Baseball Plays Final Home Series at CU Sports Complex this Weekend
3/31/2011 3:29:00 PM | Baseball
Creighton (17-5, 0-0)
vs. Portland (10-11) • April 1 @ 4 p.m., April 2 @ 2 p.m., April 3 @ 1 p.m.
CU Sports Complex
vs. Portland (10-11) • April 1 @ 4 p.m., April 2 @ 2 p.m., April 3 @ 1 p.m.
CU Sports Complex
ERA W-L App GS SV IP H R ER BB SO
Creighton
Sat. - Ty Blach, LHP 2.16 4-0 6 6 0 33.1 27 8 8 10 26
Sat. - Jonas Dufek, RHP 1.98 3-0 6 5 1 36.1 27 10 8 11 41
Sun. - Greg Hellhake, LHP 4.64 2-1 6 6 0 21.1 18 11 11 11 16
Portland
Sat. - Owen Jones, RHP 3.99 2-2 6 5 0 29.1 33 15 13 9 24
Sat. - Kyle Kraus, RHP 4.78 2-1 5 5 0 32.0 40 18 17 6 20
Sun. - Chris Johnson, RHP 4.76 1-1 6 6 0 28.1 21 16 15 12 25
Creighton
Sat. - Ty Blach, LHP 2.16 4-0 6 6 0 33.1 27 8 8 10 26
Sat. - Jonas Dufek, RHP 1.98 3-0 6 5 1 36.1 27 10 8 11 41
Sun. - Greg Hellhake, LHP 4.64 2-1 6 6 0 21.1 18 11 11 11 16
Portland
Sat. - Owen Jones, RHP 3.99 2-2 6 5 0 29.1 33 15 13 9 24
Sat. - Kyle Kraus, RHP 4.78 2-1 5 5 0 32.0 40 18 17 6 20
Sun. - Chris Johnson, RHP 4.76 1-1 6 6 0 28.1 21 16 15 12 25
Follow the Jays all week through live stats at www.gocreighton.com. Click on the link on the right side of the front page to follow all the action of Creighton baseball vs. Portland baseball while at home. Also check in after the game for statistics on your favorite Jays. You can also follow the game on KOIL 1180 am.
Follow the Jays
Follow the Jays all week through live stats at www.gocreighton.com. Click on the link on the right side of the front page to follow all the action of Creighton baseball vs. Portland baseball while at home. The games will also be broadcast on KOIL 1180 AM. A link for that is on the baseball schedule page on www.gocreighton.com also. Make sure to check in after the game for statistics on your favorite Jays. You can also follow the Jays via Twitter at gocreighton or on Facebook at Official Creighton Athletics Page.
Last Time Out
Creighton 3, North Dakota State 2 - After having the weekend series with North Dakota cancelled due to inclement weather conditions, the Jays played their first game in six days against the Bison who were playing their first game in nine days. The Jays got on the board in the bottom of the first inning thanks to two defensive errors by the Bison. Nick Judkins reached base with one out, picking up his third hit by pitch of the season. Jimmy Swift singled to centerfield, allowing a heads-up Judkins to reach third on the first hit of the game. Trever Adams knocked in his first RBI of the day, skying a pop-up just behind first base that fell between three Bison defenders. NDSU took the lead in the top of the fifth inning. After scoring on a wild pitch by Jonas Dufek in the top of the fourth, the Bison used a double to the left field fence, a sacrifice bunt and a single through the left side to take the lead. The NDSU pitchers threw the Jays in a loop, as there was a new pitcher to adjust to each inning, resulting in zeros on the board for the Jays until the bottom of the eighth. Michael Mutcheson doubled off the left field fence and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt. With two outs and an 0-1 count, Adams knocked out his fifth home run of the season, scoring both runs and giving the Jays the lead for good. Kurt Spomer came in to finish the game off, picking up his first win of the season in his 11th appearance. Spomer struck out two and forced an infield ground ball in the final half of the inning to give the Jays their 17th win of the season.
Scouting CreightonCreighton was picked to finish fifth in the MVC this season, returning 20 players and just four starters from the team that went 27-25 last season. Creighton is being led offensively early this season by Trever Adams and Alex Staehely. Staehely has exploded in the early games, with a triple and game winning RBI in the 4-3 win over Kansas and a triple and three doubles over the weekend. Staehely is still swinging a hot bat, second on the team with a .341 batting average and a hit in 17 of the 22 games. Staehely leads the team in doubles with 12 and stolen bases with four. Adams has improved his batting average almost .300 points after a slow start. He leads the team in batting average (.372), home runs (5), RBI (21) and triples (3). Michael Mutcheson leads the team in on base percentage, with a .455 and has been hit by pitch six different times. Overall, the team is hitting .281 with 108 runs on 178 hits and 35 doubles. The Jays have had solid pitching performances on the mound already this season. Jonas Dufek and Greg Hellhake have already set career strikeout records, with 13 and six, respectively while Ty Blach fanned a career high of eight against South Dakota State University (3/11/11). Jack VanLeur and Mark Winkelman have been solid as middle relievers, holding opponents to just a .152 and .224 average against, respectively. VanLeur has given up just four earned runs on the season in 21.0 innings pitched while Winkelman has allowed just two earned runs in his 17.2 innings of work. The pitching staff has a combined 3.40 ERA and is holding opponents to a .245 batting average against.
Scouting the Pilots
The Pilots are led on the season by Turner Gill, who holds a .339 average, with 21 hits and 13 RBI. Leading the team with a team high 25 hits is Matt Mardesich, who holds a .309 average. Five different regular starting Pilots (Gill, Mardesich, Kevin Armijo, Kramer Scott and Brian Frattali) hold an average over .300, giving them a .274 overall team average. The Pilots have knocked out 13 home runs on the season, one by Mardesich in the loss at Washington, as three different players have three home runs.
The pitching staff holds a 4.79 ERA, giving up 197 hits in 189.2 innings pitched. They are holding opponents to a .267 batting average on the season. The staff also holds 148 strikeouts, led by Chris Johnson with 25.
The Pilots have a focus on defense, much like the Jays, as they have committed just 19 errors in their 21 games, for a .977 fielding percentage. Brian Frattali (first base) leads the team in chances with 192 and put outs with 183, while Ben Grubb hasn't committed an error in 90 chances while catching.
Last Time Out
The Pilots enjoyed the comforts of their own home last week by taking a pair of games from the Seattle Redhawks at Joe Etzel Field. The Pilots won the first game, which stretched from Thursday into Friday due to rain, by a 5-0 margin. Owen Jones allowed just three hits during 6.0 scoreless innings of relief to pick up the 'W'. The Pilots scored four unearned runs during the seventh inning to put the game out of reach. The second game was all Pilots as Portland dropped a nine-spot in the bottom of the second inning en route to an 11-3 win. Turner Gill had two hits and an RBI during the second as Portland sent 13 hitters to the plate. UP out-hit SU 14-3 and reliever Brent Miller got the win after tossing a flawless 4.0 innings. He didn't surrender a hit or a walk, while striking out two.On Tuesday, the Pilots scored four runs in the top of the first inning at Washington before the Huskies rallied for a 5-4 win in 10 innings. Matt Mardesich drilled a three-run blast during the first inning to give UP the early lead.
Follow the Jays all week through live stats at www.gocreighton.com. Click on the link on the right side of the front page to follow all the action of Creighton baseball vs. Portland baseball while at home. The games will also be broadcast on KOIL 1180 AM. A link for that is on the baseball schedule page on www.gocreighton.com also. Make sure to check in after the game for statistics on your favorite Jays. You can also follow the Jays via Twitter at gocreighton or on Facebook at Official Creighton Athletics Page.
Last Time Out
Creighton 3, North Dakota State 2 - After having the weekend series with North Dakota cancelled due to inclement weather conditions, the Jays played their first game in six days against the Bison who were playing their first game in nine days. The Jays got on the board in the bottom of the first inning thanks to two defensive errors by the Bison. Nick Judkins reached base with one out, picking up his third hit by pitch of the season. Jimmy Swift singled to centerfield, allowing a heads-up Judkins to reach third on the first hit of the game. Trever Adams knocked in his first RBI of the day, skying a pop-up just behind first base that fell between three Bison defenders. NDSU took the lead in the top of the fifth inning. After scoring on a wild pitch by Jonas Dufek in the top of the fourth, the Bison used a double to the left field fence, a sacrifice bunt and a single through the left side to take the lead. The NDSU pitchers threw the Jays in a loop, as there was a new pitcher to adjust to each inning, resulting in zeros on the board for the Jays until the bottom of the eighth. Michael Mutcheson doubled off the left field fence and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt. With two outs and an 0-1 count, Adams knocked out his fifth home run of the season, scoring both runs and giving the Jays the lead for good. Kurt Spomer came in to finish the game off, picking up his first win of the season in his 11th appearance. Spomer struck out two and forced an infield ground ball in the final half of the inning to give the Jays their 17th win of the season.
Scouting CreightonCreighton was picked to finish fifth in the MVC this season, returning 20 players and just four starters from the team that went 27-25 last season. Creighton is being led offensively early this season by Trever Adams and Alex Staehely. Staehely has exploded in the early games, with a triple and game winning RBI in the 4-3 win over Kansas and a triple and three doubles over the weekend. Staehely is still swinging a hot bat, second on the team with a .341 batting average and a hit in 17 of the 22 games. Staehely leads the team in doubles with 12 and stolen bases with four. Adams has improved his batting average almost .300 points after a slow start. He leads the team in batting average (.372), home runs (5), RBI (21) and triples (3). Michael Mutcheson leads the team in on base percentage, with a .455 and has been hit by pitch six different times. Overall, the team is hitting .281 with 108 runs on 178 hits and 35 doubles. The Jays have had solid pitching performances on the mound already this season. Jonas Dufek and Greg Hellhake have already set career strikeout records, with 13 and six, respectively while Ty Blach fanned a career high of eight against South Dakota State University (3/11/11). Jack VanLeur and Mark Winkelman have been solid as middle relievers, holding opponents to just a .152 and .224 average against, respectively. VanLeur has given up just four earned runs on the season in 21.0 innings pitched while Winkelman has allowed just two earned runs in his 17.2 innings of work. The pitching staff has a combined 3.40 ERA and is holding opponents to a .245 batting average against.
Scouting the Pilots
The Pilots are led on the season by Turner Gill, who holds a .339 average, with 21 hits and 13 RBI. Leading the team with a team high 25 hits is Matt Mardesich, who holds a .309 average. Five different regular starting Pilots (Gill, Mardesich, Kevin Armijo, Kramer Scott and Brian Frattali) hold an average over .300, giving them a .274 overall team average. The Pilots have knocked out 13 home runs on the season, one by Mardesich in the loss at Washington, as three different players have three home runs.
The pitching staff holds a 4.79 ERA, giving up 197 hits in 189.2 innings pitched. They are holding opponents to a .267 batting average on the season. The staff also holds 148 strikeouts, led by Chris Johnson with 25.
The Pilots have a focus on defense, much like the Jays, as they have committed just 19 errors in their 21 games, for a .977 fielding percentage. Brian Frattali (first base) leads the team in chances with 192 and put outs with 183, while Ben Grubb hasn't committed an error in 90 chances while catching.
Last Time Out
The Pilots enjoyed the comforts of their own home last week by taking a pair of games from the Seattle Redhawks at Joe Etzel Field. The Pilots won the first game, which stretched from Thursday into Friday due to rain, by a 5-0 margin. Owen Jones allowed just three hits during 6.0 scoreless innings of relief to pick up the 'W'. The Pilots scored four unearned runs during the seventh inning to put the game out of reach. The second game was all Pilots as Portland dropped a nine-spot in the bottom of the second inning en route to an 11-3 win. Turner Gill had two hits and an RBI during the second as Portland sent 13 hitters to the plate. UP out-hit SU 14-3 and reliever Brent Miller got the win after tossing a flawless 4.0 innings. He didn't surrender a hit or a walk, while striking out two.On Tuesday, the Pilots scored four runs in the top of the first inning at Washington before the Huskies rallied for a 5-4 win in 10 innings. Matt Mardesich drilled a three-run blast during the first inning to give UP the early lead.
Meet the Coaches
Ed Servais (Creighton) - Ed Servais enters his eighth season leading the Creighton baseball program in 2011. He currently holds a .637 winning percentage (271-154) while at the helm of the Jays, which is the second best in school history. Servais needs just 12 wins to move into second in Creighton history in wins by a head coach, as Jack Dahm (283) and Jim Hendry (289) sit in front of him. He has taken the Jays to two NCAA Tournaments and has won the MVC Coach of the Year award three times in his seven seasons.
Servais' teams pride themselves on defense, as they again ranked among the top teams in the Nation in defensive fielding percentage last season, boasting a .980 percentage as a team, good for second in the nation. Servais has coached three Gold Gloves in his time at Creighton.
Servais started his coaching career as an assistant at St. Mary's and then was the first head coach at Viterbo, starting up the program and leading them to a 23-6 record in the first year. He then moved back to St. Mary's as the head coach, went to Iowa State as an assistant and landed at Creighton as an assistant from 1998-2003 before being named head coach in 2004. Servais is assisted by Rob Smith, Craig Moore and Brandon Tormoehlen.
Chris Sperry (Portland) - Sperry took over as Portland's 21st head coach in baseball history in 1998 and has improved the program overall. Portland is coming off its second most successful season ever, finishing 2010 with a 34-18 overall record. Sperry ranks third all-time in coaching wins at UP with 265 and has led his squad to an increase in wins during each of the last three seasons. Sperry has coached seven players who have reached the major league levels, with Eric Hall and Kory Castro in the Seattle Mariners and Arizona Diamondbacks organizations. Prior to becomming head coach, Sperry was the head assistant at Portland State and at Centralia College. The Portland graduate also signed with the L.A. Dodgers and played one season with Salem. He is assisted by Larry Casian, Tucker Brack and Dale Stebbins.
Jays vs. the West Coast Conference
Creighton holds a 4-2 advantage over teams in the West Coast Conference. The Jays last meeting with a team from the WCC was in 2009, when Creighton and Gonzaga met up in the Phoenix Classic. Gonzaga won that meeting 11-3, as the Jays finished the Classic 1-2.
The Series
The meeting on Friday will mark just the second time the Jays have met up with the Pilots. The first meeting was a neutral site meeting in 2000, which the Pilots won 7-6. The Feb. 20 meeting was part of the Phoenix-Oakland A's Tournament to kick off the season, where the Jays also took on Washington and Northwestern, finishing the weekend 3-1.
Counting Down
This season is the last the Jays will play on campus at the CU Sports Complex. TD Ameritrade Park Omaha will become the new home of the Jays, starting with the April 19 opener against Nebraska. Following this weekend's series with Portland, the Jays will play just one more game at the CU Sports Complex, an April 12 meeting with Kansas State.
Home Field Advantage
Creighton is 4-1 already this season at home, losing just one against BYU on March 22. In the last 10 seasons, Creighton has a .677 winning percentage when playing at home, winning 147 of 217 home games. Creighton's best season at home was in 2003, when the Jays went 21-3 from home. Under Ed Servais, the Jays are 125-49 when playing at home. Below is the home record in each of the last 10 seasons.
2011 4-1
2010 10-14
2009 15-8
2008 22-6
2007 22-4
2006 12-7
2005 21-3
2004 19-6
2003 6-14
2002 16-7
Multi-madness
Two Bluejays, senior Trever Adams and sophomore Alex Staehely are in the top three in the Valley in multi-hit games, with Adams putting together 10 on the season and Staehely with 11. In the first game with BYU, the two were a combined seven-for-seven, each with a double while Adams drove out his team leading fourth home run of the season.
Perserverance
Creighton's 3-2 win over North Dakota State may not have been the prettiest game coach Ed Servais and his staff would have liked, but it did show the Jays don't give up. Creighton was trailing after the seventh inning, a spot they are just 2-4 in this season. But the Jays used a Michael Mutcheson double and a Trever Adams home run in the bottom of the bottom of the eighth to win the game. The two multi-base hits were the only two for the Jays the whole game, as they picked up just four hits the whole time.
Blast-off
Creighton's Trever Adams knocked in three RBI in the 3-2 win over NDSU, the only three of the game. Adams popped in a seeing eye single in the first inning and then hit the home run in the bottom of the eighth. Adams has a team high 21 RBI on the season, knocking in 10 in the last 10 games straight.
We'll C U at the Sports Complex
Creighton is 5-1 at home this season, losing one against BYU on March 22. In the last 10 seasons, Creighton has a .677 winning percentage when playing at home, winning 148 of 217 home games. Under Ed Servais, the Jays are 126-49 when playing at home.
Back on Track
After starting the 2011 season just two-of-21 in the first five games, senior Trever Adams has connected and found his stride, going 30-of-65 in the last 16 games (462) and recording multi-hit games in eight of the 17 games. He has seven doubles, three triples and five home runs in that time span, getting a hit in 16 of the 17 games.
Using the Staff
The Jays used five pitchers in the win over NDSU, while the Bison used seven. Creighton threw Ty Blach (2.0 innings), Jonas Dufek (3.0 innings), Jack VanLeur (1.0 innings), Mark Winkelman 1.2 innings) and Kurt Spomer (1.2 innings and the win). With the weekend series getting cancelled against the North Dakota Fighting Sioux, Creighton's staff needed to get extra innings in, to kick the rust off, after not playing in six days. Friday and Saturday starters Blach and Dufek welcomed the work, as Blach struck out four of the seven batters he faced while Dufek worked off the rust, allowing the only two runs of the game.
Chicks Dig the Long Ball
After starting the 2011 season just two of 21 in the first five games, senior Trever Adams has connected and found his stride, going 29 of 61 in the last 16 games, (.322) and recording multi-hit games in half of the 16 games. He has seven doubles, three triples and four home runs in that time span, getting a hit in 15 of the 16 games.
Two and Bar-B-Que
Head coach Ed Servais has done an impressive job of getting his teams refocused after losing a home game. In the time he has been at Creighton, the team has only lost back-to-back home games eight times, including going the 2004 and 2007 without dropping multiple games at home in a row. Last season, Creighton dropped four back-to-back games, including a four game skid with the Wichita State series being three of the four.
2010 4 times
2009 one time
2008 one time
2007 none
2006 two times
2005 one time
2004 none
Dufek's Dominance
Creighton's senior pitcher Jonas Dufek turned in another stellar performance in Saturday's win over Valparaiso. After improving his career strikeout numbers from nine to 11 in the Canisius game (Feb. 19), Dufek struck out 13 Crusader batters while giving up just one hit in the game. He pitched Creighton's first complete game of the season, and first since last year.
Look Alikes
Creighton is now 16-5 on the season entering today's games, their best start since the 2006 season when the Jays reached the 17 win mark with just five losses. During Ed Servais' tenure, this ranks as the second-best overall start. The only team in the last 20 years to reach 17 wins with just four losses? The 1991 College World Series Bluejay team.
Free Baseball
The Jays have played three extra-inning games this season and are a perfect 3-0 in each game. Creighton has been the visiting team in each extra inning game, defeating Kansas 4-3, New Mexico 8-7 and SIU Edwardsville 4-3 on their respective home fields. Creighton played in six extra frame games last season, splitting a perfect 3-3 on the games.
Taking Extra BP
Two Bluejays, senior Trever Adams and spohomore Alex Staehely are in the top three in the Valley in multi-hit games, with Adams putting together 10 on the season and Staehely one-upping him with 11. In the first game with BYU, the two were a combined seven for seven, each with a double while Adams drove out his fourth home run of the season.
Use Your Brain
Adding to Creighton's list of accolades already this season is sophomore Alex Staehely. The Bluejay second baseman was named Prairie Farms MVC Scholar Athlete of the Week this week (along with Bluejay softball player Christa Ruf), marking the second straight week a baseball player has received the award. Staehely had three hits, including two doubles and two runs batted in, as the Jays defeated Air Force, Valparaiso and SIU Edwardsville. He holds a 3.50 gpa in economics/finance.
Roles Reversed
Creighton hit into three ground ball double plays in the games on Saturday, the most in a single day all season. The Jays have been doubled up 18 times this season. A perennial power in the double play category, the Jays have turned an equal 18 this season. Creighton's defense remains one of the top in the country, with a .977 fielding percentage, committing just 17 errors in it's 19 games.
Soft Hands
Creighton first baseman Nick Judkins has a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage, with a team and MVC leading 195 chances with 181 put outs and 14 attempts. A Gold Glove winner at Iowa Central Community College, the right handed Judkins has been a part of 17 double plays and can field his spot, as he has played other positions on the infield through his career.
Speed Demons
The Jays defeated Valparaiso in one hour and 25 minutes on Saturday. The 85 minute game is one of the fastest nine-inning game in the history of baseball, professional included. There was an MLB game recorded as finishing in 89 minutes, but there is no record of a faster nine-inning NCAA game. Jonas Dufek pitched the complete game, two hitter for the Jays, striking out 13 in the 1-0 win.
No Free Tickets
Creighton has been pretty good at taking advantage of the opponents erratic pitching. The team has racked up 57 walks and 28 hit by pitch, led in walks by five different players with six, and Michael Mutcheson in hit by pitch, with six also. In the first game on Saturday, however, the Jays did not reach base once on a free-pass, the first time this season that has happened to the Jays.
Against the Field
The Missouri Valley Conference holds a winnisn record against 13 leagues in non-conference play. The Jays have played seven of the 13 leagues, playing against the Big 12, Horizon, Metro Atlantic, Mid-American, Mountain West, Ohio Valley and Summit leagues.
Adams Tabbed Preseason All-MVC
Creighton outfielder Trever Adams is the only Bluejay to be named to the preseason all-Valley team, earning the nod in the outfield. Adams, an all-Valley honorable mention selection last season, hit .356 last season with a team high 74 hits, 12 home runs and 58 RBI. Adams is slated to see most of his time in right field this season.
Rain, Rain, Go Away
With poor weather conditions all across the nation last week, all but one MVC team played three or fewer games last week. The Jays got in two against BYU, but had their weekend series cancelled with North Dakota. Wichita State split a four game series with Oregon, as the only team that got in more than three games last week. The cancellation was the third time this season the Jays have had to adjust their schedule due to inclement weather, making two adjustments during the Spring break trip in Arkansas, March 4-9.
MVC Upcoming Schedule
4/1/2011
Rockhurst at Indiana State 12:00PM
Chicago State at Illinois State 3:00PM
Portland at Creighton 4:00PM
Western Illinois at Bradley 6:00PM
IPFW at Evansville 6:00PM
Missouri State at Saint Louis 6:00PM
Southern Illinois at Kennesaw State 6:00PM
Wichita State at Hawaii 11:35PM
4/2/2011
Chicago State at Illinois State 12:00PM
IPFW at Evansville 2:00PM
Western Illinois at Bradley 2:00PM
Portland at Creighton 2:00PM
Southern Illinois at Kennesaw State 2:00PM
Missouri State at Saint Louis 2:00PM
Chicago State at Illinois State 3:00PM
Wichita State at Hawaii 5:05PM
4/3/2011
Southern Illinois at Kennesaw State 1:00PM
Saint Louis at Missouri State 1:00PM
Chicago State at Illinois State 1:00PM
IPFW at Evansville 1:00PM
Portland at Creighton 1:00PM
Western Illinois at Bradley 1:00PM
4/5/2011
Indiana State at Valparaiso 3:00PM
Illinois State at Northern Illinois 3:05PM
Evansville at Austin Peay 6:00PM
Illinois at Bradley 6:00PM
Missouri State at Kansas 6:00PM
Alcorn State at Wichita State 6:30PM
Creighton at Nebraska 6:35PM
2-2-2
Creighton's Michael Blatchford has had a good streak in his first at-bat of the season. Last year, as a freshman in his first ever collegiate at-bat, Blatchford knocked in his first homerun of his career. In the game at Air Force on March 16, Blatchford's first at-bat of the 2011 season resulted in the same way, a homerun over the left center field fence. Two season opening at bat homeruns in back to back seasons, not too shabby.
20-Years Later
This year marks the 20 year reunion of the NCAA College World Series team from 1991. It is the only time in Bluejay history the Jays have made it to the CWS. Creighton was eliminated by Wichita State, finished 2-2 in the tournament.
Middle of the Pack
Creighton was picked to finish fifth in the MVC preseason poll, as voted on by the league's coaches. The Jays were picked second in last season's preseason poll and finished sixth. Creighton finished with 35 points, just two points behind Indiana State at number five.
Place Team Points
1 Illinois State (4) 58
2 Wichita State (4) 53
3 Evansville 41
4 Indiana State 37
5 Creighton 35
6 Missouri State 27
7 Southern Illinois 25
8 Bradley 13
Small Ball
With the first set of NCAA statistics to be released next week, the Jays are sure to be in the top of the lists in sacrifices thus far this season. The Jays have 23 sacrifices on the season and nine sacrifice fly's. Leading the way is Nick Judkins. The junior college transfer, who usually hits in the number two position, has six sacrifices on the season and one sacrifice fly. With the change of the bat, many teams will turn to the bunt, although anyone familiar with Creighton baseball knows Ed Servais has always been a fan of getting a runner on and moving them over.
Another, and Another, and Another
Creighton put up 13 runs in the win on Sunday, the highest single game output this season. In the three game series, Creighton outscored SDSU 25-3. The Sunday game was also a season high in hits (16) and total bases (20).
Multiplication
Creighton senior Trever Adams has put together a 10 game it streak, the longest of any Bluejay this season. Possibly even more impressive - the right fielder has had multiple hits in six games during that stretch, incuuding a three hit outing on March 12 and a two hit game on March 13, both against South Dakota State.
Back on the Horse
After putting together an eight game hit streak earlier in the season, sophomore Alex Staehely has been held hitless in two of the last five games. But the second baseman has continued to be aggressive at the plate. He knocked in a career high five RBI in the 13-0 win against SDSU on March 13, driving two doubles and a single from the dish and not committing an error on defense.
Taking a Chance
Chance Ross transfered into Creighton from Cowley College, not sure where he would fit in. After spending some time at shortstop in the fall, the junior has earned a starting spot at third base this season, and has fully taken advantage of the opportunity. In the three games this weekend, the third baseman had seven hits, scoring four runs and driving in two.
Fresh Faces
The Jays were able to get a couple players in on Sunday that haven't seen much playing time this season. Included in that mix were seniors Vince Bellino and Clay Cuno. Bellino scored his first run as a Bluejay, picking up a walk. He also mmade his first defensive play, tossing out a runner on a ground ball late in the game. Cuno went one for two from the dish in his first appearance this season, after being the designated hitter for much of last season.
High Fives
Creighton seniors Jimmy Swift, Greg Hellhake and Jack VanLeur are all in their fifth-year of competition, after redshirting one year in their stay. The three have compiled 140-87 record, making it to one NCAA Regional and winning one MVC Tournament (both in 2007),
Double Dip Anyone?
CU currently has four 2011 dates scheduled with multiple games, inlcuding this weekend's opening Saturday games. The Ed Servais era has seen great success on such dates, as the Jays are 60-24 in twinbills since 2004, good for a .829 winning percentage. That mark includes 23 Jay sweeps and 14 splits.
Extra Credit
Creighton sophomore Ty Blach wasn't named to any of the Missouri Valley postseason teams last season, but did earn Freshman All-American honors. The left hander, who will be one of the top Jays pitchers this season, has been named “The Most Underrated Pitcher in the MVC” by collegebaseballinsider.com. On the same site, Bluejay senior Jonas Dufek has been named one of the top starting pitchers in the conference.
We Win Around Here
The 27-25 winning record last season gave Creighton it's seventh straight winning season under Ed Servais. The Jays high in wins in a season under Servais is 48, during the 2005 season in which they made the NCAA Tournament, finishing 48-17.
It's A First
Monday games are not very common for the Jays this season, while Tuesday games are just as sparse. Thus far on the season, the Jays are 1-1 when playing on Monday's and Tuesday's, winning their only Tuesday game (at Kansas on Feb. 22) and falling at Arkansas State during Spring Break trip on Monday, March 7.
Valley's Best
Bluejay senior right fielder Trever Adams has been named the MVC Player of the Week, after his play from March 7-13. The Lincoln, Neb., native hit two home runs, two triples and knocked in five RBI over the week, improving his batting average 100 points. He is also on a 10 game hit streak, the longest by a Bluejay this season.
Smarty Pants
Ty Blach, a sophomore southpaw from Centennial, Colo., has been named the Prairie Farms MVC Scholar Athlete of the Week, named on Wednesday, March 16. The pitcher struck out a career high eight batters in the 6-0 win over South Dakota State on March 12. Blach has a 3.812 gpa in business
D-D-D, D-Fence
The Jays are again on the top of the lists in fielding percentage in the conference. OVerall, Creighton has a .976 fielding percentage (as of March 17, 2011), committing just 16 errors (.941 per game).
Touch 'em All
For the first time this season, the Jays had multiple homeruns in a single game in the 11-9 win at Air Force on Wednesday. After Michael Blatchford knocked a ball over the fence in the fourth, Chance Ross unleashed on a ball that went over the 400 foot deep, 30 foot high center field hitter's eye at Air Force.
Ed Servais (Creighton) - Ed Servais enters his eighth season leading the Creighton baseball program in 2011. He currently holds a .637 winning percentage (271-154) while at the helm of the Jays, which is the second best in school history. Servais needs just 12 wins to move into second in Creighton history in wins by a head coach, as Jack Dahm (283) and Jim Hendry (289) sit in front of him. He has taken the Jays to two NCAA Tournaments and has won the MVC Coach of the Year award three times in his seven seasons.
Servais' teams pride themselves on defense, as they again ranked among the top teams in the Nation in defensive fielding percentage last season, boasting a .980 percentage as a team, good for second in the nation. Servais has coached three Gold Gloves in his time at Creighton.
Servais started his coaching career as an assistant at St. Mary's and then was the first head coach at Viterbo, starting up the program and leading them to a 23-6 record in the first year. He then moved back to St. Mary's as the head coach, went to Iowa State as an assistant and landed at Creighton as an assistant from 1998-2003 before being named head coach in 2004. Servais is assisted by Rob Smith, Craig Moore and Brandon Tormoehlen.
Chris Sperry (Portland) - Sperry took over as Portland's 21st head coach in baseball history in 1998 and has improved the program overall. Portland is coming off its second most successful season ever, finishing 2010 with a 34-18 overall record. Sperry ranks third all-time in coaching wins at UP with 265 and has led his squad to an increase in wins during each of the last three seasons. Sperry has coached seven players who have reached the major league levels, with Eric Hall and Kory Castro in the Seattle Mariners and Arizona Diamondbacks organizations. Prior to becomming head coach, Sperry was the head assistant at Portland State and at Centralia College. The Portland graduate also signed with the L.A. Dodgers and played one season with Salem. He is assisted by Larry Casian, Tucker Brack and Dale Stebbins.
Jays vs. the West Coast Conference
Creighton holds a 4-2 advantage over teams in the West Coast Conference. The Jays last meeting with a team from the WCC was in 2009, when Creighton and Gonzaga met up in the Phoenix Classic. Gonzaga won that meeting 11-3, as the Jays finished the Classic 1-2.
The Series
The meeting on Friday will mark just the second time the Jays have met up with the Pilots. The first meeting was a neutral site meeting in 2000, which the Pilots won 7-6. The Feb. 20 meeting was part of the Phoenix-Oakland A's Tournament to kick off the season, where the Jays also took on Washington and Northwestern, finishing the weekend 3-1.
Counting Down
This season is the last the Jays will play on campus at the CU Sports Complex. TD Ameritrade Park Omaha will become the new home of the Jays, starting with the April 19 opener against Nebraska. Following this weekend's series with Portland, the Jays will play just one more game at the CU Sports Complex, an April 12 meeting with Kansas State.
Home Field Advantage
Creighton is 4-1 already this season at home, losing just one against BYU on March 22. In the last 10 seasons, Creighton has a .677 winning percentage when playing at home, winning 147 of 217 home games. Creighton's best season at home was in 2003, when the Jays went 21-3 from home. Under Ed Servais, the Jays are 125-49 when playing at home. Below is the home record in each of the last 10 seasons.
2011 4-1
2010 10-14
2009 15-8
2008 22-6
2007 22-4
2006 12-7
2005 21-3
2004 19-6
2003 6-14
2002 16-7
Multi-madness
Two Bluejays, senior Trever Adams and sophomore Alex Staehely are in the top three in the Valley in multi-hit games, with Adams putting together 10 on the season and Staehely with 11. In the first game with BYU, the two were a combined seven-for-seven, each with a double while Adams drove out his team leading fourth home run of the season.
Perserverance
Creighton's 3-2 win over North Dakota State may not have been the prettiest game coach Ed Servais and his staff would have liked, but it did show the Jays don't give up. Creighton was trailing after the seventh inning, a spot they are just 2-4 in this season. But the Jays used a Michael Mutcheson double and a Trever Adams home run in the bottom of the bottom of the eighth to win the game. The two multi-base hits were the only two for the Jays the whole game, as they picked up just four hits the whole time.
Blast-off
Creighton's Trever Adams knocked in three RBI in the 3-2 win over NDSU, the only three of the game. Adams popped in a seeing eye single in the first inning and then hit the home run in the bottom of the eighth. Adams has a team high 21 RBI on the season, knocking in 10 in the last 10 games straight.
We'll C U at the Sports Complex
Creighton is 5-1 at home this season, losing one against BYU on March 22. In the last 10 seasons, Creighton has a .677 winning percentage when playing at home, winning 148 of 217 home games. Under Ed Servais, the Jays are 126-49 when playing at home.
Back on Track
After starting the 2011 season just two-of-21 in the first five games, senior Trever Adams has connected and found his stride, going 30-of-65 in the last 16 games (462) and recording multi-hit games in eight of the 17 games. He has seven doubles, three triples and five home runs in that time span, getting a hit in 16 of the 17 games.
Using the Staff
The Jays used five pitchers in the win over NDSU, while the Bison used seven. Creighton threw Ty Blach (2.0 innings), Jonas Dufek (3.0 innings), Jack VanLeur (1.0 innings), Mark Winkelman 1.2 innings) and Kurt Spomer (1.2 innings and the win). With the weekend series getting cancelled against the North Dakota Fighting Sioux, Creighton's staff needed to get extra innings in, to kick the rust off, after not playing in six days. Friday and Saturday starters Blach and Dufek welcomed the work, as Blach struck out four of the seven batters he faced while Dufek worked off the rust, allowing the only two runs of the game.
Chicks Dig the Long Ball
After starting the 2011 season just two of 21 in the first five games, senior Trever Adams has connected and found his stride, going 29 of 61 in the last 16 games, (.322) and recording multi-hit games in half of the 16 games. He has seven doubles, three triples and four home runs in that time span, getting a hit in 15 of the 16 games.
Two and Bar-B-Que
Head coach Ed Servais has done an impressive job of getting his teams refocused after losing a home game. In the time he has been at Creighton, the team has only lost back-to-back home games eight times, including going the 2004 and 2007 without dropping multiple games at home in a row. Last season, Creighton dropped four back-to-back games, including a four game skid with the Wichita State series being three of the four.
2010 4 times
2009 one time
2008 one time
2007 none
2006 two times
2005 one time
2004 none
Dufek's Dominance
Creighton's senior pitcher Jonas Dufek turned in another stellar performance in Saturday's win over Valparaiso. After improving his career strikeout numbers from nine to 11 in the Canisius game (Feb. 19), Dufek struck out 13 Crusader batters while giving up just one hit in the game. He pitched Creighton's first complete game of the season, and first since last year.
Look Alikes
Creighton is now 16-5 on the season entering today's games, their best start since the 2006 season when the Jays reached the 17 win mark with just five losses. During Ed Servais' tenure, this ranks as the second-best overall start. The only team in the last 20 years to reach 17 wins with just four losses? The 1991 College World Series Bluejay team.
Free Baseball
The Jays have played three extra-inning games this season and are a perfect 3-0 in each game. Creighton has been the visiting team in each extra inning game, defeating Kansas 4-3, New Mexico 8-7 and SIU Edwardsville 4-3 on their respective home fields. Creighton played in six extra frame games last season, splitting a perfect 3-3 on the games.
Taking Extra BP
Two Bluejays, senior Trever Adams and spohomore Alex Staehely are in the top three in the Valley in multi-hit games, with Adams putting together 10 on the season and Staehely one-upping him with 11. In the first game with BYU, the two were a combined seven for seven, each with a double while Adams drove out his fourth home run of the season.
Use Your Brain
Adding to Creighton's list of accolades already this season is sophomore Alex Staehely. The Bluejay second baseman was named Prairie Farms MVC Scholar Athlete of the Week this week (along with Bluejay softball player Christa Ruf), marking the second straight week a baseball player has received the award. Staehely had three hits, including two doubles and two runs batted in, as the Jays defeated Air Force, Valparaiso and SIU Edwardsville. He holds a 3.50 gpa in economics/finance.
Roles Reversed
Creighton hit into three ground ball double plays in the games on Saturday, the most in a single day all season. The Jays have been doubled up 18 times this season. A perennial power in the double play category, the Jays have turned an equal 18 this season. Creighton's defense remains one of the top in the country, with a .977 fielding percentage, committing just 17 errors in it's 19 games.
Soft Hands
Creighton first baseman Nick Judkins has a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage, with a team and MVC leading 195 chances with 181 put outs and 14 attempts. A Gold Glove winner at Iowa Central Community College, the right handed Judkins has been a part of 17 double plays and can field his spot, as he has played other positions on the infield through his career.
Speed Demons
The Jays defeated Valparaiso in one hour and 25 minutes on Saturday. The 85 minute game is one of the fastest nine-inning game in the history of baseball, professional included. There was an MLB game recorded as finishing in 89 minutes, but there is no record of a faster nine-inning NCAA game. Jonas Dufek pitched the complete game, two hitter for the Jays, striking out 13 in the 1-0 win.
No Free Tickets
Creighton has been pretty good at taking advantage of the opponents erratic pitching. The team has racked up 57 walks and 28 hit by pitch, led in walks by five different players with six, and Michael Mutcheson in hit by pitch, with six also. In the first game on Saturday, however, the Jays did not reach base once on a free-pass, the first time this season that has happened to the Jays.
Against the Field
The Missouri Valley Conference holds a winnisn record against 13 leagues in non-conference play. The Jays have played seven of the 13 leagues, playing against the Big 12, Horizon, Metro Atlantic, Mid-American, Mountain West, Ohio Valley and Summit leagues.
Adams Tabbed Preseason All-MVC
Creighton outfielder Trever Adams is the only Bluejay to be named to the preseason all-Valley team, earning the nod in the outfield. Adams, an all-Valley honorable mention selection last season, hit .356 last season with a team high 74 hits, 12 home runs and 58 RBI. Adams is slated to see most of his time in right field this season.
Rain, Rain, Go Away
With poor weather conditions all across the nation last week, all but one MVC team played three or fewer games last week. The Jays got in two against BYU, but had their weekend series cancelled with North Dakota. Wichita State split a four game series with Oregon, as the only team that got in more than three games last week. The cancellation was the third time this season the Jays have had to adjust their schedule due to inclement weather, making two adjustments during the Spring break trip in Arkansas, March 4-9.
MVC Upcoming Schedule
4/1/2011
Rockhurst at Indiana State 12:00PM
Chicago State at Illinois State 3:00PM
Portland at Creighton 4:00PM
Western Illinois at Bradley 6:00PM
IPFW at Evansville 6:00PM
Missouri State at Saint Louis 6:00PM
Southern Illinois at Kennesaw State 6:00PM
Wichita State at Hawaii 11:35PM
4/2/2011
Chicago State at Illinois State 12:00PM
IPFW at Evansville 2:00PM
Western Illinois at Bradley 2:00PM
Portland at Creighton 2:00PM
Southern Illinois at Kennesaw State 2:00PM
Missouri State at Saint Louis 2:00PM
Chicago State at Illinois State 3:00PM
Wichita State at Hawaii 5:05PM
4/3/2011
Southern Illinois at Kennesaw State 1:00PM
Saint Louis at Missouri State 1:00PM
Chicago State at Illinois State 1:00PM
IPFW at Evansville 1:00PM
Portland at Creighton 1:00PM
Western Illinois at Bradley 1:00PM
4/5/2011
Indiana State at Valparaiso 3:00PM
Illinois State at Northern Illinois 3:05PM
Evansville at Austin Peay 6:00PM
Illinois at Bradley 6:00PM
Missouri State at Kansas 6:00PM
Alcorn State at Wichita State 6:30PM
Creighton at Nebraska 6:35PM
2-2-2
Creighton's Michael Blatchford has had a good streak in his first at-bat of the season. Last year, as a freshman in his first ever collegiate at-bat, Blatchford knocked in his first homerun of his career. In the game at Air Force on March 16, Blatchford's first at-bat of the 2011 season resulted in the same way, a homerun over the left center field fence. Two season opening at bat homeruns in back to back seasons, not too shabby.
20-Years Later
This year marks the 20 year reunion of the NCAA College World Series team from 1991. It is the only time in Bluejay history the Jays have made it to the CWS. Creighton was eliminated by Wichita State, finished 2-2 in the tournament.
Middle of the Pack
Creighton was picked to finish fifth in the MVC preseason poll, as voted on by the league's coaches. The Jays were picked second in last season's preseason poll and finished sixth. Creighton finished with 35 points, just two points behind Indiana State at number five.
Place Team Points
1 Illinois State (4) 58
2 Wichita State (4) 53
3 Evansville 41
4 Indiana State 37
5 Creighton 35
6 Missouri State 27
7 Southern Illinois 25
8 Bradley 13
Small Ball
With the first set of NCAA statistics to be released next week, the Jays are sure to be in the top of the lists in sacrifices thus far this season. The Jays have 23 sacrifices on the season and nine sacrifice fly's. Leading the way is Nick Judkins. The junior college transfer, who usually hits in the number two position, has six sacrifices on the season and one sacrifice fly. With the change of the bat, many teams will turn to the bunt, although anyone familiar with Creighton baseball knows Ed Servais has always been a fan of getting a runner on and moving them over.
Another, and Another, and Another
Creighton put up 13 runs in the win on Sunday, the highest single game output this season. In the three game series, Creighton outscored SDSU 25-3. The Sunday game was also a season high in hits (16) and total bases (20).
Multiplication
Creighton senior Trever Adams has put together a 10 game it streak, the longest of any Bluejay this season. Possibly even more impressive - the right fielder has had multiple hits in six games during that stretch, incuuding a three hit outing on March 12 and a two hit game on March 13, both against South Dakota State.
Back on the Horse
After putting together an eight game hit streak earlier in the season, sophomore Alex Staehely has been held hitless in two of the last five games. But the second baseman has continued to be aggressive at the plate. He knocked in a career high five RBI in the 13-0 win against SDSU on March 13, driving two doubles and a single from the dish and not committing an error on defense.
Taking a Chance
Chance Ross transfered into Creighton from Cowley College, not sure where he would fit in. After spending some time at shortstop in the fall, the junior has earned a starting spot at third base this season, and has fully taken advantage of the opportunity. In the three games this weekend, the third baseman had seven hits, scoring four runs and driving in two.
Fresh Faces
The Jays were able to get a couple players in on Sunday that haven't seen much playing time this season. Included in that mix were seniors Vince Bellino and Clay Cuno. Bellino scored his first run as a Bluejay, picking up a walk. He also mmade his first defensive play, tossing out a runner on a ground ball late in the game. Cuno went one for two from the dish in his first appearance this season, after being the designated hitter for much of last season.
High Fives
Creighton seniors Jimmy Swift, Greg Hellhake and Jack VanLeur are all in their fifth-year of competition, after redshirting one year in their stay. The three have compiled 140-87 record, making it to one NCAA Regional and winning one MVC Tournament (both in 2007),
Double Dip Anyone?
CU currently has four 2011 dates scheduled with multiple games, inlcuding this weekend's opening Saturday games. The Ed Servais era has seen great success on such dates, as the Jays are 60-24 in twinbills since 2004, good for a .829 winning percentage. That mark includes 23 Jay sweeps and 14 splits.
Extra Credit
Creighton sophomore Ty Blach wasn't named to any of the Missouri Valley postseason teams last season, but did earn Freshman All-American honors. The left hander, who will be one of the top Jays pitchers this season, has been named “The Most Underrated Pitcher in the MVC” by collegebaseballinsider.com. On the same site, Bluejay senior Jonas Dufek has been named one of the top starting pitchers in the conference.
We Win Around Here
The 27-25 winning record last season gave Creighton it's seventh straight winning season under Ed Servais. The Jays high in wins in a season under Servais is 48, during the 2005 season in which they made the NCAA Tournament, finishing 48-17.
It's A First
Monday games are not very common for the Jays this season, while Tuesday games are just as sparse. Thus far on the season, the Jays are 1-1 when playing on Monday's and Tuesday's, winning their only Tuesday game (at Kansas on Feb. 22) and falling at Arkansas State during Spring Break trip on Monday, March 7.
Valley's Best
Bluejay senior right fielder Trever Adams has been named the MVC Player of the Week, after his play from March 7-13. The Lincoln, Neb., native hit two home runs, two triples and knocked in five RBI over the week, improving his batting average 100 points. He is also on a 10 game hit streak, the longest by a Bluejay this season.
Smarty Pants
Ty Blach, a sophomore southpaw from Centennial, Colo., has been named the Prairie Farms MVC Scholar Athlete of the Week, named on Wednesday, March 16. The pitcher struck out a career high eight batters in the 6-0 win over South Dakota State on March 12. Blach has a 3.812 gpa in business
D-D-D, D-Fence
The Jays are again on the top of the lists in fielding percentage in the conference. OVerall, Creighton has a .976 fielding percentage (as of March 17, 2011), committing just 16 errors (.941 per game).
Touch 'em All
For the first time this season, the Jays had multiple homeruns in a single game in the 11-9 win at Air Force on Wednesday. After Michael Blatchford knocked a ball over the fence in the fourth, Chance Ross unleashed on a ball that went over the 400 foot deep, 30 foot high center field hitter's eye at Air Force.
Tossing Your Cookies
Head coach Ed Servais and Bluejay assistant Brandon Tormoehlen each got thrown out of the ball game on Monday, March 7 at Arkansas State. After a called strike three, the two voiced their feelings on the call, resulting in an ejection from home plate umpire Steve Dew. The last time Coach Servais was thrown out of a game was at Evansville on April 4, 2009.
Going Yard
Bluejay senior Trever Adams had another good series in Arkansas. The right fielder went six-for-twelve in the three games at Arkansas State,with two home runs (one to straight away center in the 6-0 win and the other off the scoreboard in right field in the 6-8 loss). He also added a triple and beat out a drag bunt for an infield hit. Adams finished the Central Arkansas game with two RBI in the game on a sacrifice fly and double down the left field line.
Get Your Motor Running
Bluejay senior Trever Adams had a rough start to the season, going .095 through the first five games of the season with just two hits. Adams has started his offensive power in the last three games, improving his average to .314 by getting seven hits in the final three games of the New Mexico weekend's games, including two doubles and a triple and scoring three runs. Adams also finished the Arkansas trip going seven for 14, with two homeruns. The Preseason MVC All-Valley pick finished last season with a .356 batting average while starting all 52 games.
Opening Shut-Outs
There have only been three opening day shutouts in Bluejay history, one of which happened last season. Jonas Dufek (5.0 IP), Jack VanLeur (2.0 IP), Mark Winkelman (1.0 IP) and Kurt Spomer (1.0 IP) each had a part in last season's 22-0 opening win over SIU Edwardsville. The other two shutouts have come in 1984, a 12-0 win over Xavier and in 1970, a 3-0 win over MVC foe Wichita State.
Opening Day History
The Jays are looking to move one step closer to evening the opening day record to .500. In the 42 recorded openers, Creighton is 20-22, including the 22-0 victory over SIU Evansville last season. The Jays are 19-13 in neutral site openers but just 12-24 in the season-opening road contests. Creighton has won four of the seven season openers under Ed Servais. Below is a list of those games:
Date Opponent Score Location
2/20/10 SIU Edwardsville W, 22-0 Conway, Ark.
2/20/09 Sam Houston St. L, 8-6 Huntsville, Texas
2/22/08 Washington St. W, 8-4 Pullman, Wash.
2/9/07 Gardner-Webb W, 4-3 Rock Hill, S.C.
2/11/06 Ark.-Little Rock L, 11-12 Little Rock, Ark.
2/11/05 Sam Houston St. W, 9-6 Huntsville, Texas
2/14/04 Southern Utah L, 10-5 Colorado Springs, Colo.
A New Start
The Jays are ready to kick off the 2011 campaign for a fresh start. Creighton finished the 2010 season 27-25 and went 1-2 in the MVC Tournament. The Jays kick off the 2011 season at the USA National Training Center in Cary, N.C. with games against Toledo (11 a.m. on Feb. 19) and Canisius (3 p.m. on Feb 19 and 11 a.m. on Feb. 20.)
Swift Stick
Bluejay senior Jimmy Swift has had great success in the two season openers he has played in, going a combined 5-of-9. In the opener a year ago, a 22-0 win over SIU Edwardsville, Swift went 4-for-6 from the plate, with three runs scored and four RBI. In Swift's sophomore debut, an 8-6 loss to Sam Houston State, Swift went 1-for-3 from the plate.
I'll Bet on a Nine
Creighton has had multiples of nine hits in its last three season openers. In 2010, Creighton had 18 hits, scoring 22 runs in a 22-0 shut out of SIU Edwardsville. In the 2009 opener against Sam Houston State, the Jays finished with nine hits and six runs in an 8-6 loss. The 2008 opener proved the same, with the Jays scratching out nine hits and eight runs in an 8-4 win over Washington State.
Everyone in on the Fun
In last year's season opener, eight of the nine starters got at least one hit, with freshman Alex Staehely being the only Jay not to get a hit. Creighton knocked out 18 hits, second most on the season, en route to a 22-0 win over SIU Edwardsville.
Get 'em Some Fresh Air
The Jays have taken advantage of the unseasonably warm temperatures the past week to get outside and practice on the turf. Head Coach Ed Servais has remarked this is the nicest since his first year with the Jays, when they opened with Iowa State, Servais' former school. With snow still down the foul lines and in patches in the outfield, the field looked like a scene from a movie - maybe the beginning of the feel good story of the year.
Iron Men
Five Bluejays played and started in all 52 games last season, including returners Trever Adams, Jimmy Swift and Alex Staehely. Joining those three were T.J. Roemmich and Ian Dike, both lost to graduation. Swift has started every game the last two seasons, 108 straight, and has played in 122 games over his career.
He'll Rob Ya
Senior Jimmy Swift led the team in stolen bases last season, going 10-of-13 on the season. Swift has 14 stolen bases in his Bluejay career. Creighton, as a team, stole 44 bases last season and was caught stealing 22 times.
No Free Tickets
Under pitching coach Rob Smith the Jays have had one of the top pitching staffs in the MVC. Last season marked the fourth straight season in which the Jays ranked in the top-25 nationally for fewest walks per nine innings. Over that same period, the Jays have combined for a 4.14 ERA which ranks 19th overall in the country.
Give Him the Ball
Last year, southpaw Ty Blach was named a Freshman All-American, the fifth selection during Rob Smith's four years. Blach finished the 2010 season with a 3.11 ERA, with one complete game in 75.1 innings pitched. Blach was second on the team in strikeouts (58) and held opponents to a .231 batting average. He will be one of the series starting pitchers for the Jays this season.
Overall 17-5
Non-Conference 17-5
MVC 0-0
MVC Tournament 0-0
vs. Ranked Teams 0-0
vs. Unranked Teams 17-5
Home 5-1
Away 10-3
Neutral 2-1
Day 17-5
Night 0-0
vs. Left 5-1
vs. Right 12-4
Friday 2-0
Saturday 7-0
Sunday 4-1
Monday 2-1 Tuesday 1-1 Wednesday 1-1
Thursday 0-0
1-Run Games 8-2
2-Run Games 1-1
5+ Run Games 3-1
In Extra Innings 3-0
Shutouts 4-0
Game 1 of MVC Series 0-0
Game 2 of MVC Series 0-0
Game 3 of MVC Series 0-0
Scoring First 11-3
When opponenet scores first 6-2
After 6 leading 11-1
After 6 trailing 3-3
After 6 tied 3-1
After 7 leading 12-0
After 7 trailing 2-4
After 7 tied 2-1
After 8 leading 14-0
After 8 trailing 0-4
After 8 tied 2-1
Last at-bat wins 0-0
Last at-bat losses 0-1
When hitting a homerun 7-2
When not hitting a homerun 10-3
When allowing a homerun 3-2
When not allowing a homerun 14-3
February 7-1
March 10-4
April 0-0
May 0-0
June 0-0
Head coach Ed Servais and Bluejay assistant Brandon Tormoehlen each got thrown out of the ball game on Monday, March 7 at Arkansas State. After a called strike three, the two voiced their feelings on the call, resulting in an ejection from home plate umpire Steve Dew. The last time Coach Servais was thrown out of a game was at Evansville on April 4, 2009.
Going Yard
Bluejay senior Trever Adams had another good series in Arkansas. The right fielder went six-for-twelve in the three games at Arkansas State,with two home runs (one to straight away center in the 6-0 win and the other off the scoreboard in right field in the 6-8 loss). He also added a triple and beat out a drag bunt for an infield hit. Adams finished the Central Arkansas game with two RBI in the game on a sacrifice fly and double down the left field line.
Get Your Motor Running
Bluejay senior Trever Adams had a rough start to the season, going .095 through the first five games of the season with just two hits. Adams has started his offensive power in the last three games, improving his average to .314 by getting seven hits in the final three games of the New Mexico weekend's games, including two doubles and a triple and scoring three runs. Adams also finished the Arkansas trip going seven for 14, with two homeruns. The Preseason MVC All-Valley pick finished last season with a .356 batting average while starting all 52 games.
Opening Shut-Outs
There have only been three opening day shutouts in Bluejay history, one of which happened last season. Jonas Dufek (5.0 IP), Jack VanLeur (2.0 IP), Mark Winkelman (1.0 IP) and Kurt Spomer (1.0 IP) each had a part in last season's 22-0 opening win over SIU Edwardsville. The other two shutouts have come in 1984, a 12-0 win over Xavier and in 1970, a 3-0 win over MVC foe Wichita State.
Opening Day History
The Jays are looking to move one step closer to evening the opening day record to .500. In the 42 recorded openers, Creighton is 20-22, including the 22-0 victory over SIU Evansville last season. The Jays are 19-13 in neutral site openers but just 12-24 in the season-opening road contests. Creighton has won four of the seven season openers under Ed Servais. Below is a list of those games:
Date Opponent Score Location
2/20/10 SIU Edwardsville W, 22-0 Conway, Ark.
2/20/09 Sam Houston St. L, 8-6 Huntsville, Texas
2/22/08 Washington St. W, 8-4 Pullman, Wash.
2/9/07 Gardner-Webb W, 4-3 Rock Hill, S.C.
2/11/06 Ark.-Little Rock L, 11-12 Little Rock, Ark.
2/11/05 Sam Houston St. W, 9-6 Huntsville, Texas
2/14/04 Southern Utah L, 10-5 Colorado Springs, Colo.
A New Start
The Jays are ready to kick off the 2011 campaign for a fresh start. Creighton finished the 2010 season 27-25 and went 1-2 in the MVC Tournament. The Jays kick off the 2011 season at the USA National Training Center in Cary, N.C. with games against Toledo (11 a.m. on Feb. 19) and Canisius (3 p.m. on Feb 19 and 11 a.m. on Feb. 20.)
Swift Stick
Bluejay senior Jimmy Swift has had great success in the two season openers he has played in, going a combined 5-of-9. In the opener a year ago, a 22-0 win over SIU Edwardsville, Swift went 4-for-6 from the plate, with three runs scored and four RBI. In Swift's sophomore debut, an 8-6 loss to Sam Houston State, Swift went 1-for-3 from the plate.
I'll Bet on a Nine
Creighton has had multiples of nine hits in its last three season openers. In 2010, Creighton had 18 hits, scoring 22 runs in a 22-0 shut out of SIU Edwardsville. In the 2009 opener against Sam Houston State, the Jays finished with nine hits and six runs in an 8-6 loss. The 2008 opener proved the same, with the Jays scratching out nine hits and eight runs in an 8-4 win over Washington State.
Everyone in on the Fun
In last year's season opener, eight of the nine starters got at least one hit, with freshman Alex Staehely being the only Jay not to get a hit. Creighton knocked out 18 hits, second most on the season, en route to a 22-0 win over SIU Edwardsville.
Get 'em Some Fresh Air
The Jays have taken advantage of the unseasonably warm temperatures the past week to get outside and practice on the turf. Head Coach Ed Servais has remarked this is the nicest since his first year with the Jays, when they opened with Iowa State, Servais' former school. With snow still down the foul lines and in patches in the outfield, the field looked like a scene from a movie - maybe the beginning of the feel good story of the year.
Iron Men
Five Bluejays played and started in all 52 games last season, including returners Trever Adams, Jimmy Swift and Alex Staehely. Joining those three were T.J. Roemmich and Ian Dike, both lost to graduation. Swift has started every game the last two seasons, 108 straight, and has played in 122 games over his career.
He'll Rob Ya
Senior Jimmy Swift led the team in stolen bases last season, going 10-of-13 on the season. Swift has 14 stolen bases in his Bluejay career. Creighton, as a team, stole 44 bases last season and was caught stealing 22 times.
No Free Tickets
Under pitching coach Rob Smith the Jays have had one of the top pitching staffs in the MVC. Last season marked the fourth straight season in which the Jays ranked in the top-25 nationally for fewest walks per nine innings. Over that same period, the Jays have combined for a 4.14 ERA which ranks 19th overall in the country.
Give Him the Ball
Last year, southpaw Ty Blach was named a Freshman All-American, the fifth selection during Rob Smith's four years. Blach finished the 2010 season with a 3.11 ERA, with one complete game in 75.1 innings pitched. Blach was second on the team in strikeouts (58) and held opponents to a .231 batting average. He will be one of the series starting pitchers for the Jays this season.
Overall 17-5
Non-Conference 17-5
MVC 0-0
MVC Tournament 0-0
vs. Ranked Teams 0-0
vs. Unranked Teams 17-5
Home 5-1
Away 10-3
Neutral 2-1
Day 17-5
Night 0-0
vs. Left 5-1
vs. Right 12-4
Friday 2-0
Saturday 7-0
Sunday 4-1
Monday 2-1 Tuesday 1-1 Wednesday 1-1
Thursday 0-0
1-Run Games 8-2
2-Run Games 1-1
5+ Run Games 3-1
In Extra Innings 3-0
Shutouts 4-0
Game 1 of MVC Series 0-0
Game 2 of MVC Series 0-0
Game 3 of MVC Series 0-0
Scoring First 11-3
When opponenet scores first 6-2
After 6 leading 11-1
After 6 trailing 3-3
After 6 tied 3-1
After 7 leading 12-0
After 7 trailing 2-4
After 7 tied 2-1
After 8 leading 14-0
After 8 trailing 0-4
After 8 tied 2-1
Last at-bat wins 0-0
Last at-bat losses 0-1
When hitting a homerun 7-2
When not hitting a homerun 10-3
When allowing a homerun 3-2
When not allowing a homerun 14-3
February 7-1
March 10-4
April 0-0
May 0-0
June 0-0
Players Mentioned
OF
/ Baseball
RHP
/ Baseball
LHP
/ Baseball
OF/LHP
/ Baseball
INF
/ Baseball
INF
/ Baseball
LHP
/ Baseball
LHP
/ 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
