2009 Baseball Season Recap
6/4/2009 3:00:00 PM | Baseball
The 2009 baseball season got off to a rough start for the Bluejays, at just a 3-11 mark in early March, before the group would rebound to finish 28-14 in its last two-and-a-half months of the season, and finish one win away from the NCAA Tournament. The team ended the season with a .984 fielding percentage, the best-ever in the aluminum bat era, and earned seven All-MVC selections, the most under head coach Ed Servais.
Creighton opened the season in Huntsville, Texas for the second time in five years against Sam Houston State. Jimmy Swift had a great opening series, as he launched his first career home run and double in back-to-back games. Scott Thornburg also made his presence felt, hitting a home run and being hit by a pitch three times in game two of the series. Unfortunately the Bluejays would drop two extra inning games during their time in Texas and leave at 0-4.
For the Jays it was on to Arizona to play in the Phoenix Classic. The team dropped its first two games to Dayton and Gonzaga before finally getting in the win column against Notre Dame. Creighton fell behind 3-2 after six, but came from behind to score four times in the last three innings en route to a 6-3 victory. Matt Patterson was dominant in relief throwing 2.2 innings, including a strikeout of preseason All-American A.J. Pollock to end a threat by the Irish in the eighth. Kirk Clark then came on in the ninth for his first career save as a Bluejay.
After a midweek loss to Kansas State and an 8-2 loss to Stony Brook in the first game of the Caravelle Resort Classic, CU would find the win column again, this time against 2007 NCAA Regional opponent Albany. Creighton fell behind 3-0 after the first, and things did not appear to be going well until the bottom of the third when the Jays put up their most runs of the season in one frame to that point, scoring six times, highlighted by Carson Vitale's first home run of his Bluejay career, as part of a 3-5 performance with a double and three RBI. The Jays would score eight times in the fifth, and finish the game with a 20-5 victory. In two games against the Great Danes all-time, CU owns a 41-16 advantage on the scoreboard.
After splitting its next two games against Coastal Carolina and IPFW, Creighton would get a rematch against Coastal Carolina in one of the best pitchers' duels of the season. Jonas Dufek threw a then-career-high 7.1 innings against the No. 16 team in the nation, allowing just one run on four hits. Unfortunately it was not enough, and the Jays were saddled with a 1-0 loss, closing out its first three weeks of the season at 3-11.
Finally the hometown fans got to see the Jays for the first time on the season, as CU opened up a three-game set with South Dakota State at the CU Sports Complex. The two squads split the first two games and in the rubber match, T.J. Roemmich hit two home runs, including going back-to-back in consecutive innings with Vicente Cafaro in the sixth and Thornburg in the seventh, as the Bluejays took the game 12-3.
Up next it was the opening of MVC play for Creighton, and up first was a daunting trip to Terre Haute, Ind., against Indiana State, who at the time was the only team in the Valley with a winning record. Creighton broke a 5-3 game open in the seventh inning of game one when Elliot Soto hit a bases-loaded single up the middle to make it 7-3 and give the Jays the first game of the series. Game two was just as dramatic, with the game being just 4-3 in favor of CU heading into the seventh. This time Nick Becker would deliver the bases-loaded hit that brought in two, and give the Jays a 9-4 victory. CU dropped the finale but won the series 2-1.
The midweek brought in the North Dakota Fighting Sioux, and again Creighton would split the pair of games, winning the first game in convincing fashion 13-6 before dropping a heartbreaker 7-6 in the second game.
With the calendar getting close to April, the temperatures still felt like early February that next weekend when Southern Illinois came to Omaha to open up the home portion of the MVC schedule. With the game tied at 3-3 in the bottom of the eighth, Becker drew a bases-loaded walk to give Creighton the 4-3 win in game one.
Game two provided what was possibly the most entertaining way to end a game all season as SIU had runners at first and second with two outs in the top of the ninth after Tony Lepore singled to right field. Cafaro however would show heads up baseball and did not give the ball back to the pitcher Patterson, electing to keep the ball himself and tagged out Jordan Siverten leading off of second for the successful hidden ball trick, ending the game and preserving yet another 4-3 win. CU took the momentum into the series finale and routed the Salukis 10-0 in a run-ruled seven-inning game. Dufek threw the complete-game shutout for the Jays, his first of two on the season.
April 1 brought in a rematch with Kansas State as well as the first game for the Bluejays at Rosenblatt Stadium in 2009. The game was pretty much dominated from start to finish by the home team as CU won 5-1 behind Mike Nihsen's 5.2 innings, in which he allowed just one run on five hits. It was the second straight season Creighton has split the season series with the Wildcats.
The next weekend's trip to Evansville was one of surprises. After getting up 6-0 in the top of the seventh in game one, Jack VanLeur was called upon to hold on to the Jays lead, when his bullpen mates faltered a bit. VanLeur who made 36 appearances on the year, among the tops in the nation, threw 2.1 innings, allowing just two hits and one run for his first career save, preserving a 7-4 Creighton win. It marked the first time he was inserted as the closer, a role he would keep for the rest of the year.
Game two against Evansville provided dramatics when head coach Ed Servais was ejected in the third inning after Jeremy Hauer was called for a balk. Things unraveled from there, although the Bluejays did fight back, but lost 4-3 for just its second loss in eight games in MVC play.
Game three kept the tradition of drama up as impending rain kept the spectators and teams on their toes. Dufek had a magnificent start, striking out 10 in 7.0 innings, allowing just three runs. Creighton owned a 5-3 lead heading into the bottom of the ninth, and looked to be able to get the game in without a weather delay. However that was not the case as Evansville scored two runs off VanLeur, who blew his first save in the closer role, forcing extra innings. CU would tack on five runs in the top of the tenth courtesy of Vitale's bases loaded double, but that was just the start of the drama. The rain would come and lightning flashed in the area forcing a rain delay of two-and-a-half hours. With the score being tied at 5-5 after nine, a cancellation of the game would result in a tie, erasing what looked to be a sure win for the Jays and more importantly a loss for the home team Purple Aces. Knowing this rule, UE was not in a hurry to fix the field, causing Servais to get a rake of his own and help with the field work. After much deliberation, the game did resume and Creighton held on for the 10-5 victory in 10 innings.
The Bluejays carried the momentum into their midweek game with Nebraska on April 7 in Lincoln. Creighton jumped all over the rival Huskers, scoring eight times in the eighth as part of a 15-0 victory. Cafaro went 5-5 with three doubles and five RBI and Nihsen had another dazzling midweek performance throwing 5.0 scoreless innings. It was the worst defeat NU had suffered in Haymarket Field history.
The next weekend was a bit of an emotional one for Servais, when Northern Iowa came to town. Servais, who is good friends with UNI head coach Rick Heller, knew he was playing the Panthers for the last time after it was announced Northern Iowa's program was to be discontinued following the season due to budget reasons. After splitting the first two games with UNI, CU exploded for a 14-1 victory in the series finale.
Creighton then won four of its next five heading into a rematch with the Huskers at Rosenblatt on April 21. Although the two teams were having average seasons up to that point, the game was exciting going 12 innings. Nebraska pitcher Erik Bird threw 9.1 innings allowing just one run on six hits. NU finally broke the 1-1 tie in the top of the 12th, stringing four hits together including two doubles, as the visitors scored three times to take a 4-1 lead. The Jays didn't go away though, putting a rally together of their own in the bottom of the frame. Robbie Knight had the third of three straight hits, sending a double into the right-center gap, making the lead just 4-3 with two outs. Unfortunately Elliot Soto, who was in the midst of a 23-game hitting streak, could not come through, fouling out to end the game. It was the last game the two teams would play on the season, as the May 12 game was canceled due to rain.
The loss would motivate Creighton and send the team on a seven-game win streak. As part of the seven-game streak, CU would play three games in three cities over the span of four days during finals week for some players. The stretch would end in Normal, Ill., at Illinois State. Down 3-2 in game one of the three-game set, CU scored five times in the eighth on just one hit, as the Jays drew three walks and were hit-by-pitch three times as well. After annihilating the Redbirds in the middle game 12-2, Creighton would have to muster all its strength for the series finale in which it was down 6-0 after the third inning. After cutting the lead to 6-3 heading into the seventh, the Bluejays went on top, scoring seven times on four hits, and won the game 10-6, marking the largest comeback win in seven years by CU.
With just two weeks to go in the season, the Bluejay faithful were feeling good about its chances for a regular-season MVC title, having won 14 of its first 17 conference games, a school record, and gone 24-6 in its last 30 games overall. Coming to town was a reeling Missouri State team who had just been swept by Northern Iowa. The Bears were tabbed as the preseason MVC favorite and boasted two preseason All-Americans, Tim Clubb and Ben Carlson. Creighton was up to the task through the first eight innings of the series, grabbing a 4-3 lead heading into the ninth courtesy of Becker's first career home run as a Jay. Unfortunately that's where the good feelings would end as Creighton surrendered three runs in the top of the ninth en route to a 6-5 loss, that would begin a six-game losing streak for the Jays, and not see them get within three runs in any of their next five games, as they were swept by both MSU and Wichita State.
Heading into the MVC Tournament as the No. 4 seed, due to the six-game losing streak to end the season, CU had its work cut out. With the new format for the tournament it was pre-determined that the Jays would face Southern Illinois, Wichita State and Missouri State as its three opponents in pod play. The first task was breaking the six-game skid against Southern Illinois. Senior Hauer, who was making the last start of his career, had what was probably his best. He threw a complete game, allowing just one run on five hits as Creighton won game one of the MVC Tourney 5-1.
Game two marked a rematch with Wichita State, where CU tried to avenge its previous weekend's sweep. The tables were turned that night however as Brandon Koenigstein threw a seven-inning no-hitter in the Jays 11-0 run-rule victory. It was just the fourth no-hitter in Bluejays history and the third complete-game no-no in school history, while also marking the first time in MVC Tournament history that the feat had been accomplished.
Spirits were riding high heading into Friday's do-or-die game against the No. 1 seed Missouri State. The winner would advance to the MVC Championship match on Saturday and the loser would go home. All day the questions were whether the Jays would be able to erase the three-game sweep they had suffered two weeks ago at home to the Bears and be able to focus on the game at hand. Fortunately CU responded favorably. The game went back and forth as both teams scored twice in the first inning. CU then took a 3-2 lead in the second on Soto's single through the right side. MSU would respond taking a 4-3 lead in the third, as part of a four-hit inning. Creighton did not back down tying the game at 4-4 in the fifth and taking a 5-4 lead in the sixth on Ian Dike's double to straight-away-center off Clubb. The Bears did not crumble though, scoring a run of its own in the eighth to force extra innings. In the top of the 10th Knight hit a two-run single over the head of the second baseman, making it 7-5. MSU had a chance to win the game in the bottom of the inning, putting runners at second and third with the deficit just 7-6, but VanLeur got Aaron Conway to ground out to Soto to send the Bluejays to their third MVC Championship in five years against rival Wichita State.
With a chance to erase a poor performance to begin and end the regular season, Creighton came ready to play Saturday night with an NCAA Tournament berth on the line for the winner. After tying the game at 1-1 in the second, CU looked to take momentum in firm control as Becker made a highlight-reel catch taking a home run away from Chance Sossamon to end the inning. Unfortunately for the Jays, they could never get the big hit, leaving the bases loaded in the first, fourth, fifth and seventh innings. Wichita State catcher Cody Lassley hit a double in the sixth giving WSU a 2-1 lead, and extended it to 4-1 in the seventh. Creighton had a chance to tie it in the eighth, as the first three men reached making the score 4-2, but popped up to the catcher on a bunt before hitting into an inning-ending double play. The Jays couldn't get anything going in the ninth, and had their season end with a final of 4-2.
Individually Creighton had one of its most successful seasons ever from an accolades standpoint as seven players were selected to the All-MVC team, the most under Servais. Garnering first-team plaudits were Soto and VanLeur. Ruf, Knight and Cafaro were second-team selections while Roemmich and Bob Lackovic were honorable mention. Academically CU earned three MVC Scholar-Athlete Team selections, with Knight and Darin Ruf being named to the first team and Roemmich being tabbed honorable mention. This came on the heels of Ruf earning third-team Academic All-American from CoSIDA/ESPN The Magazine. For his efforts against Wichita State on May 21, Koenigstein earned national honors in the week following the season as he was named Louisville Slugger National Player of the Week as well as being selected to the College Baseball Foundation National All-Star Lineup.
While there is disappointment in the way the season ended for the team, there is optimism ahead as Creighton returns all of its outfield and its bullpen, with half of its infield returning as well as two-thirds of its weekend rotation. The question marks that will play a part in 2010 will be who can man first base as well as Ruf did the last four years, as he finished third in all-time putouts on the NCAA list as 2,251. Also who will team with Soto on the 6-4-3 double play as well as Cafaro did at second base, as the duo turned 36 of the team's 69 double plays on the season. From an offensive standpoint, who will hit in the Nos. 3 and 4 spots that Ruf and Cafaro did? Pitching-wise, someone will have to fill Hauer's spot as the Friday guy in the rotation, a spot that he did well in the last two years, earning MVC Newcomer of the Year accolades in 2008. If the team can find candidates to fill those spots, it has a chance to make another run at an MVC title and NCAA Tournament appearance in 2010.
Almost the NCAA Leader
First baseman Darin Ruf is one of eight players in NCAA history to record 2,000 or more career putouts, ranking third with 2,251. Ruf owns a .996 career fielding percentage in 2,355 career chances, making only nine errors in the last four years.
Ruf averaged 10.98 putouts per game in 2009. At that rate, he have would needed to play in four more games to break the NCAA record held by Wichita State's Logan Sorensen (2001-04) of 2,289 career putouts.
NCAA Record Book, Career PO's
Player, Team Years G POs
Logan Sorenson, Wichita St. 2001-04 258 2,289
Jeff Ontiveros, Texas 1997-00 258 2,263
Darin Ruf, Creighton 2006-Pr. 227 2,251
Defense Rules
Creighton had was good with the glover this season, owning the top fielding percentage in the country at .984. Its fielding percentage of .984 not only leads the country this season, but is the best in the NCAA's aluminum bat era dating back to the mid-70's. Below is a look at the top fielding percentages in NCAA history.
FLD PCT. Team Year
.984802 West Virginia 1971
.984192 Creighton 2009
.982888 Oklahoma 2006
.981647 Creighton 2004
No-Hit History
The May 21st no-hitter against Wichita State by Brandon Koenigstein was a performance for the ages. Below are some of the accomplishments that were achieved that night:
? First complete game no hitter in Creighton history.
? First complete game no hitter in MVC Tournament history.
? First no hitter Wichita State had suffered since April 15, 1984.
? Koenigstein only threw 73 pitches in the no-hitter against the Shockers.
Other notable accomplishments that happened not related to the no-hitter:
? Largest win (11-0) against Wichita State by the Bluejays since a 16-0 victory on April 27, 2003.
? First back-to-back complete games for CU since March 26-27, 2004 at Missouri State, when Steve Grasley threw all 10 innings of a 2-0 win on the 26th before Jeff Daneff threw all six innings of a 5-0, seven-inning loss on the 27th.
Saving the Best for Last?
In what could prove to be the final start of his career, Jeremy Hauer had arguably his best during his two years at CU. Hauer went the distance on May 20 against SIU, throwing a career-high 9.0 innings, allowing just one run on five hits. It was the first complete game of any length for the southpaw senior.
Getting Off to a Good Start
Under head coach Ed Servais, Creighton has had great success in the first game of the MVC Tournament, going 5-0. That span includes a win over Southern Illinois in 2007, the last year the Bluejays won the MVC Tournament Championship.
CU is the first team to open with a win in five straight tournaments since Wichita State's 10 straight from 1980-89.
Sweeping the Salukis
The sweep of Southern Illinois on March 28-29, was a rarity for Creighton. The last time CU managed to capture every game in a series against SIU was April 9-11, 1999, when the Jays managed a four-game sweep. The Bluejays have now won eight of the last 10 against the Salukis.
Gotta Watch This One
Vicente Cafaro's hidden ball trick in game two of the doubleheader against Southern Illinois, was not the first time he had successfully done it. Cafaro also used the trick as a member of Iowa Western CC, in the NJCAA World Series in 2007.
Overcoming the Odds
CU had to overcome some adversity to win game one of the doubleheader on March 28 against Southern Illinois. The team committed four errors for the first time since June 3, 2007 against Arkansas. It was the first win the Jays have had when committing four errors since April 20, 2007 against Indiana State.
Shut ?Em Down
Jonas Dufek threw a complete game seven-inning shutout on March 29 against Southern Illinois. He allowed just three hits and a walk, while striking out four. It was the first seven-inning complete game shutout for the Bluejays since Ben Mancuso did it against Indiana State on April 22, 2007.
He later threw a nine-inning shutout against Bradley, becoming the first Bluejay since Dan Smith in 1990 to throw multiple shutouts in the same season. That year Smith twirled five.
Going the Distance
Jonas Dufek's shutout on April 25 against Bradley was the best game by any Creighton pitcher in the last six years. He threw a complete-game three-hit shutout, for the second time this season after previously doing it against Southern Illinois on March 29.
His shutout against Bradley was the first nine-inning version by a Bluejay since Steve Grasley did it against Bradley on May 17, 2003. It was also the first nine inning complete game by a CU pitcher since Grasley went the distance against Wichita State on May 7, 2004.
Struggling
Creighton ended the regular season on a six-game losing streak. That streak is its longest since 2001 under then-head coach Jack Dahm, when the team dropped its last nine games to end the season. That year the Jays finished 21-31. This year the team finished 28-24 to close the regular season.
Bad Time for First
From May 8-10, the Bluejays were swept at home by Missouri State. It marked the first sweep at home for the Jays under Ed Servais, as the team hadn't been swept in Omaha since May 18-20, 2003 against Northern Iowa, under then head coach Jack Dahm. The last time Missouri State swept Creighton, was a four-game set from May 5-6, 2001, also in Omaha.
Comeback Kids
The Bluejays were able to overcome a 6-0 deficit against Illinois State after just three innings on May 3, coming back to win 10-6. It was the first time the team has come back from six runs down since March 22, 2002, when the team also won against Illinois State.
Dominating the Valley
Through its first 17 conference games Creighton was 14-3, good for first place in the MVC. The record was its best record through the first 17 games, surpassing the previous best of 13-4 in 2007, 2005, 1995, 1992, and 1991. In all but one of those years (1995), CU went on to play in the NCAA Regionals, including a CWS berth in 1991.
Don't Run on Him
T.J. Roemmich has shown opposing baserunners it is not wise to try to go for an extra base when the ball is hit to right field. In 2009 he had eight outfield assists on the season.
Five of the men Roemmich has gunned down were thrown out at home plate By comparison, the rest of the team combined has two outfield assists (Knight 1, Becker 1).
Picking up 400
Ed Servais picked up the 400th victory of his career April 24 with a 7-2 win over Bradley. He now is 409-206-1 in 15 seasons, during his time at St. Mary's and Creighton.
7th Heaven
The lucky frame for the Bluejays in 2009 was the seventh. In that innings Creighton has outscored its opponents 55-18. That is the most runs scored in any inning by the Jays, and the second fewest runs allowed in any regulation frame.
Change of Style
Prior to the April 17 four-sacrifice performance against UIC, Creighton was riding a six-game streak without a sacrifice bunt. After leading the NCAA in sacrifices a year ago with 95, the streak was the longest under head coach Ed Servais. Prior to the six-game stretch, the longest the team had gone without a sacrifice was three games from May 25, 2006-February 9, 2007 and from February 28-March 5, 2004.
Taking Advantage
The CU offense was helped out by some shaky defense in its two games vs. Northern Iowa and Kansas. Those two teams have combined for eight errors, the most in a two game span by a Creighton opponent since Rice (5) and Chicago State (3), combined for eight from March 9-15, 2008.
Stingy Scoring
Before giving up a run in the sixth inning on April 12 against Northern Iowa, Greg Hellhake had been stingy in allowing runs. The run allowed on April 12 marked the first run allowed by Hellhake in 15.1 innings. The streak saw his ERA dip from 5.96 to 3.92.
Knight Runner
Prior to the April 14 loss to Kansas, Creighton had won each of the last 10 games in which Robbie Knight has scored at least one run. For the season, CU was 23-10 when Knight scores a run, but 8-15 when Knight doesn't cross the plate.
Cool Hand Cafaro
On April 7 against Nebraska, Vicente Cafaro had quite a few career-highs in 5-5 night, leading Creighton to a 15-0 victory. Below are his accomplishments:
Career-high five hits, most hits in a game by a CU player since Robbie Knight against Missouri on May 5, 2008.
Career-high three doubles, most by a Jay since Dan Norquist at Sam Houston State on February 11, 2005.
Career-high five runs scored, most since Joe Dunlop did it against Northern Iowa on April 2, 1995.
Gaining Some Perspective
Creighton's 15-0 victory over Nebraska on April 7 marked some milestones in program history. Below are the notable achievements accomplished the Jays in Lincoln:
First shutout over NU since a 6-0 win on April 4, 1990.
Largest win over the Huskers since a 19-1 game on April 1, 1992.
Largest win against any Big 12 team since the 19-1 win over Nebraska.
Worst defeat Nebraska has suffered in Haymarket Park history.
Most runs scored in a true road game for CU since a 16-0 victory over Indiana State on April 22, 2007.
Most runs scored in back-to-back road wins since scoring 25 total runs against North Dakota State in the doubleheader on May 9, 2007.
Rather Lopsided
The April 7 15-0 shutout of Nebraska, provided dominant performances at both ends of the spectrum for the Bluejays. Creighton's 15 runs scored were the most scored in a shutout by its pitching staff since a 16-0 victory at Indiana State on April 22, 2007. The game against the Sycamores also marked the fewest runs allowed by the pitching staff in a game where CU scored 15 runs offensively.
Seven Strong
On April 7 against Nebraska, starter Greg Hellhake went just 1.0 inning, allowing no runs and no hits. It snapped a streak of seven straight games, where Bluejay starters went at least 5.0 innings. That is the longest streak since May 3-11, 2008.
Surviving the Long Ball
April 3-5 against Evansville, Creighton surrendered two home runs for the fourth and fifth times this season. It was the first time Creighton won when surrendering 2+ long balls, as the team was 3-6 when doing so.
Rubber Arm
Jack VanLeur was called upon quite frequently in 2009, as he made 36 appearances. That mark is fourth in Creighton history and fifth in MVC history. Bob Lackovic made 34 appearances ranking him fifth in CU history and seventh in Valley history.
Fast Start
The Bluejays got out to quick leads in each of their six games from March 15-25. The team had scored in the first inning in those six straight contests for the first time since it did it from April 22-May 5, 2007.
Under Ed Servais, Creighton is 107-26 (48-9 in MVC play) when scoring in the first inning, and 163-41 (73-18 MVC) when scoring first.
Six Run Rule
The March 24 series opener against North Dakota proved to be a little more difficult than the Jays had bargained for. The game marked the first time that CU has won when allowing six or more runs. For the season Creighton was 2-14 when allowing six+.
Prior to April 14, Creighton had allowed five runs or less in 11 straight games, its longest such stretch since a 16-game run from May 4-26, 2007.
10+ Club
Prior to March 25 against North Dakota, the Creighton offense had collected at least 10 hits in its last seven games, before just getting nine in the series finale against the Fighting Sioux. The last time CU had a team collect 10 or more hits in seven straight games was April 20-May 4, 2007.
Let's Play Six
This season, the outcome of the game has been decided for the most part after six innings. In 56 games played this year, the team leading after six was 45-4. In seven ties so far this year after the two-thirds mark, CU was 2-5.
Loving Nature
On March 22 against Indiana State, the Bluejays had their 12-game winning streak against the Sycamores snapped. Even with the loss, Creighton has won 18 of the last 20 meetings between the two schools, and has not lost at home against ISU since May 4, 2002.
Milestone Marker
On March 14 against South Dakota State, head coach Ed Servais reached the 200 wins mark during his time at Creighton. Over his first six seasons at the helm of CU, Servais is 227-124.
Home Sweet Home
The series on March 14-15 against South Dakota State marked the home opener for Creighton after spending its first 14 games on the road. Among the places the Bluejays traveled to over the first 14 games are Texas, Arizona, Kansas, South Carolina and North Carolina.
The Bluejays extended their home opener winning streak to eight games with their 8-2 win over South Dakota State. The group has not lost its first home game of the season since a 2001 defeat to Northern Iowa, 5-3. Under head coach Ed Servais the team is 5-0.
He's a Saturday Guy
Saturdays for shortstop Elliot Soto have produced career-high results. On March 7, against Albany, Soto had a career-high four hits, going 4-6 with three runs scored. On Saturday, March 14 against South Dakota State, he tied his career-high going 4-5 with two runs scored.
Offensive Offense
In the last two outings of its spring trip, Creighton scored a combined two runs, after being shutout 1-0 to Coastal Carolina and losing 6-2 to UNC-Wilmington. It is the lowest output in back-to-back games for the Jays since April 6-7, 2007 against Wichita State when the team lost 2-1 and 7-1.
Stranded
This season the Creighton offense struggled at times from a lack of run production, as the team left 17 on in the MVC Championship game against Wichita State but not from a lack of opportunities. On the season the Bluejays had 957 total base runners compared to their opponents having just 762 total base runners.
Creighton had 339 of its 957 runners score for a 35.42 %.
Its opponents had 241 of their 762 runners score for a 31.62 %.
Can We Do This Annually?
On June, 2, 2007 Creighton beat Albany 21-11 in the teams' inaugural matchup at the NCAA Regional held at Fayetteville, Ark.
On March 7, in the schools' second-ever matchup, CU broke out of an early season slump, scoring 20 runs.
In the two teams' meetings, the Jays own a 41-16 advantage.
Not a Good First Impression
The Bluejays finally broke their six-game losing streak on March 1 against Notre Dame. It is the first time in Creighton's recorded history that it started 0-6.
Creighton's six-game losing streak was not something the program is used to. The streak was the longest since a 2003 stretch saw the team lose six straight contests from April 18-April 25.
Good Offensive Display
After not having a big offensive display in almost a year, on March 1 against Notre Dame Creighton knocked out 16 hits, en route to a 6-3 victory. Those 16 hits were the most by the team since March 16, 2008 against Chicago State. Creighton has since had five 17+ hit performances in the last two months. (20 vs. Albany on 3/7, 17 vs. South Dakota State on 3/15, 18 vs. North Dakota on 3/24, 17 vs. Northern Iowa 4/12 and 19 vs. Iowa on 4/29)
That's Efficient
March 1 against Notre Dame Greg Hellhake was able to keep the Bluejays out of serious trouble through the first four innings, without having much work for himself. Hellhake needed just 33 pitches through the first four innings, as he faced just one above the minimum number of batters.
Beware of the Brooms
Creighton is not used to suffering a four-game sweep. Prior to the season opening series against Sam Houston State, Feb. 20-22, the last time Creighton was swept during a four-game series was May 5-6, 2001 in back-to-back doubleheaders against Missouri State.
Close Call
The first five of Creighton's losses this year were by two runs or less. It is the first time since April, 11-17, 2007 that five games in a row have been decided by two runs or less.
Prior to February, Creighton had not had five straight losses been decided by two runs or less since 2006,
Below is the last time Creighton had five straight losses decided by two runs or less
Date Opponent Score (Inn.)
4/14/06 at Southern Illinois 2-3 (10)
4/11/06 Kansas State 4-5
4/9/06 Illinois State 13-14
4/4/06 Nebraska 4-6
4/2/06 Wichita State 1-3 (8)
Working on Fundamentals
The opening weekend against Sam Houston State (Feb. 20-22) saw all four games decided by two runs or less, making the execution of fundamentals crucial in deciding the outcomes. On the weekend Bluejay base runners were picked off three times. All of last season CU had just six runners picked off.
Fielding fundamentals also came into play as CU saw it's error total rise in three straight games (0-1-2-3) for the first time since a four game stretch from April 8-15, 2005, when the team also had a streak of (0-1-2-3).
Career Series
Sophomore Jimmy Swift had a career series against Sam Houston State (Feb. 20-22). On Feb. 20 night he provided CU with its first two runs of the season, courtesy of a home run in the second inning. It was the first home run of his career. The next day he continued his hot hitting as he hit a double down the left field line to bring in a run. It was the first double of his career, and he finished with four RBI on the weekend, surpassing his previous career season-high of two.
Congrats to Coach Smith
Last month it was announced that Creighton pitching coach Rob Smith was named one of two recipients for 2008 NCAA Teaching Pro Award. The other was Bob Shepherd of North Florida
Smith is one of two CU coaches to be honored for their work last season. In December head coach Ed Servais was tabbed as one of two NCAA FieldTurf Coach of the Year recipients. The other was the College World Series champion Mike Batesole of Fresno State.
Look Out!
Junior Robbie Knight has not been one to be afraid of opposing pitchers coming inside. Knight owns the school record for most hit by pitches during a career with 72. In 2007 he set the NCAA single-season record after being beaned 35 times. He is currently seventh on the NCAA all-time hit by pitch leaderboard.
NCAA Record Book, Career HBP's
Player, Team Years G HBP
Brett Lilley, Notre Dame 2005-08 231 109
Tony Hurtado, San Francico 1997-00 221 92
Cody Rizzo, Notre Dame 2003-06 233 84
Gabe Somarriba, Fla. Atlantic 1999-02 226 81
Mark Muscenti, Cincinnati 2003-06 211 76
Jeff Ontiveros, Texas 1999-02 258 74
Robbie Knight, Creighton 2007-Pr. 174 72
Creighton opened the season in Huntsville, Texas for the second time in five years against Sam Houston State. Jimmy Swift had a great opening series, as he launched his first career home run and double in back-to-back games. Scott Thornburg also made his presence felt, hitting a home run and being hit by a pitch three times in game two of the series. Unfortunately the Bluejays would drop two extra inning games during their time in Texas and leave at 0-4.
For the Jays it was on to Arizona to play in the Phoenix Classic. The team dropped its first two games to Dayton and Gonzaga before finally getting in the win column against Notre Dame. Creighton fell behind 3-2 after six, but came from behind to score four times in the last three innings en route to a 6-3 victory. Matt Patterson was dominant in relief throwing 2.2 innings, including a strikeout of preseason All-American A.J. Pollock to end a threat by the Irish in the eighth. Kirk Clark then came on in the ninth for his first career save as a Bluejay.
After a midweek loss to Kansas State and an 8-2 loss to Stony Brook in the first game of the Caravelle Resort Classic, CU would find the win column again, this time against 2007 NCAA Regional opponent Albany. Creighton fell behind 3-0 after the first, and things did not appear to be going well until the bottom of the third when the Jays put up their most runs of the season in one frame to that point, scoring six times, highlighted by Carson Vitale's first home run of his Bluejay career, as part of a 3-5 performance with a double and three RBI. The Jays would score eight times in the fifth, and finish the game with a 20-5 victory. In two games against the Great Danes all-time, CU owns a 41-16 advantage on the scoreboard.
After splitting its next two games against Coastal Carolina and IPFW, Creighton would get a rematch against Coastal Carolina in one of the best pitchers' duels of the season. Jonas Dufek threw a then-career-high 7.1 innings against the No. 16 team in the nation, allowing just one run on four hits. Unfortunately it was not enough, and the Jays were saddled with a 1-0 loss, closing out its first three weeks of the season at 3-11.
Finally the hometown fans got to see the Jays for the first time on the season, as CU opened up a three-game set with South Dakota State at the CU Sports Complex. The two squads split the first two games and in the rubber match, T.J. Roemmich hit two home runs, including going back-to-back in consecutive innings with Vicente Cafaro in the sixth and Thornburg in the seventh, as the Bluejays took the game 12-3.
Up next it was the opening of MVC play for Creighton, and up first was a daunting trip to Terre Haute, Ind., against Indiana State, who at the time was the only team in the Valley with a winning record. Creighton broke a 5-3 game open in the seventh inning of game one when Elliot Soto hit a bases-loaded single up the middle to make it 7-3 and give the Jays the first game of the series. Game two was just as dramatic, with the game being just 4-3 in favor of CU heading into the seventh. This time Nick Becker would deliver the bases-loaded hit that brought in two, and give the Jays a 9-4 victory. CU dropped the finale but won the series 2-1.
The midweek brought in the North Dakota Fighting Sioux, and again Creighton would split the pair of games, winning the first game in convincing fashion 13-6 before dropping a heartbreaker 7-6 in the second game.
With the calendar getting close to April, the temperatures still felt like early February that next weekend when Southern Illinois came to Omaha to open up the home portion of the MVC schedule. With the game tied at 3-3 in the bottom of the eighth, Becker drew a bases-loaded walk to give Creighton the 4-3 win in game one.
Game two provided what was possibly the most entertaining way to end a game all season as SIU had runners at first and second with two outs in the top of the ninth after Tony Lepore singled to right field. Cafaro however would show heads up baseball and did not give the ball back to the pitcher Patterson, electing to keep the ball himself and tagged out Jordan Siverten leading off of second for the successful hidden ball trick, ending the game and preserving yet another 4-3 win. CU took the momentum into the series finale and routed the Salukis 10-0 in a run-ruled seven-inning game. Dufek threw the complete-game shutout for the Jays, his first of two on the season.
April 1 brought in a rematch with Kansas State as well as the first game for the Bluejays at Rosenblatt Stadium in 2009. The game was pretty much dominated from start to finish by the home team as CU won 5-1 behind Mike Nihsen's 5.2 innings, in which he allowed just one run on five hits. It was the second straight season Creighton has split the season series with the Wildcats.
The next weekend's trip to Evansville was one of surprises. After getting up 6-0 in the top of the seventh in game one, Jack VanLeur was called upon to hold on to the Jays lead, when his bullpen mates faltered a bit. VanLeur who made 36 appearances on the year, among the tops in the nation, threw 2.1 innings, allowing just two hits and one run for his first career save, preserving a 7-4 Creighton win. It marked the first time he was inserted as the closer, a role he would keep for the rest of the year.
Game two against Evansville provided dramatics when head coach Ed Servais was ejected in the third inning after Jeremy Hauer was called for a balk. Things unraveled from there, although the Bluejays did fight back, but lost 4-3 for just its second loss in eight games in MVC play.
Game three kept the tradition of drama up as impending rain kept the spectators and teams on their toes. Dufek had a magnificent start, striking out 10 in 7.0 innings, allowing just three runs. Creighton owned a 5-3 lead heading into the bottom of the ninth, and looked to be able to get the game in without a weather delay. However that was not the case as Evansville scored two runs off VanLeur, who blew his first save in the closer role, forcing extra innings. CU would tack on five runs in the top of the tenth courtesy of Vitale's bases loaded double, but that was just the start of the drama. The rain would come and lightning flashed in the area forcing a rain delay of two-and-a-half hours. With the score being tied at 5-5 after nine, a cancellation of the game would result in a tie, erasing what looked to be a sure win for the Jays and more importantly a loss for the home team Purple Aces. Knowing this rule, UE was not in a hurry to fix the field, causing Servais to get a rake of his own and help with the field work. After much deliberation, the game did resume and Creighton held on for the 10-5 victory in 10 innings.
The Bluejays carried the momentum into their midweek game with Nebraska on April 7 in Lincoln. Creighton jumped all over the rival Huskers, scoring eight times in the eighth as part of a 15-0 victory. Cafaro went 5-5 with three doubles and five RBI and Nihsen had another dazzling midweek performance throwing 5.0 scoreless innings. It was the worst defeat NU had suffered in Haymarket Field history.
The next weekend was a bit of an emotional one for Servais, when Northern Iowa came to town. Servais, who is good friends with UNI head coach Rick Heller, knew he was playing the Panthers for the last time after it was announced Northern Iowa's program was to be discontinued following the season due to budget reasons. After splitting the first two games with UNI, CU exploded for a 14-1 victory in the series finale.
Creighton then won four of its next five heading into a rematch with the Huskers at Rosenblatt on April 21. Although the two teams were having average seasons up to that point, the game was exciting going 12 innings. Nebraska pitcher Erik Bird threw 9.1 innings allowing just one run on six hits. NU finally broke the 1-1 tie in the top of the 12th, stringing four hits together including two doubles, as the visitors scored three times to take a 4-1 lead. The Jays didn't go away though, putting a rally together of their own in the bottom of the frame. Robbie Knight had the third of three straight hits, sending a double into the right-center gap, making the lead just 4-3 with two outs. Unfortunately Elliot Soto, who was in the midst of a 23-game hitting streak, could not come through, fouling out to end the game. It was the last game the two teams would play on the season, as the May 12 game was canceled due to rain.
The loss would motivate Creighton and send the team on a seven-game win streak. As part of the seven-game streak, CU would play three games in three cities over the span of four days during finals week for some players. The stretch would end in Normal, Ill., at Illinois State. Down 3-2 in game one of the three-game set, CU scored five times in the eighth on just one hit, as the Jays drew three walks and were hit-by-pitch three times as well. After annihilating the Redbirds in the middle game 12-2, Creighton would have to muster all its strength for the series finale in which it was down 6-0 after the third inning. After cutting the lead to 6-3 heading into the seventh, the Bluejays went on top, scoring seven times on four hits, and won the game 10-6, marking the largest comeback win in seven years by CU.
With just two weeks to go in the season, the Bluejay faithful were feeling good about its chances for a regular-season MVC title, having won 14 of its first 17 conference games, a school record, and gone 24-6 in its last 30 games overall. Coming to town was a reeling Missouri State team who had just been swept by Northern Iowa. The Bears were tabbed as the preseason MVC favorite and boasted two preseason All-Americans, Tim Clubb and Ben Carlson. Creighton was up to the task through the first eight innings of the series, grabbing a 4-3 lead heading into the ninth courtesy of Becker's first career home run as a Jay. Unfortunately that's where the good feelings would end as Creighton surrendered three runs in the top of the ninth en route to a 6-5 loss, that would begin a six-game losing streak for the Jays, and not see them get within three runs in any of their next five games, as they were swept by both MSU and Wichita State.
Heading into the MVC Tournament as the No. 4 seed, due to the six-game losing streak to end the season, CU had its work cut out. With the new format for the tournament it was pre-determined that the Jays would face Southern Illinois, Wichita State and Missouri State as its three opponents in pod play. The first task was breaking the six-game skid against Southern Illinois. Senior Hauer, who was making the last start of his career, had what was probably his best. He threw a complete game, allowing just one run on five hits as Creighton won game one of the MVC Tourney 5-1.
Game two marked a rematch with Wichita State, where CU tried to avenge its previous weekend's sweep. The tables were turned that night however as Brandon Koenigstein threw a seven-inning no-hitter in the Jays 11-0 run-rule victory. It was just the fourth no-hitter in Bluejays history and the third complete-game no-no in school history, while also marking the first time in MVC Tournament history that the feat had been accomplished.
Spirits were riding high heading into Friday's do-or-die game against the No. 1 seed Missouri State. The winner would advance to the MVC Championship match on Saturday and the loser would go home. All day the questions were whether the Jays would be able to erase the three-game sweep they had suffered two weeks ago at home to the Bears and be able to focus on the game at hand. Fortunately CU responded favorably. The game went back and forth as both teams scored twice in the first inning. CU then took a 3-2 lead in the second on Soto's single through the right side. MSU would respond taking a 4-3 lead in the third, as part of a four-hit inning. Creighton did not back down tying the game at 4-4 in the fifth and taking a 5-4 lead in the sixth on Ian Dike's double to straight-away-center off Clubb. The Bears did not crumble though, scoring a run of its own in the eighth to force extra innings. In the top of the 10th Knight hit a two-run single over the head of the second baseman, making it 7-5. MSU had a chance to win the game in the bottom of the inning, putting runners at second and third with the deficit just 7-6, but VanLeur got Aaron Conway to ground out to Soto to send the Bluejays to their third MVC Championship in five years against rival Wichita State.
With a chance to erase a poor performance to begin and end the regular season, Creighton came ready to play Saturday night with an NCAA Tournament berth on the line for the winner. After tying the game at 1-1 in the second, CU looked to take momentum in firm control as Becker made a highlight-reel catch taking a home run away from Chance Sossamon to end the inning. Unfortunately for the Jays, they could never get the big hit, leaving the bases loaded in the first, fourth, fifth and seventh innings. Wichita State catcher Cody Lassley hit a double in the sixth giving WSU a 2-1 lead, and extended it to 4-1 in the seventh. Creighton had a chance to tie it in the eighth, as the first three men reached making the score 4-2, but popped up to the catcher on a bunt before hitting into an inning-ending double play. The Jays couldn't get anything going in the ninth, and had their season end with a final of 4-2.
Individually Creighton had one of its most successful seasons ever from an accolades standpoint as seven players were selected to the All-MVC team, the most under Servais. Garnering first-team plaudits were Soto and VanLeur. Ruf, Knight and Cafaro were second-team selections while Roemmich and Bob Lackovic were honorable mention. Academically CU earned three MVC Scholar-Athlete Team selections, with Knight and Darin Ruf being named to the first team and Roemmich being tabbed honorable mention. This came on the heels of Ruf earning third-team Academic All-American from CoSIDA/ESPN The Magazine. For his efforts against Wichita State on May 21, Koenigstein earned national honors in the week following the season as he was named Louisville Slugger National Player of the Week as well as being selected to the College Baseball Foundation National All-Star Lineup.
While there is disappointment in the way the season ended for the team, there is optimism ahead as Creighton returns all of its outfield and its bullpen, with half of its infield returning as well as two-thirds of its weekend rotation. The question marks that will play a part in 2010 will be who can man first base as well as Ruf did the last four years, as he finished third in all-time putouts on the NCAA list as 2,251. Also who will team with Soto on the 6-4-3 double play as well as Cafaro did at second base, as the duo turned 36 of the team's 69 double plays on the season. From an offensive standpoint, who will hit in the Nos. 3 and 4 spots that Ruf and Cafaro did? Pitching-wise, someone will have to fill Hauer's spot as the Friday guy in the rotation, a spot that he did well in the last two years, earning MVC Newcomer of the Year accolades in 2008. If the team can find candidates to fill those spots, it has a chance to make another run at an MVC title and NCAA Tournament appearance in 2010.
Almost the NCAA Leader
First baseman Darin Ruf is one of eight players in NCAA history to record 2,000 or more career putouts, ranking third with 2,251. Ruf owns a .996 career fielding percentage in 2,355 career chances, making only nine errors in the last four years.
Ruf averaged 10.98 putouts per game in 2009. At that rate, he have would needed to play in four more games to break the NCAA record held by Wichita State's Logan Sorensen (2001-04) of 2,289 career putouts.
NCAA Record Book, Career PO's
Player, Team Years G POs
Logan Sorenson, Wichita St. 2001-04 258 2,289
Jeff Ontiveros, Texas 1997-00 258 2,263
Darin Ruf, Creighton 2006-Pr. 227 2,251
Defense Rules
Creighton had was good with the glover this season, owning the top fielding percentage in the country at .984. Its fielding percentage of .984 not only leads the country this season, but is the best in the NCAA's aluminum bat era dating back to the mid-70's. Below is a look at the top fielding percentages in NCAA history.
FLD PCT. Team Year
.984802 West Virginia 1971
.984192 Creighton 2009
.982888 Oklahoma 2006
.981647 Creighton 2004
No-Hit History
The May 21st no-hitter against Wichita State by Brandon Koenigstein was a performance for the ages. Below are some of the accomplishments that were achieved that night:
? First complete game no hitter in Creighton history.
? First complete game no hitter in MVC Tournament history.
? First no hitter Wichita State had suffered since April 15, 1984.
? Koenigstein only threw 73 pitches in the no-hitter against the Shockers.
Other notable accomplishments that happened not related to the no-hitter:
? Largest win (11-0) against Wichita State by the Bluejays since a 16-0 victory on April 27, 2003.
? First back-to-back complete games for CU since March 26-27, 2004 at Missouri State, when Steve Grasley threw all 10 innings of a 2-0 win on the 26th before Jeff Daneff threw all six innings of a 5-0, seven-inning loss on the 27th.
Saving the Best for Last?
In what could prove to be the final start of his career, Jeremy Hauer had arguably his best during his two years at CU. Hauer went the distance on May 20 against SIU, throwing a career-high 9.0 innings, allowing just one run on five hits. It was the first complete game of any length for the southpaw senior.
Getting Off to a Good Start
Under head coach Ed Servais, Creighton has had great success in the first game of the MVC Tournament, going 5-0. That span includes a win over Southern Illinois in 2007, the last year the Bluejays won the MVC Tournament Championship.
CU is the first team to open with a win in five straight tournaments since Wichita State's 10 straight from 1980-89.
Sweeping the Salukis
The sweep of Southern Illinois on March 28-29, was a rarity for Creighton. The last time CU managed to capture every game in a series against SIU was April 9-11, 1999, when the Jays managed a four-game sweep. The Bluejays have now won eight of the last 10 against the Salukis.
Gotta Watch This One
Vicente Cafaro's hidden ball trick in game two of the doubleheader against Southern Illinois, was not the first time he had successfully done it. Cafaro also used the trick as a member of Iowa Western CC, in the NJCAA World Series in 2007.
Overcoming the Odds
CU had to overcome some adversity to win game one of the doubleheader on March 28 against Southern Illinois. The team committed four errors for the first time since June 3, 2007 against Arkansas. It was the first win the Jays have had when committing four errors since April 20, 2007 against Indiana State.
Shut ?Em Down
Jonas Dufek threw a complete game seven-inning shutout on March 29 against Southern Illinois. He allowed just three hits and a walk, while striking out four. It was the first seven-inning complete game shutout for the Bluejays since Ben Mancuso did it against Indiana State on April 22, 2007.
He later threw a nine-inning shutout against Bradley, becoming the first Bluejay since Dan Smith in 1990 to throw multiple shutouts in the same season. That year Smith twirled five.
Going the Distance
Jonas Dufek's shutout on April 25 against Bradley was the best game by any Creighton pitcher in the last six years. He threw a complete-game three-hit shutout, for the second time this season after previously doing it against Southern Illinois on March 29.
His shutout against Bradley was the first nine-inning version by a Bluejay since Steve Grasley did it against Bradley on May 17, 2003. It was also the first nine inning complete game by a CU pitcher since Grasley went the distance against Wichita State on May 7, 2004.
Struggling
Creighton ended the regular season on a six-game losing streak. That streak is its longest since 2001 under then-head coach Jack Dahm, when the team dropped its last nine games to end the season. That year the Jays finished 21-31. This year the team finished 28-24 to close the regular season.
Bad Time for First
From May 8-10, the Bluejays were swept at home by Missouri State. It marked the first sweep at home for the Jays under Ed Servais, as the team hadn't been swept in Omaha since May 18-20, 2003 against Northern Iowa, under then head coach Jack Dahm. The last time Missouri State swept Creighton, was a four-game set from May 5-6, 2001, also in Omaha.
Comeback Kids
The Bluejays were able to overcome a 6-0 deficit against Illinois State after just three innings on May 3, coming back to win 10-6. It was the first time the team has come back from six runs down since March 22, 2002, when the team also won against Illinois State.
Dominating the Valley
Through its first 17 conference games Creighton was 14-3, good for first place in the MVC. The record was its best record through the first 17 games, surpassing the previous best of 13-4 in 2007, 2005, 1995, 1992, and 1991. In all but one of those years (1995), CU went on to play in the NCAA Regionals, including a CWS berth in 1991.
Don't Run on Him
T.J. Roemmich has shown opposing baserunners it is not wise to try to go for an extra base when the ball is hit to right field. In 2009 he had eight outfield assists on the season.
Five of the men Roemmich has gunned down were thrown out at home plate By comparison, the rest of the team combined has two outfield assists (Knight 1, Becker 1).
Picking up 400
Ed Servais picked up the 400th victory of his career April 24 with a 7-2 win over Bradley. He now is 409-206-1 in 15 seasons, during his time at St. Mary's and Creighton.
7th Heaven
The lucky frame for the Bluejays in 2009 was the seventh. In that innings Creighton has outscored its opponents 55-18. That is the most runs scored in any inning by the Jays, and the second fewest runs allowed in any regulation frame.
Change of Style
Prior to the April 17 four-sacrifice performance against UIC, Creighton was riding a six-game streak without a sacrifice bunt. After leading the NCAA in sacrifices a year ago with 95, the streak was the longest under head coach Ed Servais. Prior to the six-game stretch, the longest the team had gone without a sacrifice was three games from May 25, 2006-February 9, 2007 and from February 28-March 5, 2004.
Taking Advantage
The CU offense was helped out by some shaky defense in its two games vs. Northern Iowa and Kansas. Those two teams have combined for eight errors, the most in a two game span by a Creighton opponent since Rice (5) and Chicago State (3), combined for eight from March 9-15, 2008.
Stingy Scoring
Before giving up a run in the sixth inning on April 12 against Northern Iowa, Greg Hellhake had been stingy in allowing runs. The run allowed on April 12 marked the first run allowed by Hellhake in 15.1 innings. The streak saw his ERA dip from 5.96 to 3.92.
Knight Runner
Prior to the April 14 loss to Kansas, Creighton had won each of the last 10 games in which Robbie Knight has scored at least one run. For the season, CU was 23-10 when Knight scores a run, but 8-15 when Knight doesn't cross the plate.
Cool Hand Cafaro
On April 7 against Nebraska, Vicente Cafaro had quite a few career-highs in 5-5 night, leading Creighton to a 15-0 victory. Below are his accomplishments:
Career-high five hits, most hits in a game by a CU player since Robbie Knight against Missouri on May 5, 2008.
Career-high three doubles, most by a Jay since Dan Norquist at Sam Houston State on February 11, 2005.
Career-high five runs scored, most since Joe Dunlop did it against Northern Iowa on April 2, 1995.
Gaining Some Perspective
Creighton's 15-0 victory over Nebraska on April 7 marked some milestones in program history. Below are the notable achievements accomplished the Jays in Lincoln:
First shutout over NU since a 6-0 win on April 4, 1990.
Largest win over the Huskers since a 19-1 game on April 1, 1992.
Largest win against any Big 12 team since the 19-1 win over Nebraska.
Worst defeat Nebraska has suffered in Haymarket Park history.
Most runs scored in a true road game for CU since a 16-0 victory over Indiana State on April 22, 2007.
Most runs scored in back-to-back road wins since scoring 25 total runs against North Dakota State in the doubleheader on May 9, 2007.
Rather Lopsided
The April 7 15-0 shutout of Nebraska, provided dominant performances at both ends of the spectrum for the Bluejays. Creighton's 15 runs scored were the most scored in a shutout by its pitching staff since a 16-0 victory at Indiana State on April 22, 2007. The game against the Sycamores also marked the fewest runs allowed by the pitching staff in a game where CU scored 15 runs offensively.
Seven Strong
On April 7 against Nebraska, starter Greg Hellhake went just 1.0 inning, allowing no runs and no hits. It snapped a streak of seven straight games, where Bluejay starters went at least 5.0 innings. That is the longest streak since May 3-11, 2008.
Surviving the Long Ball
April 3-5 against Evansville, Creighton surrendered two home runs for the fourth and fifth times this season. It was the first time Creighton won when surrendering 2+ long balls, as the team was 3-6 when doing so.
Rubber Arm
Jack VanLeur was called upon quite frequently in 2009, as he made 36 appearances. That mark is fourth in Creighton history and fifth in MVC history. Bob Lackovic made 34 appearances ranking him fifth in CU history and seventh in Valley history.
Fast Start
The Bluejays got out to quick leads in each of their six games from March 15-25. The team had scored in the first inning in those six straight contests for the first time since it did it from April 22-May 5, 2007.
Under Ed Servais, Creighton is 107-26 (48-9 in MVC play) when scoring in the first inning, and 163-41 (73-18 MVC) when scoring first.
Six Run Rule
The March 24 series opener against North Dakota proved to be a little more difficult than the Jays had bargained for. The game marked the first time that CU has won when allowing six or more runs. For the season Creighton was 2-14 when allowing six+.
Prior to April 14, Creighton had allowed five runs or less in 11 straight games, its longest such stretch since a 16-game run from May 4-26, 2007.
10+ Club
Prior to March 25 against North Dakota, the Creighton offense had collected at least 10 hits in its last seven games, before just getting nine in the series finale against the Fighting Sioux. The last time CU had a team collect 10 or more hits in seven straight games was April 20-May 4, 2007.
Let's Play Six
This season, the outcome of the game has been decided for the most part after six innings. In 56 games played this year, the team leading after six was 45-4. In seven ties so far this year after the two-thirds mark, CU was 2-5.
Loving Nature
On March 22 against Indiana State, the Bluejays had their 12-game winning streak against the Sycamores snapped. Even with the loss, Creighton has won 18 of the last 20 meetings between the two schools, and has not lost at home against ISU since May 4, 2002.
Milestone Marker
On March 14 against South Dakota State, head coach Ed Servais reached the 200 wins mark during his time at Creighton. Over his first six seasons at the helm of CU, Servais is 227-124.
Home Sweet Home
The series on March 14-15 against South Dakota State marked the home opener for Creighton after spending its first 14 games on the road. Among the places the Bluejays traveled to over the first 14 games are Texas, Arizona, Kansas, South Carolina and North Carolina.
The Bluejays extended their home opener winning streak to eight games with their 8-2 win over South Dakota State. The group has not lost its first home game of the season since a 2001 defeat to Northern Iowa, 5-3. Under head coach Ed Servais the team is 5-0.
He's a Saturday Guy
Saturdays for shortstop Elliot Soto have produced career-high results. On March 7, against Albany, Soto had a career-high four hits, going 4-6 with three runs scored. On Saturday, March 14 against South Dakota State, he tied his career-high going 4-5 with two runs scored.
Offensive Offense
In the last two outings of its spring trip, Creighton scored a combined two runs, after being shutout 1-0 to Coastal Carolina and losing 6-2 to UNC-Wilmington. It is the lowest output in back-to-back games for the Jays since April 6-7, 2007 against Wichita State when the team lost 2-1 and 7-1.
Stranded
This season the Creighton offense struggled at times from a lack of run production, as the team left 17 on in the MVC Championship game against Wichita State but not from a lack of opportunities. On the season the Bluejays had 957 total base runners compared to their opponents having just 762 total base runners.
Creighton had 339 of its 957 runners score for a 35.42 %.
Its opponents had 241 of their 762 runners score for a 31.62 %.
Can We Do This Annually?
On June, 2, 2007 Creighton beat Albany 21-11 in the teams' inaugural matchup at the NCAA Regional held at Fayetteville, Ark.
On March 7, in the schools' second-ever matchup, CU broke out of an early season slump, scoring 20 runs.
In the two teams' meetings, the Jays own a 41-16 advantage.
Not a Good First Impression
The Bluejays finally broke their six-game losing streak on March 1 against Notre Dame. It is the first time in Creighton's recorded history that it started 0-6.
Creighton's six-game losing streak was not something the program is used to. The streak was the longest since a 2003 stretch saw the team lose six straight contests from April 18-April 25.
Good Offensive Display
After not having a big offensive display in almost a year, on March 1 against Notre Dame Creighton knocked out 16 hits, en route to a 6-3 victory. Those 16 hits were the most by the team since March 16, 2008 against Chicago State. Creighton has since had five 17+ hit performances in the last two months. (20 vs. Albany on 3/7, 17 vs. South Dakota State on 3/15, 18 vs. North Dakota on 3/24, 17 vs. Northern Iowa 4/12 and 19 vs. Iowa on 4/29)
That's Efficient
March 1 against Notre Dame Greg Hellhake was able to keep the Bluejays out of serious trouble through the first four innings, without having much work for himself. Hellhake needed just 33 pitches through the first four innings, as he faced just one above the minimum number of batters.
Beware of the Brooms
Creighton is not used to suffering a four-game sweep. Prior to the season opening series against Sam Houston State, Feb. 20-22, the last time Creighton was swept during a four-game series was May 5-6, 2001 in back-to-back doubleheaders against Missouri State.
Close Call
The first five of Creighton's losses this year were by two runs or less. It is the first time since April, 11-17, 2007 that five games in a row have been decided by two runs or less.
Prior to February, Creighton had not had five straight losses been decided by two runs or less since 2006,
Below is the last time Creighton had five straight losses decided by two runs or less
Date Opponent Score (Inn.)
4/14/06 at Southern Illinois 2-3 (10)
4/11/06 Kansas State 4-5
4/9/06 Illinois State 13-14
4/4/06 Nebraska 4-6
4/2/06 Wichita State 1-3 (8)
Working on Fundamentals
The opening weekend against Sam Houston State (Feb. 20-22) saw all four games decided by two runs or less, making the execution of fundamentals crucial in deciding the outcomes. On the weekend Bluejay base runners were picked off three times. All of last season CU had just six runners picked off.
Fielding fundamentals also came into play as CU saw it's error total rise in three straight games (0-1-2-3) for the first time since a four game stretch from April 8-15, 2005, when the team also had a streak of (0-1-2-3).
Career Series
Sophomore Jimmy Swift had a career series against Sam Houston State (Feb. 20-22). On Feb. 20 night he provided CU with its first two runs of the season, courtesy of a home run in the second inning. It was the first home run of his career. The next day he continued his hot hitting as he hit a double down the left field line to bring in a run. It was the first double of his career, and he finished with four RBI on the weekend, surpassing his previous career season-high of two.
Congrats to Coach Smith
Last month it was announced that Creighton pitching coach Rob Smith was named one of two recipients for 2008 NCAA Teaching Pro Award. The other was Bob Shepherd of North Florida
Smith is one of two CU coaches to be honored for their work last season. In December head coach Ed Servais was tabbed as one of two NCAA FieldTurf Coach of the Year recipients. The other was the College World Series champion Mike Batesole of Fresno State.
Look Out!
Junior Robbie Knight has not been one to be afraid of opposing pitchers coming inside. Knight owns the school record for most hit by pitches during a career with 72. In 2007 he set the NCAA single-season record after being beaned 35 times. He is currently seventh on the NCAA all-time hit by pitch leaderboard.
NCAA Record Book, Career HBP's
Player, Team Years G HBP
Brett Lilley, Notre Dame 2005-08 231 109
Tony Hurtado, San Francico 1997-00 221 92
Cody Rizzo, Notre Dame 2003-06 233 84
Gabe Somarriba, Fla. Atlantic 1999-02 226 81
Mark Muscenti, Cincinnati 2003-06 211 76
Jeff Ontiveros, Texas 1999-02 258 74
Robbie Knight, Creighton 2007-Pr. 174 72
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/ Baseball2013 Creighton Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee Dan Smith
Friday, October 30
Jim Hendry & Alan Benes (4/11/11)
Friday, October 30
CREIGHTON BASEBALL
Thursday, October 15
Ambidextrous Pitcher
Thursday, October 15
