Bauer and Thomas Each Bat in Two Runs in 6-4 win over UMass

CAMDEN, N.J. – Win and advance is the name of the game as the second-seeded Xavier baseball team defeated third-ranked Rhode Island, 4-2, Thursday evening at Campbell’s Field in the Musketeers’ first game of the 2010 Atlantic 10 Championship. With [...]]]> Courtesy: goxavier.com

Bauer and Thomas Each Bat in Two Runs in 6-4 win over UMass

CAMDEN, N.J. – Win and advance is the name of the game as the second-seeded Xavier baseball team defeated third-ranked Rhode Island, 4-2, Thursday evening at Campbell’s Field in the Musketeers’ first game of the 2010 Atlantic 10 Championship. With the win, XU will play Saint Louis at 1:30 p.m. on Friday.

Freshman Patrick Paligraf was 2-for-4 with two runs scored versus Rhode Island

With the win, the Musketeers extend their current winning streak to nine games, tying the school record for most wins in a row.

The Musketeers were led by senior Zac Richard who went 3-for-4 with two doubles and a single while three others tallied two hits on the day as XU outhit URI, 12-5.

Xavier (26-30) got the scoring going in the third after back-to-back singles and a ground out put runners at second and third. Senior Drew Schmidt used a base hit to get both runners home, collecting two RBI, and giving XU the 2-0 lead.

Rhode Island (30-25) got on the board the very next inning after two costly XU throwing errors combined with a couple of stolen bases got Oliver Palmer home. The Rams cut into the Musketeer lead, 2-1.

With runners on the corners and two outs in the bottom of the fifth, junior Ben Thomas’ RBI single plated freshman Patrick Paligraf to set the score at 3-1 in favor of the Musketeers. Thomas is a prolific two-out hitter and that RBI was his 25th two-out RBI of the year.

The Rams got a run back in the sixth after loading up the bases. URI’s Evan Laude hit into a fielder’s choice allowing Zoey Angulo to come home. The Musketeers were able to get out of the inning with no more damage as Schmidt caught a lineout to end the inning with XU ahead, 3-2.

With pinch runner sophomore Dan Rinck on second, junior Ryan Bellamy’s base hit up the middle brought him home in the bottom of the eighth for an insurance run. Heading into the final inning, the Musketeers were holding the two-run lead, 4-2, which proved to be the final margin.

Junior Tommy Shirley (4-3) earned the win on the mound for the Musketeers after throwing seven and a third innings. He gave up two runs, neither of which were earned, and scattered five hits while striking out eight. Freshman Alex Vice tossed the final two-thirds of the right and freshman Seth Willoughby recorded his team-best seventh save of the season as he closed out the contest for XU.

Ken Graveline (6-3) was charged with the loss for the Rams. He put in 6.2 innings of work, giving up three earned runs on 10 hits.

Rhode Island was led by Palmer who was 2-for-4 with a run scored. He was the only Ram to tally more than one hit.

Xavier and Saint Louis will square off in the first game of the day tomorrow with first pitch set for 1:30 p.m. No. 5 Saint Louis defeated top-seeded Charlotte, 3-2, in the first game on Thursday.

Box Score

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Bauer and Thomas Each Bat in Two Runs in 6-4 win over UMass

CINCINNATI – With three runs in the seventh inning, Xavier baseball overcame visiting Massachusetts, 6-4, Sunday afternoon at Hayden Field to take the series sweep and move closer to its fourth consecutive appearance in the Atlantic 10 Championship. Four senior [...]]]> Courtesy: goxavier.com

Bauer and Thomas Each Bat in Two Runs in 6-4 win over UMass

CINCINNATI – With three runs in the seventh inning, Xavier baseball overcame visiting Massachusetts, 6-4, Sunday afternoon at Hayden Field to take the series sweep and move closer to its fourth consecutive appearance in the Atlantic 10 Championship. Four senior team members were recognized prior to the start of the game, their last home contest as a Musketeer.

XU improved to 22-30 on the season and 15-9 in league play while UM slips to 17-26 overall and 11-13 in conference action. With four total hits on the day, only four Musketeers recorded hits in the win.

Junior Phil Bauer's two-run shot in the seventh proved to be the game winner

Senior Zac Richard did double duty, hitting in the sixth slot as the designated hitter and also tossing 2.2 innings of middle relief to collect his third pitching win of the season.

Heading into the seventh inning, the Minutemen were clinging to a 4-3 lead. Junior John McCambridge doubled in redshirt sophomore Matt Kleifges and got to third with a ground out by senior Drew Schmidt. Junior Phil Bauer’s lone hit of the day was the difference maker as he sent the first pitch he faced over the fence for a two-run go-ahead homer. XU finished the inning ahead, 6-4, which proved to be the final margin.

Richard (3-0) got the win for XU after throwing 2.2 scoreless innings giving up only one hit and striking out three. Freshman Seth Willoughby closed out the game for the Musketeers, collecting his fourth saves of the season. Start sophomore Josh Deeg threw six innings for XU, scattering seven hits and striking out five.

Massachusetts’ Bryan Leigh tossed the entire game for the Minutemen to take the loss, moving him to 5-5 on the year. He scattered four hits and struck out four.

UM was led by Eric Fredette and Tom Conley with two hits apiece.

The Musketeers will play a single midweek game at Ohio University on Tuesday. First pitch is set for 6 p.m.

Box Score

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CINCINNATI – Junior first baseman Ben Thomas has been named the Atlantic 10 Co-Player of the Week as announced by the conference office. Thomas had a stellar week for the Musketeers, helping XU split a home-and-home with crosstown rival Cincinnati during the week and take a series at Dayton, 2-1, this weekend.

First [...]]]> Courtesy: goxavier.com

CINCINNATI – Junior first baseman Ben Thomas has been named the Atlantic 10 Co-Player of the Week as announced by the conference office. Thomas had a stellar week for the Musketeers, helping XU split a home-and-home with crosstown rival Cincinnati during the week and take a series at Dayton, 2-1, this weekend.

First Weekly Honor for First Baseman from Columbus, Ohio

Thomas was 12-for-23 (.522) over five contests with eight runs scored and 14 RBI in the week. He hit a two-run homer and a grand slam, his third career two-home run game, as part of a 5-for-7 afternoon with a career-high eight RBI on Apr. 30 in Xavier’s 21-5 win over Dayton. He also sent out a two-run long ball during a 4-for-4 outing in the nightcap of XU’s doubleheader at Dayton May 1. Thomas currently boasts a career-long tying 16-game hitting streak.

The Musketeers return to action this weekend as they are set to host league-leading Charlotte in a three-game set at Hayden Field. First pitch is set for 3 p.m. on Friday.

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Florida 6, Kentucky 3 as Gators Clinch Series. Wildcats Seek to Salvage Series Sunday at 1 p.m. ET at Cliff Hagan Stadium.

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LEXINGTON, Ky. — Freshman Walter Wijas made his first career start and combined with fellow freshman Jordan Cooper to handcuff No. 7 Florida to two runs over the first six [...]]]> Courtesy: ukathletics.com.com

Florida 6, Kentucky 3 as Gators Clinch Series. Wildcats Seek to Salvage Series Sunday at 1 p.m. ET at Cliff Hagan Stadium.

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Freshman Walter Wijas made his first career start and combined with fellow freshman Jordan Cooper to handcuff No. 7 Florida to two runs over the first six innings, helping lead No. 30 Kentucky to a 6-5 win, on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon at Cliff Hagan Stadium.

Lance Ray had a career-high three hits, going 3-for-3 with a walk.

Kentucky (22-14, 5-10 Southeastern Conference) was without sophomore pitcher Alex Meyer, UK’s usual Sunday starter due to illness. After exhausting its bullpen in the first two games of the series, Kentucky entered the Sunday game without an idea as to who would take the mound to start the contest. UK turned to Wijas, a freshman right-hander with 8.2 innings and seven relief appearances in his career entering the game. Wijas, a native of Elk Grove Village, Ill., turned in a gem, retiring the first 10 hitters he faced, carrying a perfect game into the fourth inning. In the top of fourth, Wijas allowed his first hit, giving up a single and a double to start the frame. In all, Wijas went a career-long 3.1 innings, allowing three hits and one earned run, while walking one and striking out three.

Wijas was replaced on the mound by Cooper, who threw three strong innings in relief to pick up the win, allowing two hits, one run and striking out three. The Wildcats used Joe Devine and Mike Kacazmarek in situational spots in the seventh inning with Devine striking out the right-handed swinging Cody Dent and Kaczmarek walking the left-handed hitting Nolan Fontana. Kennedy would record the final out of the seventh inning and pitch a scoreless eighth before putting a runner on with one out in the ninth by a hit by pitch. UK head coach Gary Henderson then turned to closer Matt Little with one out and the tying run on deck. Little allowed a two-run homer, from All-SEC second baseman Josh Adams, to cut the UK lead to one but got Preston Tucker to groundout to second to end the game. Kennedy ended the game with 1.2 innings pitched, one hit and two runs, while Little was credited with 0.2 innings pitched and one run on two hits, notching his sixth save of the season.

The Wildcats exploded for a 6-0 lead after three innings, plating three in the first, two in the second and one run in the third inning. Lance Ray led the way for the Wildcats, going a perfect 3-for-3 with a walk, with his three hits marking a new career high. Preseason All-American second baseman Chris Bisson notched two hits, while Cory Farris and Taylor Black each contributed multi-hit games. Sophomore leftfielder Chad Wright charted his team-best 10th double of the year and Farris led the RBI charge with a club-best two runs driven in. Wright extended his hitting streak to a season-high nine games, with senior catcher Marcus Nidiffer stretching his hitting streak to six games, also a season-best.

UF starter Anthony DeSclafani (2-2) was pulled in the third inning, allowing six earned runs on eight hits while also walking one and striking out none to pick up the loss. Steven Rodriguez was terrific for the Gators out of the pen, going five scoreless innings with only four hits and two walks. Rodriguez struck out five Wildcat batters in the game. Chas Spottswood finished the game for Florida, going 0.2 innings with no hits and no runs and one strikeout.

UK will return to action Tuesday, traveling to face No. 18 Western Kentucky at the Bowling Green Ballpark, the home field of the Bowling Green Hot Rods, the low Class A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. First pitch for the game is set for 7 p.m. ET. The game can be heard on the Big Blue Sports Network (radio), with the Voice of UK Baseball, Neil Price, calling the action. Fans in Lexington can hear the game live on WLAP 630-AM and in Louisville on WKJK 1080-AM. Both teams have yet to announce a starting pitcher. The Hilltoppers beat the Wildcats 6-3 earlier this season at Cliff Hagan Stadium.

The Wildcats scored first for the second time in the series, getting a RBI double from Wright. After Bisson led off the inning with a single to the left side of the infield, Wright hit a laser down the third baseline that just got went over the bag fair to easily score Bisson. After a walk to Gunner Glad and an Andy Burns lineout, Keenan Wiley reached on a fielder’s choice and advanced to second on a wild pitch, putting runners on second and third with two outs for Farris. Farris would come through, grounding a double down the right field line to score Glad and Wiley and give the Cats a 3-0 lead.

Kentucky started another rally in the second inning, getting a leadoff single by Ray and then a picture perfect hit-and-run by Black, advancing Ray to third and putting runners on the corners for Bisson. Bisson would place a swinging bunt in front of the mound, scoring Ray and allowing Bisson to reach first safely. After a Wright groundout to first, Glad grabbed an RBI on a sacrifice fly to leftfield, giving Kentucky a 5-0 lead. Florida got out of the jam with a fancy play by shortstop Fontana, diving to his left to field a grounder from Burns for the third out.

UK chased DeSclafani from the game in the third inning after a leadoff single by Wiley and then an infield single Farris. Nidiffer sacrificed both runners into scoring position and after the Gators relieved DeSclafani for Rodriguez, Black laid an RBI single to leftfield to score the Wildcats only run in the inning.

The Gators started to hit in the fourth inning, giving up a leadoff single and double to put runners on second and third for Austin Maddox, who walked to load the bases. Matt den Dekker ended the scoreless outing by Wijas with a single off the right-field wall, running Wijas out of the game for Cooper. With Ben McMahan batting, Cooper got a hard-hit ball to third with Burns fielding and throwing to second to start a 5-4-3 inning-ending double play.

Florida cut the UK lead to four with a solo homer from Tucker. After Cooper got two quick outs to start the sixth, Tucker sent a shot to deep centerfield, just clearing the centerfield wall to make it 6-2 Wildcats.

Maddox did the damage for Florida again in the eighth inning, sending a low liner just over the wall in right-centerfield. Kennedy got a groundout to start the frame but then allowed the homer to Maddox, his SEC leading 12th of the year, to cut the UK lead to three. Kennedy got out of the inning with another groundout to first and a foul out to Nidiffer.

The Gators rallied for two runs in the top of the ninth inning off a two-run homer by Adams to right field. The wind-aided bomb by Adams was a lazy fly down the right-field line that just sneaked over the short porch.

Box Score

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CINCINNATI – Four Musketeers recorded two hits in Xavier baseball’s 11-run third inning as XU swept visiting Duquesne with its 14-5 win over the Dukes on Sunday afternoon at Hayden Field. With the win, XU improves to 12-25 on the season [...]]]> Courtesy: goxavier.com

XU Has Won Five of Last Six Games

CINCINNATI – Four Musketeers recorded two hits in Xavier baseball’s 11-run third inning as XU swept visiting Duquesne with its 14-5 win over the Dukes on Sunday afternoon at Hayden Field. With the win, XU improves to 12-25 on the season and 7-5 in Atlantic 10 action while DUQ falls to 7-29 overall and 3-9 in league play.

Sophomore Josh Deeg (3-2) was credited with the win after throwing 5.1 innings. He gave up five runs on seven hits and struck out three while walking four. Redshirt freshman Alex Vice recorded his third save of the season after throwing 3.2 scoreless innings of relief, striking out a career-high four while giving up only one hit.

Andrew Heck (2-7) was charged with the loss as he gave up 11 runs on 12 hits while striking out four and walking two.

The Dukes were led offensively by Mike Ganley who went 2-for-3 with a run scored and two RBI.

The Musketeers return to action on Wednesday as they head to Oxford, Ohio, for a midweek contest at Miami (Ohio). First pitch is set for 6 p.m. at MU’s McKie Field.

Box Score

Florida 6, Kentucky 3 as Gators Clinch Series. Wildcats Seek to Salvage Series Sunday at 1 p.m. ET at Cliff Hagan Stadium.

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LEXINGTON, Ky. — Freshman Austin Maddox doubled twice and hit his team-high 11th home run of the season in his first three at bats of the game – each to [...]]]> Courtesy: ukathletics.com.com

Florida 6, Kentucky 3 as Gators Clinch Series. Wildcats Seek to Salvage Series Sunday at 1 p.m. ET at Cliff Hagan Stadium.

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Freshman Austin Maddox doubled twice and hit his team-high 11th home run of the season in his first three at bats of the game – each to lead off an inning – powering the No. 7  Florida Gators to a 6-3 win over No. 30 Kentucky, clinching the series win, on Saturday night at Cliff Hagan Stadium.

Kentucky (21-14, 4-10 Southeastern Conference) got a multi-hit night from sophomore Andy Burns, including a leadoff homer in the bottom of the ninth inning, with Burns getting one of the two RBI for the Wildcats. Gunner Glad, Chad Wright, Marcus Nidiffer and Cory Farris each posted hits for the Wildcats with Wright recording the other RBI and extending his hitting streak to a team-high eight games. Nidiffer and Burns have now hit in five consecutive games, with Burns’ homer coming as his club-best 11th of the season.

The Wildcats left a total of 14 runners on base in the game, equaling a season-high for runners left on base. UK left 14 runners on base in a 14-13 walk-off win against Monmouth in San Diego during the third week of the season.

UK starter Taylor Rogers gave UK a strong 6.2 innings of work, allowing eight hits, four earned runs while striking out four. The native of Littleton, Colo., did a great job of controlling the bottom of the strike zone, getting 11 groundouts in the game. Rogers picked up the loss to move to 4-4 on the season. Replacing Rogers on the mound was freshman Braden Kapteyn who threw 2.1 innings, allowing two runs on two hits while striking out one and walking one. The UK staff allowed Florida to lead off five innings with extra-base hits, including two homers and two doubles, with Maddox contributing the two doubles and one of the homers. Overall, UF had its leadoff hitter reach base in six of nine innings.

Florida (25-9, 10-4 SEC) used five pitchers in the game, starting with freshman Hudson Randall who lasted three innings, allowing three hits, two runs, five walks and two strikeouts. Randall was replaced on the mound by Greg Larsen who threw a solid 3.2 innings for the Gators. Larsen (2-1), who hit two batters, allowed no runs on no hits while striking out three and walking two. Lexington, Ky., native Nick Maronde threw a scoreless inning in relief, pitching for the second straight night. Maronde allowed only one hit in the outing and was replaced by Jeff Barfield who got the final out of the eighth. Kevin Chapman came in to start the ninth, finishing off the win for UF. Chapman did allow two hits in the game, including the solo homer by Burns.

The series will conclude Sunday at 1 p.m. ET at Cliff Hagan Stadium. Fans can hear the game live on the Big Blue Sports Network (radio), with the Voice of UK Baseball, Neil Price, calling the action. Fans in Lexington can hear the game live on WLAP 630-AM and in Louisville on WKJK 1080-AM. Both teams have yet to announce a starting pitcher.

Florida got on the board first in the game, scoring an RBI single from senior Matt den Dekker. The inning started when Maddox sent a laser double into the left-centerfield gap, advancing to third on the sacrifice bunt from Jonathan Pigott. Den Dekker then hit a line drive over the head of Bisson into right-centerfield to score Maddox and give the Gators a 1-0 lead.

Kentucky tied the game at one in the bottom of the second inning when Randall walked Wright with the bases loaded, the third consecutive walk of the inning for Randall. With one out, Nidiffer reached on a hit by pitch but was out at second on Farris’ fielder’s choice. With one out and a runner at first, Farris stole second and third to get into scoring position. Randall then walked Black, Bisson and Wright to tie the game.

The tie only lasted a few pitches as Mike Zunino hit a monster leadoff homer off the left-centerfield scoreboard to give UF a 2-1 lead. The laser shot from Zunino landed almost halfway up the scoreboard for a no-doubt blast, his second of the season.

Maddox added a solo shot to leadoff the fourth inning before Kentucky would rally in the bottom of the inning. The Wildcats loaded the bases with no outs after Farris hit a routine single to left field but stretched it into a double on great hustle rounding first. Randall then hit Black with a pitch and walked Bisson to load the bases for Wright, removing Randall from the game for Larson to face Wright. The native of Paducah, Ky., scored a run on a double play to cut the UF lead to one. The inning ended when Glad grounded out to short.

Florida loaded the bases in the sixth inning when Maddox led off with a double off the right field wall, advancing to third on the sac bunt by Jonathon Pigott who reached first when Rogers failed to get the out at third. After an error on Rogers, who misplayed a bunt in front of the plate, den Dekker reached first, loading the bases with one out. Rogers would get out of the jam when Rogers struck out Adams and got Zunio to fly out to right.

The Gators tacked on an insurance run in the top of the seventh inning when Jonathan Pigott hit a sacrifice fly to the warning track in right field. The inning started with a double by Nolan Fontana who advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt, bringing up Preston Tucker with one out and a runner on third. Tucker delivered with a sac-fly to right, scoring Pigott.

In the ninth inning, UF got two runs on a two-run blast from Tucker for his third RBI of the game. The inning started with Kapteyn getting two quick outs, but after a bunt single by Daniel Pigott, Tucker sent a line-drive shot well over the right field wall to give UF a four run lead.

Burns cut the lead to three in the bottom of the ninth inning with a leadoff shot off the top of the scoreboard. Kentucky would get what looked to be a single by Wiley on a high chopper to second but first base umpire Ray Miller called Wiley out at first. UK head coach Gary Henderson came out to argue the call but walked to the dugout after the conversation. After a base hit from Nidiffer, Henderson came back out to talk to Miller again, getting ejected for the first time in his baseball career. Chapman then got Neiko Johnson out to end the game.

Box Score

Richard Brothers Lead Xavier Past Duquesne, 10-7. Five Musketeers Tally Multiple Hits in Win Over Dukes.

CINCINNATI – Freshman Jon Richard and his brother senior Zac Richard combined for nine innings on the mound in Xavier baseball’s 10-7 win over visiting Duquesne Saturday afternoon at Hayden Field. Zac Richard also went 3-for-5 at [...]]]> Courtesy: goxavier.com

Richard Brothers Lead Xavier Past Duquesne, 10-7. Five Musketeers Tally Multiple Hits in Win Over Dukes.

CINCINNATI – Freshman Jon Richard and his brother senior Zac Richard combined for nine innings on the mound in Xavier baseball’s 10-7 win over visiting Duquesne Saturday afternoon at Hayden Field. Zac Richard also went 3-for-5 at the plate, including a solo home run in the first inning.

Four other Musketeers had two hits in the game for XU, including junior Phil Bauer as he extended his career-high hitting streak to 13 games. Junior Ben Thomas collected four RBI in the contest, three of which came from his three-run long ball in the second inning.

Xavier (11-25, 6-5 A-10) and Duquesne (7-28, 3-8 A-10) combined for seven home runs on the day while the Musketeers out-hit the Dukes, 14-10, in the slug-fest. DUQ committed three errors on the afternoon while XU recorded two miscues.

Jon Richard (6-2) earned his team-best sixth win of the season for his five-inning effort. He struck out four and walked only one while giving up two earned runs on four hits. Zac Richard threw the remaining four innings of the game, giving up four runs on six hits and striking out two while walking none.

Christian Wheeler (0-3) was charged with the loss for the Dukes. He tossed one inning, giving up four runs on five hits and struck one and walked one.

The Dukes were led by Matt Carson who was 3-for-5 with three runs scored and an RBI while Andrew Heck knocked out back-to-back two-out homers in the contest for Duquesne as well.

Xavier and Duquesne will wrap up their three game series in Sunday. First pitch is set for noon at Hayden Field. Admission is free.

Box Score

Miami Uses Big Ninth to Overcome Xavier, 12-11, in Joe Nuxhall Classic

OXFORD, Ohio – In its first game of the second annual Joe Nuxhall Classic, the Xavier baseball team dropped a 12-11 decision at Miami (Ohio) Tuesday night as the RedHawks scored eight runs in the ninth inning to take the win. [...]]]> Associated Press

Miami Uses Big Ninth to Overcome Xavier, 12-11, in Joe Nuxhall Classic

OXFORD, Ohio – In its first game of the second annual Joe Nuxhall Classic, the Xavier baseball team dropped a 12-11 decision at Miami (Ohio) Tuesday night as the RedHawks scored eight runs in the ninth inning to take the win. Three Musketeers recorded three hits on the day, including freshman Patrick Paligraf went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI.

Senior Neil Lindgren was one of three Musketeers with three hits vs. Miami

Also for the Musketeers, junior John McCambridge recorded three hits in six at-bats with a run and two RBI while redshirt senior Neil Lindgren went 3-for-5 and scored two runs.

Miami (15-16) put up two quick runs on two hits in the first inning to take an early advantage but the Musketeers answered with two in the third to even the score. Senior Drew Schmidt led off with a single to the shortstop and junior Phil Bauer’s base hit put runners at first and second. Senior Bobby Freking knocked in Schmidt with his double to left and Bauer scored on a sacrifice fly out by senior Zac Richard. Heading into the fourth, XU and MU were knotted at two apiece.

Xavier (8-25) led off the fourth with back-to-back singles and the runners were moved over on a sac bunt by Schmidt. A ground out by Bauer garnered him an RBI as Paligraf reached home. After a call to the pen, junior Ben Thomas smacked an RBI double down the left line to plate McCambridge as XU went up two, 4-2.

The Musketeers cushioned the lead with a four-run fifth after loading the bases to open the inning. McCambridge took a base on balls to walk in a run and Schmidt reached on a fielder’s choice as Lindgren came across home plate. With the bases loaded for a second time, Thomas hit a two-RBI single through the right side plating Schmidt and Paligraf to put Xavier up by four, 6-2.

The RedHawks used four hits to get two runs back in the bottom of the fifth but XU scored a run in the sixth, eighth and ninth to push the XU lead to seven. Paligraf was walked to load the bases in the sixth and McCambridge followed with a single to bring home junior Ryan Bellamy. In the eighth, a fielder’s choice plated Lindgren and redshirt sophomore Matt Kleifges scored in the ninth on a base hit from Paligraf. Heading into the bottom of the ninth, Xavier was in control, 11-4.

Miami responded with a huge ninth inning, scoring eight runs to overtake the Musketeers’ lead and win the contest, 12-11. Ryan Kaup’s walk-off single scored a RedHawk from second base to win the game for Miami.

Redshirt freshman Alex Vice (0-2) was charged with the loss for the Musketeers after throwing a third of an inning, giving up two runs on three hits. Starter senior Zac Richard tossed four innings, giving up two runs on three hits while striking out three and walking none.

Brandon Meister got the win for the RedHawks as he threw the final inning of the game for MU. He gave up a run on two hits and walked one batter.

Kevin Bower led Miami with a 4-for-5 day at the plate, collecting two RBI.

The Musketeers return to action Wednesday as they are set to play Wright State in the consolation game of the Joe Nuxhall Classic. First pitch is set for 3 p.m. at Miami’s McKie Field.

Wright State promoted longtime assistant Billy Donlon to head coach on Wednesday, one day after losing Brad Brownell to Clemson.

DAYTON, Ohio — Wright State promoted longtime assistant Billy Donlon to head coach on Wednesday, one day after losing Brad Brownell to Clemson.

Donlon has spent the past four years as Brownell’s associate head [...]]]> Associated Press

Wright State promoted longtime assistant Billy Donlon to head coach on Wednesday, one day after losing Brad Brownell to Clemson.

DAYTON, Ohio — Wright State promoted longtime assistant Billy Donlon to head coach on Wednesday, one day after losing Brad Brownell to Clemson.

Donlon has spent the past four years as Brownell’s associate head coach, along with four years as his assistant at UNC-Wilmington, where he played his college basketball.

Brownell was introduced at Clemson on Tuesday, where he took over for Oliver Purnell.

“Coach Donlon brings not only an ability to continue what has been laid in place but also a wealth of basketball knowledge and expertise to his new position,” Wright State athletic director Bob Grant said. “We are confident that Billy will continue building our program and take Raider basketball to another level of success.”

The 33-year-old Chicago-area native played professionally in France, Germany and Ireland before becoming a coach. He takes over a program at Wright State that has won at least 20 games each of the last four seasons, including a trip to the NCAA tournament in 2007.

The Raiders went 84-45 during his four seasons on the bench, with a Horizon League mark of 49-21 — the school’s best over a four-year span.

“I can’t wait to get started,” Donlon said.

Shortstop Taylor Black Charts Three Hits, Three RBI and Home Run; UK Goes For Sweep Sunday

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Freshman Taylor Rogers tossed 7.2 innings and allowed only single runs in the first and eighth innings to lead the Kentucky baseball team to an 8-2 win over No. 19 Alabama, securing the series [...]]]> Associated Press

Shortstop Taylor Black Charts Three Hits, Three RBI and Home Run; UK Goes For Sweep Sunday

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Freshman Taylor Rogers tossed 7.2 innings and allowed only single runs in the first and eighth innings to lead the Kentucky baseball team to an 8-2 win over No. 19 Alabama, securing the series win, on a gorgeous Saturday evening at Cliff Hagan Stadium.

Taylor Black had a career-high equaling three hits and three RBI, hitting his third homer of the year.

A native of Littleton, Colo., Rogers was brilliant in his fourth career Southeastern Conference start. After allowing a single run in the top of the first inning, Rogers posted six consecutive scoreless innings, before allowing the second Alabama run in the top of the eighth inning, his final frame of work. Rogers (4-3) finished with 7.2 innings pitched, five hits and two runs allowed, not issuing a walk and striking out five. He forced 13 ground outs in the game and is now averaging 13.86 ground-outs forced per nine innings pitched.

Kentucky (21-11, 4-7 Southeastern Conference) had another blistering performance at the plate, charting eight runs on 13 hits. The Wildcats had another standout performance from junior shortstop Taylor Black, who tied a career-high with three hits and three RBI, hitting his third home run of the season. Senior centerfielder Keenan Wiley totaled three hits for the second consecutive game, driving in two RBI, factoring into four of the five innings UK plated runs. Wiley finished 3-for-4 with his first triple of the season and the third of his career, also adding a stolen base. In the series, Wiley is batting 6-for-7 with a walk, a sacrifice fly, two RBI and a triple, stealing one base.

UK junior Lance Ray also had an excellent game, going 2-for-4 with his second double and second home run of the season, while Andy Burns and Chris Bisson each charted two hits. Braden Kapteyn added a hit and senior Gunner Glad drew a walk, going 0-for-3 and snapping his career-long 11-game hitting streak. Ray drew the starting assignment in leftfield for the first time in his career, as UK standout leadoff man, leftfielder and leading hitter Chad Wright was unavailable in the game due to illness.

After pulling Rogers in the eighth inning, UK turned to right-handed closer Matt Little, who tossed the final 1.1 innings to secure the win for the Wildcats, Little struck out two and walked one in his team-best 15th appearance of the season. On the year, Little owns a 2.70 ERA in 26.2 innings, saving five games and allowing only 11 hits in 26.2 innings, striking out 38.

The win secures UK’s first series victory of the season and lifts UK to its sixth win over a top 25 opponent this season. Alabama entered the weekend ranked as high as No. 19 in the latest Rivals.com/Yahoo! Sports top 25 poll, also being ranked in the four other major polling services.

The series win over Alabama was UK’s first since sweeping the Tide in 2008 in the SEC opening series in Lexington. Last season, Alabama claimed the series with a 3-2 win in the rubber match Sunday afternoon in Tuscaloosa.

Alabama (20-11, 4-7 SEC) starter Jimmy Nelson (4-1) took his first loss of the season, allowing 10 hits and seven runs – six earned – in 5.2 innings of work. Nelson walked one and struck out five, before turning it over to Jonathan Smart and Tyler White out of the Alabama bullpen. Smart tossed 1.1 innings, allowing three hits, one walk and one runs, while White tossed a scoreless eighth inning.

The series will conclude Sunday at 1 p.m. ET at Cliff Hagan Stadium. The game will be broadcast live on the Big Blue Sports Network (radio), with the Voice of UK Baseball, Neil Price, detailing the action. Fans in Lexington can hear the game live on WLAP 630-AM and in Louisville on WKJK 1080-AM. UK will send sophomore right-hander Alex Meyer (4-2, 7.64 ERA) to the mound Sunday, facing off with Alabama freshman lefty Taylor Wolfe (2-1, 4.01 ERA).

Alabama got on the board in the top of the first inning, plating one run to take a 1-0 lead without recording a hit. On the first pitch of the game, Rogers’ inside fastball missed, plunking lead-off man Jon Kelton. After Taylor Dugas laid down a sacrifice bunt and Josh Rutledge moved Kelton to third with a groundout to second base, a wild pitch scored Kelton during Clay Jones plate appearance.

UK answered with a run in the bottom of the first, evening the game at 1-1. Bisson led off the inning, hanging a double down the opposite-field line on the first pitch of the bottom of the first inning. After Wiley reached on a swinging bunt down the first-base line, Bisson scampered to third base. Glad scored Bisson with a sacrifice fly into left-centerfield, Glad’s second sacrifice fly of the year.

The Wildcats added to the lead with three runs on two hits and one Alabama error in the bottom of the second. Kapteyn led off with a four-pitch walk and Black belted a 3-1 offering from Nelson high and over the left-field fence, just sneaking inside the foul pole for Black’s third homer of the year. After freshman backstop Luke Maile popped out, Ray doubled down the left-field line, moving to third after Bisson reached on Rutledge’s error at shortstop. Wiley scored Ray with a sacrifice fly to rightfield.

In the bottom of the fifth, UK tacked on another run, stretched its lead to 5-1. Wiley led off the inning with a single to centerfield and Burns scored him with a double down the left-field line, Burns’ fifth double of the season.

UK added two runs in the bottom of the sixth, stretching its lead to 7-1. With two outs, Ray belted his second homer of the year, a towering jack that flirted with the foul pole down the right-field line. Bisson followed and skidded a single through the right side of the infield, scoring after Wiley found the gap in left-centerfield, motoring all the way around to third base for his first triple of the year.

In the seventh inning, UK added a run, as Burns led off with a single and was out after Cory Farris hit into a fielder’s choice. Kapteyn then singled to left field and Black notched his third RBI of the game with a single into left-centerfield, scoring Farris.

Alabama got a run back in the top of the eighth, cutting the lead to 8-2 and chasing Rogers from the game. Rogers led off Kelton and Dugas by hitting them both with first pitches. He then got Josh Rutledge to hit into line-drive out to leftfield, with Ray’s throw to get a tagging Kelton at third going as his first outfield assist. Clay Jones then scored Dugas with a single into left-centerfield.