NCAA enters professional ranks

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Fraser Immaculate Against Wake Forest, Records Perfect Game: One of the rarest feats in baseball occurred at Brighton Field at Harrington Athletics Village: the perfect game.

Facing off against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, Boston College Eagles hurler Matt Fraser gave up no runs, no hits, no walks and saw no errors in the 5-0 victory.

"This was one of those games where a good athlete was on top of his game," said Boston College manager Roberto Alcazar after the game. "He had a tremendous rhythm out there. His focus, his concentration, his stuff, everything was as good as it could possibly be."

Fraser saw 27 batters and retired every one of them in order. He bewildered the Demon Deacons, striking out 13.

Late in the game, the right-hander sat by himself at one end of the dugout, staring at the ground. No one approached him, adhering to the baseball superstition that no one mention a no-hitter -- much less a perfect game -- until it is completed. When it was over, Fraser gave a simple fist pump, while his teammates mobbed him and the fans gave a standing ovation.

"A game like this was special," Fraser said. "It doesn't come along very often."

So far this year Fraser has a 11-8 record with a 2.93 ERA.

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LSU Secures Top Spot in American League SEC: Members of the LSU Tigers say they are "100 percent focused" on bringing the first College World Series championship to their organization.

"It's all you think about and all you play for," said starting pitcher Justin Bunnell. "That's what would mean the most."

The Tigers have accomplished an important first step, today clinching the American League SEC, with a 103-50 record, for the 3rd time.

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Bearcats Win National League American Crown: The Cincinnati Bearcats are heading to the playoffs as champions of the National League American.

"It wasn't as close a race as we expected in the end, but that's a credit to the guys in this room who played their hearts out all season," said closer Jeff Culpepper.

The team's record currently sits at 98-54 and the division crown is their 1st in franchise history. The team will be looking to win a 1st NCAA championship.

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Hoosiers Win National League Big Ten Crown: The Indiana Hoosiers have won their division, but have a much larger goal in mind.

"No one will look back on this season and remember the National League Big Ten champions. People will remember the College World Series champions," said manager Mario Maez. "That's what this is all about, but of course we needed this first to get there."

The club's division win is the 2nd for the franchise and they will be seeking their 1st College World Series.

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Sept 12th:

Red Storm Hughes Has 20 Ks: In a performance to behold, Mickey Hughes was masterful today in the Red Storm 14-1 victory over the DePaul Blue Demons. He had them batting the breeze most of the day. In a strong outing, Hughes registered 20 strikeouts in the ballgame, gave up 1 hit and no walks.

On the year Hughes has compiled a 19-6 mark with a 1.16 ERA.

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Sept 15th:

Gauchos Win Tight American League American West Race: The UC Santa Barbara Gauchos have won their division, but have a much larger goal in mind.

"No one will look back on this season and remember the American League American West champions. People will remember the College World Series champions," said manager Scott Brown. "That's what this is all about, but of course we needed this first to get there."

The club's division win is the 1st for the franchise and they will be seeking their 1st College World Series.

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TCU Horned Frogs Win Top Spot in American League Big XII:

TCU Horned Frogs fans have reason to celebrate today, as their franchise is the class of the American League Big XII.

With their record standing at 100-60, the club officially wrapped up the division title today, for the 2nd time. Manager Paul Baron said everyone on their roster is looking forward to the postseason and trying to capture the club's 1st championship.

"That's what you dream about your whole life," Baron said.

Closer Nick Hassell added that it's a great feeling to win the division, but said ultimately, a College World Series victory is what will mark success for the club.

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Sept. 17th

49ers Win Tight American League CUSA Race:

Equal parts jubilation and relief swept over the Charlotte 49ers clubhouse tonight. The team captured the American League CUSA crown, by the slimmest of margins.

"We're happy, excited, overjoyed, relieved, anxious - a lot of emotions going through our heads," said starting pitcher Frank E Smith. "It's really hard to describe the wave of feelings you get going through a pennant race like this."

The 49ers can now put the pennant push behind them and focus on the postseason, where the club will enter the bid for the College World Series with a 101-61 record.

It is the 1st time the 49ers have won the division in their team history and they are seeking a 1st NCAA championship.

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Penn State's Feehley Takes Home NL Batting Honors: Mike Feehley, the 28-year-old center fielder of the Penn State Nittany Lions, was officially crowned National League batting champion for 2022 today.

He batted .350 with 11 home runs and 66 RBIs while playing in 156 games.

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Omar Barron Wins AL Batting Title: Batting titles are tough to come by. It takes a lot of talent, hard work, consistency, few slumps, good health and a little luck.

Omar Barron of the Texas A&M Aggies put it all together this year and led the American League with a .372 batting average (239-for-642).

The Aggies right fielder played in 158 games, ending the season with 47 doubles, 9 triples, 29 home runs, 94 runs and 85 runs batted in.

"When you work hard, good things happen," Barron explained to reporters after winning the coveted award. "Slumps happen to everyone, but you won't break out of one without hard work. I think that's one of the prime reasons for my success this season."

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Regionals coverage:

NC State Sweeps into the Super Regionals: With a 5-2 victory at Bart Kaufman Field, the NC State Wolfpack have completed a sweep of the Indiana Hoosiers in the Regionals.

"On to the Super Regionals and feeling good," said Jonathan Chadwick. "I don't think our guys expected a sweep, but we'll certainly take it and rest up a bit."

For the series, Chadwick hit .571 and won series MVP honors. He had 2 home runs, drove in 2 RBI and scored 3 runs.

The NC State Wolfpack don't know who they will face in the next round. They will play the winner of the Butler Bulldogs - Florida State Seminoles series. That series is tied at 1 game apiece. The Super Regionals schedule will be announced after the Regionals finishes.

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Beavers Dominate, Sweep Regionals: The Oregon State Beavers made it look easy and are heading to the Super Regionals.

They have ousted the Stanford Cardinal in a sweep, the final win coming by a 5-1 score, clinching the 2-0 series win.

"Everything's clicking for us right now," said Zachery Moore, who was named MVP for the series.

Moore hit .500 with a .500 on-base percentage. He added 1 home runs, drove in 4 RBI and scored 1 runs.

The Oregon State Beavers don't know who they will face in the next round. They will play the winner of the Cincinnati Bearcats - Syracuse Orange series. That series is tied at 1 game apiece. The Super Regionals schedule will be announced after the Regionals finishes.

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Tigers Cruise to Super Regionals with Sweep: With a 1-0 win to wrap up the series at Alex Box Stadium, the LSU Tigers have eliminated the Tennessee Volunteers in the Regionals and move on to the Super Regionals.

LSU controlled the series from the outset and won it in a 2-0 sweep.

Keagan Kistler led the charge offensively for the victors, winning series MVP honors. He posted a .667 batting average, along with a .714 on-base percentage. He had 0 home runs, drove in 2 RBI and scored 0 runs.

"We're not done yet," the MVP said. "There is still a lot to accomplish."

The LSU Tigers don't know who they will face in the next round. They will play the winner of the TCU Horned Frogs - UC Santa Barbara Gauchos series. That series is tied at 1 game apiece. The Super Regionals schedule will be announced after the Regionals finishes.


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Seminoles Prevail, as Regionals Goes to the Wire: In a series that had a little bit of everything, the Florida State Seminoles have edged the Butler Bulldogs.

The two rival clubs went the distance in the tightly-contested Regionals, with a 3-1 win in the clincher being the difference for Florida State and giving them the ticket to the Super Regionals with a 2-1 series triumph.

"We never stopped believing in ourselves. When push came to shove we were going to get it done," said Steve Slover, who was named series MVP.

For the series, Slover hit .417 with a .462 on-base percentage. He had 1 home runs, drove in 1 RBI and scored 5 runs.

The Florida State Seminoles will play against the NC State Wolfpack in the next round. NC State won their series against the Indiana Hoosiers 2 games to 0. The Super Regionals schedule will be announced after the Regionals finishes.

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Vikings Dominate, Sweep Regionals: The Portland State Vikings made it look easy and are heading to the Super Regionals.

They have ousted the Texas A&M Aggies in a sweep, the final win coming by a 5-4 score, clinching the 2-0 series win.

"Everything's clicking for us right now," said Joel Flannery, who was named MVP for the series.

Flannery hit .333 with a .333 on-base percentage. He added 2 home runs, drove in 2 RBI and scored 2 runs.

The Portland State Vikings don't know who they will face in the next round. They will play the winner of the Vanderbilt Commodores - Charlotte 49ers series. That series is tied at 1 game apiece. The Super Regionals schedule will be announced after the Regionals finishes.

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Regionals Goes the Distance, Cincinnati Prevails: The Cincinnati Bearcats stormed onto the field at Marge Schott Stadium in celebration tonight after wrapping up the Regionals in an elimination game and knocking off the Syracuse Orange.

Cincinnati moves on to the Super Regionals after a 5-1 win sealed the series 2-1.

"It feels great to win and move on and it feels great to contribute to it," said Cincinnati starting pitcher Justin Winston.

Winston certainly did more than contribute. He was named series MVP and had a 0.00 ERA over 7 innings pitched, with 6 strikeouts and a 1-0 record.

"I guess I had a good series," he said, smiling. "I hope to keep it going in the next round."

The Cincinnati Bearcats will play against the Oregon State Beavers in the next round. Oregon State won their series against the Stanford Cardinal 2 games to 0. The Super Regionals schedule will be announced after the Regionals finishes.

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Regionals Goes the Distance, TCU Prevails: The TCU Horned Frogs and UC Santa Barbara Gauchos put on a classic Regionals that was in question until the final game.

In the end, TCU won the deciding contest by a score of 9-0, to take the series 2-1.

"It doesn't get much tighter than that. To win a series in the last game is a thrill," said Todd Penton, who earned series MVP honors for TCU. "Our guys are breathing a little easier now."

For the series, Penton hit .455 with a .538 on-base percentage. He had 2 home runs, drove in 3 RBI and scored 2 runs.

The TCU Horned Frogs will play against the LSU Tigers in the next round. LSU won their series against the Tennessee Volunteers 2 games to 0. The Super Regionals schedule will be announced after the Regionals finishes.


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49ers Prevail, as Regionals Goes to the Wire: The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat were on full display tonight at Hayes Stadium as the Regionals stretched to the final game.

It was the Charlotte 49ers feeling the thrill of victory, with a 3-2 win over the Vanderbilt Commodores, who were feeling the devastation of coming up short in their quest to make the Super Regionals.

"There's no way around it -- this sucks," said Vanderbilt manager Steve Elkins. "Congratulations to Charlotte, but I won't sugarcoat it, no one is happy about anything that transpired here tonight."

Instrumental in the 2-1 series win was left fielder Jake Jones, who was named MVP. He hit .667 with a .692 on-base percentage. He had 1 home runs, drove in 3 RBI and scored 3 runs.

"We've got the most important stat of all and that's this final win -- that's the one that matters," he said.

The Charlotte 49ers will play against the Portland State Vikings in the next round. Portland State won their series against the Texas A&M Aggies 2 games to 0. The Super Regionals schedule will be announced after the Regionals finishes.

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Reports from the Supers!

NC State Sweeps into the Semi Finals: The NC State Wolfpack appear poised to make a serious run at the College World Series after a convincing sweep over the Florida State Seminoles in the Super Regionals.

It's now on to the Semi Finals for NC State, who won the final game 5-2 and took the series 2-0.

"Everyone's doing their part and things are falling into place," said NC State right fielder Matt Molski, who was named series MVP. "It feels like a special year."

For the series, Molski hit .571 with a .700 on-base percentage. He had 3 home runs, drove in 5 RBI and scored 4 runs.

The NC State Wolfpack don't know who they will face in the next round. They will play the winner of the Oregon State Beavers - Cincinnati Bearcats series. Cincinnati leads the series 1 games to 0. The Semi Finals schedule will be announced after the Super Regionals finishes.

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Bearcats Dominate, Sweep Super Regionals: The Cincinnati Bearcats are heading to the Semi Finals after a 2-0 sweep of the Oregon State Beavers, capped off with a 2-0 win at Goss Stadium at Coleman Field.

"When you can put away a team like Oregon State early, you do it," said right-hander Jon Thornburg, whose strong pitching performance earned him the nod as series MVP. "We're happy with the sweep and to move on without any drama."

For the series, Thornburg had a 0.00 ERA over 6.1 innings pitched, with 10 strikeouts and a 1-0 record.

The Cincinnati Bearcats will play against the NC State Wolfpack in the next round. NC State won their series against the Florida State Seminoles 2 games to 0. The Semi Finals schedule will be announced after the Super Regionals finishes.For the series, Thornburg had a 0.00 ERA over 6.1 innings pitched, with 10 strikeouts and a 1-0 record.

The Cincinnati Bearcats will play against the NC State Wolfpack in the next round. NC State won their series against the Florida State Seminoles 2 games to 0. The Semi Finals schedule will be announced after the Super Regionals finishes.

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Vikings Prevail, as Super Regionals Goes to the Wire: When the entire season comes down to one game, Jay Huffman said you find out what a team is really about.

As it turns out, the Portland State Vikings are made of fight and tenacity, as the team got by the Charlotte 49ers 6-2 tonight at Hayes Stadium in order to win the Super Regionals and book a place in the next round.

"It wasn't hard to get excited for this game," said Huffman, whose strong offensive output earned him MVP honors. "Our guys answered the call and proved a lot about what our team is all about."

Huffman hit .500 with a .545 on-base percentage. He had 1 home runs, drove in 3 RBI and scored 1 runs.

The Portland State Vikings will play against the TCU Horned Frogs in the next round. TCU won their series against the LSU Tigers 2 games to 1. The Semi Finals schedule will be announced after the Super Regionals finishes.

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Super Regionals Goes the Distance, TCU Prevails: After their 6-3 win today over the LSU Tigers, the TCU Horned Frogs will advance to the Semi Finals.

Despite coming out on the losing side, the series MVP award went to LSU right fielder Lance Anderson. Anderson told a reporter from the LSU Times that he was disappointed in the loss, and hopes to be back next year competing for the College World Series

TCU won the series 2-1. The TCU Horned Frogs will play against the Portland State Vikings in the next round. Portland State won their series against the Charlotte 49ers 2 games to 1. The Semi Finals schedule will be announced after the Super Regionals finishes.

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TCU Takes Semi Finals:

The TCU Horned Frogs said they felt the Semi Finals with the Portland State Vikings would go the distance.

But it didn't end up being that difficult, as TCU advanced to the College World Series with a 10-1 score, to clinch the series 3-1 at PDX Stadium.

"Whether it goes to the final game or not, we faced a good team and got the job done. It's a big momentum boost for us," said Todd Penton, who was named series MVP. "We're all feeling good about our chances to win the College World Series."

For the series, Penton hit .333 with a .333 on-base percentage. He had 3 home runs, drove in 4 RBI and scored 4 runs.

The TCU Horned Frogs don't know who they will face in the next round. They will play the winner of the Cincinnati Bearcats - NC State Wolfpack series. That series is tied at 2 games apiece. The College World Series schedule will be announced after the Semi Finals finishes.

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Semi Finals Goes the Distance, Cincinnati Prevails:

The Semi Finals went the distance before it all was said and done.

The Cincinnati Bearcats and the NC State Wolfpack went at it tooth-and-nail and when it was over at Marge Schott Stadium, the winner was the Bearcats.

They put away NC State 4-2 to cinch the series and won the right to move onto the College World Series.

For his fine play, even in a losing effort, NC State first baseman Justin Zawislak was given the series Most Valuable Player Award. He hit .316, scored 4 runs and batted in 10 to win the honor.

"It's nice that someone noticed my numbers, but I'd trade it in a heartbeat for a win," he said.

The Cincinnati Bearcats will play against the TCU Horned Frogs in the next round. TCU won their series against the Portland State Vikings 3 games to 1. The College World Series schedule will be announced after the Semi Finals finishes.

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Cincinnati Triumphs in College World Series:

Sometimes the winner is the one who got the lucky bounces and the lucky calls, and sometimes the winner is just the one who played better.

It was the latter case in 2022, as the Cincinnati Bearcats topped the TCU Horned Frogs 4-0 tonight at Marge Schott Stadium to win the College World Series. It was the 1st title in franchise history.

"When you play for championships, you have to play better than the team in the other dugout. We did that in this series, and all year. Now we're the best team in baseball," said Cincinnati first baseman Zach Kasprzycki, who was named series MVP.

The Bearcats took the series 3-2. The new titleholders completed the regular season with a first-place finish in the National League American and a 101-58 record.

Cincinnati manager John Harman grinned and nodded when asked to comment on Kasprzycki's words.

"Zach said it best -- we played better than the other team," he said.

Hometown officials announced they were already planning a "grand celebration" for the winners in the days to come.

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Cincinnati wins the 2022 CWS!

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NL Best Fielders for 2022 Selected:

Defense is a critical element in the game of baseball. Many times late in the game, a light-hitting defensive specialist will be inserted in place of a superstar hitter. Good defenders are worth their weight in gold and today the best of them for 2022 have been recognized. These players will receive the National League Gold Glove Award:

Pitcher
Manny Garcia (Tulsa Golden Hurricane)

Catcher
Ruben Nunez (Wisconsin Badgers)

First Baseman
Billy Wise (Virginia Cavaliers)

Second Baseman
Aaron Lee (UCLA Bruins)

Third Baseman
Matt Chandler (Ohio State Buckeyes)

Shortstop
Edgar Renteria (Michigan State Spartans)

Left Fielder
Mike DeWitt (Miami Hurricanes)

Center Fielder
Jaden Gilbert (UCLA Bruins)

Right Fielder
Ricky Navarrete (Duke Blue Devils)

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Top Defensive Players Named by AL:

In baseball circles, a player who has good range, a good arm and good hands is a great catch. Clubs strive to be strong in the field, especially "up the middle". Solid defenders can make a difference in the outcome of tight games and tight pennant races. The Gold Glove Awards for 2022 in the American League go to these standout defenders:

Pitcher
Curtis D'Onofrio (Florida Atlantic Owls)

Catcher
C.J. Davis (Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders)

First Baseman
Ken Ivie (Marshall Thundering Herd)

Second Baseman
Jeffrey Lilly (Oklahoma Sooners)

Third Baseman
Brad Shane (TCU Horned Frogs)

Shortstop
Omar Quintanilla (Kansas State Wildcats)

Left Fielder
Chris Warr (Old Dominion Monarchs)

Center Fielder
Eric Campbell (Old Dominion Monarchs)

Right Fielder
Hunter Pence (Florida International Panthers)

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Best NL Reliever Named:

Jeff Culpepper said his performance in 2022 was a "statement" to the entire league.

"As an impending free agent you feel like you've got something to prove, something to work for to ensure that next contract," said the Cincinnati Bearcats pitcher, who is seemingly heading for free agency.

The bullpen ace certainly proved himself this year, and he has won the National League Reliever of the Year Award.

The Richmond, Virginia native had a 0.59 ERA this season over 92 innings of work. He made 79 relief appearances and had 52 saves, 201 strikeouts, 18 walks and a record of 6-1. Opponent batters hit only .088 against him.

He received 119 first place votes, as a unanimous winner. Nathan Benefield of the Villanova Wildcats finished second in voting, while Mike Knoch of the Cincinnati Bearcats finished third.

Player - Team - First Place - Total Points
Jeff Culpepper - Cincinnati Bearcats - 119 - 595
Nathan Benefield - Villanova Wildcats - 0 - 257
Mike Knoch - Cincinnati Bearcats - 0 - 146
Ben Haskell - Florida State Seminoles - 0 - 26
Jason Higgins - Syracuse Orange - 0 - 25
Hector Leon - Northwestern Wildcats - 0 - 16
Scott Murphy - Oregon State Beavers - 0 - 3
Ian Wisehart - Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets - 0 - 3

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Steele Grabs AL Reliever of the Year Award:

The manager of the Florida International Panthers said he always had confidence handing the ball to Kelly Steele out of the bullpen.

The 29-year-old was a dominant performer all year for Florida International and his efforts have been rewarded with the American League Reliever of the Year Award for 2022.

The bullpen ace had an impressive 0.97 ERA this season, with 30 saves in 64 relief appearances. He fanned 210 batters in 92.2 innings and sported a record of 11 wins and 5 losses.

He received 119 first place votes, as a unanimous winner. Henry Herrera of the Pepperdine Waves finished second in voting, while Jim Rigney of the Texas Tech Red Raiders finished third.

Player - Team - First Place - Total Points
Kelly Steele - Florida International Panthers - 119 - 595
Henry Herrera - Pepperdine Waves - 0 - 306
Jim Rigney - Texas Tech Red Raiders - 0 - 59
Jared Siddon - UAB Blazers - 0 - 48
Carter Klose - Alabama Crimson Tide - 0 - 27
Drew Godwin - Charlotte 49ers - 0 - 20
Chris Makeever - Missouri Tigers - 0 - 11
Bryan Rinehart - Kentucky Wildcats - 0 - 5