How Baseball America’s Top 25 teams fared in Week 5.
1. SOUTH CAROLINA
Last Week: 3-1.
Overall: 18-1, 2-1 in SEC. (5-1 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 5-0.
After losing their first game of the year Friday, the Gamecocks rallied for an improbable doubleheader sweep Saturday to win the series. Mississippi’s Auston Bousfield hit a sixth-inning grand slam Friday off Jordan Montgomery (6 IP, 6 H, 6 ER, 3 BB, 5 K), turning a 4-2 deficit into a 6-4 lead for the Rebels, who won by that score. The Rebels were on the verge of clinching the big road series, with a three-run lead heading into the bottom of the ninth inning of Saturday’s first game, when the remarkable Gamecocks rallied for three runs with two outs. Max Schrock, battling an ankle injury, came off the bench to hit a game-tying, pinch-hit, two-run homer, and the Gamecocks won it 5-4 on Brison Celek’s pinch-hit RBI single in the 10th. South Carolina’s bullpen was characteristically brilliant in that one, as Reed Scott (6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K) kept the Gamecocks in it, and Joel Seddon picked up the win with another scoreless inning. Wil Crowe (5.1 IP, 6 H, 1 ER) was strong in the finale, Cody Mincey worked three scoreless innings of relief, and Seddon got the final two outs to pick up another save. South Carolina’s bullpen hasn’t given up a run in 61.1 consecutive innings, dating back to opening day.
RESULTS
March 11: Furman: W 5-0
March 14-15: (21) Mississippi: L 6-4, W 5-4, W 3-1
UPCOMING
March 18: @ The Citadel
March 21-23: @ Kentucky
2. FLORIDA STATE
Last Week: 5-0.
Overall: 17-2, 5-1 in ACC (5-1 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 5-0.
The Seminoles made it clear that they are still the top dog in the ACC Atlantic Division, sweeping N.C. State. Luke Weaver (6.1 IP, 7 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 K) out-dueled Carlos Rodon (6.2 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 4 BB, 12 K) on Friday, as Justin Gonzalez hit an RBI triple and scored on D.J. Stewart’s single to put FSU up for good in the fifth. Brandon Leibrandt (5.1 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 8 K) was solid in the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader, and FSU got a combined seven hits, four runs and five RBIs out of D.J. Stewart, John Nogowski and Ben DeLuzio. Each team pounded out 17 hits in the finale, as DeLuzio and Nogowski combined for five more to lead FSU’s attack. Andrew Knizner (5-for-7, 3 RBI) gave N.C. State the lead with an RBI single in the top of the 13th, but Nogowski’s sacrifice fly tied it in the bottom of the frame, and Jose Brizuela (2-for-6, 2 R, 2 RBI) followed with a walk-off RBI single. The Wolfpack has still never won a series in Tallahassee.
RESULTS
March 11-12: @ Central Florida: W 11-10, W 18-1
March 14-15: (5) North Carolina State: W 6-1, W 8-2, W 9-8 (13 innings)
UPCOMING
March 18: @ Florida
March 21-23: @ (13) Clemson
3. VIRGINIA
Last Week: 4-0.
Overall: 15-3, 5-1 in ACC. (0-0 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 4-0.
UVa. allowed just four runs in a three-game sweep of Boston College. Kenny Towns (3-for-3, 2 R, 3 RBI, 2 2B) spearheaded Virginia’s 14-hit assault Friday behind Nathan Kirby (6.1 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K). With Derek Fisher sidelined with a hamate injury, Mike Papi slid from first base to left field, Nick Howard took over at first, and John La Prise started at DH (and had three hits). In the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader, Connor Jones and Nick Howard combined for seven innings of shutout relief, striking out nine, and Howard hit a walk-off RBI single in the 12th. Howard had two more hits in the nightcap behind Brandon Waddell (6.1 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K), and UVa. scored the winning run on an error in the ninth.
RESULTS
March 11: James Madison: W 13-2
March 14-16: Boston College: W 8-1, W 3-2, W 2-1
UPCOMING
March 18: Rutgers
March 19: Towson
March 22-24: @ (25) Miami
4. OREGON STATE
Last Week: 4-0.
Overall: 18-3, 3-0 in Pac-12. (1-0 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 3-0.
The Beavers opened Pac-12 play by outscoring Utah 19-2 in a three-game sweep, running their winning streak to 10 games (tied with Kansas State for the nation’s longest). Kavin Keyes (3-for-5, 2 RBI) and Michael Conforto (2-for-3, 2 R, HR, RBI) led the OSU offense Friday in support of Ben Wetzler (8 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K), who carried a no-hitter into the eighth inning; he has allowed just seven hits and five walks in 23.2 innings in his first three starts, going 3-0, 0.76. Andrew Moore (6.1 IP, 8 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K) returned to the rotation Saturday after a one-week absence for illness and pitched well. Conforto (2-for-3, R, 3 RBI, 2B) led the offense again Sunday in support of Jace Fry, who followed last week’s no-hitter with a three-hit shutout, striking out six without issuing a walk. He needed just 89 pitches to go the distance, a week after he threw 97 pitches in his no-hitter.
RESULTS
March 11: Ohio State: W 4-3
March 14-16: @ Utah: W 6-1, W 5-1, W 8-0
UPCOMING
March 21-23: Arizona State
5. LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE
Last Week: 4-0.
Overall: 17-2, 3-0 in Sun Belt (3-1 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 5-0.
The Ragin’ Cajuns opened Sun Belt play by obliterating ULM 39-4 in a three-game sweep. Austin Robichaux (9 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 10 K) was outstanding Friday, the second time in three weeks Robichaux has recorded double-digit strikeouts in a complete-game victory (he also did it against Alabama). Blake Trahan (3-for-5, 2 R) and Tyler Girouard (2-for-4, HR, 2B, 3 RBI) led a balanced 15-hit attack Saturday in support of Carson Baranik (6 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 8 K). Michael Strentz (5-for-5, 4 R, 5 RBI) smacked three of ULL’s seven home runs Sunday in support of Cody Boutte (5 IP, 6 H, 1 ER).
RESULTS
March 12: @ Tulane: W 7-4
March 14-16: @ Louisiana-Monroe: W 4-1, W 14-1, W 21-2 (7 innings)
UPCOMING
March 18-19: vs./@ Nicholls State
March 21-23: Georgia State
6. VANDERBILT
Last Week: 3-1.
Overall: 18-3, 2-1 in SEC (2-1 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 5-0.
The Commodores lost Friday’s opener but swept Saturday’s doubleheader to win its SEC-opening series against LSU. LSU took advantage of two Vandy errors and a wild pitch to erase a 2-0 deficit with four runs in the eighth Friday. Tyler Beede (7.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 7 K) was very strong in a tough-luck loss. In the first game of Saturday’s twin bill, Vince Conde (3-for-4, 2 RBI, 2B) led a 10-hit attack in support of Jared Miller (6.2 IP, 2 H, 1 ER), who improved to 5-0. The Commodores jumped on Kyle Bouman (4 IP, 4 H, 3 ER) for three runs in the first inning and extended their lead with two crucial insurance runs in the seventh. The top two hitters in Vandy’s lineup, Dansby Swanson and Bryan Reynolds, combined for five hits and five RBIs in the finale, and Hayden Stone (5.1 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 10 K) earned the win with overpowering relief work.
RESULTS
March 11: Eastern Illinois: W 11-2
March 14-15: (8) Louisiana State: L 4-2, W 5-3, W 9-3
UPCOMING
March 18: @ Belmont
March 21-23: @ (21) Mississippi State
7. CAL POLY
Last Week: 6-0.
Overall: 17-3, 0-0 in Big West (5-1 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 4-0-1.
The Mustangs had a 6-0 week against two opponents who are a combined 3-26 on the season. Matt Imhof (8 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 14 K) struck out 14 or more batters in a game for the third time in five starts on Friday. Brian Mundell (2-for-4, 2 R, 2 2B) led the offense Saturday behind Casey Bloomquist (7 IP, 8 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 10 K). Jimmy Allen (3-for-4, R, 4 RBI, 2B, 3B) led the offense Sunday in support of Justin Calomeni (5.1 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 4 BB, 5 K), who earned his second win of the week (12 IP).
RESULTS
March 11-13: Northern Illinois: W 4-2, W 10-1, W 11-9
March 12-16: Wagner: W 8-1, W 3-1, W 7-2
UPCOMING
March 21-24: California
8. LOUISIANA STATE
Last Week: 3-2.
Overall: 17-4, 1-2 in SEC. (1-3 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 3-1.
LSU won Friday’s series opener at Vandy but was swept in Saturday’s doubleheader. Aaron Nola (6.2 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 12 K) tied a career high for strikeouts Friday, and LSU took advantage of two Vandy errors and a wild pitch to erase a 2-0 deficit with four runs in the eighth, highlighted by Andrew Stevenson’s go-ahead two-run single. The Commodores jumped on Kyle Bouman (4 IP, 4 H, 3 ER) for three runs in the first inning in Saturday’s first game and extended their lead with two crucial insurance runs in the seventh. Jared Poche (4.1 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, 5 BB, 3 K) took his first loss for LSU in the finale.
RESULTS
March 11: Nicholls State: W 5-3
March 12: Southern: W 8-0
March 14-15: @ (7) Vanderbilt: W 4-2, L 5-3, L 9-3
UPCOMING
March 19: South Alabama
March 21-23: Georgia
9. CAL STATE FULLERTON
Last Week: 2-2.
Overall: 10-7, 0-0 in Big West. (3-0 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 4-1.
The Titans won a hard-fought series against St. Mary’s but have lost four of their last six games. J.D. Davis had four hits Friday, including a walk-off two-run single in the 13th to lift the Titans to a 7-6 win. Koby Gauna (4 IP, 3 H, 1 ER) earned the win with strong relief of Thomas Eshelman (9 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 9 K). With Justin Garza sidelined a week with arm tightness, Grahamm Wiest (8 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 7 K) started Saturday and took the loss, as the Titans made three errors behind him, and their offense mustered just four hits. Matt Chapman (2-for-4, 2 R, RBI) led the offense Sunday in support of Phil Bickford (6 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 K), who earned the win in his first career weekend start. The Titans overcame three more errors in that one, including the fifth of the year by shortstop Keegan Dale (.857 fielding percentage).
RESULTS
March 11: @ San Diego: L 5-3
March 14-16: St. Mary’s: W 6-5 (13 innings), L 6-0, W 4-2
UPCOMING
March 18: UNLV
March 21-23: Long Beach State
10. NORTH CAROLINA STATE
Last Week: 1-3.
Overall: 14-5, 3-3 in ACC. (0-4 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 2-1-1.
N.C. State was swept in Tallahassee, where it has never won a series. The Wolfpack is now 7-28 all-time at FSU. Luke Weaver (6.1 IP, 7 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 K) out-dueled Carlos Rodon (6.2 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 4 BB, 12 K) on Friday, and Florida State broke it open late against the N.C. State bullpen. Rodon fell to 2-3 on the year, despite a 2.45 ERA and a 42-11 K-BB mark in 37 innings. Logan Jernigan (4.1 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 5 BB, 5 K) took the loss in the opener of Saturday’s doubleheader, and FSU chased Brad Stone (1 IP, 3 H, 4 ER) in a four-run second inning in the nightcap. Andrew Knizner (5-for-7, 3 RBI) gave N.C. State the lead with an RBI single in the top of the 13th of the finale, but the Seminoles finally got to Eric Peterson (5.2 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 7 K) for two runs in the bottom of the frame.
RESULTS
March 11: @ Stetson: W 6-1
March 14-15: @ (2) Florida State: L 6-1, L 8-2, L 9-8 (13 innings)
UPCOMING
March 19: Elon
March 21-23: @ Maryland
11. RICE
Last Week: 5-0.
Overall: 15-6, 5-1 in C-USA. (2-1 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 4-0.
The Owls opened Conference USA play by sweeping a road series against FIU, which carried a 16-1 record into the weekend. Michael Aquino’s RBI single in the 13th lifted the Owls to a 3-2 win Friday. Zech Lemond (8 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 K) was solid in a no-decision for Rice, and Matt Ditman (5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 8 K) was brilliant in relief to pick up the win. John Clay Reeves (5-for-5, R, 2 RBI, 2B) led Rice’s 16-hit assault Saturday in support of Blake Fox (8 IP, 10 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 K). Keenan Cook (2-for-5, 2 R, 4 RBI, 2B), Chase McDowell (3-for-5, 5 RBI, 2B) and Ford Stainback (4-for-5, 3 R) powered the Rice offense Sunday, and McDowell (4 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 5 K) earned the win in relief.
RESULTS
March 11: Texas Christian: W 5-0
March 12: Texas A&M-Corpus Christi: W 12-10
March 14-16: @ Florida International: W 3-2 (13 innings), W 10-2, W 11-7
UPCOMING
March 18: @ Texas State
March 21-23: Florida Atlantic
12. OREGON
Last Week: Last Week: 2-1.
Overall: 14-5, 2-1 in Pac-12. (0-3 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 4-1.
Oregon opened conference play by taking two of three from USC. The Trojans beat Tommy Thorpe (7 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 7 K) on Friday, pushing across a crucial insurance run in the eighth. Mitchell Tolman (2-for-5, 2 2B, 4 RBI) led a balanced 11-hit attack Saturday behind Matt Krook (6.1 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 4 BB, 6 K). Tyler Baumgartner (2-for-5, 3 RBI, 2B) led the Oregon offense Sunday in support of Jeff Gold (6.2 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 6 K).
RESULTS
March 14-16: Southern California: L 3-2, W 7-2, W 7-2
UPCOMING
March 21-23: Utah
13. CLEMSON
Last Week: 3-1.
Overall: 12-6, 5-1 in ACC (0-3 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 4-1.
Clemson won a road series at Wake Forest and has won six of its last seven games. The Demon Deacons came from behind with two runs in the eighth Friday. Chris Okey had a three-run homer in a losing cause for Clemson, and Daniel Gossett (6 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 4 BB, 4 K) was solid in a no-decision. Tyler Slaton and Jay Baum combined for six hits and seven RBIs to lead Clemson’s 18-hit barrage in the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader. The Tigers rapped out 14 more hits in the finale, led by Garrett Boulware (3-for-5, 3 R).
RESULTS
March 12: Appalachian State: W 2-1
March 14-15: @ Wake Forest: L 4-3, W 16-6, W 7-4
UPCOMING
March 18-19: @ Georgia Southern
March 21-23: (2) Florida State
14. LOUISVILLE
Last Week: 5-0.
Overall: 15-4, 0-0 in AAC. (0-1 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 3-0.
The Cardinals scored 42 runs in a three-game sweep of Samford to run their winning streak to seven games. Grant Kay and Zach Lucas had five RBIs apiece as part of Louisville’s 16-hit attack Friday. Lucas hit a pair of two-run homers, helping Kyle Funkhouser (6 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 8 K) earn the win. Sutton Whiting and Lucas had three hits and three runs apiece to lead a balanced 18-hit barrage in support of Jared Ruxer (7 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K) in the first game of Saturday’s twin bill. Louisville took advantage of four Samford errors in the second game, and Kyle McGrath (2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K) earned the win in relief of Jake Sparger (3.1 IP, 5 H, 1 ER).
RESULTS
March 11-12: Western Illinois: W 8-0, W 5-2
March 14-15: Samford: W 20-10, W 18-2, W 4-2
UPCOMING
March 19: @ Indiana
March 21-23: Rutgers
15. TEXAS
Last Week: 2-2.
Overall: 15-6, 1-2 in Big 12 (1-0 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 2-1-1.
Texas lost a home series to Kansas for the first time since 1996. The Jayhawks jumped on Parker French (6.1 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 3 K) for two runs in the first Friday and held on for the win. The Longhorns scored a pair of unearned runs in the first Saturday, and Dillon Peters (7.1 IP, 5 H, 1 ER) made it stand up. John Curtiss (1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R) picked up his fourth save in that one. Nathan Thornhill (5.1 IP, 1 H, 1 ER) was strong in a no-decision Sunday, but KU broke a 1-1 tie with five runs in the ninth against Morgan Cooper (3 IP, 4 H, 3 ER) and Ty Culbreth.
RESULTS
March 11: @ Texas State: W 6-3
March 14-16: Kansas: L 3-2, W 2-1, L 6-1
UPCOMING
March 18: Dallas Baptist
March 21-23: Columbia
16. SAM HOUSTON STATE
Last Week: 3-1.
Overall: 16-4, 3-0 in Southland (2-2 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 4-0.
The Bearkats opened Southland Conference play with a road sweep of New Orleans. Anthony Azar had three hits, including his first homer of the year, Friday in support of Tyler Eppler (6.2 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 K). Azar went bonkers in the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader, launching a three-run homer and a grand slam in support of Sam Odom (6 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 3 ER). Colt Atwood and Ryan O’Hearn had two hits and two RBIs apiece in the second game behind Dirk Masters (7 IP, 4 H,1 ER, 0 BB, 6 K).
RESULTS
March 11: Texas-San Antonio: L 9-2
March 14-16: @ New Orleans: W 6-3, W 14-4, W 7-2
UPCOMING
March 18: @ Texas-Arlington
March 21-23: @ Central Arkansas
17. NORTH CAROLINA
Last Week: 4-1.
Overall: 14-5, 4-2 in ACC. (0-0 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 4-1.
The Tar Heels won a conference road series at Maryland. Tom Zengel (3-for-3) hit a pair of solo homers Friday in support of Trent Thornton (7 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 8 K), as the Tar Heels beat Jake Stinnett (6 IP, 5 H, 4 ER). Benton Moss (7.1 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 5 BB, 4 K) was solid in a no-decision Saturday, but Charlie White delivered a walk-off RBI single in the ninth. Michael Russell (3-for-5, R, 2 RBI, 3B) led the UNC offense Sunday behind Zac Gallen (5.2 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER), and the Tar Heels broke open a one-run game with four runs in the ninth.
RESULTS
March 11: George Mason: W 13-3
March 12: Gardner-Webb: W 7-1
March 14-16: @ Maryland: W 7-0, L 3-2, W 9-4
UPCOMING
March 18: Princeton
March 21-23: Georgia Tech
18. TENNESSEE
Last Week: 3-1.
Overall: 17-2, 2-1 in SEC (0-0 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 5-0.
The Volunteers dropped Friday’s series opener but bounced back to sweep Saturday’s doubleheader to open SEC play with a road series win. The Tigers overcame a 2-0 deficit with three runs in the seventh Friday against the Tennessee bullpen, then added two more in the eighth to win 5-2. Nick Williams (6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K) was strong in a no-decision for the Vols. Nick Senzel and Vincent Jackson had two hits and two RBIs apiece in the first game of Saturday’s twin bill, and Andy Cox (3.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R) earned the win in relief of Hunter Martin (3.2 IP, 5 H, 1 ER). Senzel had two more hits in the nightcap, and Scott Price hit a tie-breaking RBI triple to key Tennessee’s three-run eighth-inning rally. Drake Owenby (3.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R) picked up the win in that one.
RESULTS
March 11: Middle Tennessee State: W 2-0
March 14-15: @ Missouri: L 5-2, W 5-1, W 4-1
UPCOMING
March 18: Austin Peay State
March 21-23: Auburn
19. UC SANTA BARBARA
Last Week: 3-1.
Overall: 13-3, 0-0 in Big West (3-0 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 3-0.
The Gauchos took two of three from MVC favorite Wichita State. Justin Jacome (8.1 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K) carried a shutout into the ninth Friday, and Dillon Tate got the final two outs to preserve UCSB’s 2-1 win. Woody Woodward and Andrew Calica had two hits and one RBI apiece for the Gauchos. Robby Nesovic (4.2 IP, 5 H, 6 R, 3 ER) took the loss Saturday, and the Shockers poured it on against the UCSB bullpen. Domenic Mazza (6.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 7 K) was strong in a no-decision Sunday, and the Gauchos broke a 2-2 tie on Billy Fredrick’s walk-off, pinch-hit RBI double in the ninth.
RESULTS
March 11: Pepperdine: W 2-1
March 14-16: Wichita State: W 2-1, L 16-5, W 3-2
UPCOMING
March 21-23: Wagner
20. MISSISSIPPI
Last Week: 3-2.
Overall: 17-4, 1-2 in SEC (1-2 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 4-1.
Ole Miss was on the verge of winning a road series at top-ranked South Carolina before the Gamecocks rallied in the ninth inning of Saturday’s first game, then won the nightcap to take the series. Auston Bousfield (3-for-5) hit a sixth-inning grand Friday turning a 4-2 deficit into a 6-4 lead for the Rebels, who held on to win by that score. Aaron Greenwood, Wyatt Short and Josh Laxier combined to work 3.2 perfect innings of relief to nail down the win for Chris Ellis (5.1 IP, 10 H, 4 R, 3 ER). Ole Miss carried a three-run lead into the bottom of the ninth inning of Saturday’s first game, when the Gamecocks rallied for three runs with two outs, then won it in the 10th. Will Allen (3-for-5, 2 RBI) led the Ole Miss offense behind Christian Trent (6 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K), but Josh Laxer (0.1 IP, 4 H, 3 ER) couldn’t nail down the win. Allen had three more hits in the nightcap, and Sam Smith (7 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K) pitched well in defeat.
RESULTS
March 11-12: @ Southeastern Louisiana: W 2-1, W 8-3
March 14-16: @ (1) South Carolina: W 6-4, L 5-4, L 3-1
UPCOMING
March 19: Arkansas State
March 21-23: Missouri
21. MISSISSIPPI STATE
Last Week: 3-1.
Overall: 15-8, 2-1 in SEC (0-0 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 2-0-1.
Mississippi State won a road series in Athens for the first time since 1997. MSU got a poor start from Ben Bracewell (2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER) in Friday’s loss, but the Maroon Bulldogs bounced back to sweep Saturday’s doubleheader. Ross Mitchell (9 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 4 BB, 5 K) made the start and went the distance in the first game, improving to 19-1 in his career. Jacob Lindgren and Jonathan Holder worked a combined 4.1 scoreless innings in the nightcap, and C.T. Bradford led the offense with two hits and two RBIs.
RESULTS
March 11: Southern Illinois: W 3-0
March 14-16: @ Georgia: L 7-1, W 6-1, W 4-1
UPCOMING
March 21-23: (6) Vanderbilt
22. UCLA
Last Week: 4-0.
Overall: 12-7, 3-0 in Pac-12 (1-0 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 2-1.
UCLA’s rollercoaster ride continued, as the Bruins followed up a 1-3 week with a 4-0 week, including a road series win at Cal to open Pac-12 play. James Kaprielian (8 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 5 K) was strong Friday, and Christoph Bono’s RBI double in the ninth broke a 2-2 tie. Ty Moore led UCLA’s offense with three hits. Kevin Williams hit a tie-breaking two-run homer in the seventh Saturday in support of Grant Watson (8 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K). Eight Bruins recorded hits as part of a balanced 11-hit attack Sunday behind Cody Poteet (7 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K).
RESULTS
March 11: UC Irvine: W 5-0
March 14-16: @ California: W 3-2, W 3-1, W 6-1
UPCOMING
March 21-23: Washington State
23. HOUSTON
Last Week: 4-0.
Overall: 15-3, 0-0 in AAC (2-2 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 3-0.
The Cougars followed a midweek win against Baylor with a sweep of Towson; their resume also includes wins at Southern California, UCLA and Rice. Caleb Barker’s three-run double in the third inning put Houston ahead for good Friday, as Aaron Garza (7 IP, 6 H, 3 ER) improved to 5-0. Barker’s grand slam highlighted Houston’s nine-run second inning Saturday in support of Jake Lemoine (5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K). The Cougars came from behind with two in the ninth Sunday, highlighted by Josh Vidales’ game-tying RBI double and Jordan Stading’s walk-off single.
RESULTS
March 11: Baylor: W 7-2
March 14-16: Towson: W 6-3, W 20-3, W 7-6
UPCOMING
March 18: Lamar
March 19: Texas Southern
March 21-23: College of Charleston
24. SAN DIEGO
Last Week: 4-0.
Overall: 14-4, 3-0 in WCC (1-0 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 4-0.
The Toreros followed up a road series win at Oklahoma State with a midweek win against Cal State Fullerton and a road series sweep at BYU. Connor Joe (2-for-3, 3 R, 4 RBI, HR) led a 14-hit attack Thursday in support of P.J. Conlon (8 IP, 9 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 K). USD broke open a one-run game with three runs in the eighth Friday behind Troy Conyers (7.1 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 K). Joe (3-for-5, 4 R, 2 RBI) and Austin Bailey (4-for-5, R, 4 RBI) led USD’s 22-hit barrage Sunday, helping Louie Lechich (5 IP, 9 H, 2 ER) improve to 4-1.
RESULTS
March 11: (9) Cal State Fullerton: W 5-3
March 13-15: @ Brigham Young: W 14-7, W 5-1, W 17-8
UPCOMING
March 18-19: Washington State
March 21-23: Loyola Marymount
25. MIAMI
Last Week: 1-4.
Overall: 11-9, 3-0 in ACC. (3-3 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 3-2.
Miami’s five-game winning streak ended with a thud, as the Hurricanes lost four of their last five. Tyler Palmer (4-for-6, 2 R, 4 RBI) and Dale Carey (2-for-5, 3 R, 2 RBI) homered Friday, as the Hurricanes outslugged the Yellow Jackets 10-8. Palmer’s two-run single in the ninth broke an 8-8 tie, providing the final blow in a back-and-forth affair. Bryan Radziewski (5 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 4 ER) struggled in the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader, and the Miami bullpen struggled more. The ‘Canes mustered just four hits and committed three errors in the nightcap, as Andrew Suarez (9 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 K) was solid in a no-decision, but freshman Connor Justus delivered a walk-off single in the 10th for the Yellow Jackets after the leadoff man had reached on an error.
RESULTS
March 11: Bethune-Cookman: L 7-3
March 12: @ Stetson: L 7-3
March 14-15: @ Georgia Tech: W 10-8, L 13-7, L 3-2 (10 innings)
UPCOMING
March 18: Central Florida
March 19: @ Florida Gulf Coast
March 22-24: (3) Virginia
DROPPED OUT
INDIANA (16)
Last Week: 2-2.
Overall: 9-8, 0-0 in Big Ten. (1-1 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 1-2.
After a midweek win against Kentucky, the Hoosiers went to Long Beach State and struggled to score runs in a series loss. The Dirtbags scored the winning run on a ninth-inning passed ball by Kyle Schwarber on Friday; Joey DeNato (6 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 5 K) was solid in a no-decision. The Hoosiers scored a run in the 11th Saturday on Dustin DeMuth’s sacrifice fly to win 2-1. IU had a short leash with Will Coursen-Carr (0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB), but Luke Harrison (6.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K) settled things down with strong relief work. Christian Morris (8 IP, 6 H, 1 ER) was strong in a no-decision Sunday, but the Dirtbags broke a 1-1 tie against the Indiana bullpen in the ninth.
RESULTS
March 11: (20) Kentucky: W 7-2
March 14-16: @ Long Beach State: L 4-3, W 2-1 (11 innings), L 2-1
UPCOMING
March 19: (14) Louisville
March 21-23: Michigan
KENTUCKY (20)
Last Week: 1-3.
Overall: 14-6, 1-2 in SEC (1-1 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 2-1.
The Wildcats opened SEC play by dropping a road series at Alabama, though the series was in their grasp with two outs in the ninth in the finale before the Tide stormed back. Alabama shut out the Wildcats on four hits Friday, and A.J. Reed (7 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 4 BB, 6 K) took the loss. Michael Thomas (4-for-4, 2 R, 3 RBI, HR) led the UK offense in support of Chandler Shepherd (7.2 IP, 9 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 5 K) in the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader. Andrew Nelson (8.2 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 5 K) carried a two-run lead into the ninth in the nightcap, but Alabama’s Austen Smith smacked a game-tying two-run homer with two outs to force extras, and Mikey White followed with a walk-off two-run homer in the 10th.
RESULTS
March 11: @ (16) Indiana: L 7-2
March 12: Northern Kentucky: PPD
March 14-15: @ Alabama: L 3-0, W 7-2, L 5-3
UPCOMING
March 18: Western Kentucky
March 21-23: (1) South Carolina
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