Friday, February 16 Results:
Highlights
- The American Athletic Conference went 4-2 in its 2018 Opening Day with three games coming down to the final run. UCF, ECU, USF and Tulane began their seasons with a win. Wichita State third baseman Alec Bohm hit a grand slam, while Houston’s ace Trey Cumbie recorded 12 strikeouts through 5.1 innings. USF starter Shane McClanahan had 11 strikeouts against No. 6 North Carolina, as UCF’s Dallas Beaver batted 3-for-4 against No. 16 Virginia. Cincinnati and Memphis had to postpone their games and will begin their 2018 seasons tomorrow. The Shockers were leading 10-6 against McNeese State in the bottom of the ninth inning, but the game was suspended due to fog.
Kennesaw State 7, UConn 3
UConn led 11-8 in hits, but unfortunately, the runs weren’t there, as the Huskies took a 7-3 loss at Kennesaw State to start things off in 2018. Outfielder Troy Stefanski went 2-for-4 at the plate, while shortstop Anthony Prato chipped in with two hits. The Huskies left 10 runners on base, while Kennesaw State left four runners stranded. UConn lefty starter Time Cate had seven strikeouts through 5.2 innings, but allowed five runs and suffered the loss. The Huskies will take on Georgia State tomorrow.
ECU 8, Western Carolina 3
ECU plated four runs in the fourth inning on the way to an Opening Day 8-3 win over Western Carolina at Lewis Field inside Clark-LeClair Stadium. First baseman Spencer Brickhouse went 3-for-5 with three RBIs to guide the Pirates to victory. Pitcher Trey Benton threw for five innings and fanned seven batters to earn the win. ECU will host Western Carolina again tomorrow.
UCF 6, Virginia 3
The Knights took down Virginia, 6-3, to debut their season at John Euliano Park. Third baseman Dallas Beaver went 3-for-4 at the plate with a homer and three RBIs, while The American Preseason Player of the Year Rylan Thomas batted .500 (2-for-4) with a homer and two RBIs. Right hander Chris Williams pitched for five innings to earn the win. Reliever JJ Montgomery made his debut and recorded six strikeouts and clinched the save. UCF returns to action at home tomorrow against Rice.
USF 4, North Carolina 3
USF Southpaw Shane McClanahan pitched six scoreless innings and recorded 11 strikeouts on just three hits, as USF edged North Carolina, 4-3 at USF Baseball Stadium in its season opener. The Bulls will face the Tarheels two more times this weekend. Second baseman Alec Wisely had two hits and two RBIs, while designated hitter Graham Hoffman went 3-for-2 at the plate to lead USF’s offense. Catcher Tyler Dietrich knocked in the game-winning RBI on a fielder’s choice play in the fifth inning.
Wichita State 10, McNeese 6 | Suspended: Bottom 9th *
Preseason All-America third baseman Alex Bohm hit a grand slam in the fifth inning to help Wichita State take a 10-6 lead; however, due to inclement weather, the game was suspended in the bottom of the ninth inning with one out. The Shockers and McNeese State will resume game one of the three-game series at 2 p.m. ET tomorrow before playing game two.
Holy Cross 3, Houston 2
Houston starter Trey Cumbie recorded a career-high 12 strikeouts, allowing just three hits through 5.1 innings pitched, but the Cougars dropped their season-opener to Holy Cross. Houston will host the Crusaders for two more games this weekend.
Tulane 4, Wright State 3
Hits were even at 7-7, as second baseman Johnathon Artigues scored the game-winning run in the seventh inning to give Tulane a 4-3 win over Wright State at Turchin Stadium. Artigues finished the night 2-for-3 with one RBI, while preseason All-America outfielder Grant Witherspoon batted .500 (2-for-4).
Upcoming Schedule
Saturday, February 17
UConn at Georgia State • 2 p.m.
Western Carolina at ECU • 2 p.m.
Western Kentucky at Memphis • 3 p.m.
California vs. Cincinnati • 4 p.m.
Wichita State vs. McNeese State • 4 p.m.
Rice at UCF • 5 p.m.
North Carolina at USF • 7 p.m.
Holy Cross at Houston • 7:30 p.m.
Wright State at Tulane • 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 18
North Carolina at USF • Noon
UConn at Georgia Tech • 1 p.m.
Western Carolina at ECU • 1 p.m.
Samford at UCF • 2 p.m.
Western Kentucky at Memphis • 2 p.m.
Wichita State at McNeese State • 2 p.m.
Holy Cross at Houston • 2 p.m.
Wright State at Tulane • 2 p.m.
Cincinnati at San Diego • Noon/3 p.m.
All times Eastern and subject to change