How Baseball America’s Top 25 teams fared in Week 3.
1. VIRGINIA
Last Week: 3-1.
Overall: 9-2, 0-0 in ACC. (0-0 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 2-0.
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Rain plagued the Cavaliers’ series with Monmouth, forcing a postponement Friday and truncating the second game of Sunday’s doubleheader. Nate Irving’s three-run homer in the third put UVa. in control in Saturday’s series opener, and Nathan Kirby (6 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K) was strong on the mound. Brandon Cogswell, Derek Fisher and Joe McCarthy had two his apiece in Sunday’s first game, providing support for Josh Sborz (5 IP, 6 H, 2 R). Brandon Waddell (6 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K) gets credit for a complete game in the rain-shortened second game.
RESULTS
Feb. 25: VMI: L 3-2
March 1-2: Monmouth: W 6-3, W 5-3, W 6-2 (6 innings)
UPCOMING
March 4: George Washington
March 5: Old Dominion
March 7-9: @ Duke
2. FLORIDA STATE
Last Week: 2-1.
Overall: 8-1, 0-0 in ACC (2-1 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 3-0.
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It didn’t count in the ACC standings, but it’s still an event whenever Florida State and Miami meet and this year was no different. The Seminoles lost Friday’s opener but rallied to win the next two against Miami, which hasn’t won a weekend series against FSU since 2009. Luke Weaver (6 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7K) pitched well in a losing effort Friday, but two errors by the Seminoles in the sixth inning led to two unearned runs for the Canes, which proved to be the difference. Jose Brizuela (3-for-4, 4 RBI) and John Nogowski had two-run doubles in the first Saturday, and Brandon Leibrandt (6.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K) kept the Miami offense at bay. FSU used two huge innings to take Sunday’s rubber game. The ‘Noles scored six runs in the third, only to see Miami come back to tie it, then blew the game open with a seven-run sixth. D.J. Stewart (3-for-5) and Brizuela (3-for-5) led a 15-hit onslaught.
RESULTS
Feb. 28-March 2: (14) Miami: L 3-1, W 10-2, W 13-6
UPCOMING
March 4-5: @ South Florida
March 7-9: Maryland
3. SOUTH CAROLINA
Last Week: 3-0.
Overall: 10-0, 0-0 in SEC. (3-0 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 3-0.
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College baseball’s best rivalry delivered plenty of drama yet again, but the outcome didn’t change as South Carolina won its annual traveling series against Clemson for the fifth straight year. The Tigers knocked around Gamecocks ace Jordan Montgomery (5.1 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 9 K, 5 BB) and raced out to a 6-1 lead in Friday’s opener in Columbia, but the game turned on Grayson Greiner’s (3-for-4, 5 RBIs) sixth-inning grand slam. Jack Wynkoop (6 IP, 9 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 SO) improved to 3-0 Saturday in Greenville, S.C., as the Gamecocks piled it on late. Sunday’s finale at Clemson provided the most memorable chapter, as the Gamecocks scored four times with two outs in the ninth on Marcus Mooney’s two-run single and Tanner English’s two-run double to finish the sweep in incredible fashion.
RESULTS
Feb. 28-March 2: vs./vs./@ (11) Clemson: W 9-6, W 10-2, W 5-3
UPCOMING
March 4-5: Stetson
March 7-9: Brown
4. CAL STATE FULLERTON
Last Week: 3-0.
Overall: 7-3, 0-0 in Big West. (3-0 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 3-0.
↑ 1
The Titans racked up the most impressive series win of the season, sweeping the country’s ninth-ranked team on the road. Matt Chapman (2-for-4, HR, 2B, 3 RBIs) and Thomas Eshelman (8 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 7 K, 1 BB) led the way to a decisive win Friday. The Titans outhit the Ducks 14-4 and took the drama out quickly by opening up a 6-0 lead through four innings, highlighted by Chapman’s three-run homer. Justin Garza (8 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 K) shut down Oregon in the middle game, and the Titans scored the winning run on Greg Velazquez’s sacrifice fly in the ninth. Phil Bickford’s (2.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 7 K) dominant relief outing helped turn the momentum on Sunday in a game that was delayed twice by rain, and J.D. Davis’ seventh-inning solo homer put the Titans ahead to stay.
RESULTS
Feb. 28-March 2: @ (9) Oregon: W 9-2, W 3-2, W 5-4
UPCOMING
March 7-9: @ Baylor
5. OREGON STATE
Last Week: 3-1.
Overall: 9-3, 0-0 in Pac-12. (1-0 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 1-0.
↓ 1
Andrew Moore (7.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 6 K) and Kevin Flemer combined on a two-hitter as the Beavers breezed past Wright State in their home opener Friday. The Beavers and Raiders split a doubleheader Saturday, with OSU winning the opener and WSU taking the second game. Dylan Davis (3-for-5, 2 RBI) led Oregon State’s offense behind Jace Fry (8.1 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K) in the first game. Wright State’s Robby Sexton (7 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 6 BB, 3 K) stranded 10 OSU baserunners in the second game, beating Scott Schultz (6.1 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER). Ben Wetzler (7.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K) made a triumphant return from his NCAA suspension Sunday, while OSU’s hitters drew 13 walks from Raider pitchers.
RESULTS
Feb. 28-March 2: Wright State: W 7-0, W 6-4, L 6-2, W 13-2
UPCOMING
March 4: Portland
March 7-9: Northern Illinois
6. NORTH CAROLINA STATE
Last Week: 3-1.
Overall: 9-2, 0-0 in ACC. (0-1 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 1-0-1.
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The Wolfpack handled the games it was expected to win but lost Saturday night’s marquee showdown with UCLA. Logan Jernigan (7.1 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4K) took the ball against Michigan on Friday and extended a personal shutout streak to 15.1 innings. N.C. State did all of its scoring in the first two innings en route to its eighth straight win. Carlos Rodon (7 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 8 K) took his second loss in three starts Saturday—his team was shut out in both—as NCSU could never get anything going against the Bruins’ Grant Watson. The ‘Pack beat up on 1-7 Youngstown State Sunday as Brad Stone (5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K) earned his second win.
RESULTS
Feb. 25: Davidson: W 7-5
Feb. 28-March 2: @ USA Baseball-Irish Classic, Cary, N.C.:
Michigan: W 3-0
(19) UCLA: L 2-0
Youngstown State: W 16-1
UPCOMING
March 5: North Carolina A&T
March 7-9: Notre Dame
7. LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE
Last Week: 3-1.
Overall: 10-2, 0-0 in Sun Belt (3-1 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 3-0.
↑ 3
It was a banner week for the Ragin’ Cajuns, winning three of four against SEC teams Louisiana State and Alabama. After a (albeit rain-shortened) midweek win in Baton Rouge, the Cajuns hosted a weekend series against an SEC school for the first time ever and set a three-game series attendance record in drawing 12,075 fans. Austin Robichaux (9 IP, 7 H, 0 R, 11 K, 1 BB) twirled his second career shutout in the opener, retiring 11 of the final 12 Crimson Tide hitters to win a pitchers duel with Spencer Turnbull. Carson Baranik (7.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K) was stellar for the third straight week on Saturday for ULL, which got three hits apiece from Blake Trahan and Greg Davis. The Cajuns’ 10-game winning streak came to an end Sunday as Greg Milhorn (2.1 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 3 ER) struggled, and the ULL bullpen didn’t fare much better.
RESULTS
Feb. 25: @ (7) Louisiana State: W 4-1 (6 innings)
Feb. 28-March 2: (21) Alabama: W 2-0, W 6-0, L 12-6
UPCOMING
March 5: Southeastern Louisiana
March 7-9: Texas Southern
8. VANDERBILT
Last Week: 3-2.
Overall: 10-2, 0-0 in SEC (0-0 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 3-0.
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Vanderbilt took its first losses of the season as it dropped a pair of midweek home games before rebounding to sweep Stanford, allowing just four runs all weekend. The Commodores won the opener behind Tyler Beede (7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 6 K), who’s allowed a mere five hits over his first three starts, covering 18 innings. Jared Miller (5 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 4 K) improved to 3-0 on Saturday, while Hayden Stone, Adam Ravenelle and Brian Miller worked four combined innings of no-hit relief. Vandy managed just four hits on Sunday but was able to capitlize on Stanford mistakes, breaking a 2-2 tie by scoring two runs without getting a hit in the bottom of the eighth.
RESULTS
Feb. 25: Western Kentucky: L 3-2
Feb. 26: Evansville: L 8-3
Feb. 28-March 2: Stanford: W 4-1, W 5-1, W 4-2
UPCOMING
March 4: Tennessee Tech
March 5: @ Middle Tennessee State
March 7-9: Winthrop
9. LOUISIANA STATE
Last Week: 2-2.
Overall: 9-2, 0-0 in SEC. (0-1 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 2-0.
↓ 2
Following a rain-shortened midweek loss to Louisiana-Lafayette, the Tigers won their weekend series against Yale, which was playing its first games of the season, although they took a stunning loss in Sunday’s finale. A 10-run first inning propelled LSU Friday. Christian Ibarra, Kade Scivicque and Danny Zardon all homered, while Aaron Nola (6 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 10 K) extended his streak of innings without allowing an earned run to 45. Mark Laird (3-for-4, R, 2B) led the LSU offense behind Kyle Bouman (7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K) in a second straight shutout on Saturday. However, Yale rallied from a 6-0 deficit on Sunday, knocking around Cody Glenn (5 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 4 ER) and breaking a 7-7 tie with an unearned run in the eighth.
RESULTS
Feb. 25: (10) Louisiana-Lafayette: L 4-1 (6 innings)
Feb. 28-March 2: Yale: W 19-0, W 3-0, L 8-7
UPCOMING
March 4: @ Northwestern State
March 5: Sacred Heart
March 7-9: Purdue
10. TEXAS
Last Week: 4-0.
Overall: 9-3, 0-0 in Big 12 (1-0 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 1-0-1.
↑ 5
Longhorn pitching led the way to a perfect weekend at the Houston College Classic. Texas rode a dominant outing from Dillon Peters (8 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 6 K) to beat Rice, its fourth straight win against the Owls. The Longhorns got both their runs in the fourth on two-out RBI doubles from Tres Barrera and Ben Johnson. On Saturday, Texas knocked Houston from the ranks of the unbeaten behind Parker French (7 IP, 7 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K). Sam Houston State took an early 2-0 lead Sunday, but the ‘Horns rallied with two runs in the seventh and tallied the winning run on Collin Shaw’s sac fly in the eighth. Morgan Cooper (4.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R) earned the win with a strong relief outing.
RESULTS
Feb. 25: Texas-Pan American: W 2-1
Feb. 28-March 2: @ Houston College Classic:
(12) Rice: W 2-0
Houston: W 3-2
Sam Houston State: W 3-2
UPCOMING
March 4: Valparaiso
March 7-9: Hawaii
11. CAL POLY
Last Week: 2-1.
Overall: 8-2, 0-0 in Big West (5-1 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 2-0-1.
↑ 2
Heavy rains on the West Coast limited the Mustangs and Trojans to just two games, played as a doubleheader Sunday. Matt Imhof (7 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 K) beat Southern California’s Wyatt Strahan (6 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 0 K) in the first game, with Poly tacking on some late insurance runs. However, the Trojans came back to drub the Mustangs in the second game. Kevin Swick (3-for-4, 2 2B, 3 RBI) and Jake Hernandez (4-for-5, 2B, 2 RBI) led the way, while Bob Wheatley (7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 10 K) and two relievers combined on a two-hitter.
RESULTS
Feb. 25: @ San Jose State: W 5-3
Feb. 28-March 2: @ Southern California: CCD, W 5-1, L 16-0
UPCOMING
March 4: Santa Clara
March 7-9: @ Seattle
12. MISSISSIPPI STATE
Last Week: 6-0.
Overall: 10-4, 0-0 in SEC (0-0 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 1-0-1.
↑ 6
After an underwhelming 4-4 start to the season, Mississippi State righted the ship by sweeping a home tournament against Michigan State and Eastern Illinois. A splendid relief outing from Ross Mitchell (6.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R) kept the Bulldogs in it against Michigan State on Friday, and after trailing 2-1 most of the night, they rallied for three runs in the bottom of the eighth. The Bulldogs earned a pair of wins Saturday. Trevor Fitts (6.2 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 8 K) turned in the longest outing of his career in the first game against EIU, and MSU broke a 3-3 tie on Reid Humphreys’ walk-off infield single in the ninth. Five Bulldogs recorded multiple hits as part of a balanced 13-hit attack against Michigan State in the nightcap, as Austin Sexton (6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K) picked up his first win. Freshman Dakota Hudson (5.2 IP, 7 H, 0 R) earned his first career win Sunday, as the Bulldogs broke open a close game against Eastern Illinois with a seven-run seventh inning.
RESULTS
Feb. 25-26: Mount St. Mary’s: W 13-1, W 10-1
Feb. 28-March 2: Diamond Classic, Starkville, Miss.:
Michigan State: W 4-2
Eastern Illinois: W 4-3
Michigan State: W 7-1
Eastern Illinois: W 9-0
UPCOMING
March 5: South Alabama
March 7-9: @ Hi Corbett Classic, Tucson, Ariz.:
Arizona, UC Santa Barbara, UC Santa Barbara, Arizona
13. UCLA
Last Week: 3-1.
Overall: 7-4, 0-0 in Pac-12 (1-0 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 1-1.
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A midweek loss to UC Santa Barbara dropped UCLA to 4-4, but the Bruins appeared to rediscover their 2013 form at the USA Baseball-Irish Classic, getting just enough offense and riding three straight dominant performances by their starting pitchers, who combined to throw 25 shutout innings. James Kaprielian (8 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 11 K) turned in the first gem against Notre Dame, carrying a no-hitter into the fifth inning and setting a career-high for strikeouts, while the UCLA offense managed just two hits but was able to push across an unearned run in the second, which proved to be the difference. Saturday’s game against N.C. State followed the same script as the Bruins scratched out two early runs against Carlos Rodon, and Grant Watson (8 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K) made them stand up. The Bruins lineup woke up Sunday, putting up five runs on 10 hits against Michigan, while Cody Poteet’s first career shutout (9 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 13 K) put the capper on a brilliant weekend for the UCLA rotation.
RESULTS
Feb. 25: UC Santa Barbara: L 6-4
Feb. 28-March 2: @ USA Baseball-Irish Classic, Cary, N.C.:
Notre Dame: W 2-1
(6) North Carolina State: W 2-0
Michigan: W 5-0
UPCOMING
March 4: Loyola Marymount
March 7-9: @ Dodgertown Classic, Los Angeles:
Pepperdine, Houston, Southern California
14. OREGON
Last Week: 1-3.
Overall: 8-3, 0-0 in Pac-12. (0-3 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 2-1.
↓ 5
Oregon dropped a series to coach George Horton’s former team for the second year in a row as Cal State Fullerton came to Eugene and swept the Ducks. Tommy Thorpe (5.1 IP, 8 H, 7 R, 6 ER) was hit hard on Friday. Matt Krook (6 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 8 K) gave Oregon a quality start Saturday, and the Ducks rallied to tie the game in the middle innings before losing in the ninth. Leadoff man Aaron Payne (3-for-5, 1 R, 2 RBI) sparked the Oregon offense Sunday, but he was thrown out trying to steal second base as the tying run with two outs in the ninth.
RESULTS
Feb. 25: Portland: W 8-2
Feb. 28-March 2: (5) Cal State Fullerton: L 9-2, L 3-2, L 5-4
UPCOMING
March 4-5: Seattle
March 7-9: Ohio State
15. CLEMSON
Last Week: 1-3.
Overall: 6-4, 0-0 in ACC (0-3 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 2-1.
↓4
The Tigers can make a case they should’ve won two of the three games against South Carolina, but the bottom-line result is still a Gamecocks sweep. Tyler Slaton and Garrett Boulware had two hits each on Friday as Clemson took a five-run lead, but Daniel Gossett (4.2 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 3 ER) and the Tiger bullpen couldn’t stem the Gamecocks’ comeback. Matthew Crownover (2.2 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 1 ER) was chased early on Saturday, while the Tigers’ defense committed four errors. Slaton (3-for-5) had another big day Sunday, and Jake Long (6.1 IP, 5 H, 1 ER) kept the Gamecocks down most of the afternoon, but all of that was undone by South Carolina’s heart-breaking four-run ninth.
RESULTS
Feb. 25: Presbyterian: W 4-2
Feb. 28-March 2: @/vs./vs. (3) South Carolina: L 9-6, L 10-2, L 5-3
UPCOMING
March 4: @ Western Carolina
March 7-9: Virginia Tech
16. MIAMI
Last Week: 1-2.
Overall: 5-5, 0-0 in ACC. (3-3 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 2-1.
↔
Playing a second straight weekend series against one of their Sunshine State rivals, the Hurricanes weren’t able to seal the deal in Tallahassee like they did the week before against Florida, winning on Friday but losing the next two. Chris Diaz (7 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 6 K) shut down the Seminoles in the opener, while two unearned runs in the sixth provided the winning margin. The Seminoles jumped on Bryan Radziewski (4.1 IP, 3 H, 5 ER, 5 BB, 5 K) for four runs in the first inning Saturday and never looked back, levelling the series. Dale Carey (2-for-3, 2 2B, 2 RBI) and Willie Abreu (3-for-4, 3 R) led the offense Sunday, but two big innings for the Seminoles, a six-run third and seven-run sixth, were too much to overcome.
RESULTS
Feb. 28-March 2: @ (2) Florida State: W 3-1, L 10-2, L 13-6
UPCOMING
March 4-5: Villanova
March 7-9: Boston College
17. INDIANA
Last Week: 2-0.
Overall: 4-5, 0-0 in Big Ten. (1-1 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 0-1.
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The Hoosiers played just two games on the week, both on Saturday in Louisville against Toledo and the host Cardinals. Kyle Schwarber had two hits against Toledo in the early game behind Will Coursen-Carr (5 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 0 ER). Schwarber (2-for-2, 3 R, 2 RBI, 2B) also led Indiana’s balanced 10-hit attack in support of Joey DeNato (7 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 4 K), as the Hoosiers beat Louisville in a rematch of an opening round game from last year’s College World Series, also won by IU. Indiana built a 4-1 lead through three innings against the Cardinals and never looked back.
RESULTS
March 1: vs. Toledo @ Louisville: W 8-3
March 1: @ (20) Louisville: W 6-2
UPCOMING
March 5: Xavier
March 7-9: @ Jacksonville
18. RICE
Last Week: 1-3.
Overall: 7-5, 0-0 in C-USA. (1-1 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 2-0.
↓6
The Owls had a rough week in more ways than one, scoring just three runs in four games and losing ace Jordan Stephens after two innings on Friday, when the righthander came out of the game against Texas with what’s since been labeled “arm soreness.” Blake Fox (6 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 7 K) and Zech Lemond (3 IP, 1 H, 0 R) combined on a shutout against Texas Christian, while the Owls got the game’s lone run on a John Clay Reeves sac fly in the sixth. Texas Tech got two runs in the third inning Sunday, and the Owls were unable to solve Chris Sadberry (7 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K) or the TTU bullpen.
RESULTS
Feb. 25: Sam Houston State: L 3-1
Feb. 28-March 2: Houston College Classic:
(15) Texas: L 2-0
(16) Texas Christian: W 1-0
Texas Tech: L 2-1
UPCOMING
March 5: @ (20) Sam Houston State
March 7-9: Old Dominion
19. LOUISVILLE
Last Week: 3-1.
Overall: 8-3, 0-0 in AAC. (0-1 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 1-0.
↑ 1
The Cardinals went 2-1 in a home tournament, taking care of Toledo twice but losing their CWS rematch with Indiana. Louisville scored five runs in the first three innings Friday against the Rockets, which was more than enough support for Joe Filomeno (6 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K), who turned in his longest career outing. Kyle Funkhouser (6.2 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 2 K) took the loss against Indiana Saturday, but the Cards bounced back to beat Toledo again in the nightcap. Jeff Gardner (2-for-3, 2 R, 2 RBI) led the Louisville offense in support of Jared Ruxer (6 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 11 K) in that one.
RESULTS
Feb. 25: Eastern Illinois: W 6-0
Feb. 26: Morehead State: CCD
Feb. 28-March 1:
Toledo: W 6-2
(17) Indiana: L 6-2
Toledo: W 8-2
UPCOMING
March 7-9: Miami (Ohio)
20. SAM HOUSTON STATE
Last Week: 3-1.
Overall: 10-2, 0-0 in Southland (2-1 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 2-0.
↑
The Bearkats had a strong 3-1 week against four quality in-state opponents, helping them climb into the Top 25 for the second time in program history (and first time since 2012). Jake MacWilliam (2-for-3, 2 R, 3 RBI, HR) led the SHSU offense Friday in support of Tyler Eppler (6 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K), as the Bearkats scored five runs against preseason All-American Brandon Finnegan. Ryan O’Hearn (2-for-4, 4 RBI) homered twice to spearhead Sam Houston’s 15-hit barrage Saturday against Texas Tech. Dirk Masters (5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 5 BB, 1 K) worked around spotty control to keep Texas at bay for five innings Sunday, but the bullpen could not hold a 2-0 lead, as the Longhorns scored twice in the seventh and once in the eighth to win.
RESULTS
Feb. 25: @ (12) Rice: W 3-1
Feb. 28-March 2: @ Houston College Classic:
(16) Texas Christian: W 9-4
Texas Tech: W 10-6
(15) Texas: L 3-2
UPCOMING
March 5: (18) Rice
March 7-9: Cal State Northridge
21. NORTH CAROLINA
Last Week: 4-0.
Overall: 7-3, 0-0 in ACC. (0-0 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 2-1.
↑ 1
The Tar Heels have recovered from a 1-3 start to reel off six straight wins. Trent Thornton (7.2 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K) got his first Friday start and pitched the Heels to a win in the series opener. Benton Moss (9 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K) threw his first career complete game on Saturday, while Korey Dunbar powered the UNC offense with a sixth-inning grand slam. Saturday was also the 700th career win for UNC coach Mike Fox. North Florida took a 4-1 lead Sunday before the Heels turned the tide with a five-run sixth inning, with Tyler Ramirez (2-for-3, 2 RBI) and Joe Dudek (2-for-3, HR, 2 R) leading the comeback.
RESULTS
Feb. 25: Appalachian State: W 12-1
Feb. 28-March 2: North Florida: W 3-0, W 5-1, W 8-5
UPCOMING
March 5: Davidson
March 7-9: Pittsburgh
22. TEXAS CHRISTIAN
Last Week: 1-3.
Overall: 7-4, 0-0 in Big 12 (0-1 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 1-0.
↓6
Sam Houston State got to Brandon Finnegan (6.2 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 11 K, 2 BB) for three runs in the fourth then opened it up late in Friday’s loss. TCU had its chances against Tyler Eppler (6 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 5 K, 3 BB) and the SHSU bullpen, but the Horned Frogs stranded 14 runners on the night. Preston Morrison (8 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K) did his part against Rice but didn’t get any offensive support. TCU salvaged Sunday’s finale against Houston thanks to 4.1 innings of scoreless relief from Alex Young and Riley Ferrell. Cody Jones (2-for-5) got the go-ahead RBI single in the seventh.
RESULTS
Feb. 25: Texas-Arlington: L 10-2
Feb. 28-March 2: @ Houston College Classic:
Sam Houston State: L 9-4
(12) Rice: L 1-0
Houston: W 2-1
UPCOMING
March 4: Dallas Baptist
March 7-9: Michigan State
23. KENTUCKY
Last Week: 4-0.
Overall: 9-2, 0-0 in SEC (1-0 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 1-0.
↑
The Wildcats scored 30 runs in three games against Eastern Michigan to climb into the Top 25 rankings. Kentucky broke a scoreless tie Friday with seven runs in the fifth in support of A.J. Reed (6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 5 K). Ka’ai Tom (2-for-4, R, 3 RBI, 2 2B) led the UK offense Saturday behind Chandler Shepherd (8 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 6 K). Austin Cousino (3-for-5, 3 R, 3 RBI, 2 2B, 3B) and Max Kuhn (4-for-5, 3 R, 3 RBI) paced a 17-hit barrage Sunday.
RESULTS
Feb. 25: Wright State: W 7-1
Feb. 26: Dayton: PPD
Feb. 28-March 1: Eastern Michigan: W 8-2, W 9-5, W 13-2
UPCOMING
March 4-5: @/vs. Cincinnati
March 7-9: Ball State
24. FRESNO STATE
Last Week: 3-0.
Overall: 9-2, 0-0 in MWC (3-0 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 3-0.
↑
The Bulldogs shut out Texas A&M twice in a three-game sweep, propelling them into the Top 25 for the first time since 2011. Jordan Brink (7 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K) was brilliant in the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader, improving to 2-0, 0.42 on the year, with just six hits allowed in 22 innings. Fresno overcame a 5-1 deficit in Game Two with five runs in the sixth, and Garrett Mundell and Jake Shull turned in a combined 3.2 innings of scoreless relief to nail down the victory. Tim Borst (8 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 11 K) was overpowering in a no-decision Sunday, and Taylor Ward’s walk-off double in the ninth broke a scoreless tie.
RESULTS
Feb. 26: Cal State Bakersfield: PPD
March 1-2: (23) Texas A&M: W 5-0, W 6-5, W 1-0
UPCOMING
March 5: vs. Sacramento State (at Raley Field, Sacramento)
March 7-9: @ Air Force
25. MISSISSIPPI
Last Week: 5-0.
Overall: 11-1, 0-0 in SEC (0-0 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 3-0.
↑
Ole Miss continued to get strong pitching in a three-game sweep of UCF. Chris Ellis (7 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 5 K) was outstanding once again in a no-decision Friday, and Ole Miss relievers stranded UCF baserunners in each of the final four innings, as the Rebels won it on John Gatlin’s walk-off single in the 13th. Will Allen (2-for-4, 2 R, 3 RBI) doubled and hit a walk-off solo homer in the 10th Saturday. Auston Bousfield (3-for-4, 2 R, RBI) led the Ole Miss offense Sunday in support of Sam Smith (6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K).
RESULTS
Feb. 25-26: Louisiana-Monroe: W 5-4, W 4-3
Feb. 28-March 1: Central Florida: W 4-3 (13 innings), W 5-4 (10 innings), W 9-2
UPCOMING
March 5: Memphis
March 7-9: Arkansas-Little Rock
DROPPED OUT
ALABAMA (21)
Last Week: 1-3.
Overall: 5-5, 0-0 in SEC (1-2 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 2-1.
A long week for the Crimson Tide at least ended on a positive note, as it avoided a sweep at the hands of Louisiana-Lafayette. Spencer Turnbull (6.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 0 ER) stifled the explosive ULL offense Friday, but his fielding error on a sac bunt attempt in the bottom of the seventh opened the door for two unearned runs. Justin Kamplain (4 IP, 2 H, 3 ER, 4 BB, 0 K) took the loss Saturday. After going 22 innings without scoring, the Tide exploded for 12 runs on 21 hits Sunday. Every starter had at least one hit, led by Austen Smith’s 4-for-4 effort. Jon Keller (6.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R) picked up the win in relief after a rocky outing from Ray Castillo (2.1 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 3 SO).
RESULTS
Feb. 26: @ Southern Mississippi: L 2-1
Feb. 28-March 2: @ (10) Louisiana-Lafayette: L 2-0, L 6-0, W 12-6
UPCOMING
March 4: vs. Auburn @ Montgomery, Ala.
March 7-9: Mississippi Valley State
TEXAS A&M (23)
Last Week: 1-3.
Overall: 7-4, 0-0 in SEC (0-0 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 2-1.
Rain pushed back the start of the Aggies’ series at Fresno State to Saturday, only to see them get shut out twice in a three-game sweep. Fresno’s Jordan Brink (7 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K) was dominant in a win against A&M ace Daniel Mengden (7 IP, 7 H, 5 ER, 1 BB, 7 K) in the opener. Fresno overcame a 5-1 deficit in Game Two with five runs in the sixth to chase Parker Ray (5 IP, 6 H, 5 ER, 2 BB, 2 K). Sunday’s game stayed scoreless until Taylor Ward’s walk-off RBI double in the bottom of the ninth, while Bulldogs sophomore righthander Tim Borst (8 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 11 K) was brilliant in setting a new strikeout career-high.
RESULTS
Feb. 25: Houston Baptist: W 5-1
March 1-2: Fresno State: L 5-0, L 6-5, L 1-0
UPCOMING
March 4: vs. Texas-Arlington @ Arlington, Texas (Globe Life Park)
March 5: Texas Southern
March 7-9: Louisiana Tech
ARKANSAS (24)
Last Week: 1-2.
Overall: 7-2, 0-0 in SEC. (0-0 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 2-1.
The Razorbacks ran their record to 7-0 before getting swept by South Alabama in a Saturday doubleheader, the Jaguars’ first road wins against an SEC foe since 2011. Joe Serrano (4-for-4, 3 2B, 4 RBI) led the charge as the Razorbacks pounded out 14 hits in Friday’s blowout. Arkansas righty Chris Oliver (5 IP, 4 H, 1 ER) was solid in a no-decision in the first game Saturday, but Locke St. John (8.1 IP, 8 H, 1 ER) was even better for South Alabama, which pushed across a crucial insurance run in the seventh. Arkansas sophomore righty Trey Killian (2.2 IP, 5 H, 4 ER) struggled in his season debut in the second game (he had missed the first two weeks while serving an NCAA suspension). Kevin Hill (8 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 4 BB, 5 K) earned the win in that one for USA.
RESULTS
Feb. 28-March 1: South Alabama: W 12-1, L 2-1, L 5-3
UPCOMING
March 3: IPFW
March 7-9: @ Cal Baseball Classic, Berkeley, Calif.:
San Francisco, Tulane, California
FLORIDA (25)
Last Week: 1-3.
Overall: 6-6, 0-0 in SEC (1-2 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 1-1.
Timely hitting proved elusive for the Gators, who went 1-3 in a home tournament against Florida Gulf Coast and Illinois and have lost five of their last seven games. The Gators actually outhit FGCU 9-7 in the opener Thursday but managed only one run, making a hard-luck loser of Logan Shore (6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 7 K). Illinois’ Kevin Duchene tossed a three-hit shutout Friday, while Bobby Poyner (4.2 IP, 6 H, 2 ER) took his second loss. The Gators did get an encouraging outing from Karsten Whitson (5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K) in Saturday’s win. Aaron Rhodes (4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K) followed with stellar relief work. However, the Gators couldn’t salvage a .500 week, stranding 10 men on base Sunday in a second loss to the Illini.
RESULTS
Feb. 27-March 2: Florida Tournament, Gainesville, Fla.:
Florida Gulf Coast: L 2-1
Illinois: L 6-0
Florida Gulf Coast: W 4-0
Illinois: L 5-1
UPCOMING
March 4: vs. Southern Mississippi @ Pensacola, Fla.
March 7-9: Connecticut
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