RF Nolan Keane SR, 5′9, 170 - Keane is a power hitting lefty that hit .314 with 9HR and 32RBI last season. This year he is at .341 with 4HR 10 Doubles and 36RBI while striking out 20 times and walking 36 times. He has a shot to be drafted in the middle rounds with his nice bat and on base abilities. I will be watching him to see if he has any pop or just a hit-for-average type player. I will also be curious to see his arm.

TAKE: Keane swings very hard and has a big stride. He went 2-4 on this night. I didn’t get to see his arm or much defense. With his bat control, decent speed, decent power and good strike zone judgment, I could definitely see Keane develop at the next level. He will be a very tough one to judge where he could be drafted, I would guess somewhere in rounds 20-30.

CF Ben Woodbury SR, 5′10, 175 - Woodbury is a very tough out who very rarely strikes out. Last year he hit .309 and showed a great knack for getting on base with his strike zone discipline. He is tearing it up this year batting .407 with 12 Doubles and 41RBI and only 12 strikeouts. Woodbury is someone I would not want to pitch against and because of his on-base abilities; he has a chance to be drafted in the upper-middle rounds. I think he is one of the top 30 outfielders in the country this year and I will be watching closely to see if his skills will translate to a higher draft pick, possibly in the 5th-10th round area.

TAKE: Woodbury is very small but has excellent bat control and bunts very well. He went 2-4 with 2 runs scored and an RBI in the game I scouted. He is also a good defender. With his on base skills, bat control, defense and speed, he will make a great leadoff hitter at the next level. He should be drafted somewhere near the 5th round.

3B Brayden Drake JR, 5′11, 195 - Drake is hitting .351 with 6HR, 17 Doubles and 56 RBI this year with 22 K’s and 9 walks. I think he may have some hidden power potential as he has 17 doubles to go along with the 6 homeruns. He also has some speed with 13 steals. If he can keep it up, I can definitely see Drake getting drafted fairly early this summer, possibly as high as the 5th round. I will be interested to see if he has a powerful swing and how his defense looks.

TAKE: Drake plays amazing defense and has a very nice arm. He takes a very nice cut and i think he has some power yet to develop. He does have 12 errors but I sure didn’t see much weakness the night i saw him play. He went 0-5 at the plate but i did like his swing and approach. I think Drake is a sleeper and could be drafted as high as the 5th round.

1B Ben Carlson SO, 6′3, 230 - Carlson is batting .397 with 14hr and 58 RBI. He has exploded onto the scene and is making a serious case to be a top 3 rounds type guy this time next year. He has 29 strikeouts to go with only 21 walks and with his average and power, i think he has some good things to offer at the next level. I cant wait to see his swing.

TAKE: Carlson is a big boy! He has huge legs and very good power. He looks a little unbalanced but he sure can hit. He went 2-3 with a HR, a Double, 3 RBI and a run scored in this game. I think he has a chance to be one of the top First basemen in the nation next year and be a top 3 round draft pick.

C Kyle Paul SR, 6′2, 210 - Paul batted .323 with 4HR and 37RBI last year. This year he has been limited and is batting .260 in only 77 at-bats. I’m not sure if he is injured or what is the cause of his lack of at bats. He was drafted in the 41st round in 2006 and he had a chance to get chosen in the top 10 rounds after an improved season. Good catchers that can hit are very hard to come by.

(FUN FACT: Junior OF Ryan Mantle is a 3rd cousin to Mickey Mantle)

RHP Tim Clubb SO, 6′2, 190 - Clubb went 6-3 last year with a 4.07 ERA as a freshman. With the loss of so much of their staff, he automatically became the ace but for good reason. Clubb is a very good pitcher and this year he has a 2.56 ERA with 73 strikeouts in 88 innings pitched. To go along with that he only has 26 walks but has given up 77 hits. Clubb did not pitch in the game i scouted. I would expect Clubb to be a top 5 round draft pick at this point next year.

LHP Buddy Baumann SO, 5′10″, 175 - Baumann is a strikeout pitcher and has 68K’s in 67.2 innings pitched. He does run into trouble on occasion and has a 4.52 ERA. He has given up 33 walks and 68 hits. Baumann did not pitch in the game i scouted. Baumann has the skills to also be a top 5 round pick this time next year.

LHP Aaron Meade FR, 6′2, 175 - Meade is a very talented pitcher with a 4.70 ERA and 60K’s in 53.2 innings. Meade has 28 walks and has given up 49 hits. Meade will have the chance to be a first round pick in 2 years if he can continue to improve and avoid injury. He is very talented. Meade pitched in relief of the game i scouted and faced 3 batters. He walked 1 and struck out 2 and looked to have a very dominant future ahead of him.

RHP Matt Frevert JR, 6′1, 205 - Frevert is the closer and has put up great numbers this year. In 29.1 innings he has struck out 35, walked 18 and given up 28 hits with an ERA of 3.38. Frevert looks like he may have some control issues at times, but manages to succeed at getting out of his troubles. I did not get to see Frevert pitch on this night but i would expect him to be drafted somewhere in the 5-10 round area.

All Photos are the courtesy of Aman Reaka

The 16 candidates hail from nine different conferences, with the SEC producing four and the Pac-10 listing three. Arizona State and Kentucky are the only schools with multiple semifinalists. Eight different positions are represented on the list, including five pitchers, three outfielders and two first basemen.

The Dick Howser Trophy, given in memory of the former Florida State University All-America shortstop and major league player and manager who died of brain cancer in 1987, is regarded by many as college baseball’s most prestigious award.

Criteria for consideration for the trophy include performance on the field, leadership, moral character and courage, qualities that were exemplified by Dick Howser’s life.

A Florida native, Howser was twice an All-America shortstop at Florida State University (1957-58), then coached the Seminoles in 1979 after a career as a major league player and coach. After one year in the college ranks, Howser returned to the majors to manage the New York Yankees and Kansas City Royals and won the World Series with the Royals in 1985. The baseball stadium on the Florida State campus is named for Howser.

The winner’s name is inscribed on the permanent trophy, a bronze bust of Howser displayed at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg - home of the Tampa Bay Rays and the 1999 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four – along with several other locations. Both the winner and his school receive a special trophy to keep.

The St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce is in its 109th year of existence in 2008. The organization has long been a vital force in the baseball affairs of the city, both in spring training and during the pursuit of a major league baseball franchise for the Tampa Bay-St. Petersburg area and continues its solid role in the 21st Century.

NCBWA membership includes writers, broadcasters and publicists. Designed to promote and publicize college baseball, it is the sport’s only college media-related organization, founded in 1962.

The Howser Trophy was created in 1987, shortly after Howser’s death. Previous winners of the Howser Trophy are Mike Fiore, Miami, 1987; Robin Ventura, Oklahoma State, 1988; Scott Bryant, Texas, 1989; Alex Fernandez, Miami-Dade Community College South, 1990; Frank Rodriguez, Howard College (Texas), 1991; Brooks Kieschnick, Texas, 1992 and 1993; Jason Varitek, Georgia Tech, 1994; Todd Helton, Tennessee, 1995; Kris Benson, Clemson, 1996; J. D. Drew, Florida State, 1997; Eddy Furniss, LSU, 1998; Jason Jennings, Baylor, 1999; Mark Teixeira, Georgia Tech, 2000; Mark Prior, P, USC, 2001, Khalil Greene, SS, Clemson, 2002; Rickey Weeks, 2B, Southern U., 2003; Jered Weaver, P, Long Beach State, 2004; Alex Gordon, 3B, Nebraska, 2005; and Brad Lincoln, P/DH, Houston, 2006; David Price, P, Vanderbilt.

2008 DICK HOWSER TROPHY SEMIFINALISTS

Pos. Name, School
Ike Davis, UT, Arizona State
Brett Wallace, 3B, Arizona State
David Cooper, 1B, California
Buster Posey, C, Florida State
Gordon Beckham, SS, Georgia
Chris Shehan, OF, Georgia Southern
Sawyer Carroll, OF, Kentucky
Collin Cowgill, OF, Kentucky
Jemile Weeks 2B, Miami (Fla.)
Aaron Crow, P, Missouri
Johnny Dorn, P, Nebraska
George Brown, P, St. John’s
Brian Matusz, P, San Diego
Stephen Strasburg, P, San Diego State
Justin Smoak, 1B, South Carolina
Shooter Hunt, P, Tulane

Miami (FL) 12 UNC 2

CORAL GABLES, Fla. - Freshman left-handed pitcher Chris Hernandez won for the 10th time with a seven-strikeout performance in 7 2/3 innings and junior first baseman Yonder Alonso hit his second career grand slam - which also was the second one against a team ranked No. 2 - as No. 1 Miami (43-6, 23-3 ACC) cruised to a 12-2 win over the second-ranked Tar Heels (43-10, 20-7 ACC) Thursday night to win the Atlantic Coast Conference Coastal Division. Jemile Weeks and Dave DiNatale each added two hits for Miami, which snapped a four-game losing streak to the Tar Heels.

Miami (FL) Recap
UNC Recap

NC State 12 FSU 2

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — In what was probably the biggest game of the year to date, NC State didn’t come up big; the 18th-ranked Wolfpack came up huge. Matt Payne led a 14-hit attack with three hits and three RBIs, and Eric Surkamp and two relievers combined on a three-hitter to lead the Pack past third-ranked Florida State 12-2 at Dick Howser Stadium.

NC State, which scored in double figures for the fourth game in a row, limited Florida State to a season-low three hits and handed the Seminoles their most lopsided defeat of the season. The victory lifted the Wolfpack to 37-16 overall, and at 18-9 and in fourth place overall in the ACC, NC State sets a school record for conference victories. Combined with Miami’s 12-2 victory over North Carolina, the Wolfpack now is within two games of the third-place Tar Heels with two to play.

NC State Recap
FSU Recap

UVA 4 GT 2

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Matt Packer (So., Germantown, Tenn.) scattered five hits and gave up one run over a career-best seven innings in propelling the No. 28 Virginia baseball team to a 4-2 win over Georgia Tech Thursday night in the series opener at Davenport Field.

John Barr (Fr., Ivyland, Pa.) posted a career-high three hits, while Franco Valdes (So., Miami, Fla.) added two for Virginia. UVa had nine hits on the evening, compared to six for the Yellow Jackets, who received two hits each from Luke Murton and Derek Dietrich.

UVA Recap
GT Recap

Duke 4 VT 2

BLACKSBURG, Va. – Andrew Wolcott held Virginia Tech to one run over six innings before allowing relievers Michael Ness and Alex Hassan to close out the final three innings of a 4-2 Duke win over the Hokies Thursday evening at English Field.

Wolcott scattered six hits and struck out six over his six complete frames while turning in his team-leading sixth quality start of the season. After Virginia Tech tied the game at 2-2 with a two-out rally in the eighth, Hassan (5-0) picked up the final out in the eighth and shut down the Hokies (22-31, 5-23 ACC) in the ninth to lock up the win. Duke broke the 2-2 tie with a two-run ninth that featured a wild pitch that gave Duke the lead and a two-out RBI single by catcher Matt Williams.

Duke broke the 2-2 tie with a two-run ninth that featured a wild pitch that gave Duke the lead and a two-out RBI single by catcher Matt Williams.

Duke Recap
VT Recap

Wake Forest 10 Boston College 3

CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. - Coming into this week’s three-game series at Boston College, Wake Forest needed to win just once to clinch a berth in the ACC Tournament. The Demon Deacons took care of business early, cruising to a 10-3 defeat of the Eagles in game one of the series Thursday afternoon at Commander Shea Field.

The Deacons move to 23-28 overall and 12-15 with their seventh win in their past eight games. Wake has now won five consecutive conference games. Boston College drops to 25-26 overall and 8-20 in the league.

Wake Forest Recap
Boston College Recap

Clemson 9 UCF 1

D.J. Mitchell struck out nine batters, while Ben Paulsen and Stan Widmann each drove in three runs to lead Clemson to a 9-1 win against Central Florida in front of 1,017 fans at Jay Bergman Field on Thursday night. The Tigers, who took a 1-0 series lead, improved to 28-25-1, while the Knights dropped to 31-23. It was Clemson’s first-ever game at Central Florida, as the Tigers evened the all-time series 3-3.

Mitchell (6-4) allowed five hits, one run, and two walks with nine strikeouts in 7.0 innings pitched to earn the win. Justin Sarratt pitched 2.0 scoreless innings of one-hit ball to close out the game. Central Florida starter Kyle Sweat (5-4) suffered the loss, as he allowed six hits, four runs (three earned), and two walks with four strikeouts in 5.1 innings pitched.

Clemson Recap
UCF Recap

Franklin Pierce 16 LIU-C.W. Post 2

RINDGE, N.H. (May 15, 2008) - Top-seeded and host Franklin Pierce University, ranked 14th in this week’s pingbaseball.com Division II poll and 21st in the Collegiate Baseball magazine rankings, belted a program-record matching six home runs in rolling to a 16-2 victory over sixth-seeded LIU-C.W. Post in game one of the 2008 NCAA Division II Northeast Regional Baseball Championship at Dr. Arthur and Martha Pappas Field today.

Franklin Pierce (40-12), which reaches the 40-win plateau for the third-straight year, will face the loser of today’s third game between fourth-seeded Caldwell College (32-17) and third-seeded and No. 26-ranked Southern Connecticut State University (36-17) Friday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. C.W. Post (29-26) will face the loser of today’s second game between fifth-seeded Dowling College (28-17) and second-seeded Bryant University (39-19) tomorrow at 11 a.m.

Franklin Pierce pounded out 20 hits (in 40 official at bats), including ten for extra bases and a program record matching six home runs, on the afternoon. The Ravens homered three times in their eight-run seventh inning to break the game open. All nine starters for Franklin Pierce collected hits, including six with two or more hits, and scored at least one run on the day. Seven of the nine Ravens who started also drove in a run.

Junior preseason All-American Scott Savastano collected three hits, including a homer and double today.

“We have guys who can hit the ball hard with the aluminum (bats) and can hit the ball out,” said Franklin Pierce Head Coach Jayson King. “It’s only one game, but obviously winning the first one is a good start for us.”

Junior leftfielder Cliff Hicks (Merrimack, N.H./Merrimack) led the way for Franklin Pierce, going 4-for-5 with a program record matching two home runs, a stolen base and three RBI. Junior preseason All-American Scott Savastano (Plymouth, N.H./Plymouth North) hit 3-for-5 with a double, homer, three runs scored and three RBI, while classmate Steve Carr (Nahant, Mass./St. Mary’s) batted 3-for-4 with a double, home run, two runs scored and two RBI. Freshman Derek Ingui (Sterling, Mass./Wachusett Regional) finished 3-for-5 with a triple, RBI and two runs scored.

“It’s definitely an advantage when we get the aluminum (bats) in our hands,” said Hicks. “It gives us just that much more confidence at the plate.”

Junior righthander Mike Adams (Orchard Park, N.Y./Orchard Park), the Daktronics Northeast Region Pitcher of the Year, collected his program-record matching tenth win of the season (10-1), allowing an earned run on three hits and three walks with five strikeouts over six innings of work. Junior Vinny Gemma (Revere, Mass./St. John’s Prep) and freshman Robbie Beaudoin (Taunton, Mass./Somerset) combined to allow just an unearned run on five hits with a pair of strikeouts over the final three innings.
Junior Steve Carr also homered and doubled in a three-hit day for Franklin Pierce.

Junior Kyle Walker (Wantaugh, N.Y./Wantagh) batted 3-for-5 with a pair of doubles and two RBI for C.W. Post. Senior Mike Sylvester (Farmingdale, N.Y./Sachem) hit 2-for-4 with two RBI.

Senior Kevin Gerard (Levittown, N.Y./Division Avenue) took the loss (5-4) on the mound for the Pioneers, yielding seven earned runs on nine hits with a strikeout and two walks over four innings.

“(Getting off to the fast start) definitely helps the guys relax and helps the batters,” said King. “People are expecting that we are going to play decent (at home), but when you are able to do it off the bat, it helps everybody.”

Franklin Pierce jumped on top early with a four-run first. Senior Matt Anderson (Medford, Mass./Medford) started the scoring with a two-run double, while Carr followed it up with a two-run homer to right center.

Junior Mike Adams earned his program record matching tenth win of the season.

C.W. Post got on the board with a run in the third on just one hit. Senior Tim Sylvester (Farmingdale, N.Y./Kellenberg Memorial) was hit by an Adams pitch and Mike Sylvester walked, before Walker reached on a chopper in front of the plate that scored Tim Sylvester from third with two out. Franklin Pierce added three in the fourth as senior Kevin Renaud (Southbridge, Mass./Southbridge) belted a two-run homer to left center and Savastano collected an RBI double to right center.

The Pioneers added an unearned run in the seventh as Mike Sylvester reached with a bunt single and later scored on a ground rule double to right center by Walker after the inning was extended on an error. The Ravens answered by busting the game open with eight runs in the home half of the frame. Sophomore Kevin Rivers (Bristol, Conn./Bristol Eastern) got the inning started with a two-run homer to right (his fifth of the postseason). Hicks followed with his first homer of the afternoon, a two-run shot to center, while Ingui posted an RBI triple and Savastano delivered a two-run shot to cap the inning.

Hicks second homer of the day rounded out the scoring on the day in the eighth.

“Putting a 16-2 win on the board certainly sends a message to the rest of the teams that we are going to be tough to beat,” said Hicks.

Dowling 7 Bryant 6

RINDGE, N.H. (May 15, 2008) - Fifth-seeded Dowling College plated the game-winning run in the top of the ninth inning and held off a Bryant University rally in the bottom half of the frame as the Golden Lions upset the second-seeded Bulldogs, 7-6, in game two of the NCAA Division II Northeast Regional Baseball Championship at Dr. Arthur and Martha Pappas Field on Thursday afternoon.

Dowling (29-17) advances into the winner’s bracket of the tournament and will take on the winner of tonight’s third game between No. 26-ranked Southern Connecticut State University (36-17) and Caldwell College (32-17) tomorrow at 6 p.m. Bryant (39-20) will take on sixth-seeded LIU-C.W. Post in an elimination contest tomorrow at 11 a.m.

Senior Kevin Reese (Ronkonkoma, N.Y./Connetquot) paced the Dowling attack with a 4-for-5 effort at the plate with two runs scored, including the game-winning run in the ninth inning. Junior Matthew Monastero (Ridge, N.Y./ Longwood) had three hits and drove in a pair of runs, while classmate David Wendt (Methuen, Mass./Methuen) and senior Chris Caputo (East Islip, N.Y./C.W. Post) each had two hits on the day, while freshman Colin Barnathan (Massapequa, N.Y./St. Anthony’s) added two RBI.

For Bryant, junior Pat McKenna (Orange, Conn./Amity) went 4-for-5 with an RBI, with junior Dave Muscatello (Hopkinton, Mass./University of Connecticut) and senior Jason Alexander (Simsbury, Conn./Simsbury) each contributing three hits apiece. Junior Pat O’Connor (Mattapoisett, Mass./Old Rochester) scored once and drove in two as well for the Bulldogs.

Sophomore Buddy Cipoletti (Islip, N.Y./Wagner College) earned the victory (1-1) for Dowling, throwing 1.1 innings of scoreless relief, including two strikeouts. Sophomore Joe Trainor (Massapequa, N.Y./Hofstra University) came on for the final two outs of the game to earn his seventh save of the season.

Sophomore Eric Polvani (Wallingford, Conn./Sheehan) took the loss (1-2) for the Bulldogs, giving up one earned run on two hits in the ninth inning.

After knotting the game with a run in the top of the eighth, Dowling put together a two-out rally to plate the game-winning run in the top of the ninth. Reese began the rally with a one-out single off the leg of Polvani, and advanced to third base with two outs thanks to a stolen base and a wild pitch. Barnathan then slapped a 1-2 pitch through the right side to score Reese with the go-ahead run.

The Bulldogs threatened in the bottom of the ninth, as McKenna smacked a one-out single and advanced to third on a fielding error by freshman Brian Ferguson (Ronkonkoma, N.Y./ Connetquot). But Trainor came on to induce two pop ups to escape with the victory.

Dowling jumped out to an early four-run lead, scoring twice in the second and third innings. A sacrifice fly by sophomore Daniel Pembroke (Wading River, N.Y./Shoreham-West River) and an RBI single by Monastero gave the Golden Lions a 2-0 edge through two, and the lead was doubled thanks to an RBI double by Wendt and another sac fly, this time by Barnathan.

But Bryant responded with four runs in the bottom half of the third inning, as the first seven batters all reached base. O’Connor got the Bulldogs on the board with a two-run single, and sophomore Jeff Vigurs (South Windsor, Conn./South Windsor) and McKenna followed with RBI singles to knot the game at four.

Caldwell 3 Southern Connecticut 2

RINDGE, N.H. (May 15, 2008) - Fourth-seeded Caldwell College posted a 3-2 victory over third-seeded Southern Connecticut State University, ranked 26th in this week’s pingbaseball.com Division II poll, in game three of the 2008 NCAA Division II Northeast Regional Baseball Championships at Dr. Arthur and Martha Pappas Field tonight.

Caldwell (33-17) will face fifth-seeded Dowling College (29-17) in a winner’s bracket game tomorrow night at 6 p.m. Dowling posted a 7-6 upset of second-seeded Bryant University (39-20) in today’s second game. Southern Connecticut State (36-18) will look to avoid elimination against top-seeded and host Franklin Pierce (40-12) tomorrow at 2:30 p.m. Franklin Pierce, ranked 14th and 21st nationally, rolled to a 16-2 victory over sixth-seeded LIU-C.W. Post (29-26) in today’s opening game. Bryant and C.W. Post will kick off Friday’s schedule with an elimination game at 11 a.m.

Caldwell junior righthander Stephen Pheil (Hampstead, N.Y./Pinkerton Academy) out-dueled Southern Connecticut State junior lefthander Jim Fuller (Marlborough, Mass.), the Northeast-10 Conference Co-Pitcher of the Year, to claim his fifth win of the season (5-4).

Pheil allowed just the two earned runs (both coming in the third inning) on five hits with eight strikeouts and five walks in eight-plus innings of work. Senior Tommy Murphy (Monroe, N.Y./Washingtonville) notched his first save of the season, working around a one-out single with two strikeouts in the ninth.

“It took me a little longer to get in my groove, my fastball was on in spots, but I didn’t have a feel for my breaking pitch,” said Pfeil. “Towards the later innings it started coming on and that was when I started getting strikeouts. Once I settle in, everything come a lot easier and (my stuff) gets a lot better.”

Fuller dropped his second-straight decision (9-3), yielding three runs, just two earned, on seven hits with 13 strikeouts and three walks over eight innings. Junior Mike Connors (Wallingford, Conn./Lyman Hall) allowed a hit with two strikeouts in a scoreless ninth for the Owls.

Murphy also hit 2-for-2 at the plate with a run scored, while sophomore Adric Saxon (Coral Springs, Fla.) batted 2-for-4 with a double and RBI to lead the Caldwell offense. Freshman Gabriel Molina (Bronx, N.Y./Monroe) was 1-for-4 with a home run.

Senior Anthony Fiorillo (New Haven, Conn.) hit 1-for-4 with two RBI to lead Southern. Junior Mo Davidson (Winsted, Conn./Northwestern Regional) was 1-for-2 with three walks and a run scored, while junior Karl Derbacher (Northford, Conn./North Branford) and sophomore Greg Malen (Stamford, Conn./Salisbury) each collected doubles.

Southern, who left ten runners on base - including two each in the first two innings alone, finally broke through with a two-run third. Davidson led off with a single through the left side and Derbacher followed with a double down the rightfield line before Fiorillo drove them both in with a single up the middle.

Pfeil settled down from there and Caldwell knotted the score with a two-run fifth. Sophomore Jon Irwin (Mahopac, N.Y./Mahopac) and Murphy reached on singles. Saxon drove in Irwin with an infield single and Murphy also scored on the play when Southern third baseman Justin Cox’s (Newburgh, N.Y./Newburgh Free Academy) was off the mark at first.

Molina’s sixth home run of the season with two outs in the sixth proved to be the winning run for the Cougars.

Lewis-Clark State 4, Azusa Pacific 3
Matt Fitts pitched a complete game for the Warriors, allowed six hits, struck out nine. Ikaika Lester hit a home run, and singled in the winning run in the seventh inning.

Lewis-Clark State wins their second straight West Coast Super Regional, and Azusa Pacific gets an at-large berth in the national championship tournament.

Plains Super Regional - At Jamestown, ND:

Jamestown 12, Bellevue 6
Cam McLachlan batted in the winning run in the top of the fifth. Nick Damas and Matt Anderson hit home runs for Bellevue.

Jamestown qualifies for the national championship tournament. Bellevue will get an at-large berth if Oklahoma City wins the Mid-South Super Regional.

Mid-South Super-Regional - At Jim Wade Stadium, Oklahoma City University:

Oklahoma City 5, Missouri Baptist 4
B.J. Wheeler went 3-4 for the Stars.

Next game: Friday, May 16, 7 PM

Live stats are available. Oklahoma City has already qualified for the national championship tournament.

Heartland Super Regional – At Richard R. Ferrell Memorial Field, Chicago:

Spring Arbor 10, Saint Xavier 4
Jon Schaible went 3-4 with a triple and four RBI for Spring Arbor. Story from Saint Xavier site: Saint
Xavier Falls to No. 19 Spring Arbor, 10-4; Ends Season.

Spring Arbor qualifies for the national championship tournament.

East Coast Super Regional – At Columbus, OH:

Ohio Dominican 11, Fisher 1 (mercy-ruled after 8
innings)
Jonathan Kountis pitched all eight innings for the Panthers, allowed one run on five hits, struck out eight. Story from CSTV: Ohio Dominican Defeats Fisher (Mass.) in Opening Round of the NAIA East Coast Super Regional Tournament.

Next game: Friday, May 16, 1 PM EDT. If a third game is necessary, it will be played at 4 PM on Friday.

South Central Super Regional - At Cumberland University, Lebanon, TN:

Union 5, Cumberland 3
Joe Grinstead hit a three-run home run for Union. Story from Union College site: Popham nets 16^th win as Union evens series.

Deciding game: Friday, May 16, 2 PM CDT.

Streaming audio and live stats are available from Cumberland.

Atlantic South Super Regional - At Sliwa Stadium, Daytona Beach, FL:

Lee 15, Embry-Riddle 6
Ryan Stovall was 3-5 with a grand slam home run and seven RBI for the Flames. He also pitched two hitless innings.

Lee wins the super regional, and Embry-Riddle gets an at-large berth for the national championship tournament. Lee should be the top seed in the tournament.

Bellevue is sponsored by DeMarini.

The College Baseball Blog will be providing first-hand coverage of the NAIA Baseball National Championship from Lewiston, ID May 23-30.

FROM CBB NEWS SOURCE

ABILENE, Texas – La Verne took advantage of five George Fox errors and Scott Marcus drove in four runs as the Leopards eliminated the Bruins with an 11-6 victory at Walt Driggers Field in day two of the NCAA Division III West Region Championships. The Leopards were behind 4-0 before outscoring the No. 2-seeded Bruins 11-2 in the final six innings.

Marcus knocked in a 3-run homer in the third inning to start off the scoring for La Verne, then the Leopards put up two in the fifth, four in the sixth and two in the eighth to complete the offensive attack. La Verne starter Jesse Sweet scattered six hits and allowed four runs, however, it was Jimmy Wilfong who picked up the win in relief to move to 6-2 on the year. Wilfong threw three innings, allowed just one hit, two runs, walked two and struck out two.

Grant Wheatley shut the door on the Bruins by retiring the final four GFU batters in order including two strikeouts. The Bruins’ Todd Siler did all he could to keep his team in the mix by homering twice and driving in four runs. However, the Bruins’ errors proved costly as only five of La Verne’s 11 runs were earned.

Mark Putney allowed 11 hits over six innings and surrendered nine runs (five earned) while striking out four. Nick Hedgecock and Preston Langeliers combined for the final two innings of relief; each allowed one hit and one unearned run.

George Fox’s season ends with a 28-14 record while La Verne will move on to Friday with its opponent to be decided by game five and six Thursday.

GAME PICTURES

La Verne Recap

George Fox Recap

IRVING, Texas — The Big 12 Conference has named 62 student-athletes to the 2008 Academic All-Big 12 Baseball Team, the league office announced.

Nebraska led the conference with nine selections — seven on the first team and two on the second.

Individually, Brett Scott ( Kansas State ) received special recognition for posting a 4.00 grade point average.

Nominated by each institution’s director of student-athlete support services and the media relations offices, the baseball academic all-league team consisted of 46 first team members combined with 16 on the second team. First team members consist of those who have maintained a 3.20 or better GPA, and the second team are those who have a 3.00 to 3.19 GPA.

To qualify student-athletes must maintain a 3.00 GPA or higher either cumulative or the two previous semesters. All players nominated must have participated in 60 percent of their team’s scheduled contests, while pitchers are required to have at least one inning pitched per game played by the team or have appeared in 20 percent of their team’s total games. Freshmen and transfers are not eligible in their first year of academic residence. Senior student-athletes who have participated for a minimum of two years and meet all the criteria except percent of participation are also eligible.

The Phil lips 66 Big 12 Baseball Championship returns to Oklahoma City ’s AT&T Bricktown Ballpark on May 21-25.

The eight teams with the best conference records (percentage-wise) in regular season competition qualify for the championship. The event is in a two-division, pool-play format, in which each of the squads competing is guaranteed a minimum of three games.

Past championship winners include Kansas (2006), Nebraska (1999-2001, ‘05), Oklahoma (1997), Oklahoma State (2004) Texas (2002-03), Texas A&M (2007) and Texas Tech (1998).

2008 Academic All-Big 12 baseball Team

First Team (3.20-plus GPA; * - indicates nominated with a 4.00 GPA)

Name, School Class Major Hometown

Erik Forestiere, Baylor Sr. Political Science Pine Bluff , Arkansas

Shaver Hansen, Baylor So. Business Grand Junction , Colorado

Willie Kempf, Baylor So. Business Castroville , Texas

Wade Mackey, Baylor So. Speech Communication Van, Texas

Tim Matthews, Baylor Sr. Political Science Carrolton, Texas

Aaron Miller, Baylor So. Business Channelview , Texas

Shawn Tolleson, Baylor Fr. Health Science Studies Health Science Studies

Kendal Volz, Baylor So. Business Bulverde , Texas

Justin Ellrich, Kansas Sr. Chemical Engineering Manchester , Mo.

Nick Faunce, Kansas Jr. Chemistry Eugene , Ore.

Paul Smyth, Kansas Jr. Business Marketing Atascadero, Calif.

Joe Southers, Kansas Sr. Economics Boise , Idaho

Chase Bayuk, Kansas State Sr. Management Hurst , Texas

Brad Hutt , Kansas State Sr. Athletic Training Papillion , Nebraska

Brett Scott, Kansas State * Sr. Business Administration Manhattan , Kan.

Todd Vogel, Kansas State Jr. Construction Science and Management Ankeny , Iowa

Trevor Coleman, Missouri So. Business Dripping Springs , Texas

Dan Piet rob urgo, Missouri Sr. Communication Bellville , Ill.

Jacob Priday, Missouri Sr. Agriculture Economics Sikeston , Mo.

Aaron Senne, Missouri So. Business Rochester , Minn.

DJ Belfonte , Nebraska So. Finance Kansas City , Mo.

Zach Herr , Nebraska Jr. Pre Special Education Omaha , Neb.

Dan Jennings, Nebraska Jr. Economics West Des Moines , Iowa

Jake Mort, Nebraska Jr. Spanish Nebraska City , Neb.

Bryce Nimmo, Nebraska Sr. Finance Cheyenne , Wyo.

Nick Sullivan, Nebraska Jr. Finance Arvada , Colo.

Jeff Tezak, Nebraska Sr. History Poway , Calif.

Jarod Freeman, Oklahoma Sr. Sociology Oklahoma City , Okla.

Dusty Harvard , Oklahoma State So. Sports Management Casper , Wyo.

Tyler Lyons, Oklahoma State So. Business Lubbock , Texas

Jordy Mercer, Oklahoma State Jr. Education Taloga , Okla.

Drew Bishop , Texas Jr. Sports Management Rockwall , Texas

Riley Boening, Texas Jr. Kinesiology Yoakum , Texas

Russell Moldenhauer, Texas So. Kinesiology/Pre-Physical Therapy Boerne , Texas

Keith Shinaberry, Texas Jr. Corporate Communication Austin , Texas

Travis Tucker, Texas Jr. Education/Youth and Community Studies Killeen , Texas

Austin Wood, Texas Jr. corporate communication Kingwood, Texas

Darby Brown, Texas A&M Sr. Agriculture Leadership & Development Lubbock , Texas

Evan Gerald, Texas A&M Jr. Industrial Distribution Amarillo , Texas

Blake Rampy, Texas A&M Sr. Agriculture Leadership & Development Tomball , Texas

Daman Aaron , Texas A&M Sr. Agriculture Leadership & Development Lubbock , Texas

Brian Ruggiano , Texas A&M Jr. Agriculture Leadership & Development Austin , Texas

Kyle Thebeau , Texas A&M Jr. Petroleum Engineering Corpus Christi , Texas

Roger Kieschnick, Texas Tech Jr. Exercise Sport Science Rockwall , Texas

Brian Cloud, Texas Tech Jr. Management and Business Lubbock , Texas

Jason Seefeld , Texas Tech Sr. Management and Business Clovis , N.M.

Second Team (3.00 to 3.19 gPA)

Name, School Class Major Hometown

Erik Morrison, Kansas Sr. Sports Management Arroyo Grande , Calif.

AJ Morris, Kansas State Jr. Finance Humble, Texas

Nate Tenbrink, Kansas State Jr. Management Olathe , Kan.

Kurt Calvert, Missouri Sr. General Studies Wildwood, Mo.

Scooter Hicks, Missouri Jr. Business Houston , Texas

Jake Opitz, Nebraska Sr. Sociology Littleton , Colo.

Thad Weber, Nebraska Sr. Biological Sciences Friend, Neb.

Aaron Baker, Oklahoma So. Undecided Denton , Texas

Drew Roberts, Oklahoma Sr. Sociology Mesquite , Texas

Josh Neal , Oklahoma State Sr. Management Haskell , Okla.

Preston Clark , Texas Jr. Education/Youth and Community Studies Rockwall , Texas

Pat McCrory , Texas Jr. Education Kilgore , Texas

Travis Starling, Texas A&M So. Accounting Yoakum , Texas

Blake Stouffer, Texas A&M Sr. Construction Science San Antonio , Texas

Sam Janca , Texas Tech So. Agriculture & Applied Economics Georgetown , Texas

AJ Ramos , Texas Tech Jr. General Studies Lubbock , Texas

FROM CBB NEWS SOURCE

ABILENE, Texas – California State-East Bay took advantage of McMurry early and jumped out to an early 11-0 lead before holding on for a 14-7 win at Walt Driggers Field Wednesday night. Mark Marelich hit a third inning grand slam, Jesus Muela had five hits and three RBI and Matt Veira moved to 10-2 on the mound as CSUEB rolled to a win in the first day of the NCAA Division III West Region Baseball Championships.

The Pioneers jumped on McMurry starter Cody Curry and touched the junior starter up for seven runs (five earned). Curry left in the third with the bases loaded and on reliever Arnold Toombs’ first pitch, Marelich hit a towering homer to left field to clear the bases.

Every hitter in the East Bay lineup had a hit besides Jacob Haberman and seven of the nine hitters in the Pioneer order drove in a run. Veira threw six innings, allowed four runs walked two and struck out eight for CSUEB while John Volk closed the final three innings and allowed three runs.

Toombs threw five innings, surrendered 10 hits, seven runs, five walks and three strikeouts. Kyle Martin and Cory Davis each threw scoreless innings in relief for McMurry to close the game.

Steven Yurchick had two hits and drove in two while Thomas Beckham was also 2 for 4 with two RBI in the losing effort for McMurry.

The Pioneers improved to 27-14 on the season and move on to play Trinity at 7 p.m. Thursday. McMurry faces elimination against the No. 1 team in the nation, Chapman, at 3:30 p.m. Thursday. McMurry fell to 29-18 on the year and now is 1-7 all time in NCAA regional playoff games.

Pictures from the Game

Lewis-Clark State 4, Azusa Pacific 3
Sean Halton went 4-4 with a home run for the Warriors. Michael Guerrero went seven innings, got the win. Warrior Coach Ed Cheff was ejected in the second inning.

Next game: Thursday, May 15, 6 PM PDT.

All Lewis-Clark State games are webcast by KOZE. Both teams have already qualified for the national championship tournament.

Plains Super Regional - At Jamestown, ND:

Jamestown 6, Bellevue 5
Ben Cairns hit a two-run home run in the top of the ninth to win it for the Jimmies.

Next game: Thursday, May 15, 1 PM CDT.

Live play-by-play is available from Jamestown.

Mid-South Super-Regional - At Jim Wade Stadium, Oklahoma City University:

Oklahoma City vs. Missouri Baptist

First game: Thursday, May 15, 7 PM

Live stats are available. Oklahoma City has already qualified for the national championship tournament.

Heartland Super Regional – At Richard R. Ferrell Memorial Field, Chicago:

Spring Arbor 3, Saint Xavier 1
Jesse Bachman pitched a complete game for Spring Arbor, gave up four hits, no walks, struck out seven. Dan Miller of Saint Xavier also pitched a complete game, allowed five hits. Story from Saint Xavier site: SXU Drops First Game of Super Regional, 3-1, to Spring Arbor.

Next game: Thursday, May 15, 3:30 PM CDT.

East Coast Super Regional – At Columbus, OH:

Ohio Dominican vs. Fisher

First game: Thursday, May 15, 2 PM EDT.

South Central Super Regional - At Cumberland University, Lebanon, TN:

Cumberland 10, Union 9
Story from CSTV: Jiles 3-run Home Run Lifts Cumberland (Tenn.) Past Union, 10-9

Next game: Thursday, May 15, 2 PM CDT.

Streaming audio and live stats are available from Cumberland.

Atlantic South Super Regional - At Sliwa Stadium, Daytona Beach, FL:

Lee 9, Embry-Riddle 5
Jeff Ibarra and Pablo Lopez held the Eagles scoreless the last four innings. DH Ryan Stovall went 3-4 with a triple.

Next game: Thursday, May 15, 7 PM EDT.

Streaming audio, live stats, and streaming video (for a price) are available from Embry-Riddle. Both teams have already qualified for the national championship tournament.

Bellevue is sponsored by DeMarini.

The College Baseball Blog will be providing first-hand coverage of the NAIA Baseball National Championship from Lewiston, ID May 23-30.