It has nearly been a month since I last spoke on the Ohio State baseball team. As I resume those duties I realize not much as changed. I last updated the Buckeyes' record with the team at 8-10 overall and 0-0, on the eve of the Big Ten season. I come back with the team having gone 2-2 in non-conference play, defeating Akron twice, while falling to Bowling Green and Miami, while going 6-6 in conference play, to leave Ohio State still 2 games under .500 at 16-18, with the even conference mark after today's 10-9 loss to Penn State.
Showing posts with label Tyler Engle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tyler Engle. Show all posts
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Black Knights Blitz Buckeyes in Blunder-filled Besting
The only good that came with today's embarrassing loss to Army is that it allowed myself the chance to work on alliteration as you can see in the title. Outside of that, the Buckeyes took a giant step backwards in falling 14-9 to an Army team that came in with just one win in 11 contests.
This is a bad loss.
This is a bad loss that stings more as I see St. John's is only 5-8 taking away any thought that Ohio State has a quality win to their record, not sure how I was oblivious to the Johnnies struggles but back to today.
The saying strong up the middle is apparently falling on deaf ears for the Buckeye players as a combined five errors were made between the catcher, shortstop, and center fielder. In total the Buckeyes committed six errors which led to six unearned runs. After 11 games Ohio State now has 19 errors which has led to 19 unearned runs.
This is a bad loss.
This is a bad loss that stings more as I see St. John's is only 5-8 taking away any thought that Ohio State has a quality win to their record, not sure how I was oblivious to the Johnnies struggles but back to today.
The saying strong up the middle is apparently falling on deaf ears for the Buckeye players as a combined five errors were made between the catcher, shortstop, and center fielder. In total the Buckeyes committed six errors which led to six unearned runs. After 11 games Ohio State now has 19 errors which has led to 19 unearned runs.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Buckeye Flaws Exposed in Loss
As excited as I had been after three weekends and a 5-3 start, I made sure to drive home the point that four of the five wins have come against pretty bad competition. Even the win against St. John's doesn't appear to be what it was thought to be. Regardless, Ohio State had beat bad teams as a good team does.
But they're still a bit from keeping up with the good teams as today's 12-1 loss to Illinois State proves.
But they're still a bit from keeping up with the good teams as today's 12-1 loss to Illinois State proves.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Summer League Buckeyes: Roster changes
Just a few updates on where Buckeyes are spending the summer.
Cape Cod:
After not being name to the Team USA Collegiate Baseball roster, Alex Wimmers has finally arrived in the Cape and has started his summer with the Bourne Braves. Alex has appeared in one game, he threw two innings, allowed a solo home run, but that was the only hit against Wimmers. In those two innings, Wimmers struck out four, continuing the dominance we saw this spring that made him an All American.
Valley Baseball League:
The Valley was the exit of one Buckeye but the entrance of another. Joining Buckeye teammates Jared Strayer and Brian DeLucia this past week was catch Shawn Forsythe as a Rockbridge Rapid. Forsythe has appeared in two games, starting one, and is looking for his first hit of the summer after going hitless in his first five tries.
Great Lakes:
As one came in, one went out. Tyler Engle who was one of a trio of Buckeyes spending the summer as a Luray Wrangler has relocated and playing summer ball closer to home, but as found himself still in the company of a Buckeye. After hitting .313 in the Valley, Tyler Engle has found a spot on the Licking County Settlers roster for the remainder of the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League season. Engle made his first appearance in a Settlers game last night as a pinch-hitter. Engle joins Eric Best as the Ohio State student-athletes participating in the GLSCL doubles from one to two.
I will do my best to keep everyone informed as to where the Buckeyes are spending their summers and how they are performing, as well as checking in with a trio of Buckeyes who are not on a wooden bat circuit but are day in and day out trying to improve their game as the Buckeyes in 2010 will look to defend their title.
Cape Cod:
After not being name to the Team USA Collegiate Baseball roster, Alex Wimmers has finally arrived in the Cape and has started his summer with the Bourne Braves. Alex has appeared in one game, he threw two innings, allowed a solo home run, but that was the only hit against Wimmers. In those two innings, Wimmers struck out four, continuing the dominance we saw this spring that made him an All American.
Valley Baseball League:
The Valley was the exit of one Buckeye but the entrance of another. Joining Buckeye teammates Jared Strayer and Brian DeLucia this past week was catch Shawn Forsythe as a Rockbridge Rapid. Forsythe has appeared in two games, starting one, and is looking for his first hit of the summer after going hitless in his first five tries.
Great Lakes:
As one came in, one went out. Tyler Engle who was one of a trio of Buckeyes spending the summer as a Luray Wrangler has relocated and playing summer ball closer to home, but as found himself still in the company of a Buckeye. After hitting .313 in the Valley, Tyler Engle has found a spot on the Licking County Settlers roster for the remainder of the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League season. Engle made his first appearance in a Settlers game last night as a pinch-hitter. Engle joins Eric Best as the Ohio State student-athletes participating in the GLSCL doubles from one to two.
I will do my best to keep everyone informed as to where the Buckeyes are spending their summers and how they are performing, as well as checking in with a trio of Buckeyes who are not on a wooden bat circuit but are day in and day out trying to improve their game as the Buckeyes in 2010 will look to defend their title.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Summer League Buckeyes: Armstrong and Rucinski shining in the Valley
Pitcher of the Day
Armstrong threw 7 innings against Front Royal, allowing 2 hits, 4 runs (2 earned), 3 walks, and striking out 9 while earning the win. Andrew's now 1-0, 3.86, with 12 strikeouts in 9 1/3 innings so far this year.
Great to see Armstrong throwing well this summer. Armstrong battled injury in the spring and never was 100% and the results showed. In 2010 hopefully a healthy and mature Armstrong can help patch some of the pitching holes and woes the Bucks faced this season. Armstrong is on a Luray team with Buckeye pitcher Drew Rucinski who has seen time in the rotation, and shortstop Tyler Engle.
Rucinski's last start was just as impressive as Armstrong's. The rising Junior from Broken Arrow, OK threw 7 innings, allowed 4 hits, 3 runs (1 earned), 2 walks, 9 strikeouts in his June 27th start.
Rucinski who some say was the team's MVP, bridging the gap nearly by himself from starters to All American closer Jake Hale, was the Valley League's #1 pitching prospect after the summer of 2008. Drew has not slowed down in 2009. For the Luray Wranglers this summer Rucinski is 0-0 with a 2.12 ERA in 3 starts. In 17 innings Rucinski has struck out 16, walked 5, and gave up just 14 hits, limiting hitters to a .209 batting average against.
With the graduation of Hale, a new role might be found as Coach Bob Todd in 2010 shuffles the pitching staff to maximize the Buckeyes success.
Rounding out the trio of Bucks in Luray is Engle. Engle has seen action in 8 games so far, all starts, and is hitting .357 10-for-28 in those games.
Armstrong threw 7 innings against Front Royal, allowing 2 hits, 4 runs (2 earned), 3 walks, and striking out 9 while earning the win. Andrew's now 1-0, 3.86, with 12 strikeouts in 9 1/3 innings so far this year.
Great to see Armstrong throwing well this summer. Armstrong battled injury in the spring and never was 100% and the results showed. In 2010 hopefully a healthy and mature Armstrong can help patch some of the pitching holes and woes the Bucks faced this season. Armstrong is on a Luray team with Buckeye pitcher Drew Rucinski who has seen time in the rotation, and shortstop Tyler Engle.
Rucinski's last start was just as impressive as Armstrong's. The rising Junior from Broken Arrow, OK threw 7 innings, allowed 4 hits, 3 runs (1 earned), 2 walks, 9 strikeouts in his June 27th start.
Rucinski who some say was the team's MVP, bridging the gap nearly by himself from starters to All American closer Jake Hale, was the Valley League's #1 pitching prospect after the summer of 2008. Drew has not slowed down in 2009. For the Luray Wranglers this summer Rucinski is 0-0 with a 2.12 ERA in 3 starts. In 17 innings Rucinski has struck out 16, walked 5, and gave up just 14 hits, limiting hitters to a .209 batting average against.
With the graduation of Hale, a new role might be found as Coach Bob Todd in 2010 shuffles the pitching staff to maximize the Buckeyes success.
Rounding out the trio of Bucks in Luray is Engle. Engle has seen action in 8 games so far, all starts, and is hitting .357 10-for-28 in those games.
Buckeyes in Summer Leagues
A quick rundown for what I've found so far for our Buckeyes playing in summer leagues. Reached out to the Baseball contacts in the Department of Athletics but have not heard back yet.
Cape Cod Baseball League
C Dan Burkhart- Hyannis Mets
P Alex Wimmers- Bourne Braves
Valley Baseball League
3B Brian DeLucia- Rockbridge
P Jared Strayer- Rockbridge
SS Tyler Engle- Luray
P Andrew Armstrong- Luray
P Drew Rucinski- Luray
2B Cory Kocanda Waynesboro
Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League
P Eric Best- Licking County Settlers
Atlantic Baseball Confederation Collegiate League
INF Ryan Cypret- Jersey Tides
INF Zach Nowland- Jersey Tides
I'll touch more of this in a bit. Just a quick rundown for those interested.
Cape Cod Baseball League
C Dan Burkhart- Hyannis Mets
P Alex Wimmers- Bourne Braves
Valley Baseball League
3B Brian DeLucia- Rockbridge
P Jared Strayer- Rockbridge
SS Tyler Engle- Luray
P Andrew Armstrong- Luray
P Drew Rucinski- Luray
2B Cory Kocanda Waynesboro
Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League
P Eric Best- Licking County Settlers
Atlantic Baseball Confederation Collegiate League
INF Ryan Cypret- Jersey Tides
INF Zach Nowland- Jersey Tides
I'll touch more of this in a bit. Just a quick rundown for those interested.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
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.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Ohio State Takes Series From Illini, Move Into 2nd
Have A LOT of catching up to do. Here goes...
Recaps courtesy Ohio State Athletics
Game 1
League-leading Illinois scored three unearned runs in the ninth inning to snatch the first game of this crucial series with Ohio State, 5-4, before more than 5,000 fans at Illinois Field.
Ohio State led, 4-2, after another fine outing from Alex Wimmers, who pitched 7.2 innings and appeared to have the win after closer Jake Hale got out of a runners-on-second-and-third jam in the eighth inning.
Ohio State had been unbeaten entering the ninth inning with the lead this season at 30-0. Hale got the first out of the ninth, but then walked Pete Cappetta to bring Willie Argo, the tying run, to the plate. Argo reached on an error. Then pinch hitter Mike Giller reached on another infield error to load the bases, bringing up Joe Bonadonna. Two-run single to left center to tie the game. The next batter, Casey McMurray, then laced a sharp single to right to win the game and send the record Illinois crowd into a joyous celebration, topped off by fireworks that the Buckeyes had to watch because the place was too crowded with people to make leaving an option.
The loss dropped Ohio State two games behind Illinois and one-and-one-half behind Minnesota, which was taking care of business at Michigan. Heading into Saturday play, Illinois is 15-4, Minnesota is 14-4 and Ohio State is 13-6 with just five Big Ten Conference games to play. Overall, Ohio State is 34-14 and has lost four consecutive games.
This was Ohio State’s game. Michael Stephens hit his third home run in two games – a two-run shot in the first inning – to give the Buckeyes a quick, 2-0 lead. Also scoring on the play was Cory Kovanda, who had singled.
Wimmers kept Illinois in control through the first four innings, not allowing a man to reach base while facing the minimum 12 batters. But Dominic Altobelli led off the fifth with a home run to right that cut the lead to 2-1. The home run ended two amazing streaks for the talented Wimmers: 15.1. hitless innings and 14.2 scoreless innings.
Illinois threatened with a man on second and two out in the sixth, but Matt Streng made a nice play to his left to stab a Brandon Wikoff liner and make the unassisted play at first for the final out of the inning.
The Illini came right back in the seventh, with back-to-back, two-out singles by Matt Dittman and Cappetta to put runners on first and third. But Wimmers reared back and struck out Argo, the .348-hitting freshman with 11 home runs, swinging on a 3-2 count. Whew!
Ohio State extended the lead in the eighth. Stephens reached after getting hit on his right shin. Dan Burkhart then went opposite field – to left center – for his ninth home run of the season and a 4-1 lead. The two RBI were Burkhart’s team-leading 52nd and 53rd of the year.
With the intensity of the game rising with every pitch, Illinois bunched three hits together in the eighth to score a run, making it 4-2, and prompting Ohio State coach Bob Todd to the mound to relieve Wimmers.
So in came Hale (0-1) with runners on second and third and two out. His first three pitches to Aaron Johnson were balls, but Johnson swung at the fourth and Tyler Engle hustled to make a play behind the mound and throw Johnson out to end the inning.
Winning pitcher John Anderson (1-2) worked a scoreless ninth, setting the Illini up for a ninth inning that will probably never be forgotten by their players or the huge crowd on hand. There’s a Big Ten championship at stake, after all, and the home team took a big step toward it tonight. There are two more games left to be played in this series, though.
Game 1 Recap & Notes
Game 1 Box Score
Game 2
Ohio State pounded out 16 hits, including four by team captain Justin Miller, and rebounded from its Friday loss to defeat league-leading Illinois, 10-7, in Game 2 of the series Saturday at Illinois Field. The win keeps Ohio State in third place in the Big Ten standings, 1.5 games behind the new leader, Minnesota. Illinois falls one-half game back of the Golden Gophers with the loss.
There were seven ties and lead changes in the contest, but this game changed within a 60-second span of the first inning. That’s how long it took for Ohio State to get out of a serious situation.
Illinois, sky high after its come-from-behind ninth-inning win Friday, loaded the bases with nobody out in the first, courtesy of a leadoff walk and a pair of singles. But Dominic Altobelli hit a hard bouncer right back to Ohio State starter Dean Wolosiansky, who snapped the ball out of the air and teamed with catcher Dan Burkhart and first baseman Matt Streng to complete a textbook, 1-2-3 double play. Wolosiansky then fielded Aaron Johnson’s grounder and threw to first to get out of the inning without allowing a run.
Wolosiansky, the sophomore who was seeking to become the first 11-win pitcher at Ohio State since Justin Fry in 1999, pitched well enough to get a win, but after giving up two walks in the fifth inning, he yielded the game to reliever Drew Rucinsky, who pitched 3.2 innings to get the win and improve to 8-2 on the season. Jake Hale pitched a perfect, seven-pitch ninth inning to record his 12th save of the season.
This game, unlike Friday night, was more about the hitting than pitching, though. A game-long breeze reaching speeds of 15-to-20 mph out of the west made for a precarious afternoon with every well-hit fly ball. Advantage Ohio State in that department. Miller hit a two-run home run and had a double as part of his four-hit day, which included three runs and three RBI. Tyler Engle had two doubles, three hits and three runs scored and Ryan Dew also had three hits and three runs to lead the Buckeyes offensively.
Two of the biggest hits of the game came from Cory Kovanda and Matt Streng. Kovanda had the big hit in a three-run fourth inning...a two-out, two-strike, two-out single to give the Buckeyes a 4-3 lead. Zach Hurley, who had two hits and two RBI, drew a two-out, bases loaded walk to bring home the first run of the inning...a play that won’t be in the headlines but one that was certainly crucial at a critical point of the game.
Streng’s big hit came in the ninth with the Buckeyes clinging to an 8-7 lead. He singled to right, driving home two insurance runs to increase the lead to three at 10-7.
“My first few at-bats I had some good swings but things didn’t work out,” Streng, a sophomore from Upper Arlington said. “I was looking for a good pitch to drive in my last at-bat. I fouled a few pitches off and then I worked into a deep count and was able to drive one up the middle. I saw it get past the second baseman and I had to clap and cheer a little because I was excited. We needed those two runs.”
The win not only improved Ohio State’s record to 35-14, but it also stopped the only losing streak the team has been on all season at four games.
Game 2 Recap
Game 2 Box Score
Game 3
Ohio State pounded 16 hits for the second consecutive game to win the series with Illinois on the strength of a 12-7 victory Sunday at Illinois Field. The Ohio State win, coupled with a Sunday win by Michigan over Minnesota, leaves the Buckeyes and the Illini just one-half game behind Minnesota heading into the final weekend of the Big Ten season. Ohio State is now 36-14 overall and 15-6 in the Big Ten. Illinois is 32-16 and also 15-6.
Just two days after losing a Friday night game that appeared in the bag, the Buckeyes were backed into a corner and one loss away from being eliminated from the Big Ten championship picture and a couple losses away from being a fourth or fifth seed in the upcoming Big Ten tournament at Huntington Park.
But this team didn’t quit. It didn’t give in to the pressure and it quite simply didn’t care about its predicament. Instead, it came out of that corner swinging...in a big way.
This was a championship game from the start. Illinois had Best on the ropes early, scoring two runs off two hits in the first inning and then getting two men on in the second, but failing to score a run. The Illini also had men on in the third but could not add to their 2-0 lead.
The Buckeyes scored a run in the fourth. Burkhart doubled to center, moved to second on a ground out and with two out, Miller’s seventh hit of the series – a single to center – scored Burkhart, making the score 2-1.
Arp started the fifth off on a positive note for the Buckeyes, first-pitch swinging and collecting a single to left. Engle then crushed his first home run of the season out of left center field for a 3-2 Ohio State lead. Matt Streng walked and singles by Hurley and Kovanda increased the lead to 4-2 and closed the day on Illinois starter Bryan Johnson (5-3).
Stephens then greeted reliever Ben Reeser, in his first relief appearance of the year, with a sharp single to left that scored both Hurley and Kovanda for a 6-2 lead.
After Illinois’ Dominic Altobelli countered with his second home run of the series to cut the lead to 6-3, Ohio State retaliated with a single run in the sixth, a single by Kovanda that scored Engle.
Then leading 7-5 heading into the eighth inning, the Buckeyes delivered a series of knockout blows with two out that clinched the win. Burkhart doubled off the center field wall to drive in two. Dew followed with his seventh home run of the season to left center to drive in two more. The very next hitter, Miller, crushed his ninth home run to give the Buckeyes a 12-5 lead.
Hale gave up a home run in the eighth, but that was all and after a 3-up-3-down, ninth, the Buckeyes celebrated with their sixth series win of the season.
Game 3 Recap & Notes
Game 3 Box Score
Recaps courtesy Ohio State Athletics
Game 1
League-leading Illinois scored three unearned runs in the ninth inning to snatch the first game of this crucial series with Ohio State, 5-4, before more than 5,000 fans at Illinois Field.
Ohio State led, 4-2, after another fine outing from Alex Wimmers, who pitched 7.2 innings and appeared to have the win after closer Jake Hale got out of a runners-on-second-and-third jam in the eighth inning.
Ohio State had been unbeaten entering the ninth inning with the lead this season at 30-0. Hale got the first out of the ninth, but then walked Pete Cappetta to bring Willie Argo, the tying run, to the plate. Argo reached on an error. Then pinch hitter Mike Giller reached on another infield error to load the bases, bringing up Joe Bonadonna. Two-run single to left center to tie the game. The next batter, Casey McMurray, then laced a sharp single to right to win the game and send the record Illinois crowd into a joyous celebration, topped off by fireworks that the Buckeyes had to watch because the place was too crowded with people to make leaving an option.
The loss dropped Ohio State two games behind Illinois and one-and-one-half behind Minnesota, which was taking care of business at Michigan. Heading into Saturday play, Illinois is 15-4, Minnesota is 14-4 and Ohio State is 13-6 with just five Big Ten Conference games to play. Overall, Ohio State is 34-14 and has lost four consecutive games.
This was Ohio State’s game. Michael Stephens hit his third home run in two games – a two-run shot in the first inning – to give the Buckeyes a quick, 2-0 lead. Also scoring on the play was Cory Kovanda, who had singled.
Wimmers kept Illinois in control through the first four innings, not allowing a man to reach base while facing the minimum 12 batters. But Dominic Altobelli led off the fifth with a home run to right that cut the lead to 2-1. The home run ended two amazing streaks for the talented Wimmers: 15.1. hitless innings and 14.2 scoreless innings.
Illinois threatened with a man on second and two out in the sixth, but Matt Streng made a nice play to his left to stab a Brandon Wikoff liner and make the unassisted play at first for the final out of the inning.
The Illini came right back in the seventh, with back-to-back, two-out singles by Matt Dittman and Cappetta to put runners on first and third. But Wimmers reared back and struck out Argo, the .348-hitting freshman with 11 home runs, swinging on a 3-2 count. Whew!
Ohio State extended the lead in the eighth. Stephens reached after getting hit on his right shin. Dan Burkhart then went opposite field – to left center – for his ninth home run of the season and a 4-1 lead. The two RBI were Burkhart’s team-leading 52nd and 53rd of the year.
With the intensity of the game rising with every pitch, Illinois bunched three hits together in the eighth to score a run, making it 4-2, and prompting Ohio State coach Bob Todd to the mound to relieve Wimmers.
So in came Hale (0-1) with runners on second and third and two out. His first three pitches to Aaron Johnson were balls, but Johnson swung at the fourth and Tyler Engle hustled to make a play behind the mound and throw Johnson out to end the inning.
Winning pitcher John Anderson (1-2) worked a scoreless ninth, setting the Illini up for a ninth inning that will probably never be forgotten by their players or the huge crowd on hand. There’s a Big Ten championship at stake, after all, and the home team took a big step toward it tonight. There are two more games left to be played in this series, though.
Game 1 Recap & Notes
Game 1 Box Score
Game 2
Ohio State pounded out 16 hits, including four by team captain Justin Miller, and rebounded from its Friday loss to defeat league-leading Illinois, 10-7, in Game 2 of the series Saturday at Illinois Field. The win keeps Ohio State in third place in the Big Ten standings, 1.5 games behind the new leader, Minnesota. Illinois falls one-half game back of the Golden Gophers with the loss.
There were seven ties and lead changes in the contest, but this game changed within a 60-second span of the first inning. That’s how long it took for Ohio State to get out of a serious situation.
Illinois, sky high after its come-from-behind ninth-inning win Friday, loaded the bases with nobody out in the first, courtesy of a leadoff walk and a pair of singles. But Dominic Altobelli hit a hard bouncer right back to Ohio State starter Dean Wolosiansky, who snapped the ball out of the air and teamed with catcher Dan Burkhart and first baseman Matt Streng to complete a textbook, 1-2-3 double play. Wolosiansky then fielded Aaron Johnson’s grounder and threw to first to get out of the inning without allowing a run.
Wolosiansky, the sophomore who was seeking to become the first 11-win pitcher at Ohio State since Justin Fry in 1999, pitched well enough to get a win, but after giving up two walks in the fifth inning, he yielded the game to reliever Drew Rucinsky, who pitched 3.2 innings to get the win and improve to 8-2 on the season. Jake Hale pitched a perfect, seven-pitch ninth inning to record his 12th save of the season.
This game, unlike Friday night, was more about the hitting than pitching, though. A game-long breeze reaching speeds of 15-to-20 mph out of the west made for a precarious afternoon with every well-hit fly ball. Advantage Ohio State in that department. Miller hit a two-run home run and had a double as part of his four-hit day, which included three runs and three RBI. Tyler Engle had two doubles, three hits and three runs scored and Ryan Dew also had three hits and three runs to lead the Buckeyes offensively.
Two of the biggest hits of the game came from Cory Kovanda and Matt Streng. Kovanda had the big hit in a three-run fourth inning...a two-out, two-strike, two-out single to give the Buckeyes a 4-3 lead. Zach Hurley, who had two hits and two RBI, drew a two-out, bases loaded walk to bring home the first run of the inning...a play that won’t be in the headlines but one that was certainly crucial at a critical point of the game.
Streng’s big hit came in the ninth with the Buckeyes clinging to an 8-7 lead. He singled to right, driving home two insurance runs to increase the lead to three at 10-7.
“My first few at-bats I had some good swings but things didn’t work out,” Streng, a sophomore from Upper Arlington said. “I was looking for a good pitch to drive in my last at-bat. I fouled a few pitches off and then I worked into a deep count and was able to drive one up the middle. I saw it get past the second baseman and I had to clap and cheer a little because I was excited. We needed those two runs.”
The win not only improved Ohio State’s record to 35-14, but it also stopped the only losing streak the team has been on all season at four games.
Game 2 Recap
Game 2 Box Score
Game 3
Ohio State pounded 16 hits for the second consecutive game to win the series with Illinois on the strength of a 12-7 victory Sunday at Illinois Field. The Ohio State win, coupled with a Sunday win by Michigan over Minnesota, leaves the Buckeyes and the Illini just one-half game behind Minnesota heading into the final weekend of the Big Ten season. Ohio State is now 36-14 overall and 15-6 in the Big Ten. Illinois is 32-16 and also 15-6.
Just two days after losing a Friday night game that appeared in the bag, the Buckeyes were backed into a corner and one loss away from being eliminated from the Big Ten championship picture and a couple losses away from being a fourth or fifth seed in the upcoming Big Ten tournament at Huntington Park.
But this team didn’t quit. It didn’t give in to the pressure and it quite simply didn’t care about its predicament. Instead, it came out of that corner swinging...in a big way.
This was a championship game from the start. Illinois had Best on the ropes early, scoring two runs off two hits in the first inning and then getting two men on in the second, but failing to score a run. The Illini also had men on in the third but could not add to their 2-0 lead.
The Buckeyes scored a run in the fourth. Burkhart doubled to center, moved to second on a ground out and with two out, Miller’s seventh hit of the series – a single to center – scored Burkhart, making the score 2-1.
Arp started the fifth off on a positive note for the Buckeyes, first-pitch swinging and collecting a single to left. Engle then crushed his first home run of the season out of left center field for a 3-2 Ohio State lead. Matt Streng walked and singles by Hurley and Kovanda increased the lead to 4-2 and closed the day on Illinois starter Bryan Johnson (5-3).
Stephens then greeted reliever Ben Reeser, in his first relief appearance of the year, with a sharp single to left that scored both Hurley and Kovanda for a 6-2 lead.
After Illinois’ Dominic Altobelli countered with his second home run of the series to cut the lead to 6-3, Ohio State retaliated with a single run in the sixth, a single by Kovanda that scored Engle.
Then leading 7-5 heading into the eighth inning, the Buckeyes delivered a series of knockout blows with two out that clinched the win. Burkhart doubled off the center field wall to drive in two. Dew followed with his seventh home run of the season to left center to drive in two more. The very next hitter, Miller, crushed his ninth home run to give the Buckeyes a 12-5 lead.
Hale gave up a home run in the eighth, but that was all and after a 3-up-3-down, ninth, the Buckeyes celebrated with their sixth series win of the season.
Game 3 Recap & Notes
Game 3 Box Score
Monday, March 30, 2009
Bucks fall 15-11 to Penn State in Series Finale
The Nittany Lions countered a five-run Ohio State fifth inning, which gave OSU an 8-7 lead, with six runs in its half of the fifth and two more in the eighth to improve to 14-10 overall and 1-2 in the Big Ten. Ohio State, No. 16 nationally, had its three-game win streak snapped and drops to 20-4 overall and 2-1 in the Big Ten.
Ohio State started two-time Big Ten pitcher of the week Alex Wimmers, but the talented sophomore managed just 2.1 innings and was followed on the mound by Andrew Armstrong, Theron Minium, Drew Rucinski and Jake Hale.
Early on it was a pedestrian, 2-1, game entering the bottom of the third inning with Ohio State in the lead thanks to a two-out, Cory Kovanda double that scored Matt Streng and Zach Hurley.
Wimmers had worked in the drizzle with a man on and nobody out in the first and second innings, allowing just one second inning run on a weak grounder to third that ended up ricocheting off the bag for an RBI hit.
The drizzle, which had stopped for Ohio State’s third inning at-bat, returned and Penn State loaded the bases with one out on a walk, bloop single and a hit-by-pitch. Another walk tied the score and when Ben Heath cleared the bases with a double to right center field, Wimmers’ day was done.
Armstrong came in but when the third inning had ended, the Nittany Lions had scored six runs off just two hits, but had benefited from six walks and the hit batsmen to take a 7-2 lead.
Ohio State came back. Tyler Engle had a two-out, RBI single in the fourth to bring the Buckeyes to within 7-3. When Michael Stephens spanked a double to right center in the fifth to score Hurley and Kovanda, who had walked and reached on a sweet bunt single, respectively, there was a new ball game at 7-5. Dan Burkhart followed with a single to right center that scored Stephens, made the score 7-6, and chased Penn State starter Calvin Brumley.
Michael Arp drew a walk off reliever Mike Lorentson and Ryan Dew singled to load the bases. Engle followed with a walk that tied the score and then Matt Streng walked for an 8-7 Ohio State lead and a successful comeback – for the time being – from five runs down.
Penn State responded with a six-run fifth inning – off five hits – to take a 13-8 lead. The big hit was a two-run double by Michael Glantz.
Scoring in its fourth consecutive inning, the Buckeyes got two runs back in the sixth off a Michael Arp sacrifice fly and an RBI single by Dew.
After Rucinski set the Penn State hitters down in order in the sixth, Ohio State scored one in the seventh – an RBI single by Stephens – to creep to within 13-11. To help the cause, Rucinski had a second consecutive 1-2-3 inning in the seventh to keep the Buckeyes within striking distance.
A second comeback in this marathon game wouldn’t happen, though. Ohio State went down in order in the eighth and had two runners on in the ninth, but couldn’t score.
Kovanda led Ohio State offensively with four hits, two runs and two RBI. Stephens had two hits and three RBI and four other Buckeyes had multi-hit games as the Buckeyes had 15 hits. Penn State scored its 15 runs off 12 hits.
Reliever David Lutz pitched 2.0 innings to pick up the win and improve to 3-0. Ryan Ignas his second save by striking out the two batters he faced in the ninth with men aboard. Reliever Theron Minium gets the loss (0-1).
Bucks Now 20-4
Box Score
Penn State Recap
Columbus Dispatch
Daily Collegian
Ohio State started two-time Big Ten pitcher of the week Alex Wimmers, but the talented sophomore managed just 2.1 innings and was followed on the mound by Andrew Armstrong, Theron Minium, Drew Rucinski and Jake Hale.
Early on it was a pedestrian, 2-1, game entering the bottom of the third inning with Ohio State in the lead thanks to a two-out, Cory Kovanda double that scored Matt Streng and Zach Hurley.
Wimmers had worked in the drizzle with a man on and nobody out in the first and second innings, allowing just one second inning run on a weak grounder to third that ended up ricocheting off the bag for an RBI hit.
The drizzle, which had stopped for Ohio State’s third inning at-bat, returned and Penn State loaded the bases with one out on a walk, bloop single and a hit-by-pitch. Another walk tied the score and when Ben Heath cleared the bases with a double to right center field, Wimmers’ day was done.
Armstrong came in but when the third inning had ended, the Nittany Lions had scored six runs off just two hits, but had benefited from six walks and the hit batsmen to take a 7-2 lead.
Ohio State came back. Tyler Engle had a two-out, RBI single in the fourth to bring the Buckeyes to within 7-3. When Michael Stephens spanked a double to right center in the fifth to score Hurley and Kovanda, who had walked and reached on a sweet bunt single, respectively, there was a new ball game at 7-5. Dan Burkhart followed with a single to right center that scored Stephens, made the score 7-6, and chased Penn State starter Calvin Brumley.
Michael Arp drew a walk off reliever Mike Lorentson and Ryan Dew singled to load the bases. Engle followed with a walk that tied the score and then Matt Streng walked for an 8-7 Ohio State lead and a successful comeback – for the time being – from five runs down.
Penn State responded with a six-run fifth inning – off five hits – to take a 13-8 lead. The big hit was a two-run double by Michael Glantz.
Scoring in its fourth consecutive inning, the Buckeyes got two runs back in the sixth off a Michael Arp sacrifice fly and an RBI single by Dew.
After Rucinski set the Penn State hitters down in order in the sixth, Ohio State scored one in the seventh – an RBI single by Stephens – to creep to within 13-11. To help the cause, Rucinski had a second consecutive 1-2-3 inning in the seventh to keep the Buckeyes within striking distance.
A second comeback in this marathon game wouldn’t happen, though. Ohio State went down in order in the eighth and had two runners on in the ninth, but couldn’t score.
Kovanda led Ohio State offensively with four hits, two runs and two RBI. Stephens had two hits and three RBI and four other Buckeyes had multi-hit games as the Buckeyes had 15 hits. Penn State scored its 15 runs off 12 hits.
Reliever David Lutz pitched 2.0 innings to pick up the win and improve to 3-0. Ryan Ignas his second save by striking out the two batters he faced in the ninth with men aboard. Reliever Theron Minium gets the loss (0-1).
Bucks Now 20-4
Box Score
Penn State Recap
Columbus Dispatch
Daily Collegian
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Our Honor Defend
We can say that now that Ohio State finished the season with a 9-7 victory at Iowa Saturday that clinched a spot in the Big Ten tournament, where it will try to defend last year's championship run (Box Score). It is a conference-record 12th consecutive appearance in the tourney for Ohio State which is in for the 20th time in 21 years under head coach Bob Todd.
Big Ten Network Video
The win gave the Buckeyes a 15-15 league record. All 21 of coach Todd's team's have .500 or better records in the Big Ten. It also was the 30th win of the season for the Buckeyes. Todd's teams have won at least 30 games in 23 consecutive seasons.
Jumping out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning, the Ohio State offense was aggressive. Iowa got on the board with one in the fourth but the Buckeyes added four more in the fifth for an 8-1 lead. Ohio State managed one more run the rest of the way and had to withstand a furious comeback by Iowa, which score four runs in the final two innings to make it close.
OSU starter J.B. Shuck was as aggressive, scattering five hits and finishing with nine strikeouts in his 7.0 innings. Iowa scored three against Shuck, who won for the 17th time as a Buckeye Saturday. Alex Wimmers and Drew Rucinski struggled in relief until handing the reins over to Eric Best, who picked up his eighth save of the season.
Offensively, Justin Miller led all Buckeyes with three hits, while Cory Rupert (two doubles), Michael Arp and Tyler Engle had two hits each. Rupert and Arp had a pair of RBI apiece.
Big Ten Network Video
The win gave the Buckeyes a 15-15 league record. All 21 of coach Todd's team's have .500 or better records in the Big Ten. It also was the 30th win of the season for the Buckeyes. Todd's teams have won at least 30 games in 23 consecutive seasons.
Jumping out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning, the Ohio State offense was aggressive. Iowa got on the board with one in the fourth but the Buckeyes added four more in the fifth for an 8-1 lead. Ohio State managed one more run the rest of the way and had to withstand a furious comeback by Iowa, which score four runs in the final two innings to make it close.
OSU starter J.B. Shuck was as aggressive, scattering five hits and finishing with nine strikeouts in his 7.0 innings. Iowa scored three against Shuck, who won for the 17th time as a Buckeye Saturday. Alex Wimmers and Drew Rucinski struggled in relief until handing the reins over to Eric Best, who picked up his eighth save of the season.
Offensively, Justin Miller led all Buckeyes with three hits, while Cory Rupert (two doubles), Michael Arp and Tyler Engle had two hits each. Rupert and Arp had a pair of RBI apiece.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Buckeyes Down Thundering Herd, 8-1
Ohio State won the final midweek night game of the season with an 8-1 decision over Marshall Wednesday at Bill Davis Stadium. The Buckeyes now turn their attention to a four-game homestand against Illinois this weekend.
The teams managed to play five innings in a steady rain and had to endure a 22-minute delay between the top and bottom of the second inning. After the delay, Ohio State scored four runs. Ryan Dew led off with a double and Brian DeLucia drove him in with a double of his own. A single by Dan Burkhart plated DeLucia. Tyler Engle doubled putting runners at second and third for Tony Kennedy who singled up the middle to score two more.
Marshall scored its lone run in the top of the third, but Ohio State countered with one in the fourth and three in the fifth. The Buckeyes finsihed the game with 10 hits, including two each by DeLucia, Engle and Justin Miller. Cory Rupert drove in two. Miller and Rupert each hit home runs.
The Herd had just three hits against Buckeye pitching. Andrew Armstrong got the start and the win in 4.0 innings. Alex Wimmers pitched 1.0 inning.
After the Big Ten series with Illinois, the Buckeyes close out the home portion of the schedule against Buffalo Tuesday at 12:05 p.m. in the annual Columbus Public Schools Day.
The teams managed to play five innings in a steady rain and had to endure a 22-minute delay between the top and bottom of the second inning. After the delay, Ohio State scored four runs. Ryan Dew led off with a double and Brian DeLucia drove him in with a double of his own. A single by Dan Burkhart plated DeLucia. Tyler Engle doubled putting runners at second and third for Tony Kennedy who singled up the middle to score two more.
Marshall scored its lone run in the top of the third, but Ohio State countered with one in the fourth and three in the fifth. The Buckeyes finsihed the game with 10 hits, including two each by DeLucia, Engle and Justin Miller. Cory Rupert drove in two. Miller and Rupert each hit home runs.
The Herd had just three hits against Buckeye pitching. Andrew Armstrong got the start and the win in 4.0 innings. Alex Wimmers pitched 1.0 inning.
After the Big Ten series with Illinois, the Buckeyes close out the home portion of the schedule against Buffalo Tuesday at 12:05 p.m. in the annual Columbus Public Schools Day.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Penn State Sweeps Ohio State
Big Ten Network highlights
What a difference a day makes. Victim of a 15-0 drubbing in the series opener on Friday, Penn State rebounded to win both ends of the doubleheader at Ohio State Saturday, winning by scores of 3-1 and 5-2.
Game One Box Score
Game Two Box Score
The Buckeyes, which had 18 hits Friday, mustered only four hits in game one and actually outhit the Lions in game two, 9-7, but could not get the timely hit. Tony Kennedy, who had a hit in each of the first 17 games this season, saw his hit streak end in game one, going 0-for-2. He was 0-for-4 in game two.
The longest hit streak on the team is now held by Ryan Meade, who has a hit in his last 15 games. Cory Kovanda, now 22-for-39 (.564) in his last 10 games, is riding an 11-game hit streak.
J.B. Shuck delivered the only run in the fifth inning of game one to pull the Buckeyes within a 2-1 score but the Nittany Lions tacked on another run sixth. Dan DeLucia took the loss and fell to 1-1 after allowing just one run on five hits in his 4.0 innings. Drew Rucinski allowed two runs on eight hits in his 3.0 innings.
In game two, Dan Burkhart and Tyler Engle each had two hits. Burkhart and pinch hitter Zach Hurley drove in the Buckeyes' two runs. Dean Wolosiansky took the loss to drop to 2-2. He allowed four runs (three earned) on four hits in his 5.1 innings. Alex Wimmers pitched the last 1.2 and allowed one run on three hits.
Mike Wanamaker and Mike Lorentson got the wins for Penn State, which improved to 7-13 overall and 2-1 in the Big Ten.
Ohio State is now 11-8 overall and 1-2 in conference play and needs a win in the series finale Sunday to salvage a series split. First pitch is at 1:05 p.m. J.B. Shuck will get the start for the Bucks.
Click here for the-Ozone.net recap and here for the story in the Sunday Dispatch.
Penn State recaps: Game One Game Two
What a difference a day makes. Victim of a 15-0 drubbing in the series opener on Friday, Penn State rebounded to win both ends of the doubleheader at Ohio State Saturday, winning by scores of 3-1 and 5-2.
Game One Box Score
Game Two Box Score
The Buckeyes, which had 18 hits Friday, mustered only four hits in game one and actually outhit the Lions in game two, 9-7, but could not get the timely hit. Tony Kennedy, who had a hit in each of the first 17 games this season, saw his hit streak end in game one, going 0-for-2. He was 0-for-4 in game two.
The longest hit streak on the team is now held by Ryan Meade, who has a hit in his last 15 games. Cory Kovanda, now 22-for-39 (.564) in his last 10 games, is riding an 11-game hit streak.
J.B. Shuck delivered the only run in the fifth inning of game one to pull the Buckeyes within a 2-1 score but the Nittany Lions tacked on another run sixth. Dan DeLucia took the loss and fell to 1-1 after allowing just one run on five hits in his 4.0 innings. Drew Rucinski allowed two runs on eight hits in his 3.0 innings.
In game two, Dan Burkhart and Tyler Engle each had two hits. Burkhart and pinch hitter Zach Hurley drove in the Buckeyes' two runs. Dean Wolosiansky took the loss to drop to 2-2. He allowed four runs (three earned) on four hits in his 5.1 innings. Alex Wimmers pitched the last 1.2 and allowed one run on three hits.
Mike Wanamaker and Mike Lorentson got the wins for Penn State, which improved to 7-13 overall and 2-1 in the Big Ten.
Ohio State is now 11-8 overall and 1-2 in conference play and needs a win in the series finale Sunday to salvage a series split. First pitch is at 1:05 p.m. J.B. Shuck will get the start for the Bucks.
Click here for the-Ozone.net recap and here for the story in the Sunday Dispatch.
Penn State recaps: Game One Game Two
Friday, March 28, 2008
Wow! Bucks Slam Lions 15-0
Big Ten Network highlights
Yes, the Buckeyes scored 15 runs on 18 hits in the Big Ten opener. Even more impressive, Ohio State pitchers limited the Nits to just five hits in the 15-0 shellacking of Penn State Friday (box score) at Bill Davis Stadium. The Nittany Lions had just two hits against OSU starter Jake Hale, who tossed 6.0 innings and struck out three against two walks.
All 14 runs crossed the plate in the first three innings and the team went on cruise control after that. Every Buckeye starter had a hit, including Tyler Engle, who finished 4-for-5 with four RBI and one run scored. He had three singles and a double. J.B. Shuck was 3-for-4, drove in one and scored twice. Four other Buckeyes had multiple hits, including Cory Kovanda, Dan Burkhart, Cory Rupert and Ryan Dew. Rupert, Dew and Ryan Meade each had two RBI.
Penn State starter Seth Whitehill was emphatically chased out of the game in the third but the 23 batters he faced roughed him up for 14 runs on 15 hits. Ohio State scored eight runs in the first and added three each in the second and third. David Lutz came on in relief in the third and pitched well. Nittany Lions fans are probably left wondering if maybe he should have started. For the Buckeyes, Josh Edgin found pitched the final three innings and allowed only three hits.
Hopefully, the Bucks’ offense isn't done for the series and can keep piling it on. Ohio State improved to 11-6 on the year and 1-0 in the Big Ten, while Penn State slipped to 5-13 and 0-1. The series continues Saturday with a doubleheader at 1:05 p.m. and concludes Sunday with a single game at 1:05 p.m.
Tonight's game was the first baseball game to be broadcast on the Big Ten Network. Both games Saturday will again be on the Big Ten Network.
Penn State recap.
Check out the Columbus Dispatch article from Friday's game. The-Ozone.net posted a story and photos from the game as well.
Yes, the Buckeyes scored 15 runs on 18 hits in the Big Ten opener. Even more impressive, Ohio State pitchers limited the Nits to just five hits in the 15-0 shellacking of Penn State Friday (box score) at Bill Davis Stadium. The Nittany Lions had just two hits against OSU starter Jake Hale, who tossed 6.0 innings and struck out three against two walks.
All 14 runs crossed the plate in the first three innings and the team went on cruise control after that. Every Buckeye starter had a hit, including Tyler Engle, who finished 4-for-5 with four RBI and one run scored. He had three singles and a double. J.B. Shuck was 3-for-4, drove in one and scored twice. Four other Buckeyes had multiple hits, including Cory Kovanda, Dan Burkhart, Cory Rupert and Ryan Dew. Rupert, Dew and Ryan Meade each had two RBI.
Penn State starter Seth Whitehill was emphatically chased out of the game in the third but the 23 batters he faced roughed him up for 14 runs on 15 hits. Ohio State scored eight runs in the first and added three each in the second and third. David Lutz came on in relief in the third and pitched well. Nittany Lions fans are probably left wondering if maybe he should have started. For the Buckeyes, Josh Edgin found pitched the final three innings and allowed only three hits.
Hopefully, the Bucks’ offense isn't done for the series and can keep piling it on. Ohio State improved to 11-6 on the year and 1-0 in the Big Ten, while Penn State slipped to 5-13 and 0-1. The series continues Saturday with a doubleheader at 1:05 p.m. and concludes Sunday with a single game at 1:05 p.m.
Tonight's game was the first baseball game to be broadcast on the Big Ten Network. Both games Saturday will again be on the Big Ten Network.
Penn State recap.
Check out the Columbus Dispatch article from Friday's game. The-Ozone.net posted a story and photos from the game as well.
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