Weekly Release
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Midweek action saw baseball teams in The American compile a 4-2 record, highlighted by two wins on Wednesday night over ranked opponents.
Memphis used a late comeback to collect a victory over the 2013 National Runner-Up Mississippi State Bulldogs. Playing in Dudy-Noble Stadium, which annually hosts some of the largest crowds in the nation, the Tigers sent 8,032 home fans home disappointed with a 6-5 road victory over the No. 7/4 Bulldogs. Memphis trailed 4-1 after six innings, but posted two runs in the top of the seventh and three tallies in the top of the ninth to push the Tigers to their first 4-0 start to a season since 2001.
Houston continued their stellar display on the mound, recording their third shutout of the year with a 3-0 victory over cross-city rival No. 15/15 Rice. Matt Locus (3.2 innings) and Tyler Ford (5.1 innings) combined on the shutout. The Cougars lead The American in ERA (0.50), opponent batting average (.150) and WHIP (0.64).
Louisville won their home opener, pounding out 12 hits, including two home runs, in a 13-1 win over Eastern Kentucky at Jim Patterson Stadium. The Cardinals recorded two big innings, posting six runs in the third and five runs in the sixth to cruise to the victory.
USF defeated Florida Gulf Coast 5-1 behind five scoreless innings from Janick Serrallonga. The Bulls have the best batting average in The American at .333, with a conference best 62 total bases.
UCF dropped their game Tuesday in Gainesville, falling to No. 23/20 Florida 5-1. The Knights were undone by a four-run seventh frame by the Gators.
Cincinnati, who had their opening weekend series against Elon delayed due to weather, fell Monday 3-1 in the series conclusion.
This weekend all nine teams will be in action, as Temple will begin their season after inclement weather forced the cancellation of their opening series. A total of 28 games will be contested, including the home opener for USF, who welcome Penn State.
What They’re Saying
Fred Hill on his retirement as Rutgers Baseball Head Coach after 30 seasons:
“It has been a heck of a run. I enjoyed every second during my time at Rutgers. Thirty years is a long time, but it came and went very quickly. I want to say thank you to everyone involved.”
Rutgers Head Coach Joe Litterio:
“I am honored and excited to be taking over the Rutgers University baseball program. Having had the privilege to be around Coach Hill as a player, a peer and an assistant has been beneficial to me. Being an alum, I will take pride in keeping the Rutgers baseball family together.