Saturday Regionals roundup

BATON ROUGE REGIONAL

LOOKING GOOD: LSU

ELIMINATED: Belmont (39-24)

REVIEW: Louisiana-Monroe starting pitcher Cale Wine allowed three runs on five hits in just 4 1/3 innings of work, but the Warhawks got a clutch performance by reliever Kendall Thamm, who struck out three in 4 2/3 shutout innings of work in a 6-3 elimination game win over Belmont. Offensively, stud shortstop Jeremy Sy went 3-for-4 with two RBIs ... LSU has put together some business-like performance this weekend, showcasing the exact reason why the Tigers are one my Omaha favorites. LSU right-handed pitcher Kevin Gausman struck out three and allowed just one run on seven hits in eight innings, as the Tigers captured a dominant 7-1 win over Oregon State. While Gausman led the way on the mound, leadoff hitter Austin Nola went 2-for-4 with two RBIs to lead the offensive cause.

CHAPEL HILL REGIONAL

LOOKING GOOD: St. John's

ELIMINATED: Cornell (31-17-1)

REVIEW: After a poor performance against St. John's on Friday, East Carolina responded in impressive fashion on Saturday, beating Cornell 10-6 to stay alive. ECU designated hitter Drew Reynolds went 2-for-6 with a home run, while reliever Tyler Joyner really stepped up out of the bullpen, striking out three in and allowing just one hit in 4 2/3 innings of work ... St. John's certainly has shown a lot of potential throughout the season, but until the past couple of weeks, it really hadn't shown it on a consistent basis. The Johnnies shocked top-seeded North Carolina on Friday with a 5-4 win. The Johnnies were down to their final two outs, with two runners on base in the ninth inning, as catcher Danny Bethea hit a walk-off three-run homer off usually invincible North Carolina right-handed pitcher Michael Morin. Outfielder Jeremy Baltz recorded tow hits in the game, while third baseman Sean O'Hare had three hits.

CHARLOTTESVILLE REGIONAL

LOOKING GOOD: Virginia, Appalachian State

ELIMINATED: None

REVIEW: After weather postponed Friday's action at Davenport Field, the Virginia Cavaliers finally took the field, earning an impressive 9-1 win over Army to start the weekend. Kline struck out five batters and allowed just one run on six hits in 5 2/3 innings of work. Meanwhile, third baseman Stephen Bruno continued his hot hitting by collecting three hits and knocking in three runs ... Appalachian State made noise at the beginning of the season by taking a series from LSU on the road. The Mountaineers are in the mood so far this weekend, too, moving to 1-0 in the Charlottesville Regional with a 5-4 win over Oklahoma. ASU starting pitcher Ryan Arrowood struck out nine batters and allowed just one run on two hits in 7 2/3 innings. Third baseman Noah Holmes led the way at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a run scored and two RBIs.

COLLEGE STATION REGIONAL

LOOKING GOOD: Ole Miss

ELIMINATED: Dayton (31-30)

REVIEW: TCU head coach Jim Schlossnagle wasn't happy with his team's inability to hit with consistency against Ole Miss on Friday. Apparently his team got the memo. TCU scored 28 runs on 23 hits in a dominant 28-12 win over Dayton in an elimination game. Catcher Josh Elander and first baseman Kevin Cron each hit a home run in the game, while left fielder Jerrick Suiter went 5-for-6 with three runs scored and three RBIs ... Ole Miss took control of the College Station Regional with an impressive 6-3 win over Texas A&M. Rebels right-handed starting pitcher Mike Mayers struck out nine and allowed just three runs on four hits in 6 1/3 innings, while Brett Huber and R.J. Hively each threw great out of the pen. Offensively, Ole Miss first baseman Matt Snyder had a big day, going 2-for-5 with three RBIs while gritty Tanner Mathis went 3-for-3 with an RBI.

COLUMBIA REGIONAL

LOOKING GOOD: South Carolina

ELIMINATED: Manhattan (33-27)

REVIEW: Coastal Carolina had a lackluster performance against Clemson in its opening game of the Columbia Regional, but stepped up in a big way Saturday with an 11-1 triumph over Manhattan. CCU starting pitcher Tyler Herb was tremendous against the Jaspers, striking out five and allowing just one run on two hits in a complete game performance. Jacob May led the way at the plate, hitting a home run and recording three hits and three RBIs ... In yet another incredible contest between two of the nation's most heated rivals, South Carolina captured a 5-4 win over Clemson in 12 innings, as Gamecocks third baseman LB Dantzler uncorked a walk-off single to right field (against the wall) to knock in the winning run. Dantzler finished the contest with two hits, while outfielder Adam Matthews had two hits, including a home run and two RBIs. On the mound, Gamecocks left-handed pitcher Michael Roth allowed three runs on six hits in 6 1/3 innings, while Matt Price and freshman Evan Beal both threw well in relief. Clemson was forced to use stud right-handed pitcher Kevin Brady for three innings to finish the contest.

CORAL GABLES REGIONAL

LOOKING GOOD: UCF

ELIMINATED: Miami (36-23)

REVIEW: What a disappointing weekend it was for Miami. Missouri State hard-throwing right-handed pitcher Pierce Johnson struck out seven batters and allowed just two runs on six hits in eight innings of work, as the Bears dismantled the Hurricanes 12-2. Offensively, outfielder Keenen Maddox went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and four RBIs, while third baseman Brent Seifert went 2-for-4 with two RBIs. Miami became the first No. 1 seed since San Diego (2007) to go 0-2 in the NCAA postseason ... After host Miami was eliminated earlier in the day, UCF stepped up in the nightcap, capturing a thrilling 9-8 win over gritty Stony Brook. UCF designated hitter Jeremy Matos went 2-for-4 with a home run, two runs scored and three RBIs, while Darnell Sweeney smacked a home run in the game. On the mound, UCF closer Joe Rogers tossed 1 1/3 innings of shutout baseball.

EUGENE REGIONAL

LOOKING GOOD: Oregon

ELIMINATED: Indiana State (41-19)

REVIEW: After dropping a heartbreaking Eugene Regional opener to host Oregon on Friday, Austin Peay showed a lot of determination Saturday by grabbing a 1-0 decision over Indiana State to stay alive in the NCAA postseason. Governors starting pitcher Andy Cox was great against the Sycamores, striking out two and allowing just three runs in seven shutout frames ... Oregon had some tense moments late against Cal State Fullerton, but held on to take a 6-5 decision over the Titans. UO sported right-handed starting pitcher Alex Keudell a 5-0 cushion to start the game, but the Titans eventually scored five runs on four hits in seven innings of work off Keudell. Fortunately, the Ducks offense took care of business, as hard-hitting first baseman Ryon Healy went 2-for-4 with two RBIs to lead the offensive cause.

GAINESVILLE REGIONAL

LOOKING GOOD: Florida

ELIMINATED: Bethune-Cookman (34-27)

REVIEW: College of Charleston outfielder Daniel Aldrich hasn't had the season everyone was expecting from a consistency standpoint, but he rose to the occasion in an elimination game, going 3-for-3 with a home run and two RBIs, as the Cougars stayed alive with an 8-2 win over Bethune-Cookman. Pitching-wise, Charleston starting pitcher Matt Pegler struck out nine and allowed just two runs on two hits in a complete game performance ... Florida is all about business when it comes to the postseason. Right with the script, the Gators put together a very business-like performance in a 6-2 win over Georgia Tech. UF starting pitcher Hudson Randall struck out five and allowed one run on eight hits in 5 2/3 innings of work, while left-handed pitcher Steven Rodriguez allowed just one run on four hits in 3 1/3 innings of work. At the plate, shortstop Nolan Fontana and Vickash Ramjit each had two hits. UF is in tremendous shape the rest of the weekend.

GARY REGIONAL

LOOKING GOOD: Kent State

ELIMINATED: Valparaiso (35-25)

REVIEW: Kentucky left-handed pitcher Jerad Grundy put together an impressive performance last weekend in the SEC tournament. He continued his consistent ways on Saturday, striking out six and allowing just one run on five hits in six innings, as UK stayed alive in the Gary Regional with an 8-1 triumph over Valparaiso. Meanwhile, UK reliever Chandler Shepherd also was solid, striking out two and allowing just two hits in three shutout frames. Freshman leadoff hitter Austin Cousino had a veteran-like performance with three hits and three RBIs ... Kent State has played a tremendous brand of baseball the last month of the season, and it continued its winning ways Saturday with an impressive 7-3 win over Purdue. Flashes starting pitcher Ryan Bores struck out two (walked one) and allowed just three runs on nine hits in a complete game performance. Meanwhile, shortstop Jimmy Rider went 3-for-5 with two runs scored and three RBIs, while catcher David Lyon went 3-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI. Kent State was in a similar situation last season after going 2-0 at the Austin Regional. The Flashes proceeded to drop two-straight games to Texas.

HOUSTON REGIONAL

LOOKING GOOD: Arkansas

ELIMINATED: Prairie View A&M (28-25)

REVIEW: Prairie View A&M out of the SWAC gave Rice all it could handle on Friday. Well, the Panthers also did the same with Sam Houston State, though, it dropped a tough 4-2 decisions. SHSU starting pitcher Justin Jackson was terrific against the Panthers, striking out four and allowing just two earned runs on six hits in 8 1/3 innings of work. Bearkats leadoff hitter collected three RBIs in the game ... As completely expected in Houston, Arkansas and Rice took part in an epic pitcher's duel as Hogs starting pitcher Ryne Stanek went head-to-head with Rice starting pitcher Austin Kubitza. Stanek was phenomenal against the Owls, sitting 97-98 with his fastball for several innings, striking out four, and allowing just five hits in seven shutout frames. Meanwhile, Rice starting pitcher Austin Kubitza was consistently 89-91 with his fastball, striking out eight and allowing just one run on two hits in 7 1/3 innings of work. Arkansas reliever Barrett Astin was outstanding in relief for Arkansas, touching 91 and tossing two shutout frames to finish the contest. The win was No. 400 for UA skipper Dave Van Horn.

LOS ANGELES REGIONAL

LOOKING GOOD: UCLA

ELIMINATED: San Diego (40-17)

REVIEW: Creighton had a chance to win its Los Angeles Regional opener against UCLA on Friday, but struggled immensely at the plate against UCLA starting pitcher Adam Plutko. The Bluejays collected eight runs on 11 hits in an 8-2 win over San Diego. Creighton starting pitcher Shane Liska allowed just one run on three hits in five innings, while designated hitter Anthony Benboom had a great day at the plate, going 2-for-5 with three RBIs. CU first baseman Nick Judkins added three hits and an RBI ... What an impressive weekend UCLA is having thus far. Ace right-handed pitcher Adam Plutko had little trouble with Creighton on Friday, while fellow righty Nick Vander Tuig had a performance to remember in a 7-1 win over New Mexico to get in the driver's seat. Vander Tuig carried a no-hitter into the eighth inning, striking out 11 and allowing just one run (not earned) and one hit in eight innings of work. Meanwhile, second baseman Trevor Brown had a productive night at the plate, going 2-for-5 with a run scored and two RBIs.

PALO ALTO REGIONAL

LOOKING GOOD: Stanford

ELIMINATED: Michigan State (37-23)

REVIEW: The Spartans were one of the controversial inclusions to the NCAA postseason, and they're headed home after just two games, dropping an 8-2 decision to Fresno State in an elimination game. Fresno State first baseman Trent Garrison went 3-for-4 with a run scored and three RBIs, while Bulldogs relievers Gene Escat and Taylor Garrison were terrific. Escat allowed just three hits in 2 1/3 scoreless frames, while Garrison also closed the game on the mound with 2 1/3 shutout frames ... Stanford showed some very impressive composure against Pepperdine on Saturday. The Cardinal got down to the Waves 4-0 after three innings of play, but chipped away at the lead as the game progressed. In the end, Stanford did just enough to capture a 5-4 victory. The Stanford pitching duo of Dean McArdle and AJ Vanegas were terrific with three and 3 2/3 scoreless innings of relief, respectively, while first baseman Brian Ragira went 2-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI.

RALEIGH REGIONAL

LOOKING GOOD: Vanderbilt

ELIMINATED: Sacred Heart (25-32)

REVIEW: After dropping a tough decision to red-hot Vanderbilt on Friday, the Seahawks responded in impressive fashion with a 13-4 win over Sacred Heart in an elimination game. UNCW catcher Drew Farber had a big-time day at the plate, going 4-for-5 with a home run, two runs scored and five RBIs, while outfielder Tyler Molinaro went 2-for-5 with two RBIs. On the mound, Travis Bradley got the win after allowing four runs on seven hits in 6 1/3 innings of work ... Vanderbilt appeared to be in some serious trouble late in the game against N.C. State, but scored eight runs in the final three innings to take care of the Wolfpack 9-8, as speedy Tony Kemp laced a walk-off RBI single to win the game. Vandy first baseman Conrad Gregor went 2-for-4 with two RBIs while shortstop Anthony Gomez had two hits.

TALLAHASSEE REGIONAL

LOOKING GOOD: Florida State

ELIMINATED: UAB (32-30)

REVIEW: Mississippi State failed to get much going offensively against Samford starting pitcher Charles Basford on Friday, but it rose to the occasion on Saturday, beating UAB 8-1 in an elimination game. On the mound, State starting pitcher Kendall Graveman struck out five and allowed just one hit in 3 1/3 shutout innings of work. Meanwhile, another righty, Caleb Reed, struck out five and allowed just four hits in 4 2/3 shutout frames to earn his ninth save of the season ... Florida State's pitching staff usually is an adventure this time of year, but that's not the case this season. FSU starting pitcher Brandon Leibrandt struck out 10 and allowed just three hits in eight shutout innings. Meanwhile, All-American outfielder James Ramsey had an outstanding night at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a grand slam, two runs scored and four RBIs. FSU first baseman Jayce Boyd also had a nice night at the plate with two hits and two RBIs.

TUCSON REGIONAL

LOOKING GOOD: Arizona

ELIMINATED: New Mexico State (35-24)

REVIEW: With its season on the line, Missouri starting pitcher Rob Zastryzny rose to the occasion in impressive fashion. Zastryzny struck out five batters and allowed just two runs on six hits in six innings of work, as the Tigers captured a 6-2 win over New Mexico State. Missouri outfielder Scott Sommerfield led the way at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a run scored and three RBIs ... Arizona shortstop Alex Mejia has had a good campaign, and he showed up big time in Saturday's dominating 16-4 win over Louisville. Mejia went 5-for-5 with four runs scored and three RBIs. Meanwhile, Wildcats third baseman Seth Mejias-Brean also had a big day at the plate, going 4-for-6 with two RBIs. Pitching-wise, Arizona got a nice start from Konner Wade, who struck out five and allowed just two runs in eight innings. 

WACO REGIONAL

LOOKING GOOD: Dallas Baptist

ELIMINATED: Texas-Arlington (36-25)

REVIEW: After dropping its Waco Regional opener to Oral Roberts, Baylor came out a little sluggish against Texas-Arlington. Fortunately, the veteran-filled Bears woke up in time to spark a fierce rally and beat the Mavericks, 11-6, to stay alive. Baylor catcher Josh Ludy led the way at the plate, going 4-for-4 with a home run, three runs scored and two RBIs. Ludy left the game late with a supposed hamstring injury, but Baylor media relations released the official word as just simple cramps. He should be fine ... Dallas Baptist is in outstanding shape in the Waco Regional, as the Patriots moved to 2-0 in the tournament with an 11-8 win over Texas-Arlington. Catcher Duncan McAlpine had another big-time performance, going 3-for-5 with a home run, a run scored and five RBIs, while outfielder Boomer Collins went 2-for-5 with a home run and two RBIs.