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Newman splits doubleheader with HastingsSunday, March 4, 2007
Newman reached double digits in victories Sunday afternoon against Hastings, but split the doubleheader with a loss in the nightcap.
Newman won 10-7 in the first of the two nine-inning contests. Matthew Jordan earned the win on the mound, going 5 2/3 innings, striking out five while allowing just three runs. Steven Trevino earned the save for the Jets. At the plate, Thomas Wooten went 2-3, driving in two runs. Dan Rudisill was 3-4 and Johnny Beavers was 2-5.
In the second game, Newman lost 6-3. Patrick Hillboldt started the game and took the loss. Alex Mauricio was the bright spot in the game, throwing four innings in relief and allowing just one run. The Jets struggled at the plate and in the field, leaving 12 runners on base and committing five errors.
Newman is now 10-5 on the season. The Jets play at home on Wednesday against Oklahoma City, which is annually one of the nation’s best NAIA programs.
Emporia State ends Newman's winning streakWednesday, Feb. 28, 2007
Emporia State, ranked No. 30 among NCAA Division II baseball teams, ended Newman's nine-game winning streak with a 16-8 win Wednesday in Emporia.
Newman took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning, but Emporia State would score seven runs against Newman starter Alex Mauricio in the bottom of the inning, The Jets trailed 8-2 after two innings, but Newman would score five runs in the top of the third inning, highlighted by a three-run home run by Mike Scripture.
Newman was still within a run at 9-8 going into the bottom of the fifth inning, but the Hornets would score three runs in that inning and add two more apiece in the sixth and eighth innings for the final margin.
The Jets hit well at the top of the lineup, as John Beavers, Tyler Riddick, Mike Garcia and Scripture each went 2-4 at the plate. Scripture led the team with three RBI, while Garcia drove in two runs. Emporia State third baseman Tim Barger led the Hornets, going 4-5 and driving in seven runs.
Newman is now 9-4 on the season and will be off until Saturday, when the Jets play a doubleheader at Sterling College, starting at 1 p.m.
Winning streak reaches nine games after sweeping KWUTuesday, Feb. 27, 2007
Newman has now won nine games in a row after scoring 24 runs in a sweep of Kansas Wesleyan on Tuesday afternoon at McCarthy Field. The Jets won 13-1 in the first game and 11-6 in the second game.
In that first game, Pierce Mulvaney pitched all five innings of the run-rule shortened contest, striking out six while not allowing an earned run.
Casey Sowder went 2-2 at the plate, driving in two runs. Dan Rudisill hit a triple and drove in two runs. Mike Scripture and Kyle Kerschen also were 2-2 in the game.
In the second game, Newman was sloppy in the field, committing six errors. Steven Trevino threw 5 1/3 innings, allowing one earned run to earn the victory. Jerry Barahman threw 2/3 of an inning and Bret Willems pitched one inning to close out the game.
At the plate, Rudisill hit a two-run home run, giving him four RBI for the day. Sowder was 3-4 for a five-hit day. Kerschen had a hit, going 3-3 on the day. Tyler Riddick also hit a home run in the second game, while Mike Garcia was 2-4 and Robert Ninfo was 2-2.
With the sweep, Newman is now 9-3 on the season, having won nine straight after starting the season with three losses. The Jets will face a challenge on Wednesday when Newman travels to Emporia State on Wednesday for a nine-inning contest against the Hornets.
Newman sweeps Hillsdale; run winning streak to seven Saturday, Feb. 24, 2007
Newman won its first games of the year on the road, sweeping Hillsdale Baptist 10-2 and 6-1 on Saturday. The two wins are the sixth and seventh in a row for the Jets.
Jets pitcher Patrick Hilboldt earned a complete-game victory in the first game, allowing just one earned run in seven innings of work. In the second game, Nick Robertson started and threw five innings, allowing no earned runs. Jerry Barahman closed out the game with two innings of relief work, again without surrendering an earned run.
At the plate, Newman scored 16 runs without a home run. Mike Garcia continued his hot hitting by going 3-3. Mike Scripture was 4-8 at the plate and John Beavers was 4-7.
"They were a pair of pitchers' duels today," coach Leonard Rau said. "We did a good job of throwing strikes and playing defense."
Newman is now 7-3 on the season, with seven wins in a row after starting the season with three losses. The Jets will attempt to extend the winning streak on Tuesday afternoon with a pair of games against Kansas Wesleyan.
Jets sweep Sterling to run winning streak to five Thursday, Feb. 22, 2007
Newman swept a doubleheader from Sterling on Thursday at McCarthy Field, winning 7-5 in the first game and 12-10 in the second game.
Matthew Jordan and Alex Mauricio earned the victories on the mound for the Jets. Steve Trevino earned the save in the second game. Newman scored 19 runs on the day, but left 20 runners stranded on base in the doubleheader. Josh Kollmeyer hit a home run for Newman.
The sweep runs Newman's winning streak to five games on the season. The Jets will play at Hillsdale Baptist in Oklahoma on Saturday before returning home to face Kansas Wesleyan at 3 p.m. on Tuesday.
Jets hammer Briarcliff in run-rule victory Monday, Feb. 19, 2007
The Newman baseball team ran its winning streak to three games with a high-scoring 22-10 win over Briarcliff on Monday afternoon at McCarthy Field. The game was scheduled to last nine innings, but was called due to run rule after just seven.
The Jets scored 22 runs on 15 hits. Among the highlights was a grand slam by Mike Garcia, who went 3-4 on the day. Tyler Riddick also hit a home run on his way to driving in four runs. Newman didn’t strike out and drew eight walks.
“When you put the ball in play consistently, good things will happen,” Coach Leonard Rau said. “There were a lot of plusses, so we’re moving in the right direction hopefully.”
The Jets continue their homestand on Tuesday, playing a doubleheader against Sterling College at McCarthy Field.
Newman sweeps doubleheader from DanaSunday, Feb. 18, 2007
The Newman baseball team not only earned its first win of the season, but picked up two victories in a doubleheader sweep of Dana College on Sunday at McCarthy Field, winning the first game 10-5 and the nightcap 9-5.
The Jets hit several home runs in the doubleheader, including a grand slam by Josh Kollmeyer and back-to-back home runs by Mike Garcia and Mike Scripture. Steven Trevino started the second game on the mound, turning in a solid performance. Alex Mauricio closed out both games, although neither was a save situation.
Dana tops Newman, 5-2Saturday, Feb. 17, 2007
The Newman baseball team lost the first of a three-game series against Dana, falling 5-2 Saturday afternoon at home. The two teams will play a doubleheader on Sunday, starting at noon.
Matthew Jordan started on the mound for Newman and threw six strikeouts over six innings. German Rizo threw two innings, striking out one. Nick Robertson threw the ninth, taking the loss for the Jets, who allowed 10 hits and committed four errors. Newman had just five hits, highlighted by a 2-4 performance by Mike Garcia.
Avila sweeps Jets in season openerSunday, Feb. 11, 2007
The Newman baseball team was swept in its first two games of the season, falling 5-4 in Avila in extra innings in the opener and losing 2-1 in the nightcap. In both games, the Jets hit solo home runs in the first inning, but in both contests, Avila hit solo home runs to win the contest.
In the first game, Robert Ninfo hit a solo home run for the Jets and in the fifth, Dan Rudisill drove in three runs with a bases-loaded double. In the second game, Tyler Riddick hit a solo home run in the first inning, but it would be Newman’s only run in the contest.
“It was our first chance to hit live pitching, and we hit it well; we just didn’t have timely hitting and didn’t do the little things with baserunning and bunting and that may have been the difference,” Coach Leonard Rau said.
On the mound, Pierce Mulvaney started the first game, last 3 2/3 innings, allowing one earned run and striking out four. Reliever Matt Jordan threw four and 1/3 innings of shutout baseball, also striking out four. Alex Mauricio took the loss after allowing the game-winning home run.
In the second game, true freshman Steven Trevino made his collegiate debut, throwing five innings, allowing one earned run. Daniel Yaacobi took the loss, allowing the winning run in 2/3 of an inning and striking out one. Justin Mohr threw 1/3 of an inning while Nick Robertson threw one full scoreless inning.
Newman falls to 0-2 on the season, while Avila improves to 5-1 on the season. The Jets will seek their first win of the season against another tough team when they travel to perennial NAIA power Oklahoma City University for a doubleheader on Tuesday.
Jordan leads White Team to win in Game 7October 23, 2006
The White Team clinched the Fall Intrasquad Series with a 5-3 victory in game seven on Monday. Matthew Jordan, who allowed just two unearned runs on two hits over six innings, picked up his third win of the series.
The White Team erased a two run deficit with a four run second inning, capped off by freshman Patrick Redlin’s two-run single. Redlin, Josh Kollmeyer and Trevor Millen each had two hits for the White Team.
The Blue Team threatened in the seventh with singles by Robert Hadlow, Jesse LeMaster, and Kenton Barker, but Robbie Scott came into the game and got Robert Ninfo to hit into a game-ending double play.
The Jets will finish their fall practice on Wednesday.
White Team win pitcher's duel, 1-0October 18, 2006
Matthew Jordan pitched 6 1/3 shutout innings to lead the White Team to 1-0 victory and a 3-2 lead in the the Newman Fall Intrasquad series.
Jordan out-dueled Blue Team starter Andy Boak, who allowed just three hits and one unearned run over five innings. Robbie Scott retired the only two hitters he faced in the seventh to pick up the save.
Jordan allowed three hits, and helped his own cause by going 3-3 at the plate. John Beaver’s sacrifice fly in the 3rd inning plated Tyler Riddick who reached on a two base error, and advanced to third base on a passed ball.
Game six is tentative scheduled for Friday.
Gallegos hurls White Team to series-tying victoryOctober 15, 2006
Esteban Gallegos pitched 6 innings, allowing just three hits and one unearned run to lead the White Team to victory and even up the Intrasquad Series at two games apiece. Daniel Yaacobi pitched a perfect seventh inning to close out the game.
 (Right) Newman pitcher Matthew Jordan delivers to the plate in the fifth game of the Fall Intrasquad Series. He earned the win on the mound and had three hits at the plate. Photo by Matt Jacobs, Newman Sports Information Department.
The White Team offense was led Matt Jordan, who was 2-4 with a three-run home run in the first, and Dan Rudisill, who went 1-3 with two runs batted in. Trevor Millen added three hits. Blue Team starter Blake Renner took the loss.
Game 5 of the Series will be held on Wednesday.
Blue Team cruises to victory in Game Three October 14, 2006
Seven walks and seven errors led to six unearned runs for the Blue Squad as they cruised to victory 15-5 in Game 3 of the Jets Intrasquad Series. The Blue Team also pounded out 14 hits behind starting pitcher Stephen Cash, who pitched 5 solid innings scattering 6 hits and striking out 7, while allowing only 1 run.
Scoring in every inning except the 2nd, the Blue Team got 2 hits each from 6 different players, including Kyle Kerschen who hit a two run home run in the 3rd inning. Robert Hadlow was 2-5 with 3 RBIs. The White Squad had 11 hits, but could not mount any serious threats, scoring once in the 3rd and 4 in the 7th, when the game was already well out of reach.
For the White Team, David Nelson was 3-4 with a grand slam in the 7th. Tyler Riddick had 3 hits and John Beavers added two, including an RBI double in the 3rd. Starter Justin Mohr took the loss.
Jordan shines on mound as White Squad ties SeriesOctober 12, 2006
Matthew Jordan threw six strong innings, giving up just two hits to lead the White Team to a 5-0 victory in Game 2 of the Jets Fall Intrasquad World Series. Jordan gave way to Patrick Hilboldt, who threw a scoreless seventh inning to preserve the victory.
The White Team offense put up one run in the third, fourth and fifth innings, and added two more runs in the sixth. Blue Team starter Andy Boak took the loss, giving up three runs – only one of which was earned.
Leading the White Team attack was Trevor Millen, who went 2-3 with a solo homerun in the fourth. Josh Kollmeyer, Tyler Riddick and Matthew Jordan each had two hits in the 11 hit effort.
Game 3 of the Fall World Series will be held on Saturday Oct. 14 at 1 p.m.
Long Ball Propels Blue Squad to Game 1 Victory
Oct. 11, 2006
The Blue Squad rolled to a 10-1 win over the White Squad in the first game of the Newman Jets Fall Intrasquad Series.
The White Squad had taken a 1-0 lead, but that lead evaporated when the Blue Squad plated three runs. Then in the fifth, Robert Ninfo hit a solo home run and in the sixth, Casey Sowder hit a two-run home run to put the game out of reach. The Blue Squad added four insurance runs in the seventh inning.
Blue Squad starter Blake Renner allowed just one run over four innings to pick up the win. Trevor Murphy threw three scoreless innings to pick up the save. White Squad starter Esteban Gallegos took the loss.
Game two of the Series is set for 5 p.m. on Wednesday.
Former Jet Signs With the Sioux City Explorers
2006 Newman graduate, JJ Burress, signed a professional contract with Sioux City Explorers. The Explorers are in independent team that is part of the American Association. JJ was awarded first team all-conference and first team all-region in his senior campaign at Newman University. He also hit .370 with 18 stolen bases as a pillar in the leadoff spot. “I am very happy for JJ,” explains coach Rau, “He has put the time and effort in to put himself in position to succeed at the next level.”
**For more on this story visit the Explorer's web site at:
http://www.siouxcityjournal.com/articles/2006/06/09/sports/scrapbooks/explorers/06/june/492-060906.txt
The Jets claim the 2006 MCAC Regular Season Championship!June 24, 2006
Newman had three players named All-Region team
Brian Baxter, RHP
JJ Burress, SS
Dan Rudisill, C
Newman had 11 players selected to the All-Conference team
1st Team All-MCAC
JJ Burress, Sr, Shortstop/RH Pitcher
Dan Rudisill, Jr, Catcher
Matt Ehmke, Sr, RH Pitcher
Brian Baxter, Sr, RH Pitcher
MCAC Pitcher of the Year
Brian Baxter, Sr, RH Pitcher
MCAC Coach of the Year
Leonard Rau
**Seven Jets were also named as Honorable Mention All-Conference
May 5, 2006
Newman defeats York College 13-10. Robby Scott started on the mound for the Jets and MCAC Pitcher of the Year, Brian Baxter closed out the win. They will face the winner of Bellevue University vs. College of the Ozarks Saturday at noon. If they win, they will advance to the championship game on Sunday.
May 6, 2006
The #1 Jets fell to #2 Bellevue today 7-3in the MCAC Tournament. It was Newman's first loss in the double elimination tournament. They will get a chance to bounce back tomorrow (Sunday), again facing Bellevue. If the Jets win the first game (1:00 p.m.), they will play for the championship in
the second game (4:30 p.m.). As the MCAC regular season champions, the Jets have already qualified for Region IV play following the MCAC Tournament.
May 6, 2006
The #1 Jets beat #5 Park University 8-6 behind a great pitching performance by Pat Allento advance to the championship game against Bellevue University May 7th.
May 7, 2006
#2 Bellevue University came from behind to defeat #1 Newman university 7-6 to win the MCAC Conference Tournament. The Jets had a 6-4 lead behind freshman Jon Hyde heading into the bottom of the 8th before Bellevue scored 3 unearned runs to take the lead.
May 10, 2006
# 1 Newman University lost in the first round of the Region IV tournament to # 6 Park University 4-0 despite a great pitching performance from SR. Matt Ehmke. Newman swung the bats well but just could not get anything to fall while Park capitalized on the Newman mistakes. The Jets will play Friends University Thursday May 10th in a elimination game against Friends University.
May 11, 2006
For the second day in a row the Jets get shutout as #1 Newman University loses #5 Friends University 7-0. This eliminates Newman from the Tournament and ends their season with a record of 35-22.
#22 Newman University takes 3 out of 4 from Park
The Jets take 3 out of 4 from Park to keep their lead in Conference. The Jets won game one 6-5, game two 8-1, game three 7-6 and lost game four 12-9. This makes Newman 19-5 in conference, 32-18 overall and ties them for 1st in the MCAC. The Jets will face York College in a four game set this weekend in Nebraska.
#22 Newman University Is Defeated By Friends 7-4
The Newman Jets break a nine game winning streak with a loss to Friends University Wednesday night. Newman gave up 3 runs in the first inning and could not close the gap. Newman will pick back up conference play Friday at 5:00 vs Park University.
#24 Newman University Takes Two From Oklahoma Wesleyan
The Jets took both games Tuesday from Oklahoma Wesleyan to make them 16-4 in Conference. Newman won game one 5-4 and game two 6-3. Josh Kollmeyer led the Jets going 4-8 on the day while Jon Hyde and Justin Mohr got the wins. Matt Ehmke also picked up two saves.
#24 Newman University Beats #11 Division II Emporia State 14-13
After falling behind 10-2 Newman scored 7 runs in the top of the seventh to start their comeback. They added 1 in the 8th with a homerun by JJ Burress, and 3 in the 9th with a three run shot by David Nelson to tie it up. In the top of the 10th Robert Ninfo hit a game winning blast to seal the win. Brian Baxter shut them down in the the bottom half to collect the win.
Newman Takes Two From Central Christia
The Jets baseball team scored 27 runs on the day to defeat Central Christian twice. In game 1 the Jets won 11-0 behind a complete game shutout by Brian Baxter. The Jets scored 10 runs in the bottom of the first inning in game 2 to complete the sweep of Central 16-8. The Jets will play Emporia State Saturday and resume conference on Tuesday at Oklahoma Wesleyan.
The Jets Take Four from Peru State
Newman takes all four games in the weekend set by winning 8-1, 2-0, 5-1 and 5-1. The Jets pitching staff only gave up 1 earned run all weekend. The Jets offense was led by John Schermerhorn going 6 for 14 and CJ Lenz going 5-10. These wins put the Jets at 12-4 in Conference and at the top of the league. Newman next plays at home Tuesday against Central Christian at 5 p.m.
Newman Takes 2 From Oklahoma Wesleyan
The Jets fell behind 7-0 in the first game before going on a 12-0 run to win game one 12-7. Newman then won game two 10-0 with a 8 run first inning. The Jets play Kansas State Wednesday then go to Peru State Friday and Saturday to play a four game conference set.
Newman takes 3 of 4 from # 21 Bellevue
Newman University after winning two games on Friday evening, took the third straightin the first game of the double-header on Saturday afternoon. The Jets won 7-4, 8-5, and 10-7 but dropped game four 7-5. The Jets are 6-4 in conference and will play Oklahoma Wesleyan Tuesday at home.
The Jets Baseball team splits with Central Christian
The Jets Baseball team splits with Central Christian making them 3-3 in Conference. Newman fell behind early in game 1 before making a late inning comeback just to fall short 5-3. The Jets struck first in game 2 and never looked back winning 7-4. Jon Hyde picked up the win improving to 2-3 while Matt Ehmke got the save. The Jets will next play Bellevue University Friday and Saturday.
Newman starts Conference 2-2
The Jets went 2-2 this weekend against the College of The Ozarks to open up Conference play. On Friday Newman won the first game 5-3 on a 3 run walk-off homerun by Dan Rudisill, before losing game two 5-4. Saturday was the same story with Newman winning the first game 4-1 behind Brian Baxter and dropping game two 3-1. The Jets are 14-13 and will play @ Central Christian Tuesday.
Newman Takes Both From Dana
The Jets took both games of the DH from Dana Wednesday March 22nd. Newman won game one 8-4 with Jon Hyde picking up the win. David Nelson's game winning RBI's put Newman ahead in the bottom of the 6th to win game two 3-2. The Jets Start Conference Friday against College of the Ozarks at 5:00.
The JV Games VS Butler CO. have been cancelled do to rain.
The Jets Defeat #20 Division II Central Arkansas 8-5
After two disappointing loses a day earlier the Jets put it behind them to defeat #20 Central Arkansas. The Jets where sparked by timely hitting and a tremendous pitching effort from Robby Scott going 6 innings and giving up only 1 run. Robby also went 2 2/3 of scoreless relief the day before.
The Jets drop two against Division II Arkansas Tech
The Jets led both games but could not hold on to the lead against Arkansas Tech. In Game 1 the Jets took a 3-1 lead into the bottom of the seventh but a walk of homerun ended the game for Arkansas Tech. Game 2 had a similar feeling with the Jets up 2-1 in the fourth before Ark Tech rallied back for the 5-2 win.
The Jets Sweep the Weekend
The Jets started the weekend with 4-1, and 2-1 wins against Concordia University. The Jets then beat Midland Lutheran 10-3 and Minot State 12-4. JJ Burress and Mike Garcia lead the Jets this weekend going a combined 17 for 25 at the Plate. The Jets also got some good pitching from Brain Baxter, Matt Ehmke, Justin Liogghio, Nick Abbott, and JJ Burress. The Jets will next go to Arkansas March 14th.
The Newman University Baseball team beat Oklahoma Baptist University Friday 6-5Newman was sparked by another good offensive day, and a great pitching performance by Justin Liogghio. Justin went 7 scoreless innings while giving up only 2 hits. The Jets then lost to Division II Pittsburg State 7-6on Sunday. J.J. Burress hit a 3 run homerun in the 9th to cut the lead to 1 but that is all the jets could get. The Jets play Friday at home vs Southern Nazarene University.
The Newman University Baseball Team Splits with Sterling College
The Jets won game one 6-5 with another good pitching performance from Brian Baxter with some offensive help from Mike Garcia, Zane Ehling and Kyle Kerschen. The Jets dropped game two 3-0 while being held to 5 hits despite a three hitter by Matt Ehmke. The Jets will lace them back up Saturday against Oklahoma Baptist.
The Newman University Jets baseball team dropped two Thursday to the defending Nation Champions Oklahoma City University. Newman dropped the first game 13-4 despite a 3 for 4 game and a homerun by Mike Garcia. Just like the first game the Jets jumped out to an early lead in game 2, but couldn’t hold the lead and lost 9-3.
January 12th
Matt Ehmke combined with Robby Scott and Brian Baxter to throw a shutout in a 4-0 victory over #20 ranked Dakota Wesleyan. The Jets won the opener 8-4 as Pat Allen went five innings to pick up the victory. Dan Rudisill sparked the team early in the second game with a two run homerun. The Jets go to the defending NAIA champions Oklahoma City on Thursday.
Newman University will play Park University Wednesday @ Noon in Hutchinson Kan.
Regional Tournament Seedings
#1 Newman University
#2 Bellevue University
#3 Ottawa University
#4 Bethany College
#5 Friends University
#6 Park University
League Standings
Conference
Newman 19-5 0.792
Bellevue 17-5 0.772
York 13-9 0.591
Park 11-12 0.478
CCC 9-10 0.474
CofO 11-13 0.458
PSC 8-16 0.333
OKWU 1-19 0.050
Region IV and MCAC Baseball Pitcher of the Week: Brian Baxter - Newman University
Brian Baxter, Newman University, Pitcher, 6-3, Senior, Wichita, Kan.
Pitcher-in-week
TOTALS: 2 wins, no losses; 7.20-IP, 5-Hits, no-Runs, 0-Earned Runs, 4-SO, 2-BB, 0.00 ERA [ER/IP x 7].
Pitcher-in-week GAMES: (1.) vs. Central Christian College (Kan.), W-11-0, 5.00-IP, 3-Hits, 0-Runs, 0-Earned Runs, 2-SO, 1-BB, 0.00 ERA [ER/IP x 7] win.
(2.) at Emporia State University (Kan.) (#11), W-14-13, 2.20-IP, 2-Hits, 0-Runs, 0-Earned Runs, 2-SO, 1-BB, 0.00 ERA [ER/IP x 7]win.
Newman University is 14-4 in the MCAC and 27-16 overall for the season.
Region IV and MCAC Baseball Pitcher of the Week for week ending 4-9-06 Matt Ehmke of Newman UniversityMatt Ehmke, Pitcher, 6-0, Senior, Derby, Kan.
Pitcher-in-week TOTALS: 1 win, 1 no-decision; 7.10-IP, 6-Hits, 1-Run, 0-Earned Runs, 9-SO, 4-BB, 0.00 ERA [ER/IP x 7].
Pitcher-in-week GAMES: (1.) at Kansas State U., L-3-15, 0.10-IP, 2-Hits, 1-Run, 0-Earned Runs, 1-SO, 2-BB, 0.00 ERA [ER/IP x 7], no-decision.
(2.) at Peru State (NE), W-2-0, 7.00-IP, 4-Hits, 0-Run, 0-Earned Runs, 8-SO, 2-BB, 0.00 ERA [ER/IP x 7], win.
Newman University is 12-4 in the MCAC and 24-16 overall for the season.
Region IV and MCAC Baseball Player of the Week Dan Rudisill
Dan Rudisill of Newman University hit 10 of 18 at bats to help the Jets to a 4-2 week including 3 out of 4 wins against #21 Bellevue University. He also had 6 RBI’s, 4 runs, a double and a stolen base. Three of his six RBI’s came from their 8-5 opener with Bellevue University. Dan is a 5’10” junior catcher from Wichita, Kansas. Newman University is 6-4 in the MCAC and 18-15 overall for the season.
Newman baseball to face many challenges
Eagle staff
Newman coach Lenny Rau hopes to parlay a good infield and solid pitching into a successful season. "Our infield and pitching are definitely our strengths," Rau said. However, the Jets are facing possible their toughest schedule ever and are battling the flu. "In the past week, we've had 10 different players miss practice. It's hard to work on cutoffs and other defensive strategy if all the players aren't there," Rau said.Rau knows the extent of the flu. He was hospitalized for several days himself. "I don't want to make any excuses, but several of our players tried to play through the flu when we lost twice at Southern Nazerene," he said.
Matt Ehmke, the Midlands Conference pitcher of the year, and Brian Baxter, the conference's reliever of the year, anchor the pitching staff. Starter Pat Allen, who pitched well for the Park City Cowboys in the NBC World Series, returns for the Jets. Newcomers Justin Liogghio, a senior, and John Hyde, a freshman, are expected to be starters. Robby Scott, J.J. Burress and Baxter are expected to be in the bullpen. Baxter did start against Southern Nazarene and allowed just one earned run in six innings. No. 27 Southern Nazarene and No. 16 Dakota Wesleyan are two ranked teams the Jets will face early. Then comes Oklahoma City, the top-ranked team in NAIA and defending champion. Also on the schedule are Kansas State, a rain date with Wichita State, Division I Central Arkansas and league foe Bellevue, ranked fourth.
The infield will include Mike Garcia, Trevor Millen and Mike Pierce at first base; Robert Ninfo, Jason Reinhardt and Brian Orth at second; Burress at short and Josh Kollmeyer, John Schermerhorn and Bill Storrs at third. Veterans Dan Rudisill and Heath Brown will handle the catching chores. Butler transfer Zane Ehling will also be available to catch. Burress will miss some playing time because of the death of this father, who suffered a heart attack. Schermerhorn is the older brother of Wichita State's Derek Schermerhorn.The outfield will be anchored by veteran Corwin Lenz, who started all 62 games last season. Another veteran, Robert Wallinger, last season's top hitter, will be in right. Kyle Kerschen, Tyler Henson, David Nelson and Chad Blasdel are also expected to get time in the outfield. "If we do the little things right, and play together as a team, we have a chance to be good," Rau said.
Newman University Lost 10-3 and 3-0 to Southern Nazarene Monday February 6h. Stats and more information will soon be posted.
I would like to extend a thank you to those of you that were able to attend the "Meet the Players Night." Thanks to you, it was once again a successful evening.
-Coach Rau
2006 Outlook
New Faces Complement a Solid Returning Core
The Jets are coming off of a season full of adversity. Coach Rau explains, “We had several things to overcome last year, including a young squad, key injuries, and probably more importantly a mid-season change of head coaches. These were things the student athletes had no control over. They came together as a team and played well down the stretch when it really counted in conference. I am really proud of them.” This year’s team looks to build on this momentum of last season (30-32, 16-12).
“I am excited about this season,” said Coach Rau. Newman will be returning the core of the pitching staff that entails nearly 70% of the total innings pitched from a year ago. This along with a good recruiting class will give them the added depth necessary to compete at a high level. “I am happy with our recruiting class. We had some weaknesses that needed to be addressed and our coaching staff did a good job of fulfilling those roles. I can’t say enough about the assistants,” Pat Hon, Matt Patrick, and Kyle Schnitger. “they have worked long hours, on and off the field, to help prepare us for the upcoming season.”
The Jets will be anchored by a pitching staff that returns over 80% of the wins from last year. “Several young kids received a tremendous opportunity last season and I expect them to build on that.” Highlighting this year’s returning pitching staff are senior right-hander, conference pitcher of the year, Matt Ehmke, and senior right-hander, conference relief pitcher of the year, Brian Baxter. “These two are both proven performers. I have asked a lot from them, and they have responded in a positive way. I expect them to continue to do great things this year.” Other returners that will continue to contribute this year include Robbie Scott: who had a team best 2.40 ERA in 60 innings pitched, Pat Allen who has had a successful summer to build on, and sophomore Kurt Okumura that will look to increase his appearances. Newcomers Justin Liogghio, Blake Renner, and Jon Hyde will also see considerable innings and play a significant role in the success of the staff. Freshmen Nick Abbott, Gage Stephen, Spencer Melfi, Garrett Prenovost, and Justin Mohr have continued to improve and are ready for innings as well.
With the career ending injury to Shermar Zick this year’s outfield will be led by senior Corwin Lenz. Corwin started all 62 games last year in right field and eventually filled the void in center. John Beavers will get some innings in center as well. Right field will be played by our leading returning hitter offensively from a year ago, Robert Wallinger. Kyle Kerschen, and Tyler Henson will be competing for time as well. Left field will be played by Kyle Oyler and Daniel Rivera. Others that may see action in the outfield include Blake Renner, Josh Kollmeyer, Jason Reinhardt, David Nelson, and Chad Blasdel.
The infield will see new faces at all four positions this year. J.J. Burress will expect to get most of the innings at shortstop with freshmen Jeff Hopkins ready for action. Robert Ninfo and Jason Reinhardt’s ability to play more than one position will allow them to be valuable utility guys up the middle. Robert Hadlow, David Nelson, Nick Hart, and true freshman Brian Orth will compete for innings at second base. “It is very reassuring as a coach to know that you can put a quality middle infield on the field and I believe these guys will rise to the occasion.” First base will be anchored by newcomer Mike Garcia. He won the Triple Crown this past summer in the Walter Johnson League and looks to continue that success. Trevor Millen, Thomas McCabe, and Aaron Haselwood will be ready for action as well. Third base will be played by Josh Kollmeyer, John Schermerhorn, Bill Storrs, and Casey Sowder. These gentlemen will also be competing for the DH spot.
Behind the plate the Jets will have returnees Dan Rudisill, Honorable Mention All-Conference, and Heath Brown vying for most of the innings. Chad Briner, Tyler Henson and Zane Ehling will see innings as well.
On paper, this year’s team looks to be well-rounded. However some questions remain for this year’s club. “I have a concern with our team speed. We just aren’t very quick. However, there are some things that we can do in the game of baseball to counteract that,” said Coach Rau. “We have set high expectations with this group. We are going to pitch and we should be able to develop enough runs offensively. It will be interesting to see how we come together as a unit with so many new faces. We have compiled a great group of guys, now we need to figure out how to get into the post-season.” |