MAY 16 - FIRST ROUND SCHEDULE
Game One
Abilene Christian 8 vs. West Alabama 7
Box Score

Game Two
Ouachita Baptist 5 vs. Southern Arkansas 2
Box Score

Game Three
Delta State 9 vs. Texas A&M-Kingsville 3
Box Score

MAY 16 - SECOND ROUND
Game Four
Southern Arkansas 15 vs. Texas A&M-Kingsville 3
Box Score

Game Five
Delta State 9 vs. West Alabama 7
Box Score

Game Six
Ouachita Baptist 10 vs. Abilene Christian 5
Box Score

MAY 17 - THIRD ROUND
Game Seven
Ouachita Baptist 19 vs. Delta State 14
Box Score

Game Eight
Southern Arkansas 9 vs. Abilene Christian 8
Box Score

Game Nine
Delta State 5 vs. Southern Arkansas 3
Box Score

MAY 18 - CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND
1 p.m. - Ouachita Baptist 8 vs. Delta State 1
Box Score

 

May 19, 2008

TIGERS HEADED TO COLLEGE WORLD SERIES AFTER ELIMINATING STATESMEN 8-1

By Daniel Hawthorne, Baseball Contact

• Box Score

CLEVELAND- The 2008 season came to an end for the Statesmen of Delta State University Monday, as the Tigers of Ouachita Baptist defeated Delta State, 8-1, in the championship game of the NCAA South Central Region Tournament at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field. The Tigers advance to the NCAA Division II College World Series in Sauget, Ill., next week at GCS Park.

The loss ends a remarkable season for the Statesmen, as they finish the year 48-11 overall. The Tigers improved to 47-14 and earned their first ever trip to the College World Series.

The teams were scoreless through one inning, and after Ouachita set the Statesmen down in order in the top of the second, they proceeded to score the first run of the game. Chad Taylor hit a double to lead off the inning. Three batters later, Drew Wurzelbacher singled to right field with a blooper over Steven Oswald’s head at first for 1-0 Tigers lead.

With two outs in the bottom of the third, Korey Cunningham gave up back-to-back walks before Justin Pennell singled up the middle to give the Tigers a 2-0 advantage. Jim Streicher looked to continue the momentum with a deep fly ball down the left field line, but a diving effort by J.T. Taylor ended the inning.

Delta State struggled at the plate through the first four and a third before Anthony Palasini singled to right center field. However, the Statesmen could not capitalize with a runner on base.

Ouachita rallied again in the fifth with runners at first and second. A sacrifice bunt by Chad Taylor moved the runners up a base and two batters later Drew Maus singled to right field to clear the bases and double their lead to 4-0.

Delta State made a comeback in the sixth. With two out and Michael Niemann on second, Devin Goodwin doubled down the left field line to give the Statesmen their first run of the game, 4-1 OBU.

The Tigers added another in the seventh. With two runners on, Chandler Boyce bunted the ball back to Kenny Smalley allowing Rudy Jovanovski to score from third.

Ouachita added the final blow in the eighth scoring three more runs to put the game out of reach, 8-1.

Jarod Hershberger (8-2) handcuffed the Statesmen all day and earned the victory for the Tigers. The junior lasted 7.1 innings allowing one run on six hits.

Steve Smith earned his second save of the season, cleaning up the final 1.2 innings allowing just one hit.

Cunningham (10-2) was saddled with the loss. The junior worked 4.2 innings allowing four runs on seven hits despite striking out six.

Destan Makonnen and Justin Pennell finished 3-for-5 on the day respectively, while Drew Maus finished 1-for-5 with two RBIs.

Steven Oswald and Michael Niemann were both 2-for-3 at the plate.

Members of the NCAA South Central Region All-Tournament Team included catcher Jim Streicher of Ouachita Baptist, first baseman Destan Makonnen of OBU, second baseman Clay Sartain of DSU, third baseman Chris Clark of DSU, shortstop Devin Goodwin of DSU, designated hitter Todd Rea of West Alabama, outfielder Justin Pennell of OBU, outfielder Tyler Maag of Southern Arkansas, outfielder Blake Lockwood of OBU, pitcher Steve Smith of OBU and pitcher Cody Kelley of DSU. Pennell was also awarded the Most Outstanding Player Award after batting .476 with 10 hits, one home run and eight RBIs.

May 18, 2008

LEVI BISHOP SLAMS DOOR ON MULERIDERS; STATESMEN FACE TIGERS FOR SOUTH CENTRAL REGION TITLE

By Daniel Hawthorne, DSU Media Relations

CLEVELAND- For the second day in a row, Levi Bishop came through in the clutch as Delta State University defeated Southern Arkansas 5-3 Sunday night in the 2008 NCAA South Central Regional at Dave ‘Boo’ Ferriss Field. The win secures the Statesmen’s place in the championship game against Ouachita Baptist on Monday at 1 p.m. The Tigers are undefeated and would have to lose twice. With the win, Delta State improves to 48-10, while SAU falls to 46-12 and are eliminated from the tournament.

The Statesmen, who are 3-0 against Southern Arkansas this season, were looking to secure a spot in the championship game Monday with a victory after suffering their worst loss in nine seasons at the hands of Ouachita Baptist in game one.

The Muleriders, fresh off a come from behind victory over Abilene Christian, scored two runs in the third inning after both teams were scoreless through two complete.

David Aubrey walked on four straight pitches to lead off the inning and scored on the next at bat with an RBI double by Brandon Graves. A sacrifice bunt by Tyler Maag moved the runner to third, allowing Pat Robey to score the runner with a sacrifice fly to center field.

Delta State cut the lead in half in the fourth following a lead off walk by Clay Sartain. Three batters later, J.T. Taylor singled up the middle to cut the lead to 2-1 SAU.

Each team had their chances at the plate in the middle innings, but none were successful leaving a combined eight runners on base.

The silence was broken in the bottom of the seventh as the Statesmen plated four runs to take the lead for the first time in the game. With two runners on, the Mulerider pitching staff hit Sartain to load the bases then Noland for the game tying run. Two batters later Anthony Palasini singled to left center scoring two runs to give the Statesmen a 4-2 advantage. Taylor singled in the next at bat, extending the lead to 5-2.

Things began to heat up once again as the Muleriders threatened in the eighth. Maag reached on a hit-by-pitch and Robey walked on a full count. Cannon Lester doubled down the left field line to cut the lead to 5-3 Delta State. With no one out and runners at second and third, Bishop entered the game and didn’t look back. After walking a batter, Bishop recorded three straight out to end the inning.

The final blow for the Muleriders came in the ninth as reliever Levi Bishop struck out the final two batters of the game to seal the win for DSU.

Cody Kelly (5-0) earned the victory on the mound, going 7.0 innings allowing three runs on five hits with six strikeouts. Bishop picked up his ninth save on the season and the second in two days going 2.0 innings allowing just one hit while fanning three.

Palasini had a big day at the plate for the Statesmen going 3-for-4 with two RBIs, including the game winning single in the seventh.

The Statesmen will play Ouachita Baptist for the regional championship Monday at 1 p.m., with a possible game two starting thirty minutes later.

SAU ELIMINATES ACU 9-8, ADVANCES TO THRID GAME AGAINST DSU

CLEVELAND- Abilene Christian had a one run lead heading into the bottom of the ninth and was not able to hold on for the win as Southern Arkansas rallied from behind for a 9-7 win over the Wildcats in the second game on the third day of the 2008 NCAA South Central Regional at Dave ‘Boo’ Ferriss Field Sunday afternoon.

The Muleriders advanced to the third game on the day against Delta State while the Wildcats became eliminated from the tournament.

SAU took a 2-0 lead heading into the third inning thanks to a solo-shot by Cannon Lester and an RBI single by Tyler Maag.

The Wildcats would rally soon after, plating seven unanswered runs heading into the eighth for a 7-2 lead.

The Muleriders, facing elimination, plated five runs in the bottom of the eighth capped by a three run triple by Maag to tie the game 7-7.

ACU would retake the lead in the ninth with an RBI by Jason Schmitt, but it wasn’t enough to hold on for the win.

With two runners on and two out, David Aubrey singled up the middle to tie the game once again. Brandon Graves would earn a walk in the next at bat to load the bases for Maag who was hit in the shoulder on the first pitch, giving SAU the win.

Maag was hot at the plate for the Muleriders going 3-for-5 with five RBI.

Anthony Walsh had the best day at the plate for the Wildcats, 3-for-4 with two RBI.

Aaron Terry (8-1) earned the victory in relief, pitching 1.0 innings allowing one run on one hit.

Chris Wiman (13-5) gets the loss for the Wildcats in relief, lasting 0.2 innings and giving up two runs on two hits.

TIGERS SEND STATESMEN TO LOSERS BRACKET WITH 19-14 WIN

By Daniel Hawthorne, Baseball Contact

CLEVELAND- Two of the hottest hitting teams in the country went toe-to-toe with the winner advancing to the championship game on Monday, as the Ouachita Baptist Tigers (46-14) defeated Delta State University (47-10) 19-14 in the first game of day three of the NCAA South Central Regional Tournament at Dave ‘Boo’ Ferriss Field. The Statesmen will play the winner of game two featuring Abilene Christian and Southern Arkansas. The winner will face OBU Monday for the regional title and a berth in the NCAA Division II College World Series.

The teams combined for 37 hits, four home runs and five errors. The last time the Statesmen allowed 19 or more runs in NCAA play was to Quincy University ( Ill), 12-20, in 1999.

The starting pitcher for the Tigers Trent Lingle handed the Statesmen their first run of the ball game, hitting back-to-back batters to load the bases, allowing Chris Clark to line out to centerfield for the sacrifice RBI.

The Tigers responded in the bottom half, batting around the lineup, while plating six runs, three coming before the Statesmen recorded an out. Ouachita scored three runs on three straight RBI singles before Drew Maus doubled down the right field line with the bases loaded to add three more, 6-1 Tigers.

Ouachita continued their momentum in the second inning after shutting down the Statesmen, this time plating seven runs. Maus again delivered a three-run double to get the rally started followed by an RBI double by Drew Wurzelbacher. Justin Pennell pounded his first home run of the regional tournament and fourteenth overall with a three-run shot over the right field wall to give the Tigers a 13-1 lead.

Delta State regrouped in the top of the third plating three runs of their own. Devin Goodwin led off the inning with a double and he would later score on an RBI double by Clay Sartain. Anthony Palasini singled three batters later to score Sartain from third. With runners on the corners, Steven Oswald would reach on an error by second basemen Wurzelbacher allowing Noland to score from third.

The Statesmen rallied again in the fourth and managed to cut the deficit to five with a two-run home run by Sartain (10), his first of the tournament and tenth of the season.

Ouachita plated another run in the bottom half, as Pennell grounded out to second with runners on the corners scoring Wurzelbacher from third for a 14-6 lead for the Tigers.

Delta State, determined to get back in the game, scored three runs in the fifth. A two-run double by Goodwin, and an RBI single by Sartain cut the lead to 14-9.

OBU answered right back with three runs of their own, starting with a solo-shot by Rudy Jovanovski to lead off the inning. Maus would add his seventh RBI of the game with a sacrifice fly-ball to right field before Blake Lockwood singled through the left side to bring home another run and extend their lead, 17-9.

Destan Makonnen had the lone run in the sixth inning for both teams with a solo blast to right field, his second in the tournament and third for the Tigers in the game.

The Statesmen reached double digits in the runs column in the seventh inning and added four more in the eighth, capped by Goodwin’s two-run double, 18-14 OBU.

The Tigers put the game out of reach in the bottom half of the eighth with an RBI single by Jim Streicher.

Alex Smith (4-2) picked up the win for OBU in relief, pitching 4.1 innings allowing eight runs on nine hits.

Justin Smith (6-5) earned the loss for the Statesmen. He lasted 0.1 innings giving up six runs on six hits with one strikeout.

Drew Maus finished with a game-high seven RBIs on the day while going 2-for-4 at the plate with two doubles. Teammate Justin Pennell added five RBIs of his own, batting 4-for-6 at the plate with a home run.

Devin Goodwin was hot at the plate for the green and white, going 4-for-6 with four RBIs including two doubles. Clay Sartain batted well also, as the Horn Lake native was 3-for-4 with four RBIs including a double and a home run.

 

May 17, 2008

TIGERS CLAIM THRILLING LATE-INNING VICTORY OVER THE WILDCATS, 10-5

By Daniel Hawthorne and Michael Nienaber

• Box Score

CLEVELAND - The Tigers of Ouachita Baptist (45-13) continued their winning ways in the second round of the NCAA South Central Regional in the night-cap at Dave ‘Boo’ Ferriss Field, defeating the Wildcats (44-16) of Abilene Christian University, 10-5.

The Tigers showed their teeth early, outscoring the Wildcats 5-1 in the first four and half innings led by Justin Pennell’s two run single to left field in the top of the fourth.

The Wildcats cut the lead to one, scoring three runs in the bottom half before tying the game at 5-5 off a solo-shot from Mike Elkerson over the left field fence.

The game remained tied into the ninth inning when the Tigers opened the flood gates. A lead-off walk to Blake Lockwood got things started; he would score two batters later off a single from Jim Streicher, giving the Tigers the lead. Justin Pennell scored next and then Destan Makonnen put the game firmly out of reach with a three-run bomb over the left field wall, just over the outstretched glove of ACU’s Elkerson.

OBU’s Jerry Helferich earned his sixth win of the season for his efforts, while ACU’s Kevin Justice took the loss in his first decision of the year.

Ouachita Baptist advances with the win to face tournament host, Delta State, tomorrow at noon. Abilene Christian will face Southern Arkansas in game two at 3:30 p.m. The results of these two games will determine the pairing of the third game, scheduled for a 7:30 first pitch from Dave ‘Boo’ Ferriss Field.

STATESMEN ELIMINATE TIGERS WITH THRILLING 9-7 VICTORY; DSU TO FACE ACU/OBU WINNER

By Daniel Hawthorne, DSU Baseball Contact

• Box Score

CLEVELAND- Game two of the 2008 NCAA South Central Regional was a nail biter down to the final out, as Delta State prevailed with a 9-7 victory over West Alabama Saturday afternoon at Dave ‘Boo’ Ferriss Field. With the win the Statesmen improve to 47-9 while the Tigers conclude their season 45-13.

The Tigers, who entered the game 3-1 against the Statesmen in the regular season, took the lead in the early going. An RBI single by Rob Dahlberg scored Jake DeRoy from third in the top of the first for a 1-0 Tiger lead.

After a scoreless second inning for the Tigers, the Statesmen answered in the bottom half. With the bases loaded and one out, Steven Oswald doubled down the first base line scoring two and giving the Statesmen a 2-1 lead. On the next at bat, J.T. Taylor cleared the bases with a two-run single to left field extending the Statesmen advantage to 4-1. Things got worse for the Tigers a few batters later as starter Brandon Dill hit Ricky Noland with the bases loaded to walk in another run. Chris Clark singled on the next at bat, plating two more runs for the Statesmen and a 7-1 green-and-white lead.

The Tigers were slowly gaining momentum heading into the fifth inning, and quickly climbed out of the hole. Todd Rea doubled to left center field with the bases loaded scoring all three runners and cutting the deficit to 7-4. Nick Wheeler singled to right field in the next plate appearance scoring Rea from second and putting the Tigers within two runs at 7-5.

After shutting down the Statesmen in the bottom of the fifth, the Tigers cut the lead to one with an RBI double by Dahlberg in the top of the sixth inning.

West Alabama threatened again in the seventh; with a runner on first, Matt Busbee hit a line drive to Clay Sartain who then threw to first to tag the runner for the double play. Chris Ransburgh tied the game at 7-7 with a solo-shot to left field before the inning ended.

The Statesmen rallied back in the bottom half and were able to retake the lead once again. Clark doubled to right center field with two runners on scoring Sartain from second. After Anthony Palasini was intentionally walked, Tiger pitcher Dill balked on his approach scoring Noland and giving the Statesmen a 9-7 lead.

The Statesmen used four pitchers to cage the Tigers, in the end it was Levi Bishop who closed the door, getting the final out with the bases loaded.

Marcus Wilson (2-0) picked up the win in relief. The righty pitched 1.2 innings allowing one run on one hit. Bishop earned his eighth save on the season by going 2.0 innings and allowing just two hits.

Clark had a big day at the plate for the Statesmen. The Paducah, Ky., native went 3-for-4 with three RBIs, while Oswald finished 3-for-4 with two RBIs.

Dill (9-1) saw his nine-game winning streak snapped after pitching 7.0 innings allowing nine runs on 12 hits with four strikeouts.

Jeremy Finney led all Tigers at the plate, going 4-for-5. Teammate Todd Rea finished 1-for-3 with a double and three RBIs.

The Statesmen continue their quest for a College World Series Sunday afternoon as they will face the winner of the Ouachita Baptist and Abilene Christian game. First-pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m.

SOUTHERN ARKANSAS SURVIVES ELIMINATION WITH 15-3 WIN OVER TEXAS A&M-KINGSVILLE

By Daniel Hawthorne, DSU Media Relations

• Box Score

CLEVELAND- The Southern Arkansas University Muleriders (45-11) survived to play another day after defeating the Texas A&M-Kingsville Javelinas 15-3 in an elimination game Saturday afternoon at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field in the NCAA South Central Regional Tournament. SAU will face the loser of the Abilene Christian/Ouachita Baptist game at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday. The Muleriders placed two runs on the board early in the third inning, before the Javelinas (31-31) cut the deficit to one in the fourth.

Southern Arkansas would put the game out of reach midway through the game, scoring a combined nine runs in the fifth and sixth innings for an 11-1 lead. SAU would plate four more in the eighth to seal the victory and send the Javelinas home.

Hayden Simpson (10-0) earned the win for Southern Arkansas pitching 8.0 innings allowing three runs on seven hits while fanning seven.

The Mulerders were led by John Long, who went 4-for-5 with 5 RBIs, while James Schroeder also went 4-for-5 with two RBIs.

Josh Livingston (5-6) is credited with the loss going 4.0 innings allowing five runs on five hits with three strikeouts.

 

May 16, 2008

DELTA STATE SCORES NINE UNANSWERED TO CLAIM 9-3 VICTORY OVER TEXAS A&M-KINGSVILLE

By Daniel Hawthorne, Baseball Contact

• Box Score

CLEVELAND- Delta State junior righthander Korey Cunningham pitched a complete game, as the Delta State University Statesmen earned their first win in the 2008 NCAA South Central Regional Tournament with a 9-3 victory over the Texas A&M-Kingsville Javelinas at Dave ‘Boo’ Ferriss Field Friday. With the win, the Statesmen improve to 46-9, while the Javelinas fall to 31-30. DSU will face West Alabama (45-11) on Saturday at 3 p.m.

The Javelinas had a little momentum coming into the fourth inning swinging the bat effectively before the Statesmen wall finally cracked and Texas A&M-Kingsville was able to put the first runs on the board. Lee Venegas doubled to left center with two runners on to give TAMUK a 2-0 lead. On the next at bat, Eric Gomez singled to right field clearing the bases to give the Javelinas a 3-0 lead.

The Statesmen threatened in the bottom half of the inning with back-to-back singles before the Javelinas converted on a double play to end the drive.

Delta State would end the scoreless streak in the bottom of the sixth. With runners at the corners, Anthony Palasini singled to left field scoring Ricky Noland from third. Two batters later, the Statesmen would add two runs to tie the game with a single up the middle by Steven Oswald for a 3-3 game. The green-and-white would take their first lead of the game 4-3, as J.T. Taylor would reach on a fielder’s choice scoring Oswald from third.

Texas A&M-Kingsville looked to tie the game in the top of the seventh, as the inning began with an error by Devin Goodwin allowing Taylor Everett to reach first. Everett would steal second to get into scoring position. Second basemen Clay Sartain converted a double play that would have made ESPN proud, and then threw the ball to Oswald who tagged second for the second out.

Goodwin’ s mistake was forgotten in the bottom half as he would tack on another run for the Statesmen with a solo-shot to left center field, his team-leading 15 th on the season. A sacrifice fly by Michael Niemann scored another run for the Statesmen before the inning ended.

Starter Korey Cunningham continued to shut out the Hogs after giving up three runs in the fourth, allowing two hits in his last five innings.

The Statesmen were determined to keep Texas A&M-Kingsville at bay by racking up three more insurance runs in the eighth inning on three RBI-singles by Sartain, Chris Clark and Palasini.

Cunningham (10-1) pitched a complete game, giving up three runs on 10 hits while fanning three.

Sam Strickland (7-5) picked up the loss. The starter lasted 5.1 innings allowing four runs on eight hits with four strikeouts.

Palasini had a big day at the plate for the Statesmen going 3-of-5 with two RBIs. Clark finished the day 4-of-5 with an RBI of his own.

The Statesmen continue regional action Saturday afternoon at Dave ‘Boo’ Ferris Field, as they take on West Alabama. The Tigers lost earlier Saturday to Abilene Christian 8-7. First-pitch is set for 3 p.m. The Javelinas will face Southern Arkansas, who lost earlier to Ouachita Baptist, in game two 5-2.

The day will begin at 11 a.m. with an elimination game between Southern Arkansas and Texas A&M-Kingsville. Game three will feature Ouachita Baptist versus Abilene Christian at 7 p.m.

SMITH DAZZLES MULERIDERS, AS OBU UPSETS SAU 5-2 IN GAME TWO

• Box Score

CLEVELAND - Ouachita Baptist University senior righthander Steve Smith dazzled the opposing Mulerider batters all afternoon, as the Tigers (44-14) upset Southern Arkansas (44-11) 5-2 in game two of the NCAA South Central Region Tournament.

The Tigers scored all five of their runs in the third inning capped by a two-run single by first baseman and co-West Division Player of the Year Destan Makonnen.

The Muleriders were held scorless until the seventh inning on just their third hit of the ballgame.

The story for the Tigers began and ended with Smith (9-1) who pitched a complete game allowing two runs on seven hits while striking out 14.

Cody Jones (9-3) picked up the loss going the distance as well, allowing five runs on nine hits while striking out 7 of his own.

Blake Lockwood was solid at the plate for the Tigers going 3-of-5 with an RBI. Teammate Drew Wurzelbacher went 2-for-3 with an RBI and run scored.

Tyler Maag led the Muleriders with two hits on the day while five others finished with one apiece.

The Tigers will play Abilene Christian tomorrow evening at Dave 'Boo' Ferriss Field. First-pitch is set for 7 p.m.

WILDCATS SCORE FIVE UNANSWERED FOR 8-7 WIN OVER TIGERS AT NCAA SOUTH CENTRAL REGIONAL

By Daniel Hawthorne, DSU Media Relations

• Box Score

CLEVELAND- The 2008 NCAA South Central Region Tournament finally kicked off Friday morning as the fourth-seeded Abilene Christian Wildcats (44-15) defeated the third-seeded West Alabama Tigers (45-12) 8-7 in the opening game at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field in Cleveland, Miss.

The teams combined for 27 hits on the day with ACU capitalizing on 17 to West Alabama’s 10. The Tigers led the game off with a three-run shot by designated hitter Todd Rea in the first inning for a 3-0 lead.

The Tigers would build their lead to as many as four, 7-3, headed into the eighth inning. The Wildcats clawed their way back into the game in the top of the eight with a four run performance to tie the game at 7-7.

In the top of the ninth an error by UWA’s shortstop allowed ACU to take the lead 8-7.

Chris Wiman (13-4) closed the door in the ninth for the win. In 2.0 innings of relief, Wiman allowed just one hit in relief.

Brian Burgess received the loss, going 2.0 innings allowing two hits and the game winning run.

Allen Smith led the Wildcats at the plate going 4-of-5, while Matt Spotanski finished 1-for-3 with three RBIs.

Rea was hot at the plate for UWA going 2-for-4 with five RBIs including the three-run blast. Tiger teammate Jake DeRoy went 2-for-5 with an RBI.

Abilene Christian will play the winner of Southern Arkansas/ Ouachita Baptist Saturday night at Dave ‘Boo’ Ferriss Field. First pitch is set for 7 p.m.

May 15, 2008

DAY ONE OF NCAA SOUTH CENTRAL REGION TOURNAMENT WASHED OUT; PLAY RESUMES FRIDAY WITH A REGULAR SCHEDULE

CLEVELAND - Day one of the NCAA South Central Regional has been washed out due to rains over the past two days in Cleveland. Field conditions would not allow for safe play Thursday. Rain is not forecast for the remainder of the week. Any additional updates will be released as they are made available.

The tournament will resume on Friday and run through Monday with a regular schedule. The complete schedule is listed below.

FIRST ROUND - MAY 16
11. a.m.
West Alabama (45-11) vs. Abilene Christian (43-15)

3 p.m.
Southern Arkansas (44-10) vs. Ouachita Baptist (43-14)

7 p.m.
Delta State (45-9) vs. Texas A&M-Kingsville (31-29)

May 12, 2008

TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR SOUTH CENTRAL REGION TOURNAMENT; GAME TIMES ANNOUNCED

CLEVELAND - Tickets for the upcoming NCAA South Central Regional Baseball Tournament hosted by Delta State University are on sale now through the Delta State Athletics box office. Only All-Tournament passes will be pre-sold. Games will begin each day at 11 a.m. and follow at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The All Tournament Package is $25 for adults and $20 for senior citizens and students. Single session tickets are $8 for adults and $6 senior citizens and students. Championship game tickets are $10 and $8 respectively.

Tournament play begins Thursday, May 15 at 11 a.m. with West Alabama facing Abilene Christian at Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field. Southern Arkansas versus Ouachita Baptist will follow at 3 p.m. and Delta State will square off with Texas A&M-Kingsville at 7 p.m.

For more information, contact the DSU Athletic Department at 662-846-4300.

May 12, 2008

SECOND-RANKED STATESMEN TO HOST NCAA SOUTH CENTRAL REGION TOURNAMENT; 11 TH TIME FERRISS FIELD TO SERVE AS HOST

• Complete NCAA DII Tournament Field  

CLEVELAND – After claiming the Gulf South Conference championship this past Wednesday, the second-ranked Delta State University Baseball team believed they had done enough to host the NCAA South Central Region Tournament May 15-18. The NCAA confirmed that feeling on Sunday, as they announced Dave “Boo” Ferriss Field would host the regional for an 11 th time this coming week.

“We’re excited about the opportunity to host another regional at Ferriss Field,” said Mike Kinnison, Statesmen head coach. “Our guys have played one of the toughest schedules in the country and I am very pleased with where we are at right now. With that said, we have a huge mountain to climb. This will be one of the toughest regionals in the country and we’ll have to play at our very best to win it.”

The (No.1) Statesmen (45-9), winners of 27 of their last 28 games, will host (No. 2) Southern Arkansas University (44-10), (No.3) University of West Alabama (45-11), (No.4) Abilene Christian University (43-15), (No.5) Ouachita Baptist University (43-14), and (No. 6) Texas A&M-Kingsville (31-29).

West Alabama will face Abilene Christian in the first game of the regional on Thursday, May 15. Game two will feature Southern Arkansas versus Ouachita Baptist with Delta State and Texas A&M-Kingsville closing day one’s action in game three. The regional will continue with three games on Friday, Saturday and potentially two on Sunday.

Game times have not been assigned at this time. A complete bracket and game times will be available on Monday.

The winner of the NCAA South Central Region Tournament will advance to the NCAA Division II College World Series May 24-31 at GCS Park in Sauget, Ill. GCS Park is home to the Frontier League’s Gateway Grizzlies. The park is located just outside the St. Louis, Mo., metropolitan area.

The Statesmen have enjoyed great success when hosting NCAA regionals at Ferriss Field. Under current head coach Mike Kinnison, the Statesmen have claimed the regional title in three out of the four DSU has hosted since 1997. From 2002-2005, Delta State hosted four-straight NCAA South Central Region Tournaments with the Statesmen winning the title in 2002, 2004, and 2005. Delta State also claimed three regional championships at home under legendary head coach Dave “Boo” Ferriss in 1977, 1978, and 1982.

In 2004, coach Mike Kinnison directed the Statesmen to the program’s first NCAA Division II National Championship with a 12-8 victory over Grand Valley State at Patterson Field in Montgomery, Ala. Two weeks earlier, the Statesmen had defeated Southern Arkansas 24-2 to advance to the College World Series at Ferriss Field.

The Statesmen Baseball Network will also broadcast all Delta State University games at the upcoming South Central Regional. Matt Jones, Keith Latham, and J.T. Webb will anchor the broadcasts with the SouthGroup Insurance Dugout Report starting 15 minutes prior to first pitch.