Collegiate Baseball Association

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The offseason had been a long and challenging one for Ephraim to handle. Baby number eight arrived in August of 1892, a boy, who he and Irene had named after his brother, John. The household, was to say the least, a bit chaotic. But, as always, Ephraim found a way to balance the challenges of his job and family life. Ten teams had joined the Collegiate Baseball Association and there was a lot of work put into the scheduling and formation of the CBA for the 1893 season. Plus the issues with Michigan, which was front page news, made the offseason seem to be that much longer. Ephraim had wanted to perform his usual tour of new facilities, as had been done in years passed, but an economic crisis was beginning to unfold in the nation. They were calling it the Panic of 1893, and as it unfolded, the Board of Presidents voted to cancel the tour in order to save money amid the uncertainties of the economic situation.

This time of year brought about the ever popular reports of preseason predictions, which the sportswriters and the newspapers used to sell more papers and get people talking. For the 1893 season, Yale is considered the favorite to win the New England Region. Defending New England Region title holder Dartmouth is picked to finish second, followed by Harvard, Brown, and Vermont. In the Northeast Region, defending regional champ Fordham is again the favorite to win. Cornell is expected to finish second in the region....again. Rutgers and Columbia are picked to contend, but finish the season third and fourth. Syracuse, Princeton, and Army round out the rest of the region. In a shocker, Villanova is picked to edge out defending national champion Penn in the Atlantic Region. Bucknell and Virginia are picked to finish with winning records and fall into third and fourth place in the region. Lehigh, Lafayette, and VMI fill out the region.

North Carolina and Mississippi State are predicted to battle it out for the Southeast Region crown, with the Tar Heels picked by a slim margin to win the title over the Bulldogs. Wake Forest is projected to finish third in the region, followed by Wofford, Alabama, and Vanderbilt. With the defending regional champ in a new region this year, the new look Great Lakes Region is up for grabs. Both Illinois State and Northwestern are considered the favorites, and are predicted to tie for the regional title. Newcomer Ohio is expected to challenge immediately, and Michigan State appears to be returning to form as well. Both teams are picked to challenge for the title, but ultimately finish third and fourth. Michigan, Notre Dame, and Illinois round out the field. Defending Great Lakes Region champion Nebraska has moved to the newly formed Midwest Region, where they are joined by newcomer Iowa State. The Cornhuskers are the favorite to win the region as well. Finally, in the new Pacific Region, there are four newcomers to the CBA. Washington State is considered the favorite to win the region, followed by Stanford, California, and USC.

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Opening Day for the 1893 season was on March 7th. The pitchers came out throwing, recording two shutouts. Rutgers junior Kevin Anderson pitched a three hitter against Washington State, as the Scarlet Knights rolled to a 16-0 beat down over the Cougars. Michigan State junior Mark Bacon scattered seven hits over nine innings, as the Spartans blanked the Mississippi State Bulldogs 7-0. On the offensive side of the plate, newcomer Illinois started off on the right foot, defeating Vermont 13-8, behind the 5 for 5 hitting of freshman Bill Heneghan. Unlike years passed, the hitting in the CBA seemed to balance out with the pitching, as a number of five hit performances made headlines through the month. Nebraska junior second baseman, John McGraw, pushed his hitting streak to 20 games on March 19th. "Mugsy" picked up right where he left off after his sophomore season ended prematurely due to an ankle injury. On March 20th, Yale learned they had lost freshman pitcher Ryan Clark for the season. Clark, who was 1-0 with a 1.38 ERA in three starts, was the Bulldogs' #2 recruit this past offseason. He sustained a torn flexor tendon in his elbow and will spend seven months recovering.

On March 21st, McGraw pushed his hitting streak to 22 games with a 5 for 5 performance on the road against Harvard. The Cornhuskers won the game by the score of 10-5. The same day, California sophomore catcher Alex Rodriguez was ejected in a game against Rutgers after arguing strikes. Rodriguez's rant also earned the young catcher a four game suspension from Commissioner Ephraim Herring. The following day, March 22nd, McGraw's streak came to an end during a 5-1 win over Harvard. By March 25th, Columbia was making headlines over it's 10 game win streak. The streak ended at 13 games on the last game of the month, as the Lions were defeated by the Catamounts of Vermont.

At the end of March, Brown and Dartmouth find themselves tied atop the New England Region, as Yale isn't performing up to preseason expectations. Fordham and Columbia are tied for the lead in the Northeast Region, with Cornell and Rutgers just two games back. The defending champion Penn Quakers are proving preseason doubters wrong so far, posting a league best 15-3 record to lead the Atlantic Region. Bucknell is in second place, followed by streaking Lehigh. The Mountain Hawks are riding a 10 game win streak after starting the season 1-7. Preseason favorite Villanova is a mere .500, and Virginia is mired in an 11 game losing streak and is last in the region. In the Southeast Region, Wake Forest, Wofford, and North Carolina are all tied up after one month of play. Illinois State and Northwestern are at the top of the Great Lakes Region, with Michigan State right on their heels. As expected, Nebraska leads the new Midwest Region, but only by two games, as newcomer Iowa State has surprised with a .500 record. All four teams in the Pacific Region finish the month with a losing record, with Stanford holding a two game lead over the other three teams.

JUCO transfer, junior Jimmy Bannon of North Carolina, was named Rookie of the Month. The right fielder hit .410 in 18 games. Penn senior Ed Stein earned Pitcher of the Month honors, posting a 5-1 record in six starts, with a 1.34 earned run average. Lehigh first baseman Dave Barlow was named Batter of the Month. The sophomore followed up his spectacular freshman campaign (.310, 1 HR, 23 RBI, 56 G) by hitting .439 in March, with four home runs and 15 RBI.

As is typical for the first month of the season, the rankings got a shakeup, thanks to unexpected performances by teams, both good and bad. Penn is the new #1 in the land, as many felt they should have been all along as the defending national champions. Columbia leaps up to #2, while Fordham slips down two spots to #3. Rutgers comes in at #4, giving the Northeast Region three of the top four teams. Northwestern is ranked #5, followed by Wake Forest at #6. Lehigh makes the biggest jump, moving from #22 to #7. Michigan State and Illinois State are #8 and #9, giving the Great Lakes Region three teams in the Top 10. Bucknell rounds out the rankings at #10.

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Hitting is definitely on the rise in the Collegiate Baseball Association for 1893, as multiple players continue to hit the ball well. While pitchers are still snagging headlines, hitters are keeping up with the pitchers and making some headlines themselves. Take the April 4th headlines for example. North Carolina junior Jimmy "Foxy Grandpa" Bannon extended his hitting streak to 20 games. The JUCO transfer right fielder smashed a triple in the 1st inning of North Carolina's 8-4 loss at Penn. In another loss, another 20 game streak was kept alive. Stanford freshman first baseman Sean Porter picked up two singles to push his streak on, even though his team dropped the game 13-10 to Brown. In that same game, Brown senior first baseman Brad Shover went 5 for 5. Virginia junior second baseman Aaron Dierks went 5 for 5 in a 7-6 win over Alabama. Northwestern junior third baseman Jesse Hawkins was 5 for 6 in a 12-10 win at Cornell. Senior transfer Wally Venesky of Vanderbilt pitched a 5-0 shutout at VMI. The former Nebraska pitcher held the Keydets to four hits in the game. Princeton sophomore Steve Weatherman threw 3-0 five hitter against Michigan.

But as it always goes, streaks ended, while others began. Bad news out of Penn, though. On April 25th, the Quakers learned they would be without the services of freshman pitcher Joe Cain (7-2, 3.71) for the remainder of the season due to shoulder inflammation. The problem is, two weeks prior, Cain was publicly complaining to the press that he felt "no power" in his throwing arm and his team wouldn't listen to him. Maybe they'll learn to listen to their players at Penn now. Commissioner Ephraim Herring vowed to look into the matter, stating the health and safety of the players are of the "utmost concern" of the CBA. Penn ended the month tied for the CBA for the association's best record at 32-8. However, the negative publicity surely cost the Quakers, as the other 32-8 team, Columbia, took over the #1 position in the Top 10, with Penn dropping to #2.

In the New England Region, Dartmouth is holding onto a slim two game lead over Brown. Columbia leads Fordham by three games in the Northeast Region. Penn has a comfortable five game lead in the Atlantic Region, while North Carolina is four game up in the Southeast Region. Illinois State and Northwestern are tied atop the Great Lakes Region. Meanwhile, Nebraska is sure to clinch the Midwest Region soon, leading Iowa State by nine games. And in the Pacific Region, Stanford holds a two game advantage over Washington State, while USC finds themselves three games back. The entire Pacific Region has losing records, so winning the region is the only way any of the teams will see the postseason.

Freshman Ricky Colar of Penn was named April Rookie of the Month. Colar, a pitcher, posted a 7-0 mark this month, with a 2.70 earned run average. On the year, Colar is 11-2, with a 2.83 ERA. The Pitcher of the Month was Columbia sophomore Jerry Luttrell. In April, Luttrell was 8-1 in nine starts, posting a 2.68 ERA. For the 1893 season, the lefty is 13-2 with a 2.54 ERA. Cornell senior center fielder George Davis was named Batter of the Month for April. Davis hit .376 for the month, with three home runs, 28 RBI, and 25 runs scored. For the year, the switch hitter has posted a .382 batting average, with three homers, 48 RBI, and 43 runs scored.

As previously noted, the top two teams switched places this month, with Columbia now the new #1, with Penn at #2. Columbia leads the CBA in runs scored (335) by 51 runs over the second place team (Cornell). Columbia's team batting average (.338) is tops in the association by 28 points over Rutgers and Northwestern. The Lions are also #1 in home runs (22) and stolen bases (151). The next best team in stolen bases, Wake Forest, comes in with 114. Fordham holds down their #3 ranking this month. Nebraska vaults up 11 places to come in at #4. Bucknell moves up five places to land at #5. Villanova and North Carolina move up to the #6 and #7 positions, while Northwestern slides down to #8. Illinois State holds steady at #9, and Cornell moves up one to #10.

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The pitchers were locked in for the month of May, as multiples shutouts were thrown in the first week. On May 10th, it was announced by VMI that manager David Thomas had been fired. In an interview, Thomas stated he was tired of the interference of Athletic Director Brandon Ellis, and had taken it up with university President Bob Friedman, Jr. Apparently, harsh words were exchanged and Thomas was dismissed. Thomas had been with the program since it's beginning in 1886, but was never able to finish a season with a winning record. Overall, Thomas' team posted a record of 173-293 (.371) over nearly eight seasons. VMI immediately named former Villanova manager Jeremy Lee as the Keydets interim skipper. As for Ellis, he was fired later in the month and replaced with Pete Fitzmaurice.

Lafayette fired their manager, Josh Luton, on May 13th, after the team posted a 7-0 win on the road against Michigan State. Leopards' athletic director John Brown cited "intellectual differences" as contributing to the decision, but refused to go into further detail. The 61 year old Luton had been the Lafayette skipper since 1880, with a win-loss record of 417-411 (.504) in that time. The Leopards had four winning season over those 13 years, and made the playoffs three times. Former Michigan pitching coach Antonio Torres was named the interim-manager. Lafayette would part ways with Brown by the end of the month as well.

On the same Saturday, May 13th, Fordham pitcher Kid Nichols celebrated his 50th collegiate victory with a 4-3 win over Vermont. The senior righty would finish his season at 15-6 record and 2.58 ERA. In his collegiate career, Nichols had an overall record of 52-29, and a 2.17 earned run average in 81 starts.

Nebraska won the Midwest Region title on May 14th, after sweeping three games from Stanford. The Cornhuskers look to have another up and coming player in freshman catcher/DH Luke Noble. The young man managed to put together a 20 game hit streak, which ultimately ended on May 17th. Noble would only play in 27 games by seasons' end, but he made the most of it, finishing his freshman season with a .363 batting average. Another up and coming freshman to keep an eye on is third baseman/DH Kevin Devaughn at USC. On May 19th, Devaughn went 5 for 7 in a 10-8 loss to the California Golden Bears. The young righty would finish the season playing in 46 games and hitting .364.

The same day Devaughn was having a great day, manager Dylan Klein of Harvard was not, as he got his walking papers from the Crimson. While Klein had some success at Harvard, his confrontational managing style had lost him respect with his team. Klein was the Crimson manager since 1888, when he took over the team in the middle of that season. Klein turned the team around, winning the national championship in 1889 and leading the Crimson to playoff appearances in 1890 and 1891 as well. While Harvard finished with a winning record in 1892, the team missed the postseason. This year, the team has not performed well, and was 20-32 at the time of Klein's firing. Overall, Klein posted a record of 180-147 (.550) record as the manager of Harvard. Recently fired manager Josh Luton was brought in as the Crimson's interim manager to finish out the season.

On May 21st, North Carolina captured the Southeast Region title, the program's first. A few days later, on May 24th, the bats were hot, as three separate players had banner days. Vanderbilt freshman shortstop John Williams went 5 for 5 in a 16-10 loss to Yale. Harvard senior first baseman Kyle Bowen was 6 for 6 in a 19-4 drubbing of the Wofford Terriers. And while his team got destroyed in the loss, Wofford sophomore center fielder Tim Roach got two hits in the game to extend his hitting streak to 20 games. The steak ended a couple of days later at 21. On that same day, Dartmouth clinched the New England Region title for the 5th time. The following day, May 25th, Penn clinched the Atlantic Region title, the program's 3rd. Illinois State claimed the Great Lakes Region title on May 28th, their first. Meanwhile, Columbia and Fordham both finished at 43-17, and tied at the top of the Northeast Region. The two teams placed a 61st game at Fordham, who won the game 3-0, clinching their second title. As a result, Columbia gets into the postseason as the wild card. In the Pacific Region, Washington State earned a playoff appearance by winning the region with a 26-34 record.

Illinois freshman left fielder Bill Heneghan finished the season as the Collegiate Baseball Association's batting champ. The 18 year old finished the year hitting .403 after playing in all 60 games, and led the CBA in hits with 94.

Even though they didn't win their region, Columbia remain atop the Top 10, retaining their #1 ranking over Fordham, who has moved up one spot to #2. Penn drops a place to #3, while Illinois State vaults up five positions to #4. Nebraska drops one to #5, and Cornell, who missed the postseason, is ranked #6 as they move up four spots. Bucknell, who will also be staying home for the playoffs, drops two positions to #7, while Northwestern, who is also not in the playoffs, holds at #8. Playoff bound North Carolina drops two spots to #9, and Dartmouth moves up two to #10.

The playoffs are set, but not without controversy. As the wild card is ranked as the lowest seed, #1 Columbia faces off against #2 Fordham in the first round. #9 North Carolina will challenge #5 Nebraska. #10 Dartmouth is pitted against #4 Illinois State. Finally, #25 Washington State will go up against #3 Penn.

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Due to the wildcard being ranked as the lowest seed, the #1 and #2 teams in the nation face off in the first round of the playoffs. Also, due to the current economic woes, the format for the playoffs was changed to 1 away, 2 home. Both decisions were greatly controversial and complaints were lodged by multiple teams and fans. Many teams argued that if they got into the postseason, they should be guaranteed at least one home playoff game. The higher ranked teams insisted on having home field advantage for Game 1, and not be on the road. The sportswriters were going crazy in their columns about the first round matchup of the best two teams in the nation, feeling they should be given the chance to end up facing each other in the finals. Commissioner Ephraim Herring has taken the concerns into account and will bring them to the university and college presidents at the next board meeting.

Game 1

#2 Fordham Rams vs. #1 Columbia Lions

The top two teams in the nation face off against each other in the 1893 CBA Playoff Series, as Fordham travels across the city to visit Columbia. The controversy is already front and present, with Fordham winning the Northeast Region, and yet still being ranked behind Columbia. There are 1794 people in Lions Ballpark, where it's 61 degrees and clear skies. The wind is blowing in from center at 13 mph. Fordham sophomore Ken Storm is on the mound for the Rams. Storm started 20 games this season, finishing with a 16-3 mark and 2.72 ERA. Meanwhile, Columbia is starting their own sophomore ace in Jerry Luttrell. The lefty posted a record of 16-6 in 22 starts this season, with a 2.68 earned run average. Both pitchers led the CBA in wins, while Luttrell led the association in games started and innings pitched (198). With the quality of pitchers on the hill today, we shouldn't expect much offense from either team.

After a three up, three down 1st inning from Luttrell, Storm gives up a leadoff double to Columbia senior center fielder Mike Marley. Storm would give up two in a row, as senior third baseman Matt Stoddard doubles to right to score Marley and give Columbia a 1-0 lead. Both pitchers would buckle down until the 6th inning, when Storm gives up two singles and allows a run to score on a wild pitch! Luttrell holds the Rams to four hits in the game, two of which came in the 9th, as Fordham got runners on second and third with one out. But they couldn't get them across the plate, and Columbia holds on to win Game 1 by a score of 2-0!!

#5 Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. #9 North Carolina Tar Heels

The Cornhuskers start this series out on the road against the Tar Heels. There are 1878 fans in the stands of North Carolina Grounds for this Game 1 matchup. It's 63 degrees under partly cloudy skies, with a gentle breeze blowing out to left. Sophomore Jason Chaney gets the nod for Nebraska. The righty had a bit of a sophomore slump, but still managed an 11-9 record and 3.09 ERA this year. On the hill for North Carolina is senior Clark Griffith. Griffith finished the season with a mark of 13-7 and a 3.10 earned run average. In real life, "The Old Fox" had quite an amazing story. With nearly 70 years in baseball, he won 237 games as a major league pitcher, helped to establish the American League, and brought Washington its only World Series title. You can read the full bio on SABR's website here.

In the top of the 1st, Griffith gives up an RBI double to Nebraska senior left fielder Rob Reier. Cornhuskers lead 1-0. After two quick outs in the bottom half of the inning, Chaney gives up three straight hits, a double, and two RBI singles, as North Carolina takes the lead after one, 2-1. The score remains the same until the bottom of the 5th, when Chaney gives up a solo home run to Tar Heel junior catcher Chris Venegas to give North Carolina a 3-1 advantage. Things look bleak for the Cornhuskers as they go into the 8th, but a sac fly pulls them within a run, 3-2. Griffith returns to pitch in the 9th, clinging to a one run lead. But two singles to the first three batters faced has men on the corners for Nebraska with one out. A ground out to first puts men on second and third with two outs, as John McGraw comes to the plate for the Cornhuskers. The junior second baseman had a solid year, hitting .333 and playing in all 60 games. And it's enough to earn him an intentional free pass, loading the bases for sophomore shortstop Bob Lopez. At this point, Griffith is tiring, and he walks Lopez to bring in the tying run!! Or maybe it's just lack of control, as Griffith has walked eight batters in this game!! Sophomore right fielder Randy Jones singles a 1-1 pitch to right to score another run. A second would be run scorer (McGraw) is cut down at the plate on a great throw by Tar Heel right fielder Jimmy Bannon. Chaney stays in to pitch the bottom of the 9th and keeps North Carolina from scoring, as Nebraska comes back to win the game, 4-3!!

#4 Illinois State Redbirds vs. #10 Dartmouth Big Green

In Big Green Ballpark, 1497 people have come out to see this game under partly cloudy skies and 56 degree weather. A slight breeze is blowing from left to right at 6 mph. Junior righty Johnny Cordero is on the mound for Illinois State. Cordero was magnificent this season, posting a 14-4 record and 1.71 ERA!! His earned run average was tops in the CBA this season. Getting the start for Dartmouth is senior righty George "Nigel" Cuppy, who finished the season at 11-8, with a 2.19 ERA.

The game starts out rough for the Redbirds, as they commit two fielding errors, allowing Dartmouth to get on the board early, 1-0. But Illinois State comes back in the 3rd, pounding out four hits en route to score three times. It's a lead they wouldn't relinquish. The Redbirds get three more hits in the fourth, coupled by two fielding errors, and they score three more times to push their lead to 6-1. Dartmouth just can't figure Cordero out, as he holds the Big Green to just four hits. Illinois State stacks on three more runs in the 9th to take the game, 9-1.

#3 Penn Quakers vs. Washington State Cougars

It's 74 degrees with clear skies at Cougars Ballpark, where 1578 fans are here to see this game. The wind could be a factor today, blowing in from center at 15 mph. This isn't expected to be much of a contest, with the Cougars posting a losing record this season and facing off against the #3 team in the nation. Senior Ed Stein of Penn had the best season of his collegiate career, finishing the year 15-4 and posting a 1.89 ERA. On the mound for Washington State is freshman Jake Bontempo, a walk-on who finished the year 11-7, with a 2.67 earned run average.

After a scoreless 1st, Stein gives up three base hits to the Cougars in the 2nd, and allows a run to score to give Washington State a 1-0 lead. A Stein wild pitch in the 3rd allows another run to score, giving the Cougars a 2-0 advantage. Penn finally gets a bead on Bontempo, starting the 4th off with three singles and scoring twice in the inning to tie the game up, 2-2. But Stein gives up two more base knocks to the Cougars, as they score once to retake the lead, 3-2. The score remains the same until the 8th inning, when Washington State manager Eric Bodwell replaces his starting catcher, freshman Corey Rogers, with junior Connie "Stone Face" Murphy. Opting for defense over offense (Rogers was 2 for 3 in the game), it throws Bontempo off. He throws two wild pitches, and Murphy allows a passed ball. The Quakers rack up four hits against Bontempo and score four times to take the lead, 6-3. With a three run lead, Stein cruises the rest of the way, as Penn goes on to win the game.

Game 2

#1 Columbia Lions vs. #2 Fordham Rams

The battle for New York City bragging rights continues in Rams Ballpark, as 1582 people have come out to see this game. It's 77 degrees in the city, with clear skies, and the wind blowing in from left at 9 mph. Columbia starts freshman Brooks Sharpe, who took the loss in the 61st game of the regular season between these two teams. Sharpe was 13-6 on the year, with a 3.12 ERA. Sharpe was the program's #2 recruit this past offseason, and he's shown why he was so highly valued by the Columbia program. Opposite him is Fordham senior Kid Nichols, who was 15-6 this season, with a 2.58 earned run average. Nichols was the winning pitcher in the 61st game, so this rematch should be a good one.

Both teams struggle against these pitchers, managing only three hits between them over the first three innings. But in the 4th inning, that all changes. With two outs and a man on third, Nichols gives up a triple to Columbia sophomore catcher Ryan Tucker. Tucker hit .351 in 38 games this season for the Lions. Sophomore DH Tony "Demon" Rangel follows up with an RBI single to left to score Tucker, making it 2-0 Columbia. Rangel hit .360 on the year in 48 games. Nichols throws four straight balls to walk senior shortstop Curtis Russell, which brings up junior second baseman Kevin Norton. Norton loops a ball into left field, and Rangel races from second, beating the throw to the plate. Columbia leads 3-0. Senior left fielder Carlos Cazares comes up next and belts a 2-RBI triple to deep right center field to make it 5-0 Lions. Cazares was limited to 26 games this season due to a hernia injury he suffered in April, but still managed to hit .326 in that time. A double and single later, and Columbia pushes it's lead to 7-0, as the inning ends on a caught stealing. Nichols is tagged for seven runs on six hits.

Fordham never figures Sharpe out, as they struggle to get hits and don't manage to score. Columbia add a run in the 8th as the Lions go on to win this game in dominating fashion, with the final score of 8-0. Sharpe holds the Rams to five hits over nine innings, as Columbia sweeps the series two games to none.

#9 North Carolina Tar Heels vs. #5 Nebraska Cornhuskers

The weather is beautiful here at Nebraska Fields, at 72 degrees and clear skies. The wind is blowing in from right at 11 mph. There are 1679 fans in the stands to see North Carolina take on Nebraska. On the mound for the Tar Heels is junior Bill Jones, who finished the year at 12-5, with a 3.85 earned run average. Jones has struggled with his control all season, issuing 87 walks to only 29 strikeouts in 163.2 innings. Likewise, the Cornhuskers starter, freshman Skylar Templeton, has also struggled with control. Templeton issues 83 free passes to 38 strikeouts over 162.1 innings pitched. He still managed to put together a 10-6 record, and a 3.05 ERA. This game could be a long one with these two on the mound.

Templeton leads off the game by, shockingly enough, walking the leadoff batter. A single and sac fly later, and North Carolina is on the board early. An RBI triple by sophomore center fielder Ryan Yoh (.329 in 52 G) gives the Tar Heels a 2-0 lead after half an inning. Not to be outdone, Jones walks the first batter he sees, John McGraw, as well. McGraw steals second, then scores on Bob Lopez's RBI single to right to cut the lead in half. Back-to-back infield hits load the bases up. A fielder's choice allows a second run to score to tie the game up. The Cornhuskers then hit a single and double to score two more times. Two batters later, an error on Tar Heel shortstop Jay Hildreth allows two more runners to cross the plate. When the 1st inning ends, Nebraska leads it, 6-2.

After a scoreless 2nd, North Carolina chips away at the Nebraska lead in the 3rd behind Yoh's inside-the-park 2-run homer. Down 6-4 entering the 4th, the Tar Heels continue to hit well, scoring three runs behind a 2-RBI triple and sac fly to take the lead, 7-6!! The Cornhusker bats are silent until the bottom of the 5th, when Luke Cox and Luke Noble both single, then come home on Raul Barrera's triple to right. Nebraska retakes the lead, 8-7! They don't hold onto it for long, as the Tar Heels respond in the 6th with four runs off of three doubles, a single, and a base on balls. After six, North Carolina holds the lead, 11-8. The score remains until the 9th, when Hildreth makes amends on his earlier error and smashes a solo home run over the left center field fence to make it 12-8. It truly was an insurance run, and it paid off. Nebraska goes on a run in the bottom of the 9th, scoring three times on two singles and a triple. But the Cornhuskers fall short, as the game ends on a pop-up, preserving the North Carolina win, 12-11 and forcing Game 3 with Nebraska.

#10 Dartmouth Big Green vs. #4 Illinois State Redbirds

The wind is blowing in from left at 12 mph at Redbirds Stadium, where 1669 bystanders have joined together under partly cloudy skies and 67 degree temperatures to see this matchup between Dartmouth and Illinois State. On the hill for the Big Green is junior Aaron Henschen, who put together a 15-5 record this season, and a 2.53 ERA. The Redbirds are putting sophomore Nick Tharp on the mound today. The righty had a good year, posting a mark of 13-7, with a 2.60 earned run average.

Dartmouth gets on the board in the top of the 1st, scoring twice compliments of two base hits and two base on balls. Illinois State pounds out three singles in the bottom half of the frame, but only get one run across the plate to cut the Big Green lead to 2-1. Dartmouth keeps it going in the 2nd inning, using an RBI triple and walk to get two more runs across the plate. Illinois State goes down in order, and Dartmouth leads 4-1 after two. After a scoreless 3rd, the Big Green add another run on a bases loaded walk to push their lead to 5-1. The score remains the same until Dartmouth blows up again in the 7th, pushing four additional runs across the plate behind four hits and two Redbird errors. Illinois State struggles against Henshen, who holds them to five hits over nine innings. Dartmouth wins the game 9-1, and evens the series at a game a piece.

Washington State Cougars vs. #3 Penn Quakers

There are 1669 in attendance at Quakers Ballpark to see this second game between Washington State and Penn. It's 71 degrees, with partly cloudy skies. The wind will be hitter friendly today, blowing out to center at 11 mph. On the mound today for the underdog Cougars is freshman Marquise Jones. The lefty had a rough season, finishing the year at 6-14, with a 4.26 ERA. Pitching for the Quakers will be their #3 recruit from this past offseason, Ricky Colar. The lefty from Georgia went 14-5 this year, with a 3.16 earned run average.

Surprisingly enough, the first three innings are scoreless. That changes in the top of the 4th, when Washington State freshman right fielder Ronnie Brooks comes through for the Cougars with a 2-RBI double. Penn pounds out three hits in the bottom half of the frame, but only score once. Regardless, the Quakers cut the Cougar lead down to 2-1. Penn ties the game in the 5th, scoring a run on a throwing error by Cougar left fielder Wade Joyce. Penn takes the lead in the 6th, scoring a run on two base hits for a 3-2 lead. The Quakers plate another run in the bottom of the 8th to make it 4-2. Washington State gets two base hits in the 9th, but can't push the runs across. Penn wins the game, 4-2, and takes the series 2-0.

Game 3

#9 North Carolina Tar Heels vs. #5 Nebraska Cornhuskers

The weather is a little cooler today than for yesterday's game. It's 59 degrees under partly cloudy skies, with the wind blowing in from right at 13 mph. Nevertheless, 1658 fans have come out to Nebraska Fields to cheer on their team for this winner-takes-all game between North Carolina and Nebraska. The starting pitchers are the same as Game 1, with senior Clark Griffith (0-1, 3.00) for the Tar Heels, and sophomore Jason Chaney (1-0, 3.00) for the Cornhuskers.

North Carolina breaks the scoreless tie in the top of the 2nd, as sophomore third baseman David Ramirez hits a solo home run over the left field wall to give the Tar Heels an early 1-0 lead. Nebraska takes the lead in the 3rd inning behind four hits, highlighted by sophomore shortstop Bob Lopez's two run shot over the left field fence. The Cornhuskers would score four runs total to take a 4-1 lead. Nebraska would add a run in the 5th to make it 5-1. Chaney and the Cornhuskers keep North Carolina at bay, allowing only one run in the 9th en route to a 5-2 win. Nebraska takes the series two games to one and advances to the CBA Semi-Final Series, where they'll take on the #1 Columbia Lions.

#10 Dartmouth Big Green vs. #4 Illinois State Redbirds

Senior George Cuppy (0-1, 6.00) will get the start for Dartmouth today against junior Johnny Cordero (1-0, 0.00) of Illinois State, in a rematch of Game 1 starters. There are 1664 fans in Redbirds Stadium, where it's 63 degrees under partly cloudy skies. The wind is blowing in from center at 11 mph.

Junior shortstop Jessie Clayberg gets things going for Illinois State in the bottom of the 1st with a leadoff single. Clayberg then steals second, and then third base, before scoring on a ground out. After one inning, the Redbirds lead 1-0. After keeping Dartmouth in check to start the 2nd, Illinois State goes back to work, hitting two singles and a double. The Redbirds score one run to make it 2-0. They tried to add another, but the runner on third was gunned down by Big Green center fielder Nick Henry at the plate on a sac fly attempt for the final out of the inning. Dartmouth came back in the 5th inning to tie the game at 2-2 behind three base hits. The Big Green tried to take the lead, but Redbird center fielder William Bruce had other ideas, throwing Justin Cole out at home for the third out.

The game remained tied until the top of the 8th, when Cordero walks the first two batters. Two outs later, and a runner is on third for Bobby Wilson. Wilson, the sophomore catcher from Utah, takes a 2-1 pitch and loops it into left field for a base hit. The runner from third scores, giving Dartmouth a 3-2 lead!! In the bottom of the 8th, Illinois State manages to load the bases with no outs on two singles and an error. Redbird sophomore catcher Luke Brown steps into the batter's box and lines a 3-1 pitch into right field. But it's caught by Big Green right fielder Steve Nowik!! Clayberg, who is on third, bolts for home. But Nowik has a gun in right and a quick release, as Clayberg is thrown OUT at the plate!! With two outs, a walk loads the bases again, but Cuppy gets out of the jam, getting Daniel Mills to ground out to second to end the inning. Dartmouth holds on in the 9th and wins the game 3-2, taking the series 2-1!! The Big Green will face #3 Penn in the CBA Semi-Final Series!

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Game 1

#5 Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. #1 Columbia Lions

The Cornhuskers travel to New York to play Columbia in Lions Ballpark. It's 60 degrees outside for today's game, with partly cloudy skies and the wind is coming in from right at 12 mph. There are 1767 fans on hand to watch Nebraska freshman Skyler Templeton (0-1, 11.05) duel with Columbia freshman Brooks Sharpe (1-0, 0.00).

After a scoreless inning and a half, Columbia gets on the scoreboard first in the bottom of the 2nd. The Lions don't even get a base hit in the inning, but manage to score twice thanks in part to three Cornhusker errors! The score stays 2-0 Columbia until the top of the 5th, when Nebraska comes back to tie the game. Victor Soltero hits an RBI double, followed by John McGraw's RBI triple!! The tie doesn't last long, as Columbia retakes the lead in the bottom half of the frame. Two walks, two hits, and two Cornhuskers errors lead to two Lion runs, as they lead 4-2 at the end of the 5th. Nebraska gets a run back in the 7th behind Bob Lopez's RBI single to left. Their lead down to a run, the Lions score again in the bottom half of the 7th, as Mike Stoddard beats the throw to the plate on Josh Gelfand's single to center. After seven innings, Columbia's lead is 5-3.

Nebraska again ties the game in the top of the 8th, thanks to Raul Barrera's 2-RBI double. Columbia, though, once again, responds in kind to the Cornhusker's rallies. The Lions lead off the bottom of the 8th. Nebraska commits yet another fielding error to lose the lead once more, allowing a run to score. But Columbia isn't satisfied to lead by one, so Kevin Norton delivers another run on a triple to deep right center field. After eight, Columbia now leads 7-5. Nebraska can't muster anything in the 9th, as the Lions take Game 1 by the same score.

#3 Penn Quakers vs. #10 Dartmouth Big Green

There is a near capacity crowd here in Big Green Ballpark, with 1499 people on hand. That means there is one seat open folks!! Come on down to the ballpark and see the Penn Quakers take on the hometown Dartmouth Big Green. Senior Ed Stein (1-0, 3.00) is on the hill for the Quakers, while the Big Green start junior Aaron Henschen (1-0, 1.00). The game will be played under partly cloudy skies and 57 degree temperatures, as a gentle breeze blows out to center field.

The pitchers duel it out for the first four and a half innings, allowing only three total hits. But Jim Gilman leads off the bottom of the 5th with a triple to deep right center. Two outs later, junior second baseman Sean "Mauler" Fougerousse (.255, 0 HR, 21 RBI) beats out a slow grounder to short for an infield single. Gilman makes it home and puts Dartmouth on the board, 1-0. Penn responds in the top of the 6th with two base hits. A run scores on Bill Dahlen's sacrifice fly, tying the game 1-1. The game remains tied until the bottom of the 7th. Big Green sophomore left fielder Justin Cole takes matters into his own hands, leading the inning off with a double. Cole takes off to steal third, and scores on Ryan Higgins throwing error!! Dartmouth leads 2-1. The game gets out of reach in the bottom of the 8th, as Penn implodes. The Big Green score four times on one hit and FOUR Quaker errors. Down five runs, it doesn't even look like Penn has any heart left, as they go down in order in the 9th. Dartmouth takes the game 6-1.

Game 2

#1 Columbia Lions vs. #5 Nebraska Cornhuskers

It's a beautiful day for a ball game here at Nebraska Fields, where it's 69 degrees under partly cloudy skies. The wind is blowing from left to right at 11 mph. There are 1666 fans in the stands for this game, so if you and 33 of your closest friends want to come see a great game, come on down to the ballpark! Sophomore Jerry Luttrell (1-0, 0.00) is on the mound for Columbia today. He'll face off with fellow sophomore Jason Chaney (2-0, 2.00) of Nebraska.

The scoring starts in the bottom of the 1st, as John McGraw leads off the inning for the Cornhuskers with a double down the left field line. Two batters later, McGraw would take off for a steal attempt of third base. But Ryan Tucker's throw is errant, and McGraw has an easy time coming home for the score. Nebraska leads 1-0 after one inning. Tucker makes amends for his error in the top of the 2nd, delivering a solo home run over the left field wall to tie the game at one a piece. Nebraska, however, takes back the lead in the bottom of the 2nd. Junior first baseman Raul Barrera smashes a single into center, scoring Bob Reier from second base. At the end of two innings, the Cornhuskers lead it, 2-1. Nebraska blows the game open in the 3rd. After McGraw flies out to start the inning, Bob Lopez singles. Andy Jones follows up by fouling off four pitches before grounding a base hit into right field. Senior catcher Pop Swett (.270/.438/.541) comes up next. Swett led the CBA with 57 walks, while also hitting five home runs and driving in 44 runners. Swett fouls off six of nine pitches before taking pitch #10 deep into right center for a 2-RBI triple!! Swett would score on Luke Noble's RBI single, as Nebraska ends the inning with a 5-1 lead. The Cornhuskers add another run in the 6th and 7th innings, plus two additional runs in the 8th, as they go on to cruise to a 9-1 victory over the Lions. The series is now tied, 1-1.

#10 Dartmouth Big Green vs. #3 Penn Quakers

The weather is beautiful here in the City of Brotherly Love, where it's 73 degrees under partly cloudy skies. The wind is blowing from left to right at 11 mph. We've got 1672 fans joining us here in Quakers Ballpark for what should be a great game! Senior George Cuppy (1-1, 4.00) is on the hill for the Big Green, while freshman Ricky Colar (1-0, 2.00) gets the start for the Quakers.

After a scoreless first inning, Dartmouth breaks out in the 2nd inning, hitting an RBI single, double, and triple to score three runs. Down 3-0, Penn finally gets on the scoreboard in the 3rd inning on an RBI single by Luke Greene. Still trailing 3-1 in the 6th, the Quakers tie the game on Willie McGill's 2-RBI single to left center. Ironically, McGill would end the inning, as he was later thrown out at home! The game is still tied 3-3 in the bottom of the 8th when Penn breaks the game open. Andres Mendoza hits an RBI single, McGill delivers a 2-RBI double, and Ed Stein hits a solo shot down the left field line. Four runs score as Penn takes a 7-3 lead into the 9th. Disheartened, Dartmouth goes down in order, as the Quakers win the game and tie the series up 1-1.

Game 3

#1 Columbia Lions vs. #5 Nebraska Cornhuskers

Sharpe (2-0, 2.50) and Templeton (0-2, 7.53) return for Columbia and Nebraska in a rematch of Game 1. You really have to like the Lions chances in this game. Besides, they are the #1 team in the nation. There are 1688 people in the stands of Nebraska Fields, enjoying 72 degree weather and clear skies. There's a cross wind blowing from right to left, though, at 15 mph. That could create some problems in the outfield with fly balls!

The game is scoreless until the bottom of the 3rd, when Raul Barrera triples to right center field to lead off the inning. He comes home on the next at bat, as Victor Soltero grounds the ball into shallow left. Two outs later, Soltero is on third as Andy Jones comes up to the plate. The sophomore right fielder swings at the first pitch he sees, sending the ball deep into left center field, over the wall, and 404 feet away!! At the end of three, Nebraska leads 3-0. The Columbia Lions today do not look like the best team in the nation, as they struggle at the plate. When runners do get on base, they can't bring them home. The Cornhuskers hold on and win the game 3-0, taking the series 2-1, and advance to their second consecutive appearance in the CBA Championship Series!!!

#10 Dartmouth Big Green vs. #3 Penn Quakers

It's 81 degrees today in Philadelphia, as 1682 fans have come out to enjoy Game 3 between Dartmouth and Penn. The wind could help out the batters today, as it's blowing out to right at 16 mph! Henschen (2-0, 1.00) and Stein (1-1, 2.65) return for the Big Green and the Quakers in a Game 1 rematch.

John Kelty draws a walk to lead off the bottom of the 1st for Penn. He heads to second on a ground out, then takes off for third on a steal attempt. Bobby Wilson makes an errant throw, as Kelty trots home to give the Quakers an early 1-0 lead. Penn holds onto their lead until the 4th inning. Dartmouth gets four hits in the inning, scoring twice to take the lead, 2-1. The Big Green extend their lead to 3-1 in the 6th on freshman DH Ed Sprung's RBI double to center. Penn gets a run in the 7th on an RBI double of their own to cut the lead down to 3-2. The Quakers get out of a bases loaded jam in the 8th, hyping them up for a rally. But the rally never comes, as the Penn bats go cold. Dartmouth holds on and wins the game 3-2, and takes the series in an upset, 2-1!! Dartmouth returns to the CBA Championship Series for the first time since they won the national championship in 1888!!

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Game 1

Welcome to Big Green Ballpark, where the #10 Dartmouth Big Green are set to host the #5 Nebraska Cornhuskers for Game 1 of the 1893 Collegiate Championship Series. One of the 1486 people in attendance for the ballgame is none other than CBA Commissioner Ephraim Herring. It's beautiful weather for a game, with clear skies, 67 degrees, and a light breeze blowing out to right. On the hill for Nebraska is sophomore Jason Chaney. After a mediocre regular season, Chaney has been unstoppable in the playoffs, putting together a record of 3-0, along with an ERA of 1.67. But this is something we really should have seen coming, as Chaney was 4-0 during Nebraska's playoff run last year, with a 1.89 ERA. Chaney told us before game that the Cornhuskers were out to prove last season was no fluke. After losing the championship series to Penn, the Cornhuskers are looking for the national title once again. Getting the start for the home team Dartmouth Big Green is senior George Cuppy. Nicknamed "Nigel", the righty has had a rough go in the playoffs, putting together a 1-2 record and 4.85 ERA. Dartmouth legendary pitching coach James Foster chalks up Cuppy's poor pitching to bad luck and says he expects Cuppy to break out of his slump anytime. Speaking of Foster, he is in his 23rd year as the Dartmouth pitching coach, as he has been with the team since it's beginning in 1871!!

After a scoreless 1st inning, Nebraska breaks out first when junior third baseman Victor Soltero grounds a triple down the first base line and into right field. Two runs score and the Cornhuskers find themselves up 2-0. Nebraska adds another run in the 3rd to increase their lead to 3-0. But the Cornhuskers aren't done yet. While Dartmouth is having issues getting on base, Nebraska breaks the game open in the top of the 4th, getting three base hits and scoring three times off of Cuppy to push the lead to 6-0!! The Cornhuskers keep rolling in the 5th, as they tag Cuppy for back-to-back triples and a single, scoring twice and pushing the score to 8-0! Both teams plate a run in the 6th, and Nebraska adds another in the 8th, as the Cornhuskers rout the Big Green 10-1, easily taking Game 1.

Game 2

Game 2 of the 1893 CBA Collegiate Championship Series finds it's way to Lincoln, Nebraska, where it's 75 degrees under clear skies here at Nebraska Fields. The wind is blowing in from right at 12 mph. Along with the commissioner, there are 1682 fans out at the ballpark to take in the game. Getting the nod for Dartmouth is junior Aaron Henschen. The righty from Irvine, California has had a great year and is 3-0 in the playoffs, with a 1.33 earned run average. The Cornhuskers are going with freshman Skyler Templeton. The 19 year old has had a bit of a rough go in the postseason, putting together a 1-2 mark, along with a 4.63 ERA.

The Big Green manage to get on the board early, as leadoff hitter Billy Clingman grounds the third pitch of the game through the hole in the right side for a single. The senior shortstop then steals second and third base, putting himself 90 feet away from home. Clingman did lead the CBA in stolen bases with 44, so this should have come as no surprise. A groundout leads to Clingman scoring and Dartmouth has an early 1-0 lead. Nebraska second baseman John McGraw leads the bottom of the 1st off with a base hit as well. A second base hit finds men on second and third with one out for Pop Swett. Swett flies out to right, and McGraw makes a break for home. Right fielder Steve Nowik throws the ball home. It's on the money and McGraw is OUT!!! Dartmouth holds onto their 1-0 lead after one inning. After a scoreless 2nd, Dartmouth left fielder Justin Cole leads off the 3rd with a double. Cole, a sophomore, hit only .190 in the regular season, playing in all 60 games. But the playoffs have brought renewed energy to his swing, as he is hitting .250 in the postseason entering today's game. Two outs later, Cole is on third base when Bryce Wren delivers a base hit on a full count, grounding the ball into right field and scoring Cole. The Cornhuskers go down in order, and after three innings, Dartmouth leads 2-0.

In the 4th inning, the Big Green continue their clutch hitting. With two outs, Nowik triples, then scores on Bobby Wilson's base knock to make it 3-0 Dartmouth. Nebraska finally finds their way in the bottom of the 6th, still down by three. The Cornhuskers piece together three hits, scoring two runs to trim the lead down to 3-2. Nowik leads the 7th off for Dartmouth with a base hit and the Big Green manage to load the bases with one out. But Jim Gilman goes down swinging, and a subsequent ground ball on the next at-bat gets Nebraska out of the jam. The Cornhuskers still trail by one in the bottom of the 8th. With two outs, Bob Jones draws a walk, and Andy Jones singles. Swett then steps up and takes a 2-2 pitch deep into left center for a 2-RBI triple!! Nebraska takes the lead, 4-3!! But in the top of the 9th, Nowik leads off with a walk, then advances to second on a sacrifice. Nebraska manager Ruben Vera has seen enough and calls in freshman Ben Bueker to pitch. The righty had a decent year out of the 'pen, pitching in 11 games, and putting together a mark of 4-1. He had five saves, and an ERA of 2.38. Stepping into the batter's box is none other than Game 1 loser, George Cuppy. Cuppy appeared in a dozen games in the field this season, playing seven at first base and five in right. Today, however, he's been playing centerfield for the injured Nick Henry. Cuppy only managed to hit .174 in those games, and is 0 for 6 in the playoffs. But on a 1-0 pitch, Cuppy connects, sending the ball into centerfield for a double!! Nowik scores and the game is tied, 4-4!!! Nebraska doesn't score, so we head to extras!

The Cornhuskers commit back-to-back errors with two outs to start the 10th, but manage to come out of the inning unscathed. Dartmouth isn't so fortunate. McGraw leads off the inning by reaching first on a fielding error. He makes it to second on a sacrifice, then steals third base. Andy Jones steps up to the plate, then drops down a bunt. The squeeze is on, as McGraw breaks for home. And he's SAFE!!! McGraw scores the winning run on a suicide squeeze bunt to win the game for the Cornhuskers, 5-4 in 10 innings!! Nebraska is your 1893 National Champion!!

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Finally! After a long offseason, which included adding eight more teams to the CBA and sorting out the addition of a new region, the 1894 season has finally come around. Ephraim was thrilled, as he was dealing with a lot of crap involving Michigan President Nate Hopkins. Hopkins had apparently been in talks behind the scenes with every university president in the Great Lakes Region, attempting to convince them to leave the CBA and form their own baseball league. You see, like every good leader, Ephraim knew a lot of people in a lot of places, so finding out information wasn't too difficult. Of the seven other teams in the region, only three others appeared to even be considering Hopkins' idea. All of the schools, which included Notre Dame, Northwestern, and Illinois, had profit driven presidents, so the news came as no surprise to Ephraim. The playoffs were another problem to deal with, but Ephraim didn't want to expand from eight teams to sixteen with only 46 teams in the CBA. Besides, adding another round of games, plus travel expenses, and it just seemed like too much. Of course, many schools were going to be unhappy to have a better record than another regional winner with a lesser mark, and not be in the postseason. One thing he had just accomplished which didn't piss everyone off was the formation of a Veteran's Committee regarding entry into the CBA Hall of Fame. The committee was made up of former coaches and players to determine which former players would be inducted after dropping off the Hall of Fame ballot.

While the sportswriters weren't thrilled about the committee, they didn't make too much of an issue about it. Prior to the 1894 season, as usual, they put out their preseason predictions. Yale was named the favorite to win the New England Region, with Harvard and Brown challenging for the regional title. In the Northeast Region, it was a three-way tie, with Cornell, Fordham, and Syracuse all getting the favorite tag. It was much the same in the Atlantic Region, with Lafayette and Penn favored to take the region. However, the sportswriters felt Villanova would be a serious challenger to the regional crown. North Carolina and Wake Forest were picked to battle for the Southeast Region title, with the Tar Heels given the nod as a favorite. Michigan State was the favorite to win the Great Lakes Region, with Illinois State and Michigan challenging. Defending champion Nebraska is the hands down favorite to repeat as the Midwest Region champ. Unlike last season, the Pacific Region is projected to be quite good, as Washington State and Stanford battle for that title. Finally, in the expansion Southwest Region, Tulane is considered a better team than LSU. The sportswriters also felt there was going to be a huge improvement on the offensive side of the game, as half a dozen players were projected to bat .400 or higher in the season.

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Love the new team previews! One of my favorite follows! Keep up the good work!!


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The 1894 season opened on March 6th with two shutout pitching performances. Lafayette junior Rick Ryan threw a 10-hit, 9-0 win over Wofford, while Ohio sophomore Ray Morris tossed a 2-hit, 5-0 victory over Bucknell. Unfortunately for Ryan, however, he wouldn't make it to the end of the month, as he injured his elbow and needed surgery. Doctors said the lefty's rehab would cost him not only this season, but likely the entire 1895 season as well. For the month, Ryan was 5-0 in six starts, with an incredible 0.99 ERA when he went down on March 27th. Ironically enough, Morris was injured the same day as Ryan with elbow inflammation, which will cost him two weeks of action. The bats came alive on the second day of action when Fordham junior left fielder Ben Serna went 5 for 6 in a 13-12 win over USC. On March 9th, the bats continued to be hot, as Nebraska junior right fielder Andy Jones delivered a 6 for 6 day in a 19-6 thumping of Northern Iowa. The 1893 CBA Championship Series MVP finished the month with a .414 average. However, there was bad news for Columbia, as they watched their #2 recruit from the offseason go down to injury. Freshman pitcher William Rogers threw 1.2 innings in his collegiate debut before suffering a partial tear to his UCL. Needless to say, the lefty was lost for the season. Princeton junior center fielder Tony Pearce joined in with a 5 for 5 day on March 10th, but his Tigers fell to Fordham by a score of 11-7. Pearce finished March hitting .398. The same day, Villanova senior Jason Hovey's collegiate career ended in injury, as the second baseman broke a bone in his elbow. Hovey was headed home to score and collided with the catcher. He was safe, but not safe from injury. The Wildcats lost the game to Navy as well, 12-8.

Week Two action had both pitching and hitting highlights. Virginia freshman Lorenzo Zuniga threw a 9-hit, 4-0 shutout over Vermont on March 13th. VMI senior Jeremiah Jones pitched a 4-hit, 6-0 win over Drake on the same day, striking out five in the process. Cornell sophomore shortstop Steve Troyer put together a 5 for 5 performance, as the Big Red powered past Illinois 25-7. Meanwhile, Michigan State sophomore right fielder Jeremy Fitch went 5 for 7, but the Spartans lost the game to Lafayette, 9-6. On March 16th, Nebraska sophomore catcher Luke Noble notched a 5 for 5 game, as the Cornhuskers trounced Drake 15-1. Noble hit .363 in 27 games in his freshman year, and by the end of the month, the righty was hitting .411 to start off his sophomore campaign. No sophomore slump here!! The following day at Princeton Park, Tigers freshman Chuck Jarrell threw a 2-hit shutout against Syracuse, blanking the Orange by a 6-0 score. And on the Sunday matinee to end the second week of play, North Carolina sophomore Joe Scott pitched held the Vanderbilt Commodores to four hits in a 13-0 win for the Tar Heels. Meanwhile, in Pacific Region action, USC sophomore Giovanni Bowden pitched a 2-hitter against California, as the Trojans took down the Golden Bears 9-0.

Week Three play started with Michigan freshman John Roter throwing a 5-hit, 6-0 shutout over Northwestern. On the hitter's side, Chicago sophomore shortstop Alan Elam had a 5 for 5 performance against Villanova. The transfer from Fordham is proving his worth for the Maroons, as they took down the Wildcats by a score of 10-5. Elam would end the month with a .333 average. Revenge, however, was bittersweet, as Elam was 0 for 4 the following day, as Villanova freshman Josh Nichols tossed a 4-hit shutout against the Maroons. Villanova won the game 9-0. It was a pitcher's day, as two others threw shutouts as well. Rutgers junior Frank Syska logged a 2-hit shutout against Bucknell, as the Scarlet Knights won 6-0. Meanwhile, in Baton Rouge, LSU offered little resistance to Wake Forest freshman Ben Welch. The righty threw a 5-hitter, as the Demon Deacons won the game, 7-0. In Friday night action, Navy sophomore right fielder Joe Roe went 5 for 6. The Vermont transfer hit three singles and two doubles, but his Midshipmen dropped the game 16-13 to Lehigh. In Champaign, Illinois sophomore Jay Cox threw a 5-hit, 5-0 shutout against Chicago. The end of the third week brought about another end, in the form of stopping a 20 game hitting streak put together by Michigan State junior first baseman Kevin Hill. The Spartans fell to the Ohio Bobcats in the game as well, losing 6-4.

Another streak, however, continued at the start of the final week of March play. A 1 for 5 effort doesn't look very pretty on paper, but it was the 20th consecutive game with a hit for Penn shortstop Armando Alegre. The lefty hitting, righty throwing senior finished the month hitting at a .371 clip, and has pushed his hitting streak to 23 games. Senior Mike Clark of Brown pitched a 6-hit shutout against Drake, with the Bears winning 4-0. On March 28th, Penn junior Caleb Holloway tossed a 6-hit shutout, as the Quakers blasted Virginia 12-0. It was a pitcher's day, as three other players threw shutouts for their teams. Sophomore Ray Seaman scattered seven hits in a 7-0 win over USC. C.J. Wood and the Alabama Crimson Tide crushed Mississippi 15-0, as the senior righty allowed only five hits to the Rebels' bats. Finally, Cornell junior Josh Harden led Cornell to a 7-0 victory over Notre Dame in South Bend. Under the Friday night lights, VMI sophomore Jon Green went 5 for 5 in an 11-10 win over Lafayette. The pitcher/second baseman hit .533 in the nine games he stepped up to the plate this month. That same night, Washington State freshman Chad Martineau and his teammates defeated California 9-0, as the young lefty held his opponent to six hits. The final gameday of the month featured Rutgers sophomore Cesar Rebollar shutting out Dartmouth 7-0, as he allowed only five Big Green hits. And Michigan freshman John Roter threw yet another shutout, with Notre Dame as his latest victim. The Wolverines won the game 3-0. But the real story of the day was a 7 for 7 performance by Syracuse senior center fielder Zach Swayze. The Daytona Beach, Florida native finished March with a .435 average, but Cornell still won the game, 18-17.

But if that sounds incredible, Swayze isn't even the best hitter in the CBA. Batter of the Month honors went to North Carolina junior center fielder Ryan Yoh, who finished at .471. Pitcher of the Month was awarded to Vermont freshman Sean Jackson, who was 7-0 in March, with a 3.52 ERA in seven starts. Rookie of the Month honors were bestowed upon Harvard junior transfer Fred Tenney. The catcher is hitting at a .470 clip.

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The month of April started out with a couple of shutout pitching performances. North Carolina sophomore Billy Nerios, who was recruited as a first baseman, switched to pitching after not seeing any playing time on the field. He was no joke on April 1st, as he threw a 6-hit shutout against Alabama. The Tar Heels won the game 5-0, and Nerios improved to 6-0 on the young season, with a 3.30 ERA. Nerios has an interesting back story, as he was suspended before he ever set foot on the field. Originally recruited in 1891, he got in trouble with drugs, and Commissioner Herring suspended him for 60 games. Devastated, Nerios dropped out of school and cleaned his act up. He returned for the 1893 season and served his CBA suspension, while working on his pitching at Tar Heel practices. This season, he's proving to North Carolina that he was worth the risk. Nerios told reporters after the game that he's just "happy to have a second chance at pursuing his dream of playing in the CBA." The same day, Michigan State sophomore Jim Duffy pitched a 6-hit shutout of his own, as the Spartans whitewashed the Chicago Maroons 11-0. Meanwhile, Bucknell put an end to Penn senior shortstop Armando Alegre's 24 game hitting streak, although the Quakers pulled out the win, 3-2. On April 3rd, Ohio sophomore left fielder Randy Biss went 5 for 7, with two home runs, as the Bobcats trounced the Northern Iowa Panthers 25-4. Senior right fielder Bill Lange also had a big day for Ohio, as he went 5 for 5 with two home runs as well. In real life, Lange's story is an interesting one. He played only seven seasons in the majors, but his talent was compared to that of Ty Cobb, Tris Speaker, Ed Delahanty, and "Shoeless" Joe Jackson. Upon his death in 1950, Washington Senators club owner Clark Griffith, a teammate in the 1890s, said, “I have seen all the other great outfielders – Tris Speaker, Ty Cobb, Joe DiMaggio – in action, and I consider Bill Lange the equal of, if not better than, all outfielders of all time. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t do.” If you care to read about Lange in more detail, click here for his SABR bio. April 4th brought out a couple more shutouts. Syracuse junior Kenny Kolb and the Orange blanked Northwestern 6-0, while VMI sophomore Jon Green tossed a 4-hitter to lead the Keydets past Notre Dame, 3-0. Yale sophomore left fielder Tuck Turner did his best to help his team, hitting for the cycle in a 9-8 loss to Michigan. Pitching stayed hot on April 6th, as Wake Forest senior Aidan "Pogo" Pearson held Mercer to three hits in a close, 1-0 win. On April 7th, both hitting and pitching made headlines for clubs. Columbia senior second baseman Kevin Norton and Michigan sophomore shortstop Ray Wilsey both pushed hitting streaks to 20 games. Army senior third baseman Omar Cantu put on a hitting clinic, as he went 5 for 5 in a 14-4 rout of Vermont. Meanwhile, on the west coast, Stanford sophomore shortstop Preston Diaz was 5 for 7 in a 28-12 home win over Northern Iowa. On the flip side, North Carolina senior Bill Jones and Michigan freshman Chris Jackson both pitched shutouts. The Tar Heels defeated Mississippi 6-0, as Jones allowed only three hits and struck out 10. The Wolverines defeated Ohio 3-0. On April 8th, the end of the first week of April concluded with Michigan State senior second baseman Ted Stephens hitting safely to push his hitting streak to 20 games.

Cornell extended their winning streak to 10 games on April 10th, as the Big Red defeated USC 17-6. That day was all about pitching, as three different pitchers threw shutouts, and Columbia's Kevin Norton's hitting streak came to an end at 22 games. The following day, strong pitching continued, as Notre Dame senior Corey Rosenthal and Illinois State senior Johnny Cordero both pitched shutouts. Meanwhile, Mississippi State sophomore third baseman Ruben Galvan hit safely in his 20th straight game, as the Bulldogs outlasted Stanford 15-12 Two days later, however, on Friday the 13th, Galvan's streak would come to an end in a 9-8 loss to Alabama. Michigan State's Ted Stephen's streak would also end that day at 23 games. On the plus side, Washington State sophomore center fielder Matt Brody extended his hitting streak to 20 games. April 14th brought more positive hitting news, as Michigan's Ray Wilsey kept his streak alive, pushing it to 25 games. April 15th action concluded the second week of the month. Brody saw his hitting streak end, while two pitchers tossed shutouts. Army freshman Steve Garland blanked Syracuse 2-0, while Bucknell senior first baseman/pitcher, Bert Inks, threw a 3-hitter in a 3-0 win over Navy.

The third week of action started out with Brown senior center fielder Mike Rouse going 5 for 6 in an 8-6 win over Dartmouth in 10 innings. Iowa State sophomore Brian Ladson held Mississippi to three hits, as the Cyclones won easily, 13-0. And finally, Ray Wilsey's hitting streak finally ended at 27 games, as Michigan lost to Harvard, 2-1. On April 18th, Princeton senior Trey Burns tossed a 5-hit shutout against Northern Iowa, as the Tigers defeated the Panthers 10-0. The same day, Ohio sophomore center fielder Ken Randazzo went 5 for 5 in a 7-2 win over Fordham. On April 19th, Vermont made up a rainout from the previous day against Drake, with freshman Sean Jackson pitching a 3-hitter in an 8-0 win. Dartmouth freshman Greg Wodrich dominated on April 20th, as the Big Green put down Army 9-0. That same day, Villanova senior Amir Donaldson went 5 for 6, with three triples, in a 10-8, 11 inning win over Lafayette. Meanwhile, at North Carolina Grounds, Mississippi State junior left fielder "Wee Willie" Keeler was 5 for 5 on the day, although his Bulldogs lost the game, 8-6. In his real life, 19 year career, Keeler hit .341 and held the major league hitting streak record at 45 games until 1941, when Joe DiMaggio broke it. His streak is still the longest in the National League. Keeler was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1939. And rounding out the third week of action was Bucknell sophomore center fielder Fernando Avila, who went 5 for 5 in a 15-14 loss to VMI on April 22nd.

The final week of play for April started with Iowa State freshman center fielder Joe Chapa going 5 for 5 in a 9-3 win on the road against Alabama. There were lots of headlines made on April 27th, with four shutouts thrown and three amazing hitting performances. The highlight of the day was Syracuse senior right fielder Andy Knudtson going 5 for 6 AND hitting for the cycle!! The Orange also won the game against Vermont, 15-5. The following day, another Syracuse player made headlines against the Catamounts, as senior center fielder Zach Swayze went 5 for 6 in an 11-10 win. Nebraska senior first baseman Raul Barrera stroked five hits in an 11-8 victory over Washington State, while Stanford sophomore first baseman Rodolfo Deprisco got five hits of his own in a 13-12 Cardinal win over USC. Bucknell's Bert Inks threw his second shutout of the month on April 28th, as the Bison defeated Lehigh 4-0. Villanova freshman Josh Nichols tossed a 8-0 shutout win over Navy, with what he later called "sub-par stuff." Johnny Cordero pitched his second shutout of the month, as Illinois State defeated Chicago 4-0. And on the final day of April play, Washington State sophomore first baseman William Brewer went 5 for 6 in a 15-4 drubbing of Nebraska.

Cornell senior left fielder Joe Kelley was named Batter of the Month, posting an incredible .505 batting average!! Kelley is hitting .452 on the season. Teammate Josh Harden, a junior, was named Pitcher of the Month after pitching to a 7-0 mark and 3.05 ERA. And it was a Cornell Big Red sweep on the monthly awards, as sophomore third baseman Mike Ballard was named Rookie of the Month after hitting .519!!! On the year, Ballard is hitting .453. As a result, Cornell pushed their winning streak to 17 games during the month, and catapulted into the Top 5 in the rankings. North Carolina and Stanford move up one spot this month to take over the top two positions, as Mississippi State falls from the top spot down to #3. Cornell jumps from 16th to 4th, while Rutgers moves up from #8 to #5 in the rankings. Washington State, Michigan State, Nebraska, Illinois State, and Michigan round out the Top 10.

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The month of May started out with a trio of shutouts and a couple of hitting displays. Michigan State senior Mark Bacon tossed an 8-hit shutout against Vanderbilt, and Michigan freshman Chris Jackson threw his second shutout of the year, a 7-0 win over Harvard. Drake senior transfer Chris Crower finally looked like the pitcher he was at Nebraska. Crower allowed only four hits while shutting out Ohio 5-0. Crower had two solid seasons for the Cornhuskers before transferring, going 12-4 as a sophomore and 13-4 as a junior. But Crower was not pleased with not being used in the playoffs in Nebraska's championship run, so he transferred to Drake. "I want to play for a team who appreciates what I bring to the table," Crower said. "I gave Nebraska my all last season, and all they gave me in the playoffs was a seat on the bench." The batter's box saw two impressive outings. Fordham junior third baseman Cullen Coffin went 5 for 5 in a 7-6 win over Penn, while Notre Dame freshman first baseman Jeremy Sumner hit for the cycle in a 15-13 loss to Nebraska. In Friday night action, Navy freshman Hunter Brand tossed a 4-hit, 5-0 shutout on the road against Lafayette. Wofford junior Jim Stephens was even better, throwing a 3-hit, 5-0 shutout at Mississippi. Meanwhile, Mississippi State and Andres Hernandez pummeled Mercer 20-5. The sophomore catcher was 5 for 6 in the game, with three singles and a pair of doubles. The lone Saturday highlight was Villanova freshman Ryan Weigel scattered 10 hits in a 3-0 win over Penn. On Sunday afternoon, Syracuse junior second baseman Cesar Villalba hit safely for the 25th straight game, although the Orange dropped the game to Harvard, 14-7.

The second week of action started with a gem of a pitching performance, but the real story of the day was the hitting. Princeton senior Trey Burns held Illinois State to four hits, as the Tigers won 6-0. At the plate, Cornell had a hey day with LSU, defeating the Tigers 20-1. Sophomore designated hitter Dustin Powell went 5 for 7, while senior right fielder Kareem Wilson was 5 for 6 on the day. The next day, May 9th, two shutouts highlighted the day's action. Stanford junior Joe Cruz crafted a 7-hitter, as the Cardinal won against Drake 8-0. Cruz, who transferred from Bucknell after his freshman year, struck out six and walked two in the game. Washington State sophomore Marquise Jones also tossed a goose egg, as the Cougars defeated Bucknell 5-0. Nebraska lost not only the game, but the services of senior second baseman John McGraw, who broke his kneecap in the 7-2 loss to Cal. McGraw was lost for the season, and his collegiate career ends prematurely due to injury. In his senior campaign, McGraw hit .323 in 47 games, and .320 for his career. Friday night play featured two shutouts. VMI freshman Jimmy Lugo held the Penn Quakers to four hits, as the Keydets won 8-0. Michigan State senior Mark Bacon had a masterful outing in a 1-0 win over Ohio. The lefty held the Bobcats to only four hits, as he pitched his second shutout in May. Finally, Dartmouth ended Syracuse's Cesar Villalba's 28 game hit streak. Saturday night action saw North Carolina senior right fielder Jimmy Bannon go 5 for 6 in a game against Wofford. The Tar Heels lose, however, by a score of 9-8 in 12 innings. Northern Iowa junior Ricky Herrera held the defending champs to four hits, as the Panthers put it on Nebraska 9-0. Herrera has had a rough season in Northern Iowa after transferring from Michigan State, but this outing was his best of the year. The second week wrapped up with Mississippi State junior left fielder "Wee Willie" Keeler exploding at the plate with a 5 for 6 performance against Ole Miss, as the Bulldogs defeated their in-state rival 9-6. Sophomore Ray Morris of Ohio tossed a 4-hit shutout against Michigan State, as the Bobcats won 3-0. Freshman Billy Koop of Iowa State also threw a shutout, as the Cyclones defeated Drake 3-0. Koop gave up only one hit, while striking out four and walking three. Stanford is the first team to clinch a spot in the post season, as they take the Pacific Region crown with two weeks left to play. The Cardinal are 41-9, with 10 games left in the season. It's the 1st regional title for Stanford.

The third week of play begins on May 15th, with Brown freshman second baseman Blake Worley going 5 for 6 in a 13-8 victory over Ohio. Meanwhile, in New Haven, Connecticut, sophomore Ryan Clark pitched a 5-hit shutout for Yale, as the Bulldogs take down Harvard 5-0. The following day saw Virginia freshman Adam Poirier dominate LSU with a 2-hit shutout, as the Cavaliers won 5-0. Under the Friday night lights, Army shut out the Harvard Crimson 2-0 behind strong pitching of Bobby Hartzler. The freshman held Harvard to only one hit, while striking out two. Saturday night games featured two great performances at the plate and one on the mound. Lehigh senior left fielder John Goebel went 5 for 6 during a slugfest between the Mountain Hawks and Villanova. Lehigh won the game 19-13. Vanderbilt sophomore center fielder Sam Bass was perfect at the plate, going 5 for 5 against Mississippi in the Commodores 11-3 victory. Finally, Nebraska won 8-0 versus Drake behind the wonderful pitching of freshman Joey Morse. The week wrapped up with three magnificent pitching performances on Sunday, and one ugly benches clearing brawl. Virginia's Adam Poirier tossed yet another shutout, defeating Navy 3-0. Bucknell junior Jamie Graves threw a 4-0 shutout against Penn, and Washington State freshman Brad Hutchison posted a 2-0 shutout victory over Tulane. But the big story of the day came from Ames, Iowa, where Iowa State was hosting Northern Iowa. With the Cyclones leading 5-1 in the top of the 7th, Iowa State sophomore Brian Ladson plunked Northern Iowa freshman left fielder Larry Fritsch on an 0-2 pitch. Fritsch took offense to the plunking and proceeded to charge the mound, clearing the benches. Once order had been restored, both Fritsch and Ladson were ejected. Commissioner Herring suspended Fritsch for five games, while Ladson was suspended for four. At week's end, Cornell became the second team to punch their ticket to the playoffs, winning the Northeast Region for the 6th time in school history.

As the month nears it's end, the games heat up as teams make their final push for the postseason. May 22nd was the day of smack in the CBA, as hitters went crazy!! Five separate players put together 5-hit performances!! But the biggest news of the day was North Carolina junior center fielder Ryan Yoh breaking the CBA single season hits record with his 113th hit of the year. The old record of 112 hits was set in 1872 by Villanova first baseman David Olsen. Yoh would finish the season with 116 hits. May 23rd followed up with two more 5-hit performances. With three games left in the season, Virginia celebrated it's 1st Atlantic Region title. Entering the final weekend of play, Iowa State sophomore first baseman Brandon Philipousis went 5 for 6 in a 14-10 win over Stanford on the road. On Saturday, Harvard shutout Yale 4-0 to win their 7th New England Region title. Sophomore Jayden Andrews tossed a masterful 1-hitter to help put the Crimson in the postseason. Mississippi State also placed themselves in the playoffs, winning their 4th Southeast Region title after defeating Wofford 7-6. Likewise, Michigan State won their 4th Great Lakes regional title, Nebraska won the Midwest Region for the 3rd time, and Tulane clinched the Southwest Region. The final day of play is used by teams to get a glimpse of their future or to jockey for playoff positioning.

Iowa State sophomore Dustin Milliken won the batting crown in what is quite possibly the closest race in CBA history. Milliken's batting average was .4378, followed by Ryan Yoh of North Carolina at .4377. May's Batter of the Month is North Carolina senior Jimmy Bannon, who hit .415 for the month, with four homers and 26 RBI. Stanford junior Joe Cruz was honored as Pitcher of the Month after earning a 6-0 mark in May in seven starts, with a 2.12 ERA. And Rookie of the Month honors went to Brown's Blake Worley, who hit for a .409 average, with two home runs and 15 RBI.

The playoffs are set, and not without controversy. North Carolina was inexplicably ranked as #2 by the sportswriters, even though they lost out in the Southeast Region to #3 Mississippi State. Needless to say, the Tar Heels will not be in the postseason. Likewise, Tulane won the Southwest Region while only winning 16 games. So, the matchups are as follows:

Tulane vs. #1 Stanford
#7 Harvard vs. #5 Michigan State
#10 Virginia vs. #4 Cornell
#6 Nebraska vs. #3 Mississippi State

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CBA Playoff Series

#7 Harvard Crimson (37-23) vs. #5 Michigan State Spartans (38-22)

Game 1 of this series was a great pitching game, something we didn't see too much of in the CBA in 1894. Both teams scored a run in the 1st inning, but Michigan State took the lead with another run in the 2nd. The score remained 2-1 until the 9th inning, when Harvard rallied late, scoring twice and holding on to win 3-2!

Game 2 was all Harvard, as they dominated the Spartans behind Jayden Andrews' 5-hitter, winning the game 7-1 and sweeping the series 2-0.

#10 Virginia Cavaliers (37-23) vs. #4 Cornell Big Red (44-16)

This series was barely a matchup at all. Virginia's lack of postseason experience showed, as Cornell took Game 1 at home by a score of 10-6. Kareem Wilson was 3 for 4 in the game, with three RBI, and three runs scored. Game 2 was a blowout in Virginia, as the Big Red crushed the Cavaliers 17-3. Joe Kelley was named Player of the Game after a 3 for 5 performance, with two triples, three RBI, and four runs scored.

#6 Nebraska Cornhuskers (36-24) vs. #3 Mississippi State Bulldogs (44-16)

The defending champs start their national title defense right here. Pitching was scarce in this one, with both teams hitting the ball well. Nebraska was clinging to a one run lead heading into the 9th with the score at 7-6. But the Cornhuskers plate five runs and go on to win Game 1 by a final of 12-8. Mississippi State's Andres Hernandez went 3 for 4, with a home run, in a losing effort. Game 2 was another hard fought, offensive game. With the teams tied at 8-8 going into the 9th, it was the Bulldogs turn for late inning heroics, as Mississippi State scored twice en route to a 10-8 victory. In the deciding Game 3, Nebraska pretty much owned Mississippi State, leading 5-1 after seven innings. Then they blew the gates wide open, scoring nine more times in the final two frames to win the game 14-3, as the Cornhuskers take the series 2-1. Andy Jones was 4 for 6 in this one, hitting for the cycle for Nebraska.

Tulane Green Wave (16-44) vs. #1 Stanford Cardinal (48-12)

In a series many said never should have been, the result was pretty much what you would expect. Stanford swept the series with 6-1 and 8-1 victories over the over-matched Tulane team.

CBA Semi-Final Series

#6 Nebraska Cornhuskers (38-25) vs. #4 Cornell Big Red (46-16)

The champs traveled to the east coast to continue the defense of their title, but were rudely welcomed by Cornell. The Big Red dominated the Cornhuskers, scoring once or twice every inning for six straight frames on their way to an 8-3 Game 1 win. Upon returning home, Nebraska found themselves down 3-1 after two innings in Game 2. But the Cornhuskers were able to right the ship with four runs in the 3rd. They never looked back, going on to take the game 9-5 to force Game 3. Bob Lopez was 3 for 4 with three RBI for Nebraska. Game 3 was a classic, as both teams were hitting and scoring at will. Leading 4-2 in the 6th, Nebraska plated six to seemingly put the game out of reach. But Cornell countered in the bottom half of the inning with five runs of their own, although they still trailed 10-7. The Big Red followed up with two more runs in the 7th to cut the lead down to 10-9. And in the bottom of the 9th, Cornell tied the game up to force extra innings. The home team took care of business, as Joe Kelley cracked a walk-off triple to score the winning run with two outs in the bottom of the 10th. Cornell wins the series 2-1 and moves on to the Collegiate Championship Series.

#7 Harvard Crimson (39-23) vs. #1 Stanford Cardinal (50-12)

The Crimson traveled to the west coast in what many considered to be the end of Harvard's season. But Harvard battled it out with Stanford, and Game 1 was tied 6-6 after seven innings. The Crimson scored twice more in both the 8th and 9th innings, shocking the #1 team, and winning 10-6. Tim Melton was 3 for 3 on the day for Harvard, while teammate Chris Atwood went 3 for 5. The trip back east proved to be another challenging game. In a back and forth game, Stanford and Harvard found themselves tied up 5-5 going into the 9th inning. A lead off double and sac bunt put a man on third for the Crimson with one out in the bottom of the 9th. Stanford pitcher Erik Wilson then uncorked a wild pitch, allowing Corey Walden to score the winning run and send Harvard to the championship, as the Crimson win 6-5!!

Collegiate Championship Series

#7 Harvard Crimson (41-23) vs. #4 Cornell Big Red (48-17)

These two teams are no strangers to each other, as both are CBA original teams. Harvard is a four time champion, with their last national title in 1889. Cornell is a two time champ, last winning the title in 1890. Game 1 saw Cornell jump out to an early lead, as they were up 3-0 after six innings. But Harvard finally got on the board in the 7th, scoring twice to make it 3-2. The Big Red responded, however, in the bottom of the 8th with two runs, as they go on to win the game 5-2. Game 2 was another close game, as the teams found themselves tied 2-2 through six innings. Cornell's Dustin Powell delivered an RBI single in the 7th that proved to be the difference in the game. The Big Red hold on to win the game 3-2 and secure their third national title!!

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