Wednesday, June 14, 2017

2017 MLB Draft Division II Recap

The newest class of Division II players has gone through the rigors of the 2017 MLB Draft, and we had 73 players hear their names called over the three-day event. That is a bit of a down tick compared to the 92 drafted in 2016 and 84 drafted in 2015. However, Tampa had seven players drafted, the most of any D-II school in any of the last three years, besting the previous high of five (Cal Poly Pomona and Tampa - 2015). We've only been keeping track of such things since 2015, so there isn't much history, but I have to think seven is a large number for any year.

Monday, June 5, 2017

West Chester Wins 2017 Division II National Championship

West Chester has claimed the 2017 NCAA Division II Baseball National Championship with a perfect run through the finals tournament after a 5-2 victory over UC San Diego on championship Sunday.

Sunday, June 4, 2017

Day Eight Recap; Championship Sunday Preview of 2017 Finals

We finally have our championship match-up set! UC San Diego came out of Friday's rain-out and kept its momentum train rolling, defeating St. Thomas Aquinas for the second time in two days to make its way to the national championship series against West Chester on Sunday. A bulldog effort by Troy Cruz preserved the bullpen that the Tritons will most likely need in Sunday's finals, as his complete game helped UCSD to the win.

Saturday, June 3, 2017

Day Seven Recap, Day Eight Preview of 2017 Finals

Well, it was a rained-out day on day seven of the national finals. UC San Diego and St. Thomas Aquinas were only a couple batters in before severe weather came along and wiped out the rest of play for Friday. Today, those two teams get back on the field to determine who makes the national championship series.

Friday, June 2, 2017

Day Six Recap, Day Seven Preview of 2017 Finals

We are officially down to three teams, and we have one team already laying claim to a spot in the national championship games. West Chester held off Colorado Mesa, 1-0, in a thrilling nightcap to advance to Saturday's national championship day, while UC San Diego dominated St. Thomas Aquinas, 10-0, to force the if-necessary semifinal game on Friday.

Thursday, June 1, 2017

Day Five Recap, Day Six Preview of 2017 Finals

Day five is in the books, and we down to the final four teams vying for the national championship. The favorites to begin the week are out, and we have a wide-open field left. Is it just a coincidence that of the four teams remaining, they were four of the five best team ERA's entering the tournament? Is there a theme there? Pitching was down around Division II this season, but are the talented staffs showing up when needed?