Starting pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka was placed on the 15-day disabled list today by the Red Sox, who opted to take a cautious approach after an MRI exam revealed a mild strain of his right rotator cuff.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Daisuke to DL
Starting pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka was placed on the 15-day disabled list today by the Red Sox, who opted to take a cautious approach after an MRI exam revealed a mild strain of his right rotator cuff.Tigers in No Easy Spot
After Watching the USM UNO game last night I was struck with the impression that Golden Eagles from Hattiesburg, Mississippi are not a team to be toyed with. Their pitching was effective, their fielding was stellar and their offense compelling. They seemed to be able to play small ball early when the game was close and then power baseball late when the UNO pitchers faltered, carding 4 home runs in the process.
LSU is on a roll, no doubt, but any game against a really goo team can be lost with a blunder hear or a lack of timely hitting. I expect the Tigers to win, that and a chance to spend the day with Bubba and Travis is the reason I'm going to the game.But USM is the real thing.
On the other hand, UNO stumbled their way through their game with Southern Mississippi, with 3 errors and giving up 6 unearned runs. They should right themselves against Texas Southern and then face the loser of the game tonight between LSU and USM. Should the Tigers lose tonight playing UNO again will be no picnic as the Privateers hold a 2-1 record over LSU this season.
If LSU advances out of this region to the Super Regional, they will have to earn it.
Duke
LSU is on a roll, no doubt, but any game against a really goo team can be lost with a blunder hear or a lack of timely hitting. I expect the Tigers to win, that and a chance to spend the day with Bubba and Travis is the reason I'm going to the game.But USM is the real thing.
On the other hand, UNO stumbled their way through their game with Southern Mississippi, with 3 errors and giving up 6 unearned runs. They should right themselves against Texas Southern and then face the loser of the game tonight between LSU and USM. Should the Tigers lose tonight playing UNO again will be no picnic as the Privateers hold a 2-1 record over LSU this season.
If LSU advances out of this region to the Super Regional, they will have to earn it.
Duke
Sox Win in 13th Over Baltimore
If Manny Ramirez was looking for home run No. 500 to celebrate his 36th birthday, he got another type of gift entirely. In the 13th inning of Friday night's game with the Orioles, Ramirez hit a routine grounder to third base, only to have Melvin Mora airmail the throw to first. The two-base error set in motion Boston's winning rally.
Mike Lowell immediately followed by belting a one-out RBI single to left field that scored Ramirez to snap the tie and propel the Red Sox to a much-needed 5-2 win over the Orioles. Lowell's hit came against former Boston righty Chad Bradford.
"Just looking to get my hands out extended," said Lowell. "Bradford is a real uncomfortable at-bat. He doesn't throw hard velocity-wise, but you don't pick up the ball until real late. It gets on you quick. I can't say I had a special formula or anything. Just looking to put a good swing, make him elevate a little. It worked out well. I think we were able to capitalize on some of their mistakes late in the game."
Another Baltimore throwing error later in the inning -- this time by shortstop Freddie Bynum -- allowed two more insurance runs to score.
As road-weary as they were -- losers in five of six games on the West Coast -- the Red Sox were more than happy to steal a win any way they could get it.
"Oh yeah, it was awesome," said Ramirez.
The game had been tied since the bottom of the fourth.
Mike Timlin earned the victory and Jonathan Papelbon, the seventh pitcher used by manager Terry Francona, came on for the save in the bottom of the 13th.
"It's tough," said Lowell. "Holding a team for two runs for 13 innings is a pretty good job."
Aside from pulling out the late-night victory, the Red Sox also set a club record with six stolen bases. Jacoby Ellsbury had three of them, falling one shy of Jerry Remy's team record. Kevin Youkilis, Coco Crisp and Lowell added the other three thefts.
Lowell was in the middle of everything, making plays on defense, stealing a base and delivering that game-winning hit.
"We needed a hit at some point," said Francona. "We had to score. We were getting thin."
Hideki Okajima (two innings), Manny Delcarmen (one inning), Javy Lopez (one out), Craig Hansen (five outs), Timlin (one inning) and Papelbon (one inning) all fired zeroes.
Timlin, who was the recipient of a walk-off loss on Tuesday night in Seattle, got into the most danger. Nick Markakis led off the 12th with a double. Timlin then walked Aubrey Huff intentionally and got Kevin Millar to hit what might have been an inning-ending double play. But shortstop Julio Lugo, who has 12 errors on the season, bobbled the ball. It didn't turn disastrous, though. Lugo stuck with it and fired to first, just in time to get Millar. After another intentional walk loaded the bases, Timlin got Ramon Hernandez on a deep flyout to left that birthday boy Ramirez tracked down just in front of the track.
"We put up a lot of zeroes," Francona said. "You go to your bullpen in the sixth and you end up playing 13, that's a lot of zeroes. We had to bob and weave a little bit and dodge a few, but we did. That's a lot of zeroes put up by your bullpen. They all did a good job."
Beckett did a good job of his own. The ace struck out 10 and allowed just two runs over six innings, keeping pace with Orioles righty Daniel Cabrera.
"That was last night," quipped Beckett during an interview session that took place after midnight. "I felt fine. Battled through some innings."
The Red Sox got off to a quick start offensively. Ellsbury led off the game with a double to left and moved to third on a groundout by Dustin Pedroia. David Ortiz took advantage of the opportunity, lining an RBI single to right. Ramirez followed by belting a double into the corner in left to move Ortiz to third. Lowell made it 2-0 with a sacrifice fly to left.
Crisp nearly generated a rally by himself in the second. He walked and sped to second when ball four was wild. Crisp then stole third. But it all went for naught when Alex Cora couldn't get a squeeze bunt down. Crisp got hung up and was out in what was ruled an attempted steal of home.
The Orioles struck for a run against Beckett in the bottom of the second. Millar and Luke Scott hit back-to-back singles. When Scott stole second, Jason Varitek's throw went into center field, allowing Millar to score from third. Aubrey Huff led off the fourth with a solo homer to right, tying the game at 2.
The one thing the Orioles did effectively against Beckett was work his pitch count. They drew three walks in the sixth, loading the bases with two outs. However, Beckett blew a 96-mph fastball by Adam Jones to end the threat. That was pitch No. 118 for Beckett, forcing him out of the game after six innings.
"Other than the home run and the other run, he kept them at bay," Francona said. "Good thing, because after we scored those two, it took us about 4 1/2 hours to get another one."
But the Red Sox weren't in a rush. They just needed to win.
"Big win," said Lugo. "We needed that. Definitely, we needed that."
Mike Lowell immediately followed by belting a one-out RBI single to left field that scored Ramirez to snap the tie and propel the Red Sox to a much-needed 5-2 win over the Orioles. Lowell's hit came against former Boston righty Chad Bradford.
"Just looking to get my hands out extended," said Lowell. "Bradford is a real uncomfortable at-bat. He doesn't throw hard velocity-wise, but you don't pick up the ball until real late. It gets on you quick. I can't say I had a special formula or anything. Just looking to put a good swing, make him elevate a little. It worked out well. I think we were able to capitalize on some of their mistakes late in the game."
Another Baltimore throwing error later in the inning -- this time by shortstop Freddie Bynum -- allowed two more insurance runs to score.
As road-weary as they were -- losers in five of six games on the West Coast -- the Red Sox were more than happy to steal a win any way they could get it.
"Oh yeah, it was awesome," said Ramirez.
The game had been tied since the bottom of the fourth.
Mike Timlin earned the victory and Jonathan Papelbon, the seventh pitcher used by manager Terry Francona, came on for the save in the bottom of the 13th.
"It's tough," said Lowell. "Holding a team for two runs for 13 innings is a pretty good job."
Aside from pulling out the late-night victory, the Red Sox also set a club record with six stolen bases. Jacoby Ellsbury had three of them, falling one shy of Jerry Remy's team record. Kevin Youkilis, Coco Crisp and Lowell added the other three thefts.
Lowell was in the middle of everything, making plays on defense, stealing a base and delivering that game-winning hit.
"We needed a hit at some point," said Francona. "We had to score. We were getting thin."
Hideki Okajima (two innings), Manny Delcarmen (one inning), Javy Lopez (one out), Craig Hansen (five outs), Timlin (one inning) and Papelbon (one inning) all fired zeroes.
Timlin, who was the recipient of a walk-off loss on Tuesday night in Seattle, got into the most danger. Nick Markakis led off the 12th with a double. Timlin then walked Aubrey Huff intentionally and got Kevin Millar to hit what might have been an inning-ending double play. But shortstop Julio Lugo, who has 12 errors on the season, bobbled the ball. It didn't turn disastrous, though. Lugo stuck with it and fired to first, just in time to get Millar. After another intentional walk loaded the bases, Timlin got Ramon Hernandez on a deep flyout to left that birthday boy Ramirez tracked down just in front of the track.
"We put up a lot of zeroes," Francona said. "You go to your bullpen in the sixth and you end up playing 13, that's a lot of zeroes. We had to bob and weave a little bit and dodge a few, but we did. That's a lot of zeroes put up by your bullpen. They all did a good job."
Beckett did a good job of his own. The ace struck out 10 and allowed just two runs over six innings, keeping pace with Orioles righty Daniel Cabrera.
"That was last night," quipped Beckett during an interview session that took place after midnight. "I felt fine. Battled through some innings."
The Red Sox got off to a quick start offensively. Ellsbury led off the game with a double to left and moved to third on a groundout by Dustin Pedroia. David Ortiz took advantage of the opportunity, lining an RBI single to right. Ramirez followed by belting a double into the corner in left to move Ortiz to third. Lowell made it 2-0 with a sacrifice fly to left.
Crisp nearly generated a rally by himself in the second. He walked and sped to second when ball four was wild. Crisp then stole third. But it all went for naught when Alex Cora couldn't get a squeeze bunt down. Crisp got hung up and was out in what was ruled an attempted steal of home.
The Orioles struck for a run against Beckett in the bottom of the second. Millar and Luke Scott hit back-to-back singles. When Scott stole second, Jason Varitek's throw went into center field, allowing Millar to score from third. Aubrey Huff led off the fourth with a solo homer to right, tying the game at 2.
The one thing the Orioles did effectively against Beckett was work his pitch count. They drew three walks in the sixth, loading the bases with two outs. However, Beckett blew a 96-mph fastball by Adam Jones to end the threat. That was pitch No. 118 for Beckett, forcing him out of the game after six innings.
"Other than the home run and the other run, he kept them at bay," Francona said. "Good thing, because after we scored those two, it took us about 4 1/2 hours to get another one."
But the Red Sox weren't in a rush. They just needed to win.
"Big win," said Lugo. "We needed that. Definitely, we needed that."
Dean Homers Twice to Stiffle TSU
LSU sophomore designated hitter Blake Dean homered twice and drove in four runs to lead the top-seeded Tigers to their 21st straight win with a 12-1 victory over Texas Southern in the opening game of the 2008 NCAA Baton Rouge Regional in front of 6,536 fans on Friday afternoon at Alex Box Stadium. The Tigers, champions of the Southeastern Conference Tournament, improved to 44-16-1 on the year and 19-0 in NCAA regional opening games. LSU set the single-season school record for consecutive victories in its last outing and has not lost a contest since April 19. Texas Southern dropped to 16-33 on the season. LSU advances to play at 6 p.m. Saturday against Southern Miss, a 13-6 winner of Friday evening's contest versus UNO. Texas Southern takes on New Orleans at 1 p.m. Saturday. “It wasn't our best game of the year, but I thought it was like a business man's job,” LSU head coach Paul Mainieri said. “We did what we had to do. I have to say the highlight of the day was looking at the crowd and seeing all the gold in the stands. I just have to say how much I appreciate the support the fans give this team. I just think it's awesome that they came in and helped us by wearing the gold, being vocal and packing the place. It was exciting to be out there today. “Now, we have to be able to be able to play a really good ball club tomorrow night. I'm not sure which one it will be at this point, but it will be a challenge for us. We will have to be at the top of our game for sure." Dean, who entered the game batting .420 (34-for-81) during the streak, finished the game 2-for-4 and has accounted for five homers in his last five games. Sophomore centerfielder Jared Mitchell went 3-for-5 with three RBI and two runs scored. Junior first baseman Matt Clark added three hits and homered for the third consecutive game.
LSU junior right-hander Jordan Brown (4-0) maintained his perfect record, allowing only one run – a solo homer in the sixth -- on five hits in five innings while striking out four and walking two. He picked up his first win since March 19 versus Tulane.
Twenty-eight of LSU’s 44 wins have been from come-behind fashion, but the Tigers needed no late inning heroics on Friday. Despite the absence of gold jerseys for the first time in 15 games, LSU plated four runs in the first inning to rattle TSU left-handed starter Ehern Moreno.
Senior shortstop Michael Hollander drew a leadoff walk, and two batters later, junior right fielder Derek Helenihi provided a one-out single to left field. Dean then lifted a three-run homer – the first of his two blasts – that carried over the right-centerfield wall. Clark connected for a solo shot just over the left field wall for his team-leading 23rd homer of the year. “I thought the kids had good focus,” Mainieri said. “They came out and played the game the right way. We had a good first inning obviously with Blake [Dean's] three-run homer and [Matt] Clark's homerun.”
LSU increased the advantage to 6-0 in the fourth frame. Freshman shortstop DJ LaMahieu beat out an infield single deep in the hole, and he later scored on sophomore second baseman Ryan Schimpf’s single to right field. Hollander then accounted for a run-scoring hit with a slapped single through the left side.
Meanwhile, Brown faced little trouble through the first three innings as he faced the minimum in the second and pitched around a leadoff single in the third. The junior silenced a one-out, two-on threat in the fourth and finally surrendered a run in the sixth when TSU first baseman Earnest Rhone launched a leadoff, line-drive homer to left field.
Texas Southern put together its most prominent threat of the game when catcher Justin Holloway immediately tagged a single to centerfield, and shortstop Jordan Bush was hit by a pitch that ended Brown’s outing.
With runners at first and second and no outs, Mainieri summoned freshman Austin Ross from the bullpen for his first outing since May 17 at Auburn. Ross induced a 1-6-3 double play groundball and retired the side with another groundout. The Tigers put the game away in the sixth with four runs, two of which were unearned after a critical dropped fly ball by centerfielder Deshaun Dilworth. Mitchell capitalized on the error with a two-run single to right field that scored Schimpf and Hollander. Mitchell was later awarded home on a wild throw by shortstop Jordan Bush on a grounder by Helenihi. Pinch hitter Sean Ochinko accounted for the other run on a single through the middle.
Moreno (2-5) was charged with loss, surrendering 11 runs – seven earned – on 12 hits in 5.2 innings of work. He walked two and struck out five.
Ross notched his third save with four scoreless innings of relief, allowing only three hits while striking out three and walking none.
LSU junior right-hander Jordan Brown (4-0) maintained his perfect record, allowing only one run – a solo homer in the sixth -- on five hits in five innings while striking out four and walking two. He picked up his first win since March 19 versus Tulane.
Twenty-eight of LSU’s 44 wins have been from come-behind fashion, but the Tigers needed no late inning heroics on Friday. Despite the absence of gold jerseys for the first time in 15 games, LSU plated four runs in the first inning to rattle TSU left-handed starter Ehern Moreno.
Senior shortstop Michael Hollander drew a leadoff walk, and two batters later, junior right fielder Derek Helenihi provided a one-out single to left field. Dean then lifted a three-run homer – the first of his two blasts – that carried over the right-centerfield wall. Clark connected for a solo shot just over the left field wall for his team-leading 23rd homer of the year. “I thought the kids had good focus,” Mainieri said. “They came out and played the game the right way. We had a good first inning obviously with Blake [Dean's] three-run homer and [Matt] Clark's homerun.”
LSU increased the advantage to 6-0 in the fourth frame. Freshman shortstop DJ LaMahieu beat out an infield single deep in the hole, and he later scored on sophomore second baseman Ryan Schimpf’s single to right field. Hollander then accounted for a run-scoring hit with a slapped single through the left side.
Meanwhile, Brown faced little trouble through the first three innings as he faced the minimum in the second and pitched around a leadoff single in the third. The junior silenced a one-out, two-on threat in the fourth and finally surrendered a run in the sixth when TSU first baseman Earnest Rhone launched a leadoff, line-drive homer to left field.
Texas Southern put together its most prominent threat of the game when catcher Justin Holloway immediately tagged a single to centerfield, and shortstop Jordan Bush was hit by a pitch that ended Brown’s outing.
With runners at first and second and no outs, Mainieri summoned freshman Austin Ross from the bullpen for his first outing since May 17 at Auburn. Ross induced a 1-6-3 double play groundball and retired the side with another groundout. The Tigers put the game away in the sixth with four runs, two of which were unearned after a critical dropped fly ball by centerfielder Deshaun Dilworth. Mitchell capitalized on the error with a two-run single to right field that scored Schimpf and Hollander. Mitchell was later awarded home on a wild throw by shortstop Jordan Bush on a grounder by Helenihi. Pinch hitter Sean Ochinko accounted for the other run on a single through the middle.
Moreno (2-5) was charged with loss, surrendering 11 runs – seven earned – on 12 hits in 5.2 innings of work. He walked two and struck out five.
Ross notched his third save with four scoreless innings of relief, allowing only three hits while striking out three and walking none.
Rebs Shut Out in First Round
The Rebel bats were never able to get things going against Tiger ace Aaron Crow as Ole Miss (37-25) fell to No. 12 Missouri (39-19) by a score of 7-0 in the opening round of the NCAA Coral Gables Regional on Friday.With the loss, the Rebels fall into the loser’s bracket and will play Saturday at 11 a.m. CDT in an elimination game against Bethune-Cookman, who fell to overall top-seeded Miami Friday 7-4.Lance Lynn (7-4) suffered the loss as he worked 6.1 innings and allowed six runs on nine hits with two walks and seven strikeouts.Aaron Crow (13-0) picked up the win for the Tigers as he tossed a complete game shutout, striking out 10 batters and holding the Rebels to three hits. He walked three on the afternoon. It was his fourth complete-game shutout of the season.Brett Basham caught two runners stealing on the afternoon, pushing SEC leading total to 26 runners caught stealing this season. It is the most runners caught stealing by a catcher under Mike Bianco.“Aaron Crow had a great reputation coming into the game today and he was every bit of that reputation,” said Ole Miss head coach Mike Bianco. “I thought Lance got us out of a tough spot in the first inning only allowing one run, but one run might have been all it took today. Crow was just too good.”Missouri got off to a quick start, as the Tigers put three on to open the game with a walk, a single and a hit by pitch. An RBI fielder’s choice from Jacob Priday pushed the first run across as Ole Miss erased Aaron Senne from the basepath at second on the grounder to short. Lynn then hit the next batter to load the bases again but Lynn notched a strikeout and a groundout to get the Rebels out of the inning with Missouri only holding a 1-0 lead.The Tigers added to the lead in the fifth when Senne came up with a two RBI double to center field to push the Tigers out in front by two. Priday then singled to right field to score Senne and give Missouri a 4-0 advantage before the Rebels would get out of the inning as Basham threw out a runner stealing and Lynn struck out the final batter of the inning.Missouri added to the lead in the seventh inning when Trevor Coleman came up with a three-run home run with two outs off Rory McKean to give the Tigers a 7-0 lead. McKean entered to relieve Lynn with a runner on and a 3-1 count on Senne. McKean’s first pitch was a ball, putting Senne on base but Lynn was responsible for him. Priday then reached on a fielder’s choice as the Rebels got the second out of the inning on a force play at third before Coleman hit his home run.The Rebels would not give up another run, but couldn’t get on the board in the final two frames as Missouri claimed the win and advanced to play the winner of Miami and Bethune-Cookman in the winner’s bracket tomorrow.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Bolster Leads Red Sox
Rookie first baseman Travis Bolster lead the Red Sox to their first undefeated season and a tie for the league Championship in Dixie Youth T-ball. Despite his inexperience, Bolter managed to avoid being put out throughout his inaugural season. Although some of his on base appearances were due to infield errors, his on base percentage was 1.000.
Asked about his early success, Travis credited his skills to batting prectice with his father and playing catch with his grandad.
Bolster's next appearance will be at summer camp where he will tackle the sports of golf, tennis and swimming.
Matsuzaka Injured in Red Sox Loss
A game that had plenty of individual drama -- including home run No. 499 by Manny Ramirez, an injury to Daisuke Matsuzaka and ejections of shortstop Julio Lugo and manager Terry Francona -- ultimately ended in disappointment for the Red Sox.
Jose Lopez belted an RBI single down the left-field line with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning, giving the Mariners a 4-3 walk-off win over the Sox on Tuesday night.
The hit came off Boston reliever Mike Timlin, who fell to 0-6 lifetime at Safeco Field.
Ramirez had tied the game for the Red Sox by belting a three-run homer in the top of the sixth.
For the Mariners, it was a dramatic end to a seven-game losing streak.
Matsuzaka went out for the bottom of the fifth inning and had to leave with an undisclosed injury after a couple of warmup tosses. The right-hander gave up four hits and three runs (two earned) over four innings, walking none and striking out two.
David Aardsma came on in relief. Shortly after he walked Jose Vidro, Lugo was ejected from the game by third-base umpire Angel Hernandez for reasons unknown. Francona was then ejected by Hernandez for his argument over what had transpired with Lugo.
The Mariners got off to a strong start. Ichiro Suzuki led off the first with a double to left and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt. He scored on a grounder to first by Jose Vidro. Raul Ibanez boosted the lead to 2-0 on an RBI double to left.
Batista held the Red Sox down early, and the Mariners extended their lead in the third. Again, Ichiro was the catalyst, leading off with a single and stealing second. He moved to third on a throwing error by Sean Casey. Ibanez hit a fielder's-choice grounder to second to make it 3-0.
In the top of the sixth, the Red Sox got the big hit they needed, and it came from Ramirez, who ended a 45 at-bat homerless drought by crushing Batista's first-pitch fastball for the equalizer.
Jose Lopez belted an RBI single down the left-field line with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning, giving the Mariners a 4-3 walk-off win over the Sox on Tuesday night.
The hit came off Boston reliever Mike Timlin, who fell to 0-6 lifetime at Safeco Field.
Ramirez had tied the game for the Red Sox by belting a three-run homer in the top of the sixth.
For the Mariners, it was a dramatic end to a seven-game losing streak.
Matsuzaka went out for the bottom of the fifth inning and had to leave with an undisclosed injury after a couple of warmup tosses. The right-hander gave up four hits and three runs (two earned) over four innings, walking none and striking out two.
David Aardsma came on in relief. Shortly after he walked Jose Vidro, Lugo was ejected from the game by third-base umpire Angel Hernandez for reasons unknown. Francona was then ejected by Hernandez for his argument over what had transpired with Lugo.
The Mariners got off to a strong start. Ichiro Suzuki led off the first with a double to left and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt. He scored on a grounder to first by Jose Vidro. Raul Ibanez boosted the lead to 2-0 on an RBI double to left.
Batista held the Red Sox down early, and the Mariners extended their lead in the third. Again, Ichiro was the catalyst, leading off with a single and stealing second. He moved to third on a throwing error by Sean Casey. Ibanez hit a fielder's-choice grounder to second to make it 3-0.
In the top of the sixth, the Red Sox got the big hit they needed, and it came from Ramirez, who ended a 45 at-bat homerless drought by crushing Batista's first-pitch fastball for the equalizer.
Rebs Face Missouri in Miami
Ole Miss (37-24) advanced to its sixth consecutive NCAA Regional on Monday when the field of 64 teams for the NCAA Tournament was announced, and the Rebels will open tournament play against Missouri (38-19) on Friday, May 30 at 11 a.m. CDT.
The Rebels are a three seed in the Miami Regional while Missouri is the two seed. Also competing in the regional are host and ACC Champion Miami (46-8), the nation’s top overall seed, and fourth seeded Bethune-Cookman (36-20), who won the MEAC Championship.
All-Tournament ticket packages range from $35 for youth/senior general admission to $45 for adults to $70 for reserved chairbacks. Single-day passes for Friday through Sunday cost from $10 to $20 and $8 to $16 for Monday, if necessary. Tickets may be ordered online at hurricanesports.com or by calling the Miami ticket office at 1-800-GO-CANES.
“Everyone who has played Miami this season has said they are the best team in the country, so it will be a huge challenge to go to their regional,” said Ole Miss head coach Mike Bianco. “But the thing about this tournament is you have to go somewhere and play someone good.
“They have a great stadium down there in Miami and they will draw well. They have a great atmosphere.”
OIe Miss is coming off a stellar run at the SEC Tournament where the Rebels were the first eight-seed to advance to the Championship Game. Ole Miss fell to No. 9 LSU 8-2 in Sunday’s game. It was the third time in the past four seasons the Rebels have advanced to the SEC Tournament Championship Game. Ole Miss won the 2006 SEC Tournament.
The Rebels defeated three top 25 teams on the way to the Championship game in No. 6 Georgia, No. 19 Kentucky and No. 21 Vanderbilt before falling to No. 9 LSU on Sunday.
Ole Miss faced 10 teams who advanced to this year’s NCAA Tournament including road trips to TCU a two game set with Southern Miss and a pair of home games against Western Kentucky. The Rebels also faced eight teams from the SEC who advanced to the NCAA Tournament, including national seeds Georgia and LSU. Ole Miss went 2-2 against both Georgia and LSU this season.
The Rebels and Missouri have faced off six times in the history of the program with the teams holding a 3-3 record all-time. The last time the two teams met was in 1987 with the Rebels taking a three-game series in Oxford two games to one.
The games at the Miami Regional will be televised by ESPNU.
The Rebels are a three seed in the Miami Regional while Missouri is the two seed. Also competing in the regional are host and ACC Champion Miami (46-8), the nation’s top overall seed, and fourth seeded Bethune-Cookman (36-20), who won the MEAC Championship.
All-Tournament ticket packages range from $35 for youth/senior general admission to $45 for adults to $70 for reserved chairbacks. Single-day passes for Friday through Sunday cost from $10 to $20 and $8 to $16 for Monday, if necessary. Tickets may be ordered online at hurricanesports.com or by calling the Miami ticket office at 1-800-GO-CANES.
“Everyone who has played Miami this season has said they are the best team in the country, so it will be a huge challenge to go to their regional,” said Ole Miss head coach Mike Bianco. “But the thing about this tournament is you have to go somewhere and play someone good.
“They have a great stadium down there in Miami and they will draw well. They have a great atmosphere.”
OIe Miss is coming off a stellar run at the SEC Tournament where the Rebels were the first eight-seed to advance to the Championship Game. Ole Miss fell to No. 9 LSU 8-2 in Sunday’s game. It was the third time in the past four seasons the Rebels have advanced to the SEC Tournament Championship Game. Ole Miss won the 2006 SEC Tournament.
The Rebels defeated three top 25 teams on the way to the Championship game in No. 6 Georgia, No. 19 Kentucky and No. 21 Vanderbilt before falling to No. 9 LSU on Sunday.
Ole Miss faced 10 teams who advanced to this year’s NCAA Tournament including road trips to TCU a two game set with Southern Miss and a pair of home games against Western Kentucky. The Rebels also faced eight teams from the SEC who advanced to the NCAA Tournament, including national seeds Georgia and LSU. Ole Miss went 2-2 against both Georgia and LSU this season.
The Rebels and Missouri have faced off six times in the history of the program with the teams holding a 3-3 record all-time. The last time the two teams met was in 1987 with the Rebels taking a three-game series in Oxford two games to one.
The games at the Miami Regional will be televised by ESPNU.
Colon Leads Sox out of Road Funk
After three low-key nights, nights of little talk and lots of heads hunched over plates of postgame food, there was reason for loud music last night in the visitors' clubhouse at Safeco Field.
For the first time in too long, or after a seven-game losing streak, the Red Sox finally won a game on the road. And they did it in the late innings, breaking open a tie game in the eighth, against a pitcher, Felix Hernandez, with the potential for no-hit stuff.
Perhaps it helped that Safeco sounded like home, the applause of the 35,818 tilting far toward the side of the Sox, though that also had been the case in Oakland. In the end, the reasons didn't matter. It was a 5-3 win - a win over a slumping Mariners team, but a much-needed win nonetheless.
"It's satisfying to be able to shake hands here," manager Terry Francona said. "We've had our share of - I don't know - meltdowns isn't the right word, but frustrating losses. But we put together a good inning. Cause the way Felix was throwing, that was some impressive stuff we were looking at."
Bartolo Colon was dominating on the mound for Boston, throwing nearly all fastballs, with a few sliders mixed in.
"I thought his movement, his life, on his fastball was good," Francona said. "And he got strong. That's been kind of Bartolo's thing as he's gone in his career - as he gets in the game, he gets real strong. I thought his ball was running back, coming back for strikes. He made a lot of good quality pitches with life.
"He threw a couple sliders tonight that had some depth to them. We're all hoping that getting his legs under him, he'll have that mix. But let me tell you something, he looked so confident in that fastball, and he's locating it and spreading out the plate. I'm sure he's making the plate looking a lot wider than it is."
Colon did acknowledge that he had to work in more offspeed pitches, especially his changeup. But last night, he had enough to win. And his offense helped out, finally.
In an eighth inning that looked like it might be a disaster for the Red Sox after Julio Lugo's attempted sacrifice bunt nabbed lead runner Sean Casey at second, it was Dustin Pedroia coming up big, followed by the middle of the lineup. With two outs and Lugo on second, Pedroia rifled an offering from Hernandez to left field for a ground-rule double. That scored Lugo with the tie-breaking run. After David Ortiz, who earlier had homered off Hernandez, was intentionally walked, Manny Ramirez stepped to the plate.
Ramirez - playing in the 2,000th game of his career - lined a single into right field, bringing home Pedroia with the third run.
For the first time in too long, or after a seven-game losing streak, the Red Sox finally won a game on the road. And they did it in the late innings, breaking open a tie game in the eighth, against a pitcher, Felix Hernandez, with the potential for no-hit stuff.
Perhaps it helped that Safeco sounded like home, the applause of the 35,818 tilting far toward the side of the Sox, though that also had been the case in Oakland. In the end, the reasons didn't matter. It was a 5-3 win - a win over a slumping Mariners team, but a much-needed win nonetheless.
"It's satisfying to be able to shake hands here," manager Terry Francona said. "We've had our share of - I don't know - meltdowns isn't the right word, but frustrating losses. But we put together a good inning. Cause the way Felix was throwing, that was some impressive stuff we were looking at."
Bartolo Colon was dominating on the mound for Boston, throwing nearly all fastballs, with a few sliders mixed in.
"I thought his movement, his life, on his fastball was good," Francona said. "And he got strong. That's been kind of Bartolo's thing as he's gone in his career - as he gets in the game, he gets real strong. I thought his ball was running back, coming back for strikes. He made a lot of good quality pitches with life.
"He threw a couple sliders tonight that had some depth to them. We're all hoping that getting his legs under him, he'll have that mix. But let me tell you something, he looked so confident in that fastball, and he's locating it and spreading out the plate. I'm sure he's making the plate looking a lot wider than it is."
Colon did acknowledge that he had to work in more offspeed pitches, especially his changeup. But last night, he had enough to win. And his offense helped out, finally.
In an eighth inning that looked like it might be a disaster for the Red Sox after Julio Lugo's attempted sacrifice bunt nabbed lead runner Sean Casey at second, it was Dustin Pedroia coming up big, followed by the middle of the lineup. With two outs and Lugo on second, Pedroia rifled an offering from Hernandez to left field for a ground-rule double. That scored Lugo with the tie-breaking run. After David Ortiz, who earlier had homered off Hernandez, was intentionally walked, Manny Ramirez stepped to the plate.
Ramirez - playing in the 2,000th game of his career - lined a single into right field, bringing home Pedroia with the third run.
The Sox made it a four-run inning as Mike Lowell and J.D. Drew hit infield singles, and Jason Varitek walked to force home the final run.
Colon thus outlasted Hernandez, in a surprising turn of events. On Colon's 84th (and final) pitch of the night, in the seventh, Ichiro Suzuki ended an excellent chance for the Mariners. With two down and men on first and third, Suzuki swung at the first pitch and lofted it to center field to end the opportunity. And to put Seattle just a bit closer to its seventh straight loss.
"I felt good," Colon said through interpreter and first base coach Luis Alicea. "At the beginning I felt more strikes, that's why I felt like I was ahead of the hitters. I was very happy that, even in a situation where I got two guys on, they gave me the opportunity to pitch to Ichiro."
Hernandez had gotten through 3 2/3 innings in just 34 pitches, and hadn't given up a single run. Until Ortiz stepped to the plate and, on a 1-and-0 fastball, deposited the pitch beyond the fence in straightaway center, beyond the grasp of even Suzuki.
But Ichiro did his best Spider-Man - or Willie Mays - not long thereafter. With Drew on first base in the fifth, Varitek drove a ball straight over the head of Suzuki, toward the wall. Suzuki, his back to home plate, made an incredible basket catch. His legs went up, his glove went out, and he nabbed the ball before he crashed headlong into the padding.
"I actually thought the ball had a significant chance to go out, so when I saw him run I'm like, 'What is he doing?' " Varitek said. "Then he makes just one of the best catches I've seen."
But Colon, making just his second start for Boston, was on his game as well. Having been allowed just 74 pitches over five innings his first time, he seemed intent on making his pitches count, entering the seventh with just 71.
The Sox held the lead through the top of the sixth, but the Mariners came back, with a single and a hit by pitch to lead off the bottom. That was followed by a sacrifice bunt from No. 3 batter and designated hitter Jose Vidro - not exactly what the Red Sox would have Ortiz do in that situation - which helped out when Raul Ibanez grounded to second to score Suzuki.
Otherwise, Colon whipped through the lackluster Mariners. "Command," Varitek said, noting that Colon was "cleaner" with the location on his two- and four-seamers. "We were able to mix in his slider. We actually didn't throw a changeup - wasn't really necessary.
"He was much sharper. Anybody in their first outing is going to have a little nerves, a little excitement. As long as it's been for him, he probably had a lot." The Sox made it a four-run inning as Mike Lowell and J.D. Drew hit infield singles, and Jason Varitek walked to force home the final run.
Colon thus outlasted Hernandez, in a surprising turn of events. On Colon's 84th (and final) pitch of the night, in the seventh, Ichiro Suzuki ended an excellent chance for the Mariners. With two down and men on first and third, Suzuki swung at the first pitch and lofted it to center field to end the opportunity. And to put Seattle just a bit closer to its seventh straight loss.
"I felt good," Colon said through interpreter and first base coach Luis Alicea. "At the beginning I felt more strikes, that's why I felt like I was ahead of the hitters. I was very happy that, even in a situation where I got two guys on, they gave me the opportunity to pitch to Ichiro."
Hernandez had gotten through 3 2/3 innings in just 34 pitches, and hadn't given up a single run. Until Ortiz stepped to the plate and, on a 1-and-0 fastball, deposited the pitch beyond the fence in straightaway center, beyond the grasp of even Suzuki.
But Ichiro did his best Spider-Man - or Willie Mays - not long thereafter. With Drew on first base in the fifth, Varitek drove a ball straight over the head of Suzuki, toward the wall. Suzuki, his back to home plate, made an incredible basket catch. His legs went up, his glove went out, and he nabbed the ball before he crashed headlong into the padding.
"I actually thought the ball had a significant chance to go out, so when I saw him run I'm like, 'What is he doing?' " Varitek said. "Then he makes just one of the best catches I've seen."
But Colon, making just his second start for Boston, was on his game as well. Having been allowed just 74 pitches over five innings his first time, he seemed intent on making his pitches count, entering the seventh with just 71.
The Sox held the lead through the top of the sixth, but the Mariners came back, with a single and a hit by pitch to lead off the bottom. That was followed by a sacrifice bunt from No. 3 batter and designated hitter Jose Vidro - not exactly what the Red Sox would have Ortiz do in that situation - which helped out when Raul Ibanez grounded to second to score Suzuki.
Otherwise, Colon whipped through the lackluster Mariners. "Command," Varitek said, noting that Colon was "cleaner" with the location on his two- and four-seamers. "We were able to mix in his slider. We actually didn't throw a changeup - wasn't really necessary.
"He was much sharper. Anybody in their first outing is going to have a little nerves, a little excitement. As long as it's been for him, he probably had a lot."
Colon thus outlasted Hernandez, in a surprising turn of events. On Colon's 84th (and final) pitch of the night, in the seventh, Ichiro Suzuki ended an excellent chance for the Mariners. With two down and men on first and third, Suzuki swung at the first pitch and lofted it to center field to end the opportunity. And to put Seattle just a bit closer to its seventh straight loss.
"I felt good," Colon said through interpreter and first base coach Luis Alicea. "At the beginning I felt more strikes, that's why I felt like I was ahead of the hitters. I was very happy that, even in a situation where I got two guys on, they gave me the opportunity to pitch to Ichiro."
Hernandez had gotten through 3 2/3 innings in just 34 pitches, and hadn't given up a single run. Until Ortiz stepped to the plate and, on a 1-and-0 fastball, deposited the pitch beyond the fence in straightaway center, beyond the grasp of even Suzuki.
But Ichiro did his best Spider-Man - or Willie Mays - not long thereafter. With Drew on first base in the fifth, Varitek drove a ball straight over the head of Suzuki, toward the wall. Suzuki, his back to home plate, made an incredible basket catch. His legs went up, his glove went out, and he nabbed the ball before he crashed headlong into the padding.
"I actually thought the ball had a significant chance to go out, so when I saw him run I'm like, 'What is he doing?' " Varitek said. "Then he makes just one of the best catches I've seen."
But Colon, making just his second start for Boston, was on his game as well. Having been allowed just 74 pitches over five innings his first time, he seemed intent on making his pitches count, entering the seventh with just 71.
The Sox held the lead through the top of the sixth, but the Mariners came back, with a single and a hit by pitch to lead off the bottom. That was followed by a sacrifice bunt from No. 3 batter and designated hitter Jose Vidro - not exactly what the Red Sox would have Ortiz do in that situation - which helped out when Raul Ibanez grounded to second to score Suzuki.
Otherwise, Colon whipped through the lackluster Mariners. "Command," Varitek said, noting that Colon was "cleaner" with the location on his two- and four-seamers. "We were able to mix in his slider. We actually didn't throw a changeup - wasn't really necessary.
"He was much sharper. Anybody in their first outing is going to have a little nerves, a little excitement. As long as it's been for him, he probably had a lot." The Sox made it a four-run inning as Mike Lowell and J.D. Drew hit infield singles, and Jason Varitek walked to force home the final run.
Colon thus outlasted Hernandez, in a surprising turn of events. On Colon's 84th (and final) pitch of the night, in the seventh, Ichiro Suzuki ended an excellent chance for the Mariners. With two down and men on first and third, Suzuki swung at the first pitch and lofted it to center field to end the opportunity. And to put Seattle just a bit closer to its seventh straight loss.
"I felt good," Colon said through interpreter and first base coach Luis Alicea. "At the beginning I felt more strikes, that's why I felt like I was ahead of the hitters. I was very happy that, even in a situation where I got two guys on, they gave me the opportunity to pitch to Ichiro."
Hernandez had gotten through 3 2/3 innings in just 34 pitches, and hadn't given up a single run. Until Ortiz stepped to the plate and, on a 1-and-0 fastball, deposited the pitch beyond the fence in straightaway center, beyond the grasp of even Suzuki.
But Ichiro did his best Spider-Man - or Willie Mays - not long thereafter. With Drew on first base in the fifth, Varitek drove a ball straight over the head of Suzuki, toward the wall. Suzuki, his back to home plate, made an incredible basket catch. His legs went up, his glove went out, and he nabbed the ball before he crashed headlong into the padding.
"I actually thought the ball had a significant chance to go out, so when I saw him run I'm like, 'What is he doing?' " Varitek said. "Then he makes just one of the best catches I've seen."
But Colon, making just his second start for Boston, was on his game as well. Having been allowed just 74 pitches over five innings his first time, he seemed intent on making his pitches count, entering the seventh with just 71.
The Sox held the lead through the top of the sixth, but the Mariners came back, with a single and a hit by pitch to lead off the bottom. That was followed by a sacrifice bunt from No. 3 batter and designated hitter Jose Vidro - not exactly what the Red Sox would have Ortiz do in that situation - which helped out when Raul Ibanez grounded to second to score Suzuki.
Otherwise, Colon whipped through the lackluster Mariners. "Command," Varitek said, noting that Colon was "cleaner" with the location on his two- and four-seamers. "We were able to mix in his slider. We actually didn't throw a changeup - wasn't really necessary.
"He was much sharper. Anybody in their first outing is going to have a little nerves, a little excitement. As long as it's been for him, he probably had a lot."
LSU Seventh Seed Hosts Regional
LSU (43-16-1) will open the NCAA Baton Rouge Regional at 1 p.m. Friday when the Tigers face Texas Southern (16-32) in Alex Box Stadium. LSU, which has won 20 straight games, is the No. 1 seed in the Baton Rouge Regional while Texas Southern, champions of the SWAC Tournament, is the No. 4 seed. The second game of the regional will feature No. 2 seed Southern Mississippi versus No. 3 seed New Orleans at 6 p.m. Friday in Alex Box Stadium. The regional continues with games on Saturday and Sunday, with an “if necessary” game on Monday. “We’re very excited to be back at Alex Box Stadium for a regional,” said LSU coach Paul Mainieri, who directed the Tigers last weekend to the SEC Tournament title. “I’m extremely proud of what our team has accomplished so far, but we still have a lot of work to do. The NCAA Tournament separates the men from the boys, so we know we have a great challenge in front of us.” The Baton Rouge Regional champion will face the Lincoln Regional champion in an NCAA Super Regional series. LSU, which is the No. 7 national seed in the NCAA Tournament, would play host to the Super Regional if the Tigers win the Baton Rouge Regional. LSU is playing host to a regional for the 18th time, and for the first time since 2005. Tickets for the NCAA Baton Rouge Regional are on sale now to LSU baseball season ticket holders and to LSU students. Regional tickets will remain on sale to season ticket holders and students until 5 p.m. on Tuesday . Regional ticket booklets are $75 (gold seats), $65 (grandstand seats) and $50 (bleacher seats). Season ticket holders may place their orders at http://www.lsusports.net/?SPSID=27865&SPID=2173&DB_OEM_ID=5200, or by phone at 225-578-2184 or 800-960-8587. Orders may also be placed in person at the LSU ticket office. The ticket office is located on the first floor of the LSU athletic administration building. LSU students may reserve ticket booklets by logging into their online accounts at http://www.lsusports.net/?SPSID=27865&SPID=2173&DB_OEM_ID=5200. The deadline for students to request tickets is 5 p.m. Tuesday. Regional tickets not purchased by season ticket holders or LSU students by 5 p.m. Tuesday will go on sale to the general public at 8 a.m. Thursday. Should any individual-session tickets be available, they will go on sale at 8 a.m. Friday.
LSU coach Paul Mainieri and his players met with the media Monday afternoon after the 64-team field for the NCAA Baseball Tournament was announced on ESPN. LSU opens the Baton Rouge Regional at 1 p.m. Friday versus Texas Southern: LSU coach Paul Mainieri
On what it means to “bring back” the baseball program... “I don’t think we are all the way back yet. I think we have accomplished some things and I’m very proud. The goal is to get to Omaha and to win when we get there. No matter what happens the rest of this season, I don’t think it will take away the accomplishments that this team has had this year. “I do feel like it is back with the quality of the kids that we have in this program.These kids love LSU and LSU baseball. They play for the name on the front of their jersey and not the one on the back.” “I’ve told Skip [Bertman] I don’t know how many times, ‘Skip, I just want to make you proud.’ I hope that I’ve done that. If everyone that follows the LSU program is proud of the way the kids conduct themselves and the way they play the game, then I feel like we are well on our way to getting the job done.” On how difficult it was to put together the right combination for this team... “It’s not that difficult. It just takes time. I knew when (associate head coach) Terry Rooney recruited this class that we were going to be a lot better. All throughout the fall practice, they had a great attitude and I could see the talent. I felt like it was going to be very important to get the pieces of the puzzle to fit together in the right way to find the right position for everyone. Then, it took about 20 to 30 games. We had success in those games. We beat Indiana twice the opening weekend, but stumbled on Sunday. “It takes time in those 20 to 30 games to find the right pieces of the puzzle. Then, the kids continuously have to embrace their role. I think now, every kid on this team understands his role, knows what is expected of him and doesn’t want to let his teammates down.” On the announcement of UNO, Southern Miss and Texas Southern in the Baton Rouge regional... “First of all, I am very proud of UNO. I am an alumnus of UNO. I played there for two years and I think Tom Walter has done a spectacular job with that program. UNO is very lucky to have him as a coach. He is a tremendous coach and his staff is outstanding. Their players play the game the right way. They play hard and are aggressive and confident. We had three tremendous ball games with them this year. All three games were decided in the last at-bat. There is no question that we have the utmost respect for them. They are going to be a tremendous challenge.” “Southern Mississippi’s team is phenomenal. We played there earlier this year. With 5,000 people at the game, it was a tremendous atmosphere. It was a great ball game from our standpoint because we took control of the game early, and then held them off at the end. I’m sure Southern Miss is going to come in here and let it rip. They are going to be a tough team.” “I don’t know as much about Texas Southern right now, but obviously, I’m going to get in there and study them as hard as I can.” “I think it is going to be a great regional. I’m excited about UNO being here. I love UNO, their program and the way Tom [Walter] has done his job there. They are going to be a great challenge, but we don’t play them first. We don’t even know if we will play them, so right now, our attention is focused on Texas Southern.”
LSU coach Paul Mainieri and his players met with the media Monday afternoon after the 64-team field for the NCAA Baseball Tournament was announced on ESPN. LSU opens the Baton Rouge Regional at 1 p.m. Friday versus Texas Southern: LSU coach Paul Mainieri
On what it means to “bring back” the baseball program... “I don’t think we are all the way back yet. I think we have accomplished some things and I’m very proud. The goal is to get to Omaha and to win when we get there. No matter what happens the rest of this season, I don’t think it will take away the accomplishments that this team has had this year. “I do feel like it is back with the quality of the kids that we have in this program.These kids love LSU and LSU baseball. They play for the name on the front of their jersey and not the one on the back.” “I’ve told Skip [Bertman] I don’t know how many times, ‘Skip, I just want to make you proud.’ I hope that I’ve done that. If everyone that follows the LSU program is proud of the way the kids conduct themselves and the way they play the game, then I feel like we are well on our way to getting the job done.” On how difficult it was to put together the right combination for this team... “It’s not that difficult. It just takes time. I knew when (associate head coach) Terry Rooney recruited this class that we were going to be a lot better. All throughout the fall practice, they had a great attitude and I could see the talent. I felt like it was going to be very important to get the pieces of the puzzle to fit together in the right way to find the right position for everyone. Then, it took about 20 to 30 games. We had success in those games. We beat Indiana twice the opening weekend, but stumbled on Sunday. “It takes time in those 20 to 30 games to find the right pieces of the puzzle. Then, the kids continuously have to embrace their role. I think now, every kid on this team understands his role, knows what is expected of him and doesn’t want to let his teammates down.” On the announcement of UNO, Southern Miss and Texas Southern in the Baton Rouge regional... “First of all, I am very proud of UNO. I am an alumnus of UNO. I played there for two years and I think Tom Walter has done a spectacular job with that program. UNO is very lucky to have him as a coach. He is a tremendous coach and his staff is outstanding. Their players play the game the right way. They play hard and are aggressive and confident. We had three tremendous ball games with them this year. All three games were decided in the last at-bat. There is no question that we have the utmost respect for them. They are going to be a tremendous challenge.” “Southern Mississippi’s team is phenomenal. We played there earlier this year. With 5,000 people at the game, it was a tremendous atmosphere. It was a great ball game from our standpoint because we took control of the game early, and then held them off at the end. I’m sure Southern Miss is going to come in here and let it rip. They are going to be a tough team.” “I don’t know as much about Texas Southern right now, but obviously, I’m going to get in there and study them as hard as I can.” “I think it is going to be a great regional. I’m excited about UNO being here. I love UNO, their program and the way Tom [Walter] has done his job there. They are going to be a great challenge, but we don’t play them first. We don’t even know if we will play them, so right now, our attention is focused on Texas Southern.”
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