College Baseball: Opening Day

by Kevin Gengler on Feb 22, 2008 4:17 PM EST

Despite inclement weather in parts of the country(which forced the postponement of my beloved Rutgers Scarlet Knights), the 2008 college baseball season got underway today. That means the season debut for some of major college candidates for the #1 draft pick held by the Rays.

First, pitcher Aaron Crow got the start for the Missouri Tigers against the UConn Huskies in the Stetson tournament in DeLand, FL. The right-handed pitched 5 innings, surrendered 1 run on 6 hits, struck out 7 and walked none as the Tigers won 7-1. A solid if unspectacular line for Crow.

Pedro Alvarez, 3B for the Vanderbilt Commodores, went 0-2; he reached on a throwing error in the 1st, struck out in the 3rd, was hit by a pitch in the 5th, and walked in the 7th and 9th. Vandy defeated the Beavers 8-1 with former Rays draft pick Mike Minor(2006, 13th round) turning in an impressive pitching line: 6 innings, 5 hits, 1 run, 0 walks, and 6 strikeouts.

Rain washed out the East Carolina-South Carolina opener, where we'll be keeping an eye on Gamecocks 1B Justin Smoak. The teams play a day-night doubleheader tomorrow.

Lastly, University of San Diego left-hander Brian Matusz is expected to be on the mound tonight as the Toreros take on rival San Diego State. I'll be providing statistics for that start tonight, so continue checking back.

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Re: College Baseball: Opening Day

Justin Ruggiano's brother Brian went 3-for-5 for Texas A&M in a double-header loss to Northern Colorado.

His sister is a Houston Texans cheerleader?!

I'm not sure I like this uniform start date for college baseball. Perhaps it is just because the weather is mostly lousy across the country this weekend.

by RATW on Feb 23, 2008 7:28 PM EST reply actions

Re: College Baseball: Opening Day

Also, Ike Davis pounded on Vanderbilt pitching today.

Don't know why, but Pedro Alvarez was a DNP in that game.

On a personal note, my wife's nephew made his first college start for JC power Navarro College in Texas. We're very proud!

http://www.njcaa.org/schmain.cfm?sid=7&divid=1&gender=m&slid=3&menu=11&schmenu=5 &cid=1439&teamid=73418&athleteid=207096&seasonselect=390

by RATW on Feb 23, 2008 8:01 PM EST reply actions

Re: College Baseball: Opening Day

Alvarez got HBP yesterday; might be why.

Congrats by the way, looks like a solid outing.

by R.J. Anderson on Feb 23, 2008 8:22 PM EST up reply actions

Re: College Baseball: Opening Day

Read on a college baseball board that Alvarez hurt his wrist before the game yesterday and will see a doctor tomorrow. He was unable to throw or grip a baseball.

by RATW on Feb 24, 2008 5:18 PM EST reply actions