A few fun things to point out so far this season now that the NCAA has began providing some more reports on the national statistics database. The toughest full D-II schedule so far this season? Saginaw Valley State, whose opponents have combined for a record of 123-62-1 (.664). Following them is SW Minnesota State and then the team I want to mention, Embry-Riddle (138-79). ERAU is in their first season of Division II play, and are showing themselves *very* well. They are 21-11 on the season (with one of the toughest schedules played so far, obviously), and have put together wins against Minnesota State (twice), Barry (once), West Florida (twice), Florida Southern (once), and then this past weekend, Tampa twice as ERAU took the series from the reigning national champions. They are only 7-8 so far in the SSC, and it isn't going to get any easier, but ERAU is picking up some program defining victories very quickly to begin their Division II life.
By the way, toughest schedule to play for the rest of the season? That belongs to UNC Pembroke right now, who have to face teams with a combined 151-70 (.683) record the rest of the way. Overall SOS, taking in to account past and future opposition, the toughest schedule belongs to Wingate (399-240-2, .624) so far this year.
Team statistics wise, St. Cloud State is leading the country in almost every hitting category. And the ones they aren't leading, East Stroudsburg is. It is a different story on the mound, where California Baptist has the best team ERA, which is a little shocking considering they are in an offensively-minded conference. With all due respect to them, I have to think Franklin Pierce will take that crown yet again this season. The Ravens are already first in team WHIP and second in K:BB ratio.
Speaking of strikeouts, it will be fun to watch the strikeout battle between pitchers as the season rolls on. Placido Torres of Tusculum is dominating the field right now with 100 K's through only 62 (!) innings of work, but he has company in Paine's Juan Berger (80 in 56.2), Armstrong State's JT Phillips (77 in 54.1), Angelo State's Bryce Zak (74 in 49.0) and Mercyhurst's Colin McKee (72 in 43.0). That's a K/9 ratio of 14.52 for Torres, which is only FOURTH in the country. He is bested by CPP's Peter Bayer (57 K in 29.1 IP, 17.49 K/9), McKee (15.07) and Kutztown's Matt Swarmer (49 K in 30.1 IP, 14.54). We'll see how everything shakes out once the Northern schools get some more games in.
Our Marquee Match-Up of the Week:
#2 Millersville (23-2, 7-1 PSAC) vs #13 East Stroudsburg (22-5, 6-2 PSAC)
Game One: 7-2 ESU Win at ESU (Box Score)
Game Two: 2-1 MU Win at ESU (Box Score)
Game Three: Saturday, 4/2, 1:00 PM at MU (Live Stats | Audio)
Game Four: Saturday, 4/2, 3:00 PM at MU (Live Stats | Audio)
Projected Pitching Match-Ups
Game Three: MU Jim McDade (4-0, 3.73) vs ESU Marty Martens (1-1, 5.79)
Game Four: MU Reid Anderson (3-0, 5.47) vs ESU Brandon Holup (3-0, 4.61)
(Projected pitching match-ups are based exclusively on prior series' rotations and should not be considered official in any way.)
With all apologies to Millersville and East Stroudsburg, this was poor planning on our part in not looking ahead at this weekend's schedule to see them playing on Thursday rather than Friday/Saturday.
However, this slobberknocker of a series earns our weekly nod anyway. After a split in Thursday's doubleheader, the two teams head to Millersville to finish up their series. In game one, ESU's offense got to one of the best pitchers in Division II in Brandon Miller, tagging him for 10 hits and all seven runs in the victory.
In game two, Cordell Shannon led the Marauders to victory with 6.1 innings of work, allowing five hits and one run with six strikeouts. Ben Snyder's two-RBI single in the second inning was enough for the victory.
The game three and four match-ups seem just as even as the first two games' match-ups, and fans should be treated to high-level games throughout the rest of the weekend.
Here are some other series' to keep an eye on around Division II this weekend:
Lubbock Christian (20-8, 6-3 Heartland) at #6 St. Edward's (23-7, 7-2 Heartland)
Game One: Friday, 4/1, 4:30 PM ET (Live Stats | Video)
Game Two: Saturday, 4/2, 1:00 PM ET (Live Stats | Video)
Game Three: Saturday, 4/2, 3:00 PM ET (Live Stats | Video)
Missouri S&T (16-7, 3-1 GLVC) at #8 Quincy (16-5, 2-2 GLVC)
Game One: Saturday, 4/2, 1:00 PM ET (Live Stats)
Game Two: Saturday, 4/2, 4:00 PM ET (Live Stats)
Game Three: Sunday, 4/3, 1:00 PM ET (Live Stats)
Game Four: Sunday, 4/3, 4:00 PM ET (Live Stats)
#9 USC Aiken (26-6, 16-5 PBC) at UNC Pembroke (23-9, 9-6 PBC)
Game One: Friday, 4/1, 4:30 PM ET (Live Stats)
Game Two: Saturday, 4/2, 3:00 PM ET (Live Stats | Video)
Game Three: Sunday, 4/3, 1:00 PM ET (Live Stats | Video)
CSU-Monterey Bay (21-6, 10-5 CCAA) at #19 Cal Poly Pomona (19-9, 11-6 CCAA)
Game One: Saturday, 4/2, 3:00 PM ET (Live Stats | Audio)
Game Two: Saturday, 4/2, 6:00 PM ET (Live Stats | Audio)
Game Three: Sunday, 4/3, 3:00 PM ET (Live Stats | Audio)
North Greenville (26-9, 14-1 Conference Carolinas) at #25 Belmont Abbey (25-6-1, 14=1 Conference Carolinas)
Game One: Friday, 4/1, 6:00 PM ET
Game Two: Saturday, 4/2, 2:00 PM ET
Game Three: Saturday, 4/2, 5:00 PM ET
West Texas A&M (23-7, 12-4 LSC) at Texas A&M-Kingsville (20-8, 11-5 LSC)
Game One: Friday, 4/1, 7:00 PM ET (Live Stats)
Game Two: Saturday, 4/2, 2:00 PM ET (Live Stats)
Game Three: Saturday, 4/2, 5:00 PM ET (Live Stats)
Game Four: Sunday, 4/3, 2:00 PM ET (Live Stats)
Lincoln Memorial (21-9, 8-4 SAC) at Mars Hill (22-13, 7-8 SAC)
Game One: Saturday, 4/2, 12:00 PM ET (Live Stats)
Game Two: Saturday, 4/2, 3:00 PM ET (Live Stats)
Game Three: Sunday, 4/3, 1:00 PM ET (Live Stats)
Lewis (14-5, 4-0 GLVC) at Indianapolis (16-6, 3-1 GLVC)
Game One: Saturday, 4/2, 12:00 PM ET (Live Stats | Audio | Video)
Game Two: Saturday, 4/2, 2:30 PM ET (Live Stats | Audio | Video)
Game Three: Sunday, 4/3, 12:00 PM ET (Live Stats | Video)
Game Four: Sunday, 4/3, 2:30 PM ET (Live Stats | Video)
And here is our weekly recap *and* preview this week, for all of the members of this week's PerfectGame.org Top 25 as well as a list of a couple other teams that I think might be on the brink of breaking in to the rankings if they continue their stellar play:
#1 St. Cloud State (17-0): The Huskies were finally back on the field after a weekend off, and they won their only two games, taking a doubleheader from Wayne State College, 3-0 and 5-0, before having their second DH of the weekend cancelled due to weather. SCSU remains the only undefeated team left in the Division II land. They are on the road again this weekend for a scheduled four games at SW Minnesota State.
#2 Millersville (24-3): The 'Ville took three-of-four from West Chester in PSAC play last weekend, taking the first three contests (12-3, 14-4, 6-5) before falling in the finale, 19-8. In their first two games with East Stroudsburg in this weekend's series, they split with the Warriors, falling 7-2 before winning the second game of Thursday's contests 2-1. They will finish up that series with ESU on Saturday with a home doubleheader. They'll also face Philadelphia U in a single contest on Tuesday.
#3 Franklin Pierce (22-2): FPU is on a nine-game winning streak after picking up a pair of mid-week victories over Southern New Hampshire (5-3) and Stonehill (20-7). They'll be back in conference action this weekend with a doubleheader at American International on Saturday before taking on Saint Anselm in a single game on Tuesday.
#4 Colorado Mesa (25-4): The Mavs are still rolling in conference play, running their RMAC record to 15-1 so far on the year after sweeping New Mexico Highlands in a four-game series last weekend. They will look to push towards 20 conference victories with a four-game series at home against Adams State this weekend.
#5 Tampa (22-6): A shocking week for the Spartans, to say the least. UT has lost five of their last seven, including four of their last five after dropping a mid-week game at Valdosta State (7-6) on Wednesday and then dropping two-of-three contests on the road at Embry-Riddle. Tampa won the opener, 14-10, before the Eagles came back to win the final two contests, 8-7 and 11-10. Don't be alarmed, however. The Spartans are still a clear top five team and will be there at the end. They'll look to right the ship with three games at home against Florida Tech this weekend.
#6 St. Edward's (23-7): The Hilltoppers are on a seven-game streak, all in Heartland Conference play, after sweeping three games at home against Rogers State last weekend. They continue their homestand with another three Heartland games on the docket against Lubbock Christian.
#7 West Alabama (26-5): UWA is now 15-3 in GSC contest after a three-game sweep of Union last weekend (and a mid-week win over Miles in non-conference play). They have a very intriguing match-up this weekend as they head to Lee for a three-game GSC series. They will also take on Stillman at home for a mid-week contest on Wednesday.
#8 Quincy (16-5): The Hawks split a four-game series with Truman State last weekend. They dropped the first two games to the reigning regional champions, 8-6 and 2-1, before rebounding for a doubleheader sweep the next day, 10-3 and 10-2. They also picked up a 14-5 victory during the week over Harris-Stowe. They face a formidable conference foe this weekend in Missouri S&T at home.
#9 USC Aiken (26-6): USC Aiken took two-of-three from Montevallo in conference play last weekend and picked up a mid-week victory over Albany State on top of it. They will be tested thoroughly this weekend on the road as they head to UNC Pembroke for three conference contests.
#10 California Baptist (23-7): The Lancers split a four-game series on the road at Hawaii Pacific, but are still sitting pretty at 13-3 in PacWest play. This weekend, they are back home to face Academy of Art in a four-game conference series.
#11 Missouri Southern (20-7): MSSU is staying afloat in MIAA play at 10-7 after dropping two-of-three to Washburn last weekend and picking up a mid-week victory over Central Oklahoma. They are back at home this weekend for three games against SW Baptist.
#12 Columbus State (23-10): The Cougars took it on the chin last weekend, getting swept in a three-game PBC series by rapidly improving Flagler (they've won 10 in a row as of now), but picked up a mid-week win over Auburn-Montgomery. They are on the road this weekend for three more PBC games at Georgia Southwestern and then take on Albany State on Wednesday.
#13 East Stroudsburg (23-6): The Warriors are still raking, and they are off to a 7-3 PSAC start after splitting four games with Kutztown last weekend and splitting their first doubleheader this weekend against Millersville. They have another DH with the Marauders on the docket for Saturday on the road.
#14 Florida Southern (20-7): FSC is on a bit of a mini-run after sweeping Eckerd last weekend in SSC play to move to 6-3 in the conference. They are at home this weekend for a three-game set against Palm Beach Atlantic, then take on Flagler on Wednesday.
#15 Chico State (20-6): In our Marquee Match-Up of the Week last weekend, the Wildcats took it to UCSD, sweeping the Tritons in their three-game series, 7-0, 7-6 and 7-2. Clayton Gelfand was masterful in the opener, spinning eight shutout innings with only two hits allowed and eight strikeouts. Chico is on the road this weekend for three CCAA games at Cal State-San Marcos. They will then head to Cal State-East Bay to finish up a doubleheader on Tuesday that was rained out on March 5th.
#16 Lander (27-8): The Bearcats are 15-6 in PBC play after they dropped two-of-three to Francis Marion at home last weekend. They picked up a mid-week victory over Limestone, but are on the road this weekend for three very tough games at North Georgia.
#17 West Florida (21-11): The Argos are finding their groove. Winners of seven in a row after sweeping Christian Brothers in three GSC games last weekend and picking up two victories over Montevallo, UWF will ratchet up the competition a bit this weekend with three conference games on the road at Union.
#18 Dixie State (25-6): One of the PacWest contenders, the Red Storm are rolling with seven straight victories of their own. DSU swept Hawaii Hilo away early this week in four straight games, then started their series this weekend against Fresno Pacific with a 9-6 victory in game one on Thursday. They'll compete three more times this weekend.
#19 Cal Poly Pomona (19-9): The Broncos scuffled for a little bit there, but have now won four straight after sweeping Cal State-East Bay in three games last weekend. They'll get back to the tough schedule this weekend, however, with three games at home against Cal State-Monterey Bay.
#20 UC San Diego (20-11): The Tritons are going to need to find some victories in a hurry if they want to stay in the CCAA race with Chico, CSUMB, and Pomona. Luckily, the schedule turns in their favor in a big way beginning this weekend. They'll face Stanislaus State for three games at home this weekend. Out of their remaining six CCAA series' left on the schedule, four of them are against teams in the lower half of the conference.
#21 Southern New Hampshire (19-3): The Penmen are still rolling along, winners of five of their last six. They took their first conference loss on Wednesday when they dropped a 5-3 game to Franklin Pierce, but rebounded with a huge 16-0 win over Saint Michael's on Thursday. They swept Bentley last weekend in three games, and will look to do the same this weekend with a doubleheader against American International on Sunday.
#22 Florida Tech (19-11): FIT took two-of-three from Lynn on the road over the weekend, but will turn around and face the juggernaut of Tampa this weekend on the road. Could they be catching the Spartans at a vulnerable time? We shall see. A series victory could put the Panthers back in the conference discussion.
#23 Minnesota State (10-8): It appears there could be a changing of the guard taking place in the NSIC (if it hadn't already). The Mavericks dropped three-of-four to Minnesota-Duluth at home last weekend, dropping them to near .500 on the season and nearly matching their loss total from all of 2015 (9). They should rebound well this weekend with four games against Bemidji State, however. (Also, a good time to visit this insane box score from last season)
#24 Emporia State (21-7): Sitting at 13-4 in MIAA play, the Hornets are second in the conference behind Central Missouri, but have had a very favorable schedule up until this point. They swept three games from Nebraska-Kearney last weekend and took a mid-week loss against Missouri Western, but they have three more on the docket with Central Oklahoma this weekend. They have to be sure not to catch themselves looking ahead to next weekend, when they head to UCM for their conference showdown.
#25 Belmont Abbey (25-6-1): The Crusaders went through a tough non-conference gauntlet last week and this week, beating Francis Marion (8-7 on 3/22) and dropping a game to Lenoir-Rhyne (13-1 on 3/23) before picking up a victory over Armstrong State (9-7) this past Tuesday. With that behind them, they get back in to conference play with three games against North Greenville this weekend.
Teams on the brink?
Concordia-St. Paul (11-2)
Gannon (20-5)
CSU Monterey Bay (21-6)
West Texas A&M (23-7)
Missouri-St. Louis (16-5)
Tusculum (24-8)
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