Regional roundup: Friday edition

REGIONALS: Atlanta | Austin | Chapel Hill | Charlottesville | Clemson | College Station | Columbia | Corvallis | Fort Worth | Fullerton | Gainesville | Houston | Los Angeles | Nashville | Tallahassee | Tempe

The skinny: Georgia Tech's postseason woes continued Friday night as Austin Peay starting pitcher Jack Snodgrass allowed just a run on seven hits in seven innings on the way to a 2-1 win over the Yellow Jackets. To add insult to injury, the Jackets lost starting pitcher Mark Pope because of a tweaked back after just 1 2/3 innings of work, but the injury isn't expected to be serious. Amazingly, Austin Peay beat the Yellow Jackets without using its staff ace ... Mississippi State starting pitcher Luis Pollorena was excellent in a 3-0 win over Southern Mississippi, but it's also worth noting that reliever Caleb Reed struck out four and allowed just three hits in three shutout frames. State outfielder Brent Brownlee led the offensive charge with a hit and two RBIs.

Player of the day: P Luis Pollorena, Mississippi State -- The Bulldogs had the tough chore of going against Southern Mississippi ace pitcher Todd McInnis. But starting pitcher Luis Pollorena made the Bulldogs forget about McInnis. Pollorena struck out three batters and allowed just five hits in six shutout innings in a 3-0 triumph. State couldn't have started the weekend in more impressive fashion.

What we learned: Georgia Tech has received plenty of criticism the past few years for not taking care of business in the postseason. And once again Friday, the Jackets' postseason struggles surfaced. Two years ago, the Jackets were bounced from the postseason at home by Southern Mississippi before Alabama did the same last season. While Tech is headed to the loser's backer, Mississippi State, which didn't look good in the SEC tournament last week, might just be in the driver's seat after beating Southern Miss on Friday. Overall, it'll be interesting to see how the Yellow Jackets respond the rest of the weekend.

The skinny: With Kent State's Kyle Hallock and Texas State's Carson Smith on the mound Friday, a pitcher's duel certainly was expected. Well, that's what fans got in a game that ended with a 4-2 win by Kent State. Kent State's Hallock allowed a run on four hits in 6 1/3 innings while Smith struck out five and allowed just two runs on eight hits in nine innings. Kent State's offense was led by George Roberts, who went a perfect 3-for-3 in the game ... While Sam Stafford led Texas on the mound, 'Horns leadoff hitter and first baseman Tant Shepherd went 1-for-2 with a home run, two runs scored and two RBIs. Longhorns outfielder Mark Payton also had a productive night, going 2-for-2 with an RBI.

Player of the day: LHP Sam Stafford, Texas -- The Longhorns are in excellent shape from a pitching standpoint after Friday's contest. The 'Horns sent Stafford to the mound against Princeton and he didn't disappoint. He struck out six batters and allowed just a run on two hits in seven innings in the winning cause. Now the 'Horns still have Taylor Jungmann and Cole Green at their disposal.

What we learned: Some thought Kent State might've made a bad decision by not starting ace pitcher and left-hander Andrew Chafin against Texas State on Friday, but as coach Scott Stricklin noted earlier this week, Hallock actually has put together as impressive of a campaign as Chafin. The Flashes now have Chafin read to go against Texas pitcher Taylor Jungmann. For Texas State, it once again was a poor offensive performance against an elite pitcher. We're still not sure how the NCAA justified a No. 2 seed with this group.

The skinny: North Carolina played with a heavy heart with coach Mike Fox out of the game for personal reasons and didn't disappoint, claiming a 4-0 decision over Maine. UNC starting pitcher Kent Emanuel struck out five and allowed just seven hits in eight shutout innings ... James Madison and Florida International are two of the nation's better hitting teams, so it was absolutely no surprise the two teams played had a great offensive showdown on Friday with the Dukes claiming an 11-7 victory. Catcher Jake Lowery had a huge night at the plate, while reliever D.J. Brown was phenomenal in relief. Perhaps JMU can make some noise this weekend after all.

Player of the day: RP D.J. Brown -- Jake Lowery's 3-for-4 day at the plate was huge for the Dukes, but the most clutch performance came from reliever D.J. Brown, who silenced the Golden Panthers out of the bullpen, striking out five and allowing just two runs on three hits in 7 1/3 innings of work. His outing also saved the rest of the JMU bullpen.

The skinny: Virginia two-way player Danny Hultzen might be known best for his prowess on the mound as one of the nation's elite pitchers, but he was an offensive contributor in Virginia's 6-0 win over Navy. Hultzen went 3-for-4 with a triple and three RBIs in the winning cause ... St. John's gambled on Friday by saving ace pitcher Kyle Hansen for Game 2, and the gamble paid off in a 2-0 win over East Carolina. St. John's starting pitcher Sean Hagan tossed 7 1/3 shutout innings and reliever Matt Carasiti allowed just a hit in 1 2/3 shutout innings.

Player of the day: P Will Roberts, Virginia -- Roberts made a statement earlier this season by throwing a no-hitter against George Washington, and didn't disappoint in the tournament opener against Navy. Roberts struck out 14 and allowed just four hits in a complete game shutout. He has become an excellent starting pitcher for the Cavaliers.

The skinny: With Coastal Carolina pitcher Anthony Meo and Connecticut pitcher Matt Barnes on the mound, we fully expected a pitcher's duel. However, only one team -- Coastal -- decided to pitch. Meo struck out seven and allowed just a run on nine hits in 6 1/3 innings in a 13-1 triumph, while Barnes had a poor outing, allowing seven runs on nine hits in 4 1/3 innings ... Clemson wasted little time jumping all over Sacred Heart on Friday in an impressive 11-1 triumph. Clemson starting pitcher Scott Firth allowed just a run on six hits in six innings while leadoff hitter John Hinson went 3-for-3 with a double, home run, three runs scored and three RBIs.

Player of the day: OF Hayes Orton, Coastal Carolina -- The Chanticleers weren't deterred by Connecticut pitcher and top prospect Matt Barnes. Orton had a huge day at the plate for the Chants, going 5-for-5 with three doubles, two runs scored and three RBIs.

The skinny: Seton Hall starting pitcher Jon Prosinski was brilliant and led the Pirates to an impressive 4-0 win over Arizona. The offense also was solid with Sean Gusrang and Giuseppe Papaccio each finishing the contest with two hits ... Texas A&M decided not to take a chance on Friday and started stud right-handed pitcher Michael Wacha against Wright State. Wacha allowed just five hits in six shutout innings in an 11-0 win over the Raiders. Kevin Gonzalez had a huge day at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a home run, two runs scored and three RBIs.

Player of the day: P Jon Prosinski -- Seton Hall made a huge gamble on Friday by starting Jon Prosinski and not Joe DiRocco against a solid Arizona club. Well, the gamble paid off as Prosinski was brilliant. He struck out three batters and allowed just six hits in a complete game shutout.

The skinny: Stetson appeared to be in big trouble early in the game against N.C. State on Friday, but played well the final few innings and earned a solid 8-7 victory. Stetson reliever Jake Boyd threw three shutout innings out of the pen while shortstop Mark Jones went 2-for-4 with a home run, a run scored and four RBIs ... South Carolina didn't do much offensively against Georgia Southern, but the pitching outside of Michael Roth also was solid in the 2-1 triumph. John Taylor came in and recorded a key out while stud closer Matt Price struck out three and allowed no hits in 1 2/3 innings of relief work.

Player of the day: P Michael Roth, South Carolina -- Considering the start Georgia Southern's Andy Moye put together, it's a good thing coach Ray Tanner decided to start Roth. Roth once again was impressive, striking out four and allowing just one run (none earned) on two hits in seven innings. What he has accomplished this season is remarkable.

The skinny: Creighton put together a very business-like performance in a 2-1 triumph over Georgia. Jonas Dufek was fantastic on the mound, while Scott Thornburg and Anthony Bemboom each finished the afternoon with a hit and an RBI ... Oregon State starting pitcher James Nygren allowed four runs in just 4 2/3 innings against Arkansas-Little Rock, but the bullpen rose to the occasion in a 7-4 comeback victory. Scott Schultz tossed 1 1/3 shutout innings, Matt Boyd tossed two shutout innings and Tony Bryant tossed one shutout frame. It's also worth noting OSU leadoff hitter Ryan Barnes went 3-for-5 with two runs scored and two RBIs.

Player of the day: P Jonas Dufek, Creighton -- The Bluejays had the tough chore of slowing down a Georgia offense that has potential to be very productive. Dufek, though, had little trouble with the Bulldogs. Dufek struck out 10 batters and allowed just a run on five hits in a complete game performance.

The skinny: Dallas Baptist staged a late rally with a run in the ninth and another in the 10th to beat Oklahoma 3-2 and advance to the winner's bracket. DBU outfielder Jason Krizan, the nation's doubles leader, had another productive day with two hits (one double) and two RBIs. Landon Anderson and Austin Elkins also had two hits in the game ... TCU freshman starting pitcher Andrew Mitchell showed no signs of nervousness in a 10-2 win over upset-minded Oral Roberts. He struck out three batters and allowed just two hits in seven shutout innings. Offensively, third baseman Jantzen Witte led the way with three hits and three RBIs.

Player of the day: P Brandon Williamson, Dallas Baptist -- Oklahoma's offense was expected to make some noise this weekend, but the Patriots starting pitcher made sure that didn't happen Friday. Williamson was fantastic against the Sooners, striking out seven and allowing just two runs on seven hits in a complete game performance. It was his 10th win of the season.

The skinny: Stanford pitcher Mark Appel put together a solid performance in a 10-3 win over Kansas State, but the offense also took care of business. Freshmen Lonnie Kauppila and Brian Ragira had huge days at the plate. Kauppila went 4-for-5 with a double, two runs scored and two RBIs, while Ragira went 2-for-5 with two RBIs ... Cal State Fullerton starting pitcher Tyler Pill put together a solid showing against Illinois, striking out 11 and allowing four runs on five hits in eight innings. Fullerton leadoff hitter Ivory Thomas also deserves credit for going 2-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI in the 10-4 triumph over the Fighting Illini.

Player of the day: P Mark Appel, Stanford -- Kansas State entered Friday hoping to surprise some with a win, but Appel, one of the top prospects for the 2012 draft, made sure that didn't happen. He struck out eight and allowed just three runs on seven hits in a complete game performance. Appel threw 118 pitches.

The skinny: Miami has had solid pitching the entire spring and that didn't change against Jacksonville. UM starting pitcher Steven Ewing allowed just a run and a hit in six innings, while relievers Travis Miller and Daniel Miranda also performed at a high level, combining for 2 1/3 shutout innings in the 7-2 triumph ... We talk more about Preston Tucker's performance below, but Florida also received solid offensive performances from Daniel Pigott and Mike Zunino. Pigott recorded four hits and knocked in three runs while Zunino recorded three hits, a double and a home run, and knocked in two runs in a dominant 17-3 win over Manhattan.

Player of the day: OF Preston Tucker, Florida -- The Gators had a huge day at the plate and Tucker led the charge. Tucker finished the contest 3-for-6 with a pair of home runs, three runs scored and five RBIs. They need him to emulate that performance against Miami.

The skinny: The surprise of the day was California starting pitcher and ace Erik Johnson getting lifted from the Baylor game after allowing five runs in just 2 1/3 innings in a tough 6-4 loss. Meanwhile, BU starting pitcher Logan Verrett struck out four and allowed three runs on seven hits in 7 1/3 innings ... Rice got solid pitching from Abe Gonzales in a 14-2 win over Alcorn State, but the offense also did their job. Ryan Lewis finished the contest with four hits while Michael Ratterree, Shane Hoelscher and Michael Fuda each finished the contest with three hits.

Player of the day: P Abe Gonzales, Rice -- Owls coach Wayne Graham decided to start Gonzalez against Alcorn State and he didn't go home disappointed. Gonzales struck out four and allowed just two runs on seven hits in a complete game performance.

The skinny: San Francisco received an amazing pitching performance from right-hander Kyle Zimmer, but others also took care of business in a shocking 3-0 win over UCLA. Offensively, first baseman Nik Balong went 4-for-4 with two RBIs while seven other Dons recorded hits in the game ... UC Irvine couldn't have made more of a statement than it did in a 12-6 win over Fresno State. Starting pitcher Matt Summers allowed just one earned run in six innings while Jordan Leyland led the offense with two hits, a home run, three runs scored and five RBIs. D.J. Crumlich and Tommy Reyes each had three hits in the game.

Player of the day: P Kyle Zimmer, San Francisco -- With Gerrit Cole on the mound for UCLA, the Dons desperately needed a solid start from Zimmer. They got exactly what they needed and more. Zimmer struck out 11 and allowed just four hits in a complete game shutout.

The skinny: We thought Troy had a legitimate chance to beat Oklahoma State on Friday, but certainly didn't expect a 9-2 thrashing of the Cowboys. Troy starting pitcher Tyler Ray struck out five and allowed just two runs on eight hits in 7 2/3 innings, while second baseman T.J. Rivera led the way at the plate with three hits and three RBIs ... Vanderbilt starting pitcher Sonny Gray led the way to a 10-0 win over Belmont, but five Commodores contributed in a big way at the plate with two-hit performances, while outfielder Mike Yastrzemski recorded three hits and knocked in a run.

Player of the day: P Sonny Gray, Vanderbilt -- The Commodores took no chances against Belmont and decided to start Gray. That now seems like a smart decision. Gray struck out three and allowed just three hits in six shutout innings against the Bruins. With the win, Gray's record improved to 11-3 and he threw just 68 pitches, meaning he could come back Monday if needed.

The skinny: Alabama starting pitcher Nathan Kilcrease carried his team to a solid 5-3 victory over Central Florida, but the offense also rose to the occasion. Brett Booth recorded three hits in the game, while first baseman Austen Smith recorded two hits and knocked in two runs. Taylor Dugas and Jared Reaves also had two hits in the game ... Florida State starting pitcher Hunter Scantling didn't exactly pitch at a high level, but the offense picked him up down the stretch on the way to a 6-5 victory. Sherman Johnson had two hits and knocked in two runs, while Jayce Boyd added two hits and Rafael Lopez recorded three hits.

Player of the day: P Nathan Kilcrease, Alabama -- UCF can be highly productive at the plate, so it was important for the Crimson Tide ace to have a solid performance. He didn't disappoint. Kilcrease struck out 10 and allowed just two runs on four hits in seven innings. Now it's Adam Morgan and Jonathan Smart's turns to take care of business on the mound.

The skinny: Charlotte starting pitcher Andrew Smith was great against Arkansas and guided his team to a 3-2 win over Arkansas. Offensively, Corbin Shive went 2-for-4 with a home run, a run scored and two RBIs, while four-hole hitter Justin Wilson also had two hits in the game ... New Mexico starting pitcher Rudy Jaramillo allowed just two runs on four hits in eight innings, but the Lobos were unable to hold off Arizona State in a 4-2 loss. ASU starting pitcher Brady Rodgers struck out 10 and allowed two runs on five hits in eight innings.

Player of the day: P Andrew Smith, Charlotte -- The 49ers have had a solid season and Smith has been extremely consistent. He was that way again Friday against Arkansas. Smith struck out four and allowed just a run on five hits in 7 1/3 innings.