1. FLORIDA STATE
Last Week: 3-1.
Overall: 22-5, 10-2 in ACC (7-2 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 7-0.
—
Florida State made its first-ever trip to the Ocean State and swept Boston College in cold, windy conditions on the campus of URI. The Seminoles swept a doubleheader in Rhode Island, the teams choosing to move up the series’ second game to Friday in anticipation of bad weather later in the weekend. Luke Weaver’s (9 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K) first career complete game paved the way for FSU to win the opener 6-0. The nightcap had a much different script, as the Eagles carried a 7-2 lead into the ninth before FSU erupted for nine runs, taking the lead on John Nogowski’s (2-for-5, 4 RBI) grand slam. Jose Brizuela and John Sansone had three RBIs apiece Sunday, and Bryant Holtmann (6 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K) turned in the longest outing of his career in place of Brandon Leibrandt (scratched with flu-like symptoms).
RESULTS
March 25: vs. Florida @ Jacksonville: L 4-1
March 28-29: @ Boston College (Kingstown, R.I.): W 6-0, W 11-7, W 10-1
UPCOMING
April 1: Florida Gulf Coast
April 4-6: Notre Dame
2. SOUTH CAROLINA
Last Week: 5-0.
Overall: 24-3, 6-3 in SEC. (8-1 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 6-1.
—
South Carolina swept Tennessee in riveting fashion. The Gamecocks hit a pair of walk-off home runs in Saturday’s doubleheader. In the first game, a continuation of Friday’s series opener that was suspended in the 11th inning by rain, Jordan Gore hit a solo shot in the 14th to lift South Carolina to a 3-2 win. Gore, a freshman who was just 2-for-17 in his career before this weekend, entered as a defensive replacement in the 12th. Jack Wynkoop (3 IP, 3 H, 0 R) earned the win in relief in that one, and Jordan Montgomery (7 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K) turned in a strong start Friday in a no-decision. Wynkoop (1.1 IP, 4 H, 4 ER) returned to the mound to start the nightcap and was chased in Tennessee’s four-run second, but the Gamecocks overcame a 6-3 deficit with six runs in the ninth, capped by Grayson Greiner’s walk-off grand slam. The entire six-run outburst occurred with two outs. Greiner, Joey Pankake and Tanner English had two hits and two RBIs apiece Sunday in support of Wil Crowe (7.1 IP, 8 H, 0 R), who improved to 6-0.
RESULTS
March 25: College of Charleston: W 4-2
March 26: Coastal Carolina: W 4-0
March 28-30: (22) Tennessee: W 3-2 (14 innings), W 9-6, W 8-0
UPCOMING
April 1: Appalachian State
April 3-5: @ Arkansas
3. VIRGINIA
Last Week: 5-0.
Overall: 23-4, 9-2 in ACC. (1-1 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 6-0.
—
The Cavs held Virginia Tech to seven runs total in a three-game sweep. UVa. broke through with two runs in the bottom of the seventh to win 2-1 Friday. Mike Papi (3-for-3) was the only UVa. hitter with multiple hits and sparked the decisive rally with a leadoff double. Nathan Kirby (6.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R) pitched well in a no-decision. Joe McCarthy (3-for-4, 2 R, 4 RBI, 2B, HR) led the UVa. offense Saturday, and Connor Jones (4.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R) earned the win with strong relief. Papi (2-for-4, 3 R, RBI) sparked the Cavs again Sunday, including an RBI single in UVa.’s decisive four-run seventh.
RESULTS
March 24: @ Miami: W 5-3
March 26: Longwood: W 8-1
March 28-30: Virginia Tech: W 2-1, W 9-2, W 7-4
UPCOMING
April 1: Old Dominion
April 2: George Washington
April 4-6: @ Pittsburgh
4. LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE
Last Week: 4-1.
Overall: 26-3, 8-1 in Sun Belt (3-1 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 7-0.
—
The Cajuns had their winning streak halted at 14 games with a loss in the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader, but they bounced back to win the series. The Hilltoppers pounded Austin Robichaux (3.1 IP, 8 H, 7 ER, 3 BB, 0 K) in the opener. The Cajuns slugged their way to a 10-9 win in the nightcap, as Ryan Leonards and Seth Harrison combined for five hits, five RBIs and four runs to help Carson Baranik (5.2 IP, 10 H, 6 ER) improve to 6-0. Seth Harrison hit a two-run homer in the third Sunday, and Jace Conrad blasted a tie-breaking grand slam in the sixth.
RESULTS
March 25: Northwestern State: W 10-1
March 26: Southern: W 17-3
March 29-30: Western Kentucky: L 14-3, W 10-9, W 7-4
UPCOMING
April 1: Tulane
April 4-6: @ Troy
5. CAL POLY
Last Week: 3-0.
Overall: 22-4, 3-0 in Big West (5-1 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 6-0-1.
—
Cal Poly opened Big West play with a sweep of UC Davis. Poly scored seven times in the bottom of the first Friday, which allowed Matt Imhof (9 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 13 K) to put it in cruise control, throwing his first career shutout and recording double-digits in strikeouts for the fourth time in seven starts. Taylor Chris (5 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K) earned the win Saturday with brilliant relief of Justin Calomeni (4 IP, 7 H, 3 ER). Mark Mathias (3-for-4, 2 R, 3 RBI, 3B) spearheaded Poly’s 13-hit attack Sunday behind Casey Bloomquist (8 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 6 K).
RESULTS
March 28-30: UC Davis: W 8-0, W 5-3, W 9-1
UPCOMING
April 1: Cal State Bakersfield
April 4-6: (17) UC Santa Barbara
6. OREGON STATE
Last Week: 2-1.
Overall: 21-6, 6-3 in Pac-12. (1-0 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 4-1.
—
The Beavers took two of three on the road at Arizona. The OSU offense pounded out 18 hits, led by Dylan Davis’ 4-for-6 effort, while Ben Wetzler (7.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R) took care of business on the mound, as usual. Wetzler’s last loss came 365 days ago Saturday. The Wildcats jumped out to a 6-0 lead through three innings Saturday against Andrew Moore (3 IP, 10 H, 6 ER) and cruised to an 11-2 win, snapping their eight-game losing streak. Michael Conforto and Kavin Keyes had five hits and five RBIs apiece Sunday to lead a balanced 14-hit barrage in support of Jace Fry (7 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K).
RESULTS
March 25: Seattle: PPD
March 28-30: @ Arizona: W 11-2, L 11-2, W 11-0
UPCOMING
April 1: @ Portland
April 4-6: Stanford
7. VANDERBILT
Last Week: 3-1.
Overall: 23-6, 5-4 in SEC (5-4 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 6-1.
—
Vandy lost Friday’s series opener but bounced back to win the series against Kentucky—its third straight Top 25 weekend opponent in the rugged SEC. Tyler Beede (5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 BB, 4 K) held down Kentucky’s high-powered offense early on Friday, carrying a 2-1 lead into the sixth. But he ran into trouble when he opened the top of the sixth with a hit-by-pitch and a walk, after which he was pulled. The Wildcats surged ahead against reliever Hayden Stone. Dansby Swanson (4-for-5, 3 R, 2 RBI, 2B, HR) paced Vandy’s 16-hit barrage Saturday behind Jared Miller (6 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 4 K). Tyler Ferguson (6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K) and relievers Adam Ravenelle and Carson Fulmer held down the Wildcats on Sunday.
RESULTS
March 25: Belmont: W 2-1
March 28-30: (19) Kentucky: L 4-2, W 9-3, W 6-2
UPCOMING
April 1: Tennessee-Martin
April 4-6: @ Tennessee
8. TEXAS
Last Week: 3-1.
Overall: 22-7, 3-3 in Big 12 (1-0 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 4-1-1.
↑ 4
The Longhorns went on the road and won their first Big 12 series since April 20-22 of 2012—snapping a streak of 12 consecutive conference series losses. In front of a Rip Griffin Griffin Park-record three-game attendance of 12,551, Texas rapped out 44 hits in the series, their most in a three-game set since mid-March of 2012. Longhorns leadoff man Brooks Marlow had a career night Friday, going 4-for-6 with a homer and two doubles as Texas routed Texas Tech 11-1. Mark Payton (3-for-5, 3 RBI) and Tres Barrera (3-for-4, 2 2B, 3 RBI) also had big games, while Parker French (7 IP, 6 H, 1 R) dropped his ERA to 1.57. Texas rapped out 15 hits but stranded 13 baserunners in Saturday’s loss. The Red Raiders scored twice in the ninth Sunday—highlighted by Zach Davis’ steal of home with two outs and two strikes—to force extra innings, but Madison Carter hit a tie-breaking two-run single to key Texas’ three-run 12th.
RESULTS
March 25: Texas State: W 5-1
March 28-30: @ Texas Tech: W 11-1, L 8-4, W 5-2 (12 innings)
UPCOMING
April 1: @ (12) Rice
April 4-6: Baylor
9. MISSISSIPPI STATE
Last Week: 3-1.
Overall: 20-10, 6-3 in SEC (2-1 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 4-0-1.
↑ 7
MSU won its third consecutive SEC series, taking two of three at home against Arkansas. The Hogs won the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader 4-0, but the Bulldogs bounced back to take the nightcap 5-1. Jalen Beeks (8 IP, 9 H, 0 R) earned the win in the opener, as Preston Brown (5 IP, 7 H, 4 ER) took his first loss. The Bulldogs erased a 1-0 deficit with four runs in the sixth in the second game, helping Ross Mitchell (9 IP, 4 H, 1 ER) improve to 5-1. Alex Detz put MSU ahead for good with a two-run homer in the first Sunday, as Jacob Lindgren (4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 8 K) and Jonathan Holder (1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K) provided overpowering relief.
RESULTS
March 25: Southeast Missouri State: W 3-2
March 29-30: Arkansas: L 4-0, W 5-1, W 5-1
UPCOMING
April 4-6: @ (20) Louisiana State
10. HOUSTON
Last Week: 3-1.
Overall: 22-5, 2-1 in AAC (3-2 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 5-0.
↑ 7
The Cougars improved to 2-0 against Rice in midweek games, then opened AAC play with a series win against Memphis. Memphis pushed across single runs in the first and sixth Friday, which proved to be enough to beat Houston 2-1 and make a tough-luck loser of Aaron Garza (8 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 ER). The Cougars’ ninth-inning rally came up short as they stranded the tying run on second base. Houston broke a 3-3 tie Saturday with three runs in the seventh, as Tyler Ford (3.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K) earned the win with stellar relief of Jake Lemoine (5.2 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER), 0 BB, 4 K). The Cougars got more strong pitching Sunday from Jared West (5.1 IP, 5 H, 2 ER), Jared Robinson (1 IP, 1 H, 0 R) and Chase Wellbrock (2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R), and they broke a 2-2 tie in the seventh and put the game away with three more in the eighth. Houston has allowed just 1.9 runs per game on the season, fewest in the nation (South Carolina is second at 2.2 runs per game).
RESULTS
March 25: (10) Rice: W 6-2
March 28-30: Memphis: L 2-1, W 6-3, W 6-2
UPCOMING
April 1: @ Texas A&M
April 4-6: @ Rutgers
11. LOUISVILLE
Last Week: 4-0.
Overall: 21-6, 2-1 in AAC. (0-1 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 4-0.
↑ 3
Louisville continued to take care of business against lesser competition, outscoring Xavier and Butler 35-5 in three games. The Cardinals have played just six games against teams that currently have winning records (going 4-2 in those games). A five-run fourth inning keyed an 8-1 Cardinals win Friday against Xavier. Sutton Whiting (1-for-2, 2 R, 2 RBI) had a two-run single in that decisive rally and reached base three times in all, while Kyle Funkhouser (7 IP, 4 H, 0 R) improved to 5-1 on the mound. Shane Crain (3-for-4, 3 R, 5 RBI, 2 2B) led the Louisville offense behind Jared Ruxer (6 IP, 8 H, 1 ER) in Saturday’s blowout of Butler. Jeff Gardner and Cole Sturgeon had two hits and three RBIs apiece Sunday in support of Anthony Kidston (6 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 7 K), who shined in his first weekend start of the year.
RESULTS
March 26: vs. Western Kentucky (@ Bowling Green, Ky.): W 5-3
March 28-30: Xavier: W 8-1
Butler: W 15-1
Xavier: W 12-3
UPCOMING
April 1: @ (22) Kentucky
April 4-6: Memphis
12. RICE
Last Week: 2-3.
Overall: 21-9, 9-3 in C-USA. (2-2 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 4-1.
↓ 2
The Owls dropped their first weekend series of the year, losing two of three at Middle Tennessee State. The Owls got a solid start Friday from Zech Lemond (6.1 IP, 6 H, 2 R), but MTSU senior lefty Zac Curtis (9 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K) was even better, throwing hist first career complete game. The Blue Raiders, just 10-13 going into the game, broke a 2-2 tie on Michael Adkins’ RBI single in the bottom of the eighth. Ford Stainback, Skyler Ewing, Shane Hoelscher and Michael Aquino had three hits apiece Saturday in support of Blake Fox (8 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 7 K). The Blue Raiders broke a 1-1 tie with five runs in the fifth Sunday to chase Chase McDowell (4 IP, 5 H, 5 ER).
RESULTS
March 25: @ (17) Houston: L 6-2
March 26: Lamar: W 3-2
March 28-30: @ Middle Tennessee State: L 3-2, W 8-0, L 8-5
UPCOMING
April 1: (8) Texas
April 4-6: East Carolina
13. FLORIDA
Last Week: 4-0.
Overall: 19-9, 6-3 in SEC (6-2 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 4-2.
↑
The Gators followed their second midweek win of the season against Florida State with a sweep of LSU—their third sweep of the Tigers in the last five years. The Gators have won 13 of their last 16 games and are tied atop the SEC standings after three weekends. The Gators swept a doubleheader Saturday, 2-1 and 6-2. With the score tied 1-1 in the ninth inning of the first game, Justin Shafer hit a walk-off homer to hand Aaron Nola (8.2 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K) his first loss of the season. Taylor Gushue hit a three-run homer in the sixth to break open the nightcap, as Logan Shore (8.2 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K) picked up the victory. Kirby Snead, who had pitched just 5.1 innings all season entering Sunday, threw 4.2 scoreless innings to pick up the win in the series finale.
RESULTS
March 25: vs. (1) Florida State (@ Jacksonville, Fla.): W 4-1
March 29-30: (8) Louisiana State: W 2-1, W 6-2, W 11-7
UPCOMING
April 1: Florida Atlantic
April 4-6: @ (22) Kentucky
14. WASHINGTON
Last Week: 4-0.
Overall: 20-5, 8-1 in Pac-12 (0-1 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 4-0.
↑
The Huskies swept a road series at USC to run their winning streak to 10 games (the longest active streak in the nation). They sit alone atop the Pac-12 standings, with a two-game lead over Oregon, Oregon State and UCLA. Robert Pehl had three straight multi-hit games, finishing with seven hits on the weekend to lead the UW offense. Trevor Mitsui had two hits and three RBIs Friday in support of Jared Fisher (8.1 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K). Brian Wolfe (4-for-6, 4 R, 8 RBI) went bonkers Saturday, smacking a pair of three-run homers to lead Washington’s 25-hit onslaught in support of Tyler Davis (6 IP, 1 H, 1 ER). Mitsui had three more hits and two more RBIs Sunday, and the Huskies used four hits and three errors to score five runs in the 14th.
RESULTS
March 25: Gonzaga: W 7-1
March 25-27: @ Southern California: W 8-2, W 19-4, W 8-3 (14 innings)
UPCOMING
April 4-6: (19) Oregon
15. ALABAMA
Last Week: 4-0.
Overall: 19-8, 6-3 in SEC (6-3 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 5-2.
↑
The Crimson Tide swept Ole Miss for the first time since 2006 to move into a tie for first place in the SEC. Ben Moore (3-for-4, 2 R, RBI, HR) led the Alabama offense Friday in support of Spencer Turnbull (6.2 IP, 10 H, 6 ER). Bama came from behind with two runs in the eighth Saturday to force extra innings, and Ole Miss scored a run in the top of the 10th to take the lead, only to see the Tide answer with two in the bottom of the frame, capped by Hunter Webb’s pinch-hit, walk-off single. Jon Keller (9 IP, 7 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 8 K) went the distance Sunday to improve to 5-1.
RESULTS
March 25: vs. Troy @ Pensacola, Fla.: W 10-5
March 28-30: (13) Mississippi: W 7-6, W 6-5 (10 innings), W 3-1
UPCOMING
April 1: Louisiana-Monroe
April 4-6: @ Texas A&M
16. CLEMSON
Last Week: 3-0.
Overall: 17-9, 8-3 in ACC (1-5 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 5-2.
↓ 4
Clemson went on the road and swept a doubleheader Friday at Maryland, but the series finale was canceled by bad weather. Daniel Gossett (8 IP, 8 H, 1 ER, 6 K) and Maryland ace Jake Stinnett (8 IP, 7 H, 1 ER, 6 K) had an outstanding duel in the opener, but the Tigers were able to get to the Terps bullpen for two runs in the ninth. Led by Steve Wilkerson’s (3-for-4, HR, 2 2B) huge game at the plate and a first career complete game from Matthew Crownover (9 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 9 K), the Tigers breezed in the nightcap.
RESULTS
March 25: @ Georgia: W 16-4
March 28-30: @ Maryland: W 3-1, W 7-1, CCD
UPCOMING
April 1: Furman
April 2: Winthrop
April 5-7: North Carolina State
17. UC SANTA BARBARA
Last Week: 2-2.
Overall: 19-5, 1-2 in Big West (3-0 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 4-1.
↓ 2
The Gauchos opened Big West play by dropping two of three at home against Hawaii. Rainbows senior Matt Cooper (9 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 9 K) threw his second complete game of the season Friday, and Justin Jacome (6.1 IP, 11 H, 3 ER) took his first loss of the year. Joey Epperson (4-for-4, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2 2B, SB) led the UCSB offense behind Austin Pettibone (5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K) on Saturday. Epperson, who ranked second in the nation in batting heading into the weekend, raised his season average in that game to .500 (44-for-88), with 10 steals in 10 tries, before he went 0-for-4 Sunday. The Rainbows broke open a 2-1 game with eight runs in the fourth Sunday to chase Domenic Mazza (3.1 IP, 7 H, 8 ER).
RESULTS
March 25: @ Fresno State: W 5-4
March 28-30: Hawaii: L 3-1, W 8-7, L 12-4
UPCOMING
April 4-6: @ (5) Cal Poly
18. CAL STATE FULLERTON
Last Week: 1-2.
Overall: 14-10, 0-0 in Big West. (3-0 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 5-2.
↓ 9
The Titans continued to struggle offensively in a series loss at Wichita State. Thomas Eshelman (7 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K) extended his streak without allowing an earned run to 19 innings Friday, and the Titans offense added some late insurance runs to take the series opener 5-1. Phil Bickford (6.2 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 9 K) was solid in a no-decision Saturday, but the Shockers broke a 2-2 tie with a run in the ninth against Willie Kuhl. Grahamm Wiest (5.1 IP, 10 H, 4 ER) fell to 1-3 Sunday, as the Titans mustered just two runs on seven hits, stranding six.
RESULTS
March 28-30: @ Wichita State: W 5-1, L 3-2, L 4-2
UPCOMING
April 4-6: UC Davis
19. OREGON
Last Week: 2-3.
Overall: 19-8, 6-3 in Pac-12. (0-3 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 5-2.
↓ 8
The Ducks went 2-3 on their trip to the Bay Area this weekend, splitting a pair of games at USF and dropping the first two against Stanford before salvaging Sunday’s finale. The Cardinal jumped on Tommy Thorpe (3.2 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 5 ER) in the first game of Friday’s twin bill, scoring three runs in the first and never looking back. The nightcap went 11 innings before Stanford won on Tommy Edman’s walk-off sac fly. Matt Krook (7 IP, 2 H, 1 R) and the Ducks bullpen limited Stanford to just three hits in the entire game, but all for naught. Tyler Baumgartner (2-for-5, R, 3 RBI) had a two-run single in Oregon’s seven-run second inning Sunday in support of Jeff Gold (6.1 IP, 7 H, 2 ER), who is now 7-0 through seven weeks.
RESULTS
March 25-26: @ San Francisco: L 8-4, W 12-5
March 28-30: @ Stanford: L 6-3, L 2-1 (11 innings), W 9-2
UPCOMING
April 1-2: @ Gonzaga
April 4-6: @ (14) Washington
20. LOUISIANA STATE
Last Week: 0-4.
Overall: 20-8-1, 3-5-1 in SEC. (1-3 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 4-2.
↓ 12
LSU was swept by Florida for the third time in five years, making the Tigers winless in their last five games. With the score tied 1-1 in the ninth inning of the first game Saturday, Justin Shafer hit a walk-off homer to hand Aaron Nola (8.2 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K) his first loss of the season. Taylor Gushue hit a three-run homer in the sixth to break open the nightcap, as Logan Shore (8.2 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K) picked up the victory, beating Jared Poche (5 IP, 4 H, 6 R, 4 ER). Zac Person (2.2 IP, 4 H, 5 ER) started and took the loss Sunday, as LSU pitching issued a combined 10 walks and allowed 10 hits.
RESULTS
March 25: @ Tulane: L 3-2
March 29-30: @ Florida: L 2-1, L 6-2, L 11-7
UPCOMING
April 2: McNeese State
April 4-6: (9) Mississippi State
21. UCLA
Last Week: 2-2.
Overall: 16-10, 6-3 in Pac-12 (1-0 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 3-2.
↓ 3
The Bruins dropped two of three at home against Arizona State. Kevin Williams’ three hits sparked the Bruins to a 7-3 win Friday. James Kaprielian (6 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER) struggled early, giving up three runs in the first two innings, but he and three Bruins relievers combined to shut out ASU on just three hits over the final seven frames. Grant Watson (5.2 IP, 8 H, 6 ER) took the loss Saturday, and Cody Poteet (6 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 5 K) was solid in a no-decision Sunday, as the Sun Devils took advantage of a two-out error by third baseman Chris Keck to score an unearned run in the ninth against David Berg (4 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K). They got another run against Berg in the 10th to hand the All-American his first loss since 2012.
RESULTS
March 25: Long Beach State: W 2-1
March 28-30: Arizona State: W 7-3, L 8-5, L 6-5 (10 innings)
UPCOMING
April 1: @ Loyola Marymount
April 4-6: @/vs./@ Long Beach State
22. KENTUCKY
Last Week: 2-2.
Overall: 19-9, 4-5 in SEC (4-4 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 3-2.
↓ 3
Kentucky won Friday’s opener at Vandy but dropped the next two games to lose the series. A.J. Reed (8 IP, 9 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 7 K) stranded eight runners through five innings Friday and then retired 10 of the final 11 batters he faced, as Kentucky surged ahead with three runs in the sixth. Chandler Shepherd (6 IP, 11 H, 7 ER) took his first loss Saturday, and Andrew Nelson (5.2 IP, 5 H, 3 ER) lost for the second straight week Sunday.
RESULTS
March 26: Xavier: W 9-6
March 28-30: @ (7) Vanderbilt: W 4-2, L 9-3, L 6-2
UPCOMING
April 1: (11) Louisville
April 4-6: (13) Florida
23. MISSISSIPPI
Last Week: 0-4.
Overall: 21-8, 4-5 in SEC (1-2 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 5-2.
↓ 10
The Rebels were swept in a hard-fought road series at Alabama, capping an 0-4 week. After dominating through six weeks, the Rebels’ Chris Ellis (2 IP, 7 H, 6 ER) was roughed up Friday. Ole Miss did come back to tie the game in the middle innings, but Alabama regained the lead in the sixth and held on for the 7-6 win. Braxton Lee and Austin Anderson each went 3-for-4 in a losing cause. Alabama came from behind with two runs in the eighth to force extra innings Saturday, and Ole Miss scored a run in the top of the 10th to take the lead, only to see ‘Bama answer with two in the bottom of the frame. Alabama’s Jon Keller (9 IP, 7 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 8 K) bested Sam Smith (6.2 IP, 8 H, 3 ER) on Sunday.
RESULTS
March 25: vs. Southern Miss @ Pearl, Miss.: L 5-3
March 28-30: @ Alabama: L 7-6, L 6-5 (10 innings), L 3-1
UPCOMING
April 2: Arkansas-Pine Bluff
April 4-6: Auburn
24. INDIANA
Last Week: 3-1.
Overall: 15-10, 5-1 in Big Ten. (2-1 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 3-2.
↑
The Hoosiers finally got their bats going despite frigid temperatures in Columbus. They rapped out 42 hits in a three-game sweep of the Buckeyes, their most hits in a series since late last March against Iowa. Joey DeNato (7 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 4 BB, 4 K) became the school’s all-time strikeout leader in Friday’s win, as Kyle Schwarber and Sam Travis had three hits apiece to lead a 15-hit attack. That duo contributed two RBIs apiece in the first game of Sunday’s doubleheader, and Dustin DeMuth added three hits, as Will Coursen-Carr (5 IP, 3 H, 0 R) earned the win with strong relief work. Ten Hoosiers recorded hits in the finale, led by Travis (4-for-5), as Christian Morris (7.2 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K) earned his first win of the year.
RESULTS
March 26: @ Indiana State: L 12-8
March 23-25: @ Ohio State: W 6-4, W 8-2, W 7-1
UPCOMING
April 2: Miami (Ohio)
April 4-6: @ Iowa
25. UNLV
Last Week: 3-1.
Overall: 19-8, 9-3 in MWC (0-1 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 6-1.
↑
The Rebels won a road series at Nebraska. Erik VanMeetren delivered a tie-breaking RBI single in the eighth Friday in support of Erick Fedde (7 IP, 4 H, 2 ER), who handled intermittent snow to improve to 5-1. VanMeetren had two hits and two RBIs Saturday behind John Richy (8.1 IP, 9 H, 4 ER, 0 BB, 10 K), and Brayden Torres picked up his second save in two days. Bryan Bonnell (6.1 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 3 ER) took the loss Sunday, as the Huskers surged ahead with two runs in the sixth.
RESULTS
March 25: Utah Valley: W 8-3
March 28-30: @ Nebraska: W 5-2, W 5-4, L 5-3
UPCOMING
March 31: @ Creighton
March 4-6: @ Fresno State
DROPPED OUT
AUBURN (21)
Last Week: 2-2.
Overall: 19-10, 5-4 in SEC (2-1 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 4-1.
Auburn lost its first weekend series at home against Missouri. Auburn made four errors Thursday and ran itself out of a couple of rallies on the basepaths, as Mizzou came from behind in the seventh and eighth innings to beat Dillon Ortman (7 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K). Missouri’s Eric Anderson capped off a 3-for-4 night with the go-ahead two-run double in the top of the eighth Friday. Keegan Thompson (6 IP, 7 H, 2 ER) struck out nine in a no-decision for Auburn. Six Auburn starters recorded multiple hits as part of a 16-hit attack Saturday in support of Michael O’Neal (5 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 1 ER).
RESULTS
March 25: Kennesaw State: W 10-5
March 27-29: Missouri: L 4-3, L 4-2, W 7-3
UPCOMING
April 1: Samford
April 4-6: @ (23) Mississippi
TENNESSEE (22)
Last Week: 0-3.
Overall: 19-7, 3-6 in SEC (0-3 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 5-2.
Tennessee lost a pair of heart-breakers on two walk-off homers in Saturday’s doubleheader, then were steamrolled Sunday. Nick Williams (7.2 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 5 K) was solid in a no-decision Friday, and Andy Cox (3.1 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K) followed with strong relief work when play resumed Saturday, but Jordan Gore hit a walk-off homer in the 14th for the Gamecocks. Tennessee failed to hold a 6-0 lead in the second game, as the Gamecocks stormed back with six runs in the ninth, capped by Grayson Greiner’s walk-off grand slam. Andrew Lee (4 IP, 10 H, 7 ER, 4 BB, 3 K) took his first loss of the season Sunday.
RESULTS
March 28-30: @ (2) South Carolina: L 3-2 (14 innings), L 9-6, L 8-0
UPCOMING
April 1: East Tennessee State
April 4-6: (7) Vanderbilt
GEORGIA TECH (23)
Last Week: 0-4.
Overall: 15-3, 5-7 in ACC (4-2 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 4-2.
Georgia Tech earned its way into the rankings for the first time last week, then proceeded to go 0-4, capped by a three-game sweep at the hands of Pittsburgh on the road. After Tech tied the game 3-3 in the top of the fourth, no one would score again until Steven Shelinsky’s walk-off double in the bottom of the 13th. Joseph Harvey (8 IP, 3 H, 0 R) shut down the Jackets on Saturday, and Matt Wotherspoon (7 IP, 6 H, 2 ER) held them in check Sunday. Matt Grimes (5 IP, 5 H, 3 ER) took his first loss in that one.
RESULTS
March 25: Mercer: L 4-1
March 28-30: @ Pittsburgh: L 4-3 (13 innings), L 5-0, L 4-2
UPCOMING
April 2: Georgia State
April 4-6: Duke
NORTH CAROLINA (24)
Last Week: 0-4.
Overall: 15-12, 5-7 in ACC. (0-0 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 4-3.
The Tar Heels were swept by Duke for the first time since 1994, as their losing streak reached six games. UNC made eight errors on the weekend and has 40 through 27 games, after making just 56 errors in 60 games last season. The Tar Heels were shut down Friday by Drew Van Orden (8 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 12 K), as Trent Thornton (7 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 2 ER) held UNC in it but wound up with his first loss of the year. UNC failed to hold an early 6-1 lead Saturday, as Ryan Deitrich (3-for-5, 3 RBI) led Duke’s 14-hit attack and delivered a walk-off RBI single in the 12th. UNC starter Zac Gallen (0.1 IP, 0 H, 2 ER, 2 BB) failed to get out of the first inning Sunday, as six UNC pitchers combined to issue nine walks and hit three batters.
RESULTS
March 26: Winthrop: L 3-1
March 28-30: @ Duke: L 3-2, L 9-8 (12 innings), L 6-4
UPCOMING
April 1: UNC Wilmington
April 4-6: @ Boston College
NORTH CAROLINA STATE (25)
Last Week: 1-3.
Overall: 15-11, 3-9 in ACC. (0-4 vs. Top 25).
Weekend Series: 2-3-1.
N.C. State was swept in an ACC series for the third straight weekend, this time at home against Miami. The Wolfpack is 3-9 in the conference, with a road series at 8-3 Clemson looming next week. Andrew Suarez (8 IP, 5 H, 1 ER) beat Andrew Woeck (5.1 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 7 K) in the opener of Saturday’s doubleheader. Starters Chris Diaz (5.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 K) and Carlos Rodon (6 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 5 K) took no-decisions in the nightcap, as Miami broke a 1-1 tie in the eighth on Zack Collins’ sacrifice fly. Miami broke a 5-5 tie with four runs in the eighth Sunday and tacked on three more in the ninth, as Jon Olczak (2 IP, 4 H, 6 ER) took his first loss.
RESULTS
March 25: @ Campbell: PPD
March 26: @ UNC Wilmington: W 11-2
March 29-30: Miami: L 2-1, L 2-1, L 12-5
UPCOMING
April 1: @ Campbell
April 2: East Carolina
April 5-7: @ (16) Clemson
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