LMU’s Gill, Grand Canyon’s Stankiewicz join Serrano’s staff

DURHAM, N.C. — USA Baseball has finalized its 2012 Collegiate National Team coaching staff with the addition of assistant coaches Jason Gill and Andy Stankiewicz. Gill and Stankiewicz currently serve as head coaches for the Loyola Marymount and Grand Canyon baseball teams, respectively.

“We are pleased to announce the completion of our 2012 Collegiate National Team coaching staff as the college baseball season gets underway,” said Eric Campbell, USA Baseball General Manager of National Teams. “Jason Gill, Andy Stankiewicz and the rest of our administration staff will be excellent additions to the collegiate program, and we look forward to this summer when they will represent our country in competition.”

Although Gill previously served as an auxiliary coach during the 2000 collegiate trials process, he and Stankiewicz will be making their debut as official coaching staff members in 2012. They round out Tennessee skipper and 2012 collegiate manager Dave Serrano’s four-man staff, joining fellow U.S. assistant coach and Oregon head coach George Horton.

Gill enters his fourth year at the helm of the LMU baseball program in 2012, having posted 30-win seasons in two of his first three years as head coach. He most recently guided the LMU baseball program to its best overall record since 2004, posting a mark of 30-25 in 2011. The Lions finished 11-10 in the West Coast Conference, earning a tie for third overall. Gill and his coaching staff also guided the LMU pitching staff to a 3.25 team ERA in 2011 — the best for LMU since 1968 when season stats were first recorded. The Lions placed five players on All-Conference teams, while four were taken in the MLB draft, including three in the first 12 rounds. For the four years preceding his start as LMU’s seventh skipper in program history, Gill worked under Horton at Oregon and Cal State Fullerton, serving as the head coach’s recruiting coordinator, infield coach and as a primary hitting instructor.

Stankiewicz begins his first season as Grand Canyon University’s head baseball coach in 2012 and becomes the fourth skipper in the history of the school’s baseball program. Most recently, he held the position of minor league field coordinator for the Seattle Mariners. Prior to his stint with the Mariners, Stankiewicz was a member of the Arizona State University baseball coaching staff from 2007-09, where he helped guide the Sun Devils to three Pac-10 championships and two appearances in the College World Series. Stankiewicz also brings to GCU a professional coaching background, having served as manager for the New York Yankees’ NY-Penn League team in Staten Island. While there, he guided Staten Island to the NY-Penn League Championship in 2005.

Also announced Tuesday were the remaining members of the 2012 collegiate team’s administration staff. Danny Wheat of Texas Christian will serve as the team’s certified athletic trainer, Oregon’s Mitch Karraker has been named the club’s bullpen coach and auxiliary administrator, and Tennessee’s Cameron Harris will serve as the team press officer.

Wheat enters his eighth year as an ATC for the Horned Frogs, and 2012 will mark his fourth appearance in the red, white and blue. Karraker is in his first season as an undergraduate assistant coach for the Ducks, while Harris enters his fourth year as an assistant media relations director at Tennessee and third with the Volunteer baseball program. Both men will be making their debut on a Team USA administration staff.

The 2012 Collegiate National Team season kicks off on June 24 with a practice in Cary, N.C., at the USA Baseball National Training Complex. The team will then embark on a four-game tour through the Coastal Plain League, June 25-27, and July 1, against the Fayetteville Swampdogs, Wilmington Sharks, Morehead City Marlins, and the Forest City Owls.

Remaining schedule dates and opponents will be announced in the coming weeks.

Press Release USA Baseball

Follow Baseball de World on Twitter or Facebook and don’t forget to join our Newsletter.

Also Receiving Votes: Cal. Poly Pomona (16), Fancis Marion (14), Wayne St., MI (14), Western Oregon (10), Mesa St. (10), Sonoma St. (8), Texas A&M-Kingsville (6), Winona (4), Flagler (4), Wayne St., NE (2), Cameron (2), Armstrong Atlantic (2), Mt. Olive (1), Belmont Abbey (1), Florida Southern (1), Barry (1), Rollins (1), Florida Tech. (1), Eckerd (1), Shippensburg (1), New Mexico Highlands (1).

Courtesy Collegiate Baseball Newspaper

Follow Baseball de World on Twitter or Facebook and don’t forget to join our Newsletter.

Collegiate Baseball Newspaper Press Release

TUCSON, Ariz. — The University of Florida (10-1) has been ranked No. 1 in the latest NCAA Division I baseball poll by Collegiate Baseball newspaper.

The Gators, who have been ranked No. 1 four consecutive polls, have won eight in a row. Over the past weekend, Florida swept a 3-game series over previously unbeaten Miami, Fla.

The Gators have now beaten the Hurricanes 11 consecutive games dating back to the 2010 season and swept Miami in a 3-game series in Coral Gables for the first time since 2006 and just the second time in school history.

Poll Notes: Other teams have been red-hot. Kentucky (11-0) and Gonzaga (10-0) enter the rankings after being unbeaten so far. Oregon has won 10 straight while Maryland has captured eight in a row with a microscopic team ERA of 0.95. Purdue (8-1) is off to its best start since the 1959 season. Cal. St. Fullerton has won seven straight while UCLA has captured six in a row along with Texas A&M. Four teams fell out of the top 30 in Southern California (1-3 last week), Cal. Poly (2-2), Baylor (3-2) and College of Charleston (2-2). New teams in the poll this week are Kentucky, Gonzaga, Purdue (8-1) and Central Florida (10-2).

The Collegiate Baseball newspaper poll is the oldest college baseball poll. Its birth took place during the 1957 college baseball season.

(Top 30 Agate Follows)

“LOUISVILLE SLUGGER‘S“ NATIONAL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

	LHP Brian Holmes, Wake Forest: Holmes fired a 9-inning no-hitter during a 5-1 win over Marshall. He struck out 10 and walked one. At one point, he retired 15 of 16 batters. The only trouble he had was in the sixth. He hit one batter, walked another and then hit a batter to load the bases with one out. Nathan Gomez followed with a sacrifice fly that allowed Marshall’s only run to score. The next batter flew out to end the inning. Holmes then retired the final nine batters of the game.
	RHP Marcus Stroman, Duke: Stroman struck out a career-high 17 batters in seven shutout innings as the Blue Devils beat George Washington, 13-2. Stroman’s 17 strikeouts were two shy of the Atlantic Coast Conference single-game record of 19.
	1B Mason Katz, Louisiana St.: Katz was 13-for-19 in five games last week with 5 doubles, 3 homers, 8 RBI and 12 runs scored. He reached base safely in 17 consecutive plate appearances at one point and fell just one shy of the NCAA record of 18 set by Shaun Larkin of Cal. St. Northridge in 2002.
	2B Tyler Vaughn, Troy: With only eight career games and four career at-bats prior to this week, Vaughn went 8-for-10 at the plate with 3 doubles, 5 runs scored and 5 RBIs. At one point, he reached base in 10 consecutive plate appearances. Defensively, he was perfect on 15 defensive opportunities and turned a pair of double plays.
	1B/RHP Jacob Mayers, Richmond: Mayers went 6-for-12 with 4 homers, 6 runs scored, 13 RBIs, and 5 walks. He also pitched seven innings and struck out eight batters.
	SS Richie Rodriguez, Eastern Kentucky: Rodriguez belted 4 home runs with 9 RBI and scored 7 runs with a 1.462 slugging percentage. In a game against Indiana St., he hit 3 home runs with 7 RBI.

Follow Baseball de World on Twitter or Facebook and don’t forget to join our Newsletter.

Also Receiving Votes: Wayne St., MI (16), Cal. Poly Pomona (16), Western Oregon (16), Armstrong Atlantic (16), S. Arkansas (12), Mount Olive (10), E. Stroudsburg (10), Mesa St. (6), California, PA (6), Belmont Abbey (1), Arkansas-Mont. (1), West Texas A&M (1) Texas A&M-Kingsville (1), Florida Southern (1), Sonoma St. (1), Mansfield (1), Shippensburg (1), N. Kentucky (1), Ashland (1), Indianapolis (1), Missouri S&T (1), Winona (1), Wayne St., NE (1), New Mexico Highlands (1), Mass.-Lowell (1), Wilmington (1), Adelphi (1).

Not Reporting: Millersville

Press Release – Collegiate Baseball Newspaper

Follow Baseball de World on Twitter or Facebook and don’t forget to join our Newsletter.

Collegiate Baseball Newspaper Press Release

TUCSON, Ariz. — The University of Florida (7-1) has been ranked No. 1 in the latest NCAA Division I baseball poll by Collegiate Baseball newspaper.

The Gators, who have been ranked No. 1 for three consecutive polls, have won five in a row. Over the past week, Florida beat Bethune-Cookman, Central Florida and picked up three wins over William & Mary.

No. 2 South Carolina is perfect with a 6-0 record. The Gamecock pitching staff struck out 32 batters in 27 innings of work during a 3-game sweep of Elon over the past weekend and allowed just three runs.

No. 3 Stanford (7-0) has six wins over top 25 opponents this season. The Cardinal swept Vanderbilt and then swept a series against Texas. Stanford outscored the Longhorns in the 3-game set, 28-4.

No. 4 Rice (8-0) swept a 3-game series against Dallas Baptist. It is the best start for the Owls since 2001 when Rice began the season 8-0.

Poll Notes: Other teams have been red-hot to start the season. Four teams have a perfect 7-0 record to start 2012 in Miami, Fla., Georgia, Oregon and Southern California. The surprise team of the year so far is Maryland which is off to a 5-1 record, the best start in 25 years. The Terps have now beaten UCLA two of three and recently went undefeated in the Keith LeClair Classic. Maryland’s pitching staff has a 1.24 ERA, a mark that leads the Atlantic Coast Conference. Six teams fell out of the poll this week in Texas (lost five in a row), Texas Christian (1-3 last week), St. John’s (1-2 last week, 2-4 overall), U.C. Irvine (1-3 last week), Southern Mississippi (2-2 last week) and Georgia Southern (2-2 last week). New to the poll this week is Southern California (7-0), Cal Poly (7-1), Mississippi (5-1), Texas Tech. (7-1), Maryland (5-1) and UCLA (4-3).

The Collegiate Baseball newspaper poll is the oldest college baseball poll. Its birth took place during the 1957 college baseball season.

(Top 30 Agate Follows)

“LOUISVILLE SLUGGER‘S“ NATIONAL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

LHP Chipper Smith, Cumberland (TN): Smith fired Cumberland’s first no-hitter since 2004, striking out 14 batters over the 7-inning contest during a 5-0 win over Point Park. Smith allowed only two base-runners on a walk and a hit batter. At one point, he retired 15 consecutive batters.

1B Johnny Coy, Wichita St.: Coy hit .600 (15-for-25) with 8 runs, 3 doubles, 2 home runs and 20 RBI over five games last week. He also had a perfect fielding percentage in 35 chances at first base. His most memorable game was a 4-for-5 effort against North Dakota as he belted 2 home runs and collected 9 RBIs. The 9 RBIs was one shy of the school record.

LHP Brandon Bixler, Florida Gulf Coast: Bixler struck out 12 batters and came within one pitch of throwing a no-hitter in a 9-inning, 5-1 win over Bryant. However, David Soltis of Bryant ripped a 3-2 pitch up the middle for the first hit of the afternoon to ruin the no-no. It was the only hit he gave up.

CF James Ramsey, Florida St.: In four games last week, Ramsey made 19 plate appearances and reached base 15 times. He recorded 6 hits, 7 walks, one hit by pitch and reached on a fielding error. At one point, Ramsey reached base in nine consecutive at-bats.

Follow Baseball de World on Twitter or Facebook and don’t forget to join our Newsletter.

The defending champion University of West Florida Argos are climbing the rankings back up toward the top where they finished the 2011 season. The Argos have started off to a 6-1 record to climb up to #2 in the polls behind Central Missouri (who has yet to play and was the preseason #2). The preseason #1 team, Mount Olive, has fallen to 6th in the polls after losing a game to Wingate (#32).

Also Receiving Votes: Limestone (12), Wingate (12), S.C. Aiken (12), S.E. Oklahoma St. (10), Barry (8), Northern Kentucky (6), Ashland (4), Angelo St. (4), Indianapolis (2), Abilene Christian (2), Tarleton St. (2), Catawba (1), Tusculum (1), Georgia College (1), Cameron (1), Incarnate Word (1), Nova Southeastern (1), Florida Tech. (1), Cal. St.-Monterey Bay (1), U.C. San Diego (1), California, PA (1), Seton Hill (1), Kutztown (1), Slippery Rock (1), West Virginia St. (1), East Stroudsburg (1), Drury (1), Missouri S&T (1), Quincy (1), Nebraska-Kearney (1), Wayne St., NE (1), Augustana (1), New Mexico Highlands (1), Mass.-Lowell (1), Wilmington (1), Adelphi (1).

Follow Baseball de World on Twitter or Facebook and don’t forget to join our Newsletter.

The two time defending national champion South Carolina Gamecocks are back among the top of the national polls, but they aren’t at the top. Florida grabs the nod as the top team in the Division 1 ranks as they return with a load of talent. Arkansas joins the Gamecocks and Gators representing the SEC in the top 10.  The state of Texas claims 40% of the preseason top 10 with Texas (#5), Texas A&M (#6), Rice, (#7), and TCU (#10).

The first games kick off this weekend in what is shaping up to be another great run to Omaha. Below is the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper preseason poll which is the oldest college baseball poll having started in 1958.

Follow Baseball de World on Twitter or Facebook and don’t forget to join our Newsletter.

DURHAM, N.C. — The USA Baseball Collegiate National Team scored five runs in the seventh inning for a comeback victory, 7-6, over Japan Sunday afternoon at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park.

Overall, Team USA overcame a five-run deficit, chipping away at the lead with a run in the fifth and then took advantage of two Japan errors in the seventh for the come-from-behind victory.

Marcus Stroman (Duke) picked up his third save of the summer after coming on in the eighth, shutting the door on a Japan rally, forcing a strikeout and groundout that stranded the winning run at second. He worked a perfect ninth to preserve the win.

Dominic Ficociello (Arkansas) drove in two on a single to right in the seventh to tie the game, 6-6. He scored what amounted to the game-winning run on a single by Chris Elder (Oral Roberts) to score from frist. The ball skipped past the center fielder, enabling Elder to move to third, where he was stranded to end the inning.

Deven Marrero (Arizona State) drove in the first run of the inning on a double down the right field line, then advanced to third when Nolan Fontana (Florida) scored on a liner to left that was dropped by the left fielder. That led to Ficociello’s game-tying single later on the inning.

Down, 1-0, Japan took the lead in the fifth, and gave itself cushion, scoring six runs in the frame. Hotaka Yamakawa hit the first pitch he saw from Team USA starter Mark Appel (Stanford) over the left-center fence for a grand slam and at the time, a five-run lead.

That, however, was the only inning Japan was able to score as Team USA kept the club off the scoreboard the rest of the game.

Appel started and was touched for six runs in 4 2/3 innings of work. He gave up five hits while striking out seven and walking two.

Appel’s counterpart, Yusuke Nomura, worked five innings. He struck out three, walked two and allowed two runs on three hits.

Tomoyuki Sugano took the loss after allowing two hits and a run in 1 2/3 innings of relief. Andrew Mitchell (Texas Christian), meanwhile, improved to 2-0 after an inning of relief. He walked one and struck out three in the seventh inning.

Marrero and Elder paced Team USA with two hits apiece. Marrero drove in two, with the first coming in the fifth on a single.

Team USA and Japan continue the series Monday night at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. ET. Kevin Gausman (LSU) gets the start for Team USA.

USA NOTES: The Collegiate National Team set its roster after Saturday night’s game … To set the roster at 22, Matt Boyd (Oregon State), Eric Anderson (Missouri) and Ryne Stanek (Arkansas) were let go … The first pitch from Team USA starter Mark Appel was clocked at 96 mph … Two pitchers later, he was clocked at 97 mph … Team USA is scheduled to take batting practice at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park at approximately 3:15 p.m. prior to Monday’s 6 p.m. first pitch.

Courtesy USABaseball.com

Game 2 was rained out on Monday. The two teams will play a doubleheader on Tuesday.

Follow Baseball de World on Twitter or Facebook and don’t forget to join our Newsletter.

OMAHA, Neb. (NCBWA) – Texas relief pitcher Corey Knebel is the 2011 recipient of the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association’s Stopper of the Year Award, the NCBWA announced Tuesday at the College World Series.

Knebel, the NCBWA Freshman Pitcher of the Year and a semifinalist for the Dick Howser Trophy, set the Texas freshmen record with 19 saves and was 3-2 with a 1.13 ERA and 61 strikeouts in 55.2 innings. He allowed just 28 hits and seven earned runs, while holding opponents to a .151 batting average. With two saves in Super Regional play, he has posted the most saves of any pitcher in the nation this season. In addition, he has made 38 appearances, the most in the Big 12 this year.

The right-hander from Georgetown, Texas, was an All-Big 12 First Team selection and a unanimous selection to the Big 12 All-Freshmen Team. He has received first team All-America and Freshman Pitcher of the Year honors from Collegiate Baseball. The reliever also has been named one of the 25 quarterfinalists for the College Baseball Foundation’s Pitcher of the Year Award.

Knebel helped Texas post a 49-19 record and reach the College World Series for the 34th time, with NCAA Austin Regional and Super Regional championships. The Longhorns also were the Big 12 regular season co-champions and were ranked No. 5 in the latest NCBWA weekly poll.

Knebel is the third Longhorn pitcher to take home the honor in the award’s seven-year history, joining J. Brent Cox in 2005 and Chance Ruffin in 2010. He is also the first freshman to win the award.

This year’s finalists also included Branden Kline of Virginia, Kyle McMillen of Kent State, Matt Price of South Carolina and Bo Reeder of East Tennessee State.

More than 50 of the nation’s top collegiate relief pitchers were included in the selection process for this year’s NCBWA Stopper of the Year Award, beginning with initial preseason nominations by baseball contacts at NCAA Division I schools. Texas hurler J. Brent Cox won the inaugural Stopper of the Year Award in 2005, with Don Czyz of Kansas claiming the honor in 2006, Luke Prihoda of Sam Houston State winning it in 2007, Georgia’s Joshua Fields topping the field in 2008, San Diego State’s Addison Reed grabbing the honor in 2009 and Texas’ Chance Ruffin winning the award in 2010.

The NCBWA, founded in 1962, presents the Dick Howser Trophy to the nation’s top player. It also selects a Division I All-America Team, Division I Coach of the Year, Division I and III Players of the Week, Division I District Players of the Year and Division II and III Players of the Year.

The Stopper of the Year will also be recognized on the College Baseball Awards show, July 3 in Lubbock, Texas. This event will feature the presentation of the Dick Howser Trophy to the National Player of the Year. Other awards scheduled to be presented during the show include the Brooks Wallace Award, honoring the nation’s best shortstop, and the Pitcher of the Year Award. All of the NCBWA season awards will be recognized during the show.

For more information on the NCBWA Stopper of the Year, contact Tami Cutler at Wichita State at 316-978-5559 or Russ Anderson at Conference USA at 214-774-1351.

2011 NCBWA Stopper of the Year key dates:
• Tues., Feb. 1: Preseason Watch List
• Thurs., April 21: Midseason Watch List
• Tues., June 7: Stopper of the Year finalists announced
• Tues., June 21: NCBWA Stopper of the Year announced

Follow Baseball de World on Twitter or Facebook and don’t forget to join our Newsletter.

OMAHA, Neb. (NCBWA) – Texas junior pitcher Taylor Jungmann is the recipient of the 25th annual Dick Howser Trophy, presented by Easton Foundations, as college baseball’s player of the year. The presentation was made Tuesday morning as part of a news conference at TD Ameritrade Park, with several other 2011 national honors being awarded as well.

The 25th anniversary of the Dick Howser Trophy presented by Easton Foundations was even more special by the awarding of this year’s honor at TD Ameritrade Stadium in downtown Omaha, the new home of the College World Series.

As the 2011 Howser Trophy recipient, Jungmann also will take part of the College Baseball Foundation’s festivities to recognize and induct the College Baseball Hall of Fame and the awarding of several other national honors for 2011, on July 3, in Lubbock, Texas.

Jungmann, who hails from Georgetown, Texas, near Austin, brought the Longhorns back to the 2011 NCAA World Series with a 13-3 mark, five complete games, three route-going shutouts (five combined), a 1.60 ERA, 36 walks issued, and 125 strikeouts.

He was the Big 12 Conference Pitcher of the Year, helped UT to a 49-18 mark through Saturday’s opener in the CWS, has 19 appearances with 18 starts, and allowed opponents a batting average of .165. The consensus All-America selection was selected No. 12 overall in the 2011 MLB draft by the Milwaukee Brewers. Jungmann won the Howser Trophy over two other outstanding finalists: UCLA junior pitcher Trevor Bauer and Virginia junior utility performer (P-DH-1B) Danny Hultzen.

The Dick Howser Trophy, given in memory of the former Florida State University All-America shortstop and major league player and manager who died of brain cancer in 1987, is regarded by many as college baseball’s most prestigious award. Criteria for consideration for the trophy include performance on the field, leadership, moral character and courage, qualities that were exemplified by Dick Howser’s life.

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

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

The College Baseball Foundation was established in 2004 and has inducted more than 60 greats into the College Baseball Hall of Fame in Lubbock. The group promotes the highest ideals and recognition of greatness on college baseball diamonds in the 150 years since the first intercollegiate contest in 1859 between Amherst and Williams.

The Howser Trophy was created in 1987, shortly after Howser’s death. Previous winners of the Howser Trophy are Mike Fiore, Miami, 1987; Robin Ventura, Oklahoma State, 1988; Scott Bryant, Texas, 1989; Alex Fernandez, Miami-Dade Community College South, 1990; Frank Rodriguez, Howard College (Texas), 1991; Brooks Kieschnick, Texas, 1992 and 1993; Jason Varitek, Georgia Tech, 1994; Todd Helton, Tennessee, 1995; Kris Benson, Clemson, 1996; J. D. Drew, Florida State, 1997; Eddy Furniss, LSU, 1998; Jason Jennings, Baylor, 1999; Mark Teixeira, Georgia Tech, 2000; Mark Prior, P, USC, 2001, Khalil Greene, SS, Clemson, 2002; Rickey Weeks, 2B, Southern U., 2003; Jered Weaver, P, Long Beach State, 2004; Alex Gordon, 3B, Nebraska, 2005; Brad Lincoln, P/DH, Houston, 2006; David Price, P, Vanderbilt, 2007; Buster Posey, C, Florida State, 2008; Stephen Strasburg, P, San Diego State, 2009 and Anthony Rendon, 3B, Rice, 2010.

2011 Dick Howser Trophy:
• Thurs., Feb. 17: Dick Howser Trophy celebrates 25th anniversary
• Fri., May 20: Dick Howser Trophy semifinalists announced
• Thurs., June 16: Dick Howser Trophy finalists announced
• Tues., June 21: Dick Howser Trophy winner announced

Related links:
• More on the Dick Howser Trophy
• Official site (dickhowsertrophy.com)

Follow Baseball de World on Twitter or Facebook and don’t forget to join our Newsletter.

USA TODAY/ESPN Top 25 coaches’ baseball poll

June 29, 2011 — final poll

Rank	School (first-place votes)	Record	Points	Last week
1	South Carolina (31)	55-14	775	4
2	Florida	53-19	744	3
3	Vanderbilt	54-12	700	2
4	Virginia	56-12	694	1
5	North Carolina	51-16	641	7
6	Texas A&M	47-22	589	8
7	Texas	49-19	574	5
8	California	38-23	540	NR
9	Florida State	46-19	501	6
10	Arizona State	43-18	447	11
11	Oregon State	41-19	420	16
12	UC-Irvine	43-18	402	17
13	Stanford	35-22	328	21
14	Connecticut	45-20-1	321	24
15	Mississippi State	38-25	260	NR
16	Clemson	43-20	253	12
17	Cal State-Fullerton	41-17	236	9
18	Dallas Baptist	42-20	232	NR
19	TCU	43-19	225	10
20	Georgia Tech	42-21	209	14
21	Rice	42-21	184	13
22	UCLA	35-24	153	18
23	Arkansas	40-22	145	19
24	Miami (Fla.)	38-23	114	23
25	Arizona	39-21	80	NR

Dropped out: No. 15 Oklahoma, No. 20 Fresno State, No. 22 Southern Mississippi, No. 25 Creighton.

Others receiving votes: Oklahoma (41-19) 69; Kent State (45-17) 42; Stetson (43-20) 26; Creighton (45-16) 25; Fresno State (40-16) 21; Baylor (31-28) 20; Georgia (33-32) 15; Southern Mississippi (39-19) 15; Alabama (35-28) 14; Oral Roberts (39-22) 13; Central Florida (39-23) 9; East Carolina (41-21) 9; Illinois (30-27) 7; Troy (43-19) 6; Coastal Carolina (42-20) 5; Belmont (38-26) 4; St. John’s (36-22) 3; James Madison (42-19) 2; Florida International (40-20) 1; Georgia Southern (36-26) 1; San Francisco (32-25) 1.

The 2011 board: The USA TODAY/ESPN Board of Coaches is made up of 31 coaches at Division I institutions. All are members of the American Baseball Coaches Association. The board for the 2011 season: Terry Alexander, Jacksonville; John Anderson, Minnesota; Ed Blankmeyer, St. John’s; Rob Cooper, Wright State; Sherman Corbett, Texas-San Antonio; Tim Corbin, Vanderbilt; Greg DiCenzo, Holy Cross; David Eldredge, Southern Utah; Mike Gaski, North Carolina-Greensboro; Nino Giarratano, San Francisco; Gary Gilmore, Coastal Carolina; Keith Guttin, Missouri State; Danny Hall, Georgia Tech; Daniel Heefner, Dallas Baptist; Loren Hibbs, Charlotte; Charlie Hickey, Central Connecticut State; George Horton, Oregon; Steve Jaksa, Central Michigan; Omar Johnson, Jackson State; Rick Jones, Tulane; Steve Kittrell, South Alabama; Kevin Leighton, Manhattan; Gary McClure, Austin Peay; Mervyl Melendez, Bethune-Cookman; Gary Powers, Nevada; Mark Scalf, North Carolina-Wilmington; Jim Schlossnagle, TCU; Matt Senk, Stony Brook; Doug Smith, UC-Riverside; Steve Smith, Baylor; Bob Whalen, Dartmouth.

Follow Baseball de World on Twitter or Facebook and don’t forget to join our Newsletter.

Seven Team USA pitchers scattered just four hits in the loss

BOSTON – Seven pitchers limited the NECBL All-Stars to three runs and four hits, but the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team managed three hits of its own in a 3-2 loss Monday afternoon at Fenway Park.

Team USA scored a run in the seventh off three NECBL errors, but stranded a runner at third to end the inning. It was the club’s last true rally, and allowed the NECBL All-Stars to pull out the one-run victory.

Kevin Gausman (LSU) made his first start for Team USA and worked three innings, allowing two hits and a run with two strikeouts. He did not figure in the decision.

Gausman’s lone blemish on the day was a solo home run to Tom Murphy in the second inning, a towering shot over the Green Monster in left field.

Murphy’s home run gave the NECBL All-Stars a 1-0 lead, but Team USA matched that via a single off the bat of Dominic Ficociello (Arkansas) in the bottom half of the inning. It drove in Josh Elander (Texas Christian) who had doubled two batters earlier.

The NECBL All-Stars, however, took a 3-1 lead in the sixth when Joe Hudson and Brandon Miller posted consecutive run-scoring singles off Team USA (3-1) reliever Tom Windle (Minnesota).

Windle took the loss after allowing two hits and two runs.

Team USA had each of its relievers throw one inning apiece. Hoby Milner (Texas), Andrew Mitchell (Texas Christian), Corey Knebel (Texas), Mark Appel (Stanford) and Marcus Stroman (Duke) all threw scoreless innings. Milner and Knebel both made their Team USA debuts after arriving in New England on Saturday,

Ryan Harvey picked up the win after a scoreless inning of relief for the NECBL All-Stars.

Team USA continues its trek through New England Tuesday when the club visits the Newport Gulls at Cardines Field. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m. ET. Make sure and check usabaseball.com for a live stats link pre-game and a full box score and recap at the contest’s conclusion.

USA Notes: The game marked the first for Team USA at Fenway Park since 1995 when the 18U National Team participated in the IBAF World AAA/18U Junior Championships … Team USA defeated Australia, 5-4, and Chinese Taipei, 10-0, in those games … The Collegiate National Team served as the home club in Monday’s game against the NECBL All-Stars.

About USA Baseball
USA Baseball is the National Governing Body of amateur baseball in the United States and is a member of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC).  The organization selects and trains the World Baseball Classic Team and World Cup Team (and all other USA Baseball Professional Teams); the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team; the USA Baseball 18U, 16U and 14U National Teams; and the USA Baseball Women’s National Team, all of which participate in various international competitions each year.  USA Baseball also presents the Golden Spikes Award annually to the top amateur baseball player in the country.  For more information, please visit www.USABaseball.com and www.GoldenSpikesAward.com.

Press Release USA Baseball

Follow Baseball de World on Twitter or Facebook and don’t forget to join our Newsletter.

OMAHA – The finals were set on Friday and it will be an all SEC final. In the first game on Friday, #2 Florida defeated #6 Vanderbilt for the 2nd time sending the Commodores home. Vandy led early and made a late charge but it wasn’t enough. Florida’s opponent in the championship round will be defending champion #4 South Carolina. The Gamecocks defeated #1 Virginia in an extra innings thriller.

#6 Vanderbilt 4, #2 Florida 6

The Florida Gators pounded out 13 hits and held off a late innings comeback to defeat Vanderbilt and earn a trip to the championship round. This is the Gator’s second trip to the finals after losing to Texas in the 2005 finals.

Vanderbilt jumped on top of Florida in the top of the first on an Aaron Westlake (2-for-5)  home run, his 18th of the season. Sonny Gray kept the Gators off the board until the 3rd when they would tie the game at 1. The All-American Gray would go 7 innings allowing 6 runs on 12 hits and 5 walks to take the loss.

Florida tied it up in the 3rd after Cody Dent (2-for-2, 2 runs) led off the inning with a triple. He would score on a ground out by Preston Tucker (1-for-5, 2 RBI). Florida would take the lead one inning later. With 1 out, Adams and Thompson both singled. After Dent walked to load the bases, Nolan Fontana (2-for-3, 2 RBIs) singled up the middle with 2 outs to bring in both Adams and Thompson

Florida would add one more run in the 6th to take a 4-1 lead, but Vady came storming back late in the game. In the 7th inning, Vandy made it 4-3 when with 2 outs Conner Harrell (1-for-3) singled to left field driving in a pair of runners. An inning later, Vandy would tie the game at 4 when Conrad Gregor (1-for-3) was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.

The tie was short lived however. In the bottom of the 8th, Florida would take the lead for good. The Gators loaded the bases and once again Preston Tucker delivered with a single to left.  One batter later Dent would score on a wild pitch to make it 6-4.

Austin Maddox pitched 1.2 innings of scoreless relief to pick up the win for Florida. Starter Alex Panteliodis pitched well going 6 innings giving up 1 run on 3 hits but did not factor into the desicion.

#1 Virginia 2, #4 South Carolina 3

It took South Carolina 13 innings to fend off the Cavaliers and advance to its 5th championship (SC is 1-3 in title matches).

The game was close the entire way. Virginia jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the 2nd as Kenny Swab (2-for-3) grounded into a double play allowing Steven Proscia (0-for-4) to score from third. South Carolina was stifled for 3 innings by All-American Danny Hultzen, but he was pulled after the 3rd because he was sick having only given up 1 hit while striking out 8.

In the 4th, Carolina would jump on reliever Kyle Crocket. The Gamecocks loaded the bases on a double by Christian Walker (1-for-5), a single by Jackie Bradley Jr. (1-for-5), and a hit by pitch by Adrian Morales (0-for-5). Brady Thomas (2-for6, 2 RBI) then followed with a double to left center putting South Carolina on top 2-1.

The score stayed 2-1 until the top of the 8th when Virginia would tie it up with a John Hicks (1-for-5) reached on an error allowing Chris Taylor (0-for-7) to score an unearned run.

Both teams would threaten in extra frames, but each time the pitching came up big and hold the opposing team scoreless. That is until the bottom of the 13th. Brady Thomas led off with a single and was quickly pinch run for by Adam Matthews. After a throwing error by the pitcher on a sacrifice bunt attempt, Matthews advanced to 2nd. The next batter again tried to sacrifice Matthews to third but again Virginia reliever Cody Winiarski threw the ball away. This time he was trying to get Matthews out at 3rd and wound up throwing the ball down the left field line allowing Matthews to trot home with the game winning run.

The Gamecocks will defend their title against Florida starting Monday night in the best-of-3 Championship Series.

South Carolina won the season series with Florida in Gainsville 2-games-to-1.

2011 CWS Schedule

(All Times Central)

Saturday, June 18

Game 1:  No. 6 Vanderbilt 7,  No. 3 North Carolina 3

Game 2: No. 7 Texas 4 vs. No. 2 Florida 8

Sunday, June 19

Game 3: California vs. No. 1 Virginia – 1 p.m. ESPN

Game 4: Texas A&M vs. No. 4 South Carolina – 6 p.m. ESPN2

Monday, June 20

Game 5 – No. 3 North Carolina 3, No. 7 Texas 0

Game 6 – No. 2 Florida 3, No. 6 Vanderbilt 1

Tuesday, June 21

Game 7 – California 7, Texas A&M 3

Game 8 – No. 4 South Carolina 7, No. 1 Virginia 1

Wednesday, June 22

Game 9 – No. 3 North Carolina 1, No. 6 Vanderbilt 5

Thursday, June 23

Game 10 – California 1, No. 1 Virginia 8

Friday, June 24

Game 11 – No. 6 Vanderbilt 6,  No. 2 Florida 4

Game 12 – No. 1 Virginia 2,  No. 4 South Carolina 3

Sunday, June 26

No games scheduled

MEN’S COLLEGE WORLD SERIES FINALS

Monday, June 27

Game 1 – No. 2 Florida vs. No. 4 South Carolina – 7 p.m. (ESPN HD)

Tuesday, June 28

Game 2 – No. 2 Florida vs. No. 4 South Carolina – 7 p.m. (ESPN HD)

Wednesday, June 29

Game 3 – No. 2 Florida vs. No. 4 South Carolina – 7 p.m. (ESPN HD)

(if necessary)

For the NCAA’s interactive bracket click here

For more information on Omaha click here

Follow Baseball de World on Twitter or Facebook and don’t forget to join our Newsletter.

OMAHA – With two SEC teams sitting pretty in the winner’s bracket of the College World Series, other teams are fighting to stay alive. In Wednesday’s action, #6 Vanderbilt rebounded from a their first CWS loss to knock #3 North Carolina out of the tournament. Thursday saw another team packing their bags as #1 Virginia sent California home. Virginia will now take on defending champion South Carolina again on Friday needing to win twice to advance to the finals.

#3 North Carolina 1, #6 Vanderbilt 5

Vanderbilt continued writing the story of its first ever trip to the CWS with another win against #3 North Carolina. With the win, Vanderbilt made sure there will be at least 1 SEC team in the championship. They will now face Florida again needing to win twice to advance to the championship round.

Vandy got a great start from Taylor Hill who went 7 innings giving up 1 run on 4 hits and 4 walks while striking out 4. Corey Williams closed the door with 2 scoreless innings. North Carolina starter Greg Holt didn’t fare as well lasting only 2.2 innings giving up 5 runs on 4 hits.

Conner Harrell (2-for-3) had the big hit for Vandy with a 3-run blast in the bottom of the 2nd inning. That home run put Vandy up 4-0. They would add another run in the 3rd to go up 5-0. The pitching staff did the rest from there. Curt Casali (1-for-4)added his 7th home run of the year as well. DH Conrad Gregor pitched in with 2 hits as well scoring a run.

North Carolina only managed 4 hits against Vandy pitching. Jacob Stallings had two of them going 2-for-4 with 2 doubles. Ben Bunting drove in the only run for the Tar Heels with a bases loaded ground out in the 5th inning.

California 1, #1 Virginia 8

Top seeded Virginia pounded out 11 hits and 8 runs to send California back home empty handed. Virginia will now face South Carolina needing to win twice to advance to the championship round.

Virginia got a solid start out of Tyler Wilson who went 7.2 innings giving up only 1 run on 5 hits while striking out 5. Cal starter Dixon Anderson didn’t fare as well going only 3 innings giving up 2 runs (1 earned) on 4 hits to take the loss. Cal reliever Kevin Miller had an even worse outing going 2.2 innings but giving up 4 runs on 5 hits.

Every starter for Virginia had at least 1 hit in the game. Keith Werman led the way going 2-for-2 with 2 runs scored and a RBI. Kenny Swab was the only other Cavalier hitter with more than 1 hit going 2-for-5.

The Cavs face an uphill battle now needing to beat defending champion South Carolina twice to advance. They are the lone non-SEC team left in the tournament.

2011 CWS Schedule

(All Times Central)

Saturday, June 18

Game 1:  No. 6 Vanderbilt 7,  No. 3 North Carolina 3

Game 2: No. 7 Texas 4 vs. No. 2 Florida 8

Sunday, June 19

Game 3: California vs. No. 1 Virginia – 1 p.m. ESPN

Game 4: Texas A&M vs. No. 4 South Carolina – 6 p.m. ESPN2

Monday, June 20

Game 5 – No. 3 North Carolina 3, No. 7 Texas 0

Game 6 – No. 2 Florida 3, No. 6 Vanderbilt 1

Tuesday, June 21

Game 7 – California 7, Texas A&M 3

Game 8 – No. 4 South Carolina 7, No. 1 Virginia 1

Wednesday, June 22

Game 9 – No. 3 North Carolina 1, No. 6 Vanderbilt 5

Thursday, June 23

Game 10 – California 1, No. 1 Virginia 8

Friday, June 24

Game 11 – No. 6 Vanderbilt vs. No. 2 Florida – 1 p.m. (ESPN HD)

Game 12 – No. 1 Virginia vs. No. 4 South Carolina – 6 p.m. (ESPN HD)

Saturday, June 25

Game 13 – 1 p.m. (ESPN HD) or 6 p.m. (ESPN2 HD)  Game 13 will be necessary if the winner of Game 9 also wins Game 11.  If it is the only game scheduled for that day, the game will start at 6 p.m.

Game 14 – 6 p.m. (ESPN2 HD)                                   Game 14 will be necessary if the winner of Game 10 also wins Game 12.  If it is the only game scheduled for that day, the game will start at 6 p.m.

Sunday, June 26

No games scheduled

MEN’S COLLEGE WORLD SERIES FINALS

Monday, June 27

Game 1 – 7 p.m. (ESPN HD)                           Bracket One Winner vs. Bracket Two Winner

Tuesday, June 28

Game 2 – 7 p.m. (ESPN HD)                           Bracket One Winner vs. Bracket Two Winner

Wednesday, June 29

Game 3 – 7 p.m. (ESPN HD)                           Bracket One Winner vs. Bracket Two Winner

(if necessary)

For the NCAA’s interactive bracket click here

For more information on Omaha click here

Follow Baseball de World on Twitter or Facebook and don’t forget to join our Newsletter.

OMAHA – The two teams from Texas were the first to be sent packing. On Monday, North Carolina sent the Texas Longhorns home. Texas’ offense never really showed up, and its ace pitcher had a bad outing in their first game. Game two of the day saw the winner’s facing off with Florida taking down their SEC foe in Vanderbilt.

#7 Texas 0, #2 North Carolina 3

North Carolina didn’t need much offense as their starter Kent Emanuel completely shut down the Longhorn bats. Emanuel pitched a complete game shutout allowing only 4 hits and 1 walk while striking out 5.  Cole Green didn’t fare as well for the Longhorns. He lasted only 2 innings giving up 5 hits and 2 runs to take the loss.

While Texas didn’t pitch bad, they never hit. Johnathan Walsh was the only hitter with more than one hit going 2-for-3.

On the other side, Ben Bunting alone had as many hits as the entire Longhorns team going 4-for-5 with 1 run scored and 1 RBI. Jacob Stallings chipped in with 1 hit and 2 RBIs.

#2 Florida 3, #6 Vanderbilt 1

In the winner’s bracket game, two SEC foes squared off with Florida coming out on top of the rain delayed game. Preston Tucker had the big hit for the Gators in the 4th inning with a 3-run home run. Tucker would add a double to his dinger to go 2-for-4 in the game. Tucker was the only Gator with more than 1 hit as they only totaled 5 for the game.

Anthony Gomez was the only hitter for Vandy with more than 1 hit going 2-for-4 with the lone Commodore RBI. Vandy starter Grayson Garvin pitched well but took the loss. He went 6 innings allowing 3 runs on 5 hits and 1 walk while striking out 9.

Florida is now in the driver’s seat in Bracket 1. They are 1 win away from a trip to the finals.

Day 4

California 7, Texas A&M 3

Texas A&M continued the poor run for teams from Texas getting bounced from the tournament.  A&M jumped out on top in the bottom of the 4th inning when Adam Smith (1-for-4) hit his 7th home run of the season.

It didn’t take California long to respond. They came right back with 3 runs in the 5th inning. Derek Campbell (2-for-4) singled to center with runners at the corners to drive in 2 runs. Two batters later Tony Renda (2-for-3) would drive in Campbell with a sacrifice fly as the Bears got 3 unearned runs in the inning. Cal would come back with 3 runs again in the 6th inning to go up 6-1. A&M would mount a comeback and pull to within 6-3, but that is all the damage they could do.

Texas A&M starter Michael Wacha lasted 6.2 innings giving up 7 runs (4 earned) on 9 hits and 2 walks. Kyle Porter went 6 innings for Cal giving up 3 runs on 7 hits and 1 walk to pick up the win. Matt Flemer picked up the save pitching 3 scoreless innings.

Texas A&M is eliminated.

#4 South Carolina 7, #1 Virginia 1

South Carolina continues to play well in their defense of their title taking down #1 seed Virgina 7-1. South Carolina jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the first and never looked back. After the first two batters recorded outs, Walker reached on an error. Immediately he was drove home by Jackie Bradley Jr. (2-for-5) who doubled. Adrian Morales (3-for-5, 2 runs) followed up with an RBI single advancing to 2nd on an error. The Gamecocks weren’t finished. The next batter Brady Thomas (3-for-4) doubled driving in Morales and giving the Gamecocks a 3-0 lead.

South Carolina would extend its lead to 6-0 with a run in the 3rd and 2 more in the 4th. Virginia finally got on the board in the bottom of the 4th with a run on John Hicks (1-for-4) 9th home run of the season. Chris Taylor (2-for-4) was the only Virginia batter with more than 1 hit.

Virginia will now take on California again with the loser heading home.

2011 CWS Schedule

(All Times Central)

Saturday, June 18

Game 1:  No. 6 Vanderbilt 7,  No. 3 North Carolina 3

Game 2: No. 7 Texas 4 vs. No. 2 Florida 8

Sunday, June 19

Game 3: California vs. No. 1 Virginia – 1 p.m. ESPN

Game 4: Texas A&M vs. No. 4 South Carolina – 6 p.m. ESPN2

Monday, June 20

Game 5 – No. 3 North Carolina 3, No. 7 Texas 0

Game 6 – No. 2 Florida 3, No. 6 Vanderbilt 1

Tuesday, June 21

Game 7 – California 7, Texas A&M 3

Game 8 – No. 4 South Carolina 7, No. 1 Virginia 1

Wednesday, June 22

Game 9 – No. 3 North Carolina vs. No. 6 Vanderbilt – 6 p.m. (ESPN2 HD)

Thursday, June 23

Game 10 – California vs. No. 1 Virginia – 6 p.m. (ESPN2 HD)

Friday, June 24

Game 11 – 1 p.m. (ESPN HD)                         Winner Game 9 vs. Winner Game 6

Game 12 – 6 p.m. (ESPN HD)                         Winner Game 10 vs. Winner Game 8

Saturday, June 25

Game 13 – 1 p.m. (ESPN HD) or 6 p.m. (ESPN2 HD)  Game 13 will be necessary if the winner of Game 9 also wins Game 11.  If it is the only game scheduled for that day, the game will start at 6 p.m.

Game 14 – 6 p.m. (ESPN2 HD)                                   Game 14 will be necessary if the winner of Game 10 also wins Game 12.  If it is the only game scheduled for that day, the game will start at 6 p.m.

Sunday, June 26

No games scheduled

MEN’S COLLEGE WORLD SERIES FINALS

Monday, June 27

Game 1 – 7 p.m. (ESPN HD)                           Bracket One Winner vs. Bracket Two Winner

Tuesday, June 28

Game 2 – 7 p.m. (ESPN HD)                           Bracket One Winner vs. Bracket Two Winner

Wednesday, June 29

Game 3 – 7 p.m. (ESPN HD)                           Bracket One Winner vs. Bracket Two Winner

(if necessary)

Follow Baseball de World on Twitter or Facebook and don’t forget to join our Newsletter.

OMAHA – Top Ranked Virginia took down the Cinderella story California 4-1 in Game 1 of Day 2 in Omaha at the CWS (College World Series). Game 2 paired defending champion South Carolina with Texas A&M. South Carolina would use a walk-off single to win it in the bottom of the 9th.

California 1, #1 Virginia 4

In Game 3 of the 2011 College World Series, Virginia got a great start from All-American Danny Hultzen who went 6.1 scoreless innings allowing 3 hits and 3 walks while striking out 6. Branden Kline came in to pick up the save pitching .1 innings.

The game was scoreless until the bottom of the 7th when Virginia got on the board with 2 runs. Keith Werman (2-for-4, 1 run, 1 RBI) led off the inning with a single and was followed by a walk to Chris Taylor (1-for-4). After a ground out that moved the runners to 2nd and 3rd, John Hicks (1-for-4) singled driving in Werman with the first run of the game. Steven Proscia (0-for-3) drove in the 2nd run of the inning with a sacrifice fly to right.

The Cavs scored two more runs in the bottom of the 8th when Jared King (1-for-4) tripled in a run. He was followed by an RBI single by Werman.

California got on the board in the top of the 9th after Marcus Semien (1-for-3) singled to start the inning. He moved to 2nd base on a ground out, then stole 3rd. He scored on a single by Chad Bunting (1-for-4). Kline then came in to put out the rally.

Texas A&M 4, #4 South Carolina 5

This came started out like it was going to be a really high scoring game as both teams scored 4 runs in the first inning. But then the scoring stopped.

In the top of the 1st inning, A&M already had 1 run in when Brandon Wood (1-for-3, 3 RBI) came up to bat with the bases loaded and 2 outs. He then sent a pitch from Michael Roth down the right field line for a 3-RBI triple. A&M’s offense pretty much shut down after the first inning. The Gamecocks pitching staff limited the Aggies to only 4 hits over the game.

Ross Stripling pitched well for A&M going 8 innings allowing 4 runs (2 earned) on 7 hits while striking out 6.

Michael Roth was solid for South Carolina as well going 7.1 innings allowing 4 runs (all unearned) on 4 hits and 5 walks while striking out 8.

Second baseman Scott Wingo led the offense for South Carolina going 4-for-4 with a run and a RBI. Robert Beary chipped in with 2 hits of his own.

2011 CWS Schedule

(All Times Central)

Saturday, June 18

Game 1:  No. 6 Vanderbilt 7,  No. 3 North Carolina 3

Game 2: No. 7 Texas 4 vs. No. 2 Florida 8

Sunday, June 19

Game 3: California 1, No. 1 Virginia 4

Game 4: Texas A&M 4, No. 4 South Carolina 5

Monday, June 20

Game 5 – No. 3 North Carolina vs. No. 7 Texas – 1 p.m. (ESPN HD)

Game 6 – No. 2 Florida vs. No. 6 Vanderbilt - 6 p.m. (ESPN2 HD)

Tuesday, June 21

Game 7 – California vs. Texas A&M – 1 p.m. (ESPN HD)

Game 8 – No. 1 Virginia vs. No. 4 South Carolina – 6 p.m. (ESPN HD)

Wednesday, June 22

Game 9 – 6 p.m. (ESPN2 HD)                         Winner Game 5 vs. Loser Game 6

Thursday, June 23

Game 10 – 6 p.m. (ESPN2 HD)                        Winner Game 7 vs. Loser Game 8

Friday, June 24

Game 11 – 1 p.m. (ESPN HD)                         Winner Game 9 vs. Winner Game 6

Game 12 – 6 p.m. (ESPN HD)                         Winner Game 10 vs. Winner Game 8

Saturday, June 25

Game 13 – 1 p.m. (ESPN HD) or 6 p.m. (ESPN2 HD)  Game 13 will be necessary if the winner of Game 9 also wins Game 11.  If it is the only game scheduled for that day, the game will start at 6 p.m.

Game 14 – 6 p.m. (ESPN2 HD)                                   Game 14 will be necessary if the winner of Game 10 also wins Game 12.  If it is the only game scheduled for that day, the game will start at 6 p.m.

Sunday, June 26

No games scheduled

MEN’S COLLEGE WORLD SERIES FINALS

Monday, June 27

Game 1 – 7 p.m. (ESPN HD)                           Bracket One Winner vs. Bracket Two Winner

Tuesday, June 28

Game 2 – 7 p.m. (ESPN HD)                           Bracket One Winner vs. Bracket Two Winner

Wednesday, June 29

Game 3 – 7 p.m. (ESPN HD)                           Bracket One Winner vs. Bracket Two Winner

(if necessary)

For the NCAA’s interactive bracket click here

For more information on Omaha click here

Follow Baseball de World on Twitter or Facebook and don’t forget to join our Newsletter.

OMAHA – The CWS (College World Series) kicked off on Saturday with 2 games including a team who has never been here before (Vanderbilt) and a team who has been here more than any other (Texas).

#6 Vanderbilt 7, #3 North Carolina 3

Game 1 featured the newcomer to the CWS in Vanderbilt against North Carolina. In their first ever game in the CWS, and the first ever at the new TD Ameritrade Park, Vanderbilt took the victory.

Vandy left fielder Tony Kemp (3-for-4, 1 run, 1 RBI) led the way offensively for the Commodores. In the top of the first Kemp singled and advanced to 3rd on a ground out after reaching 2nd base on a throwing error. Aaron Westlake quickly drove him in with a sacrifice fly and just like that Vandy was on the board.

The game would go back and forth going into the 6th inning with UNC up 3-2 when Vandy exploded for 3 runs. In that 3-run 6th, Conner Harrell (1-for-4, 2 RBI) would hit a 2-run home run for Vandy putting them on top 5-3. Vandy would add 2 more in the 8th to put the game away.

Colin Moran led the way for UNC offensively going 3-for-4 with 2 RBIs. Chaz Frank chipped in with 2 hits of his own including a triple.

All-American Sonny Gray started and went 4.2 innings for Vandy allowing 3 runs on 8 hits and 5 walks. Corey Williams would pick up the win in relief after tossing 2.2 innings.

`#7 Texas 4, #2 Florida 8

Golden Spikes Award finalist Taylor Jungmann continues to struggle in the post-season. Jungmann started and took the loss, his third of the season and third in the post-season. He lasted only 4.1 innings, his shortest of the season, giving up 5 runs (4 earned) on 3 hits and 4 walks.

The game was scoreless until the third when Texas jumped out on top 3-0. Two straight errors allowed Texas batters to reach base to start the third inning. Tant Shepherd (1-for-4) then singled to right driving in the first run of the game. Mark Payton (0-for-3) followed with a sacrifice fly to put Texas up 2-0.  After Shepherd stole second, Brandon Loy (2-for-4) singled to move him to third. Erich Weiss (0-for-3) drove in the final run of the inning on a sacrifice fly and Texas led 3-0.

Texas managed only 5 hits in the game. Loy was the only Longhorn with more than 1 hit.

After being down 3-0, Florida quickly got back in the game scoring 2 runs in the bottom of the third inning. Then the Gators would score two more in the bottom of the fourth to take the lead 4-3. They never looked back after that scoring one more in the fifth, two more in the seventh, and one final run in the eighth.

Bryson Smith went 2-for-2 with 2 walks, 2 runs scored, and 2 RBIs to lead the Gators attack. Daniel Pigott went 2-for-3 with 1 run and 1 RBI. Hudson Randall pitched 6.2 strong innings for the Gators allowing 4 runs (1 earned) on 5 hits while striking out 5 to earn the victory.

Texas will now take on North Carolina on Monday at 1pm with the loser going home while Florida and Vanderbilt will face each other Monday night.

2011 CWS Schedule

(All Times Central)

Saturday, June 18

Game 1:  No. 6 Vanderbilt 7,  No. 3 North Carolina 3

Game 2: No. 7 Texas 4 vs. No. 2 Florida 8

Sunday, June 19

Game 3: California vs. No. 1 Virginia – 1 p.m. ESPN

Game 4: Texas A&M vs. No. 4 South Carolina – 6 p.m. ESPN2

Monday, June 20

Game 5 – No. 3 North Carolina vs. No. 7 Texas – 1 p.m. (ESPN HD)

Game 6 – No. 2 Florida vs. No. 6 Vanderbilt - 6 p.m. (ESPN2 HD)

Tuesday, June 21

Game 7 – 1 p.m. (ESPN HD)                           Loser Game 3 vs. Loser Game 4

Game 8 – 6 p.m. (ESPN HD)                           Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4

Wednesday, June 22

Game 9 – 6 p.m. (ESPN2 HD)                         Winner Game 5 vs. Loser Game 6

Thursday, June 23

Game 10 – 6 p.m. (ESPN2 HD)                        Winner Game 7 vs. Loser Game 8

Friday, June 24

Game 11 – 1 p.m. (ESPN HD)                         Winner Game 9 vs. Winner Game 6

Game 12 – 6 p.m. (ESPN HD)                         Winner Game 10 vs. Winner Game 8

Saturday, June 25

Game 13 – 1 p.m. (ESPN HD) or 6 p.m. (ESPN2 HD)  Game 13 will be necessary if the winner of Game 9 also wins Game 11.  If it is the only game scheduled for that day, the game will start at 6 p.m.

Game 14 – 6 p.m. (ESPN2 HD)                                   Game 14 will be necessary if the winner of Game 10 also wins Game 12.  If it is the only game scheduled for that day, the game will start at 6 p.m.

Sunday, June 26

No games scheduled

MEN’S COLLEGE WORLD SERIES FINALS

Monday, June 27

Game 1 – 7 p.m. (ESPN HD)                           Bracket One Winner vs. Bracket Two Winner

Tuesday, June 28

Game 2 – 7 p.m. (ESPN HD)                           Bracket One Winner vs. Bracket Two Winner

Wednesday, June 29

Game 3 – 7 p.m. (ESPN HD)                           Bracket One Winner vs. Bracket Two Winner

(if necessary)

Follow Baseball de World on Twitter or Facebook and don’t forget to join our Newsletter.

Press Release USA Baseball

DURHAM, N.C. — USA Baseball and the New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL) announced Friday that the 2011 Collegiate National Team and the NECBL All-Stars will play an exhibition game at Fenway Park in Boston on Monday, June 27, at 12:00 p.m. ET.

Team USA will play seven games against NECBL opponents from June 23-29.  The exhibitions will lead into the inaugural USA Baseball Prospect Classic, July 1-2, where the Collegiate team will take on the 18U National Team for the first time.  The U.S. schedule will conclude with the 38th annual USA vs. Japan Collegiate All-Star Series, July 3-8, in games played across Durham, Cary and Kannapolis, N.C., and Omaha, Neb.

“We are excited to take on the NECBL All-Stars again this season,” said Eric Campbell, USA Baseball Collegiate National Team General Manager.  “The opportunity to play such a high level of competition at a historic venue like Fenway Park will be an unforgettable experience.”

The last time a USA Baseball National Team program appeared at Fenway Park was in 1995 at the IBAF World AAA/18U Junior Championships.  The 18U National Team defeated Australia, 5-4, in the semifinals, and Chinese Taipei, 10-0, for the gold medal.  Prior to that, the 1984 Collegiate National Team — which also served as the U.S. Olympic Baseball Team — faced a team of local all-stars at Fenway Park as part of its exhibition schedule before heading to the Los Angeles Games.

The Collegiate team last faced the NECBL All-Stars in 2009 at MerchantsAuto.com Stadium in Manchester, N.H.  The U.S. won the game, 4-1, behind a 3-for-4 performance from current Red Sox prospect Bryce Brentz.

USA Baseball alums currently on the Red Sox include manager Terry Francona (2001 World Cup) and players  Daniel Bard (2004 Collegiate), Carl Crawford (2001 World Cup), J.D. Drew (1996 Collegiate), Jed Lowrie (2004 Collegiate), Dustin Pedroia (2002-03 Collegiate, 2009 World Baseball Classic), Jarrod Saltalamacchia (2001 16U, 2002 18U, 2005 CONCEBE Olympic Qualifier, 2006 COPABE Olympic Qualifier), Jason Varitek (1992 Collegiate, 2006 World Baseball Classic), Dan Wheeler (1999 Pan American, 2006 World Baseball Classic), and Kevin Youkilis (2009 World Baseball Classic).

The USA Baseball Collegiate National Team is made up of the top non-draft-eligible collegiate baseball players in the country.  Players who have worn the red, white, and blue for the Collegiate team and have gone on to Major League Baseball success include such notables as Nomar Garciaparra (1992), Ryan Howard (2000), David Price (2005-06), Stephen Strasburg (2008), Huston Street (2002-03), and Mark Teixeira (2000).

The NECBL is a collegiate summer wood bat league in the New England area.  Teams are made up of NCAA athletes that have completed at least one year of athletic eligibility, and have at least one year of athletic eligibility remaining.  Teams play 42 games from June through early August.  Former NECBL players include Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Andre Either, Colorado Rockies catcher Chris Iannetta and Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg.

About USA Baseball
USA Baseball is the National Governing Body of amateur baseball in the United States and is a member of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC).  The organization selects and trains the World Baseball Classic Team and World Cup Team (and all other USA Baseball Professional Teams); the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team; the USA Baseball 18U, 16U and 14U National Teams; and the USA Baseball Women’s National Team, all of which participate in various international competitions each year.  USA Baseball also presents the Golden Spikes Award annually to the top amateur baseball player in the country.  For more information, please visit www.USABaseball.com and www.GoldenSpikesAward.com.

Follow Baseball de World on Twitter or Facebook and don’t forget to join our Newsletter.

WICHITA, Kan. (NCBWA) – Five of college baseball’s top relief specialists have been selected as finalists for the seventh annual National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year Award, the NCBWA announced Tuesday.

This year’s finalists include NCAA saves leaders Kyle McMillen of Kent State and Bo Reeder of East Tennessee State, along with Branden Kline of Virginia, Corey Knebel of Texas and Matt Price of South Carolina.

McMillen, with an NCAA-tying 18 saves, has earned third team All-America honors this season. He is 1-2 this season with a 1.80 earned run average. In 30.0 innings pitched, McMillen has recorded 31 strikeouts and has allowed just 18 hits for a .175 opponent batting average.

Reeder, also owning an NCAA-tying 18 saves, earned first team All-America honors as a utility player this season. In 27.2 innings pitched, Reeder has allowed just six earned runs with 32 strikeouts. He allowed just 16 hits on the season for an opponent batting average of .165 and finished the season with a 1.95 ERA.

Kline, registering a 3-0 record, earned third team All-America honors and has led No. 1 national seed Virginia to Super Regionals. He has a 1.78 earned run average and 49 strikeouts over his 35.1 innings of work. He has allowed just seven earned runs, while holding opponents to a .202 batting average.

Knebel, a true freshman who has helped Texas to Super Regional play, owns a 3-2 record and 17 saves and has fanned 57 batters in just 50.1 innings. He has allowed just 25 hits this season for an opponent batting average of .150. He earned first team All-Big 12 honors this season as well as being named a first team All-American.

Price has helped the defending national champions back to the Super Regionals this season. In 48.0 innings of work, he owns a 2.25 ERA with 17 saves, 14 walks and 63 strikeouts. Opponents are hitting .202 off of the first team all-SEC selection this season.

More than 50 of the nation’s top collegiate relief pitchers were included in the selection process for this year’s NCBWA Stopper of the Year Award, beginning with initial preseason nominations by baseball contacts at NCAA Division I schools.

The NCBWA’s All-America Committee will select the winner, with this year’s recipient to be announced Tuesday, June 21, during the 2011 College World Series.

Texas hurler J. Brent Cox won the inaugural Stopper of the Year Award in 2005, with Don Czyz of Kansas claiming the honor in 2006, Luke Prihoda of Sam Houston State winning it in 2007, Georgia’s Joshua Fields topping the field in 2008, San Diego State’s Addison Reed winning it in 2009 and Texas’ Chance Ruffin grabbing the honor last season.

The NCBWA, founded in 1962, presents the Dick Howser Trophy to the nation’s top player. It also selects All-America Teams for all Divisions, a Division I Freshman All-American team, Division I and III Players of the Week, Division I District Players of the Year and Division III Players of the Year.

For more information on the NCBWA Stopper of the Year, contact Tami Cutler at Wichita State at 316-978-5559 or Russ Anderson at Conference USA at 214-774-1300.

2011 NCBWA Stopper of the Year key dates:
• Tues., Feb. 1: Preseason Watch List
• Thurs., April 21: Midseason Watch List
• Tues., June 7: Stopper of the Year finalists announced
• Sat., June 18: NCBWA Stopper of the Year announced

Follow Baseball de World on Twitter or Facebook and don’t forget to join our Newsletter.

DALLAS (NCBWA) – College of Charleston outfielder Daniel Aldrich and Texas right-handed pitcher Corey Knebelhave been named the 2011 National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Freshman Hitter and Pitcher of the Year recipients, as announced by the organization today.

Aldrich hit .347 and led all Division I freshmen in home runs (22), RBI (73), slugging percentage (.739) and total bases (164). The outfielder was selected the 2011 Southern Conference Freshman of the Year and named to All-SoCon first team. He had 25 multi-hit games on the season and posted a team-best 17-game hitting streak in February and March.

The Mt. Pleasant, N.C., native has been named a semifinalist for the Dick Howser Trophy and has received second team All-America honors and Freshman Player of Year from the Collegiate Baseball News. Aldrich helped College of Charleston post a 39-22 record this past season.

Knebel, a semifinalist for the Dick Howser Trophy and the NCBWA Stopper of the Year Award, has set Texas’ freshman record with 19 saves and is 3-2 with a 1.15 ERA and 60 strikeouts in 54.2 innings. With two saves this past weekend, he has posted most saves of any pitcher in the nation this season. In addition, he has made 37 appearances, the most in the Big 112 this year.

The Georgetown, Texas product was an All-Big 12 First Team selection and member of the Big 12 All-Freshmen Team. He has received first team All-America honors and Freshman Pitcher of the Year from Collegiate Baseball News. The reliever has also been named one of the 25 quarterfinalists for the College Baseball Foundation’s Pitcher of the Year Award.

The right-hander has helped Texas post a 49-17 record and reach the College World Series for the 34th time, with NCAA Austin Regional and Super Regional Championships. The Longhorns also were the Big 12 Regular Season Co-Champions and were ranked No. 5 in the latest NCBWA Weekly Poll.

Membership is open to writers, broadcasters and publicists of the sport. For more information about the NCBWA, visit the association’s official Web site, www.ncbwa.com.

For more information, contact NCBWA Assistant Executive Director Mike Montoro (304-293-2821, mike.montoro@mail.wvu.edu) or Ryan Bomberger (434-582-2292, rbomberger@liberty.edu).

Follow Baseball de World on Twitter or Facebook and don’t forget to join our Newsletter.

Courtesy BaseballAmerica.com

Even in a year when new bat standards resulted in diminished offense and stronger pitching numbers across the country, UCLA junior righthander Trevor Bauer stood out. Bauer’s mind-boggling strikeout numbers and remarkable consistency made him Baseball America’s 2011 College Player of the Year.

Bauer leads a group of four repeat members of BA’s College All-America team. Like Bauer, Virginia’s Danny Hultzen and Texas’ Taylor Jungmann were second-teamers as sophomores who became first-teamers in 2011. Utah’s C.J. Cron moved up from the third team to the first team. Hultzen was also a third-teamer as a freshman, making him the lone three-time All-American on the list.

Four members of BA’s preseason All-America first team earned postseason first-team honors, as well: Hultzen, Jungmann, LSU’s Mikie Mahtook and Hawaii’s Kolten Wong. Overall just 12 preseason All-Americans (including Bauer, a second-teamer) landed on the postseason team. In 2010, 18 preseason All-Americans landed on the postseason team.

First Team All-American

Second Team All-American

Third Team All-American

Follow Baseball de World on Twitter or Facebook and don’t forget to join our Newsletter.

OMAHA – The final 8 teams are set for the 2011 College World Series (CWS) and its a cast of familiar characters. When the playoffs started, the NCAA ranked the top 8 seeds for the tournament.  Six of those 8 teams made it to Omaha.

Bracket one includes top seeded North Carolina, Vanderbilt, Texas, and Florida. While bracket two will include South Carolina, Texas A&M, California, and Virginia.

North Carolina is making its 9th appearance in Omaha including 5 out of the last 6 years. They are riding in after a Super Regional victory over Stanford and are looking for their first title.

Vanderbilt is making its first trip to Omaha. The Commodores swept Oregon St in the Super Regional round and started the playoffs as the #6 national seed. Vanderbilt and North Carolina will face off in the first game of the 2011 CWS at 2pm on Saturday.

Texas is making its 34th trip (most ever) to Omaha and looking for its 7th title (its last was in 2005). Texas had a hard fought Super Regional round with Arizona St.

Florida, making its 7th appearance, came in riding a Super Regional victory over Mississippi St. They started the playoffs as the #2 national seed and will face Texas in Game 2 of the CWS on Saturday.

South Carolina is back to defend its title from a year ago. Overall, this will be the Gamecocks 10th appearance in the CWS with 2010 being their lone title. They come in after a Super Regional victory over Connecticut, and they will face Texas A&M in their first game.

The Aggies made it to Omaha for the 5th time. Their last trip to the CWS was in 1999. The come in after a Super Regional victory on enemy turf in Tallahassee against Florida State.

The #1 national seed Virginia will make its 2nd appearance (first in 2009) in Omaha. They come in off a hard fought Super Regional victory over UC Irvine.

California is making its 6th appearance in Omaha, first since 1992. The Bears come in off a Super Regional win over Dallas Baptist and are looking for its 3rd national title (last one in 1957).

South Carolina and Texas are the only teams with a title already. Vanderbilt is the only team making its first appearance, and everything kicks off on Saturday. It should be a great ride.

2011 CWS Schedule

(All Times Central)

Saturday, June 18

Game 1:  No. 6 Vanderbilt vs. No. 3 North Carolina – 1 p.m. ESPN

Game 2: No. 7 Texas vs. No. 2 Florida – 6 p.m. ESPN

Sunday, June 19

Game 3: California vs. No. 1 Virginia – 1 p.m. ESPN

Game 4: Texas A&M vs. No. 4 South Carolina – 6 p.m. ESPN2

Monday, June 20

Game 5 – 1 p.m. (ESPN HD)                           Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2

Game 6 – 6 p.m. (ESPN2 HD)                         Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2

Tuesday, June 21

Game 7 – 1 p.m. (ESPN HD)                           Loser Game 3 vs. Loser Game 4

Game 8 – 6 p.m. (ESPN HD)                           Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4

Wednesday, June 22

Game 9 – 6 p.m. (ESPN2 HD)                         Winner Game 5 vs. Loser Game 6

Thursday, June 23

Game 10 – 6 p.m. (ESPN2 HD)                        Winner Game 7 vs. Loser Game 8

Friday, June 24

Game 11 – 1 p.m. (ESPN HD)                         Winner Game 9 vs. Winner Game 6

Game 12 – 6 p.m. (ESPN HD)                         Winner Game 10 vs. Winner Game 8

Saturday, June 25

Game 13 – 1 p.m. (ESPN HD) or 6 p.m. (ESPN2 HD)  Game 13 will be necessary if the winner of Game 9 also wins Game 11.  If it is the only game scheduled for that day, the game will start at 6 p.m.

Game 14 – 6 p.m. (ESPN2 HD)                                   Game 14 will be necessary if the winner of Game 10 also wins Game 12.  If it is the only game scheduled for that day, the game will start at 6 p.m.

Sunday, June 26

No games scheduled

MEN’S COLLEGE WORLD SERIES FINALS

Monday, June 27

Game 1 – 7 p.m. (ESPN HD)                           Bracket One Winner vs. Bracket Two Winner

Tuesday, June 28

Game 2 – 7 p.m. (ESPN HD)                           Bracket One Winner vs. Bracket Two Winner

Wednesday, June 29

Game 3 – 7 p.m. (ESPN HD)                           Bracket One Winner vs. Bracket Two Winner

(if necessary)

Follow Baseball de World on Twitter or Facebook and don’t forget to join our Newsletter.

Collegiate and 18U National Teams to square off in inaugural, two-game series, July 1-2 in Triangle-area of N.C.

DURHAM, N.C. — USA Baseball announced Thursday that it will debut the Prospect Classic in July, a two game series featuring its 2011 Collegiate and 18U National Teams.  The event is the first of its kind for the federation, and it will offer fans and members of the baseball community a unique opportunity to see the top prospects for upcoming MLB First-Year Player Drafts on the field at the same time.

The series will be held July 1, at 7:05 p.m., at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park (DBAP) in Durham, N.C., and on July 2, at 7:05 p.m., at the USA Baseball National Training Complex (NTC) in Cary, N.C.  Tickets are available for purchase at USABaseball.com.

Additionally, each game will air on a one-day delay, July 2-3, on MLB Network.  Viewers are encouraged to check mlbnetwork.com for channel number and times.  The coverage furthers USA Baseball’s presence on MLB Network, following its increased exposure during the 2011 MLB First-Year Player Draft and the recent announcement of the Golden Spikes Award moving to a live presentation on MLB Tonight on July 15, at 6:00 p.m. ET.

“Each year our Collegiate and 18U National Team programs field some of the brightest young stars in baseball,” said Paul Seiler, USA Baseball Executive Director/CEO.  “The Prospect Classic will provide an unprecedented opportunity to not only watch both teams compete in a series for the first time, but to also see the future top prospects in our sport.

To illustrate the potential talent that will be showcased in the Prospect Classic, the 2010 Collegiate and 18U National Teams combined for 13 selections on the 2011 MLB Draft’s opening night, including eight of the top 20 picks and the No. 1 overall selection, Gerrit Cole.  In total, 32 of the 33 draft eligible players from the 2010 clubs were picked this week.  In 2009, the Collegiate and 18U teams’ respective starting batteries were Drew Pomeranz/Yasmani Grandal and Jameson Taillon/Bryce Harper, who today are among the top prospects in baseball.

Durham Bulls play-by-play announcer Neil Solondz will lead a MLB Network broadcast team featuring MLB.com’s draft expert Jonathan Mayo and former Minnesota Twins standout and 1996 U.S. Olympian Jacque Jones.  A veteran of 10 big league seasons and guest analyst for MLB Network as part of its 2011 Spring Training broadcasts, Jones will serve both as a reporter and an honorary alumni coach for the game.

This summer the Collegiate team will host the Japan University All-Stars in the 38th installment of their international friendship series.  The five-game series will run July 3-8, and will conclude in Omaha, Neb. where the two countries will play at the new TD Ameritrade Park on July 8, at 7:00 p.m. CT.  The team will be managed by University of Missouri head coach Tim Jamieson who previously served as an assistant coach for the 2005 Collegiate National Team.

“The Prospect Classic adds another unique component to our summer schedule,” said Eric Campbell, general manager of the Collegiate National Team.  “The ability to offer our athletes this experience as well as the opportunity to face a tough Japan team and to play at the new facility in Omaha, is something we’re excited about.”

The 18U National Team will compete this fall in Cartagena, Colombia, in the COPABE Pan American AAA/18U Championships.  Scott Brosius, a three-time World Series champion with the New York Yankees, will make his Team USA debut as manager of the club.  In 2010 the 18U team concluded its summer with a 19-2 mark, outscoring its opponents 74-14.  It is the defending gold medalist of the Pan Ams, having defeated Cuba, 6-1, for the title in 2009.

“We are thrilled to be part of a series against the Collegiate National Team,” said Brant Ust, general manager of the 18U National Team.  “The Prospect Classic will enhance the overall 18U National Team program and will help better prepare us for our defense of gold in Colombia.”

Other prominent alums from the 18U National Team include Joe Mauer (2000), B.J. Upton (2001), Buster Posey (2004), Justin Upton (2004), and Bryce Harper (2009).  Collegiate team alumni now in the big leagues include Ryan Howard (2000), Mark Teixeira (2000), Dustin Pedroia (2002), Troy Tulowitzki (2004), and David Price (2005).

About USA Baseball
USA Baseball is the National Governing Body of amateur baseball in the United States and is a member of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC).  The organization selects and trains the World Baseball Classic Team and World Cup Team (and all other USA Baseball Professional Teams); the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team; the USA Baseball 18U, 16U and 14U National Teams; and the USA Baseball Women’s National Team, all of which participate in various international competitions each year.  USA Baseball also presents the Golden Spikes Award annually to the top amateur baseball player in the country.  For more information, please visit USABaseball.com and GoldenSpikesAward.com.

Press Release: USA Baseball

Follow Baseball de World on Twitter or Facebook and don’t forget to join our Newsletter.

First-ever class of finalists made up entirely of pitchers

DURHAM, N.C. — USA Baseball announced Monday the names of the three finalists for the 2011 USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award (GSA). This summer marks the 34th consecutive year that the GSA will be presented to the nation’s premier amateur baseball player.

Trevor Bauer, RHP, UCLA, Danny Hultzen, LHP/IF/OF, Virginia, and Taylor Jungmann, RHP, Texas, received the most votes last week from the nearly 200-person GSA voting committee. The three players represent the first-ever class of finalists made up entirely of pitchers.

Fans can continue to stay up to date on the GSA by visiting GoldenSpikesAward.com– powered by MLB.com — which serves as the online home for the award. The Web site features content devoted exclusively to the GSA, including news, voting history, past winner photo galleries, and photographs and video highlights for the 2011 finalists.

For the first time ever, the GSA will be awarded live on MLB Network. The presentation will begin at 6 p.m. ET on MLB Tonight, Friday, July 15. The three finalists for the award will be at MLB Network’s studios for the presentation, which will feature interviews, video highlights and the announcement of the winner. Online footage of the event also will be available via GoldenSpikesAward.com and MLB.com.

“In a year of incredible performances from players across the diamond, our voting committee felt that three pitchers stood out above the rest,” said USA Baseball executive director/CEO Paul Seiler. “We congratulate Trevor Bauer, Danny Hultzen and Taylor Jungmann, along with their coaching staffs, teammates and their schools’ baseball programs.”

Trevor Bauer, Collegiate Baseball’s National Player of the Year, had a record breaking season in 2011. The Pac-10 Pitcher of the Year set the conference single-season record for strikeouts with 203, eclipsing the previous record (202) set by 2001 GSA winner Mark Prior (Southern California). Bauer went 13-2 for the Bruins, throwing 10 complete games (tied for first in UCLA single-season record history) over 136.2 innings pitched (seventh most in UCLA single-season records history). Bauer is the first GSA finalist from UCLA since Troy Glaus in 1997.

Danny Hultzen became the first-ever three-time All-American for the Virginia Cavaliers in 2011. The lefty has posted an 11-3 record on the mound with a 1.57 ERA and 148 strikeouts. His impressive stats helped him become UVa’s all-time career leader in wins (31) and strikeouts (378). The two-time ACC Pitcher of the Year is seventh in ACC history in career strikeouts and has been named First-Team All-ACC three consecutive years. Hultzen has also hit .336 for the season driving in 34 runs, including 10 doubles, two triples and a home run. Prior to Hultzen, the Cavaliers’ last GSA finalist was Seth Greisinger in 1996.

Taylor Jungmann solidified himself as one of the most dominant pitchers in Texas and Big 12 history with his performance in 2011. The junior was named Big 12 Pitcher of the Year and a First Team All-American by Collegiate Baseball/Louisville Slugger. This season he is 13-1 with a 1.40 ERA, 119 strikeouts, a .168 batting average against and five complete games in 128.1 innings pitched. Jungmann was also named to both the Big 12 All-First Team and All-Academic First Team. He is the first Longhorn finalist since Kyle Russell in 2007.

In 2007, USA Baseball instituted a new selection and balloting procedure for the most prestigious award in amateur baseball, and it follows the same model again in 2011. After working closely with sports information directors and amateur baseball media across the country to determine watch lists and the top-performing athletes, a list of 30 semifinalists was sent to the GSA voting committee last week. The three players that received the most votes advanced to the finalist round, and beginning Monday at 3:30 p.m. ET, the committee will have the opportunity to vote for a winner.

Fans will once again be able to vote for the 2011 GSA by visiting GoldenSpikesAward.com and selecting their favorite finalist. Voting for fans and the voting body ends at 5 p.m. ET on Friday, June 17.

Press Release: USA Baseball

Follow Baseball de World on Twitter or Facebook and don’t forget to join our Newsletter.