June 16, 2008

DELTA STATE’S NOLAND SIGNS WITH ST. LOUIS CARDINALS

CLEVELAND – Gulf South Conference co-West Division Player of the Year and Delta State University catcher Rickey Noland signed with the St. Louis Cardinals organization on Sunday, June 15 in Johnson City, Tenn. The terms of the minor league contract were not released.

“We’re very excited for Rickey right now,” said DSU head coach Mike Kinnison. “He has the tools to succeed and I believe he is with an excellent organization that will give him a chance to develop.”

The two-time All-Gulf South Conference selection and Third Team All-American led the Statesmen to the program’s eleventh GSC title this season and a 48-11 overall finish. Noland guided the Statesmen to the championship game of the NCAA South Central Regional, but DSU came up short.

The Denham Springs, La., native led the Statesmen with a .400 batting average while smashing 14 home runs and driving in 53. Possibly more impressive was his ability to keep runners from swiping bases. The rifle-armed catcher threw out over 40-percent of attempted base stealers this season.

Noland, a 6-foot-1, 215-pound righthanded hitting catcher, has been assigned to the Johnson City ( Tenn.) Cardinals of the Appalachian League. Johnson City will begin play on Tuesday, June 17 at Bristol ( Tenn.).

 

June 6, 2008

DELTA STATE ACE KENNY SMALLEY DRAFTED BY OAKLAND IN 24TH ROUND

By Jim Ervin, Athletic Communications

CLEVELAND - Delta State University ace Kenny Smalley became the latest Statesmen to hear his name called in the Major League Baseball Draft. The St. Charles, Ill. native pitched last season for the Green-and-White before being selected in the 24th round by the Oakland Athletics. This past season, Smalley posted a 9-2 record with 85 strikeouts in 94.1 innings pitched.

The All-GSC selection helped guide the Statesmen to the Gulf South Conference championship in his first season with DSU. Prior to coming to Cleveland, Smalley pitched one season at John A. Logan Community College.

This marks the second straight season a Statesman was drafted by Oakland. In 2007, centerfielder Jareck West was taken by the Athletics in the 25th round

May 29, 2008

NOLAND AND SARTAIN NAMED TO RAWLINGS/ABCA ALL-AMERICAN SQUAD

By Jim Ervin, Media Relations

• Rawlings/ABCA All-American Teams  

CLEVELAND – Delta State University baseball standouts Rickey Noland and Clay Sartain have been named to the Rawlings/American Baseball Coaches Association NCAA Division II All-American Team, as announced Tuesday by the ABCA. Both earned third team honors.

Noland, of Denham Springs, La., led the Statesmen with a .400 batting average and finished second on the squad with 14 home runs this season. Not only a threat at the plate, Noland showed off his arm by throwing out over 40-percent of the base runners attempting to steal.

Sartain, of Horn Lake, finished the season with the team lead in hits (90) and doubles (22) while batting .390. The smooth fielding middle infielder also shined with the glove, making just 10 errors in nearly 300 chances.

“Clay and Rickey are tough, hard nosed players that put it on the line every game,” stated Statesmen skipper Mike Kinnison. “They worked extremely hard this season and deserve all the accolades that they receive.”

All told, six players from the Gulf South Conference made the first, second or third teams with Delta State and West Alabama leading the way with two each.

May 21, 2008

SEVEN STATESMEN NAMED TO RAWLINGS/ABCA ALL-SOUTH CENTRAL REGION TEAMS

• Complete Rawlings/ABCA South Central Region First and Second Teams

CLEVELAND – Led by Delta State University’s seven selections, 32 of the nation’s finest collegiate baseball players have been named to the Rawlings/American Baseball Coaches Association All-South Central Region First or Second Teams, as released on Tuesday.  Abilene Christian University’s Mike Elkerson was named ABCA South Central Region Player of the Year, while West Alabama’s Brandon Dill took home the ABCA South Central Region Pitcher of the Year honor. 

Coach Mike Kinnison’s Statesmen placed catcher Rickey Noland, second baseman Clay Sartain, and starting pitcher Korey Cunningham on the Rawlings/ABCA South Central Region First Team. Sartain, 5-foot-9 junior from Horn Lake, led the Statesmen to a 48-11 overall finish and a championship game appearance in the NCAA South Central Region Tournament, while batting .390 with 22 doubles, 10 home runs and 62 RBIs. In 231 at-bats, Sartain connected a team-leading 90 hits and scored 73 runs. Noland, a 6-foot-1 senior from Denham Springs, La., closed his career with a team-leading .400 average with 12 doubles, 14 home runs and 53 RBIs. Cunningham, a 6-foot-2 junior from Clinton, has a remarkable season for the Statesmen. The right-hander went 10-2 with a 2.61 ERA. In 18 appearances, Cunningham pitched 82.2 innings allowing 28 runs on 84 hits with 51 strikeouts.

Delta State also placed third baseman Chris Clark, shortstop Devin Goodwin, centerfielder Hunter Jobes, and starting pitcher Kenny Smalley on the Rawlings/ABCA South Central Region Second Team. Clark, a senior from Paducah, Ky., batted .399 this season with 12 doubles, four home runs and 58 RBIs. Goodwin, a junior from Demopolis, Ala., led the Statesmen with 15 home runs and 67 RBIs, while batting .316. Jobes, a senior from Southaven, finished his career batting .342 with 16 doubles, nine home runs and 52 RBIs. Smalley, a junior right-hander from St. Charles, Ill., recorded a 9-2 record with a 3.72 ERA in 94.1 innings pitched.

The Statesmen also placed three position players on the Rawlings South Central Region Gold Glove Team. Chris Clark, a national Rawlings Gold Glove winner last year, headlined the list at third base. The senior recorded a .958 fielding percentage, the highest of any third base candidate in the region, on the season. Second baseman Clay Sartain (..963), and centerfielder Hunter Jobes (.990) were also named to the squad.

Elkerson, a 6-foot-2, 195-pound senior outfielder from San Clemente, Calif., led the Wildcats of Abilene Christian to the NCAA South Central Region Tournament and an overall record of 44-17 to finish the season.  The big-hitting left fielder finished the year batting .424 with 22 doubles, three triples, 21 home runs, and 86 RBIs.  In 262 at-bats, Elkerson collected 111 hits and swiped 19 stolen bases for coach Britt Bonneau’s club. His 111 hits and 202 total bases established new Lone Star Conference records. 

Dill, a 6-foot-1, 180-pound, senior right-hander from Columbus, Miss., helped guide the University of West Alabama Tigers to the NCAA South Central Region Tournament and a 45-13 finish.  The hard-throwing righty went 10-1 on the season with a 3.69 ERA for coach Gary Rundles squad. In 14 appearances and 13 starts, Dill pitched 85.1 innings allowing 42 runs on 87 hits with 75 strikeouts and 18 walks. 

Delta State University led all schools with seven total selections, while West Alabama, Central Oklahoma, Incarnate Word and Ouachita Baptist all had three selections each.  The 2008 Rawlings/ABCA All-South Central Region Teams are voted on by the region’s head coaches.  Every member of the Rawlings/ABCA All-South Central Region Team must have been a member of their respective conference’s First or Second Teams. 

May 19, 2008

TIGERS HEADED TO COLLEGE WORLD SERIES AFTER ELIMINATING STATESMEN 8-1

By Daniel Hawthorne, Baseball Contact

• Box Score

CLEVELAND- The 2008 season came to an end for the Statesmen of Delta State University Monday, as the Tigers of Ouachita Baptist defeated Delta State, 8-1, in the championship game of the NCAA South Central Region Tournament at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field. The Tigers advance to the NCAA Division II College World Series in Sauget, Ill., next week at GCS Park.

The loss ends a remarkable season for the Statesmen, as they finish the year 48-11 overall. The Tigers improved to 47-14 and earned their first ever trip to the College World Series.

The teams were scoreless through one inning, and after Ouachita set the Statesmen down in order in the top of the second, they proceeded to score the first run of the game. Chad Taylor hit a double to lead off the inning. Three batters later, Drew Wurzelbacher singled to right field with a blooper over Steven Oswald’s head at first for 1-0 Tigers lead.

With two outs in the bottom of the third, Korey Cunningham gave up back-to-back walks before Justin Pennell singled up the middle to give the Tigers a 2-0 advantage. Jim Streicher looked to continue the momentum with a deep fly ball down the left field line, but a diving effort by J.T. Taylor ended the inning.

Delta State struggled at the plate through the first four and a third before Anthony Palasini singled to right center field. However, the Statesmen could not capitalize with a runner on base.

Ouachita rallied again in the fifth with runners at first and second. A sacrifice bunt by Chad Taylor moved the runners up a base and two batters later Drew Maus singled to right field to clear the bases and double their lead to 4-0.

Delta State made a comeback in the sixth. With two out and Michael Niemann on second, Devin Goodwin doubled down the left field line to give the Statesmen their first run of the game, 4-1 OBU.

The Tigers added another in the seventh. With two runners on, Chandler Boyce bunted the ball back to Kenny Smalley allowing Rudy Jovanovski to score from third.

Ouachita added the final blow in the eighth scoring three more runs to put the game out of reach, 8-1.

Jarod Hershberger (8-2) handcuffed the Statesmen all day and earned the victory for the Tigers. The junior lasted 7.1 innings allowing one run on six hits.

Steve Smith earned his second save of the season, cleaning up the final 1.2 innings allowing just one hit.

Cunningham (10-2) was saddled with the loss. The junior worked 4.2 innings allowing four runs on seven hits despite striking out six.

Destan Makonnen and Justin Pennell finished 3-for-5 on the day respectively, while Drew Maus finished 1-for-5 with two RBIs.

Steven Oswald and Michael Niemann were both 2-for-3 at the plate.

Members of the NCAA South Central Region All-Tournament Team included catcher Jim Streicher of Ouachita Baptist, first baseman Destan Makonnen of OBU, second baseman Clay Sartain of DSU, third baseman Chris Clark of DSU, shortstop Devin Goodwin of DSU, designated hitter Todd Rea of West Alabama, outfielder Justin Pennell of OBU, outfielder Tyler Maag of Southern Arkansas, outfielder Blake Lockwood of OBU, pitcher Steve Smith of OBU and pitcher Cody Kelley of DSU. Pennell was also awarded the Most Outstanding Player Award after batting .476 with 10 hits, one home run and eight RBIs.

May 18, 2008

LEVI BISHOP SLAMS DOOR ON MULERIDERS; STATESMEN FACE TIGERS FOR SOUTH CENTRAL REGION TITLE

By Daniel Hawthorne, DSU Media Relations

• Box Score

CLEVELAND- For the second day in a row, Levi Bishop came through in the clutch as Delta State University defeated Southern Arkansas 5-3 Sunday night in the 2008 NCAA South Central Regional at Dave ‘Boo’ Ferriss Field. The win secures the Statesmen’s place in the championship game against Ouachita Baptist on Monday at 1 p.m. The Tigers are undefeated and would have to lose twice. With the win, Delta State improves to 48-10, while SAU falls to 46-12 and are eliminated from the tournament.

The Statesmen, who are 3-0 against Southern Arkansas this season, were looking to secure a spot in the championship game Monday with a victory after suffering their worst loss in nine seasons at the hands of Ouachita Baptist in game one.

The Muleriders, fresh off a come from behind victory over Abilene Christian, scored two runs in the third inning after both teams were scoreless through two complete.

David Aubrey walked on four straight pitches to lead off the inning and scored on the next at bat with an RBI double by Brandon Graves. A sacrifice bunt by Tyler Maag moved the runner to third, allowing Pat Robey to score the runner with a sacrifice fly to center field.

Delta State cut the lead in half in the fourth following a lead off walk by Clay Sartain. Three batters later, J.T. Taylor singled up the middle to cut the lead to 2-1 SAU.

Each team had their chances at the plate in the middle innings, but none were successful leaving a combined eight runners on base.

The silence was broken in the bottom of the seventh as the Statesmen plated four runs to take the lead for the first time in the game. With two runners on, the Mulerider pitching staff hit Sartain to load the bases then Noland for the game tying run. Two batters later Anthony Palasini singled to left center scoring two runs to give the Statesmen a 4-2 advantage. Taylor singled in the next at bat, extending the lead to 5-2.

Things began to heat up once again as the Muleriders threatened in the eighth. Maag reached on a hit-by-pitch and Robey walked on a full count. Cannon Lester doubled down the left field line to cut the lead to 5-3 Delta State. With no one out and runners at second and third, Bishop entered the game and didn’t look back. After walking a batter, Bishop recorded three straight out to end the inning.

The final blow for the Muleriders came in the ninth as reliever Levi Bishop struck out the final two batters of the game to seal the win for DSU.

Cody Kelly (5-0) earned the victory on the mound, going 7.0 innings allowing three runs on five hits with six strikeouts. Bishop picked up his ninth save on the season and the second in two days going 2.0 innings allowing just one hit while fanning three.

Palasini had a big day at the plate for the Statesmen going 3-for-4 with two RBIs, including the game winning single in the seventh.

The Statesmen will play Ouachita Baptist for the regional championship Monday at 1 p.m., with a possible game two starting thirty minutes later.

TIGERS SEND STATESMEN TO LOSERS BRACKET WITH 19-14 WIN

By Daniel Hawthorne, Baseball Contact

• Box Score

CLEVELAND- Two of the hottest hitting teams in the country went toe-to-toe with the winner advancing to the championship game on Monday, as the Ouachita Baptist Tigers (46-14) defeated Delta State University (47-10) 19-14 in the first game of day three of the NCAA South Central Regional Tournament at Dave ‘Boo’ Ferriss Field. The Statesmen will play the winner of game two featuring Abilene Christian and Southern Arkansas. The winner will face OBU Monday for the regional title and a berth in the NCAA Division II College World Series.

The teams combined for 37 hits, four home runs and five errors. The last time the Statesmen allowed 19 or more runs in NCAA play was to Quincy University ( Ill), 12-20, in 1999.

The starting pitcher for the Tigers Trent Lingle handed the Statesmen their first run of the ball game, hitting back-to-back batters to load the bases, allowing Chris Clark to line out to centerfield for the sacrifice RBI.

The Tigers responded in the bottom half, batting around the lineup, while plating six runs, three coming before the Statesmen recorded an out. Ouachita scored three runs on three straight RBI singles before Drew Maus doubled down the right field line with the bases loaded to add three more, 6-1 Tigers.

Ouachita continued their momentum in the second inning after shutting down the Statesmen, this time plating seven runs. Maus again delivered a three-run double to get the rally started followed by an RBI double by Drew Wurzelbacher. Justin Pennell pounded his first home run of the regional tournament and fourteenth overall with a three-run shot over the right field wall to give the Tigers a 13-1 lead.

Delta State regrouped in the top of the third plating three runs of their own. Devin Goodwin led off the inning with a double and he would later score on an RBI double by Clay Sartain. Anthony Palasini singled three batters later to score Sartain from third. With runners on the corners, Steven Oswald would reach on an error by second basemen Wurzelbacher allowing Noland to score from third.

The Statesmen rallied again in the fourth and managed to cut the deficit to five with a two-run home run by Sartain (10), his first of the tournament and tenth of the season.

Ouachita plated another run in the bottom half, as Pennell grounded out to second with runners on the corners scoring Wurzelbacher from third for a 14-6 lead for the Tigers.

Delta State, determined to get back in the game, scored three runs in the fifth. A two-run double by Goodwin, and an RBI single by Sartain cut the lead to 14-9.

OBU answered right back with three runs of their own, starting with a solo-shot by Rudy Jovanovski to lead off the inning. Maus would add his seventh RBI of the game with a sacrifice fly-ball to right field before Blake Lockwood singled through the left side to bring home another run and extend their lead, 17-9.

Destan Makonnen had the lone run in the sixth inning for both teams with a solo blast to right field, his second in the tournament and third for the Tigers in the game.

The Statesmen reached double digits in the runs column in the seventh inning and added four more in the eighth, capped by Goodwin’s two-run double, 18-14 OBU.

The Tigers put the game out of reach in the bottom half of the eighth with an RBI single by Jim Streicher.

Alex Smith (4-2) picked up the win for OBU in relief, pitching 4.1 innings allowing eight runs on nine hits.

Justin Smith (6-5) earned the loss for the Statesmen. He lasted 0.1 innings giving up six runs on six hits with one strikeout.

Drew Maus finished with a game-high seven RBIs on the day while going 2-for-4 at the plate with two doubles. Teammate Justin Pennell added five RBIs of his own, batting 4-for-6 at the plate with a home run.

Devin Goodwin was hot at the plate for the green and white, going 4-for-6 with four RBIs including two doubles. Clay Sartain batted well also, as the Horn Lake native was 3-for-4 with four RBIs including a double and a home run.

 

May 17, 2008

STATESMEN ELIMINATE TIGERS WITH THRILLING 9-7 VICTORY; DSU TO FACE ACU/OBU WINNER

By Daniel Hawthorne, DSU Baseball Contact

CLEVELAND- Game two of the 2008 NCAA South Central Regional was a nail biter down to the final out, as Delta State prevailed with a 9-7 victory over West Alabama Saturday afternoon at Dave ‘Boo’ Ferriss Field. With the win the Statesmen improve to 47-9 while the Tigers conclude their season 45-13.

The Tigers, who entered the game 3-1 against the Statesmen in the regular season, took the lead in the early going. An RBI single by Rob Dahlberg scored Jake DeRoy from third in the top of the first for a 1-0 Tiger lead.

After a scoreless second inning for the Tigers, the Statesmen answered in the bottom half. With the bases loaded and one out, Steven Oswald doubled down the first base line scoring two and giving the Statesmen a 2-1 lead. On the next at bat, J.T. Taylor cleared the bases with a two-run single to left field extending the Statesmen advantage to 4-1. Things got worse for the Tigers a few batters later as starter Brandon Dill hit Ricky Noland with the bases loaded to walk in another run. Chris Clark singled on the next at bat, plating two more runs for the Statesmen and a 7-1 green-and-white lead.

The Tigers were slowly gaining momentum heading into the fifth inning, and quickly climbed out of the hole. Todd Rea doubled to left center field with the bases loaded scoring all three runners and cutting the deficit to 7-4. Nick Wheeler singled to right field in the next plate appearance scoring Rea from second and putting the Tigers within two runs at 7-5.

After shutting down the Statesmen in the bottom of the fifth, the Tigers cut the lead to one with an RBI double by Dahlberg in the top of the sixth inning.

West Alabama threatened again in the seventh; with a runner on first, Matt Busbee hit a line drive to Clay Sartain who then threw to first to tag the runner for the double play. Chris Ransburgh tied the game at 7-7 with a solo-shot to left field before the inning ended.

The Statesmen rallied back in the bottom half and were able to retake the lead once again. Clark doubled to right center field with two runners on scoring Sartain from second. After Anthony Palasini was intentionally walked, Tiger pitcher Dill balked on his approach scoring Noland and giving the Statesmen a 9-7 lead.

The Statesmen used four pitchers to cage the Tigers, in the end it was Levi Bishop who closed the door, getting the final out with the bases loaded.

Marcus Wilson (2-0) picked up the win in relief. The righty pitched 1.2 innings allowing one run on one hit. Bishop earned his eighth save on the season by going 2.0 innings and allowing just two hits.

Clark had a big day at the plate for the Statesmen. The Paducah, Ky., native went 3-for-4 with three RBIs, while Oswald finished 3-for-4 with two RBIs.

Dill (9-1) saw his nine-game winning streak snapped after pitching 7.0 innings allowing nine runs on 12 hits with four strikeouts.

Jeremy Finney led all Tigers at the plate, going 4-for-5. Teammate Todd Rea finished 1-for-3 with a double and three RBIs.

The Statesmen continue their quest for a College World Series Sunday afternoon as they will face the winner of the Ouachita Baptist and Abilene Christian game. First-pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m.

May 16, 2008

DELTA STATE SCORES NINE UNANSWERED TO CLAIM 9-3 VICTORY OVER TEXAS A&M-KINGSVILLE

By Daniel Hawthorne, Baseball Contact

• Box Score

CLEVELAND- Delta State junior righthander Korey Cunningham pitched a complete game, as the Delta State University Statesmen earned their first win in the 2008 NCAA South Central Regional Tournament with a 9-3 victory over the Texas A&M-Kingsville Javelinas at Dave ‘Boo’ Ferriss Field Friday. With the win, the Statesmen improve to 46-9, while the Javelinas fall to 31-30. DSU will face West Alabama (45-11) on Saturday at 3 p.m.

The Javelinas had a little momentum coming into the fourth inning swinging the bat effectively before the Statesmen wall finally cracked and Texas A&M-Kingsville was able to put the first runs on the board. Lee Venegas doubled to left center with two runners on to give TAMUK a 2-0 lead. On the next at bat, Eric Gomez singled to right field clearing the bases to give the Javelinas a 3-0 lead.

The Statesmen threatened in the bottom half of the inning with back-to-back singles before the Javelinas converted on a double play to end the drive.

Delta State would end the scoreless streak in the bottom of the sixth. With runners at the corners, Anthony Palasini singled to left field scoring Ricky Noland from third. Two batters later, the Statesmen would add two runs to tie the game with a single up the middle by Steven Oswald for a 3-3 game. The green-and-white would take their first lead of the game 4-3, as J.T. Taylor would reach on a fielder’s choice scoring Oswald from third.

Texas A&M-Kingsville looked to tie the game in the top of the seventh, as the inning began with an error by Devin Goodwin allowing Taylor Everett to reach first. Everett would steal second to get into scoring position. Second basemen Clay Sartain converted a double play that would have made ESPN proud, and then threw the ball to Oswald who tagged second for the second out.

Goodwin’ s mistake was forgotten in the bottom half as he would tack on another run for the Statesmen with a solo-shot to left center field, his team-leading 15 th on the season. A sacrifice fly by Michael Niemann scored another run for the Statesmen before the inning ended.

Starter Korey Cunningham continued to shut out the Hogs after giving up three runs in the fourth, allowing two hits in his last five innings.

The Statesmen were determined to keep Texas A&M-Kingsville at bay by racking up three more insurance runs in the eighth inning on three RBI-singles by Sartain, Chris Clark and Palasini.

Cunningham (10-1) pitched a complete game, giving up three runs on 10 hits while fanning three.

Sam Strickland (7-5) picked up the loss. The starter lasted 5.1 innings allowing four runs on eight hits with four strikeouts.

Palasini had a big day at the plate for the Statesmen going 3-of-5 with two RBIs. Clark finished the day 4-of-5 with an RBI of his own.

The Statesmen continue regional action Saturday afternoon at Dave ‘Boo’ Ferriss Field, as they take on West Alabama. The Tigers lost earlier Saturday to Abilene Christian 8-7. First-pitch is set for 3 p.m. The Javelinas will face Southern Arkansas, who lost earlier to Ouachita Baptist, in game two 5-2.

The day will begin at 11 a.m. with an elimination game between Southern Arkansas and Texas A&M-Kingsville. Game three will feature Ouachita Baptist versus Abilene Christian at 7 p.m.

May 13, 2008

STATESMEN TO TANGLE WITH JAVELINAS IN OPENING GAME OF NCAA REGIONAL
By Daniel Hawthorne, Baseball Contact

• DELTA STATE TOURNAMENT NOTES

CLEVELAND- For a record 26 th time, the Delta State University Statesmen baseball team will appear in NCAA postseason play this week, as DSU hosts the 2008 NCAA South Central Regional at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field. The Statesmen will open up against Texas A&M-Kingsville Thursday in game three of the four day tournament. First pitch is slated for 7 p.m. The winner of the tournament will advance to the College World Series at GCS Park in Sauget, Ill., home of the Frontier Leagues’ Gateway Grizzlies. It is the 11 th time in school history that Statesmen have had home field advantage.

Head coach Mike Kinnison and his staff will be hosting their fifth regional in seven years and the first since 2005, the last time the Statesmen made a trip to the College World Series. In that span, the Statesmen have won three regional titles in 2002, 2004, and 2005 including the school’s only NCAA Division II baseball national championship in 2004.

The Statesmen (45-9), ranked No. 2 in the nation, earned the right to host the regional by winning the Gulf South Conference title last week. The 2008 GSC West Division champions won their 11 th conference title after defeating Montevallo 7-5 in the championship game. The Statesmen defeated Valdosta State 11-5 and Southern Arkansas 11-2 just to make it to the title game.

Led by nine All-GSC selections, as well as the GSC West Division Player of the Year in Rickey Noland, the Statesmen have won 27 of their last 28 games. During that stretch, DSU amassed a school-record 24 straight victories.

DSU’s high-powered attack will face the Javelinas of Texas A&M-Kingsville for the first time in the program’s history on Thursday. Texas A&M-Kingsville entered the postseason with a 27-28 regular season record, but got hot at the right time to claim the Lone Star Conference title and an automatic berth.

The Javelinas are led by senior first basemen Owen Weaver, one of four All-LSC selections. Weaver leads the team with a .378 average, while collecting 76 hits and a team-high 40 RBIs. He has also belted five home runs. TAMUK has also had several pitchers excel on the hill. Sam Strickland, a 6-foot-5 lefty from Spring, Texas, leads the Javelina pitching staff with a 7-4 overall record and a 3.45 ERA.

TAMUK will likely face GSC Tournament Most Outstanding Player Kenny Smalley in game one. Smalley, a 6-foot-3 junior righthander from St. Charles, Ill., is 9-2 on the season with a 3.08 ERA. The hard-throwing righty went 2-0 in the GSC Tournament to push the Statesmen to the title.

The Statesmen are one of four GSC squads in this year’s regional. West Alabama will open tournament play versus Abilene Christian in game of the regional at 11 a.m. Thursday. Southern Arkansas will follow against Ouachita Baptist at 3 p.m. with Delta State and Texas A&M-Kingsville closing day one’s action in game three at 7 p.m. The regional will continue with three games on Friday and Saturday, and potentially two on Sunday. All game times will be 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. except on Championship Sunday when game times are slated for 1 and 5 p.m.

Matt Jones and Keith Latham will broadcast the game Thursday starting at 6:45 p.m. on the Statesmen Sports Network. The game will also be broadband telecast on GoStatesmen.com Internet TV.

May 13, 2008

DELTA STATE ’S NOLAND NAMED A FINALIST FOR CELLULARSOUTH FERRISS TROPHY
By Daniel Hawthorne, Baseball Contact

JACKSON – Delta State University senior catcher Rickey Noland has been named a finalist for the 2008 CellurSouth Ferriss Trophy, awarded annually to the top collegiate baseball player in Mississippi. The other finalists include Ole Miss pitcher Scott Bittle and Southern Miss pitcher Tyler Conn. The winner will be announced on May 19 at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum in Jackson. Former Yankees manager and Mississippi State All-American Buck Showalter will present the award.

Noland, a native of Denham Springs, La., was named the Gulf South Conference West Division Player of the Year after being ranked among the leaders in the conference in batting average, home runs, slugging percentage, on base percentage and total bases. He was also selected to the All-GSC First Team for a second year in a row.

Noland transferred to Delta State from LSU-Eunice in 2006 and quickly made his way into the starting lineup. Starting 51 of 52 games this season, he leads the team with a .414 batting average and is tied for the team lead with 14 home runs. He also has 77 hits, 12 doubles, and 51 RBIs.

Noland isn’t known for just his ability to swing the bat. He has created a reputation as a gunslinger behind the plate. In 37 attempts this season, opponents have stolen 21 bases against him, while gunning down 16. For any coach, knowing your catcher will throw out 44 percent of attempted base stealers is a plus.

Noland ranks in the top 35 in three NCAA categories this season including hit-by-pitch, slugging percentage and home runs. He’ll have the opportunity to improve upon those numbers this week at the NCAA South Central Regional hosted by Delta State at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field.

The CellularSouth Ferriss Trophy is in its fifth year of existence and given in honor of Dave “Boo” Ferriss, who was inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 1964. Ferriss a three-time All-SEC selection with Mississippi State was a standout with the Boston Red Sox, before coaching the Statesmen of Delta State University for 28 years.

Only one other player in Delta State history has been named a finalist, former catcher Craig Newton in 2005.

May 12, 2008

TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR SOUTH CENTRAL REGION TOURNAMENT; GAME TIMES ANNOUNCED

CLEVELAND - Tickets for the upcoming NCAA South Central Regional Baseball Tournament hosted by Delta State University are on sale now through the Delta State Athletics box office. Only All-Tournament passes will be pre-sold. Games will begin each day at 11 a.m. and follow at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The All Tournament Package is $25 for adults and $20 for senior citizens and students. Single session tickets are $8 for adults and $6 senior citizens and students. Championship game tickets are $10 and $8 respectively.

Tournament play begins Thursday, May 15 at 11 a.m. with West Alabama facing Abilene Christian at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field. Southern Arkansas versus Ouachita Baptist will follow at 3 p.m. and Delta State will square off with Texas A&M-Kingsville at 7 p.m.

For more information, contact the DSU Athletic Department at 662-846-4300.

May 12, 2008

SECOND-RANKED STATESMEN TO HOST NCAA SOUTH CENTRAL REGION TOURNAMENT; 11 TH TIME FERRISS FIELD TO SERVE AS HOST

• Complete NCAA DII Tournament Field  

CLEVELAND – After claiming the Gulf South Conference championship this past Wednesday, the second-ranked Delta State University Baseball team believed they had done enough to host the NCAA South Central Region Tournament May 15-18. The NCAA confirmed that feeling on Sunday, as they announced Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field would host the regional for an 11 th time this coming week.

“We’re excited about the opportunity to host another regional at Ferriss Field,” said Mike Kinnison, Statesmen head coach. “Our guys have played one of the toughest schedules in the country and I am very pleased with where we are at right now. With that said, we have a huge mountain to climb. This will be one of the toughest regionals in the country and we’ll have to play at our very best to win it.”

The (No.1) Statesmen (45-9), winners of 27 of their last 28 games, will host (No. 2) Southern Arkansas University (44-10), (No.3) University of West Alabama (45-11), (No.4) Abilene Christian University (43-15), (No.5) Ouachita Baptist University (43-14), and (No. 6) Texas A&M-Kingsville (31-29).

West Alabama will face Abilene Christian in the first game of the regional on Thursday, May 15. Game two will feature Southern Arkansas versus Ouachita Baptist with Delta State and Texas A&M-Kingsville closing day one’s action in game three. The regional will continue with three games on Friday, Saturday and potentially two on Sunday.

Game times have not been assigned at this time. A complete bracket and game times will be available on Monday.

The winner of the NCAA South Central Region Tournament will advance to the NCAA Division II College World Series May 24-31 at GCS Park in Sauget, Ill. GCS Park is home to the Frontier League’s Gateway Grizzlies. The park is located just outside the St. Louis, Mo., metropolitan area.

The Statesmen have enjoyed great success when hosting NCAA regionals at Ferriss Field. Under current head coach Mike Kinnison, the Statesmen have claimed the regional title in three out of the four DSU has hosted since 1997. From 2002-2005, Delta State hosted four-straight NCAA South Central Region Tournaments with the Statesmen winning the title in 2002, 2004, and 2005. Delta State also claimed three regional championships at home under legendary head coach Dave “Boo” Ferriss in 1977, 1978, and 1982.

In 2004, coach Mike Kinnison directed the Statesmen to the program’s first NCAA Division II National Championship with a 12-8 victory over Grand Valley State at Patterson Field in Montgomery, Ala. Two weeks earlier, the Statesmen had defeated Southern Arkansas 24-2 to advance to the College World Series at Ferriss Field.

The Statesmen Baseball Network will also broadcast all Delta State University games at the upcoming South Central Regional. Matt Jones, Keith Latham, and J.T. Webb will anchor the broadcasts with the SouthGroup Insurance Dugout Report starting 15 minutes prior to first pitch.

May 7, 2008

STATESMEN TAKE 11 th GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE TITLE WITH 7-5 WIN OVER FALCONS

By Daniel Hawthorne, Baseball Contact

• Box Score

MILLINGTON , TENN. - For the eleventh time school history, the Delta State University Statesmen Baseball team added another Gulf South Conference trophy to the mantle piece with a 7-5 victory over the Falcons of the University of Montevallo Wednesday night at USA Stadium. It came down to the final out, Devin Goodwin making the throw to first to seal the win. The Statesmen improved to 45-9 on the year, while the Falcons fall to 36-25.

The GSC title is first for the Statesmen since Delta State’s 2004 NCAA National Championship season and fourth under head coach Mike Kinnison.

Montevallo wasted no time putting runners in scoring position to start the game with a lead off double by Eric Moore. Moore would later score on an RBI groundout for a 1-0 lead.

The Statesmen quickly rebounded in the bottom of the second inning with a two run effort. With the bases loaded, Steven Oswald reached on a fielder’s choice to second, allowing Chris Clark to score. Hunter Jobes reached on an error by the shortstop a batter later, scoring Anthony Palasini from third.

The Falcons made it a tie ball game in the third as Ryan Norman scored on a fielder’s choice.

Delta State started the bottom of the inning with a single and a double, and quickly scored two runs on back-to-back singles by Clark and Palasini. J.T. Taylor added a third with an RBI single to left field for a 5-2 lead.

The Falcons threatened in the fifth inning with two runners on and the potential tying run at the plate, however Moore grounded into a 5-3 double play to end the inning.

Montevallo did score in sixth inning, cutting the lead to two with an RBI single by Chris Cooper.

The Statesmen responded in the bottom half with an RBI single to right center by Palasini for a 6-3 Statesmen lead.

Montevallo again had a runner in scoring position in the seventh, and with one out, the Statesmen turned to the bullpen and reliever Korey Cunningham. The junior forced a pop up and ground out to end the inning.

The Statesmen were determined to keep the Falcons tied down, adding another insurance run in the seventh as Jobes singled up the middle scoring Taylor from second for a 7-3 advantage.

Montevallo, who plated 11 runs on the Statesmen Monday night to give them their only loss this tournament, were determined to make it a fight to the finish in the eighth. Moore reached on base after a hit by pitch and then was able to steal second and third base to get in scoring position. Cooper singled up the middle to make it 7-4.

The Falcons would score again in the ninth with their backs against the wall to keep the game alive. With runners on first and second, Moore made his presence felt again with an RBI single to center. On the next at bat, Jeremy Jones had a chance to give the Falcons the lead. Instead he grounded to the shortstop Goodwin, who threw him out in a very close play at the bag.

Joey Haston (8-0) worked 6.1 innings allowing three runs on five hits with two strikeouts. Levi Bishop (7) earned the save pitching 1.2 innings allowing three hits and one run with two strikeouts.

Zac Blakney (8-3) gets the loss for the Falcons lasting 3.1 innings and allowing five runs on seven hits.

Clark led all Statesmen going 4-for-5 with an RBI. Taylor Palasini and Rickey Noland all had two hits a piece.

Four Statesmen were named to the Gulf South Conference All-Tournament Team led by Most Outstanding Player Kenney Smalley, who pitched for the Statesmen in their 11-2 win over Southern Arkansas to reach the championship game. Devin Goodwin was voted at shortstop, Michael Niemann in right field and Hunter Jobes in center field.

The Statesmen earned their way into the championship game with an 11-2 thrashing of Southern Arkansas to open the day. Kenny Smalley (9-2) earned the win, while Marcus Wilson (1) picked up the save.

The Statesmen will await word from the NCAA on whether Delta State will host the 2008 NCAA South Central Region Tournament at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field, May 15-18, in Cleveland. The announcement will be made on Sunday.

May 6, 2008

STATESMEN DISPATCH BLAZERS 11-5 TO ADVANCE TO FINAL ROUND OF GSC TOURNAMENT; DSU TO FACE SAU/UM WINNER WEDNESDAY

By Daniel Hawthorne, Baseball Contact

• Box Score

MILLINGTON , TENN. - The Delta State University baseball team had their backs against the wall Tuesday afternoon as they squared off with Valdosta State in an elimination game. The Statesmen prevailed 11-5 in a crucial in-region game in the Gulf South Conference Tournament at USA Stadium.

Delta State will face the winner of Montevallo/Southern Arkansas for a chance to play in the championship game Wednesday. If SAU wins the Statesmen will play the Muleriders at 1 p.m. Should UM win, DSU would face the Falcons twice on Wednesday starting at 1 p.m.

With the win, the Statesmen improve to 43-9, while the Blazers burn out their season at 36-18-1.

The Statesmen wasted no time in scoring runs quickly and early. With the bases loaded, Valdosta pitcher Jeremy Forbus would hit Anthony Palasini to walk in the games’ first run. Delta State would add two with an RBI single by Michael Niemann down the left field line for a 3-0 lead after half an inning.

Delta State looked to threaten again in the second, however the Statesmen could not capitalize with runners on first and second.

The Blazers were determined to cut the deficit with the bases loaded and one out in the bottom of the second. Sidney Spell grounded into a double play and the Statesmen were out of a jam.

Niemann added his second RBI on the day with a solo-shot over the right field wall in the third inning, for a 4-0 DSU lead. It was Niemann’s second home run of the year.

The runs continued to be plentiful for the Statesmen in the fourth, giving pitcher Cody Kelly some insurance. J.T. Taylor started the inning with a lead-off double and would later score on an RBI single by Devin Goodwin. Ricky Noland doubled in the next at bat plating Goodwin and extending the lead to 6-0.

With two outs in the seventh, Delta State would plate two more runs off two costly errors by the Blazer defense. With a runner on first, Blaine Wilson miscued Niemann’s single to right field allowing Chris Clark to score. One batter later, catcher Chase Blackwood’s throw to second was wide on a stolen base attempt by Steven Oswald, allowing Niemann to score easily from third base.

Kelly looked nearly perfect through six innings before his pickoff attempt at third went wide allowing Wes Hyman to score for the Blazers and cut the lead to 8-1.

Once again, with two outs in the inning, the Statesmen rallied for a third time in the eighth. Clark had runners on second and third base before he singled to centerfield clearing the bases and giving the Statesmen a 10-1 advantage.

Hunter Jobes singled to right field in the ninth scoring Niemann, as the Statesmen looked to put the final flame out on the Blazers 11-1.

Valdosta looked for a late spark in the ninth, scoring four runs. The Blazers got things started with a solo homerun by Drew Camp, followed by a two-run triple by Jessie Barfield and an RBI double by Cutis Keegan. The comeback attempt would stall, as Clint Marcott nailed the door shut on the Blazers 11-5.

Cody Kelly, (4-0) pitched lights out for the Statesmen and claimed his third-straight win. The Louisville native pitched 7.0 near-flawless innings allowing one run on six hits with four strikeouts.

Niemann carried the Statesmen at the plate with his 3-for-4 effort with three RBIs including a solo homerun. Four Statesmen finished with the day with multiple hits as they tallied a 13-10 advantage in the hit column.

Jeremy Fourbus (5-2) took the loss, going 7.0 innings allowing eight runs on nine hits.

Nathan Hardy and Clint Marcott pitched one inning of relief each.

The Statesmen will await their opponent Wednesday at 1 p.m. at USA Stadium in Millington, Tenn.

May 6, 2008

FALCONS SNAP STATESMEN WIN STREAK 11-2; DSU TO FACE VSU TUESDAY IN ELIMINATION GAME

By Daniel Hawthorne, Baseball Contact

• Box Score

MILLINGTON , TENN.- The Delta State University baseball team struggled in the early going, as the last two undefeated teams in the Gulf South Conference Tournament met Monday night at USA Stadium and it was Montevallo who earned the win, 11-2 and a guaranteed spot in the championship game Wednesday night.

The loss drops the Statesmen to 42-9 on the year, while the Falcons improve to 36-23. The win for the Falcons also snaps a record 24-game winning streak for Delta State.

The Statesmen looked to continue their hot streak as of late, winning the last two games by a combined score of 13-3. However, the Falcons got on the board early in the top of the first inning. With a runner on third and one out, Chris Cooper grounded out to second allowing Eric Moore to cross the plate.

Devin Goodwin looked to lead the charge in the bottom of the inning for the green and white with a rocket to right field that managed to stay in the park for a triple, his second on the season.

The Statesmen, who trailed for the first time in this tournament, tied it up in the third as Goodwin scored J.T. Taylor with an RBI groundout to second base. After Clay Sartain reached on a walk, Rickey Noland singled to left field to score Hunter Jobes from third, 2-1 Statesmen.

Montevallo would not trail for long, as they would retake the lead with a four-run effort in the fourth inning. Daniel Furuto tied the game at 2-2, scoring on an RBI single by Brantley Clay. The Falcons would score again on the next at bat off an error by the Statesmen infield. With two outs in the inning, Montevallo would score twice on back-to-back singles to extend their lead, 5-2.

The Falcons continued to swing the bats well in the fifth, making the most of the opportunities scoring four runs on four hits. Jeremy Jones scored on an RBI single by Aaron Faust. Montevallo would score three runs on two hits after Marcus Wilson came into relieve DSU starter Justin Smith with one out in the inning.

The hole continued to become deeper for the Statesmen to climb out of as the Falcons extended their lead in the seventh with an RBI single by Jones, 10-2.

Montevallo plated one more run in the ninth, putting the game out of reach for Delta State and making the final margin 11-2.

Justin Smith (6-4) gets the loss lasting 4.1 innings allowing eight runs on eight hits with just one strikeout.

Nate Russ (4-4) earned the victory for the Falcons in relief. Russ pitched 5.2 innings allowing just four hits.

Noland did his best on the night for DSU with a 3-for-4 effort and an RBI. Five Statesmen finished with a hit respectively.

Four Falcons had multiple hits on the night, led by Jones who finished 5-for-5 with an RBI.

The Statesmen will look to rebound Tuesday as they take on the Valdosta State Blazers, 2-1 in the GSC tournament, at USA Stadium in Millington, Tenn . First pitch is set for 1 p.m. Matt Jones and Keith Latham will broadcast the game on the Statesmen Sports Network starting 15 minutes prior to first pitch with the SouthGroup Insurance Dugout Report.

May 5, 2008  

KOREY CUNNINGHAM PITCHES STATESMEN PAST TIGERS 7-1; DSU TO FACE MONTEVALLO MONDAY AT 7:30 P.M.

By Daniel Hawthorne, Baseball Contact

• Box Score

MILLINGTON , TENN. - The Delta State University baseball team plated four runs in the fourth inning and held on for a 7-1 victory in the early hours of Monday morning over Ouachita Baptist University at USA Stadium in the second round of the Gulf South Conference Tournament. With the win, the Statesmen advance to the third round and take on the University of Montevallo Monday at 7:30 p.m.

The No. 2 ranked Statesmen improves to 42-8 on the year, while the Tigers drop to 43-13. The win extends their winning streak as well to 24 games.

Despite the long delay that lasted nearly two and a half hours, Delta State would tack on the first run of the game in the second inning as Tigers starter Chase Baran walked two Statesmen to load the bases with one out. Delta State would capitalize, as Chris Clark jogged in on a fielder’s choice from Michael Niemann.

The Statesmen fans cheered again in the third, as Devin Goodwin (13) smoked a solo-shot over the left field fence giving the Statesmen a 2-0 lead.

Things got worse for the Baran and the Tigers in the fourth inning, as Delta State would plate four runs. With the bases loaded once again, Baran walked in a run for a 3-0 Statesmen lead. With runners on the corners, Hunter Jobes would single up the middle scoring Anthony Palasini. In the next at bat, Goodwin singled to left field, as two runners would score on an error by Chad Taylor extending the lead to 6-0.

Korey Cunningham looked solid through the first 4.2 innings for Delta State before Ouachita Baptist would scratch the scoreboard with an RBI sac fly by Blake Lockwood to cut the lead 6-1.

The Tigers would plate another run for the Statesmen in the seventh, as Rickey Noland would score on a throwing error by the shortstop Drew Maus trying to get Clark scrambling back to first.

The Statesmen would get 11 hits on the night while holding the Tigers to just six. However, OBU did have four costly errors, including two in the fourth.

Cunningham (9-1) gets the victory working 8.0 innings allowing one run on six hits with four strikeouts. The Clinton native leads the team with nine wins on the season while picking up his first post-season win with the Statesmen. Cody Kelly closed the game striking out three of four batters faced.

Baran (9-3) takes the loss for the Tigers going 3.2 innings allowing six runs on five hits and walking four batters.

Jobes led the Statesmen on the night going 3-of-5 with a double and an RBI while Goodwin finished 2-of-4 with a HR.

The Statesmen will continue their quest for an 11 th GSC title, as they take on the University of Montevallo in the third round of the GSC Tournament at USA Stadium in Millington, Tenn. First pitch is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Matt Jones and Keith Latham will broadcast the game on the Statesmen Sports Network starting 15 minutes prior to first pitch with the SouthGroup Insurance Dugout Report.

 

May 3, 2008

DSU CAPTURES FIRST WIN AT GSC TOURNAMENT ON SMALLEY’S NINE STRIKEOUTS; UWA/OBU WINNER UP NEXT

• Box Score

MILLINGTON, TENN. – Kenny Smalley struck out nine Saturday en route to Delta State’s 6-2 victory over North Alabama in the opening game for the Statesmen at the Gulf South Conference Tournament at USA Stadium. The No. 2-ranked Statesmen improved to 41-8 on the season, while the Lions slid to 29-20.

Smalley, a junior right-hander from St. Charles, Ill., set the tone early for the Statesmen by setting down the first 10 Lion batters he faced over 3.1 innings.

The Statesmen would take advantage of Smalley’s pitching with an early 2-0 lead on RBI-singles by Devin Goodwin and Anthony Palasini in the first and second innings respectively.

Delta made it 3-0 in the fifth inning, as J.T. Taylor scored on Hunter Jobes’ RBI-single. Taylor led off the inning with a triple down the right field line.

Rickey Noland’s first career triple in the seventh made it 4-0 DSU, as the senior blasted a UNA offering 410’ to straight away center. Steven Oswald’s RBI-single to right plated Noland to make it 5-0 DSU after seven.

In the eighth, Delta State added another run. J.T. Taylor slapped a single between second and first to score Michael Niemann.

In the ninth, UNA would take advantage of a tired Smalley. The John A. Logan CC transfer walked the first two batters of the inning before giving way to Levi Bishop. Bishop allowed a sac-fly RBI to Josh Graham to score the Lions’ first run. Jarrett Sheppard followed with an RBI infield single to make it 6-2. Bishop would strikeout Matt Horton to end the game.

Smalley (8-2) worked 8.0 innings allowing two runs on four hits with a walk and nine strikeouts. Bishop worked 1.0 inning with one strikeout.

Anthony Palasini went 3-for-4 with an RBI to lead the Statesmen. Six Statesmen tallied multiple hit performances.

Horton went 2-for-4 to pace the Lions.

Branden Tepe (4-6) took the loss after allowing three runs on seven hits. Matt Vandenheuvel and Trey Mitchell worked in relief.

Delta State will face the winner of the West Alabama/Ouachita Baptist game Sunday at USA Stadium in Millington, Tenn. First pitch is set for 7:30 p.m. Matt Jones and Keith Latham will broadcast the game on the Statesmen Sports Network starting 15 prior to first pitch with the SouthGroup Insurance Dugout Report.

April 2, 2008

SMALLEY EARNS GSC WEST PITCHER OF THE WEEK

BIRMINGHAM, ALA. - Delta State starting pitcher Kenny Smalley, a junior from Chicago, Ill. got his first career nod as GSC West Pitcher of the Week after tossing his third consecutive complete game.

The junior allowed just one earned run and three walks while scattering four hits and striking out 12 batters in nine innings at Harding Saturday, giving Delta State an important win, 6-1. Bad weather canceled Sunday's rescheduled doubleheader between the two clubs, making the lone start that much more important.

Smalley is 5-2 in seven starts on the season with a 3.61 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 52.1 innings. The first-year Statesman is holding opponents to a .241 batting average and has allowed just 16 walks.

April 1, 2008

DELTA STATE BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL POSTPONED DUE TO TUESDAY RAINS

CLEVELAND – Delta State University baseball and softball have been postponed due to Tuesday’s rain. The Statesmen were scheduled to play Belhaven in Jackson, while the Lady Statesmen were set to travel to Magnolia, Ark., for a doubleheader with Southern Arkansas University. The Lady Statesmen will face the Lady Muleriders Wednesday at 5 p.m. The Belhaven game at Smith-Wills Stadium has been rescheduled for April 23 at 6 p.m.

March 30, 2008

SUNDAY'S DOUBLEHEADER AT HARDING CANCELLED DUE TO RAIN; DSU AT BELHAVEN TUESDAY

SEARCY, ARK. - Sunday's doubleheader at Harding was cancelled due to rain. No make up dates have been set at this time. DSU returns to action on Tuesday, April 1 at Belhaven. Game time is set for 6 p.m. at Smith-Wills Stadium. The DSU Alumni Association is planning an event for all Jackson area Alumni. Come out and support the Statesmen on Tuesday.

March 29, 2008

DELTA STATE’S SMALLEY FANS 12 EN ROUTE TO 6-1 WIN OVER BISON
By Daniel Hawthorne, Media Relations

• Box Score

SEARCY, Ark-The Delta State University baseball team picked up its sixth straight victory behind Kenny Smalley’s 12 strikeout, complete game, performance in a 6-1 victory over Harding University Saturday. The game was delayed three hours due to over night rains. With the win the Statesmen climb to 24-8 overall and 6-1 in Gulf South Conference play, while the Bison fall to 17-15, 2-5 in conference action.

Kenny Smalley (5-2) turned in one of the top performances of the year for the Statesmen pitching staff. The John A. Logan Community College transfer allowed one run on four hits in the win, while recording a career-high 12 strikeouts for his third-straight complete game.

Delta State got the ball rolling in the third, as J.T. Taylor knocked a triple to score Derrick Norris from first to make it 1-0. On the next at-bat, Hunter Jobes’ infield single allowed Taylor to make it 2-0 Delta State.

The Statesmen doubled their lead in the sixth as Chris Clark doubled home Rickey Noland and Steven Oswald’s single scored Clark to make it 4-0.

The Bison struggled early against Smalley, recording their first hit in the fifth, before finally scoring in the eighth on a solo home run by Arron Roberts (8).

Leading 4-1, Delta State put the game out of reach in the ninth with runs by Jobes and Goodwin to make the final margin 6-1.

Norris went 2-for-4 with an RBI to lead the Statesmen, while Goodwin went 1-for-4 with an RBI as well.

The Statesmen conclude the series Sunday with a doubleheader scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. at Jerry Moore Field. The games will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network starting at 12:45 p.m. Keith Latham and Daniel Hawthorne will have the call.

March 26, 2008

STATESMEN EXTINGUISH BLAZERS 7-1
By Jim Ervin, Media Relations

CLEVELAND - The 11 th ranked Delta State baseball team cruised to a 7-1 victory over Belhaven College Wednesday night at Ferriss Field.  With the win the Statesmen improve to 23-8 on the season while the Blazers fall to 25-11. 

The Statesmen got things going in the second when catcher Rickey Noland led off with solo home run over the leftfield lounge to put DSU up 1-0.  Not to be outdone, third baseman Chris Clark exploded on a Riley Galloway fastball bouncing it off the 2004 National Championship sign in left centerfield giving the “Men in Green” a quick 2-0 advantage they would never relinquish. 

In the third, second baseman Clay Sartain drove a waist high pitch deep over the leftfield fence pushing the DSU lead to 3-0. 

Centerfielder Hunter Jobes led off the fifth with a double up the middle setting up yet another scoring opportunity.  Devin Goodwin would quickly trade places with him as his double to right center would send Jobes home giving the Statesmen more insurance with no outs.  After a wild pitch by Galloway that advanced Goodwin to second, Clark would single to center giving DSU a 5-0 lead heading into the sixth. 

The Statesmen would wrap up the scoring in the seventh when first baseman Steven Oswald’s two-run blast to left would bring home Sartain who had reached on a single. 

Belhaven’s lone run came in the seventh when Cleveland native Blaise King would score from third on a single by first baseman Bryan Bennett.

DSU starter Joey Haston (5-0) picked up the win after throwing 6.0 innings allowing no runs on one hit and one strikeout.  Marcus Wilson and Levi Bishop split the last three innings surrendering one run on a mere four hits.

Chris Clark led the Statesmen at the plate going 3-for-4 with a homerun and three RBI.  Steven Oswald finished in fine fashion as well going 2-for-4 with a homer and two RBI. 

The Statesmen return to action this Saturday at Harding University.  The first pitch of the Gulf South Conference doubleheader is scheduled for 12 p.m. 

 

March 26, 2008

Statesmen burn Devils at Ferriss Field
By Jim Ervin, Media Relations

• Box Score

CLEVELAND - The 11 th ranked Delta State baseball team pounded out 13 runs on 14 hits versus Mississippi Valley State en route to a run-ruled 13-2 victory at Ferriss Field on Tuesday. With the win, the Statesmen move to 22-8 on the season while the Delta Devils fall to 9-10.

Delta State got things going in the bottom of the first collecting nine runs on nine hits led by junior second baseman Clay Sartain’s two doubles and three RBI. Leftfielder J.T. Taylor doubled off the leftfield wall pushing two runners across while centerfielder Hunter Jobes knocked in two base runners of his own on a line drive down the leftfield line. All in all, the Statesmen would hit four doubles and one triple in the bottom of the frame, guaranteeing starter Clint Marcott all the run support he would need.

After the Statesmen picked up one run in the fourth and fifth innings, second baseman John Landon Ruscoe would hit his first career homerun deep over the leftfield wall in the bottom of sixth. The Clarksdale native’s two-run shot pushed the DSU lead to 13-2 setting up the opportunity for the run-ruled shortened game.

Statesmen starter Clint Marcott (4-0) pitched 6.0 strong innings allowing only one earned run on seven hits with three strikeouts. Nathan Hardy threw the scoreless seventh ending the game early for DSU.

Leading the way at the plate was designated hitter Clay Sartain. The senior from Horn Lake finished the day 3-for-4 with two doubles and four RBI. Ruscoe, in his first start, as a Statesman, went 2-for-3 with a homerun and two RBI while catcher Rickey Noland was perfect going 3-for-3 with and RBI.

MVSU was led at the plate by shortstop Jeff Squiers. The Sterling, CO native finished 2-for-4 with a homerun and an RBI.

The Statesmen return to action Wednesday for a single game against the Blazers of Belhaven College. The first pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field.

March 22, 2008

TENTH-RANKED STATESMEN COMPLETE SWEEP OF BUCS WITH 9-4 WIN

• Box Score  

MEMPHIS, TENN. – The tenth-ranked Statesmen (21-8, 5-1 GSC) used six home runs and 14 hits to complete the three-game sweep of the Bucs (11-15, 3-3 GSC) of Christian Brothers University, 9-4, Saturday at Buc Field.

The Statesmen scored four runs in the second inning on three home runs to take a commanding 4-0 lead. Anthony Palasini smashed a two-run home run (2), while Hunter Jobes (5) and Devin Goodwin (5) went back-to-back over the center field fence.

Delta State made it 5-0 in the fourth on the first career home run for freshman Michael Niemann.

The Statesmen made it an 8-0 lead after a two-run home run by Chris Clark (2) and an RBI single by Niemann in the fifth.

DSU scored its last run in the sixth, as Rickey Noland connected on his seventh home run of the year to left for a 9-0 DSU lead.

CBU would not go away quietly, as the Bucs added three runs in the bottom of the seventh and one in the eighth to make it a 9-4 final.

Justin Smith (4-3) earned the win after pitching six scoreless innings. The Ridgeland native surrendered three walks with four strikeouts. Nathan Hardy allowed three earned runs in one inning of relief. Grant Campbell and Cody Kelley also pitched out of the pen.

Ryan McCabe (2-3) took the loss for CBU after pitching six innings, while allowing nine earned runs on 11 hits.

The Statesmen return to Ferriss Field on Tuesday versus Mississippi Valley State. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m.

March 21, 2008

TENTH-RANKED STATESMEN POUND BUCCANEERS 10-3 AND 9-2; GAME THREE SUNDAY AT 1 P.M.

• Game One Box Score
• Game Two Box Score

MEMPHIS, TENN. – The tenth-ranked Delta State University Statesmen (20-8, 4-1 Gulf South Conference) completed a Friday sweep of Christian Brothers University (11-14, 3-2 GSC) 10-3 and 9-2 at Buc Field. The sweep extended Delta State’s win streak over Christian Brothers to 19 games.

Kenny Smalley worked his second-straight complete game to pitch the Statesmen a 10-3 win in game one. The time the Statesmen offense did not disappoint with 10 runs on 15 hits.

DSU got the offense rolling in the first inning on an RBI-double by Rickey Noland followed by a two-run home run off the bat of Chris Clark (1) to take a 3-0 lead.

Smalley would keep the Bucs at bay until the fourth, when CBU scratched the starter for two runs. An unearned run in the fifth would briefly tie the game at 3-3 for CBU.

Delta State erupted for six runs on six hits in the sixth inning to put the game away. Six separate Statesmen recorded RBIs in the inning. DSU would add a single run in the ninth to make the final margin 10-3.

Smalley (4-2) recorded the complete game allowing three runs, two earned, on nine hits. The flame throwing righthander also recorded four strikeouts with one walk. John Dausch (3-5) took the loss for CBU. The senior allowed nine earned runs on 12 hits with one walk and four strikeouts.

Chris Clark led DSU at the plate. The senior from Paducah, Ky., went 3-for-4 with three runs scored, a two-run home run (1), and three RBI. Rickey Noland was 2-for-5 with two RBI as well. Hunter Jobes, Devin Goodwin, Clay Sartain, and Michael Niemann all recorded multi-hit games for DSU.

Joe Kaminski went 2-for-4 with an RBI to lead the Bucs.

In game two, the right arm of junior Korey Cunningham proved to be too much for the Bucs, as the Statesmen claimed a 9-3 win. The junior from Clinton pitched a complete game to earn the win.

The Statesmen once again jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first and never looked back. Anthony Palasini provided the big-hit in the inning, a two-RBI single to left, to plate the runs.

DSU made it 5-0 in the fourth on Devin Goodwin’s two-run home run (4) to left.

The Statesmen made it 7-0 on Clay Sartain’s two-RBI single to left in the top of the sixth inning. However, the Bucs would finally push a run across in the bottom of the inning on a solo home run (3) by shortstop Mark Foster.

The Statesmen put the game out of reach in the top of the seventh, as freshman Michael Niemann’s two-RBI single found its way through the right side of infield for a 9-1 lead.

In the bottom of the seventh, Bobby Lawrence smashed a solo shot over the left field way to make the final margin 9-2.

Cunningham (3-1) pitched all seven innings to earn the win. The Clinton native allowed two runs on seven hits with four strikeouts. CBU’s Dave Dalugach (3-5) earned the loss after pitching 5.1 innings. The lefty surrendered seven runs on six hits with three walks, three strikeouts and three hit-by-pitches.

Devin Goodwin, Clay Sartain, Anthony Palisini and Michael Niemann all recorded two RBIs for the Statesmen.

The Statesmen and Bucs will conclude the series on Saturday at 1 p.m. with a single game. The game will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network starting at 12:45 p.m. Matt Jones and Keith Latham will have the call.

March 19, 2008

SECOND-RANKED TIGERS EDGE TENTH-RANKED STATESMEN 7-5 IN 10 INNINGS AT TRUSTMARK PARK; DELTA STATE AT CHRISTIAN BROTHERS THIS WEEKEND

• Box Score  

PEARL – The second-ranked West Alabama Tigers (24-4) edged the tenth-ranked Delta State University Statesmen (18-8) 7-5 in 10 innings on Wednesday at Trustmark Park.

After West Alabama jumped out to an early 5-0 lead over the first three innings, Delta State charged back to tie the game at 5-5 in the bottom of sixth. Both teams had several opportunities over the final three innings of regulation, but neither could plate a run.

In the top of the tenth, UWA scored two runs on an RBI-single by Matt Busbee and a sac-fly RBI by Nate Wheeler. Leading 7-5 headed into the bottom of the inning, UWA reliever Kasey Nafzger (3-0) slammed the door on DSU to earn the win.

UWA’s Nafzger pitched 4.2 innings allowing one run on two hits with five strikeouts. Josh Varner started the game for UWA, pitching 5.1 innings allowing four earned runs.

Delta State’s Levi Bishop (2-1) took the loss after pitching 2.0 innings of relief. Bishop allowed two earned runs on four hits over the ninth and tenth innings. Clint Marcott started the game for DSU, but managed just 2.0 innings pitched. Joey Haston and Marcus Wilson also pitched in relief.

Rob Dalhberg and Trey Avans provided the power for UWA with back-to-back home runs in the third inning. Avans finished the game 3-for-4 with three runs scored and two RBI.

Clay Sartain went 2-for-4 with a run scored and one RBI to lead DSU.

he Statesmen will return to action Friday, March 21 at Christian Brothers University in Memphis, Tenn. First pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m. The games will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network starting at 11:45 a.m. Matt Jones and Keith Latham will have the call.

March 19, 2008

DELTA STATE ’S JUSTIN SMITH NAMED GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE PITCHER OF THE WEEK

CLEVELAND – Delta State University senior righthander Justin Smith has been named the Gulf South Conference West Division Pitcher of the Week for the period ending Sunday, March 16. Monday’s honor is the first this season for Smith and the fifth overall in his career.

The Ridgeland native posted a 1-0 record last week in two starts including a three-hit, complete game shutout of second-ranked Ouachita Baptist University on Sunday. In 15 innings pitched, Smith allowed three earned runs on 10 hits with one walk and 13 strikeouts. In Sunday’s performance versus the high-powered offense of OBU, Smith went the distance allowing only three hits, while striking out seven in Delta State’s 9-0 win.

Smith, a two-time American Baseball Coaches Association/Rawlings All-Region selection, currently ranks fifth all-time in school history with 27 victories. In 47 career starts, Smith is 27-11 with a 2.45 ERA.

March 16, 2008  

DELTA STATE’S JUSTIN SMITH TOSSES THREE-HIT SHUTOUT IN 9-0 WIN OVER SECOND-RANKED TIGERS

• Box Score  

CLEVELAND – The sixth-ranked Delta State University baseball team used a complete game three-hit shutout by senior right-hander Justin Smith to claim a 9-0 victory over second-ranked Ouachita Baptist University Sunday at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field. The Statesmen took the series 2-1 with the win and improved to 18-7 overall and 2-1 in league play, while the Tigers record slid to 24-4 and 1-2 in GSC play.

Smith (3-3) baffled Tiger hitters all afternoon, tossing nine innings allowing only three hits with seven strikeouts. The senior from Ridgeland improved to 27-11 all-time in his career at DSU and moved into fifth place on the all-time wins list.

DSU got it going in the third with three runs on three straight RBI hits from Hunter Jobes, Devin Goodwin and Clay Sartain.

The Statesmen made it 5-0 in the fifth on Devin Goodwin’s third home run of the year, a two-run shot over the left field wall.

In the sixth, Chris Clark scored on an RBI-single to left by Trenton Lee to go up 6-0. Chris Clark’s sac-fly RBI in the seventh made it 7-0. In the bottom of the eighth, DSU scored two more runs on RBI-singles from Hunter Jobes and Clay Sartain to make the final 9-0.

The Statesmen finished the day with nine runs on 14 hits with no errors. The Tigers went scoreless on just three hits with one error. OBU stranded four, while the Statesmen stranded eight.

Hunter Jobes went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and two RBI for the Statesmen. Devin Goodwin was also 2-for-4 with a two-run home run, two runs scored and three RBI. Clay Sartain was 3-for-5 with two RBI, while J.T. Taylor and Chris Clark both had two hits each.

Chase Baran (4-1) took the loss for OBU after pitching 5.1 innings allowing six earned runs on 11 hits with two walks and two strikeouts. Zach Wilbanks and Reece Dodd pitched in relief for the Tigers.

The Statesmen will return to action Wednesday, March 19 at Trustmark Park versus West Alabama. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network starting at 6:15 p.m. Matt Jones and Keith Latham have the call.

March 15, 2008

SIXTH-RANKED STATESMEN AND SECOND-RANKED TIGERS SPLIT SATURDAY’S DOUBLEHEADER 3-5 AND 5-4; GAME THREE SUNDAY AT 2 PM

• Game One Box
• Game Two Box  

CLEVELAND – The sixth-ranked Delta State University baseball team split their Gulf South Conference opener with second-ranked Ouachita Baptist University, 3-5 and 5-4, Saturday at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field. The Statesmen moved to 17-7 and 1-1 in league play, while the Tigers record slid to 23-4 and 1-1 in GSC play.

In game one, Delta State starter Kenny Smalley baffled Tiger batters for 8.2 innings before Destan Mackonnen slammed a three-run home run over the right field wall to give OBU a 5-3 lead. Despite loading the bases in the bottom of the ninth with one out, the Statesmen couldn’t muster the hit needed to bring them back into the contest.

OBU scored all five of their runs on home runs, as Brian Wade (4) and Mackonnen (11) went deep for the Tigers.

Smalley (3-2) took the loss after pitching the complete game. The junior transfer from John A. Logan Community struck out 11 Tiger batters, while allowing five runs on four hits.

Steve Smith (4-1) earned the win for OBU. Smith worked nine innings allowing three runs on 11 hits with four strikeouts.

Rickey Noland led the Statesmen at the plate with a 2-for-4 performance. The senior from Denham Springs, La., smacked a two-RBI double and recorded an infield single.

In game two, the Statesmen rallied from a 4-1 deficit to claim a 5-4 victory. OBU scored one run in the second to go up 1-0. DSU tied it at 1-1 in the bottom of the third on Rickey Noland’s RBI-single.

In the top of the fourth, OBU gained the lead once again 2-1 on Dan Wurelbacher’s RBI single. The Tigers made it 4-1 on Ryan Jovanovski’s two-run home run in the fifth.

The Statesmen would rally for three runs in the bottom of the fifth on a two-RBI double by Max Freeman and an RBI single from Chris Clark.

In the bottom of the sixth, the Statesmen would take the lead for good, as J.T Taylor scored the game winning run on Clay Sartain’s single to right.

Levi Bishop (1-1) slammed the door in the seventh for the win. Bishop earned the win in relief after pitching 1.1 innings allowing no runs with one strikeout. Korey Cunningham worked 5.0 innings after making the start for the Statesmen.

Rickey Noland again proved to be a force for the Statesmen with a 3-for-3 performance at the plate. J.T. Taylor and Clay Sartain also had three hit performances for Delta State.

The rubber match of the series will take place Sunday. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field. The game will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network starting at 1:45 p.m. with Matt Jones and Keith Latham on the call.

March 12, 2008

SIXTH-RANKED STATESMEN DROP SECOND STRAIGHT TO CHARGERS 6-5

• Box Score  

HUNTSVILLE, ALA. – The sixth-ranked Delta State University baseball dropped its second straight game to the Chargers of the University of Alabama-Huntsville, 5-6, at Joe Davis Stadium. The Statesmen fell to 16-6 on the season, while the Chargers improved to 12-14. The win also gave UAH the series 2-0.

After a scoreless first inning, the Statesmen found their offensive rhythm in the top of the second with four runs. Hunter Jobes’ bases clearing three-RBI double to left center gave the Statesmen a 3-0 lead. The offensive onslaught was not finished, as Devin Goodwin plated Jobes from second on a triple down the left field line.

Down 4-0, the Chargers entered the bottom of the inning looking to claw back into the game. UAH did just that with four runs to tie the game at 4-4.

Will Nichols’ RBI-single to center in the bottom of the third gave the Chargers a 5-4 lead.

The Statesmen would tie the game in the top of the fifth on Rickey Noland’s sac-fly RBI scoring Hunter Jobes from third.

Once again the Statesmen bullpen failed to shut down the Chargers. In the bottom of the ninth, UAH pushed across the game-winning run with an RBI-single by Will Nichols.

Korey Cunningham (2-1) took the loss after surrendering the game-winning run in the ninth. The junior from Clinton pitched 0.2 innings allowing one run on three hits. Jacob Wray (2-1) earned the win in relief for UAH. Wray worked 1.2 innings with two walks and a strikeout.

The Statesmen started Joey Haston, but the junior couldn’t get out of the third. Marcus Wilson worked 4.2 innings of relief with two walks and three strikeouts. Levi Bishop worked one scoreless inning.

Hunter Jobes went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and three RBI. The senior from Southaven had two doubles on the day. Devin Goodwin recorded a single, double and triple on the afternoon as well.

Will Nichols provided the big performance for UAH with 2-for-4, two RBI outing.

The Statesmen return to Ferriss Field this weekend for their Gulf South Conference opener versus second-ranked Ouachita Baptist University. The series begins Saturday with a noon doubleheader. Sunday’s series finale will begin at 2 p.m. All three games will be broadcast on the Statesmen Baseball Network beginning 15 minutes prior to first pitch.

March 11, 2008

CHARGERS EDGE SIXTH-RANKED STATESMEN WITH NINTH INNING SCORE, 5-6
By J.T. Webb, Media Relations

• Box Score

HUNTSVILLE, ALA. - The sixth-ranked Statesmen (16-5) baseball team fell 6-5 Tuesday to Alabama-Huntsville at Joe Davis Stadium. Statesmen hitters were baffled by solid Charger pitching performances, striking out eight times, while picking up only six base hits.

The Statesmen struck first plating one run in the first inning, and two in the third; however Charger pitching held their ground for the rest of the game. DSU would manage single runs in the fourth and ninth innings to cap their scoring.

The Chargers plated the game winning run in the ninth when Jake Lee scored from third thanks to Kevin Herring’s plate appearance. All six of the Chargers runs came after the third inning.

Juiliana Indjomar, and Joe Dunlap combined on the effort, with Dunlap (4-1) picking up the win for the Chargers (11-14). Dunlap pitched 5.1 innings striking out four Statesmen, while allowing two runs with one being earned. Indjomar started the game for UAH pitching 3.2 innings, while allowing four runs on four hits with one run being earned.

Ricky Noland led the way at the dish for DSU. The senior catcher went 3-for-4 with his sixth home run and two-RBI. First baseman Steven Oswald also had a solid game at the plate going 2-for-4 with an RBI.

Justin Smith turned in another solid outing on the mound for the Statesmen, but the needed run support failed to appear. Smith pitched six innings allowing three runs on seven hits, while striking out six Charger hitters.

Nathan Hardy (0-1) took the loss in relief for the Statesmen. The freshman allowed one run on three hits in the ninth inning.

UAH’s Jordan Parker went 4-for-5 with an RBI to lead the way. Rightfielder Blake Butler went 2-for-5 with two triples and an RBI in the win.

The two squads will conclude the series on Wednesday at 1 p.m. at Joe Davis Stadium.

 

March 11, 2008

SIXTH-RANKED STATESMEN MOVE SERIES START WITH SECOND-RANKED TIGERS DUE TO NCAA REGIONAL

CLEVELAND - Saturday’s double-header between the No. 6 Delta State University Statesmen and the No. 2 Tigers of Ouachita Baptist has been moved to a noon start time at Ferriss Field. The games will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network beginning at 11:45 a.m.

“There are a lot of athletic events on campus, and we want our fans to be able to enjoy all of them,” Director of Athletics Jeremy McClain said.

The three game series between the Statesmen and the Tigers is the Gulf South Conference opening series for both teams.

March 11, 2008

STATESMEN CLIMB TO SIXTH IN LATEST CBN POLL
By Jim Ervin, Media Relations

• Complete CBN Top 30 Poll

CLEVELAND - After finishing the week on a four game winning streak, the Delta State baseball team (16-4) climbed three spots to No. 6 in this week’s Collegiate Baseball Newspaper Poll. The Statesmen swept the No. 11 Cougars of Columbus State, 7-6 and 3-2, before downing the Argonauts of West Florida, 7-3 and 6-5.

Still holding down the top spot in this week’s poll is Mount Olive College (22-1). Fellow Gulf South Conference members Ouachita Baptist (21-2) and West Alabama (17-4) come in at the second and third spots while perennial power Grand Valley State (11-1) is in fourth. In fifth place is Sonoma State (21-2) followed by Delta State (16-4) and Tampa (14-4-1). GSC member Southern Arkansas (17-3) is eighth while West Chester (10-0) enters the top ten in the ninth position. Rounding out this week’s top ten is USC-Aiken (18-5). The only other GSC school ranked in the top 30 is North Alabama (12-5).

The Statesmen return to action Wednesday versus the University of Alabama at Huntsville in Huntsville, Ala. The first pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.

March 9, 2008

STATESMEN WASH AWAY ARGONAUTS 7-3, 6-5
By Jim Ervin, Media Relations

• Game One Box Score
• Game Two Box Score

The ninth-ranked Delta State baseball team picked up two big wins Sunday at Ferriss Field over West Florida, 7-3 and 6-5. With the wins the Statesmen improve to 16-4 on the season while the Argos fall to 11-14.

The Statesmen jumped out to an early four-run lead in the bottom of the first inning and never looked back.

Hunter Jobes led off the day for the Statesmen with a walk, and Devin Goodwin served an RBI-double down the leftfield line. Clay Sartain was hit by a pitch, and Rickey Noland walked to load the bases for Chris Clark.

Clark delivered with a two-RBI double to right-centerfield. Noland advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored on Brent Davidson’s RBI-groundout, giving the Statesmen a 4-0 lead after one inning.

West Florida got two runs back in the top of the second on Brandon Brewer’s RBI-double and Kyle Andrews RBI single, but that was as close as they got.

The Statesmen added a run to their two-run lead in the bottom of the second when Sartain drove in Jobes, who led off with a triple. Sartain hit a home run to leftfield to stretch the lead to four, and Jobes hit an RBI-double in the bottom of the sixth, scoring Michael Niemann, to stretch the lead to 7-2.

West Florida threatened in the top of the eighth inning, but they were only able to get one run across before Levi Bishop closed the door, leaving three Argonauts stranded on base.

Kenny Smalley (3-1) earned the win, giving up three runs on six hits with eight strikeouts in 7.2 innings.

Jon Sintes (1-2) was charged with the loss, lasting just 0.2 after giving up four runs on two hits and three walks.

In game two, with the Statesmen trailing 5-1 in the bottom of the third, DSU finally got some offense going. Leadoff hitter Hunter Jobes dropped down a textbook bunt to reach base safely. Devin Goodwin followed with a line drive single to left to push Jobes all the way to third before being tagged out himself at second base. Jobes would then score on a wild pitch setting up the largest offensive outburst of the afternoon by catcher Derek Norris. After a double by Sartain to center and a Chris Clark walk, Norris would send a waste high fastball over the trees in left plating three runs for the Statesmen.

For the game, Norris finished 2-for-3 with a homerun and three RBI. Sartain was 2-for-3 himself with a double and two runs scored.

Picking up the win in relief was junior Korey Cunningham (2-0). In 3.1 innings pitched, the Clinton native did not surrender a run on four hits while striking out two Argo batters. Junior Grant Campbell pitched the final .1 innings to pick up his first save on the season (1).

Kyle Ramsey (1-4) took the loss for West Florida after pitching the final 3.1 innings.

The Statesmen return to action Tuesday at the University of Alabama at Huntsville. The first pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.

 

March 8, 2008

SATURDAY'S GAME WITH WEST FLORIDA CANCELLED; SERIES RESUMES SUNDAY AT 1 P.M.

CLEVELAND - Saturday's single game with the Argonauts of West Florida has been cancelled due to winter weather in the Cleveland area. The series continues Sunday with a doubleheader at 1 p.m.

March 7, 2008

INCLEMENT WEATHER FORCES SCHEDULE CHANGE FOR DSU-UWF SERIES AT FERRISS FIELD

CLEVELAND - Winter weather in and around Ferriss Field on Friday has forced Delta State to shift the upcoming weekend series with West Florida. DSU will play a single game Saturday at 2 p.m. with a doubleheader scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m. Future weather updates will be made available as they are released.

March 5, 2008

DELTA STATE SWEEPS COLUMBUS STATE 7-6, 3-2
By Jim Ervin, Media Relations  

CLEVELAND - The No. 9 Delta State baseball team handed No.11 Columbus State their sixth and seventh losses on the season Wednesday at Ferriss Field 7-6 and 3-2. The Statesmen improve to 14-4 on the season, while the doubleheader losses drop the Cougars to 15-6.

In game one, DSU lit up the scoreboard for seven runs in the third behind five hits and three CSU errors. Clay Sartain’s bases loaded single to left emptied the bases and proved to be what the Statesmen needed. Noland would then step to the plate and single up the middle scoring Sartain.  That was followed by a run scoring single off the bat of Stephen Oswald that would send home Chris Clark, who had reached on an error. All said, the seven runs scored in the inning would be all the Statesmen would need as the men in Green would squeeze by with a 7-6 victory.

Clay Sartain led the way at the plate going 2-for-3 with three RBI. Leadoff man Hunter Jobes would finish 2-for-3 with a run scored as well.

Picking up the win was sophomore standout Cody Kelley (1-0). In three innings of work, the Louisville native surrendered three runs on six hits with three strikeouts. After brief appearances by both Nathan Hardy and Levi Bishop, Korey Cunningham came in and slammed the door shut giving up two hits during the final 1.2 innings of the game.

In game two, the Statesmen did all of their scoring in the bottom of the third as senior catcher Rickey Noland powered his team leading fourth home run over the left center wall collecting all three DSU RBI on the game.

Junior hurler Joey Haston (4-0) pitched a strong 3.2 innings allowing only one earned run on three hits with three strikeouts.

Noland swung the hot bat for the game finishing 2-for-3 with a double and a home run (4).

The Statesmen return to action Saturday versus the Argos of West Florida at Ferriss Field in Cleveland. The first pitch of the doubleheader is scheduled for 3 p.m.

March 2, 2008

TENTH-RANKED TIGERS OUTLAST FOURTH-RANKED STATESMEN 11-12 IN 14 INNINGS

• Box Score  

LIVINGSTON, ALA. – It took 14 innings and 11 combined pitchers for the tenth-ranked West Alabama baseball team to claim a 12-11 victory over fourth-ranked Delta State Sunday at Tartt Field. The Tigers improved to 15-4 on the season, while the Statesmen dropped to 12-4. The victory also sealed the series win for the Tigers 2-1.

After the Statesmen jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first, Delta State starter Joey Haston struggled in the bottom of the inning against the Tiger offense allowing five runs in just 0.1 innings of work.

In the second, DSU cut the lead to 5-2 on Devin Goodwin’s RBI-single to left. Goodwin’s hit scored Steven Oswald from second.

Korey Cunningham held the Tigers at bay in the second through fifth innings after coming on in relief of Haston. In the bottom of the sixth, the Tigers struck for two more runs to take a 7-2 lead into the seventh. UWA would add another run in the seventh for a commanding 8-2 lead.

Devin Goodwin’s run in the top of eighth cut UWA lead to 8-3 going into the ninth.

In the top of the ninth, Delta State’s offense erupted for five runs to tie the game at 8-8. Clay Sartain, Anthony Palisini, Devin Goodwin, and Hunter Jobes all drove in runs in the inning.

The Tigers failed to score in the bottom of the ninth, as the game went into extra innings.

After a scoreless tenth for both teams, the Statesmen took a 9-8 lead in the top of the eleventh on Hunter Jobes’ solo homerun to left center. The Tigers wasted little time by tying the game at 9-9 in the bottom of the inning on a RBI-single by Jeremy Finney.

In the twelfth, the Statesmen regained the lead 10-9 on Steven Oswald’s sac-fly RBI scoring Chris Clark from second. again the Tigers struck in the bottom of the inning, as Jake Deroy’s RBI-single scored Matt Busbee from second tying the game at 10-10.

Both teams failed to put runs on the board in the thirteenth inning setting up a showdown in the fourteenth.

In the top of the inning, the Statesmen again used the long ball to gain the lead, as Clay Sartain smashed a home run over the left field wall. DSU would fail to score any more runs, as the inning closed with runners on second and third.

West Alabama answered for good in the bottom of the frame. The Tigers used back-to-back RBI-singles from Jake DeRoy and Jeremy Finney to claim the win 12-11.

The Statesmen finished the game with 11 runs on 18 hits, but committed five costly errors. West Alabama managed 12 runs on 16 hits with only three errors.

Kasey Nafger (1-0) earned the win in relief for UWA. Nafger worked the final 0.2 innings to close out the win for UWA. A total of six pitchers were used by UWA in the win. Brandon Dill started the contest and worked eight innings before turning it over to the bullpen.

Kenny Smalley (2-1) took the loss for DSU after working the final 3.2 innings of relief. The Statesmen used five pitchers in the contest.

Hunter Jobes paced the Statesmen at the plate with a 3-for-6 performance. The senior from Southaven homered and drove in two runs on the day. Clay Sartain was 2-for-6 with a run scored, home run, and three RBIs.

Trey Avans finished the game with three RBIs for the Tigers.

The Statesmen return to Ferriss Field for a two game series with nationally-ranked Columbus State Tuesday and Wednesday. The two clubs will play a single game each day. Tuesday’s first pitch is set for 6:30 p.m. with a Wednesday set for a 2 p.m. start.

MARCH 1, 2008

FOURTH-RANKED STATESMEN SPLIT DOUBLEHEADER WITH TENTH-RANKED TIGERS

• Game One Box
• Game Two Box  

LIVINGSTON, ALA. – Two of the nation’s top ranked teams met at Tartt Field Saturday, as the fourth-ranked Delta State and tenth-ranked West Alabama baseball teams split a doubleheader. The Statesmen (12-3) claimed game two 8-4 after dropping game one 3-10 to the Tigers (14-4).

In game one, the West Alabama offense proved to be too much for Delta State’s pitching staff. The Tigers plated single runs in the second and fourth innings to jump out 2-0 on the Statesmen.

In the top of the sixth, Hunter Jobes’ triple to right led to Delta State’s first run of the day, as Devin Goodwin drove home the senior with a sac-fly to left.

Leading 2-1, West Alabama erupted for seven runs in the bottom of the inning to put the game out of reach, 9-1. The Tigers made it 10-1 on an unearned run in the bottom of the seventh.

In the top of eighth, Rickey Noland’s two-run home run to left cut the UWA lead to seven, 3-10.

The Tigers and Statesmen would close out the game without any additional offense.

Justin Smith (2-3) took the loss for DSU after pitching five innings. The Ridgeland native allowed five earned runs on six hits with two walks and two strikeouts. Levi Bishop and Marcus Wilson pitched in relief.

Mike Schmitt (4-0) earned the win. The junior from Cheyenne, Wyo., pitched 7.2 innings allowing three runs on four hits with two walks and four strikeouts.

Game two was another tight affair, but this time the Statesmen offense found its rhythm early. In the first inning, the Statesmen jumped out to a 2-0 lead on Clay Sartain’s two-run home run. It was his third of the year.

In the bottom of the inning, UWA would cut the lead to one on Trey Avans’ RBI-single to left scoring Rob Dahlberg.

In the second, DSU extended the lead to 3-1, as Steven Oswald scored on Hunter Jobes’ RBI single to right.

After a scoreless third and fourth for DSU, West Alabama would score three runs over the bottom of the fourth and fifth innings to take the lead 3-4.

The Statesmen would retake the lead in the sixth on Steven Oswald’s two-RBI triple and Jobes’ second RBI-single of the day. The three runs gave the Statesmen a 6-4 edge.

DSU put the game away in the top of the seventh with two runs on Derek Norris’ two-RBI single.

Clint Marcott (3-0) slammed the door in the bottom of the inning to close the game 8-4 and earn the complete-game win for the Statesmen. Marcott allowed four runs over seven innings of work with three strikeouts.

Charley Kelley (0-1) took the loss in relief for West Alabama. Kelley worked 0.1 innings allowing four runs on three hits. Matt Hill started the game, but did not factor in the decision.

The Statesmen and Tigers will conclude the series Sunday. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Tartt Field.

February 27, 2008

FOURTH-RANKED STATESMEN RIDE LONG BALL TO VICTORY OVER LIONS
By Jim Ervin, Media Relations 

FLORENCE, Ala. - The fourth-ranked Delta State baseball team picked up a big win versus twenty-ninth ranked North Alabama, 7-3, Wednesday afternoon in at Mike Lane Field. With the win, the Statesmen move to 11-2 on the season, while the Lions fall to 9-3. The Statesmen extended the win streak to nine with the win.

The DSU bats came alive in the top of the second when first baseman Chris Clark doubled setting up an excellent scoring opportunity for the Green-and-White. After a Brent Davidson ground out, freshman sensation Michael Niemann singled in Clark for the game’s first run. The Statesmen wouldn’t have to wait long for more, as left fielder J.T. Taylor would step to the plate two batters later and collect his third home run of the season making the score 3-0. Just for good measure, right fielder Hunter Jobes would round out the inning with a solo shot of his own, making the score 4-0 in DSU’s favor heading into the bottom of the frame.

After a tough half inning in the bottom of the third that saw the Lions get three runs of their own on two hits and two DSU errors, the fourth inning would prove to be exactly what the Statesmen needed. Jobes would get things started with a one out double and eventually scored when second baseman Matt Horton would have trouble with a routine ground ball off the bat of Clay Sartain. Rickey Noland’s two-run homer would follow and give DSU a 7-3 lead that was more than enough to ensure a victory.

Picking up the win for the Statesmen in relief was Korey Cunningham (1-0). The Clinton native entered the game in the third and struck out three Lion batters while walking only one in 3.2 innings of work. Sophomore Cody Kelley (3) would get the save. In 3.0 innings, the Louisville native did not surrender a run on two hits with three strikeouts.

Lion starter Jeff Schafer (2-2) took the loss after giving four earned runs on eight hits and two walks.

The Statesmen return to action Saturday against West Alabama in Livingston, Ala. The first pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.

 

FEBRUARY 25, 2008

THREAT OF RAIN AND CHILLY TEMPERATURES FORCES UNA TO SHUFFLE SERIES

CLEVELAND - The University of North Alabama has shuffled this week's baseball series with Delta State due to the threat of rain on Tuesday and potentially chilly temperatures. The two squads will play a single game on Wednesday at 3 p.m. instead of one game on Tuesday and Wednesday. Any further updates will posted when they are made available.

February 25, 2008

STATESMEN BASEBALL CLIMBS TO FOURTH IN LATEST COLLEGIATE BASEBALL NEWSPAPER POLL; STATESMEN FOURTH IN PING BASEBALL POLL AS WELL

• Collegiate Baseball Newspaper Top 30 Poll
• Ping Baseball Collegiate Rankings

CLEVELAND - After a 2-0 week, the Delta State University baseball team (10-2) climbed one spot to No. 4 in the latest Collegiate Baseball Newspaper Top 30 Poll, as released on Monday. DSU spent last week at No. 5.

Delta State swept a rain-shortened weekend series with St. Joseph's 15-4 and 5-3 on Saturday to improve to 10-2 on the year and extend their win-streak to eight games.

Mount Olive College (16-1) took over the top spot in the rankings this week. Fellow GSC school Ouachita Baptist (12-1) moved to No. 2 followed by Tampa (10-2), DSU, and Grand Valley State (2-0) in the top five.

Other GSC school's represented in poll include, No. 10 West Alabama (12-3), No. 15 Southern Arkansas (11-3) and No. 29 North Alabama (9-2).

February 24, 2008

MOTHER NATURE ONLY WINNER ON SUNDAY

CLEVELAND - Sunday's game with St. Joseph's (Ind.) was cancelled due to poor playing conditions thanks to overnight rains. No makeup date has been set.

February 23, 2008

STATESMEN CORRAL PUMAS 15-4 AND 5-3
By Jim Ervin, Athletic Media Relations

• Game One Box Score
• Game Two Box Score  

CLEVELAND - The fifth-ranked Delta State baseball team swept St. Joseph’s College 15-4 and 5-3 Saturday here at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field in Cleveland. With the win, the Statesmen improve to 10-2 on the season while the Pumas fall to 0-2.

In game one, the Statesmen were first to crack the scoreboard with a nine run outburst in the third led by a towering grand slam homerun off the bat of J.T. Taylor. The Jackson, Tenn. native finished the day 2-for-4 with a double, homerun, and four RBI. Not to be outdone, senior first baseman Brent Davidson had a good day at the plate as well. The Evansville, Ind. native was 2-for-4 with three RBI and a homer of his own.

Justin Smith (2-2) picked up his second win in as many starts for the Statesmen. In five innings of work, the Ridgeland native surrendered three earned runs on five hits with five strikeouts. Freshman Nathan Hardy and junior Leighton Davis split the last four innings to ensure the lopsided victory.

In game two, the fourth inning would prove to be the downfall of the Pumas, as the Statesmen would blow open the game with another long ball, this time courtesy of catcher Anthony Palasini. The junior from Leland finished the day 2-for-3 at the plate including a three run blast over the leftfield wall while collecting four RBI.

Clint Marcott (2-0) pitched 6.1 strong innings for the Statesmen on the afternoon. The junior from Belgrade, Mont. allowed just two earned runs off six hits while striking out three Puma batters. Junior transfer Leighton Davis would pitch a third of an inning before junior closer Levi Bishop would come in for the final out en route to his second save on the season.

The Statesmen and Pumas wrap up the three game set Sunday at 1:00 p.m. on Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field.

February 20, 2008

FIFTH-RANKED STATESMEN SLAM CRUSADERS 11-6

• Box Score: DSU 11 at WCU 6

HATTIESBURG – The fifth-ranked Delta State baseball team pounded out 14 hits en route to an 11-6 victory over William Carey on Wednesday, Feb. 20 at Milton Wheeler Field. The Statesmen improve to 8-2 on the season, while the Crusaders fell to 11-5. The victory also extended Delta State’s win streak to six games.

Delta State jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first on a two-RBI single to right by Chris Clark scoring Hunter Jobes and Devin Goodwin.

Carey answered with a run in the bottom of the first on Lance Brewer’s RBI single to cut DSU’s lead to 2-1..

The Statesmen would add a run in the second and third innings to take a 4-1 lead into the bottom of the third.

The lead would be short-lived as the Crusaders erupted for four runs in the bottom of the third. Lance Brewer’s two-run home run to left and Dustin Smith’s two-RBI single were the big hits in the inning.

The Statesmen would answer with five runs over the next three innings to lead 9-5 headed into the bottom of the sixth.

Carey would add an additional run in the bottom of the inning to cut the lead to 9-6.

The Statesmen and Crusaders would go scoreless in the seventh and eighth innings setting up a final chance for both teams in the ninth.

Delta State would make the most of its opportunity with two insurance runs. J.T. Taylor led off the inning with his first home run of the season. Anthony Palasini’s sac fly RBI drove in the second run of the inning.

Levi Bishop and Marcus Wilson combined to close the door o n the Crusaders in the ninth to preserve the 11-6 victory for the Statesmen.

Kenny Smalley got the start for the Statesmen, but did not factor in the decision. The junior pitched 3.1 innings allowing five earned runs on six hits.

Levi Bishop (1-0) once again proved to be too much for the opposition out of the pen for Delta State. The junior left-hander from Saltillo and Itawamba Community College pitched 4.1 innings of relief to earn his first victory of the season. The lefty allowed one earned run on three hits with four strikeouts. Marcus Wilson recorded the final two outs in the ninth.

Carey’s Matt Sessions (2-2) took the loss. The Greenwood native pitched 2.2 innings allowing two runs. Five Crusaders combined to pitch the complete game.

Hunter Jobes paced the Statesmen at the plate with a 4-for-5 effort. The senior centerfielder scored three runs on the afternoon as well. Chris Clark and Michael Niemann drove in two runs each. Clay Sartain, Devin Goodwin, and J.T. Taylor drove in one run a piece.

Lance Brewer went 3-for-5 with a two-run home run to lead the Crusaders.

The Statesmen will return to the diamond the weekend, as Delta State hosts St. Joseph’s University in a three game series at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field. Saturday’s doubleheader and Sunday’s single game are both slated to begin at 1 p.m.

February 18, 2008

STATESMEN CLIMB TO FIFTH IN CBN TOP 30 POLL

• Complete College Baseball News Rankings

CLEVELAND - The Delta State baseball team climbed five spots to fifth in the latest Collegiate Baseball Newspaper Top 30 Poll, as released on Monday. The Statesmen (7-2) swept previously-twelfth ranked Florida Southern this past weekend 11-6, 9-7, and 15-6 to extend their win streak to five games.

The Gulf South Conference was well represented in the poll with Ouachita Baptist third, West Alabama twelfth, Southern Arkansas thirteenth, and North Alabama thirtieth.

The Statesmen put their ranking on the line Wednesday, Feb. 20 at William Carey University. First pitch is set for 4 p.m. in Hattiesburg.

February 17, 2008

SARTAIN AND CLARK COMBINE FOR 12 HITS AND FIVE RBI IN DELTA STATE’S 15-6 WIN OVER FLORIDA SOUTHERN; STATESMEN TO FACE WILLIAM CAREY WEDNESDAY

• Box Score: DSU 15 at FSC 6

LAKELAND , Fla. – Clay Sartain and Chris Clark went a combined 12-for-12 at the plate Sunday with five RBIs to power the tenth-ranked Delta State baseball team to a 15-6 series sweeping win over twelfth-ranked Florida Southern at Henley Field. The Statesmen improved to 7-2 on the season, while the Moccasins dropped to 4-6.

“We hit the ball extremely well this weekend and our pitching was solid,” said Mike Kinnison, Statesmen skipper. “Chris and Clay set the tone today and Joey pitched well to earn his third straight win. Hopefully, we will continue to build off this weekend as we approach the conference schedule.”

Sunday’s series finale promised to offer a stiff contest for the Statesmen. Florida Southern, a seven-time NCAA National Champion, is rarely swept on their home field, Henley Stadium. Clay Sartain got the offense rolling early with a solo home run over the left field wall. It was his second of the season.

In the bottom of the inning, the Mocs would answer with two runs of their own on a groundout by David Schultz and a RBI single by David Golliner.

Trailing 2-1, Delta State starter Joey Haston would settle down and hold the Moccasins scoreless over the next four innings. The Statesmen offense took the opportunity to feast on FSC pitching, scoring six runs during that span.

In the top of the sixth, the Statesmen would add four more runs to take a commanding 11-2 lead into the bottom of the inning. Chris Clark drove in two with his RBI single to right. Michael Niemann added his second RBI of the day two batters later.

FSC would finally get to Haston, forcing the righthander from the game in bottom of the sixth. The Mocs plated four runs in the inning to make it 11-6 headed into the seventh.

Delta State would add an insurance run in the eighth and three in the ninth to seal the victory 15-6.

Sartain, a junior second baseman from Horn Lake, turned in a career performance, narrowly missing the cycle. The 5-foot-9 junior went 6-for-6 on the day and collected a home run, single and double in his first three at-bats. Over his next three plate appearances, Sartain collected three singles to finish the game with a career-high six hits with five runs scored and two RBI.

Clark, a senior first baseman from Paducah, Ky., was just as impressive. The lefty also went 6-for-6 with five singles and a triple. The sweet swinging southpaw collected three RBIs on the day and scored three runs.

The duo’s combined 12 hits were just a part of the Statesmen’s 22 hit attack. Freshman rightfielder Michael Niemann went 3-for-4 with a pair of RBIs, while Hunter Jobes and Rickey Noland added two hits each. Devin Goodwin went 1-for-4 with his second home run of the season. The junior shortstop scored three runs and drove in two.

Joey Haston (3-0) earned the win for the Statesmen after pitching 5.1 innings. The junior allowed five runs, three earned, on seven hits with two walks and four strikeouts. Korey Cunningham pitched 2.2 innings of relief allowing one run on three hits with three strikeouts. Grant Campbell pitched the ninth to close out the game for Delta State.

Jeremy Horne (0-1) took the loss for FSC. Thorne worked four innings allowing seven earned runs on 12 hits with a walk and two strikeouts.

The Statesmen will return to the diamond on Wednesday, Feb. 20 at William Carey University in Hattiesburg. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. at Milton Wheeler Field.

 

February 16, 2008

TENTH-RANKED STATESMEN MAKE IT TWO IN A ROW OVER TWELFTH-RANKED MOCCASINS 9-7
By Bill Turange, FSC Sports Information

• Box Score

LAKELAND , Fla. – Tenth-ranked Delta State withstood a ninth-inning rally by 12th-ranked Florida Southern and held on for a 9-7 victory Saturday at Henley Field. The Moccasins, who trailed 9-3 after five innings, got a leadoff home run in the bottom of the ninth from Spencer Theisen, then Arden McWilliams followed with an infield single. Robbie Shields forced McWilliams at second. After David Golliner struck out, Brian Schultz singled up the middle to bring Will Cherry to the plate as the potential game-winning run. Cherry worked the count full to 3-2 against Cody Kelley, who had started the inning in relief of Clint Marcott, but Kelley got Cherry to fly out to center field to end the game.

Two of the Moccasins' three errors in the game were costly, as they gave Delta State five unearned runs, one in the third and four in the fourth. Brad Davidson, who was the victim of those unearned runs, took the loss to even his record at 1-1. Davidson survived a scary moment in the fifth when he took a line drive off the bat of Max Freeman on his pitching arm, but was able to stay in the game to face the next batter, giving up a walk to Michael Niemann before Adam Baust took over on the mound. Baust, Eddie Sipple and Ryan Koch did not allow a run in 4.1 innings out of the bullpen.

Marcott gave up nine hits and six runs in his eight innings of work to earn his first win, finishing strong by retiring the Moccasins in order in the seventh and eighth. By surviving the Mocs' ninth-inning rally, Kelley picked up his second save.

McWilliams and Schultz each had three hits for the Moccasins, while Shields had two. McWilliams' two-run double was the key hit in FSC's three-run sixth, then he scored on Shields RBI-single.

The weekend series concludes Sunday at 1 p.m. at Henley Field.

 

February 15, 2008

TENTH-RANKED STATESMEN SLAM TWELFTH-RANKED MOCCASINS 11-6

• Box Score  

LAKELAND , Fla. – Rickey Noland’s two-run home run (2) over the left field wall in the first inning jumped started the Statesmen (5-2) offense on Friday, as Delta State’s baseball team cruised to an 11-6 victory over the twelfth-ranked Moccasins (4-4) of Florida Southern College at Henley Field. The win extends DSU’s streak to three games.

The Statesmen, fresh off a series victory over eleventh-ranked Angelo State, picked up where they left off last Sunday with 11 runs on 14 hits Friday. The offense proved to be too much for FSC pitchers.

Breakdowns in Moccasin pitching allowed the green-and-white to jump out to a 5-1 lead heading into the bottom of the fourth. FSC would plate two runs in their half of the inning to trim the Delta State lead to 5-3.

In the fifth, the Statesmen erupted for four runs, thanks in part to Clay Sartain’s two-run home run (1) to right center. Devin Goodwin added a two-RBI double to extend DSU’s lead back out to 9-3.

FSC would plate single runs in the bottom of the fifth and sixth innings.

The Statesmen added two insurance runs in the ninth on Hunter Jobes’ RBI-single and a throwing error by FSC.

Levi Bishop (1) would surrender a run in the bottom of the ninth before closing out the game for Delta State.

Justin Smith (1-2) earned the win for DSU after pitching five innings. The Ridgeland native allowed five earned runs on eight hits with three walks and four strikeouts. Bishop worked four innings of relief for his first career save. Bishop allowed one earned run on three hits with three strikeouts.

FSC’s Ken Wadsworth (0-2) took the loss after throwing 3.1 innings. The junior surrendered five runs, four earned, on seven hits with four walks and four strikeouts. Randy Cseh worked 5.2 innings of relief.

Rickey Noland, Devin Goodwin, Chris Clark and Michael Niemann all recorded multi-hit games for the Statesmen. Noland and Goodwin had two RBI each, while Clay Sartain went 1-for-3 with three RBI.

Delta State and Florida Southern return to Henley Field for a single game on Saturday. First pitch is set for 2 p.m. The Moccasins and Statesmen will conclude the series on Sunday at 2 p.m.

 

February 12, 2008

STATESMEN SLIDE THREE SPOTS TO TENTH IN LATEST COLLEGIATE BASEBALL NEWSPAPER RANKINGS

• Complete CBN Top 40 Rankings

CLEVELAND - Despite taking 2-of-3 games against No. 11 Angelo State over the weekend, the Delta State University Statesmen baseball team dropped three spots to No. 10 in the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper Top-40 Poll, released Monday.

Tampa University held onto the top spot with a record of 6-0, as fellow GSC West Division member Ouachita Baptist, also 6-0, jumped from No. 3 to No. 2.

West Alabama maintained the No. 5 ranking with a record of 6-1, while Southern Arkansas’ 7-1 record moved the Muleriders into a tenth place tie with the Statesmen.

Montevallo is the only other GSC school in the poll at No. 18 with a 5-0 record.

“The season is still very young,” head coach Mike Kinnison said. “We are thankful for the national recognition, but we know that there is still a lot of baseball to be played.”

The Statesmen return to the diamond this Friday for a three game series with No. 12 Florida Southern. The Statesmen and Moccasins will play one game each day in Lakeland, Fla.

February 10, 2008

KENNY SMALLEY BAFFLES RAMS IN 9-1 VICTORY

• Box Score: DSU 9 - ASU 1

CLEVELAND – Delta State’s Kenny Smalley delivered a near-flawless pitching performance Sunday, as the junior righthander delivered a 9-1 victory over the eleventh-ranked Rams of Angelo State at Ferriss Field. Smalley pitched six innings allowing one run on six hits with a walk and three strikeouts in the win. The seventh-ranked Statesmen improved to 4-2 on the season, while the Rams dropped to 4-3.

“Kenny pitched very well for us today and the offense delivered a lot of runs in support early,” said Mike Kinnison, Statesmen head coach. “Rickey Noland delivered the home run in the second inning and Michael Niemann added three RBIs for us in key situations.”

The Statesmen picked up some serious momentum in the second inning on a stellar defensive play by Hunter Jobes, Clay Sartain and Rickey Noland. ASU’s Brett Nightingale drilled a singled to center sending Trey Carter hurling toward the plate. Jobes hit Sartain and Sartain relayed a strike to the plate, as Rickey Noland buried the Ram runner in his tracks for the third out of the inning. The play preserved a 0-0 tie.

In the bottom of the inning, Noland led off with a 390-foot blast over the leftfield wall to give DSU an early 1-0 lead. It was Noland’s first home run of the season. ASU starter Coleman McKellar would not last the inning.

In the third, DSU would plate three more runs on five hits, as the Rams used two pitchers in the inning. Sartain, Noland and Niemann all delivered RBIs for the Statesmen.

The Rams answered with their lone run of the game in the top of the fourth. An infield single by shortstop Shan Sullivan would setup Nightingale for the RBI single later in the inning.

Leading 5-1, the Statesmen erupted for three runs in the fifth. Niemann, Max Freeman and J.T. Taylor all delivered big hits for Kinnison’s club to extend the lead to 8-1.

DSU added an insurance run in the eighth, as Devin Goodwin scored on Chris Clark’s sac-fly to right to make it 9-1. The Rams would go quietly into the night in the ninth.

Kenny Smalley (2-0) earned his second win of the season in his best start to date. Grant Campbell and Clint Marcott worked the seventh and eighth innings before Cody Kelley closed the door in the ninth for DSU.

Coleman McKellar (0-2) took the loss for the Rams. McKeller worked 1.2 innings allowing one run on three hits. Jeremy Teitze came on in relief and last just a third of an inning surrendering three runs. Bradley Durst pitched 2.1 innings allowing four runs on six hits. Tre Lips and Brett Nightingale combined to pitch the final four innings for ASU.

Rickey Noland led the Statesmen at the plate with a 2-for-3 performance. The senior catcher from Denham Springs, La., scored two runs and drove in two on the afternoon. Michel Niemann went 2-for-3 with three RBIs, while Max Freeman, J.T. Taylor and Chris Clark all drove in one run each. Senior designated hitter Brent Davidson had three hits on the day to lead all hitters.

Trey Carter went 2-for-4 at the plate to lead ASU.

Delta State returns to the diamond next weekend at Florida Southern College. The three-game series will begin Friday night at 6:30 p.m. in Lakeland, Fla. The nineteenth-ranked Moccasins and seventh-ranked Statesmen will play single games on Saturday and Sunday to conclude the series.

 

February 9, 2008

STATESMEN AND RAMS SPLIT DOUBLEHEADER AT FERRISS FIELD 1-3 AND 8-1

• Game 1 Box Score
• Game 2 Box Score

CLEVELAND – The Delta State baseball team split a non-conference doubleheader Saturday at Ferriss Field with Angelo State. The Rams (4-2) claimed game one 3-1, while the Statesmen (3-2) rallied to win game two 8-1. Both games saw plenty of opportunities for each club.

In game one, the Rams jumped out to an early 3-0 lead after three innings and never looked back. Angelo State scored two runs in the second inning on a pair of RBI-singles by Trey Carter and Adam Resendez. ASU added a run in the third on Clay Calfee’s RBI rocket to center plating Jimmy Cox.

Sean Winscher (2-0) earned the win after pitching seven innings. The righty allowed one earned run on eight hits with a walk and three strikeouts. Joe Key (1) picked up the save after pitching two innings of scoreless relief.

Justin Smith (0-2) took the loss for DSU. The senior from Ridgeland pitched six innings allowing three runs on seven hits with a walk and two strikeouts. Korey Cunningham worked three scoreless innings allowing one hit.

Adam Resendez led the Rams at the plate with a 3-for-4 day at the plate. Devin Goodwin went 3-for-4 with two doubles for DSU. Rickey Noland, Clay Sartain and Michael Niemann all recorded multi-hit games for the Statesmen.

Game two saw the Delta State’s Joey Haston (2-0) close the door on the Rams offense, as the Statesmen rolled to an 8-1 win. The victory evened the series at a game each.

Hunter Jobes jumped started the Statesmen offense with a solo home run to right. DSU would add three more in the second on Max Freeman’s three-run home run over the left field wall. Leading 4-0, the Statesmen would plate three additional runs on Devin Goodwin’s solo blast to left and a pair of RBI singles by Chris Clark and Michael Niemann.

ASU would score their lone run in the fourth on an RBI single by Shan Sullivan scoring Adam Resendez.

Delta State would plate an insurance run in the sixth, as Hunter Jobes scored on Goodwin’s RBI single to center.

The Statesmen finished with eight runs on 11 hits, while the Rams had one run on five hits with two errors.

Haston pitched five innings allowing one run on four hits with three strikeouts to earn the win. Levi Bishop worked two scoreless innings of relief.

Angelo’s Kenny Elkind (1-1) took the loss after pitching two innings allowing seven earned runs.

The third and final game of the series will be Sunday at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field. First pitch is set for 2 p.m.

 

February 7, 2008

STATESMEN BASEBALL CLIMBS TO NO. 7 IN LATEST RANKINGS

• Complete CBN Rankings  

CLEVELAND – Coming off a series victory over previously-No. 5 Abilene Christian, the Delta State University baseball team climbed four spots to No. 7 in the latest Collegiate Baseball Newspaper Top 40 Poll, as released on Tuesday. The Statesmen received 370 poll points to make the jump.

The University of Tampa (2-0) held onto the top spot for a second-straight week. Mesa State (3-1) moved up two spot to No. 2 followed by Ouachita Baptist (3-0), Mount Olive (2-1) and West Alabama (3-0) in the top five. Southern Indiana (0-0) was sixth followed by DSU (2-1) and Cal.-State Los Angeles (3-0), Franklin Pierce (0-0) and Grand Valley State (0-0) rounded out the top 10.

This weekend’s opponent Angelo State slipped two spots to No. 11 after a 2-1 start to the season.

Delta State took 2-of-3 from the Wildcats this past weekend at Crutcher Scott Field in Abilene, Texas. After dropping game one 8-10, the Statesmen rallied to win the last two 15-5 and 8-7.

The Statesmen will host the Rams of ASU this weekend at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field. Saturday’s doubleheader is slated for noon with Sunday’s single game set for 2 p.m. All three games will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network starting 15 minutes before first pitch.

 

February 3, 2008

ELEVENTH-RANKED STATESMEN CLAIM SERIES OVER FIFTH-RANKED WILDCATS, 2-1, AFTER 8-7 WIN AT CRUTCHER SCOTT FIELD

• Box Score: DSU 8 - ACU 7  

ABILENE, Texas – The Delta State baseball team claimed the win and the series with an 8-7 victory over Abilene Christian at Crutcher Scott Field on Sunday. The No. 11 Statesmen improved to 2-1 on the young season, while the No. 5 Wildcats slipped to 1-2. DSU has won 5-of-6 from ACU and extend their lead in the series standings to 13-8.

The Statesmen jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning, as freshman Michael Niemann’s RBI infield single scored Brent Davidson.

Delta State would erupt for five runs in the top of the third, as the Statesmen batted around in the inning. Niemann again provided the spark with a three-RBI single to center.

Abilene Christian answered with three runs in the fourth, one in the sixth and one in the eighth to make it a 7-6 game headed into the top of the ninth.

The Statesmen would plate a run, one that proved to be the difference in the win, on Brent Davidson’s RBI-single to right center scoring Devin Goodwin.

In the bottom of the ninth, ACU’s Mike Elkerson led off with a single to left and stole second.  Jordan Schmitt walked before both runners advanced on a wild pitch.  Thomas Bumpass flew out to right field to score Elkerson to make it an 8-7 game. Schmitt moved to third on the throw home.  With the tying run at third, Trey Watten, the starting and losing pitcher for ACU, popped out foul to first base for the second out.

Alex Harrison then walked and was replaced at first base by pinch-runner Auston Anders and ACU shortstop Willie Uechi, who was 1-for-3 with two runs scored on the day, came to the plate.  Uechi, though, never got a chance to swing the bat as Cody Kelley made a third-to-first pickoff move and nabbed Anders.  ACU head coach Britt Bonneau and assistant coach Brandon Stover argued that Delta State first baseman Chris Clark blocked Anders' dive attempt back into the bag, but their argument was to no avail. The Statesmen would take the game, 8-7, and the series, 2-1.

Kenny Smalley (1-0) took the win for DSU after pitching five innings. The John A. Logan Community College transfer allowed four runs, three earned, on five hits with a walk and two strikeouts in the win. Levi Bishop pitched three innings of relief, allowing two runs on three hits. Cody Kelley (1) would pitch the ninth, allowing one run on a hit to earn his first career save.

Trey Watten (0-1) took the loss for ACU. The senior pitched seven innings allowing seven runs, three earned, on seven hits. Vancil worked the final two innings for the Wildcats.

Yelm , Washington ’s Michael Niemann led the Statesmen at the plate. The freshman outfielder went 2-for-4 with three RBIs. Brent Davidson was 2-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored in support. Hunter Jobes and Clay Sartain also drove in a run for DSU.

Mike Elkerson led ACU at the dish with a 3-for-4 effort. The outfielder scored one run, while driving in two.

The Statesmen will return to Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field on Wednesday, as Delta State hosts Belhaven College. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m.

ACU Sports Information contributed to this release.

 

February 2, 2008

STATESMEN AND WILDCATS SPLIT SEASON-OPENING DOUBLEHEADER AT SCOTT FIELD 8-10 AND 15-5
From combined reports - ACU Sports Info/DSU AMR

• Game 1 Box Score
• Game 2 Box Score

ABILENE -- The fifth-ranked ACU Wildcats opened their 2008 season Saturday with a doubleheader split with the 11th-ranked Statesmen of Delta State, winning the first game 10-8 before dropping the nightcap, 15-5, at Crutcher Scott Field.

The Wildcats (1-1) and Statesmen (1-1) will finish off their three-game set Sunday with a single game at 1 p.m.  ACU junior righthander Trey Watten -- who was 10-0 on the mound in 2007 -- is expected to get his first start of the season in the series finale.

Here's a brief recap of each game of Saturday's doubleheader:

GAME 1 (ACU 10, Delta State 8)

ACU senior leftfielder Mike Elkerson finished the game 4 for 4 with three runs scored and five RBI as the Wildcats jumped out to a 9-0 lead after six innings before the Statesmen made things interesting in the final three innings.

Elkerson got the ball rolling for the Wildcats with a three-run home run to left to stake his team to a 3-0 lead after two innings.  ACU made it 6-0 in the fourth, scoring three runs with two outs as the Statesmen made a pair of infield errors to score all three runs.  The Wildcats extended the lead to 9-0 in the fifth as Watten scored on a wild pitch and then Anthony Walsh and Allen Smith scored on a two-run single to centerfield by Elkerson.

ACU starting pitcher Chris Wiman went five innings -- allowing just four hits and no runs, but walking five and striking out four -- to pick up the victory.  However, he left before the sixth inning started and ACU's relief corps made it interesting.  Four ACU relievers combined to give up 11 hits and eight runs (all earned) over the final four innings.  The Statesmen left the bases loaded in both the fifth and sixth innings and left two on in the seventh.  Preston Vancil, trying to fill the shoes of 2007 closer Jameson Maj, pitched the ninth, but gave up four hits and two runs before getting out of the jam.  With two runs already in and the go-ahead run at the plate, Vancil coaxed a fielder's choice groundout from Michael Niemann to end it and give ACU the victory.

Justin Smith (0-1) took the loss for DSU after pitched four innings. The senior allowed six runs, three earned, on five hits with one strikeout.

Junior shortstop Devin Goodwin went 2-for-4 at the plate with a run scored and three RBI to lead the Statesmen. Freshman Michael Niemann, making his first career start at DSU, was 2-for-4 with a run scored and one RBI.

GAME 2 ( Delta State 15, ACU 5)

The Wildcats grabbed a 4-0 lead with two runs in both the first and second innings, but it wouldn't last as starting pitcher Ben Maynard -- making his first start since sustaining a back injury in March 2007 -- didn't last through the fourth inning.  He gave up five hits and five runs (all earned) while walking a pair of batters in 3 1/3 innings of work.

This time it was the ACU defense that failed its relief corps as the Wildcats committed five errors en route to the loss.  Only two of the 10 runs the ACU relief corps gave up were earned runs as Delta State took advantage of Wildcat defensive lapses to blow the game open.

Thomas Bumpass had a pair of RBI in the game for ACU, while Cameron Bankston, Jordan Schmitt and Watten each had an RBI in the contest.

Joey Haston (1-0) earned the victory in relief for the Statesmen. The junior pitched 4.1 innings of relief after Clint Marcott failed to slow the Wildcat attack. Haston allowed just two hits in 4.1 shutout innings of work. Leighton Davis worked the final inning.

Four Statesmen drove in two runs each, while Hunter Jobes went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and one RBI.

The series concludes Sunday with a single game set for 2 p.m. at Crutcher Scott Field.

 

January 29, 2008

STATESMEN PICKED TO WIN GSC CROWN; SIX PLAYERS NAMED PRESEASON ALL-GSC

CLEVELAND - The Delta State University baseball team was picked to finish second in the West Division of the Gulf South Conference by the league’s coaches, despite being voted to win the conference tournament. The Statesmen are also ranked No. 11 in Collegiate Baseball Newspaper’s Preseason Top 40 Poll.

The Statesmen received 43 total points and three first place votes, but it wasn’t enough, as Ouachita Baptist received five first place votes and 47 total points. It is the first time in 13 years that DSU was not picked to win the division.

Southern Arkansas (39) was picked to finish third, followed by Arkansas Tech (30), Harding (23), Henderson State (20), and Christian Brothers (15). Arkansas-Monticello (7) rounded out the West Division.

The Statesmen also placed six players on the GSC Preseason team, including five 2007 First Team All-GSC selections.

Senior pitcher Justin Smith finished the 2007 season with a 12-2 record and a team-best 1.83 ERA in 16 starts. He struck out 61 batters in 98.1 innings, while walking just 19. Opponents hit just .248 off the right-hander, and he allowed just one home run.

Battery partner Rickey Noland was also selected after hitting .337 with seven home runs and 49 RBI. The Denham Springs, La., native was named a GSC Top-Newcomer a year ago. Behind the plate, Noland committed just two errors and threw out 13-of-30 base-runners attempting to steal, finishing with a.993 fielding percentage.

Three of last season’s four infielders also received All-GSC Preseason honors. First baseman Chris Clark, second baseman Clay Sartain, and shortstop Devin Goodwin, all had breakout campaigns last spring.

Clark, a senior who was also a top-newcomer last season, hit .387, tops among returnees, with two home runs and 46 RBI. Sartain, a junior, hit .365 with four home runs and 55 RBI, and Goodwin, also a junior, hit .350 with seven home runs and 54 RBI.

Senior Hunter Jobes is the lone representative for the Statesman outfield. The speedster led the team in stolen bases, swiping 18-of-19 bases, while hitting .364 with eight home runs and 46 RBI.

Delta State ’s six preseason selections top every other conference school from either division.

The Statesmen also added three top-newcomers. Junior pitchers Joey Haston, Clint Marcott, and Kenny Smalley are all expected to have an impact on Delta State’s season, as well as the final standing of the GSC.

 

January 29, 2008

NO. 11 STATESMEN SET FOR SEASON OPENER AT NO. 5 WILDCATS

CLEVELAND – Saturday’s season opener for the eleventh-ranked Delta State University baseball team will be quite a test for Mike Kinnison’s club, as the Statesmen travel to fifth-ranked Abilene Christian University. The three-game series will be played at Crutcher Scott Field beginning with a Saturday doubleheader and ending with a single game on Sunday. Both days action will begin at 2 p.m.

“We’re excited about the opportunity to get outside and play,” said DSU head coach Mike Kinnison. “The weather hasn’t been that great here and we haven’t been able to be outside like we would have liked. ACU is one of the nation’s top programs. We have faced each other many times over the years and I am looking forward to getting the season started on Saturday.”

The Statesmen return a bevy of talented players off last season’s 45-16 club that advanced to the NCAA South Central Regional. All-American candidate Justin Smith returns to anchor a pitching staff that finished last season with a 3.03 ERA. The Ridgeland native posted a 12-2 record in 2007 with a 1.83 ERA. Several junior college transfers will be called upon to round out the staff.

“We have a great crop of pitchers this season,” stated assistant coach Rick McCarty. “They all have the talent, but many of them are newcomers to the GSC. Only time will tell.”

Offensively, the Statesmen should not be lacking at the plate. Kinnison’s club returns six everyday players led by rightfielder Hunter Jobes. The senior from Southaven hit .364 with eight homeruns and 46 RBIs. The speedster also swiped 18-of-19 stolen base attempts.

Five starters also return on the infield with juniors Clay Sartain (2B) and Devin Goodwin (SS) up the middle, senior Chris Clark at first, senior Rickey Noland behind the plate and junior Derek Norris at designated hitter. All five combined for 27 homeruns and 242 RBIs last season.

“This club has a solid nucleus of offensive players returning,” added Kinnison. “If we prepare the way we should, I think this team will be able to hit the ball well.”

This weekend’s opponent is no stranger to DSU. Abilene Christian finished last season 47-15 and narrowly missed the NCAA postseason playoffs. The Wildcats return a number of talented players off last season’s squad and will be a formidable opponent to open the season.

Last season, Delta State swept a two-game series at Ferriss Field to extend their series lead to 10-6.

The Statesmen return to Ferriss Field on Wednesday, Feb. 6, as they play host to Belhaven College. It will be the first home game of the 2008 season for DSU. First pitch is set for 4 p.m. and tickets are on sale now.

 

January 23, 2008

Statesmen Baseball to kickoff 2008 season with John Grisham event
By Matt Jones, Athletic Communications

CLEVELAND – Delta State University baseball is synonymous with success. Since its inception, Statesmen baseball has become one of the most storied programs in NCAA Division II history. On Monday, Feb. 11 John Grisham, a name synonymous with literary success, will join forces with Delta State baseball for an evening of entertaining and reminiscing at the Bologna Performing Arts Center. The event, entitled “John Grisham on American Treasures: Books, Baseball and Boo,” will begin at 6 p.m. with a reception. The program will follow at 7:30 p.m.

“Many people do not realize that John (Grisham) actually attended Delta State in the mid-70’s,” said Mike Kinnison, DSU head baseball coach. “John tried out for the team in 1974 and came up a little short. He has often joked about coach Ferriss’ role in his literary career, and on Feb. 11 he’ll be here to discuss how his career was influenced by coach Ferriss.”

The event hopes to pair the best of the literary world with fans of baseball, not just Statesmen baseball. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Green and White Fund.

“We’re tremendously excited about this once in a lifetime opportunity to put one of our nation’s most beloved authors, John Grisham, on stage with one of baseball’s greatest ambassadors, coach Boo Ferriss,” said Jeremy McClain, Director of Athletics. “All proceeds from the event will benefit our Green and White Fund.”

The Grisham-Ferriss connection is one of the most intriguing stories in Statesman baseball lore, as the once aspiring outfielder (Grisham) had his dreams of playing collegiate baseball shattered by a 93-mph fastball in fall camp. After watching Grisham during fall tryouts in 1974, Delta State’s legendary coach, Dave “Boo” Ferriss advised Grisham “to stick to the books.”

Grisham did just that, and 21 successful novels later, he has become one of the best-selling authors in American literary history. Grisham and “Boo” have remained close through the years, exchanging many letters and phone calls. Upon the release of every new book, Grisham never fails to send “Boo” a personalized copy with the inscription, “Thanks for putting me on the right career path, Coach.”

“John never told he planned on being famous,” Ferriss said. “Had I known he planned on being one of the greatest writers of our time, I think I would have pondered that decision a little longer.”

The event will feature Grisham speaking on his love of baseball, his time at Delta State and how his career came about. Coach Ferriss will join Grisham on stage to discuss his time at DSU and his flourishing career as one of our nation’s top literary minds.

After the event, a live auction will be held. Various items will be available including a baseball signed by coach Ferriss and John Grisham, a Ted Williams and Bobby Doerr autographed baseball, and much more.

Tickets are $100 to the event and are available at the Delta State Department of Athletics or online at www.GoStatesmen.com. For more information, please contact DSU Athletics at (662) 846-4289 or email us at athletics@deltastate.edu.

December 7, 2007

Diamond Statesmen add three to 2008 recruiting class
By Jim Ervin, Baseball Contact

CLEVELAND - Delta State head baseball coach Mike Kinnison announced the signing of three players for the 2009 baseball season.  Toby Easterly, a sophomore pitcher at Southwest Mississippi Community College, Josh Gordon, a sophomore infielder at Hinds Community College, and Brandon Martin, a sophomore pitcher at Hinds Community College.

“All three of these guys are great fits for our program,” Kinnison said.  “Their blessed with talent and we feel fortunate to have them join us.”

Easterly finished with a 5-4 record as a freshman, while posting a 2.79 ERA and 66 strike outs in 64 innings pitched. 

“Toby is a great pitcher that is much better than his record might indicate,” the Statesmen skipper offered.  “He was a victim of circumstance on a few occasions.”

Gordon was named to the All-State team as a freshman.  The Vicksburg native finished the season batting .404 with seven triples, four homeruns and 33 RBI.  Gordon was also named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges for his work in the classroom.  

Martin earned First Team All-State honors as a freshman.  A native of Brandon, Martin and his 90 mph finished the season with a miniscule 1.90 ERA while posting a 4-1 record with 37 strikeouts in 30 innings pitched.  Like Gordon, Martin was named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges for his work in the classroom as well. 

“Josh and Brandon were dominant at times for Hinds,” offered Kinnison.  “We feel they will fit perfectly with what we’re trying to accomplish.”

The Statesmen open up the 2008 season Feb. 2 at Abilene Christian University.

October 16, 2007

WHITES TAKE ANNUAL SERIES 2-1 OVER GREENS; FALL BALL IN THE BOOKS FOR KINNISON'S SQUAD

CLEVELAND - It took all three games this fall for the Whites to claim the annual Green-and-White series to conclude Fall practice for the Statesmen baseball team this past Saturday at Dave "Boo" Ferriss Field.

In game one, the Whites scored early and often to claim the game 15-2. Kenny Smalley, a junior transfer, picked up the win for the Whites. Devin Goodwin paced the squad with three hits, while Chris Clark recorded two hits.

Game two proved to be a complete 180-degree turnaround, as the Greens pound the Whites 15-5. Joey Haston claimed the win. Rickey Noland pounded out two hits including a three-run home run. Brent Davidson also added two hits and three-run home run, while J.T. Taylor and Clay Sartain had two hits each.

Devin Goodwin had another outsanding game for the Whites with a three-run home run and two hits at shortstop.

The third and final game of the series proved to be more of pitchers duel, as the Ronnie Ferrell's bases-loaded, two out single gave the Whites a 6-5 win in the bottom of the ninth over the Greens to claim the series.

The Whites overcame a 5-4 deficit in the ninth on sophomore Chase Herrin's leadoff single and junior catcher Anthony Palasini's RBI double. Ferrell's single scored Palasini for the win.

Sophmore Cody Kelly took the win for the Whites. Freshman infielder Spencer Brunson had a three-run home run for the Whites and Hunter Jobes chipped in with two hits.

Senior Cesar Rodriguez took the loss for the Greens. Clay Sartain, junior third baseman Max Freeman, and freshman outfielder Daniel Eichelberger all record two hits each.

The Statesmen will continue with weight training in preparation for the opening of spring practice in January. Delta State will open the 2008 season on February 2 at Abilene Christian in Abilene, Texas. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.

September 24, 2007

DSU TO HOLD BASEBALL REUNION OCTOBER 5-6

• Reservation Form and Information

CLEVELAND - Delta State University Baseball will hold its bi-annual reunion October 5-6 in Cleveland. The two-day weekend will be full of activities for everyone. Below is an open letter from coach Kinnison to all former players, coaches and staff. If you have any questions, please contact the Department of Athletics at (662) 846-4300 or email us at athletics@deltastate.edu.

To All Former Players, Coaches and Staff,

This is a personal invitation to your Baseball Alumni Weekend, October 5 & 6, 2007. We hope all former DSU players, coaches, managers, and trainers (1960-2007) can be with us for this occasion. It is always a great opportunity to visit friends, relive old times, and suit up on Ferriss Field for baseball with former teammates. Wives, children, and parents have a special invitation to attend.

It is a great honor to be part of our Delta State Baseball Tradition. The attendance at our Alumni Weekend has grown each year and has become a treasured event. This program has a “sense of family” that is unmatched by any other. We are committed to do everything we can to continue it. Please help us spread the word and contact everyone! Call your former teammates and let them know that you will be attending this event. We want all of our Delta State Baseball Family together!

We have scheduled our reunion to fit into a weekend of festivities. There will be opportunities for golf, baseball, and football for the entire family to enjoy on campus. We will have our dressing room, the Griffis Indoor Practice Facility, the J.A. “Bud” Thigpen Annex, and the Dorgan Student-Athlete Performance Center open all day for you to visit. The newly opened Robert L. Crawford Service Center featuring the Ferriss Museum will be available for you to tour on Friday night and during the alumni games on Saturday. We also want to offer complimentary tickets to our home football game vs. Arkansas Tech at 6:00 p.m. on Parker Field. We hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to see and support the 2007 Statesmen Football Squad.

Coach Ferriss will coordinate a golf scramble at the Derrall Foreman Golf Course on Friday, October 5 at 1:00 p.m. for all in-coming alumni. This complimentary afternoon provides the additional opportunity for fun, fellowship, and prizes.
For those who can arrive on Friday afternoon, we will have our 2007-2008 Statesmen in Game One of our Green and White Fall Series following the golf tournament at 6:30 p.m. We want you to see the fine young men who follow in your footsteps and maintain the tradition of our program.

Activities for the weekend include:
October 5
1:00 p.m. • Golf Scramble @ Derrall Foreman Golf Course
6:30 p.m. • Statesmen Fall Series Game One @ Ferriss Field

October 6
10:00 a.m. • Registration/Visitation at the State Room
10:45 a.m. • Luncheon at the State Room; DSU Student Union (reserve your tickets with enclosed form)
12:15 p.m. • Introductions/Special Recognition for 30 year reunion of 1977 team; Ferriss Field
12:30 p.m. • Home Run Derby/Alumni Games; Ferriss Field
6:00 p.m. • Football Game; DSU vs. Arkansas Tech (complimentary tickets)

All reservations are needed by Tuesday, October 2, so please return the enclosed form promptly with checks payable to DSU Baseball. Luncheon tickets will be held for your arrival at registration.

Welcome Back to Delta State,

Mike Kinnison
Head Baseball Coach

September 1, 2007

FORMER STATESMEN DUSTY HUGHES NAMED ROYALS AA MINOR LEAGUE PITCHER OF THE YEAR

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Former Statesmen ace Dusty Hughes, of the Wichita Wranglers, a minor league affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, was recently selected as its Class AA Pitcher of the Year.  Hughes has posted a 6-2 record this season with a 3.08 ERA. In 24 appearances, Hughes has made 15 starts and recorded 77 strikeouts.

Hughes was an 11th round draft pick in 2003 after leading the Statesmen to two World Series appearances in 2001 and 2002. 

“We’re proud of what Dusty has accomplished in his professional career,” said Statesmen skipper Mike Kinnison. “We feel real fortunate to have a player of his caliber come through the program.

For more on the honor, click here. Photo courtesy Wranglers Media Relations.

July 9, 2007

West signs with Oakland A's

CLEVELAND - After being taken in the 25th round of the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft, Delta State junior centerfielder Jareck West signed with the Oakland Athletics on Monday. He was scheduled to fly to Arizona later that day where he will be assigned to the Arizona League (Rookie) Athletics.

West, a 5-foot-10 centerfielder from Cincinnati, Ohio, led the Statesmen at the plate this season. In 51 games, the speedy West batted .399 with 12 doubles, 12 home runs and 45 RBI. In 188 at-bats, he recorded 75 hits with 60 runs scored. He also swiped 13-of-15 bases and committed just two errors all season in centerfield.

West was also named to the Rawlings/ABCA All-South Region first team and to the All-GSC West Division first team.

July 9, 2007

Clark and West named to Northwoods League All-Star Game; Game to be televised by ESPN-U

CLEVELAND - The Northwoods League announced the rosters for the 2007 All-Star Game to be played Wednesday, July 11 in Mankato, Minnesota. A pair of Statesmen, Jareck West (Rochester) and Chris Clark (Waterloo) were named to the squad.   

The host North Division All-Stars will take on their South Division counterparts at Franklin Rogers Park, home to the NWL's Mankato MoonDogs. The two-day extravaganza will conclude with the main event, the 2007 Northwoods League All-Star Game, beginning with the first pitch at 7:05 PM Central on Wednesday. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN360.com and will re-air later that night at 12:30 AM on ESPNU. The replay is scheduled to air again on ESPNU on Friday, July 13 at 8 PM Central.

The La Crosse Loggers will have the most representation with seven of their players being named to the South Division roster. The 2007 First Half Champion St. Cloud River Bats of the North Division placed six players while the First Half Champions in the South, the Green Bay Bullfrogs, had four players selected to the squad. The La Crosse offense has made noise the past two weeks in three games with outbursts of 16 runs or more. Logger outfielders Evan Bigley (Dallas Baptist), Eric Thames (Pepperdine), and Jim Viscomi (Evansville) and second baseman Jesse Hart (Wisconsin-Milwaukee) will help anchor the South offense.

Rochester, the reigning NWL champions, had five players named to the team but only four will have the opportunity to play. Jareck West (Delta State) signed a professional contract with the Oakland Athletics earlier in the week but was selected to the team nevertheless. In his place, St. Cloud’s Matt Fanelli (Washington State) will join teammate Tim Wheeler (Sacramento State) as a member of the North Division outfield.  One player will be making his second all-star appearance, Eau Claire Express LHP Tim Huber (Nebraska-Omaha) also was selected to the 2006 team.

For a complete list of rosters, please click here.

July 9, 2007

14 Statesmen participating in Summer League Baseball

CLEVELAND - Coming off an impressive 45-16 season and a trip to the NCAA South Central Region Tournament, 13 Statesmen are spending their summers playing the game they love across the country.

"Summer league ball allows you to keep playing and working on your game almost year-round," said DSU assistant coach Rick McCarty.

A list of players and their locations is listed below.

Player	League	Team
Chris Clark	Northwoods	Waterloo (IA) Bucks
Derek Norris	Northwoods	Rochester (MN) Honkers
Clay Sartain	Northwoods	Battle Creek (MI) Bombers
Jareck West	Northwoods	Rochester (MN) Honkers
Brent Davidson	Indiana Collegiate	Indiana Outlaws
Daniel Eichelberger	Mountain Collegiate	Laramie (WY) Colts
Devin Goodwin	Mountain Collegiate	Laramie (WY) Colts
Cody Kelley	Mountain Collegiate	Laramie (WY) Colts
Hunter Jobes	Coastal Plains	Martinsville (VA) Mustangs
Cesar Rodriquez	Coastal Plains	Martinsville (VA) Mustangs
Matthew Little	Sandlot	Nashville RiverCats
Korey Cunningham	M.I.N.K	Chillicothe (MO) Mud Cats
Rickey Noland	Jayhawk	Derby City (KS) Twins
J.T. Taylor	K.I.T	Tennessee T's

 

July 2, 2007

Florida Marlins assign Brett Durand to Gulf Coast League affiliate

CLEVELAND - After selecting Delta State's Brett Durand in the eleventh round of MLB's Amateur Draft, the Florida Marlins have assigned the hard-throwing right-hander to their Gulf Coast League affiliate in Jupiter, Fla. Durand is currently on their active roster, but not listed on their website.

Durand led the Statesmen back to the NCAA South Central Regional and a 45-16 overall record. The junior finished the 2006 season 11-4 with 117 strikeouts and a 1.96 ERA. The Denham Springs, La., native was also named a Third Team All-American by the American baseball Coaches Association.

The GCL Marlins are a short-season rookie affiliate of the parent club and play at Roger Dean Stadium. Click here to learn more about the GCL Marlins.

June 8, 2007

Delta State’s Brett Durand and Jareck West taken on second day of MLB Draft

• Complete MLB Draft coverage

CLEVELAND – For the first time since 2003, Delta State University has had two players taken in the Major League Baseball Draft. Brett Durand and Jareck West did not have to wait long to hear their names called on the second day of baseball’s annual amateur draft, as Durand was taken in the eleventh round by the Florida Marlins and West went in the twenty-fifth round to the Oakland A’s.

Durand, a 6-foot-2 right-handed pitcher from Denham Springs, La., anchored the Statesmen pitching staff this season going 11-4 with a 1.96 ERA. In 115 innings pitched, Durand allowed just 32 runs on 86 hits with 32 walks and an outstanding 117 strikeouts. He finished the year ranked in the nation’s top five in strikeouts and victories.

Durand’s selection also caps an incredible year for the junior. The hard-throwing right-hander was named a third team All-American by Rawlings/American Baseball Coaches Association and Daktronics. He also garnered first team All-South Central Region by Rawlings/ABCA and Daktronics, and he was a unanimous selection for All-Gulf South Conference West Division.

West, a 5-foot-10 centerfielder from Cincinnati, Ohio, led the Statesmen at the plate this season. In 51 games, the speedy West batted .399 with 12 doubles, 12 home runs and 45 RBI. In 188 at-bats, he recorded 75 hits with 60 runs scored. He also swiped 13-of-15 bases and committed just two errors all season in centerfield.

West was also named to the Rawlings/ABCA All-South Region first team and to the All-GSC West Division first team.

In 2003, Delta State’s Dusty Hughes, a left-handed pitcher from Horn Lake, was taken in the eleventh round by Kansas City and Edwin Maysonet, a shortstop from Arecibo, Puerto Rico, went to Houston in the nineteenth round.

GoStatesmen.com will be updated as more information on the 2007 MLB Draft becomes available.

May 30, 2007

Chris Clark named to Rawlings/American Baseball Coaches Association National Gold Glove Team

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - With the conclusion of the college baseball season fast approaching, the season of individual honors and accolades is in full swing.  This week’s announcement is yet another feather in the cap for Statesmen baseball program.  For first baseman Chris Clark, that feather comes in the form of being named to the Rawlings/American Baseball Coaches Association National Gold Glove Team.    

Clark, one of only two juniors on the Gold Glove Team, led the Statesmen with a .991 fielding percentage while committing only five errors the entire season.  Originally considered a middle infielder, the Paducah, Ky. native made the switch to first base a week before the start of the season and never looked back.  Clark finished second on the squad with a .387 batting average and a .472 on base percentage.  The slick-fielding corner infielder also slapped 10 doubles, one triple and two home runs while driving in 46 runs.    

The Rawlings/ABCA National Gold Glove Team, made up of nine players representing all nine defensive positions on the baseball diamond, is comprised of the top defenders in NCAA Division II.  This year’s team marks the first Rawlings/ABCA National Gold Glove Team.  The team was selected by a panel of coaches representing NCAA Division II and the American Baseball Coaches Association.    

May 29, 2007

Delta State’s Brett Durand named All-American by Rawlings/ABCA and Daktronics

CLEVELAND—Delta State University junior Brett Durand continues to rack up the postseason honors, as the hard-throwing right-hander was named a Third Team All-American by Rawlings/American Baseball Coaches Association and Daktronics on Sunday.  Durand’s selection marks a third straight year the Statesmen have had a pitcher on Rawlings/ABCA All-American team. 

The Denham Springs, La., native directed the Statesmen to a 45-16 record this season and berth in the NCAA South Central Region Tournament after going 11-4 on the mound with a 1.96 ERA.  In 17 appearances with 15 starts, Durand tossed eight complete games allowing 32 runs on 86 hits in 115 innings pitched.  He finished third in the NCAA in strikeouts with 117 and ranked in the nation’s top 10 in wins. 

Previously, Durand received Rawlings/ABCA All-South Central Region First Team, Daktronics All-Region First Team, and Gulf South Conference All-West Division First Team honors.        

May 21, 2007

South Central Region coaches tab 2007 Rawlings /American Baseball Coaches Association All-Region Team; Delta State places six on squad

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – Over 32 of the nation’s top players were named to the 2007 Rawlings/American Baseball Coaches Association All-South Central Region Teams, as released on Friday.  Head coaches representing the South Central Region’s 36 schools from the Lone Star, Heartland and Gulf South Conferences selected the teams.

Harding University’s Justin Phillips dominated voting for South Central Region Pitcher of the Year.  Phillips, a junior left-hander, went 10-3 on the season with a 1.21 ERA. In 96.1 innings, the hard-throwing lefty recorded 121 strikeouts to lead NCAA DII.

Central Oklahoma’s Breck Draper garnered the South Central Region’s Player of the Year honor.  Draper, a 6-foot-1 junior catcher, batted .353 in 57 games with 11 doubles, one triple, 20 home runs and 70 RBIs. 

Angelo State University led all schools with four First Team selections.  Delta State University and Ouachita Baptist University placed three players each on the First Team, while Harding University and University of Central Oklahoma earned two selections each.  St. Edward’s University and Abilene Christian University had one player receive First Team honors.  

The complete Rawlings/ABCA First and Second Teams and the South Central Region Gold Glove Team are listed below. 

Players garnering First Team status will be placed on the Rawlings/ABCA All-America ballot.  Voting for the 2007 Rawlings/ABCA All-America Teams will take place at the NCAA Division II College World Series at River Walk Stadium in Montgomery, Ala., on May 28.  For more on the 2007 Rawlings/ABCA All-America and All-Region teams, please log on to www.ABCA.com.

First Team All-South Central Region
1B - Clay Calfee, Angelo State
2B - Steven Allred, Angelo State
3B - Jeremy Haworth, Ouachita Baptist
SS - Michael Pollack, Central Oklahoma
Util. - Clay Sartain, Delta State University
C - Breck Draper, Central Oklahoma
OF - Chance Beasley, Ouachita Baptist
OF - Jareck West, Delta State University
OF - Adam Darby, Harding
OF - Drew Carraway, Angelo State
DH - Matt Lenderman, Angelo State
SP - Keith Barrett, Ouachita Baptist            
SP - Brett Durand, Delta State University
SP - Patrick Colgan, St. Edward’s
SP - Justin Phillips, Harding
RP - Jameson Maj, Abilene Christian

Rawlings/ABCA SC Pitcher of the Year: Justin Phillips
Rawlings/ABCA SC Player of the Year: Breck Draper

Second Team All-South Central Region
1B - Daniel Tankersley, Montevallo
2B - Ray Camacho, St. Mary’s
3B - Alec Sowards, Abilene Christian
SS - Devin Goodwin, Delta State University
Util. - Destan Makonnen, Ouachita Baptist
C - Jim Streicher, Ouachita Baptist
OF - Matt Spotanski, Abilene Christian
OF - Hunter Jobes, Delta State University
OF - Tyler Carroll, Central Oklahoma
OF - Justin Graham, West Texas A&M
DH - Bryce Columbus, Central Oklahoma
SP - Trey Watten, Abilene Christian
SP - Justin Smith, Delta State University
SP - Brett McCullough, West Florida
SP - Dean McIntyre, Central Oklahoma
RP - Phil Lawhorn, West Florida

South Central Region Gold Glove Team
1B - Chris Clark, Delta State University
2B - Clay Sartain,    Delta State University
3B - Alec Sowards, Abilene Christian
SS - Mark Foster, Christian Brothers
Util. - Adam Keenum, Alabama-Huntsville
C - Rickey Noland, Delta State University
C - Jim Streicher, Ouachita Baptist
OF - David Fischer, Ouachita Baptist             
OF - Tyler Maag, Southern Arkansas
OF - Nolan Childers, West Georgia
OF - Charles Desmarias, Tarleton State

May 21, 2007

Four Statesmen named to Daktronics All-South Central Baseball Teams

CLEVELAND - Delta State University baseball placed four Statesmen on the first-ever NCAA South Central All-Region Teams sponsored by Daktronics. The All-South Central Region Teams were nominated and voted on by the region's Sports Information and Media Relations Directors.

Juniors Brett Durand and Jareck West were named to the First Team, while junior Justin Smith and sophomore Clay Sartain were selected to the Second Team.

May 19, 2007

Statesmen eliminated from NCAA South Central Regional 2-1 by Argonauts
By Jim Ervin, Baseball Contact

• Box Score: UWF 2 - DSU 1  

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – Two errors in the bottom of the eighth inning led to two unearned runs giving the No. 21 Argonauts (43-18) of the University of West Florida a 2-1elimination game victory over the No. 20 Statesmen (45-16) of Delta State University Saturday at the NCAA South Central Regional. The loss ends DSU’s season, while the Argonauts advance to face the Rams of Angelo State on Sunday in yet another elimination game.

Leading 1-0 going into the bottom of the eighth, UWF’s Kyle DeBos took a pitch off the left shoulder. Peter Antoske followed with a ground ball to first baseman Chris Clark. Clark’s throw to second sailed wide of the second base bag allowing Antoske to reach first and DeBos third. Jason Kohl’s sac-fly to center plated DeBos tying the game at 1-1. After an intentional walk to Bo Williams, Clay Wallace reached on another error by Clark. On the next pitch, Antoske scored, what proved to be the game winning run on a wild pitch, from third giving UWF a 2-1 lead.

The Statesmen would go 1-2-3 in the ninth to seal the win for West Florida.

Delta State led 1-0 for most of the game behind the solid pitching of Robert Tucker. Tucker, a senior from Columbus, pitched 6.2 innings allowing no runs on three hits with four strikeouts. Tucker did not factor in the decision, as Kyle Ozbun (4-1) took the loss in relief.

West Florida ’s Jon Sintes (10-4) earned the win. The Fort Walton Beach, Fla., native pitched all nine innings allowing one run on five hits with six strikeouts.

Chris Clark paced DSU at the plate going 1-for-4 with an RBI. Justin Wood led UWF with a 2-for-2 effort at the plate.

The Statesmen will return to Cleveland Saturday night.

May 18, 2007

Statesmen eliminate top-seed Ouachita Baptist, 6-3, on Brent Davidson’s RBI single; Delta State to face yet to be determined opponent Saturday at 12:45 p.m.

• Box Score: Statesmen 6 - Tigers 3

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. - With one out and the score knotted at 3-3, DSU senior reliever Kyle Ozbun (4-0) entered the game with an OBU Tiger runner at second. Three batters and two strikeouts later, Ozbun had held the Tigers at bay to set up DSU in the bottom of the eighth. Delta State would answer with three runs in the inning to eliminate the top seeded Tigers, 6-3, Friday at the South Central Regional Tournament at Rab Rogers Field. Delta State improves to 45-15 on the season, while Ouachita Baptist’s season ends at 50-10.

In 1.2 innings of near-perfect work, Ozbun did not surrender a run on just two hits with no walks while striking out three of the seven batters he faced. The Webb City native corralled the win with the effort.

Delta State starter Justin Smith (12-2) threw a gutsy 7.1 innings before giving way to Ozbun. The Ridgeland native gave up three earned runs on six hits while striking out four.

After the Tigers jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the top of the second, the Statesmen would cut the lead in half, 2-1, in the fifth on a sac fly to right by Devin Goodwin.

DSU would tie the game up in the sixth on a throwing error by OBU shortstop Brock McCorkle. The lead proved short-lived as OBU plated a run in the seventh to retake the lead 3-2.

The Statesmen would strike back in the seventh scoring a run on Devin Goodwin’s eighth home run of the season over the left field wall. The sophomore shortstop’s blast came on a 3-2 fastball.

In the eighth, the Statesmen would finally send Tiger starter Steve Smith to the dugout after Brent Davidson’s game winning single up the middle scored pinch runner Chase Herrin from second on a close play at the plate making the score 4-3. Delta State would score two more runs in the frame on a bases loaded walk to Goodwin and a sac fly to right by pinch hitter Brett Boykin.

Davidson, a 6-foot-3 junior from Evansville, Ind., would finish the day 2-for-4 with an RBI. Devin Goodwin came up big as well going 1-for-2 with a walk and three RBIs including the game tying solo blast in the seventh.

Tiger starter Steve Smith (8-2) took the hard-luck loss after pitching a solid 7.1 innings as well. Smith surrendered six runs on six hits with two strikeouts. Patrick Lemmond and Kody Gibson combined to throw 0.2 innings of relief, walking two and striking out one.

Leftfielder Blake Lockwood led the Tigers with a 2-for-4 performance and an RBI.

The Statesmen will play Saturday at 12:45 p.m. against a yet to be determined opponent. There is one tournament bracket scenario that has Delta State playing a potential doubleheader. The game will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network starting 15 minutes prior with the SouthGroup Insurance Dugout Report. Matt Jones and Keith Latham have the call.

May 17, 2007

Argonauts advance on four Statesmen errors, 4-3

• Box Score: Argonauts 4 - Statesmen 3

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. - The twentieth-ranked Delta State baseball team lost a heartbreaker, 4-3, to the twenty third-ranked University of West Florida Thursday in the opening round of the NCAA South Central Region Tournament at Rab Rogers Field on the campus of Ouachita Baptist University. The loss drops the Statesmen to 44-15, while the Argonauts improved to 42-17.

Things looked good for the Green-and-White in the early going, as Hunter Jobes led off the bottom of the first with a solo shot to right center. The towering blast just barely missed hitting the scoreboard to put Delta State up, 1-0.

West Florida would tie it up 1-1 in the top of the fourth on a double by Argonaut first baseman Bo Williams. Centerfielder Jason Kohl scored easily from second.

In the fifth, Jobes would lace a one-out double down the right field line and advance to third on a passed ball. Patrick Williams’ fly ball to center would prove long enough as Jobes would trot home making the score 2-1 in favor of the Statesmen.

A comedy of errors in the eighth inning spelled doom for the Statesmen. With DSU leading 2-1, the Argonauts loaded the bases with no one out. Statesmen starter Brett Durand would strikeout Williams looking for the first out of the inning. Clay Wallace’s sac-fly to center would plate the go-ahead run for West Florida. The Argonauts would add two runs to their total thanks to a throwing error by Rickey Noland that sailed down the third base line. The error put UWF up 4-2.

In the bottom of the eighth, Williams would pound a one out triple down the right field line to get the Statesmen started. Clay Sartain’s sac fly to center would score Williams to put DSU within striking distance in the ninth down 3-4.

After retiring the Argonauts quickly in the top of the inning, the Statesmen would get a leadoff single by Jareck West to start the inning. Chris Clark bunted West over to second. Devin Goodwin failed to advance West by popping out to second. Brent Davidson would come on to pinch hit for Derek Norris. Davidson’s shot down the left field line would be corralled by the Argonauts leftfielder sealing Delta State’s fate 3-4.

Brett Durand (11-4) takes the loss after throwing the complete game for DSU. In nine innings, Durand gave up one earned run on four hits with six strikeouts. Brett McCullough (12-1) picked up the win after throwing nine innings giving up two earned runs on seven hits with two strikeouts.

The Statesmen will face host Ouachita Baptist (50-9) in the tournament’s first elimination game at 9:30 a.m. on Friday. OBU fell to Angelo State 8-1 to drop into the loser’s bracket. Justin Smith (12-2) is slated to start the game for Delta State. The game will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network beginning at 9:15 a.m. Matt Jones and Keith Latham have the call.

May 14, 2007

Delta State is Arkansas bound after receiving the No. 2 seed in the NCAA South Central Regional

• Official NCAA release

CLEVELAND—After a five hour wait on Sunday that stretched into the wee hours of Monday morning, the NCAA officially released the field of teams for the upcoming NCAA Division II Baseball Championships and the seventeenth-ranked Statesmen (44-14) of Delta State University received a No. 2 seed in the South Central Region.  The South Central Region Tournament will begin on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. with the Statesmen facing West Florida. Ouachita Baptist will play Angelo State at 12:45 p.m. with Montevallo squaring off with St. Edward's at 4 p.m.

“We strive to compete for the NCAA championship every year and we are excited to have the opportunity again this year,” Kinnison said.  “The South Central Region is one of the toughest in the nation and we will have our work cutout for us come Thursday.”

The Statesmen enter the South Central Regional with a 44-14 overall record.  After dropping their first three Gulf South Conference games, Delta State reeled-off 16 straight to finish the conference schedule 16-5 overall.  At last week’s GSC Tournament in Millington, Tenn., the Statesmen defeated the region’s No. 1seed Ouachita Baptist (12-2) and the No. 3 seed Montevallo (16-4) before being eliminated by eventual GSC champion and No. 5 seed West Florida.

Heartland Conference champion St. Edward’s University received the No. 4 seed, while Angelo State University claimed the No. 6 seed by winning the Lonestar Conference championship.      

Delta State’s selection marks the twenty-fifth time the Statesmen have advanced to NCAA Regional play and the seventh time under head coach Mike Kinnison.  The Statesmen boast a 71-48 (.605) record all-time in NCAA championship play and in 2004 the Statesmen claimed the program’s first NCAA National Championship with a 13-8 victory over Grand Valley State University at Patterson Field in Montgomery, Ala.

All eight region champions will converge at River Walk Stadium in Montgomery, Ala., May 25-June 2 for the NCAA Division II College World Series.  For more on the NCAA championships, log on to www.ncaasports.com.  

May 9, 2007

Statesmen climb one spot to No. 2 in latest NCAA South Central Region rankings; OBU Tigers remain No. 1

• NCAA South Central rankings (5.9)

CLEVELAND - With one poll remaining, The No. 17 ranked Statesmen (44-14) of Delta State University moved up one spot to second in the latest NCAA South Central Region Poll released Wednesday.  The Statesmen recently finished 2-2 at the Gulf South Conference Tournament in Millington, Tenn., including wins over top ranked Ouachita Baptist University and fourth-ranked University of Montevallo. 

No. 5 Ouachita Baptist (50-8) held down the top spot for the fifth-straight week followed by No. 17 Delta State (44-14) and No. 11 Abilene Christian (47-13). 

No. 20 Montevallo (44-15) holds down the fourth spot followed by the Heartland Conference champion St. Edwards University (41-11) at fifth. No. 21 Southern Arkansas (41-17) is sixth followed by No. 18 West Alabama (41-16) and Lonestar Conference champions, Angelo State (45-17). 

Three automatic bids have already been awarded to the upcoming South Central Region Tournament, May 17-20 at a site yet to be determined. Heartland Conference champion St. Edward's University, Lonestar Conference champion Angelo State University, and Gulf South Conference champion University of West Florida have all clinched bids.

The NCAA National Committee will announce the final three at-large bids on Sunday, May 13. GoStatesmen.com will have the official word from the NCAA once it becomes available.

May 8, 2007

Statesmen eliminated by Tigers 4-5 at GSC Tournament
By Jim Ervin, Baseball Contact

• Box Score: Tigers 5 - Statesmen 4

MILLINGTON, Tenn. - The seventeenth-ranked Statesmen fell 4-5 to the Tigers of West Alabama Tuesday in an elimination game at the Gulf South Conference Tournament. With the loss, Delta State (44-14) is eliminated from the tournament while West Alabama (41-15) advanced to face Ouachita Baptist or West Florida in the final round Wednesday.

The Tigers jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first led by a two-run homer off the bat of second baseman Todd Rea.

Derek Norris’ solo home run (7) in the bottom of the third inning finally put the Statesmen on the board and cut the Tigers lead to two, 3-1.

West Alabama would push their lead to 5-1 before Clay Sartain’s RBI single and Rickey Noland’s fielders choice deep to the shortstop allowed J.T. Taylor to score from third cutting the Tigers lead to two, 5-3.

Devin Goodwin’s solo homer in the top of the eighth would put the Statesmen within striking distance, 5-4, but West Alabama’s Brent Telano shut down Delta State’s final four batters, three by strikeout.

Catcher Derek Norris went 2-for-4 at the plate with a home run and an RBI while Devin Goodwin chipped in a 1-for-4 performance with a solo shot and an RBI as well. Jareck West went 2-for-4 to round out the Statesmen at the plate.

Starter Chris Weast (5-4) took the loss after throwing five innings giving up three earned runs on seven hits on four strikeouts.

Picking up the win for the Tigers was starter Charles Kelley (4-1). In six innings of work, Kelley surrendered only one run on seven hits with a strikeout. After an inning from Brandon Dill, Brent Telano threw the last two innings picking up his sixth save of the season.

The Statesmen must wait until Sunday to learn whether they have received a bid to the NCAA South Central Region Tournament. The regional is scheduled to begin May 17 at a site yet to be determined.

May 7, 2007

Argonauts timely hitting leads to 6-10 loss for Statesmen; DSU to face West Alabama Tuesday

• Box Score: Argonauts 10 - Statesmen 6

MILLINGTON, Ala. - The seventeenth-ranked Delta State baseball team dropped a tough one to the University of West Florida 6-10 Monday night at the Gulf South Conference Tournament in Millington, Tenn. With the win the Argos improved to 39-17, while the Statesmen fall to 44-13 on the season.

Leadoff-hitter Hunter Jobes continued his hot hitting in the top of the first with a solo homerun while Devin Goodwin would take a bases loaded walk from Argo starting pitcher Jordan Berry to put the Statesmen up 2-0 going into the bottom of the inning.

The lead didn’t last long, however, as West Florida would take a 4-2 lead in the bottom of the frame highlighted by Lee Huggin’s second homer on the year that plated three.

Delta State would make a game of it in the top of the fifth climbing within one, 6-5, led by RBI singles by Patrick Williams and Clay Sartain, but that would be as close as the Statesmen would get before falling 10-6.

Starter Rusty Rayborn (7-4) took the loss after going 3.1 innings and surrendering five earned runs and three strikeouts.

Centerfielder Jareck West was 2-for-4 with a home run and an RBI while Jobes finished 2-for-5 with a home run and a double to lead DSU at the plate.

Reliever Nick Presley (5-1) picked up the win for the Argos after throwing two innings and giving up five hits with a strikeout.

The Statesmen return to action Tuesday versus the Tigers of West Alabama at USA Stadium. The first pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.

May 6, 2007

Jobes' two home runs lift Statesmen to 12-2 run-shortened win over Ouachita Baptist; DSU to face UWA/UWF Monday at 7:30 p.m.

• Box Score: Statesmen 12 - Tigers 2

MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Jareck West’s line drive double over the head of centerfielder Chance Beasley in the bottom of the seventh led the twenty second-ranked Delta State baseball team to a 12-2 run-ruled shortened game in the Gulf South Conference Tournament over fourth-ranked Ouachita Baptist University Sunday at USA Stadium. The Statesmen improved to 44-12 on the season while the Tigers fall to 49-7.

After falling behind 1-0 in the top of the first, the Statesmen erupted for three runs in the third highlighted by a solo shot over the right field wall by Hunter Jobes to finish the inning ahead 3-1.

Delta State would never look back, scoring three more in the fourth starting with Devin Goodwin’s lead off laser into the trees behind the left field fence to put the Statesmen up 6-1.

Jobes would shine again in the sixth with his mammoth solo homer into the pond just beyond the right field wall. Goodwin’s double down the right field would add two more RBIs to his total to highlight the inning as the Statesmen would take an 11-2 lead into the seventh.

Jareck West’s shot over Beasley’s head in center would clinch Delta State an early supper as the Statesmen cruise to a 12-2 victory in the second round match up.

Hunter Jobes’ 2-for-4 performance with two homeruns and three RBIs proved to more than enough for Delta State on the day. In fact, Jobes is 6-for-9 with three doubles and two home runs and five RBIs. Designated hitter Derek Norris was an impressive 3-for-3 with two doubles, a triple, and an RBI while Devin Goodwin was 2-for-4 with a double, a homer and three RBIs.

Starter Justin Smith (12-2) went the seven inning distance surrendering only one earned run on three hits while striking out five.

Cody Gibson (10-2) picked up only his second loss on the season after throwing 3.2 innings that saw the powerful lefty give up six earned runs on five hits and three walks. The only other loss for Gibson came on “April Fool’s Day” at Henderson State in the form of a 5-4 loss.

The Statesmen await the winner of the West Alabama versus West Florida game on Monday at 7:30 p.m. at USA Stadium. The game will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network starting at 7:15 p.m. Matt Jones, Keith Latham, and J.T. Webb have the call.

May 5, 2007

Hunter Jobe's three doubles power Statesmen to 16-4 win over Montevallo in opening game of GSC Tournament; DSU to face winner of OBU/VSU

• Box Score: DSU 16 - UM 4

MILLINGTON, Tenn. - The twenty second-ranked Delta State baseball team started off on the right foot at the Gulf South Conference baseball tournament Saturday at USA Stadium in Millington, TN winning game one 16-4 over the eighteenth-ranked University of Montevallo. With the win the Statesmen improve to 43-12 on the season while the Falcons fall to 43-14.

The Statesmen came out of the gate on fire scoring 10 runs through the first three innings.

Junior right fielder led the game off with a double to the right center gap. He would later score on a Clay Sartain ground out to second making the score 1-0.

In the third, Delta State would open the flood gates scoring four runs on one hit with three walks and one hit-by-pitch.

The Statesmen would continue to stack up the runs in the third highlighted by third baseman Patrick Williams’ two RBI double down the right field line and Jobes’ RBI single to centerfield.

Delta State added four runs in the top of the eighth to put the game out of reach at 16-4. Jobes’ would double for the third time on the day collecting two RBI in what would prove to be the icing on the cake in the run shortened game.

Junior flamethrower Brett Durand (11-3) pitched a solid seven innings to pick up the win. The Denham Springs, La. native surrendered one earned run on seven hits while striking out six. Sophomore reliever Korey Cunningham threw the final inning only allowing one hit.

Hunter Jobes was the man of the hour for the Statesmen with his 4-for-5 performance including three doubles and three RBI. J. T. Taylor’s hot bat was impressive as well as the Jackson, TN finished 3-for-5 with two RBI and his 10 th stolen base of the season.

Jeremy Joyce (5-5) took the loss for the Falcons after lasting only one inning where he surrendered two earned runs on two hits.

Shortstop B.J. Holloway led Montevallo at the plate going 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI.

The Statesmen await the winner of the Ouachita Baptist versus Valdosta State game on Sunday at 1 p.m. at USA Stadium. The game will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network starting at 12:45 p.m. Matt Jones and Keith Latham have the call.

May 4, 2007

Diamond Statesmen place nine on All-Gulf South Conference baseball squads

• 2007 All-GSC First & Second Teams  

BIRMINGHAM , Ala. – The Gulf South Conference released its annual All-GSC squads on Thursday and the No. 22 Statesmen (42-12, 16-5 GSC) of Delta State University placed nine players on the league’s First or Second Teams. Brett Durand, a starting pitcher for the Statesmen, headlined the list as one of three unanimous selections. The All-GSC Teams are determined by a vote of the league’s 15 baseball coaches.

“I’m very proud of all nine of the players who received this honor today,” said DSU head coach Mike Kinnison. “Every one of them has worked very hard individually to make this team a success and they are all quite deserving.”

Brett Durand, a 6-foot-2 junior right-hander, posted a 10-3 regular season record with a 2.09 ERA. The Denham Springs, La., native has pitched 99.0 innings in 15 appearances allowing 24 runs on 75 hits with 27 walks and 105 strikeouts. He finished the regular season ranked fifth in the nation in wins and third in strikeouts. The hard-throwing righty was the only unanimous pitcher on either squad.

Joining Durand on the All-GSC First Team are catcher Rickey Noland, second baseman Clay Sartain, shortstop Devin Goodwin, outfielders Hunter Jobes and Jareck West, and starting pitcher Justin Smith. The Statesmen also placed starting pitcher Rusty Rayborn and first baseman Chris Clark on the All-GSC Second Team.

Noland, a 6-foot-1, 215-pound junior, developed into one of the league’s top offensive catchers this season. The Denham Springs, La., native is batting .357 with 18 doubles, seven home runs and 46 RBIs this season. The rocket-armed catcher also proved too hard to steal on, throwing out 13 attempted base stealers this season.

Sartain, a 5-foot-9 sophomore from Horn Lake, and Goodwin, a 5-foot-10 sophomore from Demopolis, Ala., have come together to form the GSC’s top middle infield combination this season. Sartain leads the Statesmen with 19 doubles and 48 RBIs, while Goodwin is batting .358 with four home runs and 46 RBIs.

Two-thirds of DSU’s outfield proved to catch the eye of the league’s coaches. Jobes, a 5-foot-10 junior from Southaven, led the Statesmen during the regular season with 73 hits while batting .353. The rightfielder also connected on 15 doubles, four home runs and 39 RBIs. The speedster also leads DSU in stolen bases, swiping 18-of-19. West, a 5-foot-10 junior from Cincinnati, Ohio, burst onto the scene to lead the Statesmen in home runs with 11. In 44 games, West is hitting .407 with 11 doubles, 11 home runs and 43 RBIs.

Smith rounds out the All-GSC First Team selections for the Statesmen. The 6-foo-t-4 junior right-hander from Ridgeland closed the regular season with an 11-2 record and a miniscule 1.71 ERA. In 84 innings, Smith allowed 23 runs on 80 hits with 15 walks and 52 strikeouts. His 11 victories ranked second in the nation at the close of the regular season. This year’s All-GSC First Team nod is the second in Smith’s career.

Rayborn, 2006’s Co-GSC Player of the Year, just missed out on First Team honors this season after posting a 7-3 regular season record. The Tylertown native garnered his third All-GSC selection after making the Second Team this year. In 78 innings, Rayborn has allowed 38 runs on 32 hits with a 3.66 ERA.

Clark, a 6-foot junior from Paducah, Ky., rounds out the All-GSC selections for the Statesmen. After making a position change from second base to first, Clark leads Delta State in batting with a .419 average. In 53 games, the lefty has knocked 10 doubles, two home runs and driven in 43 runs. What proved to be more impressive was his ability to defend at first. Clark committed just two errors at first in the regular season, a position he had never played.

The Statesmen will enter the Gulf South Conference Tournament on Saturday, May 5, at 9:30 a.m. versus the University of Montevallo. The game will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network starting at 9:15 a.m.

May 3, 2007

Statesmen drop one spot in NCAA South Central Region rankings

• Complete NCAA Region Rankings (5.2.07)

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The No. 22 Statesmen (42-12, 16-5 GSC) of Delta State University dropped one spot to third in the latest NCAA South Central Region Poll released Wednesday.  Delta State had been ranked second in the previous two polls, but went just 1-3 last week. 

No. 18 Montevallo (43-13, 13-5 GSC) improved its position the greatest, swapping spots with Delta State into the second position. The Falcons had their GSC bye during the final regular season weekend, but made up for it with a rout at then-ninth-ranked Columbus State, 19-6. The Statesmen fell one spot after dropping two of three at Southern Arkansas by a combined two runs. The Muleriders (40-15, 17-4 GSC) claimed the No. 2 seed in the GSC West for the upcoming Tournament, but as they did last week, remained sixth in regional poll.

No. 15 West Alabama (38-14, 14-4 GSC) also moved up one spot from eighth following a three-game sweep of visiting West Georgia in which the Tigers clinched the GSC East Division crown.

No. 4 Ouachita Baptist (48-6, 18-3 GSC) won its first-ever divisional title with a sweep of Christian Brothers this past weekend and the GSC West Division Champions remain the top-ranked team in the South Central Region.

Tournament champions from the GSC and Lone Star along with the Heartland Conference regular season champion comprise three of the six bids to the South Central Regional, May 17-20. The remaining at-large slots are awarded to the three, highest-ranked teams in the region. The top-rated team is eligible to host the four-day Tournament, providing it placed a bid to host and have adequate facilities and accommodations for teams and fans.

 

May 2, 2007

Diamond Statesmen set for showdown with Falcons at Gulf South Conference Tournament

• GSC Tournament Central

CLEVELAND – The 22nd-ranked Statesmen (42-12, 16-5 GSC) of Delta State University are set for a showdown with the 18th-ranked Falcons (43-13, 13-5 GSC) of the University of Montevallo in the opening round of the Gulf South Conference Tournament on Saturday, May 5 at 9:30 a.m.  For a sixth year, USA Stadium in Millington, Tenn., will serve as the host site for the five-day tournament.  The Statesmen enter as the third seed out of the West Division, while the Falcons are the second seed from the East Division.

“We’re excited about the opportunity to play in the GSC Tournament this week,” said Mike Kinnison, DSU head coach.  “We played Montevallo earlier this year and they are very talented club.  Our guys will have be ready come Saturday and I believe they will.”

Delta State and Montevallo played a two-game midweek series on March 23-24 at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field in Cleveland.  The Statesmen won game one 7-5 before dropping game two 3-8.  Saturday’s meeting will also mark the twenty-third match-up between the two GSC foes.  Delta State leads the series standings 16-6.

Saturday’s game will also feature a former Statesman baseball player coaching in the other dugout.  Montevallo head coach Greg Goff was a two-year letterman at pitcher for the Statesmen from 1992-93.  Goff later served as a graduate assistant and assistant coach for Delta State. 

The Statesmen are making a record twenty-fourth appearance in the GSC Tournament.  Delta State owns several other tournament records including: Championships (10), wins (52), semifinals (21), finals (13) and winning percentage (.634).

The winner of Saturday’s game will play Sunday at 1 p.m. versus the winner of the Ouachita Baptist (W1) versus Valdosta State (E4).  The loser of the game will play Sunday at 9:30 a.m. versus the loser of OBU/VSU.     

April 29, 2007

No. 18 Muleriders rally for 10-9 victory over No. 9 Statesmen; Delta State seeded third in upcoming Gulf South Conference Tournament

MAGNOLIA, Ark. – The eighteenth-ranked Muleriders of Southern Arkansas University (40-15, 17-4 Gulf South Conference) rallied from a 9-6 deficit in the bottom of the seventh to claim a 10-9 victory over the ninth-ranked Statesmen of Delta State University (42-12, 16-5 GSC) at Wilkins Stadium. The victory gave the Riders the series victory (2-1) and the No. 2 seed out of the West Division in next week’s GSC Tournament at USA Stadium in Millington, Tenn. The Statesmen were relegated to the No.3 seed after dropping Sunday’s game.

Southern Arkansas jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the second before the Statesmen would answer for the first time in the game. In the third, Clay Sartain’s two-RBI double cut the Mulerider lead to one.

SAU would answer in the bottom of the inning, erupting for three runs. The Muleriders used a wild-pitch from Rusty Rayborn and an RBI single from John Long to plate the runs.

The Statesmen exploded for five runs in the fourth inning to retake the lead 7-6. Jareck West (11) and Brent Davidson (2) hit back-to-back towering home runs to power the Statesmen in the inning.

DSU would go up 9-6 in the fifth on Devin Goodwin’s sac-fly RBI and J.T. Taylor’s RBI single. Mulerider pitching would shut the Statesmen down from there.

Southern Arkansas wasted little time getting back on the board. In the bottom of the fifth, SAU’s Jeremy Triche scored on Cannon Lester’s RBI ground out to cut the lead to 9-7.

A scoreless sixth and seventh for DSU gave way to the Muleriders comeback in the bottom of the seventh. In the inning the Muleriders would plate three runs thanks to several DSU breakdowns. After back-to-back singles to start the inning, the Statesmen committed two straight errors. Lester’s two-RBI single tied the game at 9-9 with no outs. On the next pitch, a failed pickoff and run-down allowed the eventual winning run to score from third.

SAU would close the door in the eighth and ninth to seal the win.

Rusty Rayborn (7-3) took the loss for DSU. Dane Lucas (2-0) earned the win in relief for SAU, while John Wellborn (10) notched the save.

The Statesmen will return to action Saturday at 9:30 a.m. versus Montevallo in the GSC Tournament at USA Stadium in Millington, Tenn. Tickets are on sale now,

April 28, 2007

Statesmen split pivotal GSC doubleheader with Muleriders 2-3 and 8-1; Justin Smith records 11th win of season
By Jim Ervin, Baseball Contact

• Game 1 Box: SAU 3 - DSU 2
• Game 2 Box: DSU 8 - SAU 1

MAGNOLIA, Ark. - The eleventh-ranked Delta State baseball team split the day one double header with the eighteenth-ranked Muleriders of Southern Arkansas University Saturday at Wilkins Stadium in Magnolia, Ark. Delta State fell in game one 3-2, but rebounded to take game two 8-1. The Statesmen moved to 42-11 and 16-4 in the Gulf South Conference while the Muleriders move to 39-15 and 16-4 in league play.

In game one, starter Brett Durand (10-3) took the loss after going the distance throwing eight innings giving up three runs on seven hits with seven strikeouts.

Trailing 3-0, the Statesmen finally got on the board in the top of the sixth inning on a two-out single by Jareck West to left field, scoring Patrick Williams who had reached on a leadoff double to center. The only other run for Delta State came in the seventh on a single by Hunter Jobes that scored Chris Clark from third.

Third baseman Patrick Williams was 2-for-4 on the day while centerfielder Jareck West was 1-for-4 with an RBI.

Picking up the win for the Muleriders was starter Cody Jones (5-2). In 6.2 innings of work, the lefty gave up two earned runs on 10 hits while striking out four.

Skylar Stromsmoe’s 2-for-4 day with an RBI led the way for the Muleriders.

Game two saw the Statesmen come out of the gate on fire, scoring eight runs in the first inning on six hits. Devin Goodwin’s two RBI single down the right field line and J.T. Taylor’s two RBI triple to right center were the highlights for Delta State in the inning.

That proved to be more than enough as Statesmen starting pitcher Justin Smith (11-2) would finish the seven inning contest giving up one earned run on five hits with six strikeouts.

Clay Sartain was 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI to lead Delta State’s offensive output.

Mulerider starting pitcher Lee Martin (5-3) took the loss after lasting only 0.1 innings. Martin gave up seven earned runs on four hits with a strikeout.

The Statesmen return to action Sunday versus Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia. The winner of the game is guaranteed no lower than second place in the GSC West Division. A loss by Ouachita Baptist on Sunday would also give Sunday’s winner a share of the GSC West Division crown. The first pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.

April 26, 2007

Diamond Statesmen ranked second in latest NCAA South Central Region rankings

CLEVELAND – For a second straight week, the Diamond Statesmen (41-10, 15-3 GSC) of Delta State University remained second in the latest NCAA South Central Region Poll released Thursday by the National Collegiate Athletic Association.  The Statesmen finished a perfect 5-0 last week after sweeping two series.  Delta State downed Alabama-Huntsville 14-1 and 19-1 in a Wednesday doubleheader before taking three straight at Arkansas Tech 13-4, 10-2 and 19-2. 

Ouachita Baptist (45-6, 15-3 GSC) retained the top spot in the poll while DSU and Montevallo remained No. 2 and 3, respectively. The Tigers host Christian Brothers this weekend and are guaranteed at least two regional contests in the GSC Tournament. The Statesmen (41-10, 15-3 GSC) are currently in a three-way tie for first place in the GSC West alongside OBU and SAU. The Falcons (40-13, 13-5 GSC) has its GSC bye this weekend but will have at least two in-region contests in the GSC Tournament.

Rounding out the GSC contingent in the South Central rankings is West Alabama, once again ranked No. 8. The Tigers (35-14, 11-4 GSC) need just two wins over visiting West Georgia this weekend to win its first GSC East Division title since switching over in the latest format in 1996. The Tigers, who are guaranteed at least the second seed in the GSC Tournament, have won three division titles with the last coming in 1994 in the previous GSC West.

Tournament champions from the GSC, Lone Star and Heartland Conferences comprise three of the six bids to the South Central Regional, May 17-20. The remaining at-large slots are awarded to the three, highest-ranked teams in the region. The top-rated team is eligible to host the four-day Tournament, providing it placed a bid to host and have adequate facilities and accommodations for teams and fans.

April 25, 2007

Devin Goodwin named Gulf South Conference West Division Player of the Week

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Devin Goodwin, a sophomore shortstop from Demopolis, Ala., collects his second Gulf South Conference West Division Player of the Week award this season leading the Statesmen to five wins in as many games last week as DSU outscored its opponents, 73-11.

The sophomore accounted for 18 of those runs, plating 10 and driving in eight. In five games, Goodwin collected three hits twice and four hits once and did not strikeout in 19 plate appearances.

Goodwin is batting .370 for the season with 12 doubles, four home runs and 43 RBIs.

April 25, 2007

Belhaven rallies for 12-11 victory over Statesmen at Smith-Wills

JACKSON – The 11 th-ranked Delta State University baseball team could not hold off the surging Blazers of Belhaven College Tuesday at Smith-Wills Stadium falling 12-11 thanks to a ninth inning rally by BC. The loss snapped Delta State’s 15 game winning streak and gave the Blazers the season sweep of the Statesmen. Belhaven improved to 39-13 on the season, while Delta State dropped to 41-10.

Leading 11-8 heading into the bottom of the ninth, the Statesmen bullpen could not stop the Belhaven bats when it mattered most. Senior reliever Kyle Ozbun, who had retired 7-of-8 batters he had faced, gave up back-to-back singles to open the bottom of the ninth. Cesar Rodriquez came in to relieve Ozbun, but immediately gave up an RBI double to Rickey Owens to cut the DSU lead to 11-9. Shawn Anderson followed with an RBI infield single to make it a one run game at 11-10.

Coach Mike Kinnison called on his third pitcher of the inning, Brett Durand, with no outs and runners on first and second. Belhaven’s Joe Scalzo cranked Durand’s 1-2 offering deep to left field and off the top of the wall. In the confusion of whether Scalzo had homered, only one Belhaven run scored to tie the game. After recording two outs and loading the bases with a walk, Belhaven’s David Gilbert won the game for the Blazers with a single to left on a 2-2 count to make the final 12-11.

The fact that the Statesmen were leading late in the game was a testament to their determination. Leading 1-0 heading into the bottom of the second, Belhaven’s offense scored six unanswered runs over the next two innings to take a 6-1 lead.

In the top of the fourth, the Statesmen would erupt for eight runs on eight hits to take the lead 9-6. Brent Davidson’s first home run of the year, a two-run, opposite field blast over the left field wall, and Rickey Noland’s two-RBI double proved to be the big hits in the inning.

Belhaven would answer with two runs in the sixth to make it a 9-8 DSU lead thanks to an RBI triple by David Gilbert and a RBI single by Thomas Royals.

The Statesmen extended the lead to 10-8 in the seventh on J.T Taylor’s RBI double down the right field line.

Delta State tacked on an insurance run in the top of the ninth on a delayed double steal that allowed J.T. Taylor to swipe home. The insurance run didn’t prove to be enough.

Brett Durand (10-2) took the loss after working 0.2 innings of relief. Robert Tucker made the start for the Statesmen, but only worked 1.1 innings allowing three runs on three hits. Chris Weast worked 4.1 innings allowing five earned runs on nine hits before giving way to Kyle Ozbun.

Belhaven’s Matt Lawrence earned the win in relief. Lawrence worked one inning allowing one run on two hits. The Blazers used a total of five pitchers in the contest.

Jareck West went 4-for-4 at the plate with two doubles and three runs scored to lead the Statesmen. Chris Clark went 3-for-5 with two RBIs. J.T. Taylor had one of his best games to date, a 4-for-5 performance with two runs scored and an RBI.

Belhaven’s David Gilbert was 4-for-6 with two runs scored and three RBIs to lead the Blazers. Joe Scalzo finished 2-for-4 with four RBIs as well.

Delta State travels to Magnolia, Ark. for their final regular season series of the year at Southern Arkansas University this Saturday and Sunday. Saturday’s doubleheader is slated for 3 p.m. with Sunday’s single game at 2 p.m. All three games will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network. Matt Jones and Keith Latham have the call.

April 23, 2007

Kinnison passes 500 career win plateau as Statesmen blast Wonder Boys 19-2; Rayborn earns 29th career win to move into third all-time

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – Delta State University head coach Mike Kinnison picked up his 500th career victory on Sunday as the 11th-ranked Statesmen (41-9, 15-3 Gulf South Conference) blasted the Wonder Boys of Arkansas Tech University (20-29-1, 8-9 GSC) 19-2 at Tech Field.  The win also held special significance for starting pitcher Rusty Rayborn, who earned his 29th career victory to move into a tie for third all-time. 

After building a 9-0 lead through the first five innings, the Statesmen exploded for nine runs in the top of the sixth highlighted by a two-run home run to straight away centerfield by Rickey Noland (7).  Designated hitter Brent Davidson’s two-RBI double off the right field wall and pinch hitter Chase Herrin’s two-RBI single up the middle led the way to Delta State’s 18-1 lead at the end of the sixth.

Both teams would tack on an extra run to make the final 19-2. 

Devin Goodwin’s 3-for-4 performance with a home run and four RBIs paced the Statesmen.  Brent Davidson went 3-for-5 with a double and four RBIs.  J. T. Taylor also turned in a 3-for-5 performance at the plate with a double, triple and two RBIs. 

Senior pitcher Rusty Rayborn (7-2) picked up the win after throwing five solid innings allowing one run on five hits with four strikeouts.  With the win, Rayborn moves into a third place tie with Brad Teague and John Polles on the all time wins list at Delta State with 29. 

Kyle Ozbun pitched the sixth giving up one run on two hits while striking out three.  Cesar Rodriguez came in to close things out in the seventh and did not surrender a hit while striking out two. 

Taking the loss for the Wonder Boys was starter Cody Taylor (1-5).  In 4.2 innings pitched, Taylor gave up seven earned runs on 12 hits while striking out four. 

First baseman Brad Green went 3-for-3 with a double, home run and two RBIs to lead the Wonder Boys. 

The Statesmen return to action Tuesday versus Belhaven College in Jackson.  The first pitch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at Smith Wills Stadium. 

April 21, 2007

11th-ranked Statesmen pound Wonder Boys 13-4 and 10-2 to extend win streak to 14 games; DSU skipper sitting at 499 career wins and counting

• Game 1 Box: Statesmen 13 - Wonder Boys 4
• Game 2 Box: Statesmen 10 - Wonder Boys 2

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. - The eleventh-ranked Delta State baseball program stands just one win shy of giving head coach Mike Kinnison his 500 th career victory, as the Statesmen took games one and two of a three game Gulf South Conference series versus Arkansas Tech University Saturday 13-4 and 10-2. With the win, the Statesmen improve to 40-9 overall and 14-3 in the GSC, while the Wonder Boys fall to 20-27-1 and 8-7 in league play.

Delta State scored nine runs in the first three innings to take control of the game and never looked back. Jareck West’s two run bomb over the left field wall in the top of the first gave the Statesmen a 3-0 lead right out of the gate.

After scoring one run in the second, Delta State would put five on the board in the third highlighted by RBI doubles from Chris Clark and Derek Norris.

Crystal Springs native Patrick Williams finished the game 3-for-6 with two RBIs while West was 2-for-5 with a triple, home run and two RBIs as well. Leadoff man Hunter Jobes collected his third homer on the season while going 2-for-4 with a double and two RBIs. Second baseman Clay Sartain rounded out the offensive attack for the Statesmen after going 2-for-5 with his third home run of the year.

Junior Brett Durand (10-1) picked up the win after throwing a solid six innings where he did not surrender a run on only two Wonder Boy hits. After brief appearances by both Cody Kelley and Taylor Fleming, sophomore Korey Cunningham pitched the final two innings allowing only two hits while striking out one to end the game.

Brad Green (3-5) took the loss after lasting only 2.1 innings and giving up eight runs on seven Statesmen hits.

In game two, Justin Smith (10-2) went the complete seven innings to earn the victory. The Ridgeland native only allowed six hits and struck out five while not surrendering an earned run.

Third baseman Patrick Williams led the Statesmen with four RBI for the game after going 2-for-5 with a double. Jareck West finished 2-for-3 with his team leading 10 th long ball of the season. Hunter Jobes hit his second homerun on the day as well and was 2-for-3 at the plate with two RBI to round out the Statesmen hitters.

John Iverson (4-5) took the loss after surrendering seven earned runs on eight hits.

Right fielder Dario Colovic’s 2-for-3 afternoon with a double and an RBI paced the Wonder Boys at the plate.

The Statesmen return to action Sunday as they wrap up the GSC weekend series with Arkansas Tech. The first pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.

April 18, 2007

Delta State pounds Alabama-Huntsville 14-1 and 17-2 on Wednesday at Ferriss Field

• Game 1 Box: Statesmen 14 - Chargers 1
• Game 2 Box: Statesmen 17 - Chargers 2  

CLEVELAND – The Delta State University baseball team swept the University of Alabama at Huntsville 14-1 and 17-2 Wednesday at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field. With the win the Statesmen complete the season sweep (4-0) of the Chargers. Delta State moved to 38-9 overall, while Alabama-Huntsville fell to 19-26.

In the run-ruled shortened first game, the Statesmen scored in every inning highlighted by a five run fifth that saw a bases-clearing double by Jareck West that put the Delta State up 12-1. Two more runs in the sixth handed the Chargers the final total, 14-1.

For the game, the Statesmen were led at the plate by Jareck West. The Cincinnati, Ohio native was 3-for-3 with a double and five RBIs. Chris Clark finished the game 1-for-2 with a home run and two RBIs. Pinch hitter Steven Cruey connected on his first hit of the season, a two-run shot over the left field wall.

Senior pitcher Chris Weast (5-2) picked up the win after going 4.2 innings and surrendering one run on six hits.

In game two, an eight run third inning put the nail in the coffin as the Chargers could never recover before falling 17-2. The highlight of the inning came when shortstop Devin Goodwin sent a 1-1 fastball deep over the right field wall for a three-run home run.

Robert Tucker (3-1) picked up the win after going three innings and allowing one run on two hits.

Devin Goodwin led the Statesmen at the plate going 4-for-4 with a homer and three RBIs. Second baseman Clay Sartain finished 2-for-4 with two doubles and two RBIs, while catcher Derek Norris was 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs. Rickey Noland’s 3-for-3 day with two RBIs rounded out the Statesmen at the plate.

April 18, 2007

Delta State’s Brett Durand named Collegiate Baseball Newspaper/Rawlings National Pitcher of the Week

CLEVELAND – Delta State University junior right-hander Brett Durand was named the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper/Rawlings National Player of the Week on Tuesday after tossing the tenth no-hitter in Statesmen history this past Saturday, April 14. Durand’s selection is the first honor this season for a Statesman by CBN.

The 6-foot-2 junior right-hander worked nine innings or near-perfect baseball in DSU’s 7-0 victory over Arkansas-Monticello on Saturday at Ferriss Field. Unfortunately for the right-hander, one walk in the second inning and one hit-by-pitch in the fourth, which was later erased by a double-play, spoiled his perfect game bid.

The Denham Springs, La. native faced just one batter over the minimum in the first four innings, while setting down the last 17 Weevil batters of the game. Durand finished with eight strikeouts, including striking out the side to end the game.

The hard-throwing right-hander has posted a 9-1 record this season with a 2.13 ERA.  In 84.1 innings pitched, Durand has allowed 21 runs (20 earned) on 64 hits with 21 walks and 89 strikeouts.  Opponents are batting just .211 against him this season.   

April 17, 2007

DSU’s Brett Durand named GSC Pitcher of the Week for a record fourth time

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Delta State University junior pitcher Brett Durand continued to make history this week.  Coming off Saturday’s no-hitter versus the University of Arkansas at Monticello, Durand has been named the Gulf South Conference West Division Pitcher of the Week for the period ending Sunday, April 15.  Durand’s selection marks the first time in Gulf South Conference history that one player has won the award four times in one season.

Durand garners the award after tossing the eighth no-hitter in the program’s history.  The 6-foot-2 junior right-hander worked nine innings or near-perfect baseball in DSU’s 7-0 victory over Arkansas-Monticello on Saturday at Ferriss Field. Unfortunately for the right-hander, one walk in the second inning and one hit-by-pitch in the fourth, which was later erased by a double-play, spoiled his perfect game bid.

The Denham Springs, La. native faced just one batter over the minimum in the first four innings, while setting down the last 17 Weevil batters of the game. Durand finished with eight strikeouts, including striking out the side to end the game.

The hard-throwing right-hander has posted a 9-1 record this season with a 2.13 ERA.  In 84.1 innings pitched, Durand has allowed 21 runs (20 earned) on 64 hits with 21 walks and 89 strikeouts.  Opponents are batting just .211 against him this season.   

April 15, 2007

Statesmen complete series sweep with 9-0 and 19-1 victories over Boll Weevils
By Jim Ervin, Baseball Contact

• Game 2 Box: Statesmen 9 - Weevils 0
• Game 3 Box: Statesmen 19 - Weevils 1

CLEVELAND - The thirteenth-ranked Delta State baseball team completed the sweep of Arkansas Monticello 9-0 and 19-1 in a Gulf South Conference doubleheader Sunday at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field. With the sweep, the Statesmen move to 36-9 overall and 12-3 in GSC play, while the Boll Weevils fall to 4-36 and 2-13 in league play.

Delta State would finally get on the board in game one in the fourth inning on a two RBI double to left field by Jareck West. Devin Goodwin would follow with a RBI single to left center to put the Statesmen up 3-0.

The Statesmen would add three more runs in the fifth, led by another RBI single by Devin Goodwin and a RBI double to right field by Rickey Noland.

One run in each of the last three innings by Delta State would spell doom for the Boll Weevils as the Statesmen would go on to win 9-0.

Picking up the win for the Statesmen was senior Rusty Rayborn (6-2). With the win, Rayborn moves into a tie along side Chris Burgess for fourth place on the all time wins list at Delta State with 28. In seven innings of work, the Tylertown native gave up no runs on six hits with four strikeouts.

Leading the Statesmen at the plate was shortstop Devin Goodwin. The Demopolis, Ala. native finished 3-for-5 with a double and three RBIs. Centerfielder Jareck West would have a stellar day as well going 2-for-2 with a double and three RBIs.

Taking the loss for the Boll Weevils was starter David Nix (0-8). In 4.2 innings pitched, Nix surrendered six runs on 10 hits with one strikeout.

Game two, a seven inning affair, saw the Statesmen stay hot with the bats, pounding out 19 runs on 16 hits while committing only one error.

After scoring one run in the first, Delta State would put the game out of reach in the second, scoring nine runs and pushing the lead to 10-0. Devin Goodwin would single twice in the inning, each time collecting an RBI.

The Statesmen added five more runs in the bottom of the third led by a two RBI double to centerfield by catcher Rickey Noland.

Two more runs in the fourth and the sixth would insure the Delta State victory, 19-1.

Junior pitcher Justin Smith (9-2) picked up the win going four innings while giving up one run on four hits and a strikeout. Kyle Ozbun, Chris Weast, and Cesar Rodriguez would nail down the last three innings in relief without surrendering anything to the Boll Weevils.

Jareck West led the Statesmen at the plate going 2-for-4 with a double and two RBIs. Rickey Noland had a solid day also, finishing 1-for-2 with a double and three RBIs.

Taking the loss for Arkansas Monticello was starter Colter Zoch (3-9). In 1.1 innings, Zoch gave up 10 runs on four hits with a strikeout.

The Statesmen will host the University of Alabama at Huntsville for a non-conference doubleheader Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field. The series will mark the final regular season home games for DSU.

April 14, 2007

DSU’s Brett Durand tosses first no-hitter in 12 years as Diamond Statesmen down Boll Weevils 7-0

• Game 1 Box: Statesmen 7 - Weevils 0  

CLEVELAND (Ferriss Field) – On the 45th anniversary of Delta State University’s first-ever no-hitter, Brett Durand (9-1) tossed the tenth no-hitter in the program’s history working nine innings in DSU’s 7-0 victory over Arkansas-Monticello on Saturday at Ferriss Field. The victory pushes the Statesmen to 34-9 overall and 10-3 in Gulf South Conference play, while the Boll Weevils dropped to 4-34 and 2-11 in league play.

Durand, a 6-foot-2 junior right-hander, was in control from the start on Saturday. The Denham Springs, La. native faced just one batter over the minimum in the first four innings, while setting down the last 17 Weevil batters of the game. Unfortunately for the right-hander, one walk in the second inning and one hit-by-pitch in the fourth, which was later erased by a double-play, spoiled his perfect game bid. Durand finished with eight strikeouts, including striking out the side to end the game.

The Statesmen also supported Durand’s bid offensively all afternoon. DSU jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first on Chris Clark’s two out, two-RBI single to left scoring Patrick Williams and Clay Sartain.

Delta State would make it 4-0 in the bottom of the second on a pair of RBI singles by Hunter Jobes and Rickey Noland.

The Statesmen would put it away for good in the fourth scoring three runs on three hits. Clay Sartain’s RBI double gave the Statesmen a 5-0 lead. Rickey Noland would follow with his second RBI single of the day to give the Statesmen a 6-0 advantage, while Chris Clark’s third RBI of the day, a single to right, made the final margin 7-0.

UAM’s biggest threat to end Durand’s no-hit bid came in the top of the eighth inning on a slowly hit grounder between third and short by Matt Gardner. Senior third baseman Patrick Williams’ lunging stab and throw to first saved the day for Durand.

Durand would strikeout the side to end the game and put the first no-hitter in the books in over 12 years. In fact DSU’s last no-hitter also came against the Boll Weevils. On February 18, 1995, Dave Townsend in his first career start for the Statesmen tossed a no-hit gem at Ferriss Field. Durand’s no-hitter came 45-years to the day that former Statesman A.C. Williams tossed the first in the program’s history versus Mississippi College.

Chris Clark led the Statesmen with three RBIs on the day after a 2-for-5 performance at the plate. Rickey Noland went 2-for-4 with a pair of RBIs, while Clay Sartain was also 2-for-4 with two runs scored and one RBI.

Ross Ashley (0-5) took the loss for the Boll Weevils. The junior right-hander went 3.2 innings allowing seven earned runs on eight hits with five walks and a pair of strikeouts. Tyler Price worked 4.1 innings of shutout relief with three walks and two strikeouts.

The Statesmen and Weevils will conclude the three-game series with a doubleheader Sunday at 1 p.m. DSU will recognize seven seniors before the game starting at 12:45 p.m.

April 11, 2007

DSU's Jareck West named GSC West Division Player of the Week

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - For the second consecutive week, a member of the Statesmen baseball team was selected the Gulf South Conference West Division Player of the Week.  Junior centerfielder Jareck West (6-0, 220) claimed the honor after finishing the week 9-for-19 with three homeruns and seven RBI while slugging at a .947 clip.

For the week, the Cincinnati, Ohio native led the Statesmen to a midweek victory over William Carey University 13-0 and culminated the weekend with a three game sweep of GSC rival Henderson State University.

On the season, West is batting .361 with the team leading eight home runs and 25 RBI. It is the first honor of the season for West.

April 10, 2007

Statesmen vs. Delta Devils cancelled due to inclement weather

ITTA BENA - Officials at Mississippi Valley State University announced Tuesday afternoon that the series with Delta State University scheduled for Tuesday night at 6 p.m. had been cancelled due to inclement weather. No make-up dates are planned.

April 7, 2007

Statesmen explode for 18 runs in series finale at Henderson State

• Game 3 Box: DSU 18 - HSU 4

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. - The Statesmen of Delta State University exploded for 18 runs on 20 hits, as the green and white completed the three-game Gulf South Conference series sweep of the Reddies of Henderson State University, 18-4 on Sunday at Clyde Berry Field. With the win, thirteenth-ranked Delta State improves to 33-9 overall and 9-3 in GSC play, while Henderson State fell to 13-31 and 1-11 in league play.

The Statesmen got things started in the third, scoring six runs on four hits with the aid of two Reddie errors. All four of DSU’s hits came with the bases loaded.

Hunter Jobes’ two RBI double and Patrick Williams’ two RBI single in the fourth put the Statesmen up 10-0 heading to the bottom of the inning.

After allowing one Henderson State run in the bottom of the seventh inning, Delta State piled up eight runs on seven hits to put the game out of the Reddies reach, 18-1. Jobes and Brent Davidson each had two RBI doubles to deep centerfield to lead the Statesmen in the inning.

Henderson State would rally for three runs in the bottom of the eighth, but it wouldn’t be enough as Delta State would take the run-ruled shortened game 18-4.

Jobes led the Statesmen at the plate going 2-for-5 with two doubles and four RBIs.

Williams had a banner day as well finishing 4-for-5 with three RBIs and a stolen base. Sophomore Devin Goodwin finished 2-for-4 with two RBIs to round out Delta State at the plate.

Senior Rusty Rayborn (5-2) picked up the win, his twenty-seventh career victory, after pitching a scoreless six innings allowing six hits and one strikeout.

Reddie starter Josh Wesson (1-4) took the loss after giving up five runs on five hits in two innings of work.

Third baseman Josh Guy led Henderson State at the plate going 2-for-4 with two doubles and an RBI.

The Statesmen return to action Tuesday versus the Delta Devils of Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena. The first pitch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.

April 6, 2007

Jareck West blasts two home runs as 13th-ranked Statesmen sweep Reddies 7-1 and 4-0
By Jim Ervin, Baseball Contact

• Game One Box: DSU 7 - HSU 1
• Game Two Box: DSU 4 - HSU 0 (8)

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. - Clay Sartain’s sacrifice fly and Jareck West’s three-run blast to center in the top of the eighth of game two insured the Statesmen the double header sweep 7-1 and 4-0 Friday at Clyde Berry Field on the campus of Henderson State University. With the wins the Delta State improves to 32-9, 8-3 in Gulf South Conference play, while Henderson State falls to 13-30, 1-10 GSC.

In the eighth, with the game knotted at zero, Patrick Williams singled to left sending Hunter Jobes, who had reached on a walk, to third setting up Clay Sartain’s sac fly. Rickey Noland would then double to the left center gap pushing Williams to third. Then on a 0-2 count West sent Matt Gibson’s curveball screaming over the centerfield wall setting the final margin, 4-0.

West finished the game 2-for-4 with a homerun (8) and three RBIs. Patrick Williams’ 2-for-4 with a run scored rounded out the Statesman at the plate.

Picking up the win was starter Justin Smith (8-2). In eight innings of work, the Ridgeland native didn’t allow a run on seven hits with three strikeouts.

Taking the loss for the Reddies was starter Jason Bailey (3-7). In 7.2 innings, Bailey surrendered three runs on six hits while striking out four.

Josh Guy’s 2-for-4 day led Henderson at the plate.

In game one, DSU finally put a run on the board, in the top of the fourth, when Jareck West scored on a single to left by Derek Norris.

Delta State would push the score to 2-0 in the top of the sixth when West would send a 1-1 fastball deep over the left field fence for his seventh homer on the season.

The Statesmen would score one run in the seventh and the eighth before opening the flood gates for three runs in the top of the ninth highlighted by Chris Clark’s two run triple to left.

For the game the DSU was led at the plate by West’s 3-for-5 performance with an RBI and a homerun. Designated hitter Derek Norris was solid as well going 4-for-4 with an RBI.

Starter Brett Durand (8-1) would hurl the complete game allowing one run on nine hits with eight strikeouts.

Taking the loss for the Reddies was starter Josh Fleming (2-9). In eight innings of work, the Ashdown, Ark. native gave up four runs on 11 hits while striking two.

Catcher David Purcell led HSU at the plate going 3-for-4 with three doubles and an RBI.

The Statesmen return to action Saturday at Henderson State. The first pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at Clyde Berry Field.

 

April 4, 2007

Diamond Statesmen blast Crusaders 13-0; Three DSU pitchers combine on two-hit shutout
By Jim Ervin, Baseball Contact

• Box Score: Statesmen 13 - Crusaders 0  

CLEVELAND (Ferriss Field) - The Diamond Statesmen racked up 13 runs on 13 hits including two homeruns to send the Crusaders of William Carey home reeling in a game shortened due to the 10-run rule Wednesday at Ferriss Field. With the win, thirteenth-ranked Delta State improves to 30-9 on the season while William Carey falls to 17-20.

The Statesmen biggest inning came in the sixth, with the men in green plating six runs on four hits highlighted by Chris Clark’s first homerun on the season to deep right field.

Leading the way at the plate for the Statesmen was Jareck West. The Cincinnati, Ohio native was 2-for-5 with a homerun and three RBI. Clay Sartain’s 2-for-4 with two RBI and a run scored rounded out DSU’s day at the plate.

Picking up the win for Delta State was sophomore starter Korey Cunningham (2-0). In four innings of work, the Clinton native allowed no hits or runs while striking out two.

Taking the loss for William Carey was starter Derek Thompson (2-4). In 2.2 innings, Thompson allowed four runs on four hits with five walks and a strikeout.

The Statesmen return to action Friday at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Ark. The first pitch is scheduled for noon.

April 4, 2007

Diamond Statesmen climb in latest national rankings

• Collegiate Baseball Newspaper Top 30
• National Collegiate Baseball Writers Poll

CLEVELAND - The Statesmen (29-9, 6-3 Gulf South Conference) of Delta State University continue to climb in the national rankings after posting a 4-1 record last week. Delta State moved to No. 13 in the latest Collegiate Baseball Newspaper Top 30 Poll after holding down the No. 14 spot last week. The Statesmen also climbed to No. 18 in the National Collegiate Baseball Writer’s Poll. DSU was No. 19 in last week’s poll.

The Statesmen are back in action this Friday and Saturday at Henderson State University. Friday’s doubleheader is slated to begin at 12 p.m. with Saturday’s single game set for 1 p.m. All three games will be broadcast on the Statesmen Baseball Network beginning 15 minutes before the start of each game. Matt Jones and Keith Latham have the call.

April 3, 2007

Delta State shortstop Devin Goodwin named GSC Player of the Week

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Delta State University sophomore shortstop Devin Goodwin has been named the Gulf South Conference West Division Player of the Week for the period ending Sunday, April 1 by the league office.  It is the first Player of the Week honor in Goodwin’s career and the first for the Statesmen this season. 

Goodwin, a 5-foot-10, 185-pound sophomore from Demopolis, Ala., batted .474 in five games last week for Delta State University. The sophomore was a combined five-for-seven with three runs, an RBI and a double in a mid-week tilt with East Division rival Montevallo. Goodwin gave DSU the boost it needed in Saturday’s opening win over Harding, going three-for-five with five RBIs, two runs, a triple and a home run. For the week, Goodwin plated five runs and drove in eight more on nine hits.

April 3, 2007

Statesmen versus Delta Devils rescheduled for Itta Bena

CLEVELAND – Delta State University head baseball coach Mike Kinnison announced Tuesday that the Statesmen will travel to Itta Bena on April 10 to face the Delta Devils of Mississippi Valley State University.  Game time is set for 6:00 p.m.  The game was originally scheduled for April 11 at Trustmark Park in Jackson. 

April 1, 2007

Rayborn tosses complete game in Delta State's 6-3 win over Harding; Win moves Rayborn into fifth place all-time

• Game 3 Box: Statesmen 6 - Bisons 3

CLEVELAND (Ferriss Field) - Clay Sartain’s three run blast in the bottom of the sixth proved to be insurmountable as the fourteenth-ranked Statesmen would go on to win 6-3 over the Bisons of Harding University Sunday at Ferriss Field. With the win, Delta State improves to 29-9, 6-3 Gulf South Conference while Harding falls to 22-16, 1-8 GSC.

The Statesmen would finally get on the board in the bottom of the sixth. After two straight walks to Hunter Jobes and Patrick Williams, Clay Sartain would unload on the Justin Phillips offering sending it screaming into the left field deck.

In the seventh, DSU added two runs on an RBI double by Jobes and a Williams’ single to push the Statesmen lead to 5-1. A single by Chris Clark in the bottom of the eighth would send home Chase Herrin making the final score 6-3.

For the game, the Statesmen were led at the plate by sophomore second baseman Clay Sartain. The Horn Lake native finished the day 2-for-4 with a homerun and three RBI. Hunter Jobes had a solid day as well going 2-for-2 with a double and an RBI.

Senior starter Rusty Rayborn (4-2) pitched the complete game allowing three runs on seven hits with three strikeouts. Rayborn’s victory was the 26 th of his career, moving him into fifth place all time at DSU.

Taking the loss for the Bisons was starter Justin Phillips (6-3). In six innings of work, Phillips gave up three runs on five hits with six strike outs.

Leading the way at the plate for Harding was Devin Watts. For the day, Watts was 1-for-4 with a solo homerun.

The Statesmen return to action Wednesday versus the Crusaders of William Carey University. The first pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m.

March 31, 2007

Statesmen blast Bisons 15-5 and 10-2

• Game 1 Box: Statesmen 15 - Bisons 5
• Game 2 Box: Statesmen 10 - Bisons 2

CLEVELAND (Ferriss Field) - The 14th-ranked Statesmen (28-9, 5-3 Gulf South Conference) of Delta State University scored a combined 25 runs on 28 hits in a GSC doubleheader sweep of the Bisons (22-15, 1-7 GSC) of Harding University on Saturday at Ferriss Field. Delta State claimed game one 15-5 and game two 10-2.

Delta State junior right-hander Brett Durand, the reigning GSC West Division Pitcher of the Week, tossed his fourth complete game and recorded 11 strikeouts in the Statesmen’s 15-5 victory in game one of Sunday’s doubleheader. The Denham Springs, La., native worked eight innings allowing five earned runs on 10 hits with three walks. The 11 strikeouts were a new season-high for Durand and the Statesmen.

Harding jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead in the top of the first on Devin Watts’ two-run home run to right field.

In the bottom of the first, Rickey Noland’s RBI and Jareck West’s two-RBI double to right-center gave the Statesmen the lead 3-2.

The Bisons put two runs on the board in the top of the second on an RBI double by Jake Fisher to left to put Harding up 4-3.

The Statesmen went quietly in the second, but erupted for seven runs in the bottom of the third to take a 10-4 lead. Delta State would take a 13-4 lead in the fourth on Devin Goodwin’s three-run home run to left.

Harding made it 13-5 in the sixth on Dare Saul’s RBI single to left.

The Statesmen put it away for good in the bottom of the eighth. Rickey Noland led off the inning with a double to right. Chris Clark’s RBI single to right plated Noland for a 14-5 lead. On the very next pitch Devin Goodwin blasted a triple to right center scoring Clark to end the game 15-5.

Goodwin led the Statesmen with a 3-for-5 afternoon with two extra-base hits and five RBI. Chris Clark’s 3-for-5 performance with two RBI and three runs scored rounded out DSU at the plate.

Much like game one, game two saw the Statesmen score double digit runs to back up an outstanding pitching performance by starter Justin Smith. For the game, DSU would score 10 runs on 12 hits including three homeruns.

The fifth inning would see the Statesmen do the most damage. After Patrick Williams and Clay Sartain led off with back-to-back singles, Rickey Noland would step to the plate and send the 1-1 fastball deep over the leftfield fence giving Delta State the 7-2 lead.

Williams and Sartain would single in the sixth setting up the three run blast by Jareck West. West’s homerun would prove to be the proverbial nail in the coffin as the Statesmen would win 10-2.

West’s 3-for-3 day with a triple and a homerun would lead DSU at the plate. Noland would finish 2-for-4 with a homerun and three RBI.

Justin Smith (7-2) would pitch the entire game giving up one earned run on 10 hits while striking out two.

Taking the loss for the Bisons was starter Michael Skinner (1-5). In four innings of work, Skinner would allow five earned runs on seven hits while striking out only one.

Designated hitter Matthew Stevens led Harding at the plate going 2-for-3 with one RBI.

The Statesmen and Bisons will close the three game series Sunday at 2 p.m. at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field. The game will be broadcast on the Statesmen Baseball Network. Matt Jones and Keith Latham have the call.

March 28, 2007

Statesmen to host Bisons in key GSC series this weekend at Dave "Boo" Ferriss Field

• Week 3 Release: Bisons at Statesmen

CLEVELAND - The 14th-ranked Statesmen (26-9, 3-3 GSC) of Delta State University host the Bisons (22-13, 1-5 GSC) of Harding University this Saturday and Sunday at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field for a key three-game league series in Cleveland. Saturday's doubleheader is slated for 3 p.m. with Sunday's single game at 2 p.m.

The Statesmen are in the midst of a 10 game home stand and have claimed wins in four of their last five games, including last weekend’s sweep of Christian Brothers.

Delta State split a midweek series with 24th-ranked Montevallo at Ferriss Field on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Statesmen won game one 7-5 with the Falcons taking game two 8-3.

Harding comes in off a midweek sweep of Crichton College in Millington, Tenn. at USA Stadium. The Bisons won game one 5-3 and game two 5-2.

This weekend’s series will mark the 25th-27th meetings between the GSC foes. Delta State leads the all-time series 21-3, including a sweep last season at Harding in Searcy, Ark.

Tune In: All of Delta State’s remaining baseball games will be broadcast on the statewide Statesmen Sports Network. Matt Jones (7th season) handles the play-by-play with analysis from Keith Latham (1st season). All broadcasts start 15 minutes prior to first pitch with the SouthGroup Insurance Dugout Report.

Up Next: The Statesmen return to Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field for a single game, midweek series with William Carey this Wednesday at 4 p.m.

March 28, 2007

Falcons hand Statesmen 8-3 loss Wednesday at Ferriss Field
By Jim Ervin, Baseball Contact

• Falcons 8 - Statesmen 3 Box Score

CLEVELAND - Montevallo first baseman Daniel Tankersley’s 2-for-5 day with a double and home run led the Falcons to an 8-3 victory over the Statesmen Wednesday at Ferriss Field. With the win, the twenty-fourth ranked Falcons move to 26-10 on the season while the fourteenth-ranked Statesmen fall to 26-9.

Jeremy Joyce (4-3) earned the win for the Falcons. In six innings pitched, Joyce gave up two runs on eight hits with no strike outs.

Taking the loss for DSU was starter Chris Weast (4-2). In two innings of work, the Star City Ark. native gave up four runs on six hits with a walk and a strikeout.

Leading the way at the plate for the Statesmen was catcher Rickey Noland. The Denham Springs, La. native finished 2-for-4 with a double and a solo home run. Shortstop Devin Goodwin was a solid 3-for-4 with a double and a run scored.

The Statesmen return to action Saturday versus the Bisons of Harding University. The GSC doubleheader is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field.

March 27, 2007

Statesmen earn key region win 7-5 over Falcons
By Jim Ervin, Baseball Contact

• Statesmen 7 - Falcons 5 Box Score

CLEVELAND - The fourteenth-ranked Statesmen used a four run fifth inning to squeak past the Falcons of the University of Montevallo 7-5 Tuesday night. With the win Delta State improves to 26-8 on the season while Montevallo falls to 25-10.

After falling behind 4-2 in the top of the fifth, the Statesmen exploded for four runs on four hits and three Montevallo errors. Senior Chris Weast’s double to leftfield drove in Devin Goodwin from third while Hunter Jobes’ double on the very next pitch sent Weast home. After advancing to third on a wild pitch, Jobes would trot home on a throwing error by the Falcon pitcher. Clay Sartain’s single to leftfield would drive home Patrick Williams from third to round out the scoring and give the Statesmen a 6-4 lead.

Jobes finished the day 3-for-4 with double and a homerun to go along with three RBI.

Picking up the win in relief of starter Robert Tucker was senior Kyle Ozbun (3-0). The Webb City, Mo. native hurled 4.1 innings allowing one run on three hits while striking out six. Delta State ace Brett Durand would enter with two outs and a 2-0 count in the ninth on pinch hitter Francisco Perez and pick up the save after getting the strike out to end the game.

Taking the loss for the Falcons was reliever Garrett Mims (3-2). In 3.2 innings, he would allow one run on three hits while collecting five strike outs.

Leftfielder Brantly Clay would lead Montevallo at plate going 2-for-4 with two RBI.

Game two is Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field.

March 27, 2007

Delta State’s Brett Durand tabbed GSC West Pitcher of the Week for third time  

CLEVELAND— Delta State University junior right-hander Brett Durand has been named the Gulf South Conference West Division Pitcher of the Week for the period ending Sunday, March 25.  It is the third honor the season for Durand and the Statesmen. 

Durand is Delta State’s first three-time winner of the GSC West Division Pitcher of the Week award since the league began splitting the honor among the Divisions in 1998. Durand, a junior from Denham Springs, La., tossed his fourth complete game of the season, scattering two hits with one walk and three strikeouts as the Statesmen snapped a four-game skid, blanking CBU, 10-0.

This season, Durand has posted a 6-1 mark with a 2.17 ERA.  In 58.0 innings pitched, the hard-throwing right-hander has allowed 15 runs (14 earned) on 45 hits with 14 walks and a GSC-leading 61 strikeouts.  Opponents are batting just .212 against him this year. 

March 21, 2007

UWA Tigers slide past 17th-ranked Statesmen 5-1
By Jim Ervin, Baseball Contact

PEARL (Trustmark Park) - The Tigers of West Alabama scored four of their five runs in the bottom of the first as they cruised to a 5-1 victory over the seventeenth-ranked Statesmen at Trustmark Park in Pearl.

With the loss, DSU falls to 22-8 on the season while West Alabama moves to 19-9.

Sophomore catcher Derek Norris connected on a solo homer in the top of the eighth to put the only Statesman run on the board. The Seminary native led the way at the plate going 1-for-2 while centerfielder Jareck West went 1-for-3 to round out DSU at the plate.

On the mound, the Statesmen were led by sophomore Corey Cunningham. In five innings of relief the Clinton native allowed only two Tiger hits and struck out one.

Senior right-hander Robert Tucker (2-1) took the loss for the Statesmen. Tucker pitched one inning allowing four runs on three hits.

Leftfielder Dallas Rogers went 2-for-4 with two RBI to lead the Tigers at the plate.

Tiger starter Charles Kelley went seven strong innings allowing one run on two hits to pace the Tigers.

Delta State will host Christian Brothers in a key Gulf South Conference series this Saturday and Sunday at Dave "Boo" Ferriss Field. Saturday's doubleheader is slated for a 3 p.m. first pitch with Sunday's game set for 2 p.m.

March 18, 2007

Tigers complete sweep of Statesmen with 9-3 win
By Jim Ervin

Arkadelphia, Ark.- The tenth-ranked Delta State baseball team dropped a third straight game to the twelfth-ranked Tigers of Ouachita Baptist Sunday 9-3. With the loss, the Statesmen fall to 22-7 (0-3, GSC) while the Tigers improve to 26-2 (3-0, GSC) on the season.

The Tigers struck first in the bottom of the first when Jeremy Haworth’s single to right drove in one run from third.

A bases clearing double by Brock McCorkle scored two more in the bottom of the second to put the Ouachita up 3-0.

The Statesmen would finally get on the board in the third on a single to center that plated J.T. Taylor from second.

After leading off the fourth with a single, Jareck West would score on a single to right by Chris Clark cutting the Tiger lead to one, 3-2.

In the Tiger half of the inning, David Fischer’s single to center plated two more before Chance Beasley stepped to the plate and sent the Rusty Rayborn’s offering over the left field fence pushing the home team’s lead to 7-2.

OBU would add another run in the bottom of the eighth on a two out single to right by Jim Streicher that brought in the base runner from second.

The Tigers would push another run across in the eighth on a fielder’s choice to the Statesmen first baseman Clark making the score 9-3.

The Statesmen were led at the plate by Chris Clark. The Paducah, Ky. native was 1-for-3 with two RBI. Cincinatti, Ohio native Jareck West finished the game 2-for-3 with double while Rickey Noland was 2-for-4.

The Tigers leading hitter was leadoff man David Fischer. He finished the game 2-for-4 with two RBI.

Picking up the win for Ouachita Baptist was Kody Gibson (5-0).

The Statesmen are back in action on Wednesday versus West Alabama at Trustmark Park. Game time is set for 6:30 p.m.

March 17, 2007

12th-ranked Tigers take two from 10th-ranked Statesmen 4-6, 1-2
By Jim Ervin, Baseball Contact

• Game 1 Box: OBU 6 - DSU 4
• Game 2 Box: OBU 2 - DSU 1

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. - The tenth-ranked Delta State baseball team dropped two games, 4-6 and 1-2, to the twelfth-ranked Ouachita Baptist University Tigers Saturday at Rab Rodgers field in Arkadelphia, Ark. The Tigers improve to 25-2 overall and 2-0 in the GSC, while the Statesmen drop to 22-6 and 0-2 in league play.

In game one, the Statesmen did all of their scoring in the sixth and the ninth innings. After a single to left by Jareck West, designated hitter Derek Norris cranked a two run home run over the left field wall to put DSU up 2-0 in the sixth.

The Tigers would tie it up with two of their own in the bottom of the inning on a pair of seeing-eye singles.

In the ninth, Patrick Williams would single, driving in Goodwin from second to give DSU a 3-2 lead. Rickey Noland drove in the final run of the game for the Statesmen on an error by the Tiger’s second baseman to put DSU up 4-2 headed into the bottom of the inning.

The lead would be short-lived. After the first two Tiger batters reached base in the bottom of the inning, OBU senior third baseman Jeremy Haworth (5) smashed Brett Durand’s 1-2 fastball over the left center fence for the walk-off victory 6-4.

For the game, Delta State was led at the plate by Derek Norris. The Seminary native was 1-for-4 with a homerun and two RBI. Paducah, Ky. native Chris Clark was 2-for-3 with a double, while Hunter Jobes finished 2-for-5.

In the loss, Statesmen pitcher Brett Durand (5-1) threw the complete game scattering 10 hits while striking out 10.

Jeremy Haworth (3-1) earned the victory for the Tigers in relief of Keith Barrett. The Edmond, Okla., native pitched 0.2 of an inning only giving up one hit. Not only did Haworth pick up the win, but he was 2-for-5 at the plate with four RBI including the game winning three run homer.

In game two, DSU put their lone run of the game up in their half of the first on three hits highlighted by Rickey Noland’s single to leftfield that drove Williams in from third.

The Tigers did their damage in the bottom of the fifth on a sacrifice fly by Chance Beasley that drove in a run and a single by Jeremy Haworth that drove in the other.

Noland’s 1-for-3 effort with an RBI paced the Statesmen along with 1-for-3 showings by Patrick Williams and Chris Clark.

Starter Justin Smith (5-2) took the loss after going five innings giving up two earned runs on four hits with two strike outs.

Zach Wilbanks (5-0) picked up the win for the Tigers after going 6.1 innings giving up one earned on six hits with two strikeouts. Closer Robert Huddleston also picked up his third save on the season after finishing the last 0.2 of the seventh.

The Statesmen and Tigers will conclude the series Sunday at 1 p.m.

March 14, 2007

10th-ranked Statesmen sweep away the 7th-ranked Wildcats 15-6
By Jim Ervin, Baseball Contact

• Box Score

CLEVELAND - The tenth-ranked Statesmen used a seven run eighth inning to complete the series sweep over the seventh-ranked Wildcats of Abilene Christian 15-6 Wednesday afternoon at Ferriss Field. Delta State pushes their record to 22-4 with an 11 game winning streak while Abilene Christian falls to 19-5.

The Statesmen started things off scoring three runs in the bottom of the first keyed by Rickey Noland’s bases-clearing triple. DSU would add two runs in their half of the third on back-to-back solo home runs from Jareck West and Noland.

Devin Goodwin would connect for his first home run on the year in the fourth collecting two RBI and pushing the Statesmen lead to 7-0.

After adding one run in the bottom of the seventh, the eighth saw the flood gates open as the Statesmen would add seven runs on eight hits and one Wildcat error. The highlight of the inning came when third baseman Patrick Williams’ bases loaded double to right field cleared the bases giving him three RBI for the game.

Leading the way at the plate for the Statesmen was junior catcher Rickey Noland. The Denham Springs, La. native was 4-for-5 with a double, homerun and five RBI. Senior third baseman Patrick Williams, of Crystal Springs, finished the day 2-for-5 with a double and three RBI. Dyersburg, Tenn. native J.T. Taylor wrapped up hitting for the Statesmen going 2-for-3 with an RBI.

Senior pitcher Chris Weast (3-1) hurled six strong innings giving up one earned run on four hits while striking out two. After appearances by three Statesmen relievers, closer Cesar Rodriguez came in and finished things up. The Miami, Fla. native pitched a no-hit ninth striking out one with no walks.

The Wildcats were led at the plate by catcher Jordan Schmitt. The Dallas, Texas native was 2-for-4 with two RBI.

In the loss, Wildcat starter Brian Kennedy went three innings giving up seven earned runs on six hits while striking out three and walking two.

The Statesmen open up conference play this Saturday versus Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Ark. Game one of the doubleheader starts at noon at Rab Rodgers Field. The games will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network beginning at 11:45 a.m.

March 13, 2007

10th-ranked Statesmen defeat Wildcats 9-3

• Box Score

CLEVELAND - The tenth-ranked Statesmen claimed a 9-3 victory over the seventh-ranked Wildcats of Abilene Christian University Tuesday night at Ferriss Field. The win was the tenth in a row for the Statesmen and pushed their overall record to 21-4. The Wildcats fall to 19-4.

Delta State exploded in the bottom of the second for three runs on three hits led by Chris Clarks RBI single to centerfield and Devin Goodwin’s RBI double to the right center gap.

After adding one run in both the fourth and the fifth inning, the Statesmen added two runs in the seventh on Patrick Williams’ two-run homer to deep left field.

DSU added two runs in the eighth on a two RBI single to right fielder by Hunter Jobes.

The Statesmen were led at the plate by Chris Clark. The junior from Paducah, Ky. finished the night 2-for-3 with an RBI. Hunter Jobes was 1-for-3 with an RBI and Jareck West finished 1-for-3 with a double and an RBI.

Picking up the win for DSU was senior Robert Tucker. The Brooksville native pitched five strong innings giving up one earned run on four hits while striking out three. A combination of Cody Kelley, Kyle Ozbun, and Taylor Fleming threw the final four innings. Fleming’s no hit ninth with two strikeouts paced the Statesmen’s relievers.

Taking the loss for the Wildcats was Chris Wiman. The Little Elm, Tex. native threw six innings while giving up seven earned runs on seven hits and three walks.

The Statesmen and Wildcats square off again Wednesday at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field. The first pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.

March 11, 2007

Statesmen complete sweep of Setters with 6-1 victory
By Jim Ervin, Baseball Contact

• Box Score

CLEVELAND - For the third game in a row, the fourteenth-ranked Delta State University baseball team’s starting pitching went the distance finishing the three game sweep of Pace University 6-1 on Sunday at Ferriss Field. The Statesmen extend their winning streak to nine while improving to 20-4 on the season. The Setters drop to 4-4.

DSU carried a 2-1 lead into the bottom of the sixth inning when Jareck West’s triple off the centerfield wall sent home Clay Sartain and Rickey Noland making the score 4-1.

After picking up one more run in the seventh on an error by Setter second baseman Adam Harwood, West would lead off the eighth with a line drive double to the leftfield corner. West would then advance to third on a ground out by pinch hitter Brent Davidson before walking home on a seeing eye single to right field by J.T. Taylor, pushing the Statesmen lead to five, 6-1.

West would lead the Statesmen at the plate going 2-for-4 with a double, triple, and two RBI. Also going 2-for-4 with an RBI was third baseman Patrick Williams.

Rusty Rayborn (3-1) picks up the win after tossing the complete game. The senior from Tylertown gave up one run on seven hits with seven strikeouts.

Leading the way for Pace was right fielder Neil Ross. The Cortland Manor, N.Y. native was 1-for-4 with one RBI.

Taking the loss was Setter starter Nicholas Demeo (0-1). In six innings pitched, the Farmingville, N.Y. native gave up two earned runs on six hits.

The Statesmen are back in action Tuesday against the ninth-ranked Wildcats of Abilene Christian University. The first pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field.

March 10, 2007

Statesmen squeak by Setters 5-4
By Jim Ervin, Baseball Contact

• Box Score

CLEVELAND - In what can best be described as a nail biter of a ballgame, the fourteenth-ranked Delta State baseball team held on to win its second game in as many days against a feisty Pace University squad 5-4. The win pushed the Statesmen to 19-4 on the season, while dropping the Setters to 4-3.

After the Setters jumped on the board in the top of the first inning 1-0, the Statesmen put two runs of their own up when Rickey Noland slammed a double off the right field wall sending home Patrick Williams and Clay Sartain.

After Pace tied the game in the top of the third, DSU would again have an answer when Noland’s double to deep left field would allow Sartain to score from second, putting the Statesmen up 3-2.

The Setters would once again take the lead in the top of the fourth, 4-3, on a wild pitch by starter Justin Smith and a perfectly executed suicide squeeze bunt by leadoff hitter Andre Liscinsky.

In the fifth, the Statesmen would take the lead for good on a sacrifice fly to left field by Chris Clark and a bases loaded walk to J.T. Taylor.

Leading the way at the plate for DSU was junior catcher Rickey Noland. The Denham Springs, La. native was 2-for-2 with two doubles and three RBI. Junior Clay Sartain was 3-for-3 with two runs scored while junior leftfielder J.T. Taylor was 1-for-3 with one RBI.

Junior hurler Justin Smith went the distance giving up four runs on eight hits while striking out four.

Leading the way for the Setters was catcher Chris Brown. The junior from West Kingston, RI was 2-for-4 with a run scored.

Taking the loss for Pace was starter Dustin Corbett. The junior right hander went five and-a-third allowing five earned runs on eight hits with five strikeouts.

The Statesmen and Setters conclude the three game series Sunday at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field. The first pitch is scheduled for 11:00 a.m.

March 9, 2007

Durand pitches 14th-ranked Statesmen past Setters 8-5 By Jim Ervin, Baseball Contact

• Box Score

CLEVELAND - The fourteenth-ranked Delta State baseball team came from behind in a thrilling fashion to win its seventh game in a row against Pace University 8-5 on Friday at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field. With the win, the Statesmen move to 18-4 on the season while the Setters fall to 4-2.

The Statesmen finally got on the board in the bottom of the third inning when Clay Sartain singled to centerfield scoring Rickey Noland from third. Noland led off the inning with a double to deep left centerfield.

Hunter Jobes added to more runs in the bottom of the fourth when his single to centerfield scored Jareck West from third and Chris Clark from second.

Pace would grab a two run lead in the seventh scoring five runs on four hits and one Statesmen error. Statesmen pitcher Brett Durand would keep his composure eventually getting the inning ending ground ball to shortstop Devin Goodwin.

Delta State ’s half of the seventh would see yet another momentum swing as the Statesmen would score four runs of their own. Chris Weast’s frozen rope off the glove of Setter third baseman Matt Arburr allowed Jareck West to easily score from second base. Jobes collected two more RBI on a single to left field that sent Weast and Clark home. After Jobes advanced to third on a balk by pitcher Mike Mastrogiovani, Patrick Williams would single to leftfield sending Jobes home for the final Statesman run of the inning.

The Statesmen would score their final running of the evening when Devin Goodwin would walk home after a past ball by Setter catcher Chris Brown.

Jobes led the way at the plate for the Statesmen. The Southaven native finished the day 3-for-5 with four RBI. Catcher Rickey Noland was 2-for-3 with two doubles as well.

Pitching the complete game for DSU was junior Brett Durand (5-0). The Denham Springs, La. native gave up four earned runs, scattered seven hits and struck out nine while throwing over 130 pitches.

Leading the way at the plate for Pace was Matt Arburr and Chris Brown. Each man would finish 2-for-4 with an RBI.

The Statesmen and Setters square off again on Saturday at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field. The first pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.

March 6, 2007

14th-ranked Statesmen down Crusaders 7-5
By Jim Ervin, Baseball Contact

HATTIESBURG - The fourteenth-ranked Delta State baseball team survived a ninth inning rally by William Carey to claim a 7-5 victory Wednesday in Hattiesburg. With the win, the Statesmen move to 17-4 on the season while the Crusaders fall to 7-12.

The game remained scoreless until the top of the third when a sacrifice fly to right field by Clay Sartain scored left fielder J.T. Taylor from third base. Sophomore catcher Derek Norris would push the score to 2-0 on a line drive single to left that scored Hunter Jobes from third base as well.

After scoring one run in the fourth, the Statesmen would push the lead to 6-2 in the top of the sixth, starting with bases a loaded wild pitch by Crusader pitcher Matt Carter that scored third baseman Ronny Hawley. Norris would once again step to the plate and collect two RBI on a single to left center scoring Devin Goodwin from third and Clay Sartain from second.

DSU only run of the seventh came on a wild pitch by Matt Sessions that scored designated hitter Brett Boykin who had reached on a triple to centerfield.

The Statesmen were cruising when in the bottom of the ninth the Crusaders would score three runs on a two out triple by right fielder Pat Burch. Statesmen closer Cesar Rodriguez would recover striking out second baseman Stephen Johnson to end the game.

At the plate the Statesmen were led by catcher Derek Norris. The Seminary native was 2-for-4 with three RBI. Shortstop Devin Goodwin was 3-for-5 with an RBI as well.

Senior pitcher Robert Tucker had his second good outing in a row after rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. The Brooksville picked up his second win on the season after pitching a solid four innings allowing one earned run on four hits while striking two. Chris Weast would pitch four innings not giving up a run on two hits with two strikeouts. Cesar Rodriguez would close out the ninth insuring the Statesmen victory.

Glen Williams picked up the loss for William Carey. The Natchez native pitched four innings allowing three runs with three strikeouts.

Right fielder Pat Burch’s 1-for-4 performance with three RBI paced the Crusaders.

The Statesmen return to action on Friday when they host the Setters of Pace University. The first pitch is scheduled for 6:30 at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field.

March 4, 2007

15th-ranked Statesmen complete sweep with 12-2 victory over Tigers

• Box Score

CLEVELAND - The 15 th ranked Delta State University baseball team (16-4) jumped out to a huge lead and cruised to a 12-2 victory Sunday over West Alabama (11-8) to complete the three-game sweep at Dave “Boo” Ferris Field. The win is the fifth straight for the Statesmen.

The Statesmen opened the floodgates early in the first inning after a three-up, three-down first half, knocking home half a dozen runs for a 6-0 lead. J.T. Taylor had the big hit in the first with a two-run triple to clear the bases.

Delta State went up 7-0 in the second on Jareck West’s RBI single to center scoring Clay Sartain.

A shut out looked possible for starter Rusty Rayborn (2-1), until Todd Rea hit a solo shot in the third for the first Tiger run in the game. The Statesmen answered with a run of their own in the bottom of the inning on Patrick Williams’ RBI single.

Delta State would add a single runs in the fourth and fifth innings to go up 9-1.

The Statesmen led 9-1 heading into the bottom of the fifth before Derek Norris doubled driving in a run. Chris Clark quickly followed with a two-RBI single to put the Statesmen up 12-1.

Corey Coward’s homerun in the top of the fifth doubled the Tigers score as they trailed 12-2 heading into the sixth.

The Statesmen closed the door in the sixth and Rayborn struckout the side in the seventh inning to complete the sweep.

Rayborn’s complete game was the first of the season for the senior from Tylertown. The right-hander tossed seven innings allowing just two runs off five hits with seven strike outs.

Clark finished the day 1-of-3 with a team high three RBI. Patrick Williams went 3-of-4 with one run scored and a stolen base. J.T Taylor went 2-of-3 with a double, triple and two RBI.

The Statesmen will travel to Hattiesburg on Wednesday to take on William Carey. The first pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. at Crusader Field.

March 3, 2007

Statesmen take two from Tigers on Saturday

CLEVELAND - The fifteenth-ranked Delta State University baseball team swept the first two games of a three game series with the University of West Alabama 9-2 and 2-1 Saturday at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field. The Statesmen improved to 15-4 on the season while the Tigers dropped to 11-7.

In game one action, the Statesmen were leading 7-1 when J.T. Taylor’s solo home run sailed over the right field wall to give Delta State an 8-1 lead. DSU would add another run late to make the final margin 9-2.

Brett Durand (4-0) got the win for the Statesmen after allowing one run on six hits in eight innings. The junior right-hander struckout nine in eight innings pitched. Brandon Wheeler took the loss allowing nine runs off eight hits in five innings for the Tigers.

With a one-two punch at the top of the order, Hunter Jobes and Patrick Williams were a combined 4-of-7 with four runs scored. Clay Sartain finished 2-of-2 with two RBI.

In game two, a single in the bottom of the seventh by centerfielder Jareck West followed by wild pitch and a sacrifice bunt set up shortstop Devin Goodwin for the game winning RBI. Goodwin’s fly ball to leftfield drove in West sending the Statesmen home with the 2-1 victory.

On the mound, junior Justin Smith (4-1) pitched the complete game to pick up the win. In seven innings, the Ridgeland native gave up one run on six hits with four strikeouts.

Clay Sartain led the Statesmen at the plate going 2-for-3 with an RBI. Devin Goodwin finished the day 1-for-3 with an RBI.

Tiger pitcher Stephen Barnett pitched the complete giving up two runs on five hits and six strikeouts.

Leading the way at the plate for the Tigers was Corey Coward. The Noxapater native was 1-for-2 with an RBI.

The Statesmen and Tigers wrap up the three-game set Sunday at 2 p.m.

February 27, 2007

15th-ranked Statesmen sweep midweek doubleheader from Saints

MONTGOMERY , Ala. - The 15th-ranked Delta State University baseball team swept a midweek doubleheader on Tuesday from the Saints of North Georgia College and State University 4-0 and 6-2 at Paterson Field in Montgomery, Alabama.

In game one, the Statesmen (13-4) took a one run lead in the bottom of the second and never looked back. DSU posted three more runs in the bottom of the fourth to capture the victory. The Saints (5-9) never got their offense untracked.

Centerfielder Jareck West led the way for DSU posting two runs on two hits with a double and second baseman Clay Sartain added a run on one hit. First baseman Chris Clark scored one run on two hits with two RBI and catcher Ricky Noland drove in a run on one hit.

Chris Weast (2-1) snagged the win, pitching five innings in relief of Robert Tucker. Weast gave up only three hits with five strikeouts. Tucker pitched a solid four innings in his first start coming off of Tommy John surgery.

Zach Black (0-3) took the loss for NGCSU allowing four runs on seven hits with one strikeout in four innings of work.

In game two, the Statesmen used timely hitting and solid pitching to defeat NGCSU 6-2.

Ronny Hawley led the way for the Statesmen with one hit and two RBI, while third baseman Patrick Williams had an RBI on one hit. Brett Boykin connected for a hit and an RBI and outfielder Hunter Jobes went 1-for-4 at the plate with an RBI and one stolen base. Clay Sartain went two for four for DSU, and Devin Goodwin connected for two hits in three plate appearances.

Korey Cunningham (1-0) earned the win for the Statesmen, giving up two runs on four hits with a strikeout in four innings. Cody Kelley pitched two innings in relief, giving up one hit one walk and a strikeout. Cesar Rodriguez closed the game in the seventh with one strikeout.

Caleb Copeland (0-1) took the loss for the Saints pitching 3.1 innings, giving up five runs on five hits with three strikeouts.

The Statesmen will host the University of West Alabama for a three game series this weekend at Dave “Boo’ Ferriss Field. Saturday’s doubleheader begins at 3 p.m. followed by Sunday’s single game at 2 p.m.

February 27, 2007

Delta State’s Brett Durand garners second GSC West Pitcher of the Week honor

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Delta State University junior pitcher Brett Durand was named the Gulf South Conference West Division Pitcher of the Week for the period ending Monday, Feb. 26.  It is the second honor Durand and the 15th-ranked Statesmen baseball team this year.

Durand, a 6-foot-2 right-handed transfer from LSU-Eunice, held No. 14 West Florida to just one run in seven innings Saturday, as the Statesmen earned their only victory of the three-game set, 10-1. The junior allowed seven hits but recorded nine strikeouts in the seven frames of work.  It was also Durand’s second victory this season over a member of the GSC.

The Denham Springs, La., native has posted a perfect 3-0 record this season in four starts.  In 26 innings pitched, Durand has allowed three earned runs on 20 hits with 30 strikeouts.  His 1.04 ERA ranks first among DSU starters and opposing batters are hitting just .215 against him this season.   

Durand and the Statesmen will face North Georgia University in a doubleheader on Tuesday in Montgomery, Ala., before hosting the University of West Alabama for a three game set this weekend at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field.  Saturday’s doubleheader is slated for a 3 p.m. start; while Sunday’s single game will begin at 2 p.m. 

February 25, 2007  

5th-ranked Statesmen drop heartbreaker in the ninth to 23rd-ranked Argonauts
By Jim Ervin, Baseball Contact

• Box Score

CLEVELAND – The fifth-ranked Delta State University baseball team (11-4) dropped a second one-run game in a row, 8-7, to the 23 rd-ranked Argonauts of the University of West Florida (12-4) Sunday at Pelican Park in Pensacola, Fla. The Argonauts claimed the series 2-1.

The Statesmen would get on the board first in the top of the first when Clay Sartain singled to drive in Patrick Williams who had reached on a double. After a base hit to right by Derek Norris, Chris Clark would single to left driving in Sartain from second base to put DSU on top 2-0.

The score wouldn’t change until a two RBI double by Argos first baseman Bo Williams in the bottom of the third to tie it up 2-2.

DSU would add a run in the fifth, sixth, and seventh pushing the lead to 5-2.

UWF’s three runs in the bottom of the seventh would tie the game for the second time.

In the top of the ninth, Norris would push the Statesmen back out to a two run lead on a two out double that plated both Sartain and J.T. Taylor. The lead wouldn’t last long as the Argos would rally for three runs in the bottom of the ninth to take the win.

At the plate, the Statesmen were led by Clay Sartain and Derek Norris. Sartain, a Horn Lake native, was 2-for-3 with two RBI; while Norris, a native of Seminary, was 2-for-5 with a double and two RBI as well. J.T. Taylor was 2-for-2 with a solo homerun and a double as well.

Williams would lead the Argos at the plate going 2-for-2 with a double, three walks and two RBI.

Statesmen starter Justin Smith would pitch six innings allowing three earned runs on four hits and four strikeouts, but the Ridgeland native would not factor in the decision. Taking the loss for DSU, however, was freshman reliever Cody Kelley (1-1).

Picking up the win for UWF is Phil Lawhorn. Lawhorn, a native of Virginia Beach, Va., pitched the final two innings allowing two runs on three hits with a strikeout.

The Statesmen are back in action Tuesday versus North Georgia State University in Montgomery, Ala. The first pitch is scheduled for noon at Paterson Field.

February 24, 2007

5th-ranked Statesmen and 23rd-ranked Argos split Saturday doubleheader at Pelican Park

Courtesy UWF Sports Information

PENSACOLA, Fla. - After 24th ranked West Florida (11-4) had their 10-game winning streak ended by fifth ranked Delta State (11-3) in game one of Saturday's double header, the Argonauts responded with an impressive 2-1 victory in the night cap at Pelican Park on the UWF campus.

The Statesmen open the second game similar to how the ended the first game, by pushing a run across the plate. Lead off hitter Hunter Jobes opened the game with a double to the left field warning track that West Florida leftfielder Jon Reed (Chesterfield, Va./ University of Virginia-Wise) almost caught. After a sacrifice bunt that advance Jobes to third, he would score a on a wild pitch on the next batter.

West Florida would respond in the bottom half of the third inning with two runs of their own. Lee Huggins (Bay Minnette, Ala./ Faulkner State C.C.) led off the inning with the Argonauts first triple of the season, which was a shot to the right center field gap. The next batter, Freshman Kyle Brown (Gulf Breeze, Fla./ Gulf Breeze H.S.), knocked Huggins in with a single to left field. Following a failed sacrifice bunt by Reed, which placed him on first base, a wild pitch and single off the bat of Peter Antoske (Olmsted Township, Ohio/ St. Edward HS) would drive in the eventual game winning run. Antoske's single was the 231st hit of his career, which ties him for most all-time in Argonaut history with West Florida Hall of Fame player Stephen Jackson.

The two run third inning is all West Florida pitching needed as the starting pitcher Brett McCullough (Cantonment, Fla./ Lipscomb University) and closer Phil Lawhorn (Virginia Beach, Va./ Pensacola Junior College ) did not allow another run.

McCullough (3-0) allowed only one run and three hits in 5.1 inning of work for his third win of the year. Lawhorn shut down the Statesmen allowing only two base runners, both walks, while striking out four batters in 1.2 innings of work for his second save of the season.

West Florida and Delta State will conclude their three game series tomorrow. Game time is set for 1 p.m. and fans can follow all the action at goargos.com using the live stats feature.

 

February 21, 2007

Big hits, solid pitching lead to 14-4 win over UAH for 5th-ranked Statesmen
By Jim Ervin, Baseball Contact

• Box Score

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - The fifth-ranked Delta State University baseball team defeated the University of Alabama at Huntsville 14-4 on Tuesday at Joe Davis Stadium.  With the win, the Statesmen (10-2) claim the series with the Chargers (8-5) two games to none. 

After falling behind in the bottom of the third 1-0, centerfielder Jareck West would score the only Statesmen run of the fourth on a single by leftfielder Chris Weast. 

In the fifth, West’s towering two-run blast to left and sophomore catcher Derek Norris’ solo shot to right would put DSU up for good. 

The Statesmen would push their lead to six, in the sixth, on a two RBI double to left by sophomore Clay Sartain following a fielder’s choice RBI to the shortstop by senior Patrick Williams.

In the seventh the Statesmen would explode for seven runs on six hits.  Junior firstbasemen Chris Clark singled to left driving in sophomore shortstop from second.  Senior third baseman Patrick Williams single would drive in Clark who had reached third on a Hunter Jobes fielder’s choice to the shortstop.  Clay Sartain’s single to right would drive in Jobes and West’s single up the middle pushed across Williams.  Goodwin would single to right driving in Norris who had reached on a throwing error by the third baseman. 

At the plate, the Statesmen were led by Jareck West and Clay Sartain.  West ended the day 2-for-3 with his second homerun of the season and three RBI.  Sartain continued his hot streak finishing 3-for-5 with two doubles and three RBI.  Devin Goodwin and Patrick Williams collected two RBI a piece, while Derek Norris’ second solo shot in as many days gives him two for the series. 

Clint Harrelson’s 2-for-5 day led UAH at the plate.

Junior Justin Smith and Freshman Cody Kelley’s solid efforts on the mound proved to be insurmountable.  In the start, Smith went four innings with three strike outs and one earned run.  Kelley started the fifth and pitched a scoreless three innings to get the win.  After senior Tyler Brewer kept things in check in the eighth, Taylor Fleming closed down the Chargers in the ninth.

Taking the loss for the Chargers was Matt Guisler (0-2).

The Statesmen next game will be versus the 23rd ranked Argonauts of the University of West Florida in Pensacola, Fla.  The first pitch is scheduled for noon Saturday.    

February 20, 2007

5th-ranked Statesmen blast Chargers 14-3
By Jim Ervin, Baseball Contact

• Box score

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - The fifth-ranked Delta State University baseball team picked up its fifth win in a row Tuesday with a 14-3 victory over the Chargers of the University of Alabama at Huntsville.  The Statesmen would play error free ball while collecting 17 hits and holding the Chargers to five on the afternoon. Delta State improved to 9-2 on the season, while UA-Huntsville dropped to 8-5.   

The Statesmen started the scoring in the top of the third when catcher Derek Norris stepped to the plate and sent an 0-2 pitch deep over the leftfield wall driving in Clay Sartain, who had reached on a walk. 
               
In the fourth, DSU would push three more runs across, highlighted by RBI singles from sophomore shortstop Devin Goodwin and senior third baseman Patrick Williams. 
               
The Statesmen would add another run in the fifth when senior leftfielder Chris Weast’s single to right center would drive in first baseman Chris Clark from second. 
               
In the sixth, Delta State would explode for five runs off of four hits and three Charger errors.  Junior centerfielder Jareck West and junior rightfielder Hunter Jobes each would have RBI singles in the inning. 
               
The only run of the seventh for the Statesman would come at the hands of West as he would club his first homerun of the season.
               
After junior J.T. Taylor walked to start the ninth and Goodwin’s single advanced him to third, junior Matthew Little’s single down the leftfield line would drive in the final two runs on the day for the Statesmen.
                 
West, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, would finish the day going 4-for-5 with a homerun and two RBI.  Demopolis Ala. native Devin Goodwin would end the game 3-for-6 with two doubles and three RBI. 
               
Leading the way at the plate for the Chargers was leftfielder Will Evans.  The senior from Terry ended 2-for-4 with a run scored. 
               
On the mound, DSU was led by senior Kyle Ozbun (2-0).  After entering in relief of starter Korey Cunningham in the fourth, Ozbun would allow only one hit while striking out two over 4.2 innings of work.  Kody Bumpous worked the ninth for the Statesmen.
               
Freshman Chase Brewington (0-1) would take the loss for the Chargers after allowing five earned runs on seven hits in 3.1 innings n the mound.  . 
               
The Statesmen and Chargers will conclude the series with a single game Wednesday at 1 p.m. at Joe Davis Stadium. 

February 20, 2007

Statesmen climb to fifth in latest Collegiate Baseball Newspaper Top 30 Poll
By Jim Ervin, Baseball Contact

CLEVELAND - After taking three straight from Northern Kentucky University this past weekend, the Delta State baseball team jumped three spots to number five in the current Baseball News.com poll. 

The University of Tampa (9-2) holds down the top spot, followed by California State at Chico (12-0) and Columbus State (10-1) tied at number three.  Fellow Gulf South Conference member Montevallo (10-2) holds steady at the four spot with Delta State (8-2) moving to number five.  Also representing the GSC in this week’s poll is the University of West Florida (10-3) at number 23. 

Up next for the Statesmen is the University of Alabama at Huntsville in Huntsville, Ala.  The first pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m. tomorrow at Pelican Park.  Game two of the midweek series is Wednesday at 1 p.m.

Click here for complete rankings.

February 18, 2007

Error in the 10 th gives 8 th-ranked Statesmen 9-8 win over 21 st-ranked Norse

CLEVELAND – It took 10 innings for the eighth-ranked Delta State University baseball team to put away the 21 st-ranked Norse of Northern Kentucky University 9-8 on Sunday at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field. The Statesmen plated the winning run in the bottom of the 10 th on an error by NKU left fielder Aaron Mentz, as the junior dropped Hunter Jobes’ deep fly to the wall allowing Chris Clark to score. The victory gave the Statesmen (8-2) the series sweep over the Norse (0-3).

The final three innings proved to be a see-saw affair between the two teams. Leading 4-2 going into the top the eighth, Northern Kentucky would plate three runs to take a 5-4 lead. The Statesmen would answer with three of their own to take a 7-5 advantage.

In the ninth, the Norse would take advantage of two Statesmen errors to score three runs to take an 8-7 lead. In the bottom of the inning, Delta State would tie the game and send it into extra innings on Patrick Williams’ RBI double to left center.

Delta State ’s Cesar Rodriguez would strikeout the side to send the Statesmen to the plate in the bottom of the inning. In the 10 th, Devin Good win would strikeout to begin the inning. Chris Clark followed with a double to right center. Chris Weast lined a shot off the pitcher for an infield single sending Clark to third. Hunter Jobes would come to the plate and with a 3-2 count drove a shot deep to right field. NKU’s Mentz would drop the ball on the warning track allowing Clark to score the winning run.

Cesar Rodriguez (1-0) picked the win in relief for the Statesmen. The Miami, Fla., native pitched three innings allowing three unearned runs with two walks and six strikeouts. Brett Durand started the game for the Statesmen pitching six innings allowing two earned runs on six hits with nine strikeouts. Cody Kelly (1.0) and Tyler Brewer (0.1) also pitched in relief.

Nathan Jones (0-1) was saddled with the loss for the Norse. Jones pitched 1.2 innings allowing two runs on three hits with a walk and three strikeouts.

Chris Clark recorded his best game to date for the Statesmen. The Paducah, Ky., native went 4-for-5 with a run scored, two doubles and four RBI. Patrick Williams, Rickey Noland, and Devin Goodwin all drove in a run for the Statesmen.

Chris Nann paced the Norse at the plate going 2-for-4 with two runs scored and two RBI.

The eighth-ranked Statesmen are set to begin a five game road swing starting next Tuesday and Wednesday with a two game series with the Chargers of the University of Alabama at Huntsville. Game one of the series is set for 2 p.m. on Tuesday with game two set for 1 p.m. on Wednesday at Joe Davis Stadium. Delta State will close the week with a three game series at the University of West Florida in Pensacola, Fla. Saturday’s doubleheader is slated for a 2 p.m. start with Sunday’s single game starting at 1 p.m. at Pelican Park.

February 17, 2007

8th-ranked Statesmen take two from 21 st-ranked Norse

CLEVELAND - The Delta State baseball team took the first two of a three game set with Northern Kentucky University this afternoon at Ferris Field. Behind solid hitting the Statesmen won the first game 14-2 before edging the feisty Norse 4-2 in the nightcap.

In game one action, the Statesmen wasted no time lighting up the scoreboard as junior rightfielder Hunter Jobes led off the bottom of the first with a solo homerun. At the plate, the Horn Lake native was 4-for-5 with an RBI including a homerun and two doubles. J.T. Taylor had a good day at plate as well, connecting on his first homerun of the season. The Dyersburg, Tenn. native’s blast over the right field wall drove in three pushing the Statesman lead to five. Also having his way at the plate was senior third baseman Patrick Williams. The Crystal Springs native was a perfect 3-for-3 with two RBI. Clay Sartain, Rickey Noland, and Kody Bumpous collected two RBI a piece to round out the Statesmen at the plate.

On the mound, starter Justin Smith (2-1) pitched a near flawless five innings. The junior from Ridgeland finished the game with five strikeouts and no walks while only surrendering one run on two hits. Junior Alex Love would pitch the six and seventh innings allowing one run on three hits while striking out three. Corey Cunningham and Kody Bumpous would finish up for the Statesmen not allowing a single hit over the last two innings.

Josh Bruns (0-1) would take the loss for the Norse. The senior lefty finished the day giving up five earned runs on seven hits.

In game two, senior Chris Weast (2-0) took the mound for the Statesmen and picked up right where game one left off. The Star City, Ark. native pitched a solid five innings giving up only one earned run on three hits with three strike outs. Seniors Taylor Fleming threw 0.2 innings before handing over the reigns to Tyler Brewer. The senior from Batesville picked up his first save on the season after pitching a scoreless seventh.

Senior Brian Beltz (0-1) was credited with the loss. The senior finished with five strikeouts to go along with four hits and two earned runs.

At the plate, DSU was led by sophomore Clay Sartain and junior Hunter Jobes. Sartain went 2-for-4 with a run scored while Jobes was 1-for-3 with an RBI. Junior Chris Clark was 1-for-3 with an RBI as well.

ame three of the series is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday at Ferriss Field.

 

February 16, 2007

8th-ranked Statesmen reschedule series with UAH

CLEVELAND – Coach Mike Kinnison announced Friday that the Delta State University baseball team has rescheduled the postponed series with the University of Alabama at Huntsville for February 20-21 in Huntsville.  The Statesmen and Chargers were originally scheduled to play February 13-14 at Joe Davis Stadium.  Inclement weather forced the postponement. Game one of the series will start at 2 p.m. on February 20 with game set for 1 p.m. the following day. 

February 15, 2007

8th-ranked Statesmen set for showdown with 21st-ranked Norse
By Jim Ervin, Baseball Contact

CLEVELAND - While the Delta State baseball team has amassed a 5-2 record this season, the Norse of Northern Kentucky University will be opening the 2007 campaign this weekend when they travel to Cleveland for a three game set with the Statesmen.  The Statesmen and Norse will be meeting for the first time in the regular season, but the third overall.  The teams split a pair of games during the 1981 NCAA Central Regional in Troy, Ala.  Northern Kentucky defeated the Statesmen in the opening game of the regional, but Delta State claimed revenge with a 16-12 victory in the semifinals.

Last season, Northern Kentucky finished with a 42-20-1 record claiming the Great Lakes Valley Conference championship for the third time in the last five years.  NKU closed out the 2006 season losing to Rockhurst 4-1 in the second round of the Northwest Regional in Allendale, Mich.    
               
NKU head coach Todd Asalon is counting on the nucleus of talent returning from last season’s championship squad to make another run at the GLVC and Northwest region titles.  Leading the way are senior shortstop Kory Lonergan and senior left-handed pitcher Josh Bruns, both of whom were first team All-GLVC performers in 2006.  Senior right-hander Matt Marksbury, a second team All-GLVC selection, will slide into the starting rotation strengthening an already impressive slate of pitchers. 
               
Lonergan proved to be one of the top offensive shortstops in the GLVC last season.  The Crestview Hills, Ky., native hit 10 doubles and drove in 26 runs while batting .292 last year.    
               
Bruns, a 2007 Rawlings/American Baseball Coaches Association NCAA Division II preseason All-American, posted an 8-2 record with a 2.86 earned run average in 2006.  The Versailles, Ohio native struck out 64 batters and walked 11 in 78.2 innings pitched. 
               
Not to be outdone, Marksbury, a native of Northwood, Ohio, finished 2006 with an impressive 2.09 ERA to go along with his 6-3 record.  He hurled two shutouts and while pitching 77.2 innings. 
               
The first pitch of the day one doubleheader is scheduled for noon Saturday at Dave “Boo” Ferris Field.  The series continues Sunday with a single game starting at 2:00 p.m.  Tickets are on sale now. 

February 13, 2007

Delta State's Brett Durand tabbed Gulf South Conference West Pitcher of the Week

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – After tossing seven innings of one hit, shutout baseball, Delta State University junior pitcher Brett Durand has been named the Gulf South Conference West Division Pitcher of the Week for the period ending Sunday, Feb. 11.  It is the first honor of the year for Durand and the Statesmen.

Brett Durand, a 6-foot-2 right-handed pitcher from Denham Springs, La., pitched seven shutout innings Sunday versus North Alabama in Delta State’s 10-0 victory.  It was his second consecutive victory of the season.  In the win, Durand allowed only one hit with three walks and seven strikeouts.  His only mistake came on a blooper to right field by UNA’s Ross Parker in the third inning. 

The hard-throwing right-hander has posted a perfect 2-0 record on the season.  In 13 innings pitched, Durand has not allowed a run scored on seven hits with five walks and 12 strikeouts.  Opposing batters are hitting a measly .163 against him. 

Durand and the eighth-ranked Statesmen (5-2) play host to 21st-ranked Northern Kentucky University (0-0) this weekend for a three game series at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field.  Saturday’s doubleheader is slated for 12 p.m. with Sunday’s single game set for a 2 p.m. start.               

February 13, 2007

Diamond Statesmen fall four spots to eighth in Collegiate Baseball Newspaper’s Top 30 Poll

TUCSON, Ariz. – Despite going 2-2 last week, the Statesmen (5-2) of Delta State University remained in the top 10 at No. 8 in the latest Collegiate Baseball Newspaper Top 30 Poll released on Monday, Feb. 12.  The Statesmen were ranked fourth in the Feb. 5 poll before losing to Belhaven and taking 2-of-3 from North Alabama.  This week Delta State received 368 poll points.

The Spartans of the University of Tampa (6-2), the defending NCAA DII national champs, and California State-Chico (9-0) tied for the top spot in the poll.  Both teams received 470 poll points.  Florida Southern (7-0) was third followed by the University of Montevallo (7-1) and Ashland College (0-0) in the top five. 

Columbus State (6-1) was sixth followed by Kutztown (4-0), Delta State, Georgia College and State (3-3), and Central Missouri State (1-1). 

Ouachita Baptist University (5-1) was the only other Gulf South Conference school in this week’s poll.  The Tigers broke into the rankings at No. 23.

The Statesmen will return to action on Saturday and Sunday versus No. 21 Northern Kentucky University.  The three game series will begin with a doubleheader at noon on Saturday followed by a single game Sunday at 2 p.m.  All three games will be played at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field.           

Click here for the complete rankings.

February 12, 2007

Statesmen-Chargers series postponed

CLEVELAND – Delta State University head baseball coach Mike Kinnison announced Monday that the mid-week series with the University of Alabama-Huntsville has been postponed.  The Statesmen and Chargers were set to meet at Joe Davis Stadium in Huntsville, Ala., Tuesday and Wednesday.  Due to the potential for inclement weather, both coaches agreed to postpone the series.  No make-up date has been set. 

The Statesmen will host Northern Kentucky University for a three game series Saturday and Sunday at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field.  Saturday’s doubleheader will begin at 12 p.m. with Sunday’s single-game following at 2 p.m.       

February 11, 2007

Durand and Statesmen claim 10-0 victory over UNA

CLEVELAND – For seven innings Sunday afternoon, Delta State’s Brett Durand (2-0) baffled North Alabama’s hitters for only one hit in the Statesmen’s 10-0 victory in a run-rule shortened game at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field.  The Statesmen improved to 5-2 on the season with the win and claimed the series 2-1.  The Lions fell to 3-4.

The story of the afternoon proved to be the right arm of Brett Durand.  The 6-foot-2 junior from Denham Springs, La., pitched seven innings allowing only one hit while striking out seven.  Durand’s only mistake came in the third on a blooper to right by UNA’s Ross Parker.

While Durand was in command on the mound, the Statesmen exploded for 10 runs on 11 hits.  DSU took a 1-0 lead in the first on Derek Norris’ RBI ground out to third.  The Statesmen would double the lead to 2-0 in the second when Chris Clark scored on Chris Weast’s RBI double to left center.

The Statesmen would go up 4-0 in the fifth on a two-RBI single by Clay Sartain scoring J.T. Taylor and Hunter Jobes. 

In the seventh, Delta State erupted for four runs on a series of extra-base hits.  J.T. Taylor started the inning with a single.  He would score on Hunter Jobes’ RBI triple to right center.  Sartain would add his third RBI of the day with a double to left center.  Derek Norris followed with an infield single advancing Sartain to third.  Rickey Noland would double to center to clear the bases and give DSU an 8-0 lead.

The Statesmen would claim the win with two additional runs in the eighth to run-rule the Lions. 

Durand earned his second-straight win for the Statesmen.  UNA’s Derrick Simpson (0-1) took the loss.  Simpson worked two innings allowing two earned runs on one hit with four walks.  DSU’s Taylor Fleming worked a perfect eighth inning of relief with one strikeout.

Clay Sartain had the big day at the plate for the Statesmen.  The sophomore from Horn Lake extended his hitting streak to five games with a 2-for-4 performance Sunday.  Sartain singled, doubled and drove in two runs.  Hunter Jobes went 2-for-2 with a triple, three runs scored and an RBI.  Rickey Noland posted a 1-for-4 day at the plate with a double and two RBI.  Chris Clark also had a pair of singles for the Statesmen. 

The Statesmen will travel to Alabama-Huntsville for a mid-week series in Huntsville, Ala.  Delta State and UAH will play a single game on Tuesday at 2 p.m. followed by a single game Wednesday at 1 p.m.  DSU will return to Ferriss Field next weekend, as the Statesmen host the University of Northern Kentucky.  Saturday’s doubleheader is scheduled for noon with a single game Sunday at 1 p.m.               

 

 

DIAMOND STATESMEN CLIMB TO FOURTH IN LATEST COLLEGIATE BASEBALL NEWS POLL
By Jim Ervin, Baseball Contact

CLEVELAND – The Delta State University baseball team jumped nine spots this week to number four in the latest Collegiate Baseball Newspaper Top 30 Poll.  This past weekend the Statesmen (3-0) swept Angelo State University (0-3) at Foster Field in San Angelo, Texas.

Holding down the top spot again this week is the defending NCAA Division II national champion Spartans of the University of Tampa.  The Spartans are off to a 3-1 start this season.  California State University-Chico (5-0), last year’s national runner-up, is second followed by Florida Southern College (3-0) at number three.   The Statesmen are fourth with Georgia College and State University (1-2) rounding out the top five. 

The eighth-ranked Falcons of the University of Montevallo are the only other Gulf South Conference program in this week’s rankings.  Ouachita Baptist University, North Alabama and Southern Arkansas are among the other school’s receiving votes. 

The Statesmen’s home opener is Wednesday, Feb. 7 versus Belhaven College.  Game time is set for 4 p.m. at Dave “Boo” Ferris Field in Cleveland.

For the complete poll, please click here.

 

February 4, 2007

Durand and 13th-ranked Statesmen post 6-0 shutout at Angelo State
By Jim Ervin, Baseball Contact

Game Three Box Score

SAN ANGELO , Texas – The 13 th-ranked Delta State University baseball team completed the three game sweep of the 33 rd-ranked Rams of Angelo State University with a 6-0 shutout on Sunday at Foster Field. The Statesmen improved to 3-0 on the season, while the Rams dropped to 0-3.

The Statesmen lit up the scoreboard in the top of the third inning on an infield RBI single by Ronnie Hawley diving in J.T. Taylor from third base. The scoring would not stop as a wild pitch from Ram hurler Joseph Key sailed to the backstop allowing Devin Goodwin to score from third as well.

The scoring would continue in the fourth as a sac fly by Chris Weast to right field drove in Hunter Jobes. Jobes had reached on a stand up triple to the left field gap.

After a double by Brett Davidson in the top of the sixth, an error by Ram second baseman Jimmy Cox off the bat of Clay Sartain allowed Davidson to easily score the fourth run of the day for the Statesman.

In the eigth, Davidson would leadoff with a single to right field. After sending in junior John Landon Ruscoe as a pinch runner, the Statesmen would add the fifth run on a double to the left field ally by Sartain. Jobes would reach on another error by Ram second baseman Cox advancing Sartain to third. Sartain would put the Statesmen up 6-0 after scoring on pinch hitter Chris Clark’s double play grounder to second.

Sophomore second baseman Clay Sartain led the Statesmen at the plate. The Horn Lake native was 1-for-4 collecting two RBI. Hunter Jobes, also a Horn Lake native, was 2-for-4 including a double and a triple. Ronnie Hawley would collect an RBI as well after going 1-for-4. Junior first baseman Brett Davidson went 2-for-4 and sophomore shortstop Devin Goodwin went 3-for-5 to round out the Statesmen hitting.

On the mound, junior Brett Durand (1-0) pitched a nearly flawless six innings to earn the win. The Denham Springs, La., native allowed six hits while striking out five and only walking two. Senior Chris Weast would move from leftfield to mound to start the seventh. Weast, a Star City, Ark., native, threw two innings of shutout baseball with two strikeouts and one walk. Cesar Rodriguez would pitch a hitless ninth for the Statesmen. The Miami, Fla., native would not surrender a hit while striking out two and walking one.

Clay Calfee went 3-for-4 to pace the Rams. Taking the loss was sophomore Joseph Key (0-1). Key pitched six innings while allowing two earned runs and eight hits with four strikeouts.

The Statesmen will open the home portion of their schedule on Wednesday, Feb. 7 versus Belhaven College. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field.

 

February 2, 2007 - By Jim Ervin

13th-ranked Statesmen blast 33rd-ranked Rams on Opening Day in San Angelo, Texas

DSU 20 - ASU 10 Game One Box
DSU 5 - ASU 1 Game Two Box

SAN ANGELO, Texas - The Diamond Statesmen opened the 2007 season in style with a 20-10 victory over the Rams of Angelo State University Saturday at Rams Stadium. The first game of the double header ended with the conclusion of the eighth inning due to the 10 run mercy rule agreed upon by both coaches prior to the game.

The Statesmen were led at the plate by senior third baseman Patrick Williams. The Crystal Springs native was 4-for-5 including two doubles with four RBI. Sophomore catcher Derek Norris also had a banner day going 3-for-4 with four RBI. The Seminary native smashed a two run homerun in the top of the sixth.

Senior leftfielder Chris Weast was 1-for-6 in the game. The Star City, Ark., native made it count, driving a bases clearing triple off the top of the leftfield wall while collecting two RBI. Other Statesmen having success were sophomore second baseman Clay Sartain and junior first baseman Brett Davidson. Sartain, a Horn Lake native, hit two doubles and collected three RBI while Davidson, of Evansville, Ind., was 3-for-6 with one RBI.

On the mound, starting pitcher Rusty Rayborn (1-0) earned the win after working a solid four innings. The senior from Tylertown surrendered three earned runs on eight hits with one strikeout while not allowing a walk.

Senior reliever Kyle Ozbun took over for Rayborn in the top of the fifth and pitched the next inning-and-a-third. The Webb City, Mo., native allowed two hits, two walks, and struck out three while facing eight batters. After a brief appearance by junior Alex Love, freshman Cody Kelley threw the next 1.2 innings striking out two, while allowing two hits. Senior Tyler Brewer finished out the game by striking out two of the final four batters after allowing just one hit.

Leading the way for the Rams was senior first baseman Nate Hemm. The Round Rock, Texas., native was 2-for-4 on the day with four RBI including a solo homer in the bottom of the fifth.

The Statesmen continued their winning ways in the nightcap, holding off the Rams to take the 5-1 victory. On the mound the Statesmen were led by junior Justin Smith. The Ridgeland native pitched five innings, striking out four while allowing only eight hits.

Chris Clark came in relief of Smith to start the sixth and picked up right where the lanky right-hander left off. In two innings, the junior sidearm slinger from Paducah Ky., struck out one while not giving up a walk or run.

Chris Weast’s day at the plate just kept getting better with a 2-for-2 performance with an RBI. Weast finished with two triples and four RBI. Designated hitter Derek Norris collected his fifth RBI on the day with a double in the second game. Senior third baseman Patrick Williams knocked in his fifth run of the day as well in his 1-for-3 performance in the nightcap.

Leading the way for Angelo State in game two was junior Steven Allred. The Midlothian Texas, native was 2-for-3 with the Rams’ only RBI of the game.

Taking the loss was sophomore pitcher Clay Calfee. The right-hander from Conroe Texas, struck out nine Statesmen hitters while only giving up five hits.

Game three of the weekend series is tomorrow at 1pm.

February 1, 2007

13th-ranked Statesmen set to open season at 33rd-ranked Angelo State

CLEVELAND - The Delta State University baseball team kicks off its season on the road this weekend, Feb. 3-4, in San Angelo, Texas as they take on the Rams of Angelo State University.

The 13th-ranked Statesmen have high expectations this season after bowing out early in last year’s Gulf South Conference tournament. Led by senior All-American pitcher Rusty Rayborn, the Statesmen pitching staff is one of the best in the nation. Rayborn, Robert Tucker and Chris Weast combined for 28 wins and just five losses in 37 starts in 2006.

This weekend’s series will feature a double-header Saturday starting at 1:00 p.m., with the third game of the series on Sunday at 1:00 p.m.

The Rams finished at the top of the Lone Star Conference South Division with a 16-4 conference mark, 41-16 overall. The Rams have pitching depth of their own, however. Seniors Elliot Love and Tommy Raferty combined for 17 wins for the Rams. Love went 9-5 in 14 starts with an ERA of 4.64. Raferty was 8-1 in 19 appearances, mostly in relief, with a 1.73 ERA, giving up just 12 runs in 52.0 innings of work.

Senior first baseman/outfielder Nate Hemm, a 2007 ABCA Preseason All-American, will lead the Rams at the plate. Last season, Hemm hit .421 and was second on the team with 54 RBIs.

January 31, 2007

DIAMOND STATESMEN PICKED TO CLAIM 14TH-STRAIGHT GSC WEST CROWN

CLEVELAND - The Diamond Statesmen of Delta State were once again picked as the favorite to win the West Division by a vote of the league’s coaches in the annual Gulf South Conference Baseball Preseason Coaches’ Poll released Tuesday, Jan. 30.  For the first time in six years the Statesmen were not picked to win the GSC Championship. 
           
The University of Montevallo ended the Statesmen’s six year run as the league’s pre-season favorite. The Falcons received five of a possible six first-place votes as the frontrunner in the East.
           
The Statesmen received five of seven possible votes as the coaches’ favorite in the West.  Southern Arkansas was picked second followed by Ouachita Baptist, Henderson State, Arkansas Tech, Christian Brothers, Harding, and Arkansas-Monticello.
           
Delta State begins the season ranked No. 13 in Collegiate Baseball Newspaper’s Preseason Top 40 Poll. Joining the Statesmen from the GSC are No. 5 Montevallo and No. 30 Ouachita Baptist.
           
Chris Weast, Rusty Rayborn and Robert Tucker were selected to the 2007 Pre-Season All-GSC team.  All three were named to the 2006 First or Second All-GSC Team. 
           
Rayborn, a GSC West Co-Player of the Year and First Team All-GSC selection, went 11-2 in 14 starts with nine complete games.  He struck out 74 with just 22 walks in 114.0 innings, and finished with an ERA of 1.89. For his efforts, Rayborn was named a Second Team All-American by the American Baseball Coaches Association, and the ABCA’s South Central Region Pitcher of the Year.  The 6-foot-2 pitcher from Tylertown was named to the 2007 ABCA Preseason All-American team as well.    

Weast, a 6-foot-2 senior from Star City, Ark., finished the 2006 season with a .305 batting average, 41 runs scored and 14 RBIs, and was third on the team with 10 stolen bases. Weast also had an 8-2 record on the mound in 11 appearances with a 3.44 ERA. 
           
Robert Tucker, a 2006 First Team All-GSC selection, posted a 9-3 record in 14 starts with a 2.63 ERA. The 6-foot-1 senior from Brooksville struck out 65 with 29 walks in 85.2 innings.
           
Juniors Chris Clark, a 6-foot infielder from Paducah, Ky.; Brett Durand, a 6-foot-2 pitcher from Denham Springs, La.; and Rickey Noland, a 6-foot-1 catcher from Denham Springs, La.; were all selected as “Top Newcomers” to the Gulf South Conference.
           
The Statesmen open the 2007 season Saturday, February 3 at Angelo State University.  The doubleheader is slated to begin at 1 p.m. 

 

January 8, 2007

STATESMEN RANKED NO. 13 IN COLLEGIATE BASEBALL NEWSPAPER'S PRESEASON TOP 30

CLEVELAND - The Delta State University baseball program has been ranked 13th in the first official poll of the season by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper released on December 26.  This marks the ninth straight time the swinging Statesmen appear in the poll to start the season.  
           
“Preseason rankings are obviously a good thing because it shows the respect that others have for your program,” said Statesmen skipper Mike Kinnison.  “Where we are at the end of the season will dictate how much we deserve.” 
           
Defending NCAA champions Tampa held down the top spot followed by Georgia College & St. and California State-Chico.  Florida Southern comes in at No.4 followed by fellow GSC member Montevallo. For the complete poll, please click here.
           
The Statesmen will begin the 2007 campaign February 3 at Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas.   

November 28, 2006

STATESMEN BASEBALL INKS SEVEN IN EARLY SIGNING PERIOD

CLEVELAND – Coach Mike Kinnison and the Delta State University baseball team announced the signings of seven players to National Letters of Intent on Tuesday.  The players were all signed during the fall 2006 early signing period that ended November 15.  Included in the class are five pitchers and two position players.

“We are very pleased with our early signing class,” said Kinnison.  “I think we signed a strong mix of pitching of position players, and I believe they will all contribute well to our program.”              

Brent Hallmark, a 6-foot, 185-pound right handed pitcher from Columbus, has pitched the past three seasons for Stacey Hester at New Hope High School.  In 2006, the impressive right hander posted a 6-3 record while racking up 73 strikeouts in 51 innings pitched.  He finished the year with a 2.47 ERA. 

Max Freeman, a 6-foot-3, 185-pound infielder from Greenville, comes to DSU from Mississippi Delta Community College.  In 2006, Freeman batted .330 with six homeruns and 44 RBI. 

Anthony Palasini, a 6-foot-1, 210-pound catcher from Leland, also played the 2006 season at MDCC.  Palasini hit .337 with five homeruns and 47 RBI for the Trojans.

Grant Campbell, a 6-foot-2, 230-pound native of Spring, Texas, comes to DSU from Angelina Community College in Lufkin, Texas.  In 2006, the powerful right hander went 4-4 with a 4.08 ERA while striking out 52 in 64 innings pitched. 

Marcus Wilson, a 6-foot-4, 200-pound native from Arthur, Ill., joins the Statesmen after a stint with Kaskaskia Community College in Centralia, Ill.  Last season, the right hander posted a 2-1 record with three saves and a 3.55 ERA over 23.6 innings of relief.

James Denton, a 6-foot-4, 220-pound native of Troy, Ill., makes his way to Delta State after playing for Wabash Valley Community College in Mt. Carmel, Ill.  In 2006, the big right hander posted a 4-2 record with a 3.60 ERA in 39 innings pitched. 

Joey Haston, 5-foot-11, 195-pound native of McMinnville, Tenn., will join the Statesmen staff after stints at Volunteer State Community College in Gallatin, Tenn. and Freed Hardeman University where he pitched 45 innings in 12 appearances. 

The Statesmen will begin the 2007 season on February 3 at Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas. 

 

October 19, 2006

GREENS CLAIM 7-4 COMEBACK WIN OVER WHITES IN GAME TWO OF SERIES

CLEVELAND – Trailing 3-0 early in the contest, the Green squad found a way to scratch back into the game and eventually claim a 7-4 comeback victory in game two of the annual Green & White Series.  The victory gives the Green squad a 2-0 advantage in the series heading into Friday’s finale. 

“The guys played with a lot of emotion tonight,” said DSU head coach Mike Kinnison.  “The green team trailed early, but baseball’s a nine inning game and they found a way to get the job done.”

The White squad took an early 3-0 lead in the first on an RBI double by Jareck West and two-run homer by Derek Norris.
Solid pitching by both clubs kept the game scoreless until the sixth inning.  In the sixth, the Greens erupted for three runs, thanks in part to Kody Bumpous’s two run homerun to center.

The Greens would extend the lead to 6-3 in the seventh on an RBI single by Travis Graves and a two-out, two RBI double by Chris Weast.  In the bottom of the inning the Whites cut the lead to 6-4 on an RBI single by Chris Clark.

Back-to-back two-out doubles by Chris Weast and Brent Davidson scored an insurance run in the ninth to seal the 7-4 victory for the Greens. 

Freshman Nathan Hardy earned the win with 1.2 innings of work.  Kody Bumpous and Cesar Rodriquez worked three scoreless innings of relief for the Greens.  Alex Love took the loss for the White.

Game three of the series is set for Friday at 6 p.m.  The game will conclude fall drills for the Statesmen.        

 

October 16, 2006

GREENS DOWN WHITES 8-4 IN GAME ONE OF FALL SERIES

CLEVELAND – Fans watching game one of the annual Green & White Series didn’t have to wait long to see some exciting baseball at Ferriss Field this weekend, as the Greens downed the Whites 8-4 in game one of the series.  Opportunistic offense and solid pitching spelled doom for the White squad in game one.

“Game one had its moments,” said DSU head coach Mike Kinnison.  “The Green squad pitched well and really took advantage of some opportunities throughout the game.”  Kinnison added, “Rickey Noland and Jonathon Taylor performed well at the plate and Cesar Rodriquez pitched two solid innings to earn the win.” 

The Whites jumped out to an early 3-0 lead, but couldn’t maintain it as the Greens scored in five of the nine innings en route to the victory. 

Catcher Rickey Noland and centerfielder Jonathon Taylor led the Greens with two hits each.  Noland slapped a single and double, while driving in one.  Taylor showed some impressive speed with a triple, single and pair of RBIs.  Hunter Jobes and Bobby Hebert added RBI singles for the Greens.

The Whites were led by shortstop Patrick Williams’ two-hit performance at the plate.  Centerfielder Jareck West added an RBI single and catcher Brett Boykin contributed with an RBI double.

Chris Weast, Cesar Rodriquez, Tyler Brewer and Cody Kelly all pitched for the Greens, while Brett Durand, Kyle Ozbun, Korey Cunningham, Alex Love and Justin Smith pitched for the Whites. 

Cesar Rodriquez (1-0) earned the win with two innings of work.  Korey Cunningham (0-1) took the loss.

Game two of the series is set for Wednesday at 7 p.m. with game three to follow Friday at 6 p.m.  Both games will be played at Ferriss Field.  Admission is free and everyone is invited to attend.

October 12, 2006

STATESMEN SET TO HOST GREEN & WHITE SERIES

CLEVELAND - The Delta State University baseball team will conclude fall practice with the annual Green & White Series starting this Saturday at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field. Saturday’s game is set to begin at 12 p.m.

“We’ve had a solid fall practice and I know the guys are geared up to play in the series,” said DSU head coach Mike Kinnison. “This is always a competitive series and I look forward to it each year.”

Kinnison and his staff will divide the Statesmen in two squads on Friday. Each year area “celebrities” serve as coaches and this year will be no different. Game two of the series is schedule for Tuesday, October 17 at 6:30 p.m. with game three set for Friday, October 20 at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free and everyone is invited to attend.

 

August 31, 2006

DELTA STATE'S JARECK WEST NAMED ONE OF BASEBALL AMERICA'S TOP 10 SUMMER LEAGUE PROSPECTS

CLEVELAND - Delta State’s Jareck West has been named one of the Top 10 Summer League Prospects in the country by Baseball America. The 5-foot-10, 210-pound center fielder was tabbed the Top Prospect from the Mountain Collegiate Baseball League.

West led the Laramie Colts to the Mountain Collegiate Baseball League championship this past summer. The Cincinnati, Ohio native batted .409 with seven home runs and 51 RBIs in only 176 plate appearances this summer.

West signed with the Statesmen in the spring after a stellar two-year career at St. Catharine College in Springfield, Ky. The speedy outfielder concluded his career at SCC as the all-time leader in stolen bases and batting average. In two seasons, West helped guide the Patriots to an 85-20 record.

To read Baseball America's official release, please click here.

Past releases:

• 2005-06 Archive
• 2004-05 Archive