Thunder Baseball News
5/10 - Thunder Tournament Run Comes to an End
HOLLAND, Mich. - The Trine University baseball team nearly pulled off the comeback in the finals of the MIAA Tournament as they defeated Adrian 6-2 in the first game to force the if-necessary game two. The Thunder fell in the winner-take-all battle 3-2 in 10 innings. The Thunder end their season 25-20.
Trine jumped out to the early lead in game one as they plated a pair of runs in the bottom of the first. Junior Adam Sullivan (Fort Wayne, Ind./Elmhurst) got things going as he scored on an Adrian error. Freshman Kory Shackle (Butler, Ohio/Mount Vernon) would follow with an RBI groundout that plated senior Tom Wilder (Petersburg, Mich./Summerfield).
The Bulldogs would tie the game in the fourth on a Trine error followed by a single.
In the fifth, Trine would add a run on a single by Sullivan that scored junior Jeff Phillips (Prospect, Ohio/Marion Pleasant). The Thunder added a pair of runs in the sixth on a double by junior Andrew DeGood (Hamilton, Mich./Hamilton) and another in the eighth on a single by Phillips.
On the mound, senior Kyle Lidster (Griffith, Ind./Griffith) pitched a gem as he threw a complete game, not allowing an earned run and just three hits while striking out three batters.
In the final game of the tournament, the Thunder would again jump out to the early lead as they plated a run in the bottom of the second on a double by DeGood.
Trine would add a run in the bottom of the third on a single by sophomore Jordan Baer (Fort Wayne, Ind./Leo) that scored Sullivan.
Adrian would tie the game in the sixth as they plated a run on a double play by Trine and added another on a single. The Bulldogs would score the game-winner in the 10th with one out on a single.
The Thunder would get a pair of runners on in the bottom of the 10th with just one out, but were unable to plate the tying run.
Sophomore Jakeb Briscoe (Kendallville, Ind./East Noble) took the no decision going 8 1/3 innings and surrendering two runs on eight hits but struck out eight Adrian batters. Senior Jake Rightnowar (Oregon, Ohio/Toledo Christian) came on to pitch 1/3 of an inning and retired the only batter he faced. Fellow senior Nick Cocanower (Elkhart, Ind./Concord) suffered the loss going 1 1/3 innings, giving up three hits and an earned run.
The 25 wins by the Thunder squad tied last year’s team for the most wins in coach Greg Perschke’s 12-year career at Trine.
5/9 - Thunder Advance to MIAA Championship
HOLLAND, Mich. - The Trine University baseball team pulled out two important wins in the MIAA Tournament as the No.3 seeded Thunder came from behind to defeat No. 4 seed Calvin 4-3 in 11 innings and knocked off top seeded Hope 3-2.
Trine, 24-19, needed extra innings in the first elimination game. The Thunder scored first, as they plated a run in the fourth inning as senior Matt Zurbriggen (Crown Point, Ind./Crown Point) brought home fellow senior Tom Wilder (Petersburg, Mich./Summerfield) on a sacrifice fly to right.
Calvin would plate a pair of runs in the bottom of the sixth on a 2-RBI single. The Knights would add another run in the seventh on a two-out RBI double.
The Thunder trailed heading into the eighth, but they still had the fight left in them. Junior Jeff Phillips (Prospect, Ohio/Marion Pleasant) singled with one out and then after a batter was retired, junior Andrew DeGood (Hamilton, Mich./Hamilton) would also single. Wilder would then deliver for the Thunder with a double to score both runs and tie the game.
Both teams would have their chances in the ninth, but neither was able to plate the winning run.
In the 10th, neither team was able to get much going as the Thunder had a runner on but a double play ended the inning.
Zurbriggen got things started in the 11th with a one out single. After freshman Kory Shackle (Butler, Ohio/Mount Vernon) reached on an error by the Calvin pitcher, sophomore Ethan Prebynski (Auburn, Ind./DeKalb) would drive in Zurbriggen on an groundout to the short stop.
Calvin would get a two-out hit in the bottom of the 11th, but the next batter was retired to give the Thunder the victory.
Senior Kale Popp (Rensselaer, Ind./Kankakee Valley) went six innings in the no decision, allowing two earned runs on six hits while striking out one. Fellow senior, and All-MIAA First Team selection, Phil Stakely (Ostrander, Ohio/Buckeye Valley) came on to pitch five innings of relief and allowed one run on five hits and struck out three Calvin batters to earn his sixth win.
In the second elimination game against Hope, all five runs in the game would come an inning apart. The Thunder would plate all three of their runs in bottom of the fifth while Hope plated both of their runs in the top of the sixth.
In the fifth, Trine scored all three runs with two outs. Prebynski would reach on a two-out single and then Hope would commit a costly error off the bat of freshman Jake Kendall (New Castle, Ind./New Castle). Phillips would then deliver a single to plate the first run. Freshman Carter Stafford (Waterloo, Ind./DeKalb) would then knock the game-winning drive as he doubled home a pair of runs.
The Dutchmen would get both of their runs in the sixth on a double, but the damage could have been worse as they left two runners on base in the inning.
Sophomore Edward Tomich (Carmel, Ind./Westfield) went the distance for the Thunder on the mound, pitching a complete game four-hitter while striking out four Hope batters.
The Thunder will now face Adrian, and must defeat the Bulldogs twice to win the MIAA crown. The first game will begin at noon, with the if-necessary game following immediately after.
5/8 - Thunder Falls in MIAA Tournament Despite Early Lead
ADRIAN, Mich. - The Trine University baseball team dropped their opening game of the MIAA Tournament in heartbreaking fashion to rival Adrian College, the No. 2 seed, 5-4.
Trine (22-19), the No. 3 seed in the tournament, jumped out to an early lead as they plated a pair of runs in the first inning. Recently named Second Team All-MIAA freshman Carter Stafford (Waterloo, Ind./DeKalb) led off the game with a single. After senior Matt Zurbriggen (Crown Point, Ind./Crown Point) was hit by a pitch, fellow senior Tom Wilder (Petersburg, Mich./Summerfield) would drive in the game’s first run on a single to center. Sophomore Jordan Baer (Fort Wayne, Ind./Leo) would follow with a single of his own to give the Thunder a 2-0 advantage.
Adrian would get a run back in the second on a fielder’s choice after the first two batters of the inning reached base.
The Thunder would get the run right back in the third as Stafford led off the inning reaching on an error. After stealing second, one out later Wilder would drive in Stafford again on a single to right center.
Trine would score for the second straight inning as freshman Kory Shackle (Butler, Ohio/Mount Vernon) led off the fourth with a single. After a sacrifice by sophomore Ethan Prebynski (Auburn, Ind./DeKalb), one out later junior Jeff Phillips (Prospect, Ohio/Marion Pleasant) doubled down the left field line to score Shackle from second.
The scoring would begin to cool off as the game turned into a pitcher’s duel between Trine senior Jake Rightnowar (Oregon, Ohio/Toledo Christian) and Adrian’s Rylie Robinson.
After four innings of neither team scoring, the Bulldogs would plate four runs in the bottom of the eighth on four hits and two Trine errors. Two of the runs came with two outs, including the game-winner on a bases loaded hit by pitch.
Wilder led the Thunder at the dish with a pair of hits in the game while also driving in a pair of runs.
Rightnowar lasted 7 1/3 innings, surrendering three runs on seven hits while striking out three. Senior Nick Cocanower (Elkhart, Ind./Concord) took the loss to drop his record to 1-2 on the year as he went 2/3 an inning, allowing two unearned runs on two hits.
Trine will now face Calvin in an elimination game at 1:00 p.m. on May 9 at Hope, with the winner playing immediately after.
5/7 - Stakely Named All-MIAA First Team in Baseball
Stafford Named All-MIAA Second Team
ROYAL, OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) has announced that Trine University pitcher Phil Stakely (Ostrander, Ohio/Buckeye Valley) has been named to the All-MIAA First Team and outfielder Carter Stafford (Waterloo, Ind./DeKalb) has been named to the All-MIAA Second Team.
Stakely, a senior, finished second in the conference with an earned run average of 1.82 over 39 2/3 innings pitched. The left-hander led the conference picking off five base runners and allowing just a .158 opponents’ batting average while being tied for second in the MIAA with five conference wins. Stakely pitched two complete games, including a no-hitter over Albion on March 30.
Stafford was one of just three freshmen selected as an All-MIAA honoree. Stafford finished the conference season second with three home runs. He was also third with 44 total bases, fourth in slugging percentage at .537, seventh with 22 runs, and 15th with a .341 batting average.
This is the fourth straight season the Thunder have had at least one player on both the All-MIAA First and Second teams. It is also the sixth straight season Trine has had multiple players named All-MIAA.
5/5 - Thunder Wrap UP Regular Season With Split
ANGOLA, Ind. - On Senior Day, the Trine University baseball team split their final pair of regular season games with Kalamazoo College winning game one 11-7 and falling in game two 3-2. The Thunder assure themselves of their second straight winning season as they enter the MIAA Tournament as the third seed with an 23-18 overall record and finish the MIAA season with a 17-11 mark.
Kalamazoo scored four runs to open game one as they jumped out to the early lead. The Hornets would add two more runs in the top of the third as they led it 6-0 to that point.
Trine finally struck in the bottom half of the inning on a single off the bat of senior Tom Wilder (Petersburg, Mich./Summerfield).
The Thunder would blow the game open in the fourth as they sent 13 batters to the plate in the inning and scored nine runs on seven hits. Junior Adam Sullivan (Fort Wayne, Ind./Elmhurst) got the scoring started with an RBI single. Senior Matt Zurbriggen (Crown Point, Ind./Crown Point) would add an RBI single before Wilder knocked a double with the bases loaded, scoring all three runs. With the bases loaded once again, junior Andrew DeGood (Hamilton, Mich./Hamilton) singled to center to plate two more runs. On the second time through, Sullivan knocked a double down the left field line to score two more runs for the Thunder.
The Hornets would add a run in the fifth and the Thunder answered with a run of their own in the sixth. With runners on the corners, Kalamazoo attempted a pickoff at first, but junior Jeff Phillips (Prospect, Ohio/Marion Pleasant) broke from third to steal home easily.
Despite allowing seven runs (six earned), sophomore Edward Tomich (Carmel, Ind./Westfield) earned his second win of the season lasting five innings while surrendering 10 hits and striking out three. Senior Jamar Averyhart (Griffith, Ind./Griffith) came on to pitcher a perfect sixth inning. Fellow senior Nick Cocanower (Elkhart, Ind./Concord) came on in a non-save situation and allowed a hit while striking out a batter in the seventh.
Game two saw a pitcher’s duel between sophomore Jakeb Briscoe (Kendallville, Ind./East Noble) and Kalamazoo’s Phil Earls. Both pitchers went all seven innings as neither allowed an earned run.
Kalamazoo would strike first again as they plated all three of their runs in the second inning. The Hornets plated a run on an RBI groundout and then on a two-out single.
The Thunder plated both of their runs in the fourth, first on a two-out single by freshman Jake Kendall (New Castle, Ind./New Castle). The Thunder would plate their final run on a double steal, as Kendall took second and sophomore Tyler Severeid (Granger, Ind./Penn) took home on the throw down to try and retire Kendall at second.
Trine would get a runner on in each of the final three innings, but were unable to get the tying run in.
Briscoe finished the day allowing seven hits while striking out two batters.
Sullivan, DeGood and sophomore Jordan Baer (Fort Wayne, Ind./Leo) all collected three hits on the afternoon. Wilder led Trine with four RBIs while Sullivan collected three. Phillips led the Thunder with three runs scored on the day.
Trine head into the MIAA tournament where they will face Adrian on May 8 on the road for the first game of the tournament. The double-elimination tournament will then head to Hope College for the final two days.
5/3 - Thunder Earn Second Split with Bulldogs
ANGOLA, Ind. - The Trine University baseball team earned their second split in as many days with Adrian College as the Thunder fell 5-1 in game one and won game two 9-6. The Thunder now stand at 22-17 on the season and 16-10 in MIAA play.
In what began as a pitcher’s duel in the opener, the Bulldogs broke things open in the fifth as they plated all five of their runs.
Trine’s lone run of the game came in the bottom of the seventh. Sophomore R.J. Flowers (Hamilton, Mich./Hamilton) and junior Jeff Phillips (Prospect, Ohio/Marion Pleasant) had a pair of one-out singles. After a walk loaded the bases, Flowers would score on a fielder’s choice off the bat of sophomore Devin Copple (New Albany, Ind./Providence).
Senior Phil Stakely (Ostrander, Ohio/Buckeye Valley) suffered his first loss of the season as he allowed four runs, just one of which was earned. Stakely surrendered four hits while striking out three. Fellow senior Nick Cocanower (Elkhart, Ind./Concord) came on for 2/3 innings of work and gave up an unearned run on a hit and a strikeout. Another senior in Jamar Averyhart (Griffith, Ind./Griffith) pitched the final inning and retired all three batters he faced.
Trine didn’t waste time in game two and they jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first on a two-run single by freshman Kory Shackle (Butler, Ohio/Mount Vernon).
Adrian answered with a run in the second without a hit, after two batters got hit back-to-back before they would score the run on a sacrifice fly.
In the bottom half of the inning, the Thunder answered with another run on a single by freshman Jake Kendall (New Castle, Ind./New Castle).
Again Adrian would answer with a run in the third, but the damage could have been worse for starter, senior Kyle Lidster (Griffith, Ind./Griffith), as he escaped a one-out bases loaded jam.
The scoring began the setting down as neither team plated a run in the fourth. However, the fifth inning was a different story as the two sides combined to score 10 runs in the frame.
Adrian would score four in the top of the fifth on just two hits.
Trine would answer back scoring six runs in the bottom half. The Thunder would get a run on a one-out bases loaded walk to Flowers, followed by a single to center by sophomore Ethan Prebynski (Auburn, Ind./DeKalb). Junior Andrew DeGood (Hamilton, Mich./Hamilton) then singled home a run and Kendall reached on an Adrian error to score another run. Phillips would drive in a run on a fielder’s choice and senior Matt Zurbriggen (Crown Point, Ind./Crown Point) plated another on a single up the middle to plate the game’s final run.
Lidster took the no decision as he lasted four innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on five hits and striking out three. Sophomore Jakeb Briscoe (Kendallville, Ind./East Noble) earned his third win of the year, pitching an inning of relief work, surrendering two unearned runs on two hits. Cocanower came on for the final two innings to earn his 10th save of the year and striking out two while not allowing a hit.
Trine will finish their regular season as they host Kalamazoo for a doubleheader
5/2 - Thunder Stay in Hunt for MIAA Title with Split
ADRIAN, Mich. - The Trine University baseball team split their opening series with Adrian College, falling in game one 2-1 before coming back in the nightcap with a 6-4 victory. The Thunder are now 20-16 on the year and 15-9 in MIAA play.
Adrian would score both of their runs in the opener in the first inning. The Bulldogs got a pair of back-to-back singles to plate their only runs.
Trine’s run would come in the sixth. Freshman Carter Stafford (Waterloo, Ind./DeKalb) led off the inning with a ground-rule double to left center. One out later it would be senior Tom Wilder (Petersburg, Mich./Summerfield) with an RBI single to left.
Senior Kale Popp (Rensselaer, Ind./Kankakee Valley) took the hard-luck loss for the Thunder going 5 2/3 innings, allowing just the two earned runs on five hits while striking out five. Fellow senior Nick Cocanower (Elkhart, Ind./Concord) came on for the final 1/3 of an inning and retired the only batter he faced.
In game two it would be the Thunder jumping out in front to start as they plated all six runs in the first two innings.
In the first, after Stafford led off the game with a single and stole second, senior Matt Zurbriggen (Crown Point, Ind./Crown Point) would reach on an infield single. Zurbriggen would advance to second after the shortstops wild throw allowed Stafford to score. Wilder would follow with a single and sophomore R.J. Flowers (Hamilton, Mich./Hamilton) added a single of his own. On the Flower single, the Bulldogs would commit another error allowing Zurbriggen to score. Trine would plate their final run of the inning on a sacrifice fly by freshman Kory Shackle (Butler, Ohio/Mount Vernon).
In the second, junior Adam Sullivan (Fort Wayne, Ind./Elmhurst) singled to right with one out. After a walk to Stafford, Zurbriggen would deliver with another single to load the bases. Sullivan would then score on a fielder’s choice to short. Flowers then reach on yet another Adrian error, which allowed Stafford to score.
Adrian would score in third and the fourth on doubles. In the fifth, the Bulldogs would plate a run on a bases loaded single.
The Bulldogs would begin to mount a comeback in the bottom of the seventh as they plated a run and had the tying run at the plate before Cocanower closed out the game for the Thunder win.
Senior Jake Rightnowar (Oregon, Ohio/Toledo Christian) earned the win on the mound going five innings and allowing three runs on eight hits and striking out three. Sophomore Edward Tomich (Carmel, Ind./Westfield) pitched an inning of relief, not allowing a runner to reach and striking out two. Cocanower earned his eighth save of the season, pitching the final inning, giving up an unearned run on a hit and striking out an Adrian batter.
Shackle led the Thunder on the day going 3-for-5 with an RBI. Zurbriggen and Stafford also collected a pair of hits on the evening at the plate.
The two teams will go right back at it as Trine plays host for a pair of games on May 3 beginning at 2:00 p.m.
4/30 - Rightnowar Named MIAA Baseball Pitcher of the Week
ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine lefthander Jake Rightnowar its Pitcher of the Week for games played through April 29.
Rightnowar, a senior from Oregon, Ohio (Toledo Christian HS), fired a three-hitter and did not walk a batter in going the distance as he shut out Olivet, 5-0, at Jannen Field. He threw only 71 pitches in the contest, inducing 11 ground-ball outs as he pitched his second career shutout. Rightnowar is being honored as Player of the Week for the first time this season and second time in his career.
4/27 - Thunder Win in Extras, Sweep Hornets
KALAMAZOO, Mich. - The Trine University baseball team needed extra innings in game one, but used a complete game 4-hitter in game two from senior Phil Stakely (Ostrander, Ohio/Buckeye Valley) to sweep Kalamazoo 6-4 and 2-1. The Thunder improve to 19-15 on the year and 14-8 in the MIAA.
In the opener, the Thunder got on the board first in the third inning before Kalamazoo struck back in the bottom half. Senior Matt Zurbriggen (Crown Point, Ind./Crown Point) singled home freshman Kory Shackle (Butler, Ohio/Mount Vernon) with two outs to plate the first run.
Kalamazoo would plate a run in the fourth and fifth innings as they took a 4-2 lead.
The Thunder would tie the game in the sixth on a leadoff single by freshman Carter Stafford (Waterloo, Ind./DeKalb) who later scored on an error. Zurbriggen then came around and scored on a wild pitch.
In their second extra inning game of the season, the Thunder would remain perfect as they scored three times in the extra frame. Sophomore Jordan Baer (Fort Wayne, Ind./Leo) delivered a two-out triple to plated a pair of runs. Baer would later score on a dropped fly ball.
The Hornets made things interested as they plated a run in the eighth, but senior Nick Cocanower (Elkhart, Ind./Concord) shut the door to record his seventh save of the year but allowed a run on a hit while striking out a batter. Senior Kale Popp (Rensselaer, Ind./Kankakee Valley) earned his fifth win of the year going seven innings and allowing three runs on seven hits while striking out two.
Game two was a pitcher’s duel as Stakely and the Hornets Dylan Pierce both went the distance.
Trine scored both of their runs in the third. Junior Adam Sullivan (Fort Wayne, Ind./Elmhurst) led off the inning by getting hit by a pitch. Two outs later senior Tom Wilder (Petersburg, Mich./Summerfield) would walk and then steal second. Baer would step in and deliver again with an infield single. Wilder would also score on the play after the Kalamazoo second baseman’s throwing error.
The lone Kalamazoo run would come in the fifth after back-to-back leadoff hits.
Stakely finished his afternoon with four strikeouts.
Trine will play their sixth game in three days as they host Kalamazoo for a pair of games on April 28 beginning at 1:00 p.m.
4/26 - Rightnowar Throws Three-Hit Shutout in Split
ANGOLA, Ind. - The Trine University baseball nine earned a split with Olivet College falling 6-2 in game one before taking game two 5-0 as they maintained the third sport in the conference rankings. The Thunder pushed their record to 17-15 on the year and 12-8 in the MIAA.
In the opener, Olivet took a 4-0 lead with three runs in the fourth and another run in the fifth. The damage could have been worse, but the Thunder turned a 4-6-3 double play to end the fourth inning.
In the sixth, Trine scored their lone runs of the game as the Thunder cut the Comets lead in half. Sophomore Jordan Baer (Fort Wayne, Ind./Leo) led off the inning with a single through the right side. Two outs later fellow sophomore R.J. Flowers (Hamilton, Mich./Hamilton) walked to bring up freshman Kory Shackle (Butler, Ohio/Mount Vernon). He would knock in both runs on a double to the right center gap.
Olivet added another run in the seventh as the Thunder were unable to mount a bottom of the seventh comeback.
Sophomore Jakeb Briscoe (Kendallville, Ind./East Noble) took the loss on the mound for the Thunder going 3 1/3 innings while allowing three runs, just one earned, on five hits. Junior Jeremy Spaulding (Toledo, Ohio/Toledo Central Catholic) came on to pitch three innings, also giving up three runs, two earned, on four hits. Senior Nick Cocanower (Elkhart, Ind./Concord) came on for the final 2/3 inning, striking out a batter and surrendering two hits.
In the second game, it was all Thunder from the start as they plated three runs in the first as senior Jake Rightnowar (Oregon, Ohio/Toledo Christian) cruised on the mound pitching a three-hit shutout.
In the bottom of the first, freshman Carter Stafford (Waterloo, Ind./DeKalb) led off the inning with an infield single. Stafford would steal second, move to third on a wild pitch and then score on the sacrifice fly by senior Tom Wilder (Petersburg, Mich./Summerfield). Baer would double down the left field line to score senior Matt Zurbriggen (Crown Point, Ind./Crown Point) who had walked. After a two-out walk to sophomore Ethan Prebynski (Auburn, Ind./DeKalb), freshman Mike Seaman (Liberty Township, Ohio/Lakota West) singled through the right side to plate another run.
In the fourth, Trine would add another run with two outs. After junior Adam Sullivan (Fort Wayne, Ind./Elmhurst) had reached on a walk, he would advance to third on a groundout to third and then score on the play on an Olivet error.
The Thunder would tack on another run in the fifth as Sullivan doubled to right center, scoring Prebynski who had reached on a walk.
Rightnowar pitched his second career shutout, as he let the defense do most of the work as he struck out just one batter while not walking an Olivet batter over seven innings.
Stafford and Baer led Trine for the day with three hits in the series. Shackle and Sullivan each added a pair of hits on the afternoon.
Trine gets right back to action as they travel to Kalamazoo for a conference doubleheader on April 27 at 1:00 p.m.
4/23 - Early Lead Not Enough for Thunder
TIFFIN, Ohio - An early five-run lead was not enough for the Trine University baseball squad as they fell in non-conference action to Heidelberg 11-9. The less drops the Thunder to 16-14 on the season.
The Thunder scored in four of the first six innings as they jumped out to a 6-1 lead. After being retied in order in the first, the Thunder got their first two runners on in the second as sophomore Jordan Baer (Fort Wayne, Ind./Leo) walked and freshman Kory Shackle (Butler, Ohio/Mount Vernon) singled. Two outs later it would be sophomore Tom Severeid (Granger, Ind./Penn) with a single to center, scoring Shackle.
With one out in the third, freshman Carter Stafford (Waterloo, Ind./DeKalb) launched his fourth home run of the season on the first pitch down the left field line.
The Student Princes would score their first run of in the bottom half of the inning on a one-out triple and a sacrifice fly.
In the fifth, Trine broke the game open as they plated three runs in the inning. Severeid led off the inning with a double, but would be picked off. One out later it would be Stafford again delivering on his second homer of the game on a shot to left. Sophomore Ethan Prebynski (Auburn, Ind./DeKalb) would follow with a walk. Senior Tom Wilder (Petersburg, Mich./Summerfield) then doubled to right center, scoring Prebynski. Wilder would then score on a double to left by Baer.
Trine added a run in the sixth on a solo shot by Severeid over the left field fence, the first of his career.
Heidelberg would mount a comeback in the bottom of the sixth as they plated four runs including a two-out, two-run double. They would then take the lead in the seventh as they plated six runs, all coming with at least one out.
Trine would get a run back in the eighth despite not getting a hit. Sophomore R.J. Flowers (Hamilton, Mich./Hamilton) reached on an error to started the inning. One out later Severeid would be hit and after another out Stafford would walk to load the bases. The Trine run would then score on a throwing error by the Heidelberg third baseman.
The Thunder nearly pulled off the ninth inning comeback as they scored twice and had the tying run at the plate but were unable to score again. Baer and Shackle led the inning off with back-to-back singles. Then with one out, junior Andrew DeGood (Hamilton, Mich./Hamilton) singled to right center to score pinch runner junior Jeff Phillips (Prospect, Ohio/Marion Pleasant). Shackle would then score on a wild pitch. Trine would have two chances at getting the tying run on base, but both batters would be retired as the rally fell just short.
Sophomore Edward Tomich (Carmel, Ind./Westfield) started for the Thunder but had the no decision as he went 5 1/3 innings allowing four earned runs on six hits and striking out three. Junior Jeremy Spaulding (Toledo, Ohio/Toledo Central Catholic) took the loss lasting 1 1/3 innings and giving up four earned runs and three hits. Senior Nick Cocanower (Elkhart, Ind./Concord) came on for the final 1 1/3 and allowed three earned runs on four hits.
Stafford and Severeid led the Thunder on the day going 3-for-4 with two RBIs apiece. Baer, Shackle and Flowers each added a pair of hits on the afternoon. Stafford and Shackle also led the Thunder scoring twice.
Trine will return to action on April 26 when they host Olivet for a pair of conference games beginning at 2:00 p.m.
4/21 - Thunder Split Non-Conference Series
WESTVILLE, Ind. - Doing their best to make up games that the April rains washed away, the Trine University baseball squad traveled to Purdue North Central for a pair of non-conference games where the Thunder took game one 5-0 but fell 6-0 in the nightcap.
Trine (16-13) used a combined four-hit shutout from senior Jake Rightnowar (Oregon, Ohio/Toledo Christian) and junior Jeremy Spalding (Toledo, Ohio/Toledo Central Catholic) to take the game one victory.
The Thunder would get all the run support they would need in the top of the first. After a leadoff single by freshman Carter Stafford (Waterloo, Ind./DeKalb), one out later senior Tom Wilder (Petersburg, Mich./Summerfield) put runners on the corners with a single through the left side. Sophomore Jordan Baer (Fort Wayne, Ind./Leo) then delivered a sacrifice fly to right field to score Stafford from third.
In the third, the Thunder added a pair of runs as Stafford got things started once again with a leadoff walk. Again it would be Wilder delivering for the Thunder as he launched his second homer run of the season over the left field fence.
Trine added another pair of runs in the fifth after junior Adam Sullivan (Fort Wayne, Ind./Elmhurst) reached on an error to start the inning. Stafford would follow with a bunt single. Wilder would step in with one out, and once again deliver the key hit for the Thunder with a double to left center, scoring both runners.
In the seventh, the Panthers would get a pair of runners on but Spaulding would come on to retire the next three batters to preserve the victory.
Rightnowar finished the afternoon allowing four hits over six innings and striking out two to earn his third win of the season. Spaulding retired all three batters her faced, including one via the strikeout.
It was a complete reversal in game two as it was the Panthers who wouldn’t allow a run as the Thunder managed just two hits off PNC’s Sam Maxwell.
The Panthers plated two runs in the bottom of the first on a two-out single. They would add two more in the second, both of which came with two outs. PNC would add a run in the third and the sixth as Trine’s best chance to get on the board came in the top of the fifth. With one out, junior Jeff Phillips (Prospect, Ohio/Marion Pleasant) and Sullivan reached on back-to-back hits but were stranded in scoring position.
Senior Kyle Lidster (Griffith, Ind./Griffith) took the loss on the mound lasting five innings while allowing five runs, three earned, on 10 hits while striking out one. Sophomore C.J. Burnett (North Vernon, Ind./Jennings County) allowed a hit and a run without retiring a batter in the sixth. Fellow sophomore Edward Tomich (Carmel, Ind./Westfield) came on to retire all three batters he faced.
Wilder led the Thunder on the day going 4-for-7 at the plate while driving in four runs. Despite only playing in the first game, Stafford led the Thunder on the day with three runs scored and adding two hits.
Trine returns to the diamond on April 23 when they travel to Heidelberg for a single nine inning game beginning at 4:00 p.m.
4/20 - Thunder Take Over Third with Sweep
OLIVET, Mich. - The Trine University baseball team took advantage of the sloppy field conditions as they took their third sweep of the conference season over Olivet 4-2 and 6-4. The Thunder are now 15-12 on the season and 11-7 in the MIAA. With the sweep, Trine moves into sole possession of third place in the conference.
Trine got on the board first in game one as they plated runs in the third, fourth and fifth innings before the Comets plated their first runs. In the third, freshman Carter Stafford (Waterloo, Ind./DeKalb) singled with one out. After advancing to third on a two-base error on a failed pickoff attempt, Stafford would score on an RBI groundout to the shortstop by sophomore Ethan Prebynski (Auburn, Ind./DeKalb).
Sophomore Jordan Baer (Fort Wayne, Ind./Leo) would get things in the fourth for the Thunder with a leadoff double. Two outs later, Baer would score on an RBI single by sophomore R.J. Flowers (Hamilton, Mich./Hamilton).
In the fifth it would be junior Adam Sullivan (Fort Wayne, Ind./Elmhurst) leading things off with a single. Sullivan would come around to score after consecutive passed balls and a throwing error by the Olivet pitcher. One out later, Prebynski would single and senior Tom Wilder (Petersburg, Mich./Summerfield) would be hit by a pitch. With two outs, Prebynski would steal third and then score on a wild pitch.
Olivet would get their only runs of the game in the bottom of the sixth as they started the inning with four straight hits.
Senior Kale Popp (Rensselaer, Ind./Kankakee Valley) picked up his fourth win of the season as he lasted 6 1/3 innings allowing both runs on six hits and striking out a batter. Fellow senior Nick Cocanower (Elkhart, Ind./Concord) came on to earn his seventh save of the season as he pitched the final 2/3 innings allowing a hit.
Olivet would jump out to the early lead in game two as they scored a run in the bottom of the first on a leadoff walk and a Trine error.
In the fourth, it would be Baer again leading off the inning with a double. After a sacrifice bunt, Baer would score on an RBI groundout to the second basemen by Flowers.
The Comets would retake the lead in the bottom of the inning. After a leadoff single, Olivet scored the run after a Trine error was followed by a single.
In the top of the fifth Trine would tie the game again as senior Matt Zurbriggen (Crown Point, Ind./Crown Point) would lead off the inning with a walk and then was sacrificed over to second. Zurbriggen would advance to third on a wild pitch and then score on a groundout by Stafford.
The Thunder would take the lead for good in the sixth as they plated a pair of runs. With one out, once again it would be Baer delivering for the Thunder with a double. Junior Andrew DeGood (Hamilton, Mich./Hamilton) would follow with a single. Flowers would drive in Baer on an RBI groundout. Freshman Kory Shackle (Butler, Ohio/Mount Vernon) then drew a two-out walk. Then, Shackle would steal second, and as the Comets tried to retire him, DeGood broke for home and scored.
In the seventh, the Thunder would score what would be the game-winner. With one out in the inning, Stafford was hit by a pitch and stole second. Trine would then get back-to-back singles by Prebynski and Wilder to score a run. Prebynski then scored on a groundout to the pitcher by Baer.
The Comets would try to make things interesting in the bottom of the seventh as they got a walk, a bunt single and another walk to start the inning. Cocanower would induce a 6-4-3 double play ball, but Olivet would plate a run. The Comets would then get an RBI double to pull within two. Cocanower would retire the next Olivet batter to end the game and give the Thunder the sweep.
Senior Phil Stakely (Ostrander, Ohio/Buckeye Valley) remained perfect on the year with his fourth win as he went six innings, allowing three runs, two earned, on just three hits while striking out two. Cocanower came on in the final inning and allowed a run on two hits.
Six different players had multiple hits on the afternoon for the Thunder. The trio of Baer, Sullivan and Prebynski all collected three hits while Flowers, Stafford and Wilder each had a pair of hits. All three of Baer’s hits were doubles. Flowers was the only Thunder player to have multiple RBIs on the day as he drove in three. Baer led the team with three runs scored while Stafford and Prebynski each scored twice.
As a team, Trine stole five bases on the afternoon.
Trine will get right back out on the diamond as they travel to Purdue North Central for a doubleheader on April 21 beginning at noon (cst.).
4/15 - Thunder Earn Second Split with Dutchmen
HOLLAND, Mich. - The Trine University baseball squad earned their second series split with Hope College winning the opener 7-4 before falling in extra inning of game two 3-2. The Thunder knocked the Flying Dutchmen out of sole possession of first place in the MIAA and the Thunder moved into a tie for third while pushing their record to 13-12 on the season and 9-7 in the conference.
Trine fell behind early as Hope scored a pair of runs in the first on a home run and added another run in the second.
The Thunder would explode for five runs in the fourth inning. Trine would get a run on a bases loaded single by junior Adam Sullivan (Fort Wayne, Ind./Elmhurst). Freshman Carter Stafford (Waterloo, Ind./DeKalb) would follow with a two-run single and sophomore Ethan Prebynski (Auburn, Ind./DeKalb) made it three-in-a-row with an RBI single. Trine would get their final run as Stafford scored after Hope threw out Prebynski trying to steal second.
Trine followed with two more runs in the fifth. Sophomore R.J. Flowers (Hamilton, Mich./Hamilton) would drive in a run on a sacrifice fly to left. The Thunder would get another run off a single from freshman Kory Shackle (Butler, Ohio/Mount Vernon) that allowed senior Matt Zurbriggen (Crown Point, Ind./Crown Point) to score on the subsequent throw.
Hope would add a run in the seventh but the Thunder lead was too much.
Senior Phil Stakely (Ostrander, Ohio/Buckeye Valley) earned his third win of the season going 6 2/3 innings allowing all four runs while striking out six Dutchmen. Fellow senior Nick Cocanower (Elkhart, Ind./Concord) came on to record the final out, but allowed a hit.
The Thunder would strike first in game two as they plated a pair of runs in the first. Senior Tom Wilder (Petersburg, Mich./Summerfield) would smash a double to score Stafford from second. Sophomore Jordan Baer (Fort Wayne, Ind./Leo) would then deliver a single to score Wilder.
Hope tied the game in the third, scoring both runs with two outs. They would score the game-winner in the eighth inning, again coming with two outs on a single.
Cocanower suffered his first loss of the season going 1 2/3 innings of relief allowing a run on two hits and a strikeout. Senior Kale Popp (Rensselaer, Ind./Kankakee Valley) took the no decision, lasting six inning and giving up two runs on seven hits and three strikeouts.
Wilder and Prebynski led the Thunder at the dish on the day as they both collected three hits. Sullivan, Stafford, Zurbriggen and Shackle all had a pair of hits on the day. Stafford and Zurbriggen also scored twice while Stafford was the only Trine player to drive in a pair of runs.
Trine returns to action on April 19 when they host Olivet for a doubleheader beginning at 2:00 p.m.
4/13 - Baseball Earns Split with Conference Leaders
By Sports Information Student Assistant Caitlin Reynolds
ANGOLA, Ind. - The Trine University baseball team earned a split with visiting Hope College, who is currently first place in the MIAA. The Thunder dropped the first game 8-4, and battled to take the second game 7-2. The split pushes the Thunder to 12-11 on the season and 8-6 in conference action.
In the opener, Hope would threaten in both the first and second innings, but would come up short as the Thunder defense stepped up and held them scoreless. Trine escaped a jam in the first thanks to a run saving diving catch by freshman Kory Shackle (Butler, Ohio/Mount Union) in right field to end the threat.
Hope would open scoring in the third inning however, as a collision in the outfield led to a leadoff triple which started the rally. Hope would get five consecutive hits to put up a three spot.
Trine answered back in their own half of the third inning with a solo home run over the left center fence from freshman Carter Stafford (Waterloo, Ind./DeKalb), which was also the Thunder’s first hit of the game.
Hope was not done, and in the fourth inning they put up four more runs. Two consecutive bunt base hits and error on the part of the Thunder followed by a sacrifice would run the score to 7-1.
Trine would start to rally in the fifth as Shackle would start things off with a leadoff double to right center, which would be followed by an infield base hit from junior Adam Sullivan (Fort Wayne, Ind./Elmhurst). Stafford came up huge once again with an RBI single through the middle to score Shackle from third. The Thunder would plate two more runs off of a two-run double to right from senior Tom Wilder (Petersburg, Mich./Summerfield).
That would be as close as the Thunder would get however, as Hope put one more run up in the top of the seventh and the Thunder fell by a score of 8-4.
Sophomore Jakeb Briscoe (Kendallville, Ind./East Noble) would take the loss to move to 2-2 on the season. Briscoe pitched three innings, giving up 10 hits, and seven runs while racking up three strikeouts. Junior Jeremy Spalding (Toledo, Ohio/Toledo Central Catholic) came on and pitched four innings of relief allowing three hits and giving up one run while striking out two.
Trine came out ready to play in game two, as they threatened to score in the first two innings. Shackle was robbed of an extra base hit, as he hit a shot to left field that was run down and caught at the fence to end the inning.
It would be Stafford starting things off once again for the Thunder in the bottom of the third, and he did it in exactly the same fashion as he did in game one, with a solo homerun to left center field. One out later, Wilder would follow with a solo shot of his own to left, the first of his career to put the Thunder up 2-0.
Hope answered back with one of their own in the top of the fourth, but the Thunder would but the game away in the bottom of the inning and Trine would get that run back and then some.
Senior Matt Zurbriggen (Crown Point, Ind./Crown Point), who missed the first game to take his engineering exams, came up with an RBI single up the middle. After a single by Shackle put runners on the corners, Sullivan would be hit by the pitch to load the bases. Stafford would run his count to full before getting an RBI walk to bring in Zurbriggen. Sophomore Ethan Prebynski (Auburn, Ind./DeKalb) broke the game wide open with a two- run single, scoring both Shackle and Sullivan, to put the Thunder up 6-1.
Hope would get their final run fifth off a leadoff bunt single and a Trine error.
Junior Andrew DeGood (Hamilton, Mich./Hamilton) started off the bottom of the fifth with a one-out base hit and would advance to second thanks to a wild throw on a failed pickoff attempt. DeGood would then come around to score on an RBI single up the middle from Shackle for the final run of the game.
Sophomore Edward Tomich (Carmel, Ind./Westfield) got the start on the mound and went 3 1/3 innings giving up just five hits and allowing one run while striking out one. Senior Jake Rightnowar (Oregon, Ohio/Toledo Christian) would get the win on the mound, coming in for 3 2/3 innings of relief, giving up just two hits and a run while striking out three to move his record to 2-3 on the season.
Stafford lead the Thunder at the plate for the day going 4-for-7 including two home runs and four RBIs. Prebynski, Wilder and Shackle all added three hits of their own. Wilder added three RBIs on the day while Prebynski added two.
After a day off, the Thunder will finish off the four-game series with Hope as they head to Holland on April 15 for a doubleheader at 2:00 p.m.
4/7 - Late Inning Heroics Give thunder Split with Scots
ALMA, Mich. - After struggling in the opener, the Trine University baseball team made a late-inning comeback in the night cap to defeat Alma College 8-5 in eight innings. The split pushes the Thunder to 11-10 on the season and 7-5 in the MIAA. Trine currently sits in a tie for fourth with Albion, but sit just two games out of first.
In the opener, the Thunder fell behind early as Alma’s pitcher Jose Velez hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the first to give the Scots a lead they would never relinquish.
Trine would pull within one in the top of the second thanks to a leadoff walk by senior Matt Zurbriggen (Crown Point, Ind./Crown Point). After a sacrifice bunt, Zurbriggen would score on an RBI single by sophomore Jordan Baer (Fort Wayne, Ind./Leo).
Alma put the game away in the bottom half of the inning as again it would Velez going yard, this time a grand slam. The Scots had already plated a run earlier in the inning as they led it 7-1.
In the third, Trine would get their final run of the game started by a one-out walk by sophomore Ethan Prebynski (Auburn, Ind./DeKalb). After an Alma error, Prebynski would score on a balk by Velez.
In the fourth Alma plated two more runs in part due to two Trine errors in the inning.
On the mound, senior Kale Popp (Rensselaer, Ind./Kankakee Valley) took the loss lasting four innings while allowing all nine runs, three earned, on nine hits while striking out four. Junior Jeremy Spalding (Toledo, Ohio/Toledo Central Catholic) came on for the final two innings and allowed just one hit while striking out a batter.
It didn’t start well for the Thunder in game two as they would again fall behind early as the Scots scored first in the bottom of the first.
The Thunder would jump out into the lead in the third as they plated a pair of runs with two outs. Prebynski started it with a single and senior Tom Wilder (Petersburg, Mich./Summerfield) followed with a double to score him.
Alma would come right back in the bottom half of the inning as they plated two runs of their own to retake the lead.
The two sides would again swap runs in the fourth off of leadoff hits, for Trine it was a single while Alma reached on a double.
After getting runners on in the fifth and sixth innings, the Thunder were down to their final three outs, but they pulled through. Prebynski led off the inning by reaching on an Alma error. After a sacrifice bunt and another Alma error, Prebynski would score on a fielder’s choice to tie the game.
Alma would go down in order in the bottom of the seventh as the game went to extra innings for the first time this season for the Thunder.
Trine would explode for four runs in the eighth inning, all started by a leadoff single by sophomore R.J. Flowers (Hamilton, Mich./Hamilton). After a sacrifice bunt, freshman Jake Kendall (New Castle, Ind./New Castle) reached on an infield single. Freshman Carter Stafford (Fort Wayne, Ind./Elmhurst) would then walk to load the bases and it would be Prebynski delivering for the Thunder with an infield single to plate a run. Wilder then drew a bases loaded walk to score another. Junior Adam Sullivan (Fort Wayne, Ind./Elmhurst) would then plate Trine’s final two runs on a single to left.
Alma made things interesting in the bottom of the inning as they led off the inning with a double. The Scots would get a pair of two-out singles to score a run before senior Nick Cocanower (Elkhart, Ind./Concord) retired the final batter of the game to end the rally.
Senior Jake Rightnowar (Oregon, Ohio/Toledo Christian) started for the Thunder lasting 4 2/3 innings allowing four runs, three earned, on six hits and striking out a batter. Senior Kyle Lidster (Griffith, Ind./Griffith) came on for 1 1/3 innings of relief and did not allow a batter to reach base. Cocanower pitched the final two innings of the game to earn his first win of the season, surrendering a run on three hits and striking out two. The run in the eighth was the first earned run Cocanower has allowed this season in 15 1/3 innings of work.
On the day, Prebynski led the Thunder going 5 for 7 with four runs and two RBIs. Prebynski also stole two bases. Wilder and Baer along with junior Andrew DeGood (Hamilton, Mich./Hamilton) collected a pair of hits and RBIs on the afternoon. Sullivan also knocked in a pair of RBIs.
Trine will take the field next when they travel to Hope on April 11 for a 2:00 p.m. conference doubleheader
4/6 - Thunder Sweep MIAA foe Alma
By Sports Information Student Assistant Caitlin Reynolds
ANGOLA, Ind. - The Trine University Baseball team came away with two big victories against visiting MIAA conference rival Alma, winning 3-2 and 5-2 respectively. The two wins put the Thunder at 10-9 on the season and 6-4 in the closely contested conference season.
The majority scoring for both teams was done in the first two innings, as Trine opened things up with a run in the bottom of the first of game one. Alma would answer back with one in the second, before the Thunder put up two more in the bottom half of that inning. Alma would put one more up in the seventh, but it was too little too late.
Sophomore R. J. Flowers (Hamilton, Mich./Hamilton) started things off with a one-out bunt single, steal second and then advance to third on a passed ball. Senior Tom Wilder (Petersburg, Mich./Summerfield) hit Flowers in with a two-out RBI double to right center.
The Scots would tie things up in the top of the second inning.
Trine would take the lead again in the bottom of the second and never relinquished it. Junior Andrew DeGood (Hamilton, Mich./Hamilton) reached on an error and advanced to second on a ground out. DeGood would then move to third on a bunt single from fellow Junior Adam Sullivan (Fort Wayne, Ind./Elmhurst), who advanced himself to second with a stolen base. They would both be knocked in by a double from freshman Carter Stafford (Waterloo, Ind./DeKalb).
Alma put another run on the board in the top of the seventh, but the Thunder defense would hold them to just that single run to finish out the game.
Senior Phil Stakely (Ostrander, Ohio/Buckeye Valley) got his second win for the season on the mound, pitching 5 2/3 innings, giving up just four hits and one earned run, while striking out four. Senior Nick Cocanower (Elkhart, Ind./Concord) would come on in relief pitching 1 1/3 innings to earn his fifth save of the season.
The Thunder opened up the scoring in the second game of the double header as well, as they put up three runs in the second inning, and added one more in the third. Alma answered back in the fourth plating two runs of their own, before Trine put up one more run in the bottom of the fifth to finish the scoring out.
DeGood would get things started again with a single to center. Sophomore Devin Copple (New Albany, Ind./Providence) would follow with a walk and freshman Kory Shackle (Butler, Ohio/Mount Vernon) would reach on an error to load the bases. All three would be brought in with an RBI triple from Stafford, the first of his college career.
After Alma went down in order in the top of the third, the Thunder would plate another run, started by a walk from senior Matt Zurbriggen (Crown Point, Ind./Crown Point), and he would then move to second on a wild pitch. After another walk, the Scots would have a failed pickoff attempt, as the pitcher overthrew first allowing Zurbriggen to come all the way around to score from second.
Alma answered right back with two runs off of four hits in the top of the fourth inning to bring the score to 4-2, but that was as close as they would get.
Trine put another run on the board for good measure in the bottom of the fifth, as Flowers started things off with a single to left center. sophomore would move to second on an attempted sacrifice bunt by sophomore Ethan Prebynski (Auburn, Ind./DeKalb) who would reach on a throwing error that would send him to second and Flowers to third. After a walk to load the bases, Zurbriggen would come up with a sacrifice fly to right, allowing Flowers to score.
Sophomore Jakeb Briscoe (Kendallville, Ind./East Noble) earned the victory in game two, pitching five innings and giving up just two runs and racking up three strikeouts. Senior Kyle Lidster (Griffith, Ind./Griffith) earned his first save of the year, pitching two scoreless innings in relief.
Stafford led the Thunder offense on the day with two hits and a team leading five RBIs. Flowers added two hits of his own, and both Wilder and Zurbriggen chipped in with a hit and an RBI apiece. Other Trine players with a hit on the day were sophomore Jordan Baer (Fort Wayne, Ind./Leo), Sullivan, DeGood and Shackle.
Trine will be back in action tomorrow with a doubleheader at Alma to finish out the series with the first game beginning at 1:00 p.m.
4/4 - Stakely Named NCBWA National Pitcher of the Week
Lefty Also Named to D3Baseball.com Team of the Week
DALLAS - A solid week against nationally-ranked opponents by Jonathan Mason of Bridgewater College and the first no-hitter in conference play in Trine University history for Phil Stakely have earned them the fifth NCAA Division III National Hitter and Pitcher of the Week honors respectively for March 25-31, 2013, as voted on by a panel of D-III members of the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association.
Stakely, a senior southpaw from Ostrander, Ohio, earned Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Pitcher of the Week honors when he became the first Trine pitcher to throw a no-hitter in a conference game as the Thunder shut out Albion 10-0 in the second game of a doubleheader on Mar. 30. He faced only 22 batters, one above the minimum, in the seven-inning contest, striking out three, walking one and hitting one in pitching the 27th MIAA no-hitter since 1958, and the first complete game no-no since 2009. Of his 74 pitches, 51 were strikes. It was Stakely’s first time to receive MIAA weekly honors.
Stakely was also named to the D3Baseball.com team of the week and was one of three starters to be selected. The full list can be found here.
Stakely becomes the first player from the MIAA to earn the national award this season and becomes the first Trine player to be named the National Player of the Week.
Founded in 1962, the NCBWA is dedicated to the advancement of college baseball. Membership is open to writers, broadcasters and publicists of the sport. Members receive a membership card, directory, newsletter updates and official votes in the Dick Howser Player of the Year Award, Regional Player of the Year and NCBWA All-America voting. The NCBWA also sponsors preseason All-America awards, publication and writing contests.
4/3 - Thunder Drop Non-Conference Game
ANGOLA, Ind. - After falling behind early, the Trine University baseball team’s comeback fell just short as they dropped a non-conference contest to Defiance 5-4. The loss drops the Thunder to 8-9 on the season.
Defiance opened the game scoring twice in the top of the first off a leadoff walk followed by a one-out double and a Trine error. The Yellow Jackets would add another run on a single.
Trine would tie the game in the bottom of the second as junior Andrew DeGood (Hamilton, Mich./Hamilton) would lead off the inning with a single up the middle. Sophomore Devin Copple (New Albany, Ind./Providence) would follow with a single and advance to second the throw to third. Freshman Jake Kendall (New Castle, Ind./New Castle) would then score DeGood from third on an RBI groundout. Junior Jeff Phillips (Prospect, Ohio/Marion Pleasant) then drove in Copple on an infield single to the shortstop.
Defiance would add runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings as they led 5-2.
Trine would begin to cut into the Defiance lead in the seventh as they plated a run. With two outs, junior Adam Sullivan (Fort Wayne, Ind./Elmhurst) would reach on a walk. After stealing second, Sullivan would score on a double by freshman Carter Stafford (Waterloo, Ind./DeKalb) to left field. The Thunder would get another hit to put runners on the corners, but they would be unable to plate another run.
In the eighth, the Thunder got a run back as DeGood led off the inning with a double down the left field line. DeGood would then score on an error by the Defiance second baseman.
In the bottom of the ninth, the Thunder got a runner on as Stafford walked with one out, but the next two Trine batters would be retired to end the game.
Sophomore Edward Tomich (Carmel, Ind./Westfield) lasted six innings on the mound for the Thunder allowing all five runs (three earned) on 11 hits while striking out one. Junior Jeremy Spalding (Toledo, Ohio/Toledo Central Catholic) came on for two innings of relief and striking out a batter while surrendering two hits. Senior Nick Cocanower (Elkhart, Ind./Concord) would record the final three outs, striking out one and not allowing a batter to reach as she extended his scoreless streak to 12 innings.
Four different players collected multiple hits on the afternoon for the Thunder led by Copple who went 2-for-2. Stafford, DeGood and sophomore Ethan Prebynski (Auburn, Ind./DeKalb) each also collected a pair of hits in the game. DeGood was the only Trine player to also score twice.
Trine will return to action on April 6 when they host Alma for a pair of conference games beginning at 1:00 p.m.
4/2 - Thunder Earn Second Split with Knights
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - For the second time, the Trine University baseball team earned a series split with MIAA rival Calvin, falling 3-2 and then shutting out the Knights 2-0. The split moved the Thunder to 8-8 on the season and 4-4 in MIAA play.
In game one, after falling behind the Thunder made things interesting as they made a comeback in the sixth as they tied the game.
The Thunder fell behind early as the Knights plated a run in the bottom of the first after back-to-back singles to start the inning. Calvin would later plate the run on a groundout.
Calvin would tack on a run in the fifth after another leadoff single, then two outs later a double.
Trine would get on the board in the sixth after sophomore Jordan Baer (Fort Wayne, Ind./Leo) reached on a leadoff walk and junior Adam Sullivan (Fort Wayne, Ind./Elmhurst) followed with a single to center. Two outs later, it would be sophomore Ethan Prebynski (Auburn, Ind./DeKalb) driving in Sullivan and freshman Kory Shackle (Butler, Ohio/Mount Vernon) on a single to center.
With the game tied at 2-2, the Knights would answer in the bottom half of the inning for the game-winner. After a one out single, Calvin would plate the winning run on a Trine error.
Senior Kale Popp (Rensselaer, Ind./Kankakee Valley) lasted 5 2/3 innings allowing two earned runs on seven hits while striking out three. Senior Nick Cocanower (Elkhart, Ind./Concord) came on for the final 1/3 of an inning and retired the only batter he faced.
The Thunder wouldn’t waste any time getting started in game two as they jumped out to a 1-0 lead on an RBI double by senior Tom Wilder (Petersburg, Mich./Summerfield) that scored Prebynski from second.
Trine would score an insurance run in the fifth as freshman Carter Stafford (Waterloo, Ind./DeKalb) led off the inning with a single to right center. After a sacrifice bunt advanced him to second and a groundout moved him to third, Stafford would score on an error by the Calvin shortstop.
Calvin would threaten in the bottom of the seventh as the leadoff batter reached. After a walk and a Trine error, senior Nick Cocanower (Elkhart, Ind./Concord) retired the final two batters to escape the jam and earn his fourth save of the year.
Senior pitcher Jake Rightnowar (Oregon, Ohio/Toledo Christian) earned his first win of the season on the mound throwing six shutout innings and allowing just four hits while striking out five. Cocanower recorded the final three outs of the game to extend his scoreless streak to 11 innings.
Stafford was the only Trine player to collect multiple hits on the day, going 3-for-7 with a run scored. Wilder and senior Matt Zurbriggen (Crown Point, Ind./Crown Point) each had doubles for their only hits.
Trine will get right back to action as they host Defiance for a single 9-inning game on April 3 beginning at 4:00 p.m.
4/1 - Stakely Named MIAA Baseball Pitcher of the Week
ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine lefthander Phil Stakely its Pitcher of the Week for games played through March 30.
Stakely, a senior from Ostrander, Ohio (Buckeye Valley HS), became the first Trine pitcher to throw a no-hitter in an MIAA game as the Thunder shut out Albion, 10-0. Stakely faced only 22 batters, one above the minimum, striking out three and walking one in pitching the 27th MIAA no-hitter since 1958, and the first complete game no-no since 2009. Stakely also came on in relief in Trine’s 9-4 victory over Calvin, throwing two shutout innings while allowing just one hit. He is being honored as Player of the Week for the first time in his career.
3/30 - Stakely Throws No-Hitter as Thunder Sweep Albion
By Sports Information Student Assistant Caitlin Reynolds
ANGOLA, Ind. - The Trine University baseball team took advantage of the nice weather at home and earned a little pay back against conference opponent Albion, as they shut out the Britons in both games of the doubleheader by scores of 4-0 and 10-0.
Senior pitcher Phil Stakely (Ostrander, Ohio/Buckeye Valley) threw Trine’s sixth no-hitter on record and the first in over a decade.
In the opener, Trine (7-7, 3-3 MIAA) would open scoring up in the second inning with a run and added two more in the third and one more in the fourth for good measure.
The winning run would come in the second inning for the Thunder, as senior Tom Wilder (Petersburg, Mich/Summerfield) started the inning off with a double to left field. Wilder would move to third on a sacrifice by junior Andrew DeGood (Hamilton, Mich/Hamilton) and then fellow senior Matt Zurbriggen (Crown Point, Ind./ Crown Point) would bring him home with a sacrifice fly to the right fielder.
In the fourth, freshman Carter Stafford (Waterloo, Ind./DeKalb) would drive in fellow freshman Kory Shackle (Butler, Ohio/Mount Vernon) on a single for the game’s final run.
Senior Kyle Lidster (Griffith, Ind./ Griffith) would get the win on the mound for Trine, going 6 2/3 innings and giving up just three hits with two strikeouts. The win puts Lidster at 1-1 on the season. Senior Nick Cocanower (Elkhart, Ind./Concord) would earn his third save in relief, striking out the only batter he faced to end the game.
The Thunder bats really came alive in game two, coupled with a dominant performance on the mound from Stakely.
Trine would open scoring in the second inning again in game two putting up four runs before adding one in the third and then finishing it up with a five spot in the fifth.
DeGood got things started in the second with a single through the left side, and Zurbriggen would bring him in with a double that hit the left center fence. Sophomore Jordan Baer (Ft. Wayne, Ind./Leo) would follow that up with his first career home run over the left field fence. After a walk and single, Sophomore R.J. Flowers (Hamilton, Mich./ Hamilton) would come up and single to bring in another run.
The Thunder continued to roll in the fifth. Zurbriggen started things off with a walk, stole second and then moved to third on a wild pitch. After another walk and hit batter, Stafford singled to the shortstop to score Zurbriggen. Two more runs would come in as sophomore Ethan Prebynski (Auburn, Ind. / Dekalb) reached on an Albion error and advance to second. Flowers would bring in another run with a ground out to first, and the final run would come as Wilder singled through the left side to bring in Prebynski.
Stakely would go the distance for the Thunder pitching a no-hitter with just one walk while striking out three. This win was the first of the season for Stakely. Trine’s last no-hitter came on April 28, 2002 as Ray Sterling held Concordia (MI) hitless in a 7-0 win. It is also the first no-hitter thrown in conference play by a single pitcher since 2009.
The Thunder offense was red hot on the day led by Stafford and Wilder, each getting three hits. Stafford would add two RBIs and Wilder would chip in with one. Prebynski and Zurbriggen both added two hits and two RBIs on the day while Baer added two RBIs of his own. Flowers lead Trine with three RBIs on the day.
3/29 - Thunder Drop a Pair on the Road
ALBION, Mich. - It was a tough day for the Trine University baseball team as they drop a pair of games to conference foe Albion 8-2 and 5-4. The losses drop the Thunder to 5-7 on the season and 1-3 in the MIAA.
In the opener, the Thunder fell behind early as they were unable to make a rally. The Britons would score a run in the third, four in the fourth and three more in the sixth.
The Thunder’s lone runs of the game would come in the sixth. After back-to-back Albion errors started the inning, and a passed ball moved both runners up, senior Matt Zurbriggen (Crown Point, Ind./Crown Point) would score on an RBI ground out by sophomore Jordan Baer (Fort Wayne, Ind./Leo). Junior Andrew DeGood (Hamilton, Mich./Hamilton) would follow with an RBI single to right center to score sophomore R.J. Flower (Hamilton, Mich./Hamilton).
Trine was able to get two runners on in the seventh, but were unable to plate a run with two outs.
Sophomore Edward Tomich (Carmel, Ind./Westfield) took the loss for the Thunder on the mound, lasting five innings, allowing seven runs, six of which were earned on 10 hits. Sophomore C.J. Burnett (North Vernon, Ind./Jennings County) made his first appearance of the season as he came on to pitch two thirds of an inning and allowed one unearned run on a hit. Senior Jamar Averyhart (Griffith, Ind./Griffith) came on to record the final out of the sixth inning.
Trine nearly pulled off the comeback in game number two after again falling behind 5-0 early on.
Albion again jumped out into the lead as they scored two runs in the third inning, all of which were unearned. In the fifth, the Britons extended their lead plating three runs, all of which were again unearned.
The Thunder bats would again come alive in the sixth. Zurbriggen and senior Tom Wilder (Petersburg, Mich./Summerfield) would lead off the inning with back-to-back singles. Then with one out, DeGood would deliver again with an RBI single. Sophomore Devin Copple (New Albany, Ind./Providence) followed with another single to load the bases. Freshman Jake Kendall (New Castle, Ind./New Castle) would then come through with a single to score DeGood and freshman Carter Stafford (Waterloo, Ind./DeKalb). Copple would then score on a wild pitch. That would be the end of the rally for the Thunder as the next two batters were retired.
Trine would go down in order in the top of the seventh as sophomore Jakeb Briscoe (Kendallville, Ind./East Noble) took the loss. Briscoe lasted four and one third of an inning while allowing all five runs, all of which were unearned, on four hits while striking out three. Junior Jeremy Spalding (Toledo, Ohio/Toledo Central Catholic) made his first appearance of the season, going two thirds of an inning and allowing one hit. Senior Nick Cocanower (Elkhart, Ind./Concord) came on to pitch the final inning and struck out a batter while not allowing a runner to reach base.
DeGood led the Thunder at the plate going 3-for-6 on the day with two RBI and scoring a run. Kendall also drove in two runs on the day. Wilder collected three hits on the day in seven at-bats and stole a base. Stafford was the only other Trine player to collect multiple hits on the day going 2-for-6 while also stealing a bag.
The two teams will go right back at it March 30 as Trine will play host for their doubleheader beginning at 1:00 p.m.
3/27 - Thunder Open Conference Play with Split
ANGOLA, Ind. - In their first conference series of the season, the Trine University baseball squad earned a split with Calvin, winning game one 9-4 and falling in the second game 4-3. The split puts the Thunder at 5-5 overall on the season.
In the opener, the Knights jumped out to an early 2-0 lead on a bases loaded walk and then a double play.
Trine would pull away in the fourth as they plated six runs in the inning on three hits and three Calvin errors.
With two runners on, freshman Carter Stafford (Waterloo, Ind./DeKalb) laid down a bunt single. After the Calvin pitcher fielded the ball, he threw wildly over the third baseman’s head allowing junior Andrew DeGood (Hamilton, Mich./Hamilton) to score. Sophomore Ethan Prebynski (Auburn, Ind./DeKalb) then singled to plate another run. After a walk, Stafford would score on a wild pitch. Prebynski would score on a Calvin error and senior Matt Zurbriggen (Crown Point, Ind./Crown Point) scored on an RBI ground out by sophomore Jordan Baer (Fort Wayne, Ind./Leo). Trine would get their final run on a single to center by sophomore R.J. Flowers (Hamilton, Mich./Hamilton).
Calvin would answer with a two-run fifth to close the gap to 6-4 on an RBI ground out and an infield single.
It wouldn’t take long for the Thunder to answer back as they scored twice more in the bottom of the inning. Junior Adam Sullivan (Fort Wayne, Ind./Elmhurst) led off the inning with a double. After a sacrifice bunt, Sullivan would score on a single by Prebynski. Senior Tom Wilder (Petersburg, Mich./Summerfield) would then triple to score to plate Prebynski.
In the sixth, Trine would get another run on a leadoff double by freshman Kory Shackle (Butler, Ohio/Mount Vernon). After DeGood reached on a bunt single, Shackle would score on a passed ball.
Senior Kale Popp (Rensselaer, Ind./Kankakee Valley) earned his third win on the mound for the Thunder, going five innings while allowing four earned runs on six hits and striking out seven. Fellow senior Phil Stakely (Ostrander, Ohio/Buckeye Valley) came on for the final two innings and allowed just one hit while striking out one.
In the rubber match, the Thunder would be the first to score as they plated a run in the third. After a leadoff walk to Sullivan, Stafford would reach on an infield bunt single. One out later, Sullivan would score on an RBI ground out by Zurbriggen.
Trine would add another run in the fourth. With one out, Baer singled through the right side. After a walk and then a single by DeGood, Sullivan would drive in Baer on a ground out.
Calvin would plate their first run in the top of the fifth after back-to-back leadoff singles led to a sacrifice fly.
The Knights would take control in the sixth as they scored three times in the inning.
In the bottom of the seventh, the Thunder tried to make a comeback. Stafford led off the inning by depositing the first pitch over the left field wall for his first collegiate home run. With one out, Zurbriggen reached on an infield single. Then, with two outs Wilder would single to left. Both runners would move up a base on a wild pitch but the comeback attempt would come to an end on a ground out.
Senior Jake Rightnowar (Oregon, Ohio/Toledo Christian) would take the loss for the Thunder as he allowed two earned runs in five and one third innings on nine hits while striking out two. Fellow senior Nick Cocanower (Elkhart, Ind./Concord) came on to finish off the game not allowing a hit and striking out a batter.
For the day, Prebynski led the Thunder going 5-for-9 with two RBI and two stolen bases. DeGood collected four hits on the day while Stafford and Wilder each collected three hits. Sullivan led the Thunder on the day with three runs scored.
Trine will have a day off before returning to action on March 29 for another conference doubleheader at Albion starting at 2:00 p.m.
2013 Season Preview
Under the leadership of head coach Greg Perschke, the baseball team produced one of its best seasons in history. The Thunder finished second in the conference with a 25-18 record and won its first ever MIAA Tournament game, defeating Hope.
Pitching is going to be a collaborative effort again this season as the Thunder returns all but one starter. Senior Kale Popp leads the rotation and will be joined by Nick Cocanower and Jake Rightnowar. Jeremy Spalding will look to repeat a fantastic sophomore season where he finished third in the nation with 11 saves.
The infield will look for leadership from returning starting catcher Matt Zurbriggen, who was named All-MIAA Second Team a year ago. Ethan Prebynski showed he could handle the adjustment to the college level, starting 36 games at second base while Jordan Baer, Adam Sullivan and Andrew DeGood all look to make contributions as part of a deep infield that lost two starters.
The Thunder will need to rebuild its outfield after losing two starters with Tom Wilder the only returner who saw significant time.
