The Rise of the Carnegie Mellon Tartans (MVP 07 NCAA Baseball)

[Careless Whisper]

Tartans Rebound in Game 2 at Xavier to Earn Second Straight Split
CMU senior Hector Karl threw six shutout innings and Darrell Salters hit a two-run homer to secure another shared series

by Brittany Adams, Carnegie Mellon sports reporter

CINCINNATI, Ohio -- A stellar pitching performance by senior right-hander Hector Karl lifted Carnegie Mellon to another series split at Xavier, as the Tartans bounced back from a 7-0 defeat in Game 1 with a 2-1 triumph in Game 2.

Carnegie Mellon (7-28, 5-11 A-10) now has two series splits in a row after defeating Duquesne in 11 innings, 3-2, in the second game of a two-game series earlier in the week. The Tartans have now won one game in four of their last five series after previously suffering seven consecutive losses.

“We’re on the right path,” said CMU head coach Steven Van Buren. “I keep trying to preach to our guys that this isn’t going to be easy and there are going to be a lot of growing pains along the way. I’m proud of our mental state to shake the (Game 1) loss off and come back with a strong effort to earn the split. Leaders like Hector (Karl) on the mound and Darrell (Salters) really set the tone in the second game, and our younger guys are buying into what they’re saying.”

Junior shortstop Darrell Salters provided the only needed runs in the top of the first inning of Game 1, hitting a two-run homer to give CMU a 2-0 advantage. Karl took charge from there, holding Xavier (14-15, 7-7 A-10) scoreless through six innings, as he allowed three hits and three walks and struck out five.

Both junior southpaw Elpidio MacLean and sophomore right-hander Bryan Paronto posted zeroes in the seventh and eighth innings before they turned it over to freshman closer Einar Reagan. Tyler Luderer brought the Musketeers within one on a sacrifice fly scoring Cody Cleveland, but Reagan forced a groundout from the next batter to secure the win.

In Game 1, Xavier was boosted by a dominant pitching performance from junior ace Kyle Daguio as it won 7-0.

Daugio went 7.1 innings without allowing a run, allowing only three hits while striking out 10. The Musketeers hit two-run homeruns in the first and fourth innings by Orben Mesa and Cleveland, respectively, and added a third three-run shot in the eighth inning from Justin Dreschel.

Sophomore right-hander Scott Dittfurth allowed four runs on seven hits and a walk and didn’t record a strikeout in 4.1 innings. Freshman rightfielder Danny Ray Boss had one of the Tartans’ three hits on the day, collecting his seventh double of the season.

Carnegie Mellon continues its road trip next weekend at No. 12 St. Bonaventure. The Tartans and Bonnies will play a double-header on Saturday, April 21 before finishing with Game 2 on Sunday, April 22.

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Carnegie Mellon Tartans (6-27, 4-10 A-10) at Xavier Musketeers (13-14, 6-6 A-10)
Cincinnati, Ohio – J. Page Hayden Field

Game 1 – April 14, 2007
CMU | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0
XU | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | X | 7 | 15 | 0
W: Kyle Daguio (5-3) L: Scott Dittfurth (0-2)

Carnegie Mellon Statistics
Tyler Tully, Jr., DH | 1-3, BB
Danny Ray Boss, Fr., RF | 1-2, 2B (7)
Ryan Rayner, Sr., LF | 1-3
Scott Dittfurth, So., SP (L, 0-2) | 4.1 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB
Matt Uribes, So., RP | 2.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K

Xavier Statistics
Carl Foushee, Sr., LF | 3-4, R, BB, SB
Rudy Witt, Fr., CF | 1-4, R, 3B, RBI
Orben Mesa, Sr., DH | 3-5, R, 2B, HR, 2 RBI
Cody Cleveland, Jr., 2B | 1-3, 2 R, HR, 2 RBI, BB
Justin Dreschel, Jr., C | 2-4, R, HR, 2 RBI
Kyle Daguio, Jr., SP (W, 5-3) | 7.1 IP, 3 H, 10 K
Mark Komaromy, Jr., RP | 1.2 IP, 1 BB, 1 K

Game 2 – April 15, 2007
CMU | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 1
XU | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 1
W: Hector Karl (2-5) L: Will Cappello (3-3) S: Einar Reagan (3)

Carnegie Mellon Statistics
Chris Grieve, Fr., 3B | 1-4, R
Kit Kreuter, Sr., CF | 1-3
Darrell Salters, Jr., SS | 1-2, R, HR (5), 2 RBI (8)
Ryan Rayner, Sr., LF | 1-3
Joaquin Cormier, Sr., C | 1-3
Hector Karl, Sr., SP (W, 2-5) | 6.0 IP, 3 H, 3 BB, 5 K
Elpidio MacLean, Jr., RP | 1.0 IP, 1 BB, 1 K
Einar Reagan, Fr., RP (S, 3) | 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER

Xavier Statistics
Orben Mesa, Sr., DH | 1-3
Andy Juarez, Jr., 3B | 2-4
Cody Cleveland, Jr., 2B | 1-4, R, SB
Tyler Luderer, Fr., RF | 0-4, RBI
Will Cappello, Jr., SP (L, 3-3) | 5.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 5 K
Lance Brossman, Jr., RP | 2.2 IP, 3 H, 1 BB, 3 K

[Careless Whisper]

CMU Competes, but Falls in Three-Game Sweep at #12 St. Bonaventure
Carnegie Mellon played a pair of three-run games to end its three-game series at No. 12 St. Bonaventure

by Brittany Adams, Carnegie Mellon sports reporter

OLEAN, N.Y. -- Carnegie Mellon hung tough against No. 12 St. Bonaventure in a three-game Atlantic 10 series over the weekend, but the Tartans were ultimately swept by scores of 7-1, 3-0, and 7-4.

Carnegie Mellon (7-30, 5-14 A-10) held one single lead over St. Bonaventure (28-10, 11-8 A-10) across the three games, but managed to hold a strong Bonnies offense to just three runs in Game 2 and roughed up one of their best pitchers, Kevin Reida, for four runs and eight hits in Game 3.

CMU and SBU played a doubleheader on Saturday, April 21, which started with a 7-1 win for the hosts in Game 1.

The Bonnies scored six of their seven runs in the first four innings, highlighted by a pair of two-run hits by Clay Hudson. Matt Freese shut down the Tartans offense, striking out 11 through 6.2 innings while allowing a run on four hits and a walk.

The visitors lone run in the game came in the top of the sixth inning, as junior designated hitter Tyler Tully connected with his second homerun of the season.

Junior right-hander Ramon Tillman allowed six runs on eight hits and seven walks in four innings for CMU.

Later that evening, the Tartans got four shutout innings in relief from junior right-hander Brett Gaston but they couldn’t mount a comeback and fell by a 3-0 score.

St. Bonaventure scored twice in the second inning on a Dave Daman homerun and Austin Curtis double, then added its third run in the next frame on a Joel Bulger solo homer.

Chad Chamberlin struck out 10 in 6.2 innings and allowed four hits. His counterpart, sophomore right-hander Scott Dittfurth, gave up three runs on five hits and two walks, striking out two in four innings.

The CMU offense pushed across four runs on 10 hits in Game 3, but the Bonnies completed the sweep with a 7-4 win.

The Tartans went ahead in the top of the first with a RBI single from junior shortstop Darrell Salters, but St. Bonaventure answered with an Evan Fassero RBI double and Daman two-run double.

CMU scored three in the top of the fifth inning with Salters RBI single and two-run triple from senior centerfielder Kit Kreuter, but that only cut the Bonnies’ lead to 6-4.

Senior right-hander Hector Karl struggled, allowing six runs on eight hits and three walks in 2.2 innings. Junior lefty Elpidio MacLean threw 2.1 shutout innings in relief.

Carnegie Mellon keeps its road trip going next weekend with a three-game series at Massachusetts, beginning on Friday, April 27.

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Carnegie Mellon Tartans (7-27, 5-11 A-10) at #12 St. Bonaventure Bonnies (25-10, 8-8 A-10)
Olean, N.Y. – Fred Handler Park

Game 1 (DH) – April 21, 2007
CMU | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 0
SBU | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | X | 7 | 12 | 0
W: Matt Freese (3-2) L: Ramon Tillman (1-7)

Carnegie Mellon Statistics
Chris Grieve, Fr., 3B | 1-4
Tyler Tully, Jr., DH | 1-4, R, HR (2), RBI (13)
Kit Kreuter, Sr., CF | 1-3
Ryan Rayner, Sr., LF | 1-3
Robby Freed, Fr., 2B | 1-3, 2B (5)
Ramon Tillman, Jr., SP (L, 1-7) | 4.0 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 7 BB
Matt Uribes, So., RP | 3.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K

St. Bonaventure Statistics
Evan Fassero, Sr., SS | 2-4, 2 R, BB
Dave Daman, Jr., LF | 1-2, 2 R, 2B, 2 BB, SB
Clay Hudson, Sr., 2B | 4-5, R, 2B, 4 RBI
Arnaldo Pratt, Jr., 3B | 1-4, RBI, BB
Joel Bulger, Sr., 1B | 1-2, RBI, BB
Matt Freese, So., SP (W, 3-2) | 6.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 11 K
Joe Locke, Jr., RP | 2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 BB, 3 K

Game 2 (DH) – April 21, 2007
CMU | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0
SBU | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | X | 3 | 7 | 0
W: Chad Chamberlin (3-3) L: Scott Dittfurth (0-3) S: Calvin Marlatt (10)

Carnegie Mellon Statistics
Tyler Tully, Jr., DH | 1-4, 2B (10)
Darrell Salters, Jr., SS | 2-4
Will Froemming, Sr., 1B | 1-4, 2B (12)
Ryan Rayner, Sr., LF | 1-3
Scott Dittfurth, So., SP (L, 0-3) | 4.0 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Brett Gaston, Jr., RP | 4.0 IP, 2 H, 5 BB, 1 K

St. Bonaventure Statistics
Dave Daman, Jr., LF | 1-3, R, HR, RBI, BB
Clay Hudson, Sr., 2B | 1-3, BB
Joel Bulger, Sr., 1B | 2-4, R, HR, RBI
Mark Hart, Jr., C | 2-3, R, 2B, 3B
Austin Curtis, Sr., CF | 1-3, 2B, RBI
Chad Chamberlin, Jr., SP (W, 3-3) | 6.2 IP, 4 H, 10 K
Calvin Marlatt, So., RP (S, 10) | 1.0 IP, 2 H, 1 K

Game 3 – April 22, 2007
CMU | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 10 | 0
SBU | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | X | 7 | 14 | 1
W: Kevin Reida (5-1) L: Hector Karl (2-6) S: Calvin Marlatt (11)

Carnegie Mellon Statistics
Chris Grieve, Fr., 3B | 3-5, 2 R, 2 2B (12)
Kit Kreuter, Sr., CF | 2-4, R, 2B (4), 3B (2), 2 RBI (10)
Darrell Salters, Jr., SS | 2-4, 2 RBI (10)
Danny Ray Boss, Fr., RF | 1-4
Robby Freed, Fr., 2B | 2-4, R
Hector Karl, Sr., SP (L, 2-6) | 2.2 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 3 BB, 3 K
Elpidio MacLean, Jr., RP | 2.1 IP, 1 H, 1 BB

St. Bonaventure Statistics
Evan Fassero, Sr., SS | 3-5, 2B, 2 RBI
Dave Daman, Jr., LF | 3-5, 2 R, HR, 2 RBI
Clay Hudson, Sr., 2B | 1-5, R, HR, 2 RBI
Joel Bulger, Sr., 1B | 2-5, R
Mark Hart, Jr., C | 2-4, RBI
Kevin Reida, Jr., SP (W, 5-1) | 5.0 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 4 K
Calvin Marlatt, So., RP (S, 11) | 1.0 IP, 1 K

[Careless Whisper]

Tartans, Minutemen Swap Gems, but UMass Takes Three-Game Set
Carnegie Mellon and UMass combined for six runs across the three games, with the Tartans only winning Game 2

by Brittany Adams, Carnegie Mellon sports reporter

AMHERST, Mass. -- In a series defined by both pitching staffs, Massachusetts took a three-game series with a pair of wins in Game 1 (3-1) and Game 3 (1-0), with Carnegie Mellon settling for a 1-0 win in Game 2.

Carnegie Mellon (8-32, 6-16 A-10) and Massachusetts (20-26, 11-14 A-10) combined for six runs and 38 hits across the three games. The Tartans three starting pitchers – junior Ramon Tillman, sophomore Scott Dittfurth, and senior Hector Karl – allowed a single run over 17 innings of work.

In CMU’s 1-0 victory in Game 2, Dittfurth was the story as he carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning before Justin Saracen spoiled that bid. The sophomore finished with two hits and two walks allowed in six frames and struck out five, leaving with a 1-0 lead after senior Kit Kreuter hit a RBI double in the top of the first inning.

The Tartans nearly gave the game away however, as freshman closer Einar Reagan loaded the bases with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, only to force a groundout from Saracen to pick up the save.

Kreuter had two doubles – his fifth and sixth of the season – while junior designated hitter Tyler Tully hit a triple. Cliff Haggerty struck out nine in 5.1 innings for UMass in relief.

In Game 1, the Minutemen hit three solo homeruns to defeat CMU, 3-1.

Freshman third baseman Chris Grieve roped an RBI single into right field in the top of the third, scoring senior leftfielder Ryan Rayner to tie it at 1-1. That score carried into the bottom of the sixth, when Tim Barr hit his second of two solo shots to put the hosts back ahead. The lead grew to its 3-1 final scoreline on a Todd Vidic homerun off Reagan.

Tillman had allowed one run on four hits and struck out five through 4.1 innings, but left early due to injury. Brandon Rouse struck out six in five innings for UMass, allowing a run on seven hits.

The Minutemen won in walk-off fashion in Game 3, 1-0.

Karl was terrific for the Tartans, punching out seven in 6.2 innings while allowing just four hits and a walk. CMU’s offense managed four doubles – two by senior third baseman Aaron Musgrove, and one each from Grieve and Kreuter – but it had nothing to show for it as the game entered the bottom of the ninth.

Freshman right-hander Jamie Boyd entered instead of Reagan, who was unavailable after pitching the previous two games. He allowed a lead-off single to Barr before getting the next out, but Brennan Phillips lifted a double into the gap that was enough to bring in the only run.

Carnegie Mellon is back in the Keystone State next weekend, but it remains on the road at Saint Joseph’s for a three-game series beginning on Friday, May 4.

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Carnegie Mellon Tartans (7-30, 5-14 A-10) at UMass Minutemen (18-25, 9-13 A-10)
Amherst, Mass. – Earl Lorden Field

Game 1 – April 27, 2007
CMU | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 1
UMASS | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | X | 3 | 9 | 0
W: Cory Brohawn (4-0) L: Jeff Hansen (0-1) S: Corey Townsend (5)

Carnegie Mellon Statistics
Chris Grieve, Fr., 3B | 1-4, RBI (13)
Tyler Tully, Jr., DH | 1-4
Will Froemming, Sr., 1B | 1-3
Danny Ray Boss, Fr., RF | 1-3, 2B (8)
Ryan Rayner, Sr., LF | 1-3, R
Ramon Tillman, Jr., SP | 4.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 5 K
Jeff Hansen, So., RP (L, 0-1) | 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 K
Jamie Boyd, Fr., RP | 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 K

UMass Statistics
Tim Barr, So., 1B | 2-4, 2 R, 2 HR, 2 RBI
Todd Vidic, Sr., RF | 1-3, R, HR, RBI
Brennan Phelps, Jr., LF | 3-4
Jeremy Rea, So., SS | 1-3
Joel Napoli, So., C | 1-3, SB
Brandon Rouse, Sr., SP | 5.0 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 6 K
Cory Brohawn, So., RP (W, 4-0) | 2.0 IP, 1 K
Corey Townsend, So., RP (S, 5) | 2.0 IP, 1 BB, 1 K

Game 2 – April 28, 2007
CMU | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 1
UMASS | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0
W: Scott Dittfurth (1-3) L: Aaron Munoz (2-1) S: Einar Reagan (4)

Carnegie Mellon Statistics
Chris Grieve, Fr., 3B | 1-4
Tyler Tully, Jr., DH | 2-3, R, 3B (1)
Kit Kreuter, Sr., CF | 2-4, 2 2B (6), RBI (11)
Matt Trachsel, Jr., RF | 2-4, 2B (3)
Scott Dittfurth, So., SP (W, 1-3) | 6.0 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 5 K
Bryan Paronto, So., RP | 1.0 IP, 1 H
Einar Reagan, Fr., RP (S, 4) | 1.0 IP, 2 BB

UMass Statistics
Justin Saracen, Sr., CF | 1-4
Reid Perschina, Jr., 2B | 1-3, BB
Tim Barr, So., 1B | 1-2
Brennan Phelps, Jr., LF | 1-3, BB
Aaron Munoz, Jr., SP (L, 2-1) | 3.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 6 K
Cliff Haggerty, So., RP | 5.1 IP, 5 H, 9 K

Game 3 – April 29, 2007
CMU | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0
UMASS | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 0
W: Brad Lindgren (4-1) L: Jamie Boyd (0-1)

Carnegie Mellon Statistics
Chris Grieve, Fr., 2B | 1-4, 2B (13)
Kit Kreuter, Sr., CF | 1-4, 2B (7)
Danny Ray Boss, Fr., RF | 1-4
Aaron Musgrove, Sr., 3B | 2-3, 2 2B (4)
Hector Karl, Sr., SP | 6.2 IP, 4 H, 1 BB, 7 K
Peter Dirks, Fr., RP | 1.1 IP, 1 BB, 2 K
Jamie Boyd, Fr., RP (L, 0-1) | 0.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER

UMass Statistics
Justin Saracen, Sr., CF | 1-4, 2B
Tim Barr, So., 1B | 1-4, R
Brennan Phelps, Jr., LF | 1-3, 2B, RBI
Jeremy Rea, So., SS | 1-3, 2B
Kevin Skellenger, Jr., SP | 4.2 IP, 3 H, 3 K
Brad Lindgren, Sr., RP (W, 4-2) | 4.1 IP, 2 H, 3 BB, 2 K

[Careless Whisper]

Around the NCAA – April 2007 Wrap-Up
The SEC and SoCon both boast three teams in the Baseball America Top 25

Baseball America Top 25 Media Poll
1 | Tennessee (29-11)
2 | College of Charleston (30-10)
3 | Florida (28-13)
4 | Stanford (30-10)
5 | Oregon State (28-12)
6 | Middle Tennessee (29-10)
7 | Houston (27-12)
8 | South Carolina (25-16)
9 | Western Carolina (30-10)
10 | Furman (25-14)
11 | Florida State (28-14)
12 | Troy (24-14)
13 | South Alabama (26-13)
14 | Long Beach State (27-13)
15 | Elon (24-15)
16 | St. Bonaventure (30-11)
17 | Clemson (25-14)
18 | Michigan (28-13)
19 | Saint Louis (30-14)
20 | Oklahoma (23-16)
21 | Miami (Fla.) (25-17)
22 | Connecticut (27-12)
23 | Ohio State (28-15)
24 | Hawaii (25-16)
25 | Texas (24-15)

Golden Spikes Award Watch
Todd Hess, Sr., CF, Middle Tennessee | 8 HR, .472/.586/.796, 37 RBI, 53 R, 20 SB, 67 H
Bryan Taborelli, Jr., SS, Western Carolina | 15 HR, .383/.462/.752, 46 RBI, 41 R, 16 SB, 57 H
Jason McClure, So., 2B, Long Beach State | 12 HR, .412/.532/.797, 44 RBI, 38 R, 10 SB, 61 H

Roger Clemens Award Watch
Willie Clausen, Jr., RHP, Rice | 124.1 IP, 11-3, 1.74 ERA, 109 K, 44 BB
Todd DeLong, Jr., RHP, Stanford | 92.0 IP, 9-1, 1.96 ERA, 87 K, 23 BB
Kip Stolp, Jr., RHP, Michigan | 108.1 IP, 8-0, 2.08 ERA, 113 K, 28 BB

Baseball America Offensive Player of the Year Watch
Todd Hess, Sr., CF, Middle Tennessee | 8 HR, .472/.586/.796, 37 RBI, 53 R, 20 SB, 67 H
Jason McClure, So., 2B, Long Beach State | 12 HR, .412/.532/.797, 44 RBI, 38 R, 10 SB, 61 H
Matt Rapavi, Sr., RF, Dayton | 8 HR, .464/.537/.778, 27 RBI, 42 R, 17 SB, 71 H

Baseball America Freshman of the Year Watch
Kris Grissom, Fr., CF, South Carolina | 6 HR, .433/.525/.724, 31 RBI, 37 R, 15 SB, 58 H
Jeremy Bertram, Fr., C, Tennessee | 9 HR, .342/.446/.641, 33 RBI, 26 R, 7 SB, 40 H
Dan Stanford, Fr., 1B, South Alabama | 9 HR, .358/.480/.658, 34 RBI, 26 R, 1 SB, 43 H

[Careless Whisper]

by Hayden Issacs, Carnegie Mellon sports reporter

Tillman could miss remainder of season

After spraining his wrist in the opening game of Carnegie Mellon’s series at UMass, junior right-hander Ramon Tillman may miss the rest of the season.

Tillman is set to miss 1-to-2 weeks. If he doesn’t come back from injury, he will end his junior season with a 1-7 record and 6.06 earned run average in 52 innings pitched, with 43 strikeouts and 19 walks issued.

Sophomore right-hander Matt Uribes (20.1 IP, 0-3, 10.18 ERA, 17 K, 14 BB) is set to start in his place this weekend at Saint Joseph’s.

Dittfurth impressing in rotation

Sophomore right-hander Scott Dittfurth has impressed CMU head coach Steven Van Buren since moving to the rotation, as he owns a 3.00 ERA in 15 innings pitched across three starts.

Dittfurth carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning of his last start, which finished with a 1-0 win for the Tartans. He has 11 strikeouts against four walks over the three starts and has allowed 14 hits. His one poor performance over this stretch was at Xavier, where he gave up four runs on seven hits and a walk in 4.1 frames.

Tartans out of the basement in Atlantic 10 standings

Carnegie Mellon has made it out of the bottom of the Atlantic 10 standings entering the final month of the season, with its 6-16 conference mark currently good for 12th.

Temple (16-29, 8-19 A-10) and Saint Joseph’s (13-26, 6-18 A-10) are the only teams ranked lower than CMU. At the top of the board, No. 19 Saint Louis (30-14, 20-7 A-10) owns a two-game lead on Dayton (25-16, 16-7 A-10).

The top six teams qualify for the Atlantic 10 Tournament. Currently the top six consists of Saint Louis, Dayton, Rhode Island (21-19, 16-8 A-10), No. 16 St. Bonaventure (30-11, 13-9 A-10), George Washington (20-19, 13-9 A-10), and Fordham (24-23, 15-11 A-10). Charlotte (19-22, 12-10 A-10) is one game outside the top six, Xavier (19-20 ,12-12 A-10) is two games out, and Duquesne (18-24, 12-13 A-10) is 2.5 games out.

CMU pick up three more commits

Carnegie Mellon gained three more commitments over the weekend as first baseman/left-handed pitcher Dan Gregg (Millport, Ala. / South Lamar), catcher Cam Cockrell (Metairie, La. / East Jefferson), and outfielder Kurt Branson (Wister, Okla. / Wister) pledged to join the program over the summer.

The three high school seniors join a recruiting class that includes commitments in infielders Aramis Baker (Ironton, Ohio / Rock Hill) and Rod Stange (Montreal, Quebec / Édouard Montpetit College), outfielder Scott Linton (Islesboro, Maine / Islesboro), right-handed pitchers Travis Hnytka (Albany, N.Y. / Albany) and Matt Seibel (Lancaster, Calif. / Paraclete).

The Tartans are only slated to lose six seniors – catcher Joaquin Cormier, infielders Wade Froemming and Aaron Musgrove, outfielders Ryan Rayner and Kit Kreuter, and right-handed pitcher Hector Karl – to graduation.

Carnegie Mellon Recruiting Targets
Aramis Baker, SS/UT (6’2”, 192 lbs.; R/R; Ironton, Ohio / Rock Hill) – Committed
Rod Stange, 3B/C (5’9”, 187 lbs.; R/R; Montreal, Quebec / Édouard Montpetit College) – Committed
Travis Hnytka, SP/2B (6’5”, 204 lbs.; R/R; Albany, N.Y. / Albany) – Committed
Scott Linton, LF/1B (6’0”, 213 lbs.; R/R; Islesboro, Maine / Islesboro) – Committed
Matt Seibel, RP/1B (6’4”, 221 lbs.; R/R; Lancaster, Calif. / Paraclete) – Committed
Dan Gregg, 1B/RP (6’4”, 206 lbs.; R/L; Millport, Ala. / South Lamar) – Committed
Cam Cockrell, C (5’9”, 216 lbs.; L/R; Metairie, La. / East Jefferson) – Committed
Kurt Branson, CF/RF (6’1”, 200 lbs.; R/R; Wister, Okla. / Wister) – Committed

[Careless Whisper]

Tartans Win Opener, but Can’t Secure Series Win at Saint Joseph’s
Carnegie Mellon took Game 1 of its three-game series at Saint Joseph's, but fell in the next two

by Hayden Issacs, Carnegie Mellon sports reporter

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. -- Carnegie Mellon had a prime opportunity to win its first series in program history after a comeback 9-7 win in 12 innings, but Saint Joseph’s came back with a pair of one-run victories (3-2, 4-3 in 11 innings) to take the three-game Atlantic 10 set.

Carnegie Mellon (9-34, 7-18 A-10) had ample opportunities to take two or three wins from Saint Joseph’s (16-28, 9-20 A-10) in the intrastate series. The Tartans battled back from a 2-0 deficit in Game 2 only for the bullpen to give up the winning run in the bottom of the seventh, and tied Game 3 in the eighth inning at 3-3 but couldn’t push across the go-ahead tally in extra frames.

Game 1 was the most exciting of the bunch, a 9-7 win for the visitors in 12 innings.

The two teams traded the lead multiple times, but CMU was down 7-5 when it got a RBI double from junior designated hitter Tyler Tully in the top of the eighth. Freshman rightfielder Danny Ray Boss eventually found himself in a big spot with the bases loaded and two outs, but he stranded them all with a flyout to right. In the next inning, senior catcher Joaquin Cormier hit a one-out homerun to left field to send the game to extras.

The 7-7 scoreline remained until the top of the 12th inning when senior centerfielder Kit Kreuter singled to left and junior shortstop Darrell Salters connected on a two-run opposite-field homerun. Tartans head coach Steven Van Buren then made big move in the bottom half, bringing in newly cemented starting pitcher Scott Dittfurth to close it out – which he did, stranding a runner with a strikeout.

“At that point Scott (Dittfurth) was fresh and he’s been pitching great,” said Van Buren. “I prioritized getting the win in that spot and wanted to go to our best guy to do it. He was amped up and gave up the leadoff hit, but settled down and did his job.”

Kreuter was 5-for-7 with a double, stolen base, and two runs scored. Salters had four RBI as part of a 3-for-7 day, and freshman third baseman Chris Grieve hit a pair of doubles as part of a 4-for-7 performance.

Senior right-hander Hector Karl gave up three runs on six hits and a walk in 2.2 innings, striking out two. Freshman reliever Paxton Jennings earned the win with two scoreless frames with two strikeouts and one hit allowed.

Jennings was saddled with the loss in Game 2, giving up a RBI double to Jon Hoxter in the bottom of the seventh as the Hawks took the contest, 3-2.

Trailing 2-0 in the top of the sixth inning, Salters roped a two-run triple into the rightfield corner, scoring Kreuter. Jennings came back for his third inning of work in the eventh, but it was a frame too long as he allowed Devon Riley to reach on a single and then Hoxter brought him in with the two-bagger.

Sophomore right-hander Matt Uribes had his start moved up one day from Sunday to Saturday after Dittfurth’s Friday save, and he pitched 3.2 innings with two runs allowed on five hits and three walks.

Salters’ triple was his 15th and 16th RBI of the season. Kreuter was 3-for-4 and Tully hit his 12th double as part of a 2-for-4 day.

Senior third baseman Aaron Musgrave tied Game 3 up in the top of the eighth with a double, but CMU couldn’t find a fourth run and allowed Saint Joseph’s to take the series in the 11th inning, 4-3, with a Jonathan Frink walk-off single.

The Tartans used an error and RBI single from freshman catcher Adrian Arndt to take a 2-0 lead into the bottom of the first, but that quickly vanished as Nathan Realini connected on a two-run homer. Frink put the Hawks ahead in the bottom of the fifth with an RBI single.

Dittfurth allowed two runs on six hits in four innings and struck out two. Freshman closer Einar Reagan took the loss after a perfect 10th inning, allowing a lead-off walk and stolen base to Paul Costi in the 11th before Frink’s heroics.

Musgrove was 3-for-4 at the dish and Kreuter stole two bases – his 9th and 10th of the season.

Carnegie Mellon closes the season next weekend at home, as it welcomes George Washington for a three-game series beginning on Friday, May 11.

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Carnegie Mellon Tartans (8-32, 6-16 A-10) at Saint Joseph’s Hawks (14-27, 7-19 A-10)
Philadelphia, Pa. – Smithson Field

Game 1 – May 4, 2007
CMU | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 9 | 23 | 1
SJU | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 18 | 0
W: Paxton Jennings (2-1) L: Jarrod Cummings (2-3) S: Scott Dittfurth (1)

Carnegie Mellon Statistics
Chris Grieve, Fr., 3B | 4-7, 4 R, 2 2B (15), RBI (14), SB (2)
Tyler Tully, Jr., DH | 2-7, 2B (11), RBI (14)
Kit Kreuter, Sr., CF | 5-7, 2 R, 2B (8), RBI (12), SB (8)
Darrell Salters, Jr., SS | 3-7, R, HR (6), 4 RBI (14)
Joaquin Cormier, Sr., C | 2-6, 2 R, 2B (5), HR (1), RBI (4)
Hector Karl, Sr., RP | 2.2 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
Jamie Boyd, Fr., RP | 1.1 IP, 1 BB
Paxton Jennings, Fr., RP (W, 2-1) | 2.0 IP, 1 H, 2 K
Scott Dittfurth, So., RP (S, 1) | 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 K

Saint Joseph’s Statistics
Jonathan Frink, So., 1B | 2-4, 3 R, 2B, RBI, 2 BB
Jon Hoxter, Sr., RF | 1-6, 2B, RBI
Geraldo Lafferty, So., SS | 2-7, 2B, 2 RBI
Nathan Realini, Fr., 3B | 5-7, R, 2B, RBI
Paul Costi, So., C | 1-3, R, HR, 2 RBI
Jose Ruffin, Jr., SP | 5.0 IP, 10 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 5 K
Jarrod Cummings, So., RP (L, 2-3) | 3.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K

Game 2 – May 5, 2007
CMU | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 0
SJU | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | X | 3 | 11 | 0
W: Robert Ravago (2-2) L: Paxton Jennings (2-2) S: Gary Foley (3)

Carnegie Mellon Statistics
Tyler Tully, Jr., DH | 2-4, R, 2B (12)
Kit Kreuter, Sr., CF | 3-4, R
Darrell Salters, Jr., SS | 1-2, 3B (1), 2 RBI (16), BB
Ryan Rayner, Sr., LF | 1-4
Matt Uribes, So., SP | 3.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
Paxton Jennings, Fr., RP (L, 2-2) | 3.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Jamie Boyd, Fr., RP | 1.1 IP, 1 H

Saint Joseph’s Statistics
Jeff Mule, Sr., CF | 1-2, 2 R, BB, 2 SB
Devon Riley, Jr., 2B | 1-2, R, RBI, BB
Jonathan Frink, So., 1B | 2-4, RBI
Jon Hoxter, Sr., RF | 2-3, 2B, RBI, BB
Austin Fogle, Jr., LF | 2-4, SB
Arnie Moorer, Jr., SP | 5.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
Robert Ravago, Jr., RP (W, 2-2) | 1.2 IP, 1 H, 2 K
Gary Foley, So., RP (S, 3) | 2.0 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 1 K

Game 3 – May 6, 2007
CMU | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 1
SJU | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 13 | 1
W: Robert Ravago (3-2) L: Einar Reagan (0-1)

Carnegie Mellon Statistics
Kit Kreuter, Sr., CF | 1-3, R, 2 BB, 2 SB (10)
Darrell Salters, Jr., SS | 1-5, R
Will Froemming, Sr., 1B | 1-3, R, 2B (14), BB
Adrian Arndt, Fr., C | 1-4, RBI (2)
Aaron Musgrove, Sr., 3B | 3-4, 2B (5), RBI (5)
Scott Dittfurth, So., SP | 4.0 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 K
Peter Dirks, Fr., RP | 2.0 IP, 1 H, 3 K
Einar Reagan, Fr., RP (L, 0-1) | 1.0 IP, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

Saint Joseph’s Statistics
Jeff Mule, Sr., CF | 2-5, BB
Jonathan Frink, So., 1B | 3-6, R, HR, 2 RBI
Jon Hoxter, Sr., RF | 2-5, 2 2B
Nathan Realini, Fr., 3B | 2-4, R, HR, 2 RBI
Paul Costi, So., C | 1-4, R, BB, SB
Luis Quintana, Sr., SP | 5.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 8 K
Gary Foley, So., RP | 3.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 4 K
Robert Ravago, Jr., RP (W, 3-2) | 0.1 IP

[Careless Whisper]

by Hayden Issacs, Carnegie Mellon sports reporter

Karl misses, Tillman returns for final series against George Washington

Carnegie Mellon’s starting rotation carousel continues to spin entering its final series of the season, as the Tartans see senior Hector Karl miss and junior Ramon Tillman return.

Karl, a senior right-hander, tore his knee meniscus at Saint Joseph’s last weekend. He finishes the season and his collegiate career with a 2-6 record and a 5.18 earned run average, 64 strikeouts, and 24 walks in 64.1 innings pitched.

Tillman, a junior right-hander, was presumed to miss the rest of the season after suffering a sprained wrist at UMass. He’ll get the ball for Game 3 against George Washington, hoping to improve on a 1-7 record, 6.60 earned run average, 43 strikeouts, and 19 walks in 52 innings.

Rayner suspended for George Washington series

Senior leftfieder Ryan Rayner is one of six seniors on the Carnegie Mellon roster, but he will not be taking part in Senior Weekend festivities as he has been suspended for academic performance and will miss the series.

Rayner (.261/.324/.318, 0 HR, 7 RBI, 6 R, 41 H) will be replaced in left field by junior Matt Trachsel (.171/.216/.257, 1 RBI, 2 R, 6 H), who will likely be the Tartans starter in that spot in 2008.

Five Tartans celebrated on senior weekend

CMU bids adieu to five seniors this weekend as they play in their final series of their careers against George Washington.

The Tartans will honor catcher Joaquin Cormier (.205/.246/.277, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 9 R, 1 SB, 23 H), first baseman Will Froemming (.248/.348/.357, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 13 R, 39 H), third baseman Aaron Musgrove (.254/.267/.339, 5 RBI, 1 R, 15 H), centerfielder Kit Kreuter (.269/.330/.354, 1 HR, 12 RBI, 14 R, 10 SB, 47 H), and right-handed pitcher Hector Karl (64.1 IP, 2-6, 5.18 ERA, 64 K, 24 BB) ahead of their final game of the season on Sunday. Kreuter and Karl were transfers from Kenyon College, while Cormier, Froemming, and Musgrove played on the club baseball team.

Carnegie Mellon Recruiting Targets
Aramis Baker, SS/UT (6’2”, 192 lbs.; R/R; Ironton, Ohio / Rock Hill) – Committed
Rod Stange, 3B/C (5’9”, 187 lbs.; R/R; Montreal, Quebec / Édouard Montpetit College) – Committed
Travis Hnytka, SP/2B (6’5”, 204 lbs.; R/R; Albany, N.Y. / Albany) – Committed
Scott Linton, LF/1B (6’0”, 213 lbs.; R/R; Islesboro, Maine / Islesboro) – Committed
Matt Seibel, RP/1B (6’4”, 221 lbs.; R/R; Lancaster, Calif. / Paraclete) – Committed
Dan Gregg, 1B/RP (6’4”, 206 lbs.; R/L; Millport, Ala. / South Lamar) – Committed
Cam Cockrell, C (5’9”, 216 lbs.; L/R; Metairie, La. / East Jefferson) – Committed
Kurt Branson, CF/RF (6’1”, 200 lbs.; R/R; Wister, Okla. / Wister) – Committed

[Careless Whisper]

Tartans Swept by George Washington in Final Series of Season
Carnegie Mellon fell by scores of 6-4, 10-2, and 6-0 as it concludes its inaugural Division I baseball season with a 9-37 record

by Hayden Issacs, Carnegie Mellon sports reporter

PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- Carnegie Mellon’s first NCAA Division I baseball season ended over the weekend, as the Tartans were swept by George Washington in a three-game series by scores of 6-4, 10-2, and 6-0.

After spending the last four series on the road, Carnegie Mellon (9-37, 7-21 A-10) was swept for the fourth time in Atlantic 10 play. The Tartans were caught off-balance by the starting pitching of George Washington (27-20, 20-10 A-10), as they allowed Luis McMahon to compile 13 strikeouts in Game 1 and Pat Merrell to collect 10 punchouts in Game 3.

“(This weekend) wasn’t what we hoped for in our final games of the season,” said CMU head coach Steven Van Buren. “But overall, I thought we showed a lot of growth throughout the year. To win seven games in a conference as competitive as the Atlantic 10 is something to hang our hat on, and I feel good about our team taking a step forward next season now that we know what to expect.”

In Game 1, a two-run single by senior first baseman Will Froemming tied the game at 2-2 in the bottom of the sixth, but George Washington answered with three runs in the top of the seventh to ultimately win 6-4.

Down 5-2 in the bottom of the eighth, junior leftfielder Matt Trachsel – starting in place of senior Ryan Rayner, who was suspended due to academics – lined a one-out double down the third base line that scored two, making it 5-4. The Tartans loaded the bases from there, but senior third baseman Aaron Musgrove grounded into a double play to extinguish the threat.

The Colonials would add an insurance run in the top of the ninth with a Matt Douglass RBI double – his third two-bagger of the game.

Sophomore right-hander Matt Uribes allowed two runs on five hits and two walks in four innings, striking out two. His classmate Jeff Hansen was saddled with the loss, as he gave up the three runs in the seventh inning.

Senior catcher Joaquin Cormier was 2-for-2 with a walk and his sixth double of the season in the loss.

GWU starting pitcher Luis Mcmahon went 7.1 innings, striking out 13 to go along with five hits, three walks, and two runs allowed.

Game 2 saw the Colonials score seven runs in the first three innings, setting the tone for a 10-2 scoreline in favor of the visitors.

CMU sophomore right-hander Scott Dittfurth suffered his first rough start since joining the rotation, giving up seven runs in 2.2 innings. He allowed eight hits, walked three, and struck out two.

Austin Feller went 3-for-3 for GWU, tallying three runs scored, two doubles, two walks, a stolen base, and four runs batted in.

The Tartans offense was held down in Game 3, as the hosts closed the season with a 6-0 defeat.

CMU allowed an RBI double to Douglass in the top of the second inning, but held the Colonials scoreless from there until the ninth inning. GWU took advantage of a taxed bullpen, getting two-run homers from Feller and Carl Zapp, and a sacrifice fly from Andy McCombs to set the final.

Junior right-hander Ramon Tillman was charged with the loss despite giving up one run in 5.1 innings. He allowed four hits and two walks and struck out three.

Pat Merrell threw eight shutout frames for GWU, striking out 10 against four hits and three walks.

Carnegie Mellon finishes the season with a 9-37 overall record and 7-21 mark in Atlantic 10 play. The Tartans lose catcher Joaquin Cormier, first baseman Will Froemming, third baseman Aaron Musgrove, outfielders Ryan Rayner and Kit Kreuter, and right-handed pitcher Hector Karl to graduation.

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George Washington Colonials (24-20, 17-10 A-10) at Carnegie Mellon Tartans (9-34, 7-18 A-10)
Pittsburgh, Pa. – Hans Lobert Field

Game 1 – May 11, 2007
GWU | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 12 | 0
CMU | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 9 | 0
W: Luis Mcmahon (4-2) L: Jeff Hansen (0-2) S: Clay Petracca (9)

George Washington Statistics
Austin Fuller, Jr., SS | 2-4, R, BB
Carl Zapp, So., CF | 2-5, R, RBI
Kevin Alfonso, So., 3B | 2-5, 2B, 2 RBI
A.J. LaRue, Fr., LF | 1-4, R, HR, RBI
Matt Douglass, So., C | 3-4, 2 R, 3 2B, RBI
Luis Mcmahon, So., SP (W, 4-2) | 7.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 13 K
Clay Petracca, Jr., RP (S, 9) | 1.0 IP, 1 H

Carnegie Mellon Statistics
Kit Kreuter, Sr., CF | 1-4, R, 2B (9), BB
Darrell Salters, Jr., SS | 1-4, R, 2B (7), BB
Will Froemming, Sr., 1B | 1-3, R, 2 RBI (12), BB
Matt Trachsel, Jr., LF | 1-4, 2B (4), 2 RBI (3)
Joaquin Cormier, Sr., C | 2-2, 2B (6), BB
Matt Uribes, So., SP | 4.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Jeff Hansen, So., RP (L, 0-2) | 2.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Einar Regan, Fr., RP | 1.0 IP, 1 H

Game 2 – May 12, 2007
GWU | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 17 | 1
CMU | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 10 | 0
W: Clete Harris (6-3) L: Scott Dittfurth (1-4) S: Kelly Gelbrech (3)

George Washington Statistics
Austin Feller, Jr., SS | 3-3, 3 R, 2 2B, 4 RBI, 2 BB, SB
Bryan Wells, Sr., RF | 2-4, 2B, 3 RBI
Carl Zapp, So., CF | 3-6, 2B, 3B, 2 RBI
Kevin Alfonso, So., 3B | 1-5, R, HR, RBI, BB
Casey Gronski, Jr., 1B | 3-4, 3 R, BB
Shawn Faught, So., SP | 3.2 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 K
Clete Harris, Fr., RP (W, 6-3) | 0.1 IP, 1 K
Kelly Gelbrech, Fr., RP (S, 3) | 5.0 IP, 2 H, 1 BB, 4 K

Carnegie Mellon Statistics
Chris Grieve, Fr., 2B | 1-4, RBI (15)
Kit Kreuter, Sr., CF | 2-5
Will Froemming, Sr., 1B | 1-4, R
Matt Trachsel, Jr., LF | 1-3, R, BB
Aaron Musgrove, Sr., 3B | 2-4, RBI (6)
Scott Dittfurth, So., SP (L, 1-4) | 2.2 IP, 8 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
Jamie Boyd, Fr., RP | 2.2 IP, 4 H, 2 BB, 2 K

Game 3 – May 13, 2007
GWU | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 1
CMU | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0
W: Pat Merrell (9-3) L: Ramon Tillman (1-8)

George Washington Statistics
Austin Feller, Jr., SS | 2-4, R, HR, 2 RBI, BB
Carl Zapp, So., CF | 1-5, R, HR, 2 RBI
Casey Gronski, Jr., 1B | 3-3, R, 2B, BB
Andy McCombs, Jr., 2B | 0-2, RBI
Matt Douglass, So., C | 1-3, R, 2B, RBI, BB
Pat Merrell, Jr., SP (W, 9-3) | 8.0 IP, 4 H, 3 BB, 10 K
Mark Weber, Jr., RP | 1.0 IP, 3 K

Carnegie Mellon Statistics
Chris Grieve, Fr., 2B | 1-4
Kit Kreuter, Sr., CF | 0-2, 2 BB
Darrell Salters, Jr., SS | 1-3, 2B (8)
Aaron Musgrove, Sr., 3B | 2-3
Ramon Tillman, Jr., SP (L, 1-8) | 5.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
Peter Dirks, Fr., RP | 1.0 IP, 1 H
Paxton Jennings, Fr., RP | 0.2 IP, 1 K