Friday Night Roundup (2/21)

The second weekend of college baseball saw plenty of interesting results across the board. Most notably top ranked Oregon State had a tough day all around, losing 9-2 to Nebraska in the PAC 12/Big 10 Challenge, followed by the disappointing news they received on pitcher Ben Wetzler being suspended for 20 percent of the season by the NCAA for illegal contact with an agent.

North Carolina’s early season struggles continued in their home opener against Xavier on Friday. The Tar Heels dropped the contest 2-1, falling to 1-3 on the season. Xavier starter Adam Hall put together a great outing allowing just one run on four hits over six frames. The Muskateer bullpen slammed the door over the final three innings allowing just two baserunners to seal the victory and stay undefeated on the season.

Arguably the most intriguing series of the weekend pits Miami (FL) against rivals Florida in top 25 clash. The Hurricanes got the better of the Gators on Friday night, thanks in part to three home runs by Willie Abreu, Dale Carey and Garrett Kennedy. After a tough start giving up three runs in the 1^st, starter Chris Diaz battled back and went seven innings to get the win and give Miami (FL) some early momentum in a huge series.

Reed Garrett of VMI tossed the first no-hitter of the collegiate baseball season against Lafayette, totaling 13 strikeouts. Garrett allowed just one baserunner walking first baseman Campbell Lipe in the 5^th, and went to only three three-ball counts all night. He threw 117 pitches in the 3-0 VMI win.

Defending national champion UCLA shut down previously undefeated Cal Poly 5-2 behind a strong performance from starter James Kaprielian. Kaprielian scattered just three hits and one run across seven dominant innings as he struck out nine Mustangs.

Sacramento State handed Texas A&M their first loss on the road in College Station Friday night. Junior righty Ty Nichols picked up his second win of the season tossing seven shutout innings, and Sutter McLoughlin finished the job pitching the final two frames. David Del Grande’s RBI in the 4^th inning proved to hold up as the only run of the ballgame as the Hornets held on 1-0.