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Polls Released: Tigers On Top
The OBU Tigers baseball program accomplished two more firsts this week with the release of the first NCAA South Central Region Poll and the newest National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) Top 25. The Tigers (44-4, 14-1) garnered the top spot in the first South Central Region poll, and were followed by conference foes, Delta State and University of Montevallo. That ranking marked the first time that OBU had taken the top spot at any point in the poll, and only the second time that OBU had been ranked in the top 8.
The #1 ranking in the NCBWA Top 25 marks the first time in school history that the baseball team has ever earned top billing in the nation. The NCBWA Top 25 is one of two major national polls. OBU is #2 in the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper Top 30 that was released on Monday.
The Tigers travel to Magnolia, AR to take on #20 Southern Arkansas University (35-12, 13-2) in a 3-game GSC series this weekend. SAU took the 6th spot in the South Central Region poll and #22 in the NCBWA Top 25. The series will kick off with a twi-night double-header beginning at 3pm Saturday, and a single game at 2 pm on Sunday.
21 Game Streak Ends: Tigers Run Off Next 5
#2 OBU Tigers have won 26 of 27 games and run their record to 39-3 overall with an 11-1 mark in GSC play. The Tigers put together a perfect month of March, going 18-0, which was part of a record 21 game win streak. That streak was the third longest in Gulf South Conference history. A 5-4 loss in game 3 against Henderson State University broke that streak, but the Tigers have rebounded by winning their next five. Those wins have come against regional opponents Tarleton State and #23 University of Montevallo, and a conference sweep of University of Arkansas-Monticello.
OBU has been led on the mound by seniors Keith Barrett (9-0) and Kody Gibson (7-1) and juniors Zach Wilbanks (8-0) and Steve Smith (5-0). The pitching staff is posting an ERA of 3.04, which is near the top of the GSC. Offensively, the Tigers' .351 batting average is tops in the conference. They have been led by seniors Jeremy Haworth (.421, 18 2B, 8 HR, 52 RBI), and Chance Beasley (.421, 66 R, 8 2B, 12 HR, 57 RBI, 18 SB, 29-game hit streak). Defensively, the Tigers are tied for the best fielding percentage in the GSC, fielding it at a .970 clip. They are led by junior catcher Jim Streicher who is fielding .995, while throwing out 40% of would-be base stealers.
The Tigers have set a school record for wins for the second straight year, and have been ranked in the Top 5 nationally for the last month. They are scheduled to play at #23 University of Montevallo (31-13) on Wednesday afternoon at 2 pm, before returning home to host Arkansas Tech in a GSC-series this weekend. First pitch for Saturday's double header is scheduled for noon, Sunday's single game will begin at 1 pm.
OBU will be honoring two alumni this weekend for their contributions to the program. Evan A. French (Saturday), and Dr. Bob Gosser (Sunday) will be throwing out the ceremonial first pitches this weekend.
#4 Tigers Sweep 2nd GSC Series, Take 3 from HU
#4 OBU dominated the entire weekend series as they jump to 6-0 in Gulf South Conference play and 31-2 overall. The Tigers took all 3 games from the Harding Bison this past weekend in Searcy, AR running their current winning streak to 18 games. Strong starting pitching, timely hitting, and solid defense was once again the recipe for success as the Tigers won 11-4, 7-0 on Saturday, and 14-6 on Sunday.
Game one featured OBU's ace Keith Barrett, and he did not disappoint. He fired 7.1 innings allowing 3 runs on 8 hits and striking out 6. He improved his record to 7-0. Offensively, the Tigers were led by David Fischer, Chance Beasley, and Destan Makonnen, who each had two hits apiece. Makonnen had 3 RBI and Beasley had 2. John Hannon Jr. came on in relief of Barrett and threw the last 1.2 innings allowing one run on two hits, with one strike out, securing the 11-4 win for the Tigers.
Game two featured the return of junior Steve Smith (3-0) to the mound. Smith's last appearance was February 17, but he shined in his return from a bout with tendonitis. Smith out-dueled Harding's ace, Justin Phillips, allowing no runs on 3 hits while striking out 9 in five innings of work. Phillips, the reigning GSC-West Pitcher of the Week, lasted only 4 innings giving up 7 runs on 6 hits and 4 walks, while only striking out 5. The big blow came in the 4th when OBU put up all 7 runs, powered by back-to-back homeruns by Chance Beasley (a 3-run shot, his 9th) and Jeremy Haworth (his 6th). David Fischer also added a 2-run single in that inning. Patrick Lemmond came in relief to throw the last two innings and slam the door, allowing no runs on 3 hits while striking out 3, finishing the 7-0 win.
Kody Gibson (6-0) was not going to be outdone on Sunday as the senior went five strong inning, scattering 7 hits, allowing 2 runs with two walks and striking out 4. The senior was aided by a single run in the first, third, fourth and an 8 spot in the fifth. The Tigers were led by Beasley (2-5, 5 runs, 2 RBI), Haworth (3-4, 5 RBI), Anthony Edwards (2-5, 2B) and Brock McCorkle (3-4, 2 RBI), as they posted 14 runs on 15 hits. Robert Huddleston came in relief of Gibson, but had a rough outing allowing 4 runs on 6 hits in 1.2 innings of work. Freshman Alex Smith threw the last 2.1 innings and allowed no runs on no hits and struck out one, finishing the 14-6 victory.
The Tigers (31-2, 6-0) face regional opponent University of North Alabama (19-12-1, 3-3) on Wednesday for a single 9-inning game starting at 2 pm. OBU is 2-0 against UNA this season, sweeping a double-header in Florence on February 21. This weekend the Tigers will prepare for the Battle of the Ravine, facing off against Henderson State University at Rab Rodgers Field. Saturday's double-header will begin at noon, with Sunday's single game set to start at 1 pm.
OBU Jumps two spot to #2 in CBN Top 30
OBU continues its assault on the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper Top 30 as it moves up again this week. The Tigers move from #4 to #2 in the nation after another 5-0 week.
The top spot was held by Cal State-Los Angeles for the 3rd straight week, followed by OBU, who jumped over #3 Tampa and #4 Georgia College and State. Kutztown was #5, and was followed by Cal State-Chico, Florida Southern, Central Missouri, Grand Valley State, and Mesa State to round out the top 10.
The Gulf South Conference placed 3 teams in the Top 30 for the second straight week. OBU was #2, Delta State moved up three spots to #14, and Montevallo dropped three to #24. West Florida continued to Receive Votes, and was joined by Southern Arkansas in that category.
#4 OBU Extends Streak to 15 games
Wednesday's double-header sweep against Augustana College (SD) helped to extend the GSC-best 15 game winning streak that OBU is currently riding. The Tiger offense set the tone as they put up 26 runs on the day.
In game one, senior Jeremy Haworth (4-1) started on the mound and earned the victory. He went 6.1 innings allowing 3 earned runs on 4 hits and 3 walks, while striking out 3. Offensively, the Tigers were led by Justin Pennell's 3-3 effort, and Brock McCorkle's 2-2 performance with 2 RBI. Freshman Trent Lingle added a double with the bases loaded to clear the bases and bust open and otherwise close contest. Matt Lemmond came on in the 7th to pitch the last 2/3 of an inning allowing 2 hits, one walk and striking out 2, finishing out the 8-3 victory for the Tigers.
In game two the Tigers started slowly, but got going in a hurry. Trent Lingle got the start on the mound and quickly surrendered 4 Viking runs in the first inning, 3 coming by way of a home run by D.J. Juhlke. Lingle (2-0) settled down after that, allowing 5 runs on three hits and three walks, while striking out only one through 4 innings. Fellow freshman Alex Smith came on to earn the save by going 3 innings allowing only one run on two hits. He also walked one and struck out one. The Tigers got on the board with a 5 spot in the bottom of the second and never looked back. The big inning came in the bottom of the 6th when OBU put 10 runs on the board, putting an 8-5 game out of reach.
They were led at the plate by Chance Beasley. He went 4-4 with a triple, home run (8th of the season), and 4 RBI. Blake Lockwood and Chandler Boyce added three hits apiece, and Haworth, Pennell, and Anthony Edwards all chipped in two hits apiece. When the dust finally settled, the Tigers had 18 runs on 17 hits and had secured their 15th straight victory by an 18-6 count.
OBU (28-2, 3-0) now heads to Searcy, AR to take on Gulf South Conference foe, Harding University (20-10, 1-2). The series kicks off with a Saturday first pitch at noon, and the Sunday start at 1 pm. Saturday will host a double-header, while Sunday will host a single 9-inning contest.
(NOTES: This week's match up pits the GSC Player of the Week, OBU's Jeremy Haworth, against the GSC Pitcher of the Week, Harding's Justin Phillips...OBU swept HU in last season's series...HU's pitcher Justin Phillips shut out Southern Arkansas last weekend with a career-high 9 strikeouts to earn GSC accolades...Both head coaches, OBU's Scott Norwood (Sterling College) and HU's Patrick McGaha (College of the Ozarks) came to their respective jobs from NAIA programs...OBU and Harding have faced 3 of the same opponents: University of Alabama-Huntsville, University of North Alabama, and Bemidji State University, OBU is 5-0 in those games, while HU is 2-5. )
Tigers Move up to #4 in most recent CBN Top 30
The record-setting start to the season has continued for the OBU Tigers as they moved into the top 5 for the first time in school history. The Tigers are ranked #4 in the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper Top 30 poll released on March 19. OBU moved up from #12 after going 5-0 last week by sweeping Southeastern Oklahoma State University in a mid-week double-header, and sweeping then-#10 Delta State in a 3-game GSC-opening weekend series.
The top spot in the poll is occupied by Cal State-Los Angeles for the second straight week, followed by Tampa and Georgia College and State, who flip-flopped from last week's positions. OBU takes the fourth spot, followed by Kutztown, Cal State-Chico, Florida Southern, Grand Valley State, and USC-Aiken, with Central Missouri rounding out the Top 10.
For the first time in 5 weeks the GSC is represented by only three teams in the CBN Top 30. OBU is #4, Delta State dropped to #17 after the three losses in Arkadelphia, and Montevallo jumped up to #21. West Florida was #15, but dropped out after losing 2 of 3 at home to Montevallo. They were the top team Receiving Votes, missing the 30th spot by 6 votes.
The Tigers take on Augustana College (SD) in a Wednesday double-header. Augustana College (5-8) is a member of the NCAA II and the North Central Conference, and they are making their annual spring trip through Arkansas. Next weekend the Tigers will be heading to Searcy, AR to take on GSC foe, Harding University. The Bison are 19-10 (1-2) after losing 2 of 3 at home against Southern Arkansas in their GSC opener.
OBU Takes Both on Opening Day of GSC Play
#12 OBU (25-2, 2-0) took both games against #10 Delta State University (22-6, 0-2) on the opening day of Gulf South Conference play. The Tigers took game one in dramatic fashion, winning 6-4 with a Jeremy Haworth 3-run walk-off home run. Game two was a pitcher's duel as junior Zach Wilbanks (5-0) got the best of DSU hurler Justin Smith, winning 2-1.
OBU took a 3-2 lead into the ninth inning of game one, but were unable to hold the lead as starter Keith Barrett made a throwing error on a bunt to put the tying run in scoring position with just one out. Barrett, who was strong through 8.1 innings, yielded to closer Jeremy Haworth with runners on first and second, only to see his one run lead evaporate with a Pat Williams single to left. Haworth appeared to get out of the inning with the scored tied when he got Ricky Noland to ground to Chris Marx with two outs, but Marx bobbled the slow roller to allow another run to score, with DSU taking the lead 4-3. That lead, however, was shortlived. OBU leadoff hitter, David Fischer, was able to reach base to start the inning and was followed by a walk to Chance Beasley to bring Haworth to the plate. DSU starter Brett Durand was approaching 140 pitches on the day, but was able to get ahead of Haworth with a 1-2 count, courtesy of a foul ball on a bunt attempt. Haworth fouled off the next pitch down the left field line, then hit a rising line drive over the 365 sign in left-centerfield for the OBU victory 6-4.
Haworth (3-1) was credited with the win, Durand (5-1) threw a complete game allowing 6 earned runs on 10 hits, getting his first loss of the season. OBU starter, Keith Barrett, worked 8.1 innings giving up 3 earned runs and was credited with the no-decision.
Game two saw Zach Wilbanks (5-0) give up a first-inning run on three DSU hits, but settled down to go 6.1 innings allowing that lone run and only 3 other hits. Robert Huddleston came on in the top of the seventh with runners on first and second and one out and promptly got a ground ball to the third baseman. Haworth threw to Marx for the force out at second. Huddleston then induced a pop up in foul territory that Marx ran down near the DSU dugout to secure the second win of the day. Huddleston earned his 3rd save of the year. OBU scored both runs in the bottom of the 5th, and were held down by multiple outstanding plays by the Delta State defense.
The Tigers extended their winning streak to a GSC-best 12 games, while they ended Delta State's 11-game winning streak with the victory in game one. These two teams will face off in the final game of the series at Rab Rodgers Field at 1 pm on Sunday afternoon.
Tigers Ranked #6 in Another National Poll
The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) Top 25 has ranked OBU #6 in the country this week. They are ranked behind #1 Cal State-Chico, who is followed by Tampa, Florida Southern, Georgia College and State, and Cal State-Los Angeles.
The publication also ranks the Top 10 teams in each region, and has placed the Tigers #1 in the South Central Region. OBU is followed in the Region Rankings by Abilene Christian University, University of West Florida, Delta State University and St. Edward's University.
OBU defeated St. Edward's in 2 out of 3 games in Austin, TX to open the season, and they take on Delta State this weekend to open Gulf South Conference play. The series begins Saturday at noon at Rab Rodgers Field in Arkadelphia.
OBU Continues to Ascend Top 30, Moves to #12
The Tigers continue to move up in the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper Top 30 as they moved up three spots to #12 in the poll released March 12.
OBU continues to be one of 4 GSC teams ranked in the Top 30; Delta State is #10, University of West Florida is #15 and University of Montevallo comes in at #28 this week.
The top spot goes to Cal State-Los Angeles, followed by Georgia College and State, Tampa, Florida Southern, Cal State-Chico, Kutztown, Abilene Christian, Central Missouri State and Grand Valley State. The top ten is rounded out with Delta State University, with #11 going to USC-Aiken.
The Tigers will take on #10 Delta State this weekend in the opening weekend of GSC play. OBU will take on #28 University of Montevallo, in Montevallo, AL on April 10 and 11.
OBU Sweeps Mid-Week Series vs. SOSU
The Tigers (23-2) extend their winning streak to 10 games by dominating Southeastern Oklahoma State University on Tuesday afternoon, 9-0 and 6-1.
In game one, offensive firepower combined with effective pitching led to the 9-0 victory for the Tigers. Chance Beasley led the way, as he hit a two-run home run on the first pitch that he saw in the bottom of the first. He followed that up with a RBI single and a two-RBI triple to finish 3-4 with 5 RBI. David Fischer went 3-3 with two RBI, and Justin Pennell went 2-4 with two RBI. Kody Gibson (4-0) got the win, working 4 innings allowing 3 hits and striking out 2. Robert Huddleston finished the game with 3 strong innings allowing one hit, one walk, and striking out one.
More offensive firepower helped propel the Tigers to a game two win, 6-1. Justin Pennell led the way again with another 2-4 effort with 5 RBI. He hit two massive home runs, the first landing in the tennis courts beyond the right-centerfield fence for a 3-RBI shot. The second landed just short of the courts, but scored 2 runs on the blast. Destan Makonnen got OBU on the board with high solo shot in the bottom of the 4th. Jeremy Haworth helped lead the offense with a 4-4 effort with a double, but was more effective on the mound. Haworth (2-1) threw a complete game surrendering 9 hits, but only one run while walking 3 and striking out 4.
#12 OBU will take on #10 Delta State at Rab Rodgers Field for the GSC-opener on Saturday beginning at noon, followed by the completion of the series Sunday at 1 pm.
Tigers Sweep Another Weekend Series
#12 OBU Tigers (21-2) swept another weekend series, running their current winning streak to 8 games. The Tigers knocked off Bemidji State (MN) on Saturday 5-0, and 6-1, respectively. Then they inflicted the mercy-rule on Sunday, beating them 11-1.
Keith Barrett (6-0) earned the victory on Sunday allowing no runs in 5 innings of work. Sophomore Patrick Lemmond came in relief to work the final four innings to secure the combined shutout. The Tigers were powered by Jeremy Haworth's 3-run double in the 8th, opening up a 2-0 game. Destan Makonnen also hit his 6th home run of the year, while Jim Streicher went 3-3 with a double.
Game two showed much of the same pitcher domination as game one. Zach Wilbanks (4-0) worked 6 shutout innings, and senior Matt Lemmond worked the final inning allowing the lone run. Offensively, the Tigers were led again by Jeremy Haworth, who homered for the 4th time this season and doubled. Chandler Boyce went 3-3 and Brock McCorkle went 2-3 with a double to help lead the Tigers.
Freshman Trent Lingle (1-0) got his first collegiate start on the mound and threw a complete game. Lingle allowed 4 hits and one run over 7 innings. The game was ended after 7 innings as OBU inflicted the mercy-rule by winning 11-1. The middle of OBU's lineup led the way as the 2-5 hitters combined to go 8-14 with 8 RBI. Justin Pennell led that group with a 3-3 effort with 4 RBI. Chance Beasley hit his 5th home run of the year and scored 4 runs. Destan Makonnen added a 2-3 effort with an RBI.
The Tigers will face regional opponent Southeastern Oklahoma State in a double-header on Tuesday afternoon starting at 1pm. This weekend OBU will take on #10 Delta State University in their GSC-West opener. Saturday's double-header begins at noon, with Sunday's single game beginning at 1 pm.
Big Weekend Road Trip Moves OBU to #15
A 14-hour road trip, and 3 nights in a hotel could not slow down the Tigers as they swept GSC-East opponent Valdosta State University in a 3-game set this weekend. OBU beat the Blazers 3-2, 8-5 and 7-5, moving their current winning streak to 5 games.
OBU (18-2) was led on the mound in game one by Zach Wilbanks (3-0). He gave the Tigers 6.2 innings and earned the win as the offense was powered by a 3-run opposite field home run by Destan Makonnen, his 4th of the year. Robert Huddleston earned the save.
In game two, Kody Gibson (3-0) was the victor pitching 8.2 strong innings as the Tigers won 8-5. Chance Beasley, Jeremy Haworth and Justin Pennell all had 3 hits apiece at the Tigers pouned out 18 hits in the win. Patrick Lemmond earned his second save of the year.
Game three saw Keith Barrett go 8.1 innings allowing only one earned run, but receiving the no-decision as Jeremy Haworth blew his second save of the year, giving up a two-run home run in the ninth to send it to extras. The Tigers scored two in the top of 12 to seal the victory, 7-5. Robert Huddleston earned the victory retiring his lone batter in the 11th, with Matt Lemmond earning the save throwing a scoreless 12th.
OBU, who moved up to #15 in the most recent CBN Top 30, will take the middle of the week off, and get ready to face Bemidji State (MN) for a 3-game weekend series on March 10 and 11. Game one on Saturday is scheduled for a noon start.
11-Game Win Streak Ends: New One Begins
#21 OBU split a weekend double-header with Drury University winning the first game by the mercy rule, 13-3 to run their winning streak to 11 games. Game two looked to be much of the same as the Tigers raced to a 4-0 lead through 3 innings, but Drury battled back to take the game 5-4 in extra innings, ending the longest winning streak in program history.
The Tigers responded to the loss with two convincing road wins at Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, OK. OBU took game one 12-4 on the strength of 9 hits and 8 SOSU errors. In game two, OBU completely dominated the contest winning 17-4 posting 23 hits. Keith Barrett (5-0) earned the win in game one, while Jeremy Haworth (1-1) got the win in game two. Haworth also went 7-9 at the plate on the day including 3 doubles and a triple. The offense was also led by home runs by Destan Makonnen, Justin Pennell, Jim Streicher and Brock McCorkle. Freshman Trent Lingle took advantage of his first collegiate start, going 3-5 in his debut at third base.
OBU (15-2) will hit the road again this weekend as they head to south Georgia to take on another regional opponent, Valdosta State University (11-8) in a 3-game series with single 9-inning games scheduled for Friday (4 pm), Saturday (1 pm), and Sunday (1:30 pm).
OBU Runs Winning Streak to 10 games
The Tigers have run their current winning streak to 10 games by sweeping weekend double-headers against University of Alabama-Huntsville, and University of Indianapolis at Rab Rodgers Field, and a mid-week double-header at University of North Alabama. OBU won all four weekend games by one run, 4-3, 11-10, 6-5 and 4-3, respectively. They then traveled to UNA and won both games, 9-5 and 6-3.
OBU was led last week by senior Jeremy Haworth, going 9-19 at the plate and saving 3 games. His efforts earned him a Gulf South Conference-first, earning GSC Player and Pitcher of the Week in the same week. He continued his torrid pace by going 4-5 with two doubles in game one against UNA.
The Tigers (12-1) have been fueled by a team effort, hitting .328 as a team while posting a 3.31 team ERA. They are currently ranked #22 in the nation and will be host to Drury University (2-2) for a 3-game series this weekend.
Due to threat of rain, the 3-game series has been modified: Saturday will host a single 9-inning contest starting at noon, while Sunday will host a 9-inning contest followed by a 7-inning contest, also starting at noon.
Tigers move to #22 in CBN Poll
OBU Baseball has moved up one spot to #22 in the Collegiate Baseball Top 30 poll that was released February 19, 2007.
The Tigers were #23 the previous week, and posted a 5-0 record this past week. OBU took a mid-week contest against Northeastern State University (OK), then swept double-headers against University of Alabama-Huntsville and University of Indianapolis this weekend. This marks the highest the Tigers have ever been ranked in the poll. The previous high was the #23 they earned last week. OBU is one of 4 GSC teams ranked in the poll this week as University of Montevallo came in at #4 again, Delta State University was #5, and University of West Florida jumps in at #24 this week. The Tigers face off at home against DSU on March 17 and 18, and at UM on April 10 and 11.
OBU (12-1) hosts Drury University (MO) for a 3-game weekend series, starting Saturday at noon.
OBU Dominates NSU in Mid-week Matchup
Bad weather and a shaky first inning was not enough to keep the Tigers from earning their 4 consecutive victory, and running their record to 6-1. OBU thumped Northeastern State University (OK) 14-4 on a cold, windy afternoon at Rab Rodgers Field. The contest was originally scheduled for 2-7 inning games, but was pushed to a single 9-inning game due to early morning rain.
Steve Smith (2-0) earned the victory for the Tigers as he went 6.1 innings allowing 4 runs on 3 hits and striking out 10. Smith only walked one NSU batter, but allowed 4 to reach base by hitting them with pitches. 3 of those 4 eventually came around to score, including the first two hitters of the game, who came around to score on a first inning double by NSU first baseman, Justin Delay. Freshman Trent Lingle came in relief of Smith in the 7th inning to contribute 2/3 of an inning walking one and striking out two.
Offensively, the Tigers tallied 17 hits and 6 base on balls, to plate 14 runs. 8 of 9 starters contributed a hit, with 4 contributing 3 hits a piece. Jeremy Haworth (3-4), Chandler Boyce (3-5), Brock McCorkle (3-4) and Chris Marx (3-4) all had three hits, as Destan Makonnen added 2 hits of his own. Chance Beasley, Makonnen, Boyce, McCorkle and Marx all contributed doubles with Makonnen earning his first triple of the year, and McCorkle adding his first homerun. Haworth, Makonnen, and McCorkle all had 3 RBI apiece, as Marx chipped in 2 RBI of his own. The 10-run mercy rule was enacted after the Tigers went up 10 runs in the bottom of the 7th inning.
The Tigers (6-1) will be hosting University of Alabama-Huntsville in a double header on Saturday, February 16 and the University of Indianapolis on Sunday, February 17. Both double headers will begin at noon. As a side note, Sunday's games against U of I will pit Coach Norwood against his former coach and boss, Coach Gary Vaught. Norwood was his assistant at U of I for 5 years, after playing for Coach Vaught for two years at Oral Roberts University. This will be the first time these two have squared off against each other as head coaches.
Tigers Sweep Second Weekend
Starting pitching dominated for the Tigers in the home-opening weekend series, as OBU swept the Upper Iowa Peacocks 15-1, 11-0, and 3-1. The starting pitchers, Keith Barrett, Kody Gibson and Zach Wilbanks combined for 17.2 IP, 8 hits, 1 earned run and 18 strike outs and only 4 walks.
In game 1, the offense was led by Justin Pennell who hit two massive home runs and tallied 6 RBI. David Fischer (3 hits), Destan Makonnen and Brock McCorkle (2 hits apiece) all contributed multiple hits, and Chance Beasley added his third home run of the year. The Tigers knocked out Upper Iowa's starter, Andy Seabrooke, after only one inning. Barrett went 5 innings allowing 4 hits and struck out 9, earning his second win of the young season. Freshman Alex Smith came on in relief to pitch the last two innings walking one and striking out one. The game was called after the 7th inning, as the mercy-rule was enacted.
In game 2, starting pitching ruled the first 5 innings. Kody Gibson faced off against Upper Iowa's Lucas Wilsing and neither blinked through 5, as the game was tied 0-0 going in to the 6th inning. The Tigers had only managed one hit, while the Peacocks were being held hitless. Gibson held the Peacocks hitless through the top half of the 6th and then the floodgates opened for the Tigers in the bottom half. The Tigers posted 11 runs, sealing the win as the Peacocks removed Wilsing and went to their bullpen 3 times in the inning. Gibson came back out in the 7th to chase his no-hit bid, but it was broken up with a single by the first batter. John Hannon Jr. came in relief and induced a fly ball and a game-ending double-play. Offensively, Makonnen led all hitters with a 2-2 effort. Gibson earned his first victory of the year.
In game 3, it was much the same as both starters came out firing. Wilbanks and the Peacocks' Zach Raff dueled for nearly 7 full innings. Wilbanks went 6.2 allowing only 1 run on three hits, while Raff went 7 complete allowing 2 runs on 5 hits. The Peacocks lone run came on a solo home run to lead off the 7th inning by cleanup hitter Mitch Walser, to cut the lead in half. Wilbanks got the next two outs and then was relieved by sophomore Patrick Lemmond. Lemmond slammed the door retiring the next 7 batters, 5 by way of strike out, securing the first save of his career, and Wilbanks earned the first victory of his OBU career. Offensively, OBU was led by Beasley's 2-4 effort, and RBI singles by Chandler Boyce and Anthony Edwards.
The Tigers improved their record to 5-1 as the Peacocks opened their season with a 0-3 record. OBU continues the non-conference portion of their schedule with a mid-week tilt against Northeastern State University (OK). The double-header is scheduled for a 1:00 pm start on Tuesday afternoon.
Opening Weekend a Success for Tigers
Traveling 7 hours to play the opening weekend against an opponent that won 36 games last season is never easy, and the Tigers opening games against St. Edward's University was no exception. The Tigers battled through some adversity to come away winning 2 out of 3 games on the road in Austin, TX opening weekend.
Game one was sloppy, and both teams combined for 8 errors on the day. OBU took advantage of three SEU errors combined with 16 hits to earn the 15-6 victory. Senior Keith Barrett earned his first win of the young season going 5.2 innings and allowing only 3 earned runs on 2 hits and striking out 3. The Tigers were led on offense by home runs from senior Anthony Edwards and junior Destan Makonnen. Makonnen had three hits and two RBI, while Edwards, junior Justin Pennell, senior Jeremy Haworth, senior Brock McCorkle, and senior Chris Marx all chipped in two hits apiece. Both of McCorkle's hits were doubles. 8 of Ouachita's 9 starters had at least one hit in the game.
Freshman Jake Hargraves and sophomore Patrick Lemmond came in relief of Barrett to finish off the 7-inning contest. Lemmond went 1.1 allowing only 1 hit, finishing Barrett's first start of the year.
Game two was much of the same, with the Tigers earning a 7-2 victory. OBU was led on offense with home runs by senior Chance Beasley and Pennell. They had 9 hits , with the big blow coming with Beasley's grand slam in the 7th inning. Haworth, Pennell, and junior Jim Streicher all contributed two hits apiece.
On the mound, junior Steve Smith allowed only 1 hit and 1 run through 6 innings, striking out four to earn the win. Senior Kody Gibson came in relief to finish the last three innings allowing one run on three hits and striking out 5, while walking no one. The Tigers cured their fielding woes from game one, with no errors in game two.
In game three, the Tigers were not able to slam the door when they were only 3 outs away from an opening weekend sweep. Ouachita lost to the SEU Hilltoppers 6-5, surrendering 3 runs in the first and the 9th innings to drop there record to 2-1 on early season. Senior Jeremy Haworth takes his first loss, allowing three runs on two hits in 0.2 innings of work.
Offensively, the Tigers were had ten hits and were led by senior David Fischer (3 hits), Pennell, and Streicher who had two hits apiece. Beasley added his second home run of the weekend with a 3-run blast that put OBU ahead 4-3 in the 7th inning. An insurance run in the ninth was not enough to hold the Hilltoppers down, as they scored 3 in the ninth to win the game on a walk-off wild pitch.
Junior Zach Wilbanks got the start allowing 3 runs on 3 hits over 3.1 innings while striking out 6. Sophomore Robert Huddleston came on in relief, lasting 4.2 innings allowing only two hits and striking out 5. Ouachita again posted no errors for the second straight game.
The Tigers return home to face Upper Iowa University on February 10 and 11 in this season's home opener. First pitch on Saturday is scheduled for noon.
Tigers Excel in the Classroom for Fall Semester
The Tigers posted a strong fall semester in the classroom, as 14 members of the team posted a grade point average of 3.0 or better. Coach Norwood's squad put together a cumulative GPA of 2.82, marking the fourth consecutive semester his squad has posted a 2.7 GPA or better.
Six student-athletes posted a GPA of 3.5 or better, earning Dean's List honors. Two student-athletes, senior Keith Barrett and junior Justin Pennell, both earned a perfect 4.0 grade point average for their classroom efforts in the fall, receiving President's List honors.
The Tigers open up the 2007 season against St. Edward's University in Austin, TX on February 3, and 4.
Silent Auction Items Available
Coach Norwood is pleased to report that several items have been donated in the recent weeks to be auctioned off at next weekends 1st Pitch Banquet. The list includes: Todd Walker signed bat (Chicago Cub 2nd baseman), Greg Maddux (4-time Cy Young Award winner, 14 Gold Gloves, 8-time All-Star, 300-game winner) signed baseball, Kerry Wood signed baseball, Dale Murphy (NL MVP '82, '83, 7-time All-Star) signed baseball, Houston Astros World Series baseball signed by the entire 2005 World Series team, 4 Cincinnati Reds tickets (11 rows behind home plate) to any game (except Opening Day) including parking pass, Sets of Dallas Maverick single game tickets, Set of Atlanta Falcons single game tickets for 2006-2007 and much more.
The Second Annual 1st Pitch Banquet will be held Saturday, January 21 at 7:00 pm in the Ouachita Commons. Tickets can still be purchased for $20 by calling (870) 245-4255 or Saturday at the door. For any more information contact Assistant Coach Justin Haire at hairej@obu.edu.
Mansolino to Speak at 1st Pitch Banquet
Head Coach Scott Norwood is very proud to announce that Doug Mansolino will be this year's featured speaker at the 1st Pitch Banquet. Mansolino serves as third base coach for the World Series' runner-up Houston Astros. This year's banquet will be held January 21 at 7:00 pm in the Ouachita Commons located on the campus of Ouachita Baptist University. More information about ticket prices and silent auction items will be updated as soon as possible. The banquet will include a silent auction, followed by dinner and will conclude with Coach Mansolino's words. Those in attendance will also here briefly from OBU's athletic director David Sharp as well as Coach Norwood. Ouachita sports information director Chris Babb will emcee the event again this year.
Biography of featured speaker Doug Mansolino:
Doug Mansolino enters his first season on the Astros coaching staff, and he begins his fifth season working with manager Phil Garner. He will serve as Houstons third base coach, and previously held the same position with the Detroit Tigers and Milwaukee Brewers. For the past two seasons, he worked with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization as the roving infield coordinator. Mansolino returned to the third base coaching box with Detroit in 2002 after serving as the bench coach for the Tigers in 2001. He was also third base coach for Detroit in 2000. On May 11, 2001, he led the Tigers to a 7-6, 11-inning win vs. Anaheim in Garners absence (daughters college graduation). Prior to his move to Detroit, Mansolino served on Garners staff in Milwaukee. He was the Brewers third base coach for 1999 and part of 1998. In the 98 season, he began as the clubs first base coach but switched sides on Aug. 11. Mansolino began his coaching career in the San Francisco organization as the third base coach for Triple A Phoenix from 1984-85. In 1988, he began a nine-year stint in the Chicago White Sox organization where he started as the director of minor league instruction for one season. He coached for four seasons in the White Sox system, including 1990-91 as the clubs minor league defensive coordinator and 1998 as the minor league infield coach. He accepted his first big league coaching role in 1992, serving as the White Sox first base coach through June 1995. The second half of the 1995 season and all of 1996, he moved to third base coach. Mansolino graduated from Huntington Beach (CA) High School where he was an all-league baseball selection three seasons. He received a bachelors degree from Cal State Long Beach and has completed course work towards his masters degree in education from Cal State Dominguez Hills. He has traveled to Korea three times to teach defensive skills in Samsung and Pusan. He also managed Caribes de Orientes in the 1995 Venezuelan Winter League. Mansolino and his wife, Cindy, make their offseason home in Collierville, Tenn. They have two sons, Nick (Feb. 24, 1980) and Tony (Sept. 28, 1982), and a daughter, Ariana (July 30, 1991). Tony is a junior infielder on the Vanderbilt University baseball team. (bio borrowed from mlb.com)
The 2006 Ouachita Baptist schedule will feature 34 games at Rab Rodgers Field, announced Coach Norwood today. The Tigers start the season with 12 of 16 games in Arkadelphia. The GSC West portion of the schedule will be played in the same order as last spring while the Tigers have added new teams such as Upper Iowa University, University of Missouri-Rolla, Lincoln University, Northeastern Oklahoma State, and the University of Alabama in Huntsville. 2006 will also be the first year the Tigers have filled their schedule with all Division II opponents. This year's schedule also includes last years Gulf South Conference East Division Champions (North Alabama), an NCAA South Central Regional Tournament qualifier (University of West Alabama), a Division II World Series team (Delta State), along with 5 other teams that were ranked in the Top 30 last spring.
After finishing last season with the best record in over 30 years at OBU, 2nd year head coach Scott Norwood will welcome 22 new faces to Rab Rodgers Field for this fall's first team practice. Last season Norwood and crew went 26-27 with a 10-13 mark in the Gulf South Conference West standings. That marked the first time the Tigers had ever put up double digit wins in conference play while being the highest overall win total since 1972.
Of the 22 new players 16 are junior college or 4 year college transfers. That is five more than last year's squad. Norwood returned to his home state of Oklahoma several times last summer which proved to be a good move considering the Tigers will have six new players from the Sooner State. In all, the team will be represented by 6 states including Arkansas (14 players), Indiana (2), Nebraska (1), Oklahoma (6), Ohio (4), and Texas (9).
This year's group will host 3 home dates during the fall in effort to prepare for the upcoming season. October 4 Bossier Parish Community College (La) will come in for a game beginning at 12:00 pm. October 9, again at 12:00 pm, the Tigers will host Panola College (TX) along with the Dallas Apaches which is a high school select team from Dallas, Texas. The final date will be with Three Rivers Community College (Mo) on October 23 at 12:00 pm. Those are will be the only chances to see the Tigers face off against outside competition until the 2006 campaign kicks off on February 4, 2006 here in Arkadelphia as the team welcomes the University of North Alabama.
The complete fall roster can be viewed by clicking here.