2007 Headlines

The 2007 Rawlings Southern Classic Championship Emory Eagles Team

EMORY’S TWARDOSKI NAMED THE SOUTH REGION COACH OF THE YEAR

(Aug. 10) Emory University Head Baseball Coach Mike Twardoski has been named the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA)/ Diamond Sports Company NCAA Division III South Region Coach of the Year for the 2007 season.

Twardoski led the Eagles to a second-place finish at the 2007 Division III National Championship, the best ever finish for a University Athletic Association (UAA) baseball program, and the best finish for any Emory program in a team-based sport.  Emory’s 43 wins during the year were the most in school history.  During the season, Twardoski also led the program to its fourth-outright UAA Championship.

This marks the second time that Twardoski has been honored as the South Region Coach of the Year.  He also won the award in 2000, when he took Emory to the National Championship Tournament in his first season as a collegiate head coach.  Twardoski has now completed eight seasons at the Eagles’ helm, compiling a career record of 269-99.  The trip to the Division III Championship in 2007 was the third under his reign. 

Twardoski will be honored with the award at the ABCA National Convention in Philadelphia, Pa. on Friday, January 4th. 

EMORY’S JASON GLUSHON INKS FREE-AGENT DEAL WITH OAKLAND ATHLETICS

COLLEGE SPORTS TELEVISION TO AIR NCAA DIVISION III BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

(June 4) - Emory University baseball fans can relive the Eagles’ dramatic run at the NCAA Division III Baseball Championships this week when College Sports Television (CSTV) airs the event on a tape-delay basis.  This year’s Championship was held May 25-29 in Grand Chute, Wisconsin.

The games will air consecutively on CSTV starting on Tuesday, June 5 through Sunday, June 10.  CSTV can be viewed on DIRECTV channel 610 and DISH Network channel 152. 

After dropping its opening game to UW-Stevens Point, the Eagles regrouped and rattled off four straight victories to advance to the championship round.

Emory’s opener against UW-Stevens Point will be aired on Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. and its second-round contest against Eastern Connecticut State can be seen on Wednesday (June 6) at noon.  The Eagles can be seen twice on Friday (June 8) with their contests against Chapman and SUNY-Cortland slated for 9:00 am and 3:00 p.m. telecasts, respectively.  Emory’s 18-7 demolition of UW-Stevens Point, the game the propelled the Eagles into the championship round, will be televised on Saturday (June 9) at 9:00 a.m. On Sunday, Emory’s final game of the Championship will be televised at 9:00 a.m.

The following is the schedule of games to be aired

Tuesday, June 5, 2007
NCAA Division III Baseball Championship Game 1 (Emory vs. UW-Stevens Point) -- 9:00 a.m.
NCAA Division III Baseball Championship Game 2 (Carthage vs. E. Connecticut State) -- Noon
NCAA Division III Baseball Championship Game 3 (Chapman vs. Marietta) – 3:00 p.m.

Wednesday, June 6, 2007
NCAA Division III Baseball Championship Game 4 (Kean vs. SUNY-Cortland) -- 9:00 a.m.
NCAA Division III Baseball Championship Game 5 (Emory vs. E. Connecticut State) -- 12 noon
NCAA Division III Baseball Championship Game 6 (Marietta vs. SUNY-Cortland) --  3:00 p.m.

Thursday, June 6, 2007
NCAA Division III Baseball Championship Game 7 (UW-Stevens Point vs. Carthage) – 9:00 a.m.
NCAA Division III Baseball Championship Game 8 (Chapman vs. Kean) -- Noon
NCAA Division III Baseball Championship Game 9 (Cortland vs. Carthage) – 3:00 p.m.

Friday, June 8, 2007
NCAA Division III Baseball Championship Game 10 (Emory vs. Chapman) – 9:00 a.m.
NCAA Division III Baseball Championship Game 11 (UW-Stevens Point vs. Kean) -- Noon
NCAA Division III Baseball Championship Game 12 (Emory vs. SUNY-Cortland) – 3:00 p.m.

Saturday, June 9, 2007
NCAA Division III Baseball Championship Game 13 (Emory vs. UW-Stevens Point) – 9:00 a.m.

Sunday, June 10, 2007
NCAA Division III Baseball Championship Game 14 (Emory vs. Kean) – 9:00 a.m.

TWO EAGLES EARN NATIONAL HONORS

(June 4) Senior pitcher Jason Glushon and junior second baseman Joe Roth were each honored on a national level for their performances during the 2007 baseball season.  Glushon was named to the ABCA Division III All-America Second Team, while Roth was placed on the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA)/ Rawlings Gold Glove team.

Glushon becomes the 10th Emory baseball player to be named an All-American, and the first since the 2004 season.  The senior becomes one of five Emory pitchers named All-Americans.  Glushon finished the 2007 season with a school-record 13 wins (including one in the Division III Championship tournament), and led the team with a 2.23 ERA and 112 strikeouts.  His 17 starts during the year are the 10th-most in Division III history, and his 125.1 innings pitched are the 11th-highest single-season total on the Division III record books.

Roth made just three errors in 226 chances at second base during the season.  The junior also led the team during the year with 58 RBIs and five home runs.  This season was the inaugural season for the ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove team.    

Emory concluded the 2007 season with a 43-10 record and a second-place finish at the National Championship Tournament.

EMORY FINISHES SECOND AT THE DIVISION III BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Box Score

(May 29) Emory University took home the silver trophy from the NCAA Division III National Championship, suffering a 5-4 in 10 innings at the hands of the champions, Kean University (N.J.).  The second-place national finish is the best in the history of the baseball program.

“It was absolutely an incredible season,” said Emory Head Coach Mike Twardoski.  “We have a real family of players out there, from kid one to kid 35.”

On two days rest, Ian Ganzer pitched nine innings, allowing three earned runs while striking out eight for the Eagles. 

“That’s the character of the team,” said Twardoski on Ganzer’s performance.  “For Ian to pitch like he did on two days rest is incredible.”

Designated hitter Steve Bralver finished the day three-for-four, with a solo-home run a double and three RBIs.   Bralver, along with third baseman Frank Pfister, shortstop Brandon Custer, and pitcher Jason Glushon were each named to the All-Tournament team.

Emory finishes the season with a 43-10 record, setting a school record for wins in a single season.  By virtue of making the championship final, Emory is the highest finishing University Athletic Association team in the Division III College World Series in the conference’s history.

EMORY SWEEPS DOUBLEHEADER TO ADVANCE TO THE NCAA BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Cortland Box Score
UW Stevens Point Box Score

(May 28) The Emory University baseball team will compete in its first-ever National Championship on Tuesday, after winning back-to-back games against the second-ranked State University of New York Cortland, and the sixth-ranked University of Wisconsin Stevens Point.  The Eagles defeated Cortland 6-3 in the early game, followed by a 18-7 blowout of Stevens Point.

Starting pitcher Jason Glushon led the Eagles to victory against Cortland, earning his school-record tying 13th win of the season.  Glushon allowed two earned runs and struck out seven over six innings, and Rich Babb came in for the final three innings, giving up just three hits for his sixth save of the season.

The big hit in the game came off the bat of David Hissey.  With the Eagles trailing 1-0 with two outs and two men on in the bottom of the fourth inning, the junior swatted his first home run of the season to give the Eagles a 3-1 lead.  Cortland tied the game with two runs in the top of the sixth inning, but the Eagles answered back with RBI singles for Tommy Dugan and Steve Bralver to take the lead for good.

The Eagles dug a hole for themselves in the late game as well, falling behind 6-0 to Stevens Point after four innings.  However, Emory came storming back, posting a seven-run fifth inning to take the lead, and cemented the game with a 10-run sixth inning.  Joe Roth hit his fifth home run of the season in the win and recorded his 58th RBI of the season, the third most during a single season in school history.  Meanwhile, Frank Pfister picked up his 86th hit of the season, setting a new school record.  He is just two hits shy of breaking into the top-15 hits during a season in NCAA Division III history.

Catcher Tyler Short and outfielder Dan Molnar each scored twice in the sixth inning of the game, tying a NCAA Championship record.

The 18 run outburst comes just one day after the Eagles scored 16 runs against the nation’s top-ranked team, Chapman University (Calif.). 

The pair of wins for the Eagles raises the team’s record to 43-9 this season, and sets a school for most wins in a single season by an Emory team.  The previous best was 42 victories, recorded by the 2004 Emory team.

With the wins, Emory advances through the losers bracket to play the winner’s bracket champion, Kean University (N.J.).  The two will play for the championship tomorrow at 1:00 PM EST, and 4:30 PM EST if necessary.  Emory will need to win both games in order to claim the championship.

THIRD-RANKED EMORY BASEBALL ROUTS THE TOP-RANKED CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY AT THE NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP

Box Score

(May 27) Third-ranked Emory University jumped out to a 14-0 lead over the top-ranked team Chapman University (Calif.) and never looked back, as the Eagles picked up a 16-7 win over the Panthers.  Emory scored its 16 runs on 25 hits, while eliminating Chapman from the NCAA Championship Tournament.   

Emory scored seven runs in the first inning, as each of their first five batters reached to open the game, and Frank Pfister, Joe Roth, Tommy Dugan, Tim Cournoyer, Tyler Short, and Dan Molnar each had RBI singles during the frame.  Emory chased Chapman’s starting pitcher, Matt Luzar, from the game after just two-thirds of an inning pitched.

“It was a great game,” said Emory Head Coach Mike Twardowski.  “Starting off with seven runs in the first inning is a great confidence boost for the kids.  Hopefully, this gets us on a little roll with our bats.”

Emory added four more in the second inning, including two on an RBI triple by Dugan.  The Eagles added two more runs in the third inning and one each in the fourth, seventh and ninth innings to cap the game off.

Emory fell just two runs and three hits shy of the NCAA records in a Division III Championship game.  The 16 runs and 25 hits are both the second-best team totals this season for Emory.

Third baseman Frank Pfister finished the day four-for-four with two doubles, three RBIs and four runs scored.  His 84 hits this season are just one shy of the school’s single-season record, set by Andrew Pinckney in 2003.  Pfister is now hitting .398 this season.

“It felt good,” said Pfister.  “It’s nice to see us getting strings of hits in the tournament, like we were all season and in the regionals.”

Second baseman Joe Roth recorded four hits on the day as well, and his two RBIs give him 55 this season and move him into a tie with Pinckney for the third-most RBIs in a single season in school history.

Emory starting pitcher Sam Cunningham earned his fourth win of the season, throwing five innings, while allowing six runs on nine hits.  Freshman Will Gumm pitched three innings, and senior Tony Vidal threw one to close the game out.

The win assures the Eagles, who improved to 41-9 this season, of their best national finish in school history.  Emory, which is one of four remaining institutions in the tournament, finished fifth in 2003 and seventh in 2000.  No previous Emory team has won more than one game in the Division III World Series.  The Eagles are also one win shy of tying the school record of 42 wins (set in 2004) in a season. 

The Eagles will continue their run in the NCAA Tournament on Monday, as Emory will face Cortland State (N.Y.) at 1:00 PM EST tomorrow.  Should the Eagles win that game, they will play again tomorrow at 4:30 PM EST, for the right to play in the championship game on Tuesday.

THIRD-RANKED EMORY UNIVERSITY BOUNCES BACK WITH A WIN AT THE DIVISION III WORLD SERIES

Box Score

(May 26) Third-ranked Emory University stayed alive at the NCAA Division III Baseball Championship, eliminating the fifth-ranked Eastern Connecticut State University from the tournament with a 5-4 come-from-behind victory.  The Eagles won the game with a two out, pinch-hit RBI single from senior Tim Cournoyer, giving the Eagles their 19th come-from-behind of the season and their 14th win in their final at bat.

The Eagles got off to a quick start, scoring two runs in the first inning on a Sam Cunningham double.  However, the Warriors responded with a run in the third and fourth inning, and two in the fifth to take a 4-2 lead over the Eagles.

It remained a 4-2 game until the seventh inning, when senior Zander Sotiriou reached on an error by the Eastern third baseman, followed by an RBI double for junior David Hissey, that struck off the wall in leftfield.  When the next batter, freshman Dan Molnar, dropped a textbook bunt down the third baseline, the catcher fielding it threw the ball away into right field, allowing the tying run to score.

After closer Rich Babb held the Warriors scoreless in the eighth inning, junior Brandon Custer walked to open the inning, and advanced to second on a two out balk.  Cournoyer came in to pinch hit with two outs, drawing a 1-2 count before hitting a line drive to left field that dropped in, allowing Custer to score the go-ahead run.

“He gave me a fastball on the outer half of the plate, and I was able to hit the line drive” said Cournoyer after the game.

Babb remained in the game, closing out Eastern in the ninth and earning his eighth win of the season out of the bullpen, extending his school record. 

Senior Ian Ganzer got the start for the Eagles, allowing four runs (two earned) on six hits and striking out seven over seven innings pitched.

“Senior leadership really got us through the game,” said Emory Head Coach Mike Twardoski.  It was a good win, even though we still didn’t swing the bats the way we should.  But, like we’ve done all season, we were able to work through it and come away with a win.”

The victory is the Emory’s second in the program’s three appearances in the Division III National Championship.  The Eagles went 0-2 in the 2000 World Series, and 1-2 in 2003.  Emory raised its 2007 record to 40-9, marking just the second time in school history that the team has won 40 games (the Eagles finished the 2004 season with 42 victories).

Emory’s next game will take place at 4:30 PM EST on Sunday, when the Eagles will face off against the loser of the Chapman University (Calif)/ Kean University (N.J.) game, which begins at 8:45 PM EST. 

EMORY HELD TO ONE HIT IN A 2-0 LOSS TO THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN STEVENS POINT

Box Score

(May 25) University of Wisconsin Stevens Point pitcher Jordan Zimmermann pitched just the second one hitter in the history of the NCAA Division III Championship, as the Pointers defeated the Eagles 2-0 in the tournament’s opening game.

The shutout was the first time Emory has been held scoreless in 313 games.  The last time the Eagles were unable to put a run on the board was in the World Series on May 27th, 2000 against Montclaire State University.

The Eagles fell behind early in the game.  The Pointer’s leadoff hitter, Brad Archambeau, reached on an error in the first inning after the Eagles’ shortstop Brandon Custer was unable to backhand a ground ball.  Two batters later, Stevens Point pitcher Jordan Zimmermann doubled to the gap in left-centerfield, allowing Archambeau to score the first run of the ballgame.

The Pointers added a second run in the bottom of the fourth inning on a sacrifice fly from Ryan Byrnes with the bases loaded, scoring Zimmermann from third.

The Eagles threatened Zimmermann in the eighth inning, after Custer led the inning off with a hit by pitch, and Bo Schill drew a pinch hit walk, but Zimmermann pitched around the base runners, and escaped the inning without allowing a run.

Jason Glushon pitched well for the Eagles, throwing his third complete game of the season in the loss, and allowing just one earned run on eight hits.  However, his record fell to 12-2, in what is likely to be his final collegiate appearance.

The Eagles will play an elimination game tomorrow at 11:00 AM EST, as they will face off against the loser of the Carthage College/ Eastern Connecticut State University game later today.

EMORY TO COMPETE IN THE NCAA DIVISION III BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

NCAA Division III Championship Website

(May 24) The Emory University Eagles will continue their quest for a National Championship on Friday, as the team will begin play at the 2007 NCAA Division III World Series.  It will mark the program’s third appearance in the World Series, and the first since the 2003 season.  The Eagles will open championship play on Friday at 11:00 AM EST, facing off against the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point Pointers.

Similar to the NCAA Regional Tournament, the National Championship will be a double-elimination style tournament.  Fans can follow all of the action through live-streaming video online, by going to the Championship website, or www.ncaasports.com.

THE TEAMS
Emory will begin the tournament with a 39-8 record this season, after winning the South Regional with a dramatic 12-inning come-from-behind victory against Ferrum College (Va.).  The Eagles own the third ranking in the nation in the latest ABCA poll, and are the top ranked team in the South Region.  When the Eagles hold their opponents to five runs or less this season, the team is a perfect 33-0.  Emory is led by head coach Mike Twardoski, who has compiled a 267-97 recording during his eight seasons at the Eagles’ helm.  He is assisted by Ethan Solomon, Mike Clark, Ryan Shekell and Doc Partin.

In Emory’s opening game, the Eagles will take on the UW Stevens Point Pointers, who will be making their second-consecutive trip to Appleton.  The Pointers finished 1-2 in last year’s World Series.  This season, UW Stevens Point has compiled a 32-15 record, including a 4-1 performance in the Midwest Regional tournament.  The Pointers are ranked sixth in the latest ABCA poll.  Head Coach Pat Bloom has a 130-60 record in four season at the team’s lead, and is assisted by Tom McHugh, Chuck Brehm and Jake Frombach.  When the Eagles meet the Pointers on Friday, it will be the first-ever meeting between the teams.

Carthage College (Wis.) will enter the tournament with a 36-11 record, and is the eighth-ranked team in the nation.  Carthage is 8-10 over the course of five trips to the World Series in the school’s history.  The Red Men finished 4-0 in the Central Regional tournament this season, after entering the postseason as the third seed.  The two teams met in the regional round of the 2003 NCAA Tournament, with the Eagles coming away with a 14-4 win over the Red Men.  Carthage is coached by Augie Schmidt IV, and he is assisted by Cory Everts, Tom Kucharski and Adam Smith.

Eastern Connecticut State University will carry a 4-0 record in the New England Regional, along with a 38-10 overall record in 2007 and the fifth ranking in the nation into the World Series.  This will be the team’s 11th appearance in the Division III Baseball Championship, as the Warriors have registered four National Championships, one second-place finish and a third-place finish in the school’s history.  Should the Eagles meet the Warriors, it would be just the second game between the two, and the first since the Eagles took a 7-6 win over Eastern in 1997.  The Warriors are led by head coach Bob Wojick, and assistant coaches Len Reed and Mark Stevens.

Chapman University (Calif.) will be making its seventh appearance in the College World Series, and their third-consecutive trip.  Chapman holds a 10-11 record in World Series play, including one championship and a third place finish.  The Panthers are 40-6 and the top-ranked team in the nation entering the tournament, after winning the West Regional with a 4-1 record.  The Eagles and the Panthers have never met prior to the tournament.  Chapman is coached by Tom Tereschuk, and he is assisted by Dave Edwards, Jeff Sears and Jason Mooneyham.

Marietta College (Ohio) will enter the tournament trying to become the first repeat Division III National Champions since the Rowan University (N.J.) in 1978 & 1979.  Marietta has made the most appearances in the World Series out of any participating institution, as this will be the team’s 19th trip to the Championship Tournament.  Marietta is tied with Eastern Connecticut with a Division III-best four National Titles, to go along with six second-place finishes and one third-place finish, while compiling a 43-30 record in championship play.  Marietta, ranked seventh in the nation, holds a 32-15 record during the season including a 4-1 mark en route to winning the Mideast Regional tournament.  The Pioneers and the Eagles have never faced each other during a game.  Marietta is coached by head coach Brian Brewer, and assistant coaches Mike Deegan, Tyler Mott, Chris Hendricks and Jim Bonnette.

Kean University (N.J.) will be making their first-ever trip to the College World Series, after compiling a 39-8 record during the regular season, and winning the Mid-Atlantic Regional with a 4-0 record.  The Cougars are ranked fourth in the nation in the latest ABCA poll.  Should the Cougars and the Eagles meet, it will be the first time in the history of the two programs.  Kean is led by head coach Neil Iovlero, and assistant coaches Jaime Iovliero, Lewis France, Jack Nagy, Francisco Romero and Frank Beckhorn.

The SUNY Cortland will return to the World Series for the eighth time in school history this season, after compiling a 40-5 record and earning the second ranking in the nation.  The Red Dragons hold a 13-14 record in championship play, earning a second-place finish and two third-place finishes over the program’s history.  Cortland and Emory have never met over the two programs’ histories.  The Red Dragons won the New York Regional after finishing 4-1 in the tournament.  Cortland is coached by Joe Brown, and his assistant coaches Craig Kerner, Mike Hubbs, Ben Albright, Brian Huber and Mike Ondrako.    

EMORY NOTES
In the Eagles’ previous two NCAA Tournaments, the Eagles have finished seventh in 2000, and fifth in 2003… Emory holds a 1-4 record in championship play, as former Eagle Reed Harvey is the only Emory pitcher to record a win in World Series play… The Eagles’ hold the fourth-best win-loss percentage in the nation (0.830), the eighth-best fielding percentage in the nation (0.968) and the 14th-best earned run average (3.01)… Jason Glushon was named the South Region Pitcher of the Year by the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) and an All-America third team member by d3baseball.com… Glushon and second baseman Joe Roth  were both All-South Region first team members, while closer Rich Babb was named to the All-Region second team… Glushon’s 12 wins this season are the second most in the nation, and one shy of the school’s single-season record… The senior pitcher has struck out 100 batters this year, the fourth-most in school history, and became the first Eagle to break the century mark in strikeouts since the 2007 season… Glushon’s 111.1 innings pitched are a school record… Roth is ranked 61st in the nation in RBIs per game (1.13)… David Hissey is 49th in the nation in stolen bases per game (0.6)… Frank Pfister, the MVP of the South Regional tournament, is striking out just once every 22.2 at bats, the 57th-best mark in the nation… Ian Ganzer’s 80 strikeouts are 21st in the nation, and his eight wins are 29th-most in the nation.

GLUSHON NAMED TO THE D3BASEBALL.COM ALL-AMERICA TEAM

(May 23) Emory University starting pitcher Jason Glushon was named to the d3baseball.com All-America Third Team.  It marks the first time that Glushon has garnered an All-American honor during his collegiate career.

The senior compiled a 12-1 record with a 2.26 earned run average during the season.  His 12 wins this year are the third-most in the nation, and are just one shy of the school single-season record.  Glushon struck out 100 batters during the year, becoming the first Eagle to break the century mark in strikeouts since 1997.  His 111.1 innings pitched and counting eclipsed a school record.

Earlier in the season, Glushon was named the University Athletic Association Player of the Year for his performance during the conference’s annual tournament.  He is a two-time all-region and all-conference pitcher. The American Baseball Coaches' Association (ABCA) All-Region and All-American teams are yet to be announced.

Glushon’s performance during the season helped the Eagles to the NCAA Division III World Series, where he will be pitching Emory’s  opening game against the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point on Friday.

EMORY BASEBALL EARNS COLLEGE WORLD SERIES BERTH FOLLOWING 6-5 WIN OVER FERRUM COLLEGE

Box Score
2007 NCAA Baseball Championship Info
ABC 13 (Lynchburg VA) News Report

(May 20) A  two-out single in the 12th inning by sophomore catcher Tyler Short scored Brandon Custer from second base and helped propel Emory University to a 6-5 win over Ferrum College in the regional championship game of the NCAA Division III Tournament. The win sends Emory to the NCAA Baseball Championship next weekend in Grand Chute, Wisconsin. The victory upped Emory’s record to 39-8 while Ferrum closed out its campaign at 27-18.

Custer opened the 12th with his third hit of the game and advanced to second following a sacrifice by Bo Schill. After an Emory strike out, Short came to the plate and received new life after the Ferrum left fielder dropped a fly ball in foul territory.  Short made the most of the opportunity and singled to right center field. 

The victory was well earned as the Eagles fought back from a pair of two-run deficits.  Emory trailed by a 5-3 margin going into the top of the ninth but stayed alive when senior Sam Cunningham drilled a two-run homer with one out that knotted the contest.

The game featured plenty of offense and scoring chances with the teams combining for 31 hits and 26 runners left on base.  The Eagles fashioned 16-hit attack led by junior Frank Pfister with four safeties in six plate appearances and three hits apiece by Cunningham and Custer.

Senior Ian Ganzer started the game on the mound for Emory and went the first 5 2/3 innings, allowing four runs while fanning four and walking one.  Senior Jason Glushon came on in relief of Ganzer and hurled a solid 4 2/3 innings that saw him allow just one run while striking out five.  Senior Rich Babb tossed the final 1 2/3 frames and notched his seventh win of the campaign in eight decisions, allowing one hit and striking out one. 

Three Eagles made the All-Regional team led by Pfister who was chosen as the MVP after blistering opposing pitching staffs for a .640 average with 16 hits in 25 at-bats.  Pfister also scored seven runs and totaled five RBIs.  Ganzer and junior second baseman Joe Roth also were selected to the team.

Emory is one of eight teams that advance to the NCAA Championship.  The Eagles, making their first appearance at the event since 2003, open play in the double-elimination format against Wisconsin-Stevens Point (32-15) on Friday (May 25) starting at 10:00 a.m. (CDT).  Other first-round games on Friday include Carthage College (36-11) against Eastern Connecticut State (38-10) at 1:15 p.m.; Chapman University (40-6) vs. Marietta College (32-15) at 4:30 p.m.; and Kean University vs. SUNY-Cortland (40-5).  All games will be played at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium (capacity/5,500).

EMORY ADVANCES TO SOUTH REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Box Score

(May 18) Emory University took one step closer to the NCAA Division III World Series on Friday, as the Eagles defeated the Ferrum College (Va.) Panthers 9-6, advancing to the South Regional Championship game.  The win leaves Emory as the lone undefeated team in the Regional Tournament.

Despite falling behind 2-0 after three innings, the Eagles battled back in the bottom of the fourth, opening the inning with back-to-back doubles for Joe Roth and Frank Pfister to score Emory’s first run of the game.  The Eagles added three more runs in the inning, four more in the sixth and one in the bottom of the eighth to secure the win.

Senior Sam Cunningham pitched five innings for the Eagles, allowing two runs on five hits, while improving to 3-0 during the 2007 campaign.  Freshman Adam Genn recorded the final five outs of the game for Emory, earning his second-career save.

Pfister and Roth each finished the day three-for-five with a run scored and two RBIs.  Pfister also added a tremendous diving catch on a ground ball in the third inning, recording an out to hold Ferrum to just two runs in the inning.

The victory puts Emory one win away from the team’s third trip to the World Series in the history of the program.  On Saturday, the Eagles will face the winner of a York College (Pa.)/ Ferrum game, which will take place on Saturday as well.   

TOP-SEEDED EMORY DELIVERS 10-3 BLOW TO METHODIST

Box Score

(May 17) The Emory University Eagles continued their winning ways on Thursday night, winning their second game of the NCAA Division III South Regional 10-3 over Methodist University (N.C.).  The victory for Emory is the team’s third over the Monarchs this season, as the Eagles are now one of just two undefeated teams in the regional.

The Eagles jumped out to a quick lead in the game, scoring two runs in the first inning after back-to-back doubles for David Hissey and Sam Cunningham, followed by a sacrifice fly for Joe Roth.  However, Methodist answered back with three unanswered runs over the next five innings, leaving the Eagles trailing 3-2 after five.

Emory opened up their offense in the sixth and seventh innings, after Roth and Frank Pfister led the top of the sixth off with back-to-back singles, followed by a game-tying RBI groundout for pinch hitter Dan Molnar, and a go-ahead RBI infield single for Brandon Custer.  The Eagles’ cemented their lead in the seventh, putting a five-spot on the board, which included a two-RBI triple for Cunningham, and a two-RBI single for Custer.  The five-run seventh gave the Eagles a 9-3 lead, and effectively took Methodist out of the ballgame.

Pfister continued to strive in the NCAA Tournament setting, going four-for-five with a double, two runs and an RBI in the game.  The junior third baseman is seven-for-nine in his first two tournament games.

Cunningham and Custer each had three-RBI games, while Roth finished the game three-for-four with a double, three runs scored and two RBIs.

Starter Jason Glushon picked up the win for the Eagles, allowing three runs over seven innings, while striking out four and walking one.  The win brings Glushon’s record to 12-1 in 2007, putting him one win shy of Will Carr’s single-season school record of 13 victories, set in 2004.  The win also marks the 28th of the senior’s career, moving him ahead of Carr for sole possession of third place on the Emory’s all-time list.

The win advanced the top-seeded Eagles through the winner’s bracket of the tournament, and sets up a matchup between the Eagles and the only other undefeated team in the tournament (and host institution), Ferrum College (Va.) on Friday at 1:15 PM.  The winner of Friday’s game will receive an automatic place in Saturday’s championship games, while the losing team will play later in the day for the right to compete for the Regional Title.  The champion of the South Region will advance to the NCAA Division III World Series in Appleton, WI next week.

TOP-SEEDED EMORY WINS ITS OPENING GAME OF THE NCAA TOURNAMENT

Box Score

(May 17) The Emory University Eagles began their NCAA Tournament run in positive way on Thursday, defeating Bridgewater College (Va.) 10-1 behind seven well-pitched innings from Ian Ganzer.  The Emory victory raises the team’s record to 36-7 during the season, while the loss eliminates Bridgewater from the NCAA Tournament.

The Eagles got off to a quick start, opening the game with five-consecutive hits, including back-to-back RBI doubles for Joe Roth and Frank Pfister to give Emory a 2-0 lead after the first inning.  The Eagles broke away for good in the third inning, when Emory scored six runs, including three on a bases-loaded, two out error by the Bridgewater pitcher, who threw away a Zander Sotiriou bunt.

Meanwhile, Ganzer, the senior starting pitcher, was dominant on the mound, allowing just one earned run on six hits over seven innings of work.  Ganzer did not walk a batter, while striking out five, en route to raising his record to 8-1 during the 2007 campaign.

“Ian Ganzer set the table, and the rest of the team followed suit,” said Emory Head Coach Mike Twardoski.

At the plate, Pfister came through with a three-for-four day, including the RBI double, while David Hissey and Tommy Dugan each registered two hits during the game.

Emory will continue to battle for the right to play in the Division III World Series later today, as the Eagles will meet the Methodist University (N.C.) Monarchs, who picked up a 21-14 victory over Bridgewater in the opening game of the tournament.  The first pitch for tonight’s game is slated for 7:45 PM.  

EMORY BASEBALL TO COMPETE IN THE NCAA SOUTH REGIONAL

(May 15) The Emory University Baseball team, ranked fourth in the nation, will begin post-season competition on Wednesday, as the Eagles will open the South Regional branch of the NCAA Tournament.  Emory will be one of seven teams competing at Ferrum, VA from Wednesday until Sunday.  The tournament will have a double-elimination format, with the eventual winner advancing to the NCAA Division III World Series in Appleton, WI.

The Eagles will begin their tournament play on Wednesday night at 8:15 PM.  Emory will face off against either Methodist University (N.C.) or Bridgewater College (Va.), depending on the results of games earlier in the day.

THE RECORDS & SEEDINGS
Emory will be the top-seeded team in the regional tournament, beginning play on Wednesday with a 35-7 record during the regular season.  The Eagles are ranked fourth in Division III baseball, and first in the South Region.  Emory is 5-2 this season when playing at a neutral site, and a perfect 30-0 when the team holds its opponent to five runs or less in a game.

The second-seeded Salisbury University (Md.) will enter tournament play with a 32-8 record, including a 5-2 mark when playing on neutral territory.  The Sea Gulls are ranked 10th in the latest ABCA poll, and second in the South Region in both the NCAA and ABCA regional rankings.

York College (Pa.) will be the third seed in the tournament, after compiling a 29-12 record during the regular season.  The Spartans are ranked third in the South Region in the NCAA rankings and sixth in the ABCA poll.  York is 7-3 when playing on a neutral site in 2007.

The fourth-seeded Methodist University finished the 2007 campaign with a 29-13 record.  The Monarchs are 1-2 in neutral games, and are ranked 24th nationally in the ABCA poll, and fourth regionally according to the NCAA and ABCA.

The Bridgewater College Eagles will be the fifth seed in the regional, after winning the Old Dominion Athletic Conference Tournament, and earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.  Bridgewater finished the season with a 21-21 record, including a 4-3 mark in neutral games.

The host institution, Ferrum College (Va.), will be the sixth-seed in the tournament.  The Panthers will carry a 22-16 record into tournament play, after earning an automatic bid with a win at the USA South Tournament.  Ferrum is 10-5 at home this season.

Rounding out the bracket will be the seventh-seeded Villa Julie College (Md.).  The Mustangs finished their 2007 campaign with a 24-20 record, and earned a bid to the tournament by virtue of a second-place finish at the North Eastern Athletic Conference Tournament (the conference tournament winner, Keystone College, was ineligible for NCAA tournament play).  Villa Julie was 3-0 in neutral-site competition during the season.
 
THE MATCHUPS
Although Emory and Salisbury are yet to face off in 2007, the two have a long history in the NCAA Tournament.  Last season, the Sea Gulls eliminated the Eagles from the NCAA Regionals with a 9-7 win in 2006.  The two teams have met in the tournament six times, with Salisbury holding a 4-2 record over Emory. 

York faced Emory earlier in the season, as the Eagles came away two one-run victories, including a 6-5 win and a 7-6 victory in 10 innings, both at the Rawlings Tournament.  Emory is 13-1 all time against York, including a 10-4 win over the Spartans in the 2004 NCAA Tournament.

The Eagles have won four-consecutive games against Methodist University, including two 3-2 victories top open the 2007 season.  The Eagles are 16-13 all time against Methodist, and 1-1 against the Monarchs in the NCAA Tournament.
 
Emory will carry a 11-4 all time record against Bridgewater into the tournament, including a 9-2 win during the 2001 NCAA Tournament.  The Eagles defeated Bridgewater 6-1 earlier in the season.

Emory and Ferrum have met just four times in the history of the two programs, with the teams splitting the games.  They met in the NCAA Tournament in 1996, with the Panthers coming away with a 4-3 win.

Should the Eagles meet Villa Julie College, it will mark the first-ever game between the two institutions.

THE COACHES
Salisbury head coach Doug Fleetwood has compiled a 228-79-6 record during his seven seasons at the team’s helm.  He is assisted by Ron Siers, Troy Brohawn, Nate Israel, Greg Lasinski and Matt Reynolds.
The head coach of the York College Spartans, Paul Saikia, is in his 19th year at the team’s helm.  He holds a career record of 424-287-3.  Saikia is assisted by Mike Scappa, Matt Day and Elwood Fake.
Methodist is coached by Tom Austin, who holds a 847-337-8 record during his 27 years with the Monarchs.  He is assisted by pitching coach Kevin Allingham.

Bridgewater is led by Curt Kendall, who is in his 21st season with the Eagles.  Kendall is the winningest coach in Bridgewater history, holding a 470-301-6 with the team.  He is assisted by Ben Spotts and Ray Heatwole.

Ferrum is coached by Abe Naff, who announced that he will be retiring after the 2007 season is over.  He is among the five active winningest coaches in Division III baseball, with a 606-224-2 record during 22 seasons with the Panthers.  He is assisted by Darren Hodges and Anthony Everman.

Villa Julie is led by Jason Tawney, who is concluding his fifth season at the helm of the team.  He holds a 103-109 record during his time with the Mustangs, and is assisted by Mark Chiveral.

EMORY NOTES
This season will mark Emory’s ninth trip to the NCAA Tournament since the program began competition in 1991… The Eagles have won their regional tournament twice in school history, once in2000 and again in 2003… Emory recorded its best national finish in 2003 when the Eagles finished fifth in the nation at the Division III World Series… Emory will enter the tournament with the fifth-best team winning percentage (.833), the 13th-best team ERA (2.94) and fielding percentage (.967) and the 20th-most stolen bases per game (2.48) in Division III baseball… Eagles’ starting pitcher Jason Glushon is third in the nation in wins (11), fifth in strikeouts (91) and 64th in ERA (2.17)… He is tied for third in school history with 27 career wins, and his 11 victories this season are the second-most in Emory history, and two shy of the record of 13, set by Will Carr in 2004… Fellow starter Ian Ganzer is 26th in strikeouts (71), 45th in wins (7), 66th in ERA (2.18) and 90th in strikeouts per nine innings (8.6)… Closer Rich Babb is ranked 33rd in the nation in saves (5)… Second baseman Joe Roth is ranked 77th in the nation in RBIs per game, and has the 10th-highest single-season total in school history (47)… Leftfielder David Hissey is 52nd in the nation with 0.62 stolen bases per game.

FOURTH-RANKED EAGLES SELECTED TO NCAA TOURNAMENT

Regional Website

(May 14) The Emory University Baseball Team received its long-awaited bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament early Monday morning.  Emory will be the top-seed in the South Region, and will travel to Ferrum, VA to take part in the seven-team regional.

The Eagles' first game of the tournament will take place on Wednesday, May 16th at 8:15 PM EST.  The Eagles will face the loser of the tournament’s first game, between the fourth seed Methodist University (N.C.) and the fifth seed Bridgewater College (Va.).  The other four teams include the second-seeded Salisbury University (Md.), the third-seed York College (Pa.), the sixth-seed and host institution Ferrum College (Va.), and the seventh-seed Villa Julie College (Md.). Coverage of all of Emory's games will be provided on Teamline.

Teams are eliminated from the regional round of the tournament after losing two games.  The winner of the region will advance to the NCAA Division III World Series, which will take place in Appleton, WI.  

EMORY’S BRANDON CUSTER NAMED TO THE ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT TEAM

(May 11) Brandon Custer, the starting shortstop for the fourth-ranked Emory University baseball team, was named to the ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District first team for the 2007 season, as voted on by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).

This marks the first time in Custer’s career that he has been named to the Academic All-District team.  The senior shortstop concluded the regular season batting .331 with two home runs, 20 runs batted in and 25 runs scored, while starting 41 of 42 games for the Eagles.  Meanwhile, he has maintained a 3.43 grade point average while following the highly difficult and competitive Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology major at Emory. 

By virtue of being named to the Academic All-District first team, Custer will be nominated for the Academic All-America Team.

Voting for the Academic All-District team is conducted by the members of CoSIDA in the states of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.  To be eligible, a nominee must be at least a sophomore with a 3.2 grade point average and a starter or key reserve on his team.  Emory nominees are placed in the “college division” category, which is composed of all NCAA Division II and III schools, along with NAIA programs.

THREE FORMER EAGLES TAKEN IN INAUGURAL ISRAEL BASEBALL LEAGUE DRAFT

(Apr. 30) The Emory University baseball team will be well represented when play begins for the Israel Baseball League, as three former Eagles were selected in the organization’s inaugural draft.  Pitcher Mike Kerfeld was taken by the Netanya Tigers with the first pick in the fourth round (19th overall), while former Eagles’ outfielders Aaron Rosdal and Bryan Langbord were taken back-to-back with the second and third picks in the seventh round (38th & 39th overall), by the Petach Tikva Pioneers and the Tel Aviv Lightening respectively.

The draft, which took place on Thurday, April 26th in New York City, was moderated by the IBL’s Director of Player Personnel Martin Berger, and ESPN’s Jeremy Schaap.

“Many of my colleagues were busy with another draft this week,” said Schaap.  “But, I think I got the better assignment.”

Bryan Langbord finished his time at Emory as the school’s leader in career doubles (62), and fourth in RBIs (137).  Langbord was an All-NCAA Regional Tournament player in 2003 and 2004, an All-South Region player in 2004, and a three-time All-University Athletic Association team member.  More impressive than his career statistics, however, his perseverance,  when he returned for his senior season in 2006 after missing all of 2005 with a serious illness.  Langbord hit .291 with 14 doubles and 29 runs scored in 2006.

“A lot of guys love the game of baseball [at Emory],” said Langbord, when asked about Emory’s large representation in the draft.  “There are lot of quality players who want to keep playing.”

Mike Kerfeld, who transferred to Emory after playing on the University of Tennessee’s College World Series team, played one season for the Eagles, compiling a 5-0 record.  His 1.80 ERA is the lowest by an Emory pitcher who has thrown at least 50 career innings, and ranked him 26th in the nation in 2006. 

Aaron Rosdal played three seasons for the Eagles, batting .285 with 59 runs scored in 69 games started.  In addition, Rosdal stole 32 bases in 39 attempts. 

“I’m extremely honored to be here,” said Rosdal at the draft with an ear-to-ear smile on his face.  “When I left Emory, I thought my career was over, but I’m back.”

“Aaron has been a great ambassador for this league,” said Berger.

The draft consisted of 10 rounds, as each team selected half of their rosters for the upcoming season.  The remaining players, including a fourth former Eagle, pitcher Daniel Kaufman, will be added to the rosters in the near future.  To view the video of the draft, please go to www.israelbaseballleague.com.

EMORY BASEBALL ENDS ITS REGULAR SEASON ON A SIX-GAME WINNING STREAK

Box Score

(Apr. 29)  The fourth-ranked Emory Eagles closed out their 2007 regular season on a high note, winning each of their last six games, including a 11-6 win on Sunday against the University of Dallas (Texas).  The win brings the Eagles’ final regular-season record to 35-7, the second-best mark in school history.

Emory got off to an early start in the game, picking up three base hits to open the game, and scoring when a bases-loaded Frank Pfister sacrifice fly was dropped by Augie Kersting in right field, allowing two runs to score.  Emory added two more in the first on a two-RBI single from Bo Schill, his 18th and 19th RBIs of the season.

However, Emory was paced by Joe Roth’s bat, as the junior went three-for-four, including a double and a bases-loaded triple, his first of the season, in the fourth inning that extended the Eagles lead to 8-1 and put the game out of reach for the Crusaders.  Roth has recorded 47 RBIs during the season, the 10th-highest total in school history, and finished the two-game set with Dallas six-for-eight with three doubles and a triple.

Senior Zander Sotiriou, playing in his final game at Chappell Park, was the place setter for Emory, picking up three hits and scoring two runs in the leadoff spot for the Eagles.

Jason Glushon started the game for Emory, pitching five and one-third innings, finishing the regular season with a 11-1 record and a 2.17 ERA.  Glushon’s 11 victories tie him with Ryan Donegan for the second-highest total in school history, and put him just two behind Will Carr’s record of 13 victories in 2004.

Emory finished the regular season with a 22-1 record at Chappell Park, as the Eagles will now turn their attention to the NCAA Regional Tournament.  While Emory will await the official announcement with regards to their entry to the tournament, as the fourth-ranked team in the nation, the Eagles are likely to be a top seed when they receive their bid.

FOURTH-RANKED EAGLES WIN FIFTH-STRAIGHT IN ROUT OVER DALLAS ON SENIOR DAY

Box Score

(Apr. 28) Emory University showcased its graduating players on ‘Senior Day’, as senior Sam Cunningham belted two solo home runs, and classmate Ian Ganzer pitched five and one third innings of two-hit baseball, as the Eagles took apart the University of Dallas 8-1 at Chappell Park.  The win elevates Emory’s record to 34-7, while Dallas fell to 17-16-1 on the campaign.

Cunningham’s two home runs included a solo home run in the top of the first inning, giving Emory a 1-0 lead.  The two-blast day was the first of Cunningham’s career, as the right fielder hit his first two home runs of the season.  He finished the day two-for-three with three RBIs and two runs scored.

A trio of senior pitchers got the job done on the mound for the Eagles.  Besides Ganzer’s outing, which earned him his career-best seventh win of the season, Anthony Vidal struck out four in two and two-thirds perfect innings of relief work, and Rich Babb closed the game out in the ninth inning.

Another special Emory moment occurred early in the game, as senior Mike Levin started in leftfield for the Eagles, after missing the entire 2007 due to injury.  Levin, who has been a tremendous leader on the bench throughout the season for Emory, played half an inning before being lifted in the bottom of the first.

Youth also prevailed in the game for Emory, as sophomore catcher Tyler Short hit his first-career home run, a two-run blast in the fourth inning of Dallas starter Scott Crisp, which gave the Eagles a 7-1 lead over the Crusaders.

The win is the fifth-consecutive victory for the Eagles, the team’s third-longest streak of the season.  Emory will conclude its regular season tomorrow, as Dallas will stay in Atlanta to finish a two-game set with Emory.

EMORY PITCHING SHUTS OUT LAGRANGE

Box Score

(Apr. 25) Jason Glushon pitched seven shutout innings for Emory University, and Joe Roth, Frank Pfister, and Tim Cournoyer each drove in two runs, as the fourth-ranked Eagles defeated the LaGrange College (Ga.) Panthers 10-0.  The win is the fourth-consecutive victory for Emory, as the Eagles improved to 33-7 during the 2007 season.

Coming off of his worst start of the season, Glushon rebounded in a strong way on Wednesday, allowing three Panther hits and striking out six during his seven-inning performance, while lowering his season’s ERA to 1.91.  The victory is the senior’s 10th of the season, tying him for the third-best single season total in school history.  Glushon has recorded 26 career wins, the fourth-highest total in school history.

The combined shutout is the third of the season for the Eagles, and the first that Glushon has been a part of this season.  The Eagles have outscored their opponents 17-1 in the last two games.

Leftfielder David Hissey was the spark for the Eagles again, finishing the day two-for-three with a double, a RBI and three runs scored, the first run of the game in the third inning.  The junior now leads the team with a .379 batting average, and is batting .600 (12-for-20) over his last four games.

Roth’s two RBIs give him 44 for the season, as he begins to climb the list of best single-season RBI totals in Emory history.  The junior currently has the 15th-most RBIs in a season for an Emory player.

Emory will conclude its season this weekend, as the Eagles will be welcoming the University of Dallas (Texas) to Chappell Park for a two-game set, including Emory’s ‘Senior Day’ on Saturday.

EAGLES COMPLETE THREE-GAME SWEEP OF MARYVILLE

Box Score

(Apr. 24) Third-ranked Emory University picked up its third-consecutive win over Maryville College (Tenn.), defeating the Scots 7-1 behind seven well-pitched innings for Ian Ganzer. 

Ganzer allowed just three hits over his seven innings pitched, while striking out 10 batters and not giving up a run.  Ganzer was dominant throughout the game, striking out six batters over a two inning stretch in the sixth and seventh.  The senior picked up his sixth win of the season, lowering his ERA to 2.35 after the outing.

Offensively, Bo Schill lead the way for the Eagles, giving Emory a 3-0 lead with a two-out, two-RBI single in the first inning, and adding a bases loaded two-RBI double in the fifth.  The senior is now hitting .308 this season with 16 RBIs.

The reigning UAA player of the week, David Hissey, continued to be a sparkplug at the top of Emory’s lineup, going three-for-four with two runs scored and two stolen bases.  The leftfielder is batting .373 this season with 25 stolen bases.

Emory will be back in action tomorrow, as the Eagles will head to LaGrange College (Ga.) to face the Panthers for the second time this season, and the first time on the road.

FOURTH-RANKED EAGLES TO CONCLUDE THEIR 2007 REGULAR SEASON

(Apr. 23) The Emory University Baseball Team will conclude its season this week, as the Eagles will play Maryville College (Tenn.) at Chappell Park on Tuesday, travel to LaGrange College (Ga.) on Wednesday, and conclude their season with two home games against the University of Dallas (Texas) on Saturday and Sunday.  The week’s games include Emory’s Senior Day festivities, which will take place during Saturday’s game.

THE MATCHUPS
On Tuesday, the Eagles will attempt to sweep Maryville College during the 2007 season, as the Scots will come to Atlanta to conclude the three-game series between the two teams.  Emory took two games from Maryville this weekend, defeating the Scots 12-7 in 14 innings on Saturday, and 5-3 on Sunday.  The Eagles won each of the games in their final at bat.  Emory leftfielder David Hissey went seven-for-13 (.538) during the two games, driving in three runs and scoring two out of the leadoff spot for the Eagles.  Emory holds a 25-19 all time record against Maryville, and has taken five-straight games from the Scots.

Emory will face LaGrange College for the second time this season on Wednesday.  The Eagles defeated the Panthers 5-4 on March 30th, as Ian Ganzer allowed just one earned run over eight innings pitched, and Sam Cunningham went two-for-four with two runs, an RBI and a double.  Emory holds a 20-7 all-time record against LaGrange.

The Eagles will meet the University of Dallas for a two-game set this weekend, including Senior Day on Saturday.  Emory is 0-2 all time against the Crusaders, with Dallas having swept a two-game series from the Eagles in Chappell Park in 2003.

THE RECORDS
Emory will enter the week with a 31-7 record during the 2007 season.  The Eagles are ranked fourth in the nation according to the latest ABCA Division III Poll, and first in the region.  Emory holds a 7-2 record against teams ranked in the top-30 in Division III, and the Eagles are 27-0 in games when their opponent scores five runs or less.  Emory is 19-1 in games at Chappell Park this season. 

Maryville will begin the week with a 22-17 record, but have lost five straight and six of their last seven games.  The Scots are 7-11 in road games this season.

LaGrange begins the week with a 25-14 record, and a 20-6 record at home this season.  The Panther have won six of their last eight games, and are 21-2 when they are leading a game after six innings.

The University of Dallas is 17-15-1 during the 2007 campaign, and is 4-7-1 in road games this year.  The Crusaders have won seven-consecutive games coming into the weekend.

THE COACHES
Emory Head Coach Mike Twardoski is in his eighth season at the Eagles’ helm.  Under Twardoski, Emory is 257-94 overall, and 39-11 in conference play.  Twardoski has led the Eagles to five conference titles, five NCAA Tournament appearances, three NCAA regional championships, and two top-ten national finishes.  He is assisted by pitching coach Ethan Solomon, along with Mike Clark and Clyde ‘Doc’ Partin.

Maryville is coached by Daniel Washburn, who is currently in his first season as the head coach of the Scots after spending three years as an assistant at LaGrange College.  Washburn is assisted by his pitching coach, John Rypel.

LaGrange head coach Kevin Howard served as the head coach at Emory for six seasons prior to coaching the Panthers.  Howard led Emory to three-straight NCAA tournament berths.  He is assisted by Ryan Grice and John Rhodarmer.
The University of Dallas is coached by Chris Strockbine, who will complete his second season with the team this weekend.  Strockbine has compiled a 36-30-1 during his two years with the program.

EMORY NOTES
Emory holds the ninth-lowest team ERA in Division III baseball this season… The Eagles have also compiled the 17th-most stolen bases per game, and the 18th-best fielding percentage… Jason Glushon is ranked third in the nation with nine wins, seventh in strikeouts, and 21st in earned run average… Ian Ganzer is ranked 22nd in strikeouts and 60th in victories… David Hissey has recorded the 48th-most stolen bases in Division III this season… Hissey was named the University Athletic Association’s Baseball Athlete of the Week for his performance over four games last week… The junior batted .450 (nine-for-20) in the leadoff spot for the Eagles, scoring three runs and driving in four… In addition, Hissey scored the game-winning run on Sunday against Maryville… Joe Roth and Frank Pfister have started every game at second and third base respectively for the Eagles this season… Roth, Hissey and Dan Molnar each picked up eighth at-bats on Saturday against Maryville, setting a new school record… Hissey’s five hits in the game tied a school record.

NO. 3 EAGLES BASEBALL GETS ITS SECOND WIN IN MARYVILLE

Box Score

(Apr. 22) Emory University Baseball picked up its second win in as many days against Maryville College (Tenn.), as the third-ranked Eagles defeated the Scots 5-3 on Sunday.  The win raises the Eagles’ record to 31-7 during the 2007 campaign.

Emory fell behind early as Maryville took a 2-0 lead in the first inning off Eagles’ starting pitcher Sam Cunningham, who allowed three runs on five hits before being lifted after five innings of work.  But, after an RBI single for Tim Cournoyer in the fourth and a solo home run for Joe Roth in the sixth, the Eagles trailed by just a run after six innings.

At the start of the bottom of the sixth inning, Julian Smith entered the game for the Eagles in relief, pitching three hitless innings and allowing just one walk, and giving the Eagles’ offense an opportunity to pull even with the Scots.

The Eagles bats did just that in the top of the seventh, with Tommy Dugan scoring the game-tying run on an RBI single off the bat of Dan Molnar. 

Emory took the lead for the first time in the top of the ninth inning.  With two out, David Hissey singled and stole second, advancing to third on a throwing error by the catcher.  Molnar then struck again for the Eagles, plating Hissey for the game-winning run, and later scoring himself on a single by Roth. 

With the top of the Maryville order due up in the bottom of the ninth, Jason Glushon entered the game for just his second appearance out of the bullpen this season.  Glushon went on to strike out all three batters he faced for his first save of the season, and the third of his career.

Roth now has a career-best four home runs and 40 RBIs over the 2007 season, leading all Emory players in both categories.

The Eagles will face the Scots again on Tuesday for their final meeting of the regular season, as Maryville will travel to Chappell Park on Tuesday.

EMORY SNAPS THREE-GAME SKID WITH 14-INNING WIN AT MARYVILLE

Box Score

(Apr. 21) The third-ranked Emory University Baseball Team ended its three-game losing streak in dramatic fashion on Saturday, defeating Maryville College (Tenn.) on the road by a score of 12-7 in 14 innings. 

Emory scored the game-winning run in the 14th inning on a one-out RBI single from Tyler Short, scoring Bo Schill.  The Eagles went on to add four more runs during the inning, all on RBI singles from David Hissey, Dan Molnar, Joe Roth and Sam Cunningham. 

The real star for the Eagles though was senior pitcher Rich Babb.  With Maryville having eroded the Eagles’ 7-1 lead in the bottom of the sixth inning, Babb, typically used as the Eagles’ closer, entered the game to stop The Scots’ attack, and stayed in for a total of seven innings and not allowing a run on three hits.

The top of the lineup was particularly productive for the Eagles, as David Hissey tied a school record with five hits in the game, driving in three runs and scoring two.  Second hitter Dan Molnar recorded four hits and two RBIs in the game, and Joe Roth, who hit in the three spot, had two hits, including a double, and three RBIs.  All three players had eight at bats in the game, setting a new school record.

The Eagles record 21 hits during the game, tying the team’s second-highest total of the year.  With the win, Emory improves to 30-7 this season.  The Eagles will face Maryville Cfor a second game in Tennessee on Sunday, before the Scots visit Chappell Park on Tuesday.   

EMORY DROPS THIRD-STRAIGHT, FIRST OF THE SEASON AT HOME

Box Score

(Apr. 19) The Emory University Baseball Team, ranked third in the nation, lost its third-consecutive game on Thursday, falling 18-13 to Huntingdon College (Ala.).  The loss marks the second of the season to Huntingdon, and the first at Chappell Park this season for Emory.

After falling behind 4-0 after half an inning, the Eagles battled back, scoring nine unanswered runs, including three on Zander Sotiriou’s  second home run of the season.  Sotiriou, who entered the year with one career long ball, has now gone deep in two of Emory’s last three games.

Things fell apart for Emory in the sixth inning though, as starter Jason Glushon and Ian Ganzer combined to let 10 Huntingdon Hawks cross the plate during the inning. 

Trailing by nine runs heading into the bottom of the ninth, Tim Cournoyer gave Emory some hope with a grand slam, his second home run of the season, but the deficit was too much for Emory to overcome in the end.

The loss in the game was credited to Glushon, his first of the season.

With the loss, Emory falls to 29-7 this season, as the team has now lost four-straight games to Huntingdon.  The Eagles will travel to Maryville College (Tenn.) this weekend, for a two game set on Saturday and Sunday.

THIRD-RANKED EMORY BASEBALL LOSES SECOND-STRAIGHT FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 2007

Box Score

(Apr. 18) The third-ranked Emory University Baseball team dropped its second-consecutive game, losing 10-1 to its Division II opponent, North Georgia College and State University.  It marks the first time this season that the Eagles have lost two-straight games.

The loss comes despite a solid start for Emory’s Sam Cunningham.  In just the second start of his career, Cunningham did not allow an earned run in five innings, giving up five hits and striking out six.  The senior did not walk a batter in the outing.

Cunningham lowered his ERA to 1.93 this season, and has now struck out 17 batters in 18.2 innings pitched.

The Eagles could not get their bats going though, as North Georgia pitching held them to just four hits during the game.  Emory’s lone run came in the top of the fourth inning, when David Hissey drew a leadoff walk, and scored on a Dan Molnar double in the next at bat.

Molnar’s double was the only extra-base hit of the game for Emory, as the freshman has raised his batting average to .314 this season with 15 runs batted in.

The loss drops Emory to 29-6 this season, as the Eagles will try to snap the losing streak on Thursday, when Emory will welcome Huntingdon College (Ala.) to Chappell Park.

NO. 3 EAGLES SPLIT DOUBLE-HEADER WITH 30th-RANKED RHODES COLLEGE

Game 1 Box Score
Game 2 Box Score

(Apr. 15) Emory University swatted four home runs during a double-header against Rhodes College (Tenn.), as the Eagles picked up the win in the opening game 14-3 over the Lynx, but suffered an 8-3 defeat in the second game.  The split brings the Eagles’ record to 29-5 during the campaign, the second-best record through 34 games in the program’s history.

The first game was marked by a power surge for the Eagles, as Emory belted three home runs in the win.  Senior Bo Schill struck first for Emory, giving the Eagles a 1-0 lead with a solo shot over the leftfield wall and spurring a three-run fifth inning.  In the seventh inning, Tommy Dugan stretched the Emory lead with a three-run blast, the first of the freshman’s career.  Finally, with Emory well in control of the game and the bases loaded, Zander Sotiriou hit his second-career home run and first grand slam to secure the victory for Emory.

Senior Ian Ganzer started the game for Emory, allowing three runs on four hits, while striking out eight batters in seven innings.  Ganzer improved to 5-1 this season with the win, and now holds a 2.36 earned run average in 2007.

The starter for Rhodes, Robert Flanagan, entered the game leading the nation in wins this year with a 10-0 record, but took his first loss of the year against the Eagles.

Emory’s luck turned in the second game, however, as the Eagles suffered just their second defeat to a top-30 team in Division III this season.  With the loss, Emory’s record against teams ranked in the latest ABCA Poll drops to 9-2 in 2007.

The key play in the game came in the bottom of the fifth inning with nobody out and a man on first base, and the Eagles leading 2-1.  On a ground ball hit to second base, Joe Roth’s throw pulled shortstop Brandon Custer off the bag, but Custer appeared to touch the base with his back foot before the runner reached.  However, the umpire called the runner safe, and Rhodes went on to score five runs during the inning.

Freshman Dan Molnar had a career day for Emory in the loss, finishing the game two-for-three with an opposite field solo home run, and a triple.  Molnar also scored three runs and drew a walk during the game.  The outfielder is now hitting .310 this season with 28 runs scored and three home runs this season.

The loss snaps Emory’s season-best ten game winning streak, as the Eagles have won 16 of their last 18 games.

THIRD-RANKED EAGLES DEFEAT NO. 10 WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN 11 INNINGS

Box Score

(Apr. 14) In a battle of top-10 Division III baseball teams, No. 3 Emory University edged 10th-ranked Washington University 5-4 (Mo.) in 11 innings in Millington, TN.  The victory marks the third time this season the Eagles have defeated the Bears, as Emory improves to 5-2 in conference play, and 28-4 overall during the 2007 campaign.

Emory scored the game-winning run in the bottom of the 11th, after junior David Hissey led off the inning with a single, followed by a stolen base.  A one out walk-off RBI single for second baseman Joe Roth plated Hissey from second base.

Hissey finished the day four-for-six, with two runs scored and the stolen base in the 11th inning.  Roth went two-for-five during the day, raising his season average to .358.  The RBI was his team-leading 33rd of the season.

The Eagles never trailed in the game, and held a 3-0 lead after three innings, and a 4-1 lead after four innings.
Senior Jason Glushon pitched eight strong innings for the Eagles, allowing three runs on five hits while striking out six in the no decision.  Despite giving up the lead, closer Rich Babb struck out four and gave up just two hits in three innings, earning his sixth win of the season, all in relief. 

The win brings Emory to 3-0 in extra innings play this season, and to 25-0 in games that Emory holds its opponents to five runs or less.  The Eagles did not commit an error in the game for the seventh time this season, bringing the team’s record to 6-1 in games where the team goes errorless, and 18-1 when the Eagles commit one error or less.

Emory will be back in action in Millington, TN on Sunday, when the Eagles will play Rhodes College (Tenn.) in a double-header, beginning at 12:00 PM EST.

EMORY BASEBALL IN THE NCAA DIVISION III STATISTICAL RANKINGS

(Apr. 11) The NCAA has released its first Division III baseball statistical rankings for the 2007 season, and the third-ranked Emory Eagles are near the top of many of both the team and individual categories.

In the rankings, which include games through April 8th, Emory is the sixth-ranked team with a 0.867 winning percentage.  As a team, the Eagles are ranked in the top-30 in at least one offensive, pitching and fielding category.  Emory is ranked seventh in the nation with a 2.56 earned run average, 23rd with a 0.964 fielding percentage, 28th with 2.3 doubles per game, and 29th with 2.43 stolen bases per game.

In addition to the team rankings, seven Emory players appeared on the rankings, which include the top-100 players in 18 statistical categories.  Senior Jason Glushon led the way for Emory, as he currently has the third-most wins (nine), the ninth-most strikeouts (67) and the 14th-lowest ERA in the nation (1.11).  Ian Ganzer is currently 27th in Division III baseball in strikeouts (48), 71st in wins (four) and 97th in ERA (2.17), while closer Rich Babb  is 12th with five saves, and 34th with five victories, and Anthony Vidal’s four wins tie him with Ganzer for 71st in the category.

Offensively, Frank Pfister and Joe Roth are ranked 53rd and 92nd respectively in at bats per strikeout, while David Hissey is 48th in stolen bases per game (0.63) and Brandon Custer is 100th in hit-by-pitch per game.

EMORY COMPLETES SEASON SWEEP OF OGLETHORPE WITH 8-3 WIN

Box Score

(Apr. 10) Emory University defeated Oglethorpe University (Ga.) for the third time this season on Tuesday, claiming an 8-3 victory over the Stormy Petrels.  The win gives the Eagles a season-best eight-game winning streak, and is the 14th Emory win in the team’s last 15 games.

The game marked a number of firsts for Emory players.  Senior Sam Cunningham made his first-career start, allowing one run on four hits over four innings in the no decision.  Junior pitcher Scott Widyn, in his first year with the Eagles, picked up his first-career win, not allowing a run while giving up three hits over 1.2 innings.

Emory took a 2-0 lead in the second inning of the game, after back-to-back hits for Dan Molnar and Joe Roth each drove in a run.  The lead would not last, however, as Oglethorpe battled back with a run in the fourth and two in the fifth off a two-run home run by Andrew Llano, to take a 3-2 lead over Emory.

The Eagles came back again though, scoring the game-tying run in the fifth inning on a sacrifice fly for Molnar, his second RBI of the game.  Emory took the lead for good in the next inning, as Bo Schill knocked in the go-ahead run on a single to leftfield, and Zander Sotiriou plated two on a double to center.

Third baseman Frank Pfister singled in the sixth inning for Emory, extending his hit-streak to 25 games, the longest by an Emory player since Bryan Langbord had a 29-game streak in 2004. Pfister finished the day two-for-four with an RBI.

With the win, Emory improves to 27-4 this season, and 19-0 in games held at Chappell Park.  Tuesday’s game ends a four-game home-stand for Emory, as the Eagles will now begin a four-game road swing.  The Eagles will travel to Millington, TN this weekend, where they will face Rhodes College (Tenn.) twice, and Washington University (Mo.) once.

EMORY BASEBALL TO TRAVEL TO MILLINGTON, TENN.

(Apr. 10) The Emory University Baseball Team will take part in four more games this weekend, as the Eagles will welcome Oglethorpe University (Ga.) to Chappell Park on Tuesday, before heading off to Millington, TN to take on Rhodes College (Tenn.) and Washington University (Mo.).  Emory has already played Oglethorpe and Washington twice this season, but will be facing Rhodes for the first time in 2007.

THE MATCHUPS
On Tuesday, Emory will be playing Oglethorpe at Chappell Park for the second time this season, and the third time overall in 2007.  The Eagles have won the two previous meetings this year, defeating the Stormy Petrels 6-2 at home on March 6th, and 12-4 at Oglethorpe on April 1st.  Eagles’ catcher Mathew McDonough is four-for-seven with four RBIs and three runs scored in the two Oglethorpe games this season.  Emory is now 30-10 all time against Oglethorpe, and has won eight-consecutive games against the Stormy Petrels.  The Eagles have not lost at home to Oglethorpe since February 19, 1999.

Emory will face off against Rhodes College (Tenn.) on Saturday and Sunday this week.  The games will mark the first meetings between the two teams in over ten years.  Emory is 4-0 all-time against Rhodes, with the last victory coming on March 23, 1997.

The Eagles will face a more familiar opponent on Saturday as well, as the Eagles will meet Washington University (Mo.) on neutral ground for the third time this season.  Emory defeated Washington twice at the University Athletic Association (UAA) Tournament, winning the games 6-4 and 5-1.  Emory second baseman Joe Roth went four-for-seven in the two games with a double and three runs batted in, while starter Jason Glushon picked up a complete game victory against the Bears to clinch the UAA title for the Eagles.  Emory is 16-5 all-time against Washington, and has taken eight of the last nine games against the Bears.

THE RECORDS
Emory will begin the week with a 26-4 record and are ranked third in the nation, according to the latest ABCA/ Collegiate Baseball NCAA Division III Poll.  The Eagles are also the top-ranked team in the South Region.  Emory is a perfect 18-0 in games played at Chappell Park this season, and has tied a season-best with seven-consecutive wins, and 13 wins in the last 14 games.  The Eagles hold a 7-1 record against teams ranked in the top-30 in the latest poll.

Oglethorpe enters the game with an 8-25 record in 2007, but are winners of their last three games played.  Earlier in the season, Oglethorpe was mired in a 22-game losing streak, but have battled back to win four of their last six games.

Washington will begin the week with a 22-5 record, as the Bears have been ranked 10th-nationally in the most recent poll.  Washington has won ten of its last 11 games, and will be playing a double-header against DePauw University (Ind.) before taking on the Eagles.

Rhodes College is 30-4 in 2007, and is currently tied for the 30th-rank in NCAA Division III Baseball.  The Lynx have won eight-straight games and 24 of their last 26.

THE COACHES
Emory Head Coach Mike Twardoski is in his eighth season at the Eagles’ helm.  Under Twardoski, Emory is 252-93 overall, and 39-11 in conference play.  Twardoski has led the Eagles to five conference titles, five NCAA Tournament appearances, three NCAA regional championships, and two top-ten national finishes.  He is assisted by pitching coach Ethan Solomon, along with Mike Clark and Clyde ‘Doc’ Partin.

The Stormy Petrels are coached by Dan Giordano, who in his third seasonat Oglethorpe’s helm.  Giordano graduated from Oglethorpe in 2002, and is assisted by Justin Bach, Scott Casey and David Wolensky.

The Washington University Bears are coached by Ric Lessmann, who has spent 13 years as the head coach of Washington, compiling a 309-179-1 record entering this year, and recently won his 1,300th baseball game as a collegiate head coach.  Lessmann is assisted by Joe Berchelmann.

Rhodes is coached by Jeff Cleanthes, who is in his fourth season as the head coach of the Lynx.  He is assisted by Rob Schrier and Steven Wright. 

EMORY NOTES
Eagles’ third baseman Frank Pfister is currently in the middle of a 24-game hitting streak, tying former Eagles and current Boston Red Sox farmhand Andrew Pinckney for the longest streak since the beginning of the 2004 season… Emory second baseman Joe Roth was named the UAA Athlete of the week for his .417 batting average, two home runs and nine runs batted in during four Emory games last week… Roth leads the Eagles with three home runs and 31 RBIs during the 2007 campaign… Senior Jason Glushon moved into a tie for fourth place on the Emory career win list with his 25th victory as an Eagle… His nine wins this season are the fourth-highest single season total in school history, and match a career best for Glushon, set in 2006… Closer Rich Babb picked up two saves last week, and now has five this season, to go along with his 5-0 record and 1.99 ERA… After playing 101 games for the Eagles (mostly as a hitter) without a victory on the mound, senior Sam Cunningham picked up the first two wins of his career against the University of the South (Tenn.) and Mississippi College last week.

EMORY TAKES BOTH GAMES IN SATURDAY’S DOUBLE HEADER

Mississippi Box Score
Greensboro Box Score

(Apr. 7) The Emory Eagles, ranked fourth in the nation, won both games of a Saturday double header, improving their record to 26-4 this year, and extending the team’s winning streak to seven games.  The Eagles defeated Mississippi College 7-6 in the early game, and were victorious over Greensboro College by a score of 4-2 in the late game.

Emory and Mississippi played a back and forth game throughout the day, after the Eagles jumped out to a 3-0 lead, scoring a run in each of the team’s first three innings.  However, the Choctaws came back with six unanswered runs over the course of the next four innings to take a 6-3 lead over Emory, as the Eagles headed into the bottom of the seventh inning.

Emory scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh, including one off an RBI single from Joe Roth, pulling the Eagles to within a run.  In the bottom of the eighth, Emory tied the game on an RBI single from Tommy Dugan, his second of the day, and took the lead for good on an RBI squeeze bunt from Tyler Short.

Senior Sam Cunningham pitched the eighth and ninth innings for Emory to secure the win in relief.  After playing in 101 games for Emory (as both a hitter and a pitcher) without picking up a victory, Cunningham has won two of Emory’s last three games.

In the second game, Emory picked up two runs in the third inning, one on an RBI single from Frank Pfister, and never looked back.  The Eagles got insurance runs on an RBI single from Cunningham, and an RBI groundout for Dugan, going on to win 4-2.

Senior starter Ian Ganzer picked up the win for Emory, not allowing an earned run on five hits through six innings pitched.  Ganzer improved to 4-1 in 2007, lowering his season ERA to 2.17.  Senior Rich Babb game in to pitch the ninth and pick up his fifth save of the season, only one day removed from a three-inning save against Greensboro on Friday.

Pfister picked up hits in both games, extending his hitting streak to 24 games.  The third baseman is now hitting .387 during the campaign.

Emory will conclude their four-game home-stand on Tuesday, when the Eagles will welcome Oglethorpe University (Ga.) to Chappell Park, for the third meeting between the two teams this season.  Emory has won each of the two previous games against Oglethorpe in 2007.

FOURTH-RANKED EAGLES EDGE GREENSBORO COLLEGE

Box Score

(Apr. 6) The fourth-ranked Emory University Eagles scored six runs in the first two innings, en route to defeating the Greensboro College Pride (N.C.) 7-6 at Chappell Park.  The win raises the Eagles’ record to 24-4 in 2007, while the Pride fall to 19-14 with the loss.

The Eagles took a quick lead in the ballgame, as Frank Pfister picked up his first-career home run in the first inning of the ballgame.  The two-run shot extended Pfister’s hitting to 22 consecutive games.  Pfister is now hitting .381 this season with 27 runs batted in.

Senior Jason Glushon picked up his ninth win of the season during the game, and the 25 victory of his career, tying him for fourth all-time in school history.  The pitcher allowed one earned run in six innings and struck out fix, and is now 9-0 in 2007 with a 1.10 earned run average.

The turning point in the ballgame though was when closer Rich Babb came out of the bullpen with no outs in the top of the seventh inning, with runners on second and third in a one-run game.  Babb went on to record three-straight outs, stranding the runners and preserving the lead.  The senior threw three innings to pick up his fourth save of the season.

Second baseman Joe Roth extended his hitting streak to 14 games, finishing the day three-for-five with an RBI.

The Eagles will be back at Chappell Park tomorrow to play a double header.  The Eagles will take on Mississippi College at 11:30 AM, followed by a 3:00 PM rematch against Greensboro.

EAGLES ROUT TIGERS 23-3 IN SEVEN INNINGS

Box Score

(Apr. 3) Emory University recorded its highest run total since February 7, 1998, as the fourth-ranked Eagles took apart the Tigers of the University of the South 23-3 on Tuesday in seven innings.  The Eagles recorded 23 runs on 26 hits in the game, both season-highs and the second-best totals in school history.

The Eagles got off to a quick start, scoring three runs in the first inning, including two on a home run from second baseman Joe Roth, one of two two-run shots on the day for the junior.  Emory went on to score at least two runs in each inning of the seven-inning ballgame.

Roth’s two-home run game was the second of his career, and the first by an Eagle since Roth last accomplished the feat against Case Western Reserve University (Ohio) on March 16, 2006.  He finished the day three-for five with six RBIs and three runs scored, and is now batting .366 with three home runs and 28 runs batted in this year.

The Eagles added three more home runs during the course of the game, including a three-run blast by the Eagles’ closer Rich Babb, who entered the game as a pinch hitter for just the second at bat of his career.  Brandon Custer and Bo Schill each added home runs as well, the second-career home run for each of the seniors.

The five home runs hit by the Eagles are the second-highest single game total for the Eagles.  Emory hit six home runs against Wilmington College (Del.) on April 20, 1996.

Frank Pfister went two-for-six in the game, keeping alive his hitting streak.  Pfister has now hit safely in his last 21 games, and in 26 of Emory’s 27 games this year.

On the mound for Emory, senior Sam Cunningham picked up the first win of career, allowing two hits and striking out four in three innings of relief work.  Cunningham has played in 101 games for the Eagles during his career, but has made just five appearances on the mound, all of which are in the 2007 season.

The win increases the Eagles’ record to 23-4 during 2007, as Emory will head into a big weekend of baseball at Chappell Park.  The Eagles will host Greensboro College (N.C.) on Friday, before playing a double-header against Mississippi College and Greensboro on Saturday.

EMORY BEGINS ITS FINAL MONTH OF REGULAR-SEASON PLAY

(Apr. 3) The Emory University Baseball team, ranked fourth in the nation, will begin its final month of regular season competition, as the Eagles will head to the University of South (Tenn.) on Tuesday, before coming home to host two games against Greensboro College (N.C.) and one against Mississippi College this coming weekend.

The Eagles will enter the week with a 22-4 record, and winners of nine of their last ten games.  Emory is a perfect 15-0 in games played at Chappell Park this season, and 21-0 in games where the Eagles hold their opponents to five runs or less.  The Eagles are also 20-1 in games when their opponent starts a right-handed pitcher.

On Tuesday, Emory will travel to Sewanee, TN to face the University of the South at 2:00 PM for the second time in the past week.  The Eagles defeated the Tigers 8-2 at Chappell Park last week, with starting pitcher Anthony Vidal getting the win and Frank Pfister recording a two-for-three performance with a double, two runs scored and an RBI.  Emory is now 29-4 all-time against Sewanee, and has taken the last nine games from the Tigers.  Sewanee will enter the game with a 4-21 record in 2007.

On Friday and Saturday at 3:00 PM, Emory will welcome Greensboro College (N.C.) to Chappell Park.  After not meeting for over four years, the Eagles and the Pride renewed their rivalry last season, with Greensboro defeating Emory 8-5 in Greensboro.  In last year’s meeting, Sam Cunningham went two-for-three with a homerun.  Emory holds a 4-3 record all-time against Greensboro, and the Pride will enter the weekend with an 18-13 record.

On Saturday at 11:00 AM, the Eagles will host Mississippi College.  Emory is 2-0 against Mississippi, with both wins coming in 2003.  Mississippi holds an 11-18 record in 2007, and have lost six of their last seven games entering the game with the Eagles.

FOURTH-RANKED EAGLES CLAIM VICTORY OVER CROSS-TOWN RIVAL OGLETHORPE

Box Score

(Apr. 2) Emory University, ranked fourth in the nation, defeated Oglethorpe University (Ga.) 12-4 on Sunday to improve to 22-4 on the 2007 season.  Emory has now won nine of its last ten games, and raises its road record to 3-2 this year.

Emory fell behind early after the Stormy Petrels scored an unearned run in the first inning.  The Eagles responded in the third innings with four runs on four hits, including a two-run double down the left field line for Joe Roth that gave the Eagles the lead for good.

Jason Glushon claimed his eighth win of the season, improving his record to 8-0 this year, and moving to within five victories of the single-season school record with 16 regular-season games left to play.  The senior struck out seven batters and allowed six hits over six innings pitched.

Emory third baseman Frank Pfister picked up a base hit, extending his streak to 20-games, a new career record for the junior.  The hit-streak is the longest by an Emory player since the 2004 season, when Andrew Pinckney (now in the Boston Red Sox minor league system) recorded a 24-game hitting streak.

Freshman catcher Matthew McDonough and senior designated hitter Sam Cunningham each had strong performances in the game.  McDonough finished the day two-for-three with three RBIs and two runs score, while Cunningham went two-for three with two walks and three runs scored.  Cunningham has walked nine times this season and has an on-base percentage of .517 this year.

Emory will continue its road swing on Tuesday, as the Eagles will travel to Sewanee, TN to play the University of the South (Tenn.) for the second time in the last week.

EAGLES RAISE THEIR RECORD WITH A WIN OVER LAGRANGE

Box Score

(Mar. 30) Emory University, ranked fourth in the nation, edged in-state rival LaGrange College (Ga.) to improve to 21-4 during the 2007 campaign.  The win came at Chappell Park, raising the Eagles’ record to a perfect 15-0 at home this season.

In a back-and-forth game, the Eagles took the lead for good in the bottom of the seventh inning, after Sam Cunningham singled, advanced to second on a wild pitch, and then scored on a single hit by Frank Pfister.
Pfister finished the day one-for-four with the RBI single, extending his hitting streak to 19 games.  The junior has hit safely in 24 of the 25 Emory games this season.  He also scored another run, increasing his team lead to 28 this season.

For his second-consecutive outing, Ian Ganzer pitched eight innings, allowing one earned run on seven hits and striking out six.  The senior improved to 3-1 during the 2007 season, while lowering his ERA to 2.44. 

Rich Babb came out of the bullpen to pitch a perfect ninth inning, striking out two batters and picking up his third save of the season.

The Eagles will be back in action on Sunday, when Emory will travel to cross-town rival Oglethorpe University (Ga.) to play the Stormy Petrels at 1:00 PM.

FOURTH-RANKED EAGLES DEFEAT SEWANEE 8-2

Box Score

(Mar. 28) The Emory University Baseball team bounced back from its road loss on Tuesday, defeating the University of the South (Tenn.) on Wednesday, 8-2.  With the win, Emory, the fourth-ranked team in the nation, improved to 20-4 during the 2007 season.

The Eagles jumped on top quickly, scoring seven runs in the bottom of the first inning, including one on an RBI base hit by Frank Pfister.  Pfister finished the day two-for-three with a double, two runs scored and an RBI.  Pfister has now hit safely in each of his last 18 games, and in 23 of Emory’s 24 games this season.

Starting pitcher Anthony Vidal gathered his fourth win of the season for Emory, allowing one earned run in five innings of work.  Vidal allowed six hits and struck out two, while lowering his season ERA to 5.29.

The Eagles’ bullpen held strong again, as Scott Widyn, Sam Cunningham, Will Gumm, and Matthew Katten combined to allow just three hits and no runs over four innings.

Emory improved to a perfect 14-0 in games at Chappell Park this season.  The Eagles will be at home again on Friday, as Emory will play host to the LaGrange College (Ga.) Panthers  at 3:00 PM.   

FOURTH-RANKED EMORY SUFFERS TOUGH 7-6 LOSS TO HUNTINGDON

Box Score

(Mar. 27) The Emory University Eagles, ranked fourth in the nation, suffered their fourth loss of the season, dropping a 7-6 heartbreaker to Huntingdon College (Ala.).  The Eagles had leads of 4-0 and 6-3 in the game, but the Hawks scored three runs in the eighth inning, and the game-winning run in the bottom of the ninth to defeat Emory.

Jason Glushon started the game for Emory, pitching seven strong innings in the no decision.  Glushon struck out nine batters for the Eagles, scattering six hits and not allowing an earned run during the outing.  The senior lowered his season ERA to 0.88, and now has 55 strikeouts in 61.1 innings pitched this season.

At the plate, Joe Roth went two-for-five with three RBIs, including a two-run double.  Frank Pfister extended his hit-streak to 17 games, going one-for-five with two runs scored, two RBIs and a double.

The loss is the first of the season for Emory when the team has held the lead after six innings, and the first team loss in a game started by Glushon.  The Eagles will look to rebound on Wednesday, as Emory will return to Chappell Park to face off against the University of the South (Tenn.) at 3:00 PM.

JASON GLUSHON WINS ASSOCIATION MVP, AS THE EAGLES MOVE UP IN THE RANKINGS

(Mar. 27) For the second-consecutive year, an Emory University Eagle will take home the Most Valuable Player honor from the University Athletic Association (UAA) Tournament, as Jason Glushon has been named the MVP for his performance at the Association’s annual event.  Glushon headlines a list of five Emory players who were named to the all-Association first team. 

In addition, on the same day the all-Association teams were announced, the first in-season ABCA/ Collegiate Baseball NCAA Division III National and Regional Baseball polls were announced, as the Eagles moved up the rankings to fourth in the nation and first in the South Region.

Glushon becomes the seventh Eagles to earn the Association’s MVP honor, and follows teammate David Hissey as the Eagles’ second-straight winner.  Glushon finished the tournament with a 2-0 record in his two starts, allowing just 10 hits and one walk, while striking out 15 batters, and did not give up an earned run in 16 innings pitched.  Glushon was second team all-UAA last season.

Other first team honorees for the Eagles include designated hitter Steve Bralver, shortstop Brandon Custer, third baseman Frank Pfister and second baseman Joe Roth.  Pfister garnered the honor for the second-consecutive year, while the other three each received the spot on the all-Association team for the first time.

The five first-team honorees are the most ever by an Eagles team, besting the mark of four that the Emory has reached five times during the previous 16 years of UAA competition.

FOURTH-RANKED EMORY TO FACE FOUR REGIONAL OPPONENTS

(Mar. 26) The Emory University baseball team will play four more games this week, as the Eagles will be taking on four regional opponents.  Emory will travel to Montgomery, AL to play Huntingdon College (Ala.) on Tuesday, then return home for games against the University of the South (Tenn.) on Wednesday and LaGrange College (Ga.) on Friday, before traveling to cross-town rival Oglethorpe University (Ga.) on Sunday.  Emory will begin the week as the fourth-ranked team in the nation, and with a 19-3 record.

The Eagles hold a 15-4 record all time against Huntingdon, but have lost two-straight games to the Hawks, and three of the last four meetings.  Last season, Emory’s Tim Cournoyer and Sam Cunningham both homered and drove in four runs during a 10-8 loss to the Hawks.  Huntingdon will head in to the game with a 15-8 record in 2007.  The Hawks are coached by D.J. Conville, who has compiled a 75-33 record with Huntingdon.

Emory will return to Chappell Park on Wednesday to take on the University of the South (Tenn.).  The Eagles have won eight-consecutive games against the Tigers, and are 28-4 all time against them.  Emory defeated the University of the South twice last season, as Frank Pfister led the way with three hits in seven at bats and two RBIs.  The Tigers will enter their game against the Eagles with a 3-17 record in 2007.  Sewanee is coached by seventh-year head coach Scott Baker, and assistant coach Adam Caine.

The Eagles will host LaGrange College on Friday, after a planned gamer earlier in the season at LaGrange was rained out.  The Eagles defeated LaGrange twice at Chappell Park last season, 6-2 on March 9th and 3-2on April 1st.  Jason Glushon was the winning pitcher in both games, allowing just two earned runs on 14 hits and striking out seven over 12 innings pitched against the Panthers.  Over the course of his career, Glushon 3-0 against the Panthers with a save, and has allowed just two earned runs in 21.2 innings pitched.  Emory has won six of the last seven games they have played against LaGrange, and is 19-7 all time against the Panthers. LaGrange will enter this year’s matchup with a 13-10 record.  The Panthers’ head coach Kevin Howard served as the head coach at Emory for six seasons prior to coaching the Panthers.  Howard led Emory to three-straight NCAA tournament berths.  He holds a 209-122 record at LaGrange, and is assisted by Ryan Grice and John Rhodarmer.

Emory will conclude its week on Sunday, when the Eagles will play at Oglethorpe University.  Emory is 28-10 all-time against   The Eagles defeated the Stormy Petrels 6-2 at Chappell Park earlier in the season.  Anthony Vidal picked up the win in the game, while Dan Molnar went two-for-four with two RBIs and a triple.  Oglethorpe will enter the week with a 4-17 record.  The Stormy Petrels coached by Dan Giordano, who in at Oglethorpe’s helm.  Giordano graduated from Oglethorpe in 2002, and is assisted by Justin Bach, Scott Casey and David Wolensky.

19th-RANKED EAGLES DEFEAT PIEDMONT IN 10 INNINGS

Box Score

(Mar. 25) Emory University’s Brandon Custer singled with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 10th inning to give the Eagles a 5-4 victory over Piedmont College (Ga.).  The win is the sixth-consecutive for the Eagles, who completed a three-game sweep of Piedmont on Sunday, improving to 19-3 during the 2007 campaign.

Frank Pfister began the 10th-inning for the Eagles, taking first base after being hit by a pitch, and advancing to third base on back-to-back bunt singles for Joe Roth and Sam Cunningham.  Still without any outs, Custer hit a 1-1 pitch over the head of the leftfielder to Pfister, the game-winning run, from third base.

The game-winning run gave the Eagles their first and only lead of the ballgame.  Emory trailed 3-0 after three innings, and 4-3 after six.

Closer Rich Babb pitched three innings for Emory, picking up his fifth win of the season in relief.  In three innings of work, the senior allowed just three hits and held Piedmont scoreless, giving Emory a chance to come from behind to win the game.

Pfister went one-for-three on the day, extending his hitting streak to 16 games, a team-best this season.
Steve Bralver continued his tear at the plate as well, finishing his day two-for-four with two RBI and a double.  The sophomore finished the three-game series with ten RBI, six  extra base hits and a .538 batting average (seven-for-13).

The win is the second extra-innings victory for Emory this season, exactly a month removed from the first one on February 25th against York College (Pa.).  Emory improves to 2-0 in extra-innings games this season.  The Eagles, who are ranked 19th in the nation, will travel to Huntingdon College (Ala.) on Tuesday for their next game.

19th-RANKED EMORY BASEBALL SHUTS OUT PIEDMONT

Box Score

(Mar. 24) The Emory University Baseball team picked up its second team shutout of the 2007 season, defeating Piedmont College (Ga.) 15-0 in Demorest, GA.  The Eagles recorded season-highs in runs and hits (21), and held the Lions to a season-best two hits.

The 15 runs scored are the seventh-highest total in school history, and the most by the Eagles since they defeated Case Western Reserve University (Ohio) 18-1 on March 16, 2006.  The game also marks the highest margin of victory for Emory since the Case Western game.

Senior Ian Ganzer pitched eight shutout innings for Emory, allowing just one hit and two walks while striking out nine batters.  With the win, Ganzer improves to 2-1 in 2007, and lowers his season ERA to 2.70.

Emory’s <