Bruins take No. 1 seed at Region IV Tournament

May 7-10, 2008

OMAHA, Neb. – Bellevue University was crowned the 2008 MCAC Tournament Title on Saturday evening and will take their three game winning streak to the 2008 NAIA Region IV Baseball Tournament beginning on Wednesday (May 7) through Saturday (May 10) in Hutchinson, Kansas held at Hobart-Detter Field. Bellevue University (45-12) will be the No. 1 seed and will face Bethany College (37-14) the sixth-seeded team at 11 a.m. on Wednesday in the tournament's first game.

Rounding out the remaining seeds are, second-seeded Kansas Wesleyan University, third-seeded Park University, Friends University holding down the fourth seed and York College with the fifth seed.

The Tournament will conclude on Saturday with the winner advancing to the Great Plain Super Regional Tournament beginning on Thursday (May 15) next week hosted by the Region III Tournament winner.

Official Region IV Tournament Information 

Final Region IV Standings
1. Bellevue University
2. Kansas Wesleyan University
3. Park University
4. Friends University
5. York College
6. Bethany College

2008 NAIA Region IV Tournament Schedule

Wednesday, May 7
G1 - #6 Bethany College def. #1 Bellevue University, 4-3 (Recap)
G2 - #2 Kansas Wesleyan University vs. #5 York College; 3-1
Thursday, May 8
G3 - #3 Park University def. #4 Friends University; 8-3
G4 - #1 Bellevue University def. #5 York College; 16-8 (Recap)
G5 - #6 Bethany College def. #4 Friends University; 6-1
Friday, May 9 (schedule change)
G6 - #2 Kansas Wesleyan University vs. #3 Park University; 11 a.m.
G8 - Loser G6 vs. #1 Bellevue University; 2:30 p.m. (Live Stats) (Audio Broadcast)
G7 - #6 Bethany College vs. Winner G6; 6 p.m.
G9 - Loser G7 vs. Winner G8; 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 10
G10 - Winner G7 vs. Winner G9; 12 p.m.
G11 - Winner G10 vs. Loser G10 (if necessary)

Bruins leave no doubt with 11 runs in first inning

May 8, 2008

OMAHA, Neb. – Bellevue University showed why they should remain in the hunt for the 2008 Region IV Tournament Championship as they rebounded with a convincing 16-8 victory over York College on Thursday afternoon at Hobart-Detter Field in Hutchinson, Kansas.

Bellevue improves to 46-13 on the year and will head into Friday to face the loser between Park University and Kansas Wesleyan University at 2:30 p.m. York College will have their season come to a close at 33-24 going 0-2 at the tournament.

The Bruins started off the game in mid-season form as they batted around to finish the first inning with 11 runs on 10 hits helped in part by a pair of York errors that kept the inning alive. Andy Brown recorded a two RBI double in the inning as Josh Northrup hit a three RBI homerun, the first of the tournament by any team.

The scoring continued for Bellevue as they put two more runs on the scoreboard on a Nick Damas double that scored Shawn Lee and Dave Powell. By this time, Bellevue was leading York College 13-0 in the sixth meeting of the season.

With the score 14-0, York College showed life as they scored five runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. The Panthers got a double from Kellen Love with one out and a RBI single from Langston Frison. Gary Bandy and Dylan Connolly also recorded RBI singles closing the margin to 14-5.

Down the stretch, both teams scored twice, but the damage had already been done as Bellevue continues their post-season hopes with the 16-8 win. The Bruins recorded four doubles in the game as they now have out-scored the Panthers 45-15 while hitting .352 in the team’s last three meetings.

Bellevue had two players with three hits each; Nick Damas (3-for-6), and Jerry Zachery (3-for-4) as Dave Powell, Josh Northrup and Drew Farley had two hits apiece. Damas, Northrup and Zachery all finished with three RBI’s each as Zachery recorded his third homerun of the season. The Bruins had 12 of their runs scored by six different players. Cameron Young (7-2) had the victory allowing seven runs, six earned, on ten hits in seven innings pitched. Young recorded eight strikeouts without surrendering a walk getting relief appearances from Kyle Wink and Peter Gehle. Wink and Gehle threw the final two innings giving up one run on two hits with two strikeouts.

Dylan Connelly led the team going 3-for-5 at the plate with three RBI’s as Kellen Love was 2-for-4 with two doubles. Langston Frison went 2-for-5 as Gary Bandy was 2-for-3 in the game. Adam Janky scored twice going 1-for-4 at the plate as seven different players combined for the teams 12 hits. Robert Enriquez picked up the loss going to 7-3 as exited in the first inning after recording two outs. Enriquez left allowing eight runs on six hits with a strikeouts and a balk. Joel Fleck pitched the next 3 1/3 innings allowing six runs on seven hits and Dusty Dominquez and Justin Freitas pitched the final five innings.

Bruins’ three runs not enough against Bethany Swedes

May 7, 2008

OMAHA, Neb. – In a rematch of last year’s regional tournament final, Bellevue University was paired against Bethany College and dropped the opening game 3-4 to the Swedes on Wednesday evening’s rain delayed first round. The Region IV Tournament is being held at Hobert-Detter Field in Hutchinson, Kansas this Wednesday to Saturday (May 7-10).

Bellevue University, the top seed, will go to 45-13 overall and with face the loser between Kansas Wesleyan University and York College (9 p.m) on Thursday morning at 11 a.m. Sixth-seeded Bethany College will improve to 38-14 overall and will stay in the winner’s bracket and face the loser on Thursday’s early game between Park University and Friends University at 2:30 p.m.

The Bruins broke the tie in the bottom of the third inning when Dave Powell singled past the pitcher into center field allowing Jerry Zachery to score from third. With the score 1-0, Bethany College scored three in the top of the fifth to take a 3-1 lead.

Bethany College got a one out walk from Andrew Ferguson then a single from Eric Lehner. With two outs, Harold Holbert singled to load the bases and Hop Sullivan tied the game with a hit-by-pitch RBI. Danny Ferguson gave the Swedes the first lead of the game with a two RBI single down the left field line.

The lead didn’t last long as Bellevue started off the bottom half of the fifth with a Shawn Lee single. Brandon Sears (Omaha, Neb.) singled to put runners on the corners with no outs. Powell reached base on a fielder’s choice that scored Lee from third making the difference a run (2-3). Bellevue tied the game at 3’s with a Nick Damas (Willow Springs, IL) single scoring Powell.

The score remained the same (3-3) until the ninth inning with Bethany getting a Sullivan lead-off walk. After a Justin Long fielder’s choice for the second out of the inning, Long stole second and scored the go-ahead run on a pinch-hit double from Casey Getzelman (4-3).

Bellevue, known for their late inning heroics, came up short this time as Andy Brown, Jerry Zachery and Shawn Lee ended the inning sending the Bruins into the bottom half of the bracket after the first day.

Dave Powell led the Bruins going 2-for-4 with a run and RBI as five other players had hits. Nick Damas was 1-for-4 with a RBI and Shawn Lee going 1-for-2 with a run scored. Zachery was 0-or-2 with a hit-by-pitch and a run.  Nick Love picked up the loss (5-3) allowing one run on one hits in three innings of relief. Love recorded four strikeouts as Ulysses Roque had the no decision in six innings. Roque allowed three runs on eight hits with five strikeouts.

Bethany College got a 2-for-3 performance from Hop Sullivan who also had an RBI as Danny Fernandez was 1-for-4 with two RBI’s. Casey Getzelman picked up the game-winning RBI going 1-for-1 in a pinch-hit effort in the ninth.  Eric Lehner was 1-for-2 with a run. Justin Long pitched the complete game recording the victory improving to 7-1 on the year. Long gave up three runs on seven hits with six strikeouts.

Bruins record nine doubles in championship game

OMAHA, Neb. – Bellevue University was crowned the 2008 MCAC Tournament Title on Saturday evening after defeating Park University twice coming out of the loser’s bracket by the scores of 14-1 in seven innings and 13-1 in the championship game. Bellevue University won their last three games improving to 45-12 overall and will be an automatic bid to the 2008 NAIA Region IV Tournament next week held in Hutchinson, Kansas. Park University went 2-2 in the tournament going to 26-17 on the season as they will await their Region IV seed on Sunday evening.

The Bruins came out ready to go as they scored six runs in the first inning of the first game as they batted around recording four hits highlighted by an Andy Brown grand slam, his fourth homer of the season. Bellevue added runs in the third, fourth and fifth before being shutout over the next two innings as the game was called by the umpires after seven complete.

Park University got their lone run in the sixth inning when Ryan Fawks reached on a fielder’s choice sending Nick Kouratou across home plate. The Pirates recorded three double-plays in the game and left five runners on base. Bellevue had five doubles as Park picked up two in the loss.

In the final game, Park University scored first when Ryan Weedin led-off the game with a triple to right center and scored when Nick Kouratou singled up the middle. With a runner on base, Bellevue got the next three Pirate batters out to end the inning. The lead would be short-lived as the Bruins, now the home team on the score-board, would get a lead-off homerun from Dave Powell, his fourth of the year. Matt Anderson would double to send Josh Northrup home giving Bellevue a 2-1 advantage by the end of the first.

Bellevue would extend their lead to 5-0 by end of the second inning with another lead-off homerun from Shawn Lee. The Bruins would finish the inning scoring three runs on three hits. In the fourth inning, Bellevue would put up three more runs and put things out of reach in the fifth and sixth with a combined three runs making the score 11-0.

Park would make a run of things in their final at-bat, but Ryan Weedin would strikeout with the bases loaded to end the game crowning Bellevue University 2008 MCAC Tournament Championships.

In two games, Bellevue would hit .486 as Nick Damas and Shawn Lee lead the team with five hits each for the Saturday series. Drew Farley and Dave Powell would each go 4-for-8 as Powell was a single from the cycle in the second game with a pair of triples. Andy Brown was 2-for-6 in two games as he struggled at the plate, but made it count in the final game with four of his five RBI’s coming on the grand slam. The Bruins would combine for 20 extra base hits in the two games, 14 doubles, nine of which came in game two, and four homeruns, two from lead-off batters.

Park University was lead by Nick Kouratou as he hit .571 going 4-for-7 at the plate with an RBI and a run scored in two games on Saturday. The Pirates had 13 hits total, nine coming in the second of two games. Brandon Skelton was 2-for-6 as Pete Peters and Ryan Weedin each contributed two hits. Peters and Weedin had the only extra base hits, a double and triple as Park scored one run each of their two games.

Brett Scarpetta picked up the victory in the first game allowing no runs on three hits in five innings pitched. Scarpetta had four strikeouts in the win improving to 7-2 on the season. Kyle Wink pitched in relief allowing a run on one hit in two innings. The second game victory goes to Jon Ganzen as he stays undefeated with a record of 7-0 allowing one run on three hits. Ganzen went five innings in the win with three strikeouts. Nick Love pitched the four inning save with eight strikeouts as he scattered six hits. The Bruin pitching staff had 18 strikeouts in the two games with only one earned run on 13 hits.

Bo Prather goes to 5-4 after picking up the game one loss allowing ten runs on eleven hits in four innings of work. Prather walked two and hit one as Arturo Garcia pitched three innings in relief allowing four runs on five hits. Three pitchers made appearances in game two for Park University, Dustin Laird getting the loss allowing four runs in 1 1/3 innings. Laird walked three as Brand Lewandowski and Jeff Hall pitched the final 6 2/3 innings in relief. Lewandowski allowed three runs on six hits in 2 2/3 innings as Hall had two strikeouts giving up five runs on seven hits in four innings.

Both teams have qualified for the 2008 NAIA Region IV Tournament which will be played next Wednesday thru Saturday in Hutchinson, Kansas. Bellevue, with the victory, will possibly assure a No. 1 seed for next week’s tournament as Park will have to wait until Sunday evening when the final seeding has been posted on the NAIA website (www.naia.org).

Kouratou records five RBI’s in Pirates win over Bruins

OMAHA, Neb. – Bellevue University had their 30-game home win streak come to a close as Park University defeated the No. 1 seed Bruins 12-10 at the 2008 MCAC Baseball Tournament at Westgate Field on Friday afternoon on day two. Park University improves to 26-14 on the season as Bellevue University goes to 42-12 overall and will face York College (33-21) in the elimination game at 5 p.m. Park will advance to the MCAC Championship game as the only undefeated team (2-0) on Saturday afternoon with a scheduled 2 p.m. start time.

Bellevue University, the host of the league tournament, had a 3-1 lead heading into the top of the fourth inning until Park University exploded with four runs in the top of the fourth. Brandon Skelton led off the inning with a single then got back-to-back walks from Brett Gordon and Jordan Henderson to load the bases. After a Bellevue pitching change Pete Peters singled to score a run with Jesse Kearns clearing the bases with a double putting the Pirates up 5-3.

Park added a pair of runs in the sixth taking a 7-3 lead on a Nick Kouratou single that scored Ryan Fawks and Chris Evans. Bellevue University managed a run to close the game to within three (7-4) following an RBI single from Jerry Zachery in the sixth. The inning ended with a Bellevue University bases-loaded double-play.

In the seventh inning, Park University got a two RBI double from Ryan Weedin, the teams second of the game, putting the Pirates up 10-4 heading into the bottom half of the eighth. The Bruins started to rally getting a lead-off bunt single from Nick Hamsa. With two outs, Adam Shupe walked and Jerry Zachery singled to load the bases. Shawn Lee got hit by pitch for the third time forcing in a run.

Bellevue down 10-5 in the eighth and with two outs, Dave Powell cleared the bases with a three RBI double to left center scoring Lee, Zachery and pinch-runner, Ross Jones. The inning ended on a groundout leaving one run on base, but the Bruins had closed the score to 10-8.

Park University would get the eventual game-winning runs in the top of the ninth with a two RBI single from Kouratou putting the Pirates up 12-8 heading into the bottom half of the inning in which Bellevue scored twice. The Bruins’ runs came from a lead-off homer from Josh Northrup, his third of the tournament, and a ground-out RBI from RJ Jerrick scoring Ross Jones from third. With the tying run on first base, Zachery grounded out to end the game.

Nick Kouratou led the Pirates going 4-for-6 at the plate with five RBI’s as Jesse Kearns, Chris Evans and Ryan Fawks each had two hits. Evans was 2-for-6 with a pair of runs as Ryan Weedin went 1-for-5 with two RBI’s and two runs. Brett Gordon and Pete Peters combined for four runs at the bottom of the lineup as Kears was 2-for-5 with a run and four RBI’s. Chris Luera will improve to 6-3 on the season with the victory. Luera allowed four runs on six hits in six innings of work as Jake Russell and Vince Ortega combined to throw the final three innings in relief.

Bellevue University got three RBI’s from Dave Powell to lead the lead going 1-for-5 at the plate as Josh Northrup was 2-for-5 with a homerun and two RBI’s. Jerry Zachery was 3-for-5 in the game with two RBI’s as five other Bruin batters combined for the final five hits. Nick Hamsa scored twice going 1-for-1 as Ross Jones added three runs for Bellevue. Peter Gehle will go to 6-2 on the season allowing four runs on four hits in his three inning start to pick up the loss. Gehle had four strikeouts and five walks. Cameron Young, Kyle Wink and Nick Love all threw in relief combining for five runs on ten hits in addition to two walks and four hit batters.

Bruins pound out three homeruns in seven-inning win

OMAHA, Neb. – Bellevue University exploded for ten runs in the sixth inning to blow open a narrow 1-0 Bruin lead to win the game in the seventh by the score of 11-1 in the first game of the 2008 MCAC Baseball Tournament held at Westgate Field on Thursday afternoon.

Bellevue University improves to 42-11 on the season and will advance to the winner’s bracket on Friday afternoon at 2 p.m. York College goes to 32-21 overall and will face the loser between College of the Ozarks and Park University at 5 p.m. in the first elimination game.

Josh Northrup got the scoring started for the Bellevue Bruins with a solo homerun in the second inning to break a 0-0 tie after the completion of one. In the sixth inning, Bellevue University batted around and finished with ten runs on five hits. Dave Powell led off the inning with a single as Drew Farley hit his seventh homerun of the season to put Bellevue up 3-0. Powell highlighted the inning when he doubled in his second at-bat of the inning pushing across three Bruin runners. Nick Damas finished the inning with a two-run homer, his seventh.

York College got a lead-off double in the third but a squeeze bunt failed when Connolly, who was at third, was tagged out reaching for home. The Panthers were able to get the bases loaded, but a Curtis Eubanks fly ended the threat. In the game, York College left the bases loaded in the first and third innings for a total of nine in the game.

Bellevue University got a big game from Dave Powell going 2-for-4 with three RBI’s as Nick Damas and Drew Farley each recorded two RBI’s, also hitting homeruns. Josh Northrup was 2-for-4 with two runs scored and a RBI. The win goes to Ulysses Roque as he improved to 10-1 on the season allowing five hits with one earned run, five strikeouts in the six inning start. Nick Love threw the final inning in relief with a single strikeout.

Dylan Connolly led the York Panthers going 3-for-4 at the plate as Eric Davidson and Adam Janky each went 1-for-3, Janky with an RBI. Derek Harlow had the lone run pinch running for Kellen Love in the sixth. John Richards picked up three sacrifice bunts for his team-leading 14th of the season. Nick Jones had the loss falling to 9-4 on the year allowing seven runs on five hits in 5 1/3 innings. Mike Becker threw an inning in relief allowing four runs on two hits in 2/3 innings, the final inning thrown by Mike Laws allowing one hit.

Drew Farley records three doubles in victory over Chargers

April 28, 2008

SIOUX CITY, Ia. - Bellevue University moved a step closer to their season-high 13-game win streak with a 10-3 win over Briar Cliff University on Sunday evening at Lewis-Clark Stadium. The Bruins, have now won 11 straight games dating back to a 12-11 win over Park University on April 15. The win closes out the regular season schedule for the 15th rated Bellevue Bruins as they will now get ready for the MCAC Tournament beginning this Thursday (May 1) hosted by Bellevue University at Westgate Field.

Bellevue University (41-11) got things started in the first inning when Drew Farley recorded his first of three doubles in the game to score Josh Northrup. The Bruins then went on to score a run in each of the following six innings taking the victory. Bellevue scored twice in the first, second, and six innings to put the game out of reach.

Briar Cliff scored three runs, two in the seventh one coming from a Dietrich tripled to score Swank from first. Dietrich recorded two of the Chargers' RBI's with his second in the eighth inning on a single that scored a run after Swank and Olivas walked to start the inning.

Josh Northrup and Drew Farley each went 3-for-5 in the game, Northrup with a pair of runs as they combined for four doubles in the game. Farley had three doubles himself as six other Bruin players scattered the remaining six hits. Nick Damas and Ross Jones each scored twice in the victory. Nick Love picked up the victory improving to 5-2 on the season giving up a single hit with eight strikeouts in six innings of work. Nick Esposito and Cameron Young threw the remaining three innings of relief combining for four strikeouts.

Briar Cliff University (18-22 overall) was led at the plate by Dietrich going 2-for-4 with two RBI's as Chris Davis, Callahan and Benton combined for the remaining thre hits. The loss goes to Heidesch, his first of the season, as he allowed six runs, four earned, on six hits in four innings pitched. Harris, Taker, and Peppard combined for the final five innings of relief surrendering four runs on six hits.

Bruins hit three homers in two games, eight in the series

April 26, 2008

OMAHA, Neb. – With the regular season coming to a close on Saturday afternoon, the Bellevue University Bruins finished out the league schedule with a record of 21-3 following their two victories at Westgate Field during senior recognition day and the first annual alumni association outing with wins of 9-0 and 11-4 against Oklahoma Wesleyan University. Bellevue University belted three homeruns in the double-header on Saturday bringing the total to eight in the series as they scored 44 runs.

Bellevue University scored for the eighth straight inning with two runs in the bottom of the first inning taking a early 2-0 lead. The Bruins extended that lead to five (5-0) with three runs in the third inning powered behind a Drew Farley homerun. The final four runs of the game came in the fifth inning as the Bruins batted around getting a two RBI pinch-hit single from Tuckett Slade. Bellevue was unable to end the game early as they left two runners on in the fifth and two more in the sixth.

Drew Farley led Bellevue University, 40-11 overall, going 3-for-3 with a pair of homeruns, three RBI’s and three runs. Farley took the team-lead in homers with the two dingers, but it was short-lived as Nick Damas tied things back up at six on the season with a homerun in the second game. Four other Bruins had the remaining four hits in the game as Josh Northrup scored twice going 1-for-2 with an RBI.

Oklahoma Wesleyan University (21-26 overall) got all three of their team hits from the top of the line-up; Beau Bohuslavicky (1-for-3), Jonathan Porter (1-for-2) and JD Nalder (1-for-2). The Eagles left six runners on base, two of which were left stranded at second and third in the first inning with one out.

Bellevue’s Jon Ganzen will remain unblemished on the season improving to 6-0 as he picked up the victory giving up one hit in four innings. Kyle Wink threw the final three innings in relief allowing two hits with six strikeouts, two more than Ganzen in the start (4). The loss will go to Paul Gonzales for the visiting Eagles as he allowed six runs on five hits with four walks and a hit batter in 4 1/3 innings. Gonzales goes to 3-3 on the season as David Cummings pitched the final 1 2/3 innings in relief surrendering three runs on two hits.

In the final of four games, Bellevue scored first with Dave Powell crossing home on a RBI single from Nick Damas through the left side. Bellevue scored twice more in the second inning, one run coming from a lead-off homerun from Adam Shupe (Ankeny, Iowa). The Bruins then scored three runs in the four and fifth innings with the final tally of 11-4 with two more in the sixth.

On the previous day, Andy Brown recorded five RBI’s, in today’s action, it was Nick Damas’ turn as he went a perfect 3-for-3 with a run scored recording his sixth homerun finishing the day with five RBI’s. Dave Powell also had a perfect performance doing 3-for-3 at the plate with three runs and three RBI’s. Mike Quinlan added to the Bruins hit-parade of 14 hits going 2-for-2 at the plate as Adam Shupe went 2-for-3 with a run and RBI. Ulysses Roque will improve to 9-1 on the season scattering five hits with four runs, three earned, as the picked up six strikeouts allowing three walks late in the game.

Oklahoma Wesleyan had five hits in the game, two each from Daniel Simmons (2-for-4) as she scored three times and Tarrell Ramsey (2-for-4) with a run and RBI. The remaining hit came from Scott Carmichael as he was 1-for-2 with an RBI in the loss.
Daniel Simmons, not only batted, but will get the loss allowing three runs on four hits in 1 2/3 innings pitched. The Eagles finished the game pitching by committee with Matt Rice and Justin Brewer throwing 1 2/3 innings each. The combined to allow six runs on eight hits as JD Nalder closed out the game surrendering two hits and two run in the last inning.

Andy Brown goes 3-for-4 with five RBI's to lead Bruins

April 25, 2008

OMAHA, Neb. – Bellevue University won the 2008 MCAC regular season title following their two game sweep of Oklahoma Wesleyan University on Friday afternoon at Westgate Field in Omaha, 12-3 and 16-1 in five innings. The Bruins needed only a single victory to seal the title but got two following a combined 28 runs of offensive production. Bellevue (38-11, 19-3 MCAC) has now won eight straight games improving their home-win streak to 27 in a row having won 22 of their last 24 games. The MCAC Tournament will be hosted by Bellevue University at Westgate Field beginning next Thursday (May 1) at 11 a.m.

In the first game, Oklahoma Wesleyan (21-24, 5-17 MCAC) took the first lead of the game by scoring two runs in the top of the second inning. After Bellevue left two runners on in the bottom of the second, things exploded for the Bruins as they scored five runs on five hits in the bottom of the third inning as two Eagles errors kept the inning alive.

After taking a 5-2 lead, Bellevue then went on to score runs in each of the next four innings to win the game. The Bruins scored two in the four and fifth with three in the sixth capped off by a pinch-hit two-run homer by RJ Jerrick, his second of the season. Despite the 11 hits recorded by the Eagles offense and five stolen bases in the game, they were unable to produce runs as they left nine runners on base.

Drew Farley, Dave Powell led the Bruins with two hits each as Andy Brown, RJ Jerrick and Farley finished with two RBI’s each. Seven other batters recorded hits in the win as Brett Scarpetta picked up the victory allowing three runs on ten hits in 4 1/3 innings. Scarpetta did have six strikeouts as Cameron Young and Nick Love threw the final two innings in relief.

Oklahoma Wesleyan University got two hits from Daniel Simmons (2-for-3) while the remaining eight hits were shared with eight other batters. The loss will be credited to Chance Steven (4-7) allowing nine runs, five earned, on nine hits. Stevens pitched five innings in the start with a pair of K’s. Andrew Greenhalgh-Johnson threw the final inning of relief.

In the second game, the Bruins didn’t wait to score as they put up six runs on four hits in the first inning as they sent nine batters to the plate. The inning started with back-to-back doubles by Dave Powell and Nick Damas with the final run of the inning coming on a squeeze bunt by Jerry Zachery scoring Andy Brown from third.

From that point on, Bellevue would score in every inning this game making it eight innings in a row, including the game before, that the Bruins would put a notch on the scoreboard. The game would come to a close in the fifth via the ten-run rule when the host Bruins scored six runs in the third batting around for the second time.

Andy Brown had a monster game to lead Bellevue going 3-for-4 with two runs and five RBI’s as Nick Damas was a perfect 3-for-3 with two runs and two RBI’s. By the end of the game, Bellevue had recorded 17 hits scoring 16 runs in 30 at-bats. Of the 17 total hits, seven were extra bases, four doubles and three homers. Mike Quinlan went 1-for-1 adding three RBI’s. Peter Gehle picked up the victory improving to 6-1 giving up only two hits and an unearned run with four strikeouts.

Scott Carmichael and Jonathan Porter had the team’s only two hits of the game with the RBI from Carmichael and the run scored in the second from Tarrell Ramsey. Oklahoma Wesleyan left three runners on base as they committed three errors in the game. Austin Goins (1-2) will suffer the loss failing to record an out as he left allowing two hits and three runs. Caleb pitched the next three innings in relief allowing 13 runs on 13 hits with two strikeouts.

Bruins to finish series on Tuesday

April 22, 2008

The Bruins will close out their four-game series on Tuesday afternoon against Central Christian College with the double-header slated for a 1 p.m. start. Bellevue is currently in first place with 15 victories (15-3) with College of the Ozarks in second at 14-6 (four game remain) and Park University in third at 15-9 (league schedule complete).

With two wins on Tuesday, Bellevue would need only one victory against Oklahoma Wesleyan University this coming Friday and Saturday to clinch the regular season MCAC championship.

Slade and Farley go deep in Bruin victory

April 21, 2008

McPHERSON, Kan. -- The No. 16 rated Bellevue University got past Central Christian College by the slimest of margins on Monday's rain make-up games, 3-2 and 5-4 improving to 34-11 on the season and maintaining the top spot in the league at 15-3. Central Christian falls to 7-29 overall and 2-16 in the conference with six games remaining for both teams.

In the first game, Bellevue needed three runs in the second inning to get past Central Christian after they scored two runs in the bottom of the first. The Bruins had no extra base hits as Nick Hamsa led the way going 3-for-3 at the plate. Brett Scarpetta (4-2) enjoyed the victory allowing two runs on two hits in six innings of work. Scarpetta recorded 18 outs, 11 of which were strikeouts. Nick Love closed the door with the tying run on second base for his seventh save of the season.

The second game was just as close, as Central Christian College rallied from a 5-1 margin by scoring three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning making the score 5-4. Bellevue got homeruns from Drew Farley, his fourth of the season and Tucket Slade, his first in a Bruin uniform. Slade's shot came in a pinch-hit effort in the sixth in which it would become the eventual game-winner. Peter Gehle recorded the victory (4-1) allowing four runs, three earned, on four hits in five innings of work. Nick Love thre the final inning of relief picking up his eighth save of the year. Drew Farley and Andy Brown each went 2-for-3 at the plate.

No. 18 rated Bruins win series, Northrup records four doubles

April 14-15, 2008

PARKVILLE, Mo. - The Bellevue University baseball team, rated No. 18 in NAIA, took the season series against Park University (3-1) with a pair of wins on Tuesday afternoon at Comfort Field. The Bruins won on Monday in the first game 10-8 and 4-1 in the second. On day two and with the wind blowing out to left Tuesday afternoon, Bellevue came out on top of the slugfest 12-11 as both teams combined for 10 doubles and 4 homeruns. Bellevue won the second game 7-4.

With the completion of the four-game series, Bellevue will remain on top of the league at 13-3 as Park University falls to third place at 11-8 in the conference. Overall, the nationally rated Bruins improve to 32-11 as the host Pirates go to 18-13 having now lost 9 of their last 12 games.

Nick Damas goes long for team-leading fourth homer

April 8, 2008

OMAHA, Neb. – Bellevue University has now won an impressive 17 of their last 19 games with their 13-6 win over Dana College on brisk Tuesday evening at Westgate Field. The win streak for the Bruins has improved to 12 straight and 25 at home with the victory over a team they haven’t played in two years. After a quick 1-2-3 first inning, Bellevue scored four runs in the bottom half of the first inning sending all nine batters to the plate recording five hits with two runners left on base.

Dana College kept things close scoring twice in the top of the third with an Andy Cookston single to lead off the inning. The inning stayed alive with a tough play at first base putting runners on first and second with no outs. With two outs, Andrew James singled to score Cookston from second making the score 4-1 in favor of the host Bruins.

The visiting Vikings added another run closing the gap to two runs (4-2) heading into the bottom half of the third. The game wouldn’t be close for much longer as Bellevue, for the second time in the game, sent all nine batters to the plate scoring four runs on one hit as Dana pitcher, Charles Kimble, walked three and hit two Bruin batters. By the top of the fourth, the streaking Bellevue baseball team led 8-2.

In the bottom of the fourth, Bellevue (29-10) scored twice more with a two RBI double by Ross Jones (Omaha, NE) scoring Jerry Zachery and Andy Brown making the score 10-2. Dana College would hang tough plating two runs in the top of the fifth powered by an Andrew James RBI double.

Bellevue would get back one run in the sixth when pinch-hitter, Adam Shupe, would double to score pinch-runner, Nick Love, from first base (11-2). In the final three innings, Dana scored twice as the Bruins added two runs in the bottom of the eighth on Nick Damas’ (Chicago, IL) team-leading fourth homerun of the season.

The Bruins pounded out 18 hits in the victory as the Vikings combined for nine hits as the pitching staff of Dana struggled allowing ten free passes, eight walks and two hit batters. Dana College, 7-20 overall, had their chances leaving ten runners on base with the host Bruins not fairing much better with 13 runners stranded.

Shawn Lee led Bellevue with three hits (3-for-4) scoring three times, as Nick Damas and Matt Anderson recorded three RBI’s each. Damas was 2-for-4 as Anderson was 1-for-1 with a RBI walk and sacrifice fly. Other multi-hitters were Drew Farley (Utica, NY) going 2-for-2 as Mike Quinlan went 2-for-5. Brandon Sears, Adam Shupe, and Jerry Zachery all had doubles.

Cameron Young picked up the victory allowing two runs on two hits in three innings pitched. Young had a pair of strikeouts as the Bruin pitching staff closed out the game by committee. Kyle Wink went three innings allowing three hits and two runs recording five strikeouts as Nick Esposito had five strikeouts in two innings of relief. Nick Love threw the final inning getting a pair of K’s.

Andrew James led the Vikings going 3-for-5 at the plate with two RBI’s and two runs scored. Taylor Hoskinson added a pair of hits at the top of the lineup as Tim Sabadin went 2-for-5 in the loss. The two remaining hits came from Alex Johnson and Andy Cookston. The loss will go to Robert Riggs allowing four runs on seven hits in two innings. Charles Kimble had a rough outing giving up six runs on four hits with three walks and two hit batters in two innings of relief.

Bellevue scores 25 runs in sweep on Saturday over Peru

April 5, 2008

OMAHA, Neb. – Bellevue University kept their winning streak alive and a run at the top spot in the league with two more victories on Saturday afternoon over Peru State College improving to 10-2 in the conference. The Bruins have won 11 straight and 24 at home following their 16-4 (5) game one victory and 9-0 win to take the four-game series sweep over Peru State College. The visiting Bobcats will fall to 13-19 and has gone to 8-8 in the conference dropping seven of their last eight league games.

In the first game, the Bruins scored six runs in the first and fourth innings en-route to the five inning victory. Bellevue scored in each inning in the win as Peru State College scored two runs each in the second and fourth innings. Nick Damas was 2-for-3 in the game hitting this third homerun of the season as Matt Anderson was 2-for-2 with a pair of runs. Mike Pratt had a pinch hit double going 1-for-1 at the plate finishing with three RBI’s.

On the mound in the first game for Bellevue (28-10), Jon Ganzen (Appleton, WI) remained perfect with a 4-0 record scattering five hits allowing four unearned runs. Ganzen pitched four innings in the start with six strikeouts. Nick Esposito pitched the final inning in relief giving up one hit.

Peru State College (13-19) got two hits from Will Hays (2-for-3) and a run with the four remaining hits coming from Mark Houck, Bob Last, Brandon Jalass, and Matt Miller. The loss will go to Ben Bloom allowing ten runs on eight hits in 2 2/3 innings in the start. Bloom goes to 3-3 on the season walking two without recording a strikeout. Chris Last and Brandon Diekman combined for the final 1 1/3 innings in relief as the pitching staff, as a unit, hit six batters.

After scoring 16 runs in the first game, the second game started slower as Bellevue maintained a 2-0 lead heading into the bottom of the fifth when the Bruins added two more runs pushing the score to 4-0. An inning later, things changed as Bellevue scored five runs putting the game out of reach for the team’s 28th victory of the season.

Bellevue had nine hits in the final game of the series as Nick Damas lead the way at the plate going 2-for-4 with a run hitting his 11th double of the season. Josh Northrup was 1-for-1 hitting his second homerun of the year getting two RBI’s in the pinch-hit at-bat. Ulysses Roque continues to pitch strong for the Bruins improving to 6-2 on the year scattering three hits in 5 1/3 innings pitched with four strikeouts. Nick Love pitched the last 1 2/3 innings with three strikeouts.

Peru State College will lose their sixth straight game and tenth of their last twelve The Bobcats had a team-high two hits from Jonathan Harder going 2-for-3 at the plate. Mark Houck was 1-for-2 as the Bobcats had only three hits in the loss as Matt Martin will get the loss allowing four runs on seven hits in 4 2/3 innings. Martin will go to 1-2 on the season as he walked four with three strikeouts.

The Bruins will get back into conference next weekend, but will have a Tuesday nine-inning game against Dana College. Bellevue will host Vikings at Westgate Field on April 8 with the first pitch scheduled at 6 p.m. Bellevue is 28-10 on the season as Dana is 5-17 having won their last two games with a two-game series against Concordia University (Neb.) on Sunday (Apr. 6).

April 4, 2008

Farley homers for game-winner against Peru State
OMAHA, Neb. – Drew Farley gave the Bruins their eighth straight victory following a solo homerun in the sixth inning to win game one after Bellevue let their 8-1 lead slip away. Peru State College scored five runs in the fifth inning and two more in the top of the sixth to tie the game at 8’s. In the bottom of the sixth, Farley hit the first pitch he saw over the right field fence and held on for the victory (9-8). In the night-cap, Bellevue scored three runs in the first inning taking an early lead (3-0) and got a great pitching performance from Peter Gehle as the Bruins won the second, 6-1.

Bellevue University increased their winning streak to nine straight following the two wins over conference opponent Peru State College going to 26-10 on the season and 8-2 in the league. The Bruins have now won 22 straight home games at Westgate Field dating back to April of last season. Peru State College has now lost five of their last six conference games after standing tied atop the league at 7-1 a week ago. The Bobcats fall to 13-17-1 overall and to 8-6 in the conference.

In the first game, the Bruins scored four runs in the first inning taking a three-run lead (4-1) after the Bobcats scored to start the game. Bellevue put the Bobcats’ backs against the wall scoring a combined four runs over the next two innings (8-1) in what looked like a five inning game.

Peru State battled back getting a grand-slam from Will Hays in the fifth inning making the score 8-6 with Bellevue still ahead. In the top of the sixth, the visiting Bobcats got three hits and scored twice to even the score at 8-8 heading into bottom half of the sixth. Drew Farley came into pinch-hit for Josh Northrup and placed the ball easily over the right field fence for what ended up becoming the game-winning run.

Bellevue pounded out 13 hits in the first game getting three from Matt Anderson (3-for-4, 3 RBI’s) and a pair of hits each from Dave Powell (2-for-4, 2 runs, 3 RBI’s), Mike Quinlan (2-for-3), and Brandon Sears (2-for-2). As a team, the Bruins recorded five extra base hits, a double from Northrup (Stanwood, WA), Anderson and Sears and homeruns from Farley and Powell, his third of the season to lead the team.

Both teams combined to use seven pitchers with Kyle Wink earning the win throwing only 1/3 of an inning but ended being the pitcher of record when Farley hit his blast. Wink improves to 2-3 on the season as Jon Ganzen will pick up his first save this season throwing the final inning. Brett Scarpetta will get the no decision in his five innings of work allowing six runs on four hits walking three and hitting three. Scarpetta did finish with six strikeouts.

The Bobcats had seven hits as a team, Gary Hall and Jonathan Harder leading the way with two apiece. Hall was 2-for-3 scoring three runs as Harder picked up a pair of RBI’s getting a 1-for-3 performance from Will Hays who had the grand slam with four RBI’s to finish the game. Joakim Claesson will get the loss allowing the final run in three innings of relief with a pair of walks and four hits. Trevor Varley lasted 2 2/3 innings giving up eight runs on nine hits walking one in the start.

In the second game, the host Bruins sent all nine batters to the plate in the first inning scoring three runs and put things out of reach as they added two more runs in the fifth. With the win, Bellevue won their eighth straight conference victory after dropping two to York College to open the league schedule.

Dave Powell had a solid game going 3-for-4 at the plate with a run and RBI as six different players had the remaining hits for Bellevue. Matt Anderson (1-for-3) had his sixth double of the year as Josh Northrup was 1-for-1 with a pinch-hit double. By the end, the Bruins had four stolen bases, Powell with two giving him 14 for the season.

Peter Gehle pitched a gem of a game keeping this win/loss record unblemished at 4-0 throwing the complete game allowing one run. Gehle (Flagstaff, AZ) scattered four hits, walked and finished with eight strikeouts. After the first inning, Peter sat down ten straight batters and 15 of 17 before Peru’s single in the sixth which later scored. The complete game victory is the first in six games for the Bruin pitching staff, the last was Ulysses Roque in a 5-1 win on March 21.

Peru State College got two of their team’s four hits from Mark Houck (2-for-3) as he scored the only run on an RBI single from Will Hays in the sixth. Jonathan Harder had the last remaining hit for the Bobcats as Justin Burns will get the loss. Burns went five innings in the start allowing six runs on nine hits giving him first loss of the season (4-1) adding five strikeouts. Chris Last threw the final inning in relief with a pair of K’s.

Weather cancels game; next up - Peru State College

April 1, 2008

BELLEVUE, Neb. - The weather has, once again, played a factor in the schedule for the baseball team this year as the games scheduled against the University of Sioux Falls on Tuesday at Westgate Field has been cancelled.

A make-up date for the game has yet not been determined. Next for the Bruins will be this weekend at home against Peru State College in conference action starting at 1 p.m. The four-game series will wrap up on Saturday (Apr. 5) with the double-header at 1 p.m.

March 29, 2008

Bruins win seventh straight, improve to 7-2 in league

OMAHA, Neb. – Bellevue University won the four-game series against College of the Ozarks with a pair of victories on Saturday afternoon, 6-3 in game one and 7-2 in the night cap at Westgate Field in Omaha winning their sixth and seventh straight games. The Bruins have now won 20 in a row dating back to last April following a 1-4 loss to Park University.

In the first game, Bellevue scored first for the first time in the series with three runs in the bottom half of the second inning when Mike Quinlan had a single to right field. Quinlan later scored as Andy Brown added the second run (2-0) following a Jerry Zachery (Midland, TX) triple. Zachery (2-for-2, 2 R, 2 RBI) scored on a Shawn Lee sacrifice fly to center making the score 3-0.

Bellevue, 24-10 overall, added a run in the bottom of the fourth with the visiting Bobcats scoring three times in the top of the fifth. Nathan Carter had a one out single to center followed by a Chris Hampton single the right side. Owen Vannoy had a triple for the third hit of the inning scoring both Carter and Hampton (4-2). Vannoy (1-for-3, 2 RBI) scored on a fielding error by Bellevue making the score 4-3 with two innings to play.

In the bottom of the sixth, the Bruins (6-2 in conference) added a pair of insurance runs pushing the score to 6-3 which would be the final. Matt Anderson was 2-for-3 in the game with two RBI’s as Zachery had a solid game batting eighth with two runs himself. Jon Ganzen improved to 3-0 on the year pitching a four inning one-hitter with three strikeouts. Cameron Young allowed three runs on six hits in two innings of relief as Nick Love picked up his sixth save of the year with two strikeouts.

Coty Holt had two hits for College of the Ozarks (11-15) going 2-for-3 as five other batters had hits for the Bobcats in the loss. Nathan Carter, Chris Hampton and Owen Vannoy scored the Bobcats’ only runs in the fifth inning. Brian Decker got the loss allowing four runs on six hits in five innings. Decker added a pair of strikeouts as Cody Allen threw the final two innings of relief allowing two runs on three hits.

In the final game of the day and series, Bellevue scored three runs in the first and second innings putting the game out of reach for the Bobcats en-route to the Bruins’ seventh straight improving to an undefeated 8-0 at home. Bellevue, in the first two innings sent 16 batters to the plate recording seven hits scoring six runs leaving four runners on base.

College of the Ozarks, 2-5 in the conference, scored twice, a run in the fourth inning and again in the final inning on a Theo Atchison sacrifice fly to right field. Bellevue had four players with two hits each, Drew Farley a perfect 2-for-2 at the plate with two runs, Josh Northrup (2-for-3, 1 R, 3 RBI), Mike Quinlan (2-for-4, 2 RBI), and Andy Brown who was 2-for-2 with a RBI. Brown finished the series 7-for-10 with three multi-hit games.

Ulysses Roque improved to 5-1 on the season scattering five hits in the win. Roque allowed a single run and had four strikeouts in six innings pitched. Nick Love threw the final inning in a non-save situation allowing a run on one hit.

College of the Ozarks got a 2-for-2 performance from Nathan Carter as five other batters combined for the final five hits. The Bobcats recorded two doubles, one from Coty Holt (1-for-3, run) and Trent Oxenreider (1-for-3). Luke Holland picked up the loss lasting only 1 1/3 innings surrendering five runs on five hits walking three. Jim Posey, Seth Thompson and Andy Mitts threw the final 4 2/3 innings of relief. Posey gave up two runs walking three.

March 28, 2008

Bellevue wins fifth straight, 18th at home

OMAHA, Neb. – The Bellevue University baseball team ran their win streak to five straight games with a pair of wins on Friday evening against College of the Ozarks (Mo.), 9-3, and come-from-behind in the second game, 7-4. The Bruins, 22-10 overall, scored five runs in the third inning and two runs each in the fourth and fifth of the first game to win running away as they needed six runs in the sixth inning to take the second game in come-back fashion. Bellevue won their 18th straight home victory dating back to last season.

In the first game, College of the Ozarks got on the board first scoring a pair of runs in the top of the second inning when Bellevue had a pair of mental breakdowns taking a 2-0 lead. In the bottom half of the inning, the Bruins, 4-2 in the MCAC, scored five runs pulling ahead 5-3. Bellevue sealed the victory with two runs each in the fourth and fifth innings for their 21st victory of the year.

Dave Powell (Roseburg, OR) led the Bruins going 3-for-4 at the plate with a pair of runs as Andy Brown and Mike Pratt (Elkhart, IN) both went 2-for-3. Shawn Lee scored twice without recording a base hit as the Bruins had ten hits in the game. Brett Scarpetta improved to 4-2 on the season scattering four hits allowing three runs in five innings. Peter Gehle and Nick Love combined to pitch the final two innings.

Casey Hefler was 2-for-3 for College of the Ozarks (2-4 in the league), as Ryne Emerick, Tyler Stahl and Owen Vannoy had the final three hits for the Bobcats. Coty Holt, Emerick and Nathan Carter each scored in the loss. Jayson Mahy allowed six runs on five hits in three innings before he stepped aside due to an injury in the fourth taking the loss. Andy Mitts pitched the final three innings in relief allowing three runs on five hits with three strikeouts.

In the last game, Bellevue went down after spotting three Ozarks runs in the first inning (3-0). The Bruins added a run in the bottom of the third and one in the fifth pulling to within a run with two innings left (3-2). After College of the Ozarks scored in the top half of the sixth taking a 4-2 lead, Bellevue sent all nine batters to the plate scoring five runs on three hits in the bottom half of the inning.

The Bruins, improved to 22-10 on the season, following the 7-4 come-back victory at Westgate Field. Tuckett Slade was the ‘hero’ pushing across the go-ahead and eventual winning run with a 0-2 count single to left sending pinch runner, Ross Jones, and Nick Hamsa (Omaha, NE) across home plate. Nick Damas added insult to injury as he had a bases loaded double that cleared the bases in the same inning.

Damas led the Bruins with four RBI’s going 2-for-4 at the plate as Josh Northrup (2-for-4) and Andy Brown (2-for-3) all had multi-hit games. Slade was a perfect 1-for-1 with the game-winning RBI’s as Dave Powell scored twice. Nick Love got the victory going two innings in relief allowing a run on two hits as Kyle Wink received the no decision scattering six hits in four innings surrendering three runs.

College of the Ozarks, 11-14 overall, had two multi-hit games, one from Coty Holt who finished going 3-for-4 with a stolen base and a run scored and Nathan Carter who was 2-for-3, also scoring once. The Bobcats had ten hits in the loss and stranded nine batters on base. Brock Shamel got the loss as he left the sixth inning with the bases loaded. Shamel gave up five runs on six hits in the five innings of work. Jeremy Warren, allowed the game-winning hit after getting the first two Bellevue batters he faced out with the bases jammed.

Bellevue scores four runs in fourth to seal win

OMAHA, Neb. – The 11th rated Bellevue University Bruins scored four runs in the bottom of the fourth inning to defeat Northwestern College on Monday night at Westgate Field in a game that was moved to Omaha due to poor field conditions in Orange City, Iowa. The Bruins ran their win streak to three games winning their 20th game of the season. Northwestern College goes to 10-8 overall and 2-2 in their last four games.

Northwestern College started the game with Jake Jansen single with two outs, but Bellevue’s Jon Ganzen was able to leave that runner stranded with a Codie Zeutenhorst strikeout to end the inning. In the next three and half innings, Bellevue recorded the only hits, both coming in the bottom of the third leaving them stranded keeping the score tied at 0-0 heading into the top of the fifth.

Mike Zoellner (1-for-3) had a single with one out for the Red Raiders then advanced to second base on a wild pitch putting him in scoring position. Justin Boersma picked up a single to the right side advancing Zoellner to third with runner’s on the corners with only one out. Austin Malone doubled to clear the bases taking a 2-0 lead by the bottom of the fourth.

Bellevue University, 20-10 overall, had nine hits in the game, four of which came in the fourth inning. Jerry Zachery (Midland, TX) doubled to lead off the inning that landed in shallow right. Shawn Lee (2-for-3, RBI) single up the middle putting the Bruins on the board as Zachery crossed the plate (1-2). Drew Farley, the MCAC Player of the Week, recorded Bellevue’s second double of the inning tying the game at 2-2 when Dave Powell scored. Powell reached base on an error two at bats prior to Farley’s (2-for-4, run, RBI) extra base hit.

Mike Quinlan (1-for-3) added an RBI single to score Farley as Brandon Sears put Bellevue in the lead (4-2) after being hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. RJ Jerrick had a chance to blow the game wide open, but grounded into a fielder’s choice leaving the bases loaded heading to the top of the fifth.

Nick Love (Omaha, NE) came in to relieve Jon Ganzen in the sixth inning and with two outs, Northwestern loaded the bases with an error, a hit batter and a walk. The rallied stalled when Love, who recorded his fifth save of the season, got Justin Boersma to strikeout giving an easy tag at home for Mike Pratt on the passed ball.

Neither team scored in the final three innings, with the Red Raider’s best chance to tie the game coming in the final inning with a one out double by Matt Gray (1-for-3). Gray was left stranded as Austin Malone and Grant Wall ended the game on a strikeout and fly ball to left field.

Stuart Moore got the loss for Northwestern allowing four runs, one earned, on six hits in five innings of work. Andrew Engesser pitched three innings in relief scattering three hits. Both pitchers combined for five walks. Jon Ganzen (2-0) picked up his second victory of the year for Bellevue allowing two runs on four hits in five innings. Ganzen had three strikeouts as Nick Love went four innings giving up two hits with five strikeouts. Dave Powell, Shawn Lee and Nick Damas (2-for-3) all had recorded stolen bases in the win.

Bruins tie series against Panthers (2-2)

March 21, 2008

YORK, Neb. - Bellevue University, ranked No. 11 in the last NAIA poll, rebounded on Friday afternoon with a pair of wins to tie the series against York College at 2-2. In the first game scored in each of the first four inning capped off by five runs in the fourth taking the 12-4 victory. The Bruins followed that up with a 5-1 win in the second game scoring all five runs in the first three innings improving to 19-10 overall getting back to .500 in the conference at 2-2. York College goes to 15-15 overall and 3-4 in the conference. 

Game One

In a slightly coolor day than the day before, the Bellevue bats heated up scoring 11 of their 12 runs in the first five innings of the game. The Bruins had five extra base hits in the game, four double and a triple sending Bellevue to their first conference win of the season. The score would have been much higher, but both teams combined to leave 21 runners on base.

Drew Farley got things started by putting Bellevue up 1-0 by the end of the first inning. York College, like the day before, rebounded scoring twice more in the bottom half taking the 2-1 lead. The lead was short-lived as Bellevue scored three runs reclaiming the lead (4-2) highlighted by a Drew Farley (Utica, NY) triple that scored two Bruin baserunners.

By the end of the third inning, Bellevue had a 6-3 lead and sealed the victory by scoring five runs in the top of the fourth on five hits leaving the bases loaded. In that inning the Bruins sent 11 batters to the plate getting five RBI's from five different players.  Both teams scored once more for the final of 12-4 as Bellevue had 15 hits compared to 11 for York.

Bellevue had two perfect plate appearances in the game, Andy Brown going 3-for-3 with three runs to lead the team adding an RBI, and Shawn Lee scoring twice also going 3-for-3. Drew Farley had a huge game going 2-for-3 with three RBI's which included a triple and double. Bellevue added five stolen bases in the victory. RJ Jerrick (Iowa City, IA) was 1-for-1 adding an RBI in a pinch-hit appearance as Jerry Zachery added two RBI's. Cameron Young picked up his team-leading fifth win (5-2) allowing four runs on ten hits in five innings. Young had two strikeouts and three walks. Peter Gehle pitched two innings in relief with a strikeout surrendering one hit.

For York College, Kellen Love led the team going 3-for-4 at the plate as Eric Davidson was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Five different players had RBI's and runs for York College as Adam Janky recorded two walks going 1-for-2 at the plate with a run. Joe Ramirez couldn't get out of the fourth inning allowing ten runs on eleven hits in 3 2/3 innings pitched. Ramirez had two strikeouts and three walks as relief pitcher, Dusty Dominguez, pitched the final 3 1/3 innings. Dominguez allowed two runs on four hits with a strikeout also walking three.

Game Two

Bellevue University swept Friday's game winning 5-1 over York College scored twice in the first and second innings closing the door to the Bruins' 19th victory of the season (19-10). Dave Powell and Nick Damas each recorded doubles in the game and both teams, compared to last game, combined to lead 10 runners on base. The Bruins had seven hits as the Panthers had five with only walk combined between both pitching staffs.

York's only run came in the bottom of the first inning Adam Janky scored on a Dylan Connolly groundout. With the score tied at 1-1 entering the top of the second, Brandon Sears would record what would become the winning RBI scoring Mike Quinlan on a groudout. Bellevue would go on to add one more run in the second and two more in the third for the victory. The Panthers didn't help themselves committing five errors to Bellevue's three.

Omaha native, Mike Quinlan, was the only Bruin to record two hits going 2-for-3 with a run and RBI. Dave Powell, Nick Damas, Drew Farley, Andy Brown and Shawn Lee had the remaining five hits. Ulyssess Roque (Coral Gables, FL) picked up his fourth win of the season (4-1) scattering five hits in the complete game. Roque surrended one unearned run with five strikeouts and a walk.

John Richard had a multi-hit game for York College (15-15) going 2-for-3 at the plate as Adam Janky, Joe Ramirez and Kellen Love each went 1-for-3 with Janky scoring the only run. Mike Becker went three innings in the start allowing four five runs on seven hits. Joel Fleck pitched the final four innings in relief not allowing a single Bruin baserunner. Fleck pitched a four perfect innings with six strikeouts.

Next Monday afternoon, Bellevue will face Northwestern College in a rematch of last year's NAIA super regional contest in which Bruins won advancing to the NAIA world series. The first pitch is scheduled at 3 p.m. (Mar. 24). Check the website as the location of the game could be moved due to the field conditions in Orange City, Iowa.

Panthers takes two from No. 11 Bruins

March 20, 2008

YORK, Neb. - The Bellevue University Bruins, rated No. 11 in NAIA,  had their five game win streak come to an end following a pair of losses to York College in their conference opener on Thursday afternoon at Panther Field in York. In the first game, the Bruins were playing from behind all game and their two runs in the final inning wasn't enough dropping the first of two, 3-4. In the second game, Bellevue gave up three runs including a two-run walk-off homer to the Panthers losing 5-6 dropping Bellevue to 0-2 in the conference and 17-10 overall.

Game One

Bellevue came out swinging and took a 1-0 lead by the end of the first inning when Dave Powell scored following his double to lead-off the inning. Josh Northrup singled Powell across home plate taking a 1-0 lead. York College, 14-13, countered with a pair of runs in the bottom of the second inning when Bellevue committed an error scoring two Panther runs (1-2).

York College scored runs in the fourth and fifth innings taking a 4-1 lead heading into the final inning. Bellevue, winner of the MCAC regular season last year, put on three of their first four batters following a pinch hit pop-up by Jerry Alayon. Jerry Zachery singled putting a runner on with a one out followed by a Drew Farley single. Dave Powell loaded the bases after a walk putting the Bruins in position to tie with a long ball. With two outs after a Nick Damas strikeout, Matt Anderson had a two RBI single to center scoring Zachery and Farley. John Northrup ended the game with a runner on third striking out giving Bellevue their first loss to open the conference season since 2004 (Park University).

Matt Anderson (Rapid City, SD) led the Bruins with three RBI's in the loss while Jerry Zachery (Midland, TX) was a perfect 2-for-2 at the plate with a run. Bellevue had ten hits in the game with one extra base hit, a double by Dave Powell (2-for-3) to start the game. Josh Northrup, Joe Johnson, Mike Quinlan, Drew Farley and Andy Brown all had hits for Bellevue as Brett Scarpetta picked up the loss. Scarpetta goes to 3-2 on the season allowing four runs on six hits in five innings. Peter Gehle (Flagstaff, AZ) pitched the final inning in relief with a walk facing four batters.

Dylan Connolly was 2-for-3 with an RBI for York College as the team had six hits in the victory but left only four runners on base to Bellevue's seven. Four other Panthers had hits with runs coming from lead-off batter, Adam Janky, Langston Frison, Kellen Love and Curtis Eubanks. Nick Jones had the complete game victory allowing ten hits but only three runs, two earned. Jone had six strikeouts not allowing a single walk.

Game Two

In the second game, Bellevue dropped their second straight game, 5-6. The last time Bellevue opened the season with two straight conference losses was in 2004 againt Park University in Parkville. The Bruins, 17-10 overall and 0-2 in the conference, had a 2-0 lead after the second inning when Bellevue put their first two batters on base to start the game. Andy Brown (Torrington, WY) and Brandon Sears (Omaha, NE) both scored following a sac fly by Jerry Zachery and a single by Nick Damas.

Both teams were held scoreless over the next two and a half innings until the bottom of the fifth inning with Curtis Eubanks singled to lead off the inning. Travis Fortner walked putting Panther runners on first and second with one out. After an Adam Janky line-out to centerfield, the Bruins were an out from dodging a bullet, but instead John Richards homered taking a 3-2 lead.

In the top of the next inning, Bellevue rebounded by sending seven batters to the plate. With the help of some York mental and fielding mistakes, Bellevue scored three runs on three hits to reclaim the lead at 5-3. York failed to score in the bottom half of the sixth as Bellevue went 1-2-3 in the top of the seventh.

Gary Bandy reached base in the final inning after a passed ball on a third strike putting a runner on with one out. With two outs after a Janky strikeout, York was down a run (4-5) after Bandy scored on a Richards triple. Dylan Connolly homered on the Panthers' next at-bat scoring Richards to record the game tying and winning runs.

Bellevue University shared the wealth with six different batters recording hits as Andy Brown (1-for-2) had the only extra base hit, a double to lead off the sixth inning. Brandon Sears scored twice going 1-for-3 at the plate as Brown, Shawn Lee and Jerry Zachery all scored. Kyle Wink goes to 1-4 on the year having lost three straight since his win against Mount Mercy (Feb. 29). Wink pitched the complete game surrendering six runs, three earned, on six hits. Wink did have nine strikeouts placing him second on the team with 40 for the season.

York College, 15-13 overall and 3-2 in the conference, got six combined RBI's from their second and third batters going 4-for-7 at the plate with three runs. John Richards was 2-for-4 with four RBI's and two runs as Connolly was 2-for-3 with two RBI's and a run. Richards and Connolly combined to record four of the teams six hits and three of their six runs and all RBI's. Robert Enriquez pitched the no decision allowing five runs on four hits in the five inning start. Joel Fleck had the victory pitching the final two innings in relief scattering two hits without a single strikeout or walk.

These two teams will meet again at 1 p.m. on Friday (Mar. 21) to close out their four-game series with a double-header at Panther Field in York College. Bellevue will look to rebound after dropping their second straight and conference opener.

Bruins score 13 runs in victory

March 18, 2008

OMAHA, Neb. -- The 11th rated Bellevue University Bruins baseball team won their fifth straight victory following a convincing 13-1 win over Briar Cliff University on Tuesday evening at Westgate Field in Omaha. With the Bruins holding onto a close 2-1 lead heading into the bottom of the third, Bellevue scored two runs adding two more runs in the bottom of the fourth to pull away (6-1). Bellevue sealed the victory in the bottom of the eighth inning when Joe Johnson hit a grand slam pushing the final score to 13-1 vaulting the the Bruins to 17-8 overall.

Joe Johnson led Bellevue with a game-high five RBI's in the win recording two extra base hits, his homer in the eighth and a double in the seventh as he went 2-for-3 in the game. The Bruins pounded out 13 hits as the team shared the wealth with twelve different batters reaching base with hits. The team had five extra base hits which included four doubles and two homeruns. Shawn Lee had the start allowing a single run on two hits in three innings as Nick Esposito went two innings in relief scatter a pair of hits. Brett Scarpetta, Kyle Wink, Peter Gehle and Nick Love combined to pitch the final four innings, one inning each. The Bruin pitching squad combined for 10 strikeouts.

Briar Cliff University had seven hits, all from different players as Callahan recorded the only run and RBI with a homerun in the third inning. Callahan was 1-for-3 at the plate as Keane picked up the loss. Keane pitched five innings allowing six runs on seven hits. Linhardt, Johnson and Davidson pitched in relief as Davidson and Schneider combined to throw the final inning surrendering six runs on four hits with a walk.

This weekend, Bellevue will open their conference schedule with four-game series on Thursday and Friday (Mar. 20-21) in a schedule change to avoid the weather. The double-header's will begin at 1 p.m. on both days. Bellevue won the regular season league championship last year.

Bruins score 14 runs in two games

March 16, 2008

BELLEVUE, NE – Bellevue University increased their winning streak to four games and to 16-8 overall following two victories on "Tanner Day" (Mar. 16) against Mayville State University (7-1) and Viterbo University (7-0) in a cold day following their Florida trip.

Bellevue opened the day with a 7-1 win over Mayville State College winning their third straight in their home opener at Westgate Field. The Bruins scored two runs in the bottom of the second inning and three in the bottom of the sixth inning to seal the victory. Ulysses Roque picked up the victory as Shawn Lee led all batters going 2-for-2 with a pair of RBI's.

In the second game, following the memorial ceremony for Tanner Lusk (www.tannerville.com), Bellevue University came out slugging as they batted around the order scoring five of their seven runs in the bottom of the second inning. The Bruins didn't record an extra-base hit in the victory over Viterbo as Cameron Young got the win as Nick Love pitched two innings with three strikeouts. Nick Hamsa was 1-for-1 with a run and RBI for Bellevue.

Bellevue, 16-8 overall, has a game scheduled against Briar Cliff University on Tuesday, March 17, at Westgate Field with the nine inning game beginning at 3 p.m. Check the website for updates as the impending weather may affect the game.

Bruins win second straight

March 13, 2008

LAKE WALES, Fla. -- Bellevue University, rated No. 11 in NAIA, finished their Florida trip with a victory over Warner Southern College on Friday afternoon. The Bruins scored in six of the nine innigs to take home the 11-2 victory out-scoring the Lancers 22-5 in the two-game series. Bellevue scored in each of the first four innings reclaiming a 3-2 lead by the top of the third inning after Warner scored twice in the bottom of the first. The Bruins ran away with the game scoring two runs in the top of the sixth and four more in the final of nine innings.

Bellevue University (14-8 overall) had five players with multi-hit games, Nick Damas going 3-for-4 with three RBI's and two runs in the lead off position adding a pair of doubles. Jerry Zachery was 2-for-4 as Mike Quinlan was perfect at the plate in a pinch-hit role, 2-for-2. RJ Jerrick had the lone Bruins homerun going 2-for-3 with two runs and a RBI as Nick Hamsa recorded a double going 2-for-3 with two runs. Bellevue's pitching was solid following the first inning as Peter Gehle picked up the victory improving to 3-1 on the season allowing two earned runs on four hits with eight strikeouts in seven innings. Nick Love had a relief appearance striking out three in two innings scattering four hits.

Waner Southern College had two players with two hits each, Brad Menadie (2-for-4) and Oren Suess (2-for-4). Dave Murray had a two-run homer in the first inning, the Lancers' only runs as he was 1-for-3 with two RBI's. Warner Southern had eight hits in the game with other run coming from Menadie. John Durham had the loss allowing seven runs, all earned, on 11 hits in seven innings pitched. Durham had seven strikeouts as AJ Holbeck and Kendal Sherr combined to pitch the final two innings in relief allowing four runs on five hits.

Bellevue will return home on Saturday and open at home on Sunday with two games against Mayville State University and Viterbo College at 1 & 3 p.m. Next weekend, the baseball team will open their conference schedule with a four game against York College beginning at 1 p.m.

Bruins end Lancers' five game win streak

March 13, 2008

LAKE WALES, Fla. -- In what was a close 6-3 lead for Bellevue heading into the final inning ended a lop-sided victory for the Bruins scoring five runs in the top of the ninth to win 11-3 rebounding from their loss the previous night. Bellevue, 13-8 overall, and No. 11 in NAIA, pounded out 12 hits in the victory from nine different players.

Nick Damas led the Bruins at the plate going 3-for-4 with a run as Dave Powell was 1-for-4 with three RBI’s and a double. Shawn Lee led the team with four RBI’s going 1-for-3. Nine different batters scored as Josh Northrup and Jerry Alayon each crossed the plate twice.

Three Bellevue pitchers combined for the four hit complete game with Brett Scarpetta recording his third victory of the season (3-1). Scarpetta allowed three runs on four hits in seven innings with the start recording a game-high 10 strikeouts. Cameron Young and Nick Love threw the final two innings, one each, combining to strikeout three batters with no-hit relief.

Warner Southern College (20-10) had their five-game win streak end as two batters recorded the only hits for the Royals. Nick Polston was 2-for-3 with a run and RBI in his multi-hit game with a 2-for-3 performance from Oren Suess. Brad Menadie went 0-for-2 but failed to score with a pair of walks.

Brett Stanto got the loss for the Royals allowing six runs on eight hits in seven innings of work. Stanto allowed three walks with two strikeouts. Drew Collier pitched two innings in relief not fairing much better than Stanto allowing five runs on four hits with four walks.

Bellevue will finish their Florida road trip ending their two-game series against Warner Southern College on Friday afternoon beginning at 1 p.m. (CST). The Bruins will return home and play their home opener double-header against Mayville State and Viterbo University. Sunday (Mar. 16) will begin at 1 p.m. against Mayville followed by Viterbo at 3 p.m.

Bruins split with Webber International in final day

March 12, 2008

BABSON PARK, Fla. -- Bellevue University won their second game over Webber International University and third straight following a 4-3 two-day game that was halted from Tuesday night and finished on Wednesday evening. Bellevue carried over the game in the fourth inning down 1-0 but scored two runs in the fifth and eighth inning to win by the final of 4-3.

Nick Damas continued with his hot bat for Bellevue as he along with three others recorded two hits in the game. Damas was 2-for-5 with an RBI as Dave Powell, Andy Brown were 2-for-4 as Jerry Alayon was 2-for-3. As a team, Bellevue had 10 hits without recording a single extra-base hit.

Ulysses Roque pitched the no decision as the game was halted going four innings allowing a single run on four hits. Cameron Young picked up the victory with three innings starting on Thursday allowing two runs on four hits with four strikeouts to lead the team. Nick Love added another notch to his save total striking out three of six batters he faced in two innings.

Webber International University (15-13) drops their second straight against the Bruins with 11 total hits from nine different players. Rodriguez was 2-for-5 as Mathis was 2-for-5 with a RBI and run. Jim Latorre was 1-for-4 with two RBI’s to lead the team. Wilson, Mathis and Latorre each had doubles getting two stolen bases from Chad Pearce.

Miller (1-1) got the loss for Webber allowing four runs, two earned, in eight innings of work with a game-high 11 strikeouts. Knowles and Anthony Ficarro combined to pitch the final inning no allowing a hit or recording a strikeout.

GAME TWO
In the final of the three-game series, Bellevue allowed two runs in the bottom of the fifth inning that ended up being the difference with Webber International University pulling out the victory. Bellevue University goes to 12-8 on the season following the 2-4 loss in Florida.

Bellevue University tied up the game in the second inning after allowing a Webber run in the bottom of the first inning. Webber International then took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the second only to have it tied back up in the top of the third. The turning point in the game came in the fifth inning when the Webber scored the winning runs then held by shutting out the Bruins in the next two innings.

The Bruins had their lowest output offensively in three games against Webber with only three hits, one each from Nick Damas (1-for-3), Dave Powell (1-for-3) and Ross Jones going 1-for-1 with a run scored. Bellevue’s RBI’s came from Drew Farley and Jerry Zachery without recording hits.

Kyle Wink pitched five innings allowing four runs, three earned, on five hits with five strikeouts as he goes to 1-2 on the season. Peter Gehle pitched an inning in relief giving up a walk facing four batters.

Webber International improves to 16-13 overall getting all five hits and four RBI’s from different players. Burgos was 1-for-2 with two runs as Wilson, Mathis, Horne and Borgia all had hits. Chad Pearce, Wilson, Mathis and Borgia had the team’s RBI total with Borgia going 1-for-1 adding a pair of runs.

Hile (4-1) pitched the complete game victory for Webber allowing three runs, two earned, and scattered three hits. Hile allowed two walks but recorded three strikeouts in the victory.

Anderson and Damas go deep in victory

March 10, 2008

BABSON PARK, Fla. -- Bellevue University, rated No. 11 in NAIA, won their second straight following a slugfest that highlighted three Bruin homeruns in a 13-11 victory improving to 11-7 on the season. The Bruins down 10-11 heading into the top of the eighth inning, Drew Farley led off the inning with a single up the middle.

With two outs, Mike Quinlan hit a homerun which would be the eventual game-winning run and RBI. Mike Pratt singled but the rally fell short with a foul out by RJ Jerrick. Bellevue (11-7) added an insurance run in the final inning Nick Damas singled to score Shawn Lee who stole second base earlier. Nick Love came in and got the final three Webber International players to groundout, strikeout and foul out to end the game.

Nick Damas, Drew Farley and Matt Anderson, Bellevue’s 1-2-3 hitter combined to go 8-for-15 at the plate with seven runs and eight RBI’s as Anderson and Damas each hit homers. Damas (3-for-6) had four RBI’s in the victory as Dave Powell and Mike Pratt were each 2-for-4.

Bellevue University has a season-high 11 stolen bases against Webber International; Powell, Joe Johnson and Lee with two each as Damas, Farley, Ross Jones, Jerry Alayon and Jerry Zachery each had one. Nick Esposito started but only lasted an inning allowing six runs on six hits as Peter Gehle went 4 2/3 in relief surrendering four runs, two earned, on four hits.

Nick Love picked up his first victory of the season going 2 1/3 innings with three strikeouts allowing a single hit as Brett Scarpetta earned his first save of the season pitching the final inning.

Webber International University goes to 15-12 overall got five RBI’s from Mathis who was 2-for-5 without a single extra base hit. Jim Latorre had a homer going 1-for-5 with three RBI’s as the team combined for 14 hits. Wise started the game on the mound allowing eight runs, seven earned, on nine hits in 3 1/3 innings in the no decision. Knowles failed to record an out allowing two runs on three hits in relief as Ficarro picked up the loss allowing the tying and go-ahead runs in 1 2/3 innings.

Bruins falls to #5 Spring Arbor in extra innings

March 7, 2008

LAKE WALES , Fla. -- The nationally rated Bellevue University Bruins suffered their second set-back on Friday at the Warner Southern Tournament with a 2-1 loss to fifth-ranked Spring Arbor University, 2-1 in extra innings. Spring Arbor scored in the first inning when Schaible walked and advanced to third on a failed pick-off attempt by Bellevue's starting pitcher, Brett Scarpetta.

Schaible scored on a Bachman single giving the Cougars a 1-0 lead. Following a 1-2-3 first inning, the Bruins had back-to-back hits from Dave Powell and Joe Johnson to lead off the bottom of the second inning. The rallied stalled with the next two batters failing to get the ball out of the infield with the inning ending on a Jerry Zachery bunt forcing Powell out at third leaving three runners on base.

Bellevue University (9-7) tied the game at 1-1 in the third when Shawn Lee reached on a fielding error by the Cougars third baseman. Lee, on the errant throw, advanced to second base with no outs. Nick Damas moved Lee to third on a sacrifice bunt as Farley recorded the ground-out RBI tying the score.

Spring Arbor was held hitless over the next four innings as Bellevue had a single in the fourth and a lead-off double by Powell to lead off the final inning with a chance to win. With no outs, Powell was tagged out as a bunt by Johnson was fielded by the pitcher throwing to third base. Brandon Sears wasn't able to advance pinch runner, Ross Jones, with a strikeout as Jerry Alayon grounded out to end the inning forcing extra innings.

The Cougars finally recorded their first base since the second inning when Baker singled with two outs. Vojkofsky doubled home Baker giving Spring Arbor a 2-1 lead. Nick Love came in to relieve Brett Scarpetta and walked the next batter putting runners on first and second.  After a fielding error on the Bellevue catcher, the bases were loaded but Love got Michael to fly out to left field ending the inning.

Josh Northrup and Damas singled putting two runners on base for Bellevue with one out. For the second straight game, Bellevue failed to score a run with runners in scoring position in the final inning as the Bruins grounded into a game-ending double play. Bellevue drops their third straight against Spring Arbor dating back to last season and winless (0-6) against ranked opponents this year.

Dave Powell and Joe Johnson each had a multi-hit game going 2-for-3 at the plate as Nick Damas (1-for-3), Jerry Zachery (1-for-2) and Josh Northrup (1-for-1) recorded the remining three hits. Shawn Lee was 0-for-2 scoring Bellevue's only run and had six assists in the field. Brett Scarpetta drops his first game of the year going to 2-1 allowing two runs, one earned, on four hits in 7 2/3 innings. Scarpetta recorded seven strikeouts in the loss as Nick Love pitched the final out with a strikeout and walk.

Spring Arbor, the No. 5 team in NAIA, had four different batters records hits in the win. The Cougars RBI's came from Bachman (1-for-4) and Vojkofsky (1-for-4) with runs from Schaible and Baker. Bachman will pick up the victory giving up one unearned run on seven hits striking out three Bruin batters without issuing a single walk in eight innings.

Bruins manage only two hits in loss 

March 7, 2008

LAKE WALES, Fla. -- Bellevue University, rated No. 11 in NAIA, dropped their first game on Friday morning at the Warner Southern Tournament with a 1-0 loss to Thomas University. The only run was scored in the bottom half of the third inning on on a fielder's choice by Night Hawks right fielder, Adams, which scored Cheney after reaching base on a Bellevue error in the third inning. The lone run was the difference in the game as the Bruins have lost two of their last three games falling to 1-2 during the tournament.

Bellevue University, 9-6 overall, were held hitless heading into the sixth inning when Shawn Lee (Gosnell, AR) singled to lead off the inning. With the Bruins down a run, Lee advanced to second on a Ross Jones ground out. The chance to tie the game was ended with Lee getting picked off at second base and Nick Damas ending the inning on a strikeout.

Heading into the final inning and Thomas still nursing a 1-0 lead, Drew Farley led off with a double. Jerry Alayon laid down a sacrifice bunt advancing Farley to third with one out. Bellevue, with a chance to force extra innings with a sacrifice fly, the game ended with two straight infield ground-outs giving Bellevue their sixth loss of the season.

Shawn Lee (1-for-2) and Drew Farley (1-for-2) were the only batters to record a hit as Nick Damas and Mike Quinlan both reached base with walks. The Bruins stranded two runners in the game as only four players reached base in the loss. Kyle Wink (1-2) picked up the loss scattering five hits allowing one run, unearned, in six innings. Wink had two walks and six strikeouts.

Thomas University had five hits in the game, two from Griffin who led the team going 2-for-3. Blanton, Vitello and Huett had the remaining three hits with the only run from Cheney (0-for-3) but reached base on an error scoring the eventual game-winning run. Pepper had the victory pitching a complete game shutout giving up two hits with three strikeouts.

Powell goes yard in Bellevue victory

March 6, 2008

LAKE WALES, Fla. -- Bellevue University, rated No. 11 in NAIA, rebounded quickly from their early morning loss with a 6-1 victory over Siena Heights University at the Warner Southern College Tournament Thursday afternoon.

Bellevue University, 9-5 overall, struck first with three runs in the first inning taking a 3-0 lead over the Saints. Drew Farley singled with one out in the first inning followed by a Matt Anderson single that put Dave Powell at the plate. Powell, then, hit his second homer of the season giving Bellevue the lead and his team-leading 8th, 9th and 10th RBI of the year.

Siena Heights (2-5) added a run in the bottom of the third inning on a RBI single by Campbell. Stromer fouled out to end the inning leaving two Saint runners on base.

The Bruins got the run back in the top of the next inning on a Brandon Sears homerun, the first of his Bellevue career, followed by two additional runs in the top of the fifth on an Andy Brown two RBI single.

Dave Powell led Bellevue University going 2-for-3 with a pair of runs and three RBI's as Brandon Sears also had a multi-hit game going 2-for-3 with a run and RBI. Andy Brown and Ross Jones were each 1-for-1 getting two RBI's from Brown. The Bruins pounded out their third most hits of the year with ten as eight different batters had hits.

Ulysses Roque (2-1) had a solid outing with six innings pitched in the victory scattering five hits allowing a single earned run with five strikeouts. Nick Exposito also pitched an inning in relief facing three batters with two strikeouts.

Siena Heights had five hits, two from Kruszka (2-for-3) and one each from Campbell, Stoddard and Fricke. The Saints had four runners reach on walks but they left eight on base in the loss. Cross (1-1) pitched the complete game allowing six runs, four earned, on ten hits. Cross had a single strikeout and walked one in his first set-back of the season.

Bellevue baseball drops to #22 Saint Ambrose

March 6, 2008

Lake Wales, Fla. -- Bellevue University dropped their first game since returning home from California on Thursday morning to No. 22 Saint Ambrose University at the Warner Southern Tournament.

The game remaining scoreless until the bottom half of the second inning when the Bruins broke the tie following a Matt Anderson (2) lead-off homerun putting Bellevue up 1-0.

In the top of the third, Saint Ambrose countered with a lead-off homer from Merten to left field tying the game at 1-1. Bellevue reclaimed the lead for the second time in the bottom half of the third when Nick Damas went deep for his first of the season going up 2-0.

Saint Ambrose University (4-1) took a 3-2 lead following a lead-off walk to Gaulden and a Roesler homerun, their second of the game. The lead increased to 6-2, when, with two outs, Saint Ambrose had the four straight batters reach base capped off by a two run single to center from Fletcher.

Bellevue University goes to 9-4 following the loss, their first in nine games ending their eight-game winning streak. Matt Anderson (Rapid City, SD) led the team going 2-for-2 with a homerun as Nick Damas also recorded his first Bellevue career homerun going 1-for-3.

The Bruins had six hits in the game, Dave Powell, Tuckett Slade and Andy Brown had the remaining three hits. Cameron Young went three innings in the start allowing three earned runs on three hits. Young will go to 2-2 on the season following the loss with four strikeouts. Peter Gehle, Nick Love and Nick Esposito all pitched in relief.

The Fighting Bees were led by Roesler going 3-for-3 with a run and two RBI's while Gaulden was 2-for-3 also scoring a run and RBI. Norkus picked up the victory allowing two runs on three hits in the four inning start. Norkus goes to 1-0 on the season as Culter earns a save scattering three hits, no runs and five strikeouts in three innings of relief.

Bruins drop Dakota Wesleyan and Mount Mercy; 8-4 overall

March 1, 2008

WICHITA, Kan. -- Since dropping their first four games of the season against California Baptist University, the 11th rated Bellevue University Bruins has reeled off eight straight capped off with two victories on Saturday at Love Field in Wichita, Kansas. The Bruins defeated Dakota Wesleyan University on Saturday morning, 3-2, then exploded in the twin-bill in a 13-0 shutout victory over Mount Mercy for the third time.

In the first game, pinch-runner, Ross Jones scored on a Nick Damas base hit that that was misplayed by the Dakota Wesleyan shortstop that allowed the eventual game-winning run to cross home plate giving Bellevue their seventh win of the season.

Bellevue scored first in the bottom of the opening inning and increased the score to 2-0 by the bottom of the second inning. Dakota Wesleyan didn't go away Pritt scored on a single by Henry then scored himself on a field error by the Bruins second basemen to tie the game at 2's.

In the bottom of the fourth, Bellevue pulled out the victory as Ulysses Roque and Nick Love held and closed out the final two innings for the victory.

Bellevue University (7-4) got two base hits each from Drew Farley (Utica, NY) and Omaha native, Brandon Sears, to lead the team as Nick Damas and Matt Anderson added hits in the victory. Damas was 1-for-3 with a run as Farley and Sears were 2-for-3 at the plate getting the only recorded RBI from Anderson (1-for-3).

Cameron Young (Fort Worth, TX) improved to 2-1 on the season following a five inning victory allowing two runs, one earned, on three hits with eight strikeouts. Roque and Love pitched the final two innings in relief as Love added to his save total (3) with a pair of strikeouts facing three batters.

Dakota Wesleyan University (1-4) had three hits in the game, one each from Pritt, Henry and Isaacson. The Tigers left three runners stranded as Stevens got the loss allowing all three runs, one earned, on six hits recording two strikeouts.

In the final game, Bellevue scored their third highest output of the season with 13 runs on six hits as Mount Mercy committed seven errors in the 13-0 shutout victory, the Bruins' second shutout of the season.

Bellevue, 8-4 overall, got things started with three runs in the top of the first inning then added two more in the second taking a commanding 5-0 lead. By the fourth inning, the Bruins added an insurance run but it didn't stop there as seven runs were added in the fifth to end the game due to a run-rule.

With all the runs Bellevue scored, only one extra base hit was recorded, Jerry Alayon's double in the second inning. Drew Farley, Matt Anderson, Joe Johnson and Alayon were all hit by pitch as Bellevue left five stranded. Nick Damas, who was 1-for-4, scored three times recording a pair of steals.

Dave Powell led the nationally rated Bruins going 3-for-4 at the plate knocking in two RBI's as Joe Johnson was 1-for-2 with a run and 2 RBI's. Peter Gehle goes to 2-0 on the year after pitching three shutout innings with four strikeouts allowing a single hit. Ulysses Roque pitched an inning in relief as Powell found the mound throwing the final inning with a strikeout.

Mount Mercy College falls to 3-7 on the year as they managed only two hits in the loss. Jones led the team going 2-for-3 with the only hits in the first and fifth innings. Heffner allowed 11 runs, one earned on five hits in four innings pitched as Discus closed the game allowing two unearned runs on a single hit.

No. 11 Bruins run win streak to six

February 29, 2008

WICHITA, Kan. -- The No. 11 rated Bellevue University baseball team ran their win streak to six straight games with a two victories against Mount Mercy College on Friday afternoon at Love Field in Wichita, Kansas. Bellevue scored the winning run in the bottom of the fourth inning to take the first of two, 4-3, while cruising to a 8-0 shutout victory in the second.

In game one, Mount Mercy changed the scoreboard first scoring a run in the top of the inning until the bottom of the third when nationall rated Bellevue changed things. In an inning that highlighted two errors and Dave Powell first-career Bellevue homerun, the Bruins scored three runs to reclaim the lead (3-1). The top of the next inning, Mount Mercy would tie the game when the first three batters reached base scoring twice knotting the score at 3's.

Jerry Zachery scored on a passed ball in the bottom of the fourth inning to break the tie giving Bellevue a 4-3 edge. Bellevue would close out the game holding Mount Mercy scoreless for the win.

Bellevue University, 5-4 overall, had four hits in the game, one each from Nick Damas, Dave Powell, Drew Farley and Jerry Zachery. Powell was 1-for-2 with a homerun and 2 RBI's as Farley was 1-for-2 with a run scored. Kyle Wink picked up the victory allowing three runs, one earned on one hit walking five with six strikeouts. Wink (1-1) recorded his first win of the season in his four inning outing. Jon Ganzen pitched two shutout innings while Nick Love recorded his second save of the year striking out one in an inning of relief.

Mount Mercy, 4-6 overall, had three hits with the lead off batter Kleinsmith going 1-for-1 with a run registering three walks in the game. Jones and Harding had the only other base hits as five batters reached base on walks. The Mustangs stranded seven runners as Weber picked up the loss allowing four runs, one earned, on three hits in 3 2/3 innings pitched. Weber had six walks and a strikeout as McIntosh went 2 1/3 innings in relief allowing a single hit.

The second game was all Bellevue, when the Bruins scored in all but two innings wrapping up their Friday double-header against Mount Mercy with an 8-0 shu