NCAA enters professional ranks

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Howard Gets #300:

"I wasn't trying to hit a homer. I just wanted to make contact."

That's what Ryan Howard told reporters after he made baseball history today at Lupton Stadium. The prolific slugger belted home run #300 in the TCU Horned Frogs 7-5 victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide.

The standout first baseman collected 4 hits in 5 at-bats with 6 RBI and 3 runs scored.

"I guess this puts me in baseball's elite," said Howard. "I don't feel any different. I probably should, but I don't. Still, it is a nice achievement. I did get a little excited, didn't I?"

In his career Howard is hitting .270 with a total of 301 home runs.

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Staub Rips HR Number 300:

Monarchs right fielder Rusty Staub reached a career milestone yesterday, blasting home run number 300.

He took the achievement in stride. "It's always good to get another home run and even better to get another win," Staub told reporters in the postgame interview.

He went 1-for-4 during the Old Dominion 5-3 triumph over the North Dakota Fighting Hawks and scored 2 runs with 2 RBI.

Looking at his all-time stats, Staub has a lifetime .297 average with 1570 hits, 349 doubles, 14 triples, 300 home runs and 864 RBIs. To date he has scored 878 runs, walked 672 times and stolen 6 bases.

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Historic Day: Kelly Jolts 4 HR:

High Pockets Kelly of the Minnesota Golden Gophers had a history-making game today against the UCLA Bruins, clobbering 4 home runs in an awesome display of power in the 7-5 Golden Gophers victory.

The Minnesota first baseman went 4-for-4, had 7 RBIs and scored 4 times in the game.

"There have been a few times when I consciously tried to hit one out," said Kelly later. "It doesn't often work, but it did today for the last one. I guess this day was just meant to be."

High Pockets Kelly hit a solo-shot off Abner Powell in the 2nd, hit a solo-shot off Abner Powell in the 4th, hit a GRAND SLAM off Abner Powell in the 5th and hit a solo-shot off Barry Zito in the 7th.

Presently Kelly is batting .297 with 66 home runs and 136 RBIs. He has played in 151 games and scored 107 times.

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Titans Sit Atop American League Big West: "We're not done yet!"

That was the resounding sentiment in the Cal State Fullerton Titans locker room when they were told they had clinched the American League Big West title, for the 3rd time. With a 100-54 record, Cal State Fullerton's stars certainly feel like they have a good chance to go all the way.

"We've learned a lot under Enrique Gomez's tutelage this year. He's taught us to never be over-confident, and to play every game like a championship game. I think with him and the team we have, we have a great chance to bring a 1st championship to Cal State Fullerton this year," said starting pitcher Jon Matlack.

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Holliday Slugs 400th Home Run:

The Dallas Baptist Patriots had something to celebrate today even though they dropped a 7-2 decision to South Florida. The reason -- the splendid slugger Matt Holliday hit his 400th career homer in today's contest at Horner Ballpark.

"I'm fortunate to be here," Holliday told the media after the game. "The Patriots have a classy organization and some great fans. Homer #400 was for them."

Holliday is batting .306 lifetime with 1519 hits, 248 doubles, 24 triples, 400 home runs, 1075 RBIs to date. He has also scored 933 runs.

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Dolphins Crowned Kings of the National League Atlantic Sun:

Fans of the Jacksonville Dolphins are certainly optimistic regarding their team's chances to become College Wold Series champions, after it became official that the club has won the National League Atlantic Sun.

"I think our fans think we're the best team in the league and you know what? Our guys think the same thing," said catcher Cliff Johnson. "We've got a real good chance to take this title."

It would be the 1st league championship for the club, which has won the National League Atlantic Sun for the 1st time.

Manager Jim Beauregard said he's spent many years in pro ball, but there's "just something special" about his current group of players.

"This team has got what it takes to be a champion," he said.

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American League American West Winner is Fresno State Bulldogs:

The Fresno State Bulldogs have silenced their critics, backed up those who believed in them and won the American League American West.

"You always think you've got a chance to win the division, but until you get it done you never really know how things are going to play out," said closer Aroldis Chapman. "I think we're all grateful to get the chance to vie for the College Wold Series."

It is the 2nd division crown for the franchise and manager Steve Gelso said in a sporting landscape where you are judged by what you've most recently accomplished, "it feels incredibly good to be at the top of the pile."

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Homer #500 for Cal Poly's Cobb:

Mustangs left fielder Ty Cobb reached a career milestone yesterday, blasting home run number 500.

He took the achievement in stride. "It's always good to get another home run and even better to get another win," Cobb told reporters in the postgame interview.

He went 1-for-4 during the Cal Poly 4-2 triumph over the Mississippi State Bulldogs and scored 1 run with 2 RBI.

Cobb has batted .382 for his career with 1996 hits, 355 doubles, 22 triples, 500 home runs, and 1286 RBIs.

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Houston Cougars Win Top Spot in National League American:

While it remains to be seen what the playoffs will bring for the Houston Cougars, the club took the first step by clinching the National League American title.

"It's exactly where we wanted to be and where we talked about being during spring training," said starting pitcher Will White. "There's not a guy in the room that doesn't believe in this team. We're all pulling in the same direction right now."

It was the team's 3rd division title and they will attempt to capture the franchise's 1st NCAA championship.

"The end goal hasn't changed - win the College Wold Series," said manager John Bridges. "We think we've got the team to do it."

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2000th Hit for Cobb:

The day belonged to Ty Cobb of the Cal Poly Mustangs as he became the latest player to reach the 2000-hit plateau. He did it in Cal Poly's 2-1 win over Mississippi State.

"It's a moment I'll never forget," said Cobb after the game. "2000 hits is a lot. It puts you in a very select group. I never expected to be around long enough to reach a milestone like this."

He finished the day with 4 hits in 5 at-bats.

Cobb has a career .382 average with 2000 hits, 356 doubles, 22 triples, 500 home runs, 1288 RBIs, and 1210 runs scored to date.

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Homer #400 for Indiana's Pena:

Hoosiers first baseman Carlos Pena reached a career milestone yesterday, blasting home run number 400.

He took the achievement in stride. "It's always good to get another home run and even better to get another win," Pena told reporters in the postgame interview.

He went 2-for-3 during the Indiana 4-0 triumph over the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers and scored 2 runs with 2 RBI.

In his career Pena has hit for a .228 average and totaled 1206 hits, 401 home runs and 879 RBIs.

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Ramirez Gets #400:

Did you catch a home run yesterday? One lucky fan has a prize possession after Manny Ramirez crushed his 400 home run tonight.

Ramirez offered the lucky fan some souvenirs and a small cash prize in exchange for the ball. The fan who caught the ball has been identified, but has not yet commented on his intentions.

"That's one you would kind of like to keep," Ramirez said.

The Cardinals right fielder went 1 for 4 with 1 home run and 3 runs batted in as the Louisville Cardinals won 5-4 over the Creighton Blue Jays.

The Cardinals will be hosting a Manny Ramirez commemorative poster promotion for an upcoming homestand.

Ramirez has played in 1336 games with a .275 career batting average and 1373 hits. He also has scored 906 runs and driven in 1016 runs with 400 home runs.

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Bulldogs Win Tight American League West Coast Conference Race:

Fans of the Gonzaga Bulldogs are certainly optimistic regarding their team's chances to become College Wold Series champions, after it became official that the club has won the American League West Coast Conference.

"I think our fans think we're the best team in the league and you know what? Our guys think the same thing," said shortstop Tom Tresh. "We've got a real good chance to take this title."

It would be the 1st league championship for the club, which has won the American League West Coast Conference for the 4th time.

Manager Ryan Brown said he's spent many years in pro ball, but there's "just something special" about his current group of players.

"This team has got what it takes to be a champion," he said.

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Musketeers Win Tight National League Big East Race:

The Xavier Musketeers are the class of the National League Big East.

With their record sitting at 113-48, the club officially captured the division title today for the 4th time.

"Every guy in the room has worked towards this goal all year long," said manager Craig Walker. "I'm proud to call this my team."

The club will now go in search of their 2nd NCAA championship.

"It's not going to be easy, but winning the College Wold Series is our ultimate goal," said starting pitcher Sam McDowell.

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UCLA Narrowly Wins National League Pac 12:

The pennant has been won, the UCLA Bruins are champions of the National League Pac 12.

Starting Pitcher Buck O'Brien said his team is a "gritty and determined" club that were poised to win the division from day one.

"We knew the day the season opened that we'd be champions," he said. "It was just a matter of going out there and doing it."

At the helm, team manager Art McMillan said his club is certainly not short on confidence.

"There's a lot of belief in the dugout and in the clubhouse," he said.

UCLA's record currently sits at 105-56 and it's the 3rd division win for the franchise.

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South Alabama Narrowly Wins National League Sun Belt:

Fans of the South Alabama Jaguars can breathe a sigh of relief - the National League Sun Belt is now clinched.

The postseason race came down to the final days of the season, but in the end South Alabama has outlasted division rivals to claim the top spot, for the 1st time in franchise history.

"We want to bring the 1st College Wold Series to South Alabama. For our fans, our players, our coaches, our city, that's what it's all about," said an excited Wally Schang.

The catcher went on to say that no matter who his team is up against, he considers them favorites.

"I like our chances," he said. "We've got a lot of confidence right now."

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Commodores Win Tight American League SEC Race:

The Vanderbilt Commodores are heading to the postseason, with a narrowly-won American League SEC championship on their resume.

"Nobody made it easy for us, but we kept pushing forward until we got it done," said starting pitcher Hub Pruett. "We're battle-tested and ready for the playoffs now."

The club's record sits at 97-65 and it is their 2nd division title. The team will now be seeking its 1st NCAA championship.

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Blue Raiders Are Champs of American League CUSA:

The pennant has been won, the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders are champions of the American League CUSA.

Starting Pitcher Jock Menefee said his team is a "gritty and determined" club that were poised to win the division from day one.

"We knew the day the season opened that we'd be champions," he said. "It was just a matter of going out there and doing it."

At the helm, team manager Jason Cummins said his club is certainly not short on confidence.

"There's a lot of belief in the dugout and in the clubhouse," he said.

Middle Tennessee State's record currently sits at 107-55 and it's the 3rd division win for the franchise.

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Purdue Narrowly Wins National League Big Ten:

Members of the Purdue Boilermakers say winning the National League Big Ten title is special, but ultimately they will only be remembered with a championship season.

"We want to put ourselves in the history books and win the College Wold Series," said starting pitcher Ben Sanders. "We all believe it can happen, it's just a matter of putting in the hard work and getting the breaks."

It's the 1st division win for the club and they will be vying for their 1st College Wold Series win.

"To see the team get here, it makes you believe in yourself and all the systems you've put in place," said manager A.J. Clark.

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Sooners Win Tight American League Big XII Race:

Oklahoma Sooners fans have reason to celebrate, their club has won the American League Big XII.

"It feels good to clinch it for our fans," said right fielder Mookie Betts. "I know there's a lot of expectations on this team and we hope to live up to them."

The division title is the team's 1st. They will now be searching for the franchise's 2nd College Wold Series victory.

"We all hope the best is yet to come," said manager Luke LeBlanc.