out. With Big Ten Championship hopes on the line, the Bucks would not be denied this time. Tyler Engle sends a 2-rbi double down the right field line pushing the Buckeyes out in front 7-6 in the bottom of the 8th. Bucks pick up an insurance run on an E6.
Top 9 Jake Hale in to close the game. Rucinski's line 2 IP, 2 hits, 2 runs, 1 K.
Hale pitches a perfect 9th, with 1 K. The save for Hale sets a single season Ohio State record with 15.
The gray skies appeared to be a foreshadow of the Buckeyes game and title hopes through 5.5.
However these Buckeyes have shown they know no quit and the bottom of the 6th showed that.
Matt Streng started the inning with a single, moved to second as Hurley reached via error. Cory Kovanda stepped to the plate and sent a towering shot off the right field wall for a 2-RBI double. Dan Burkhart singled Kovanda home two batters later.
Following Burkhart was Ryan Dew who beat out a inning ending double play, Dew's hustle proved to be huge. Captain Justin Miller in his final game at Bill Davis Stadium sent a 3-2 pitch over the right field wall for 10th home run of the season giving the Bucks a 5-4 lead. Miller is 3-for-3 on the day, and showing he is the team leader, using a hot bat the last 10 games to carry the Buckeyes offense.
Best's day ends after the 6 innings he pitched. Rucinski relieve Best in the 7th, a leadoff single followed by a walk put two on with no outs. Iowa was able to get a run out of the situation to tie it at 5.
In the bottom of the 7th the Bucks had the bases loaded with Michael Stephens up, a GIDP ended the threat and kept the game tied at 5.
The top of the 8th started with a thud as the Hawkeyes leadoff hitter sent a solo shot out to rightcenter to give Iowa a 6-5 lead.
We're in the bottom of the 8th, Bucks trail 6-5.
In the 8th, a Dew single, Miller walk, Arp infield single again saw the bases loaded for the Buckeyes with 1 out. With Big Ten Championship hopes on the line, the Bucks would not be denied this time. Tyler Engle sends a 2-rbi double down the right field line pushing the Buckeyes out in front 7-6 in the bottom of the 8th. Bucks pick up an insurance run on an E6.
Top 9 Jake Hale in to close the game. Rucinski's line 2 IP, 2 hits, 2 runs, 1 K.
Hale pitches a perfect 9th, with 1 K. The save for Hale sets a single season Ohio State record with 15.
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