Hawks can't escape the Twilight Zone in season ending loss

Most people refer to Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton as the “home of the NCAA Division III World Series. For “Warhawk nation” it is being called the “twilight zone” on the heels of the UW-Whitewater baseball team’s strange 4-2 loss to Chapman University (California) Sunday.

How strange was the loss? Three of the four UW-Whitewater base runners were picked off by Chapman pitcher Christian Maietta. Also, a normally solid Warhawk defense committed four errors in the game.

"I can't sugarcoat it," UWW head coach John Vodenlich said following the game. "We played poorly. We had four errors. We got three guys picked off. And we got five hits.

Maietta picked shortstop Andrew Eichstaedt off second in the first inning. He got Donovan at first in the second inning and caught senior rightfielder Daniel Putnam napping at first in the fourth inning.

(In the adjacent photo the scoreboard tells the story - Tom Pattison photo)

Incredibly, following the laundry list of miscues, Whitewater was in position to win the game.

Trailing 3-0 in the seventh inning, Jeff Donovan got the Hawks back in the game on one swing. The senior drilled a two-run homer to left field to draw his team within one run.

On the mound for the final time in his Warhawk baseball career, Riley Tincher deserved a better fate. Two of the three runs allowed by the big lefthander in were unearned. The senior pitched his way out of trouble three times keep the game close.

"He was not the reason we lost today," Vodenlich said. "Again, it's four errors and three picked off players. When you play that type of baseball, sometimes you can't overcome it."

His team tried by getting the tying run to second base with one out in the 8th inning with one out. Pinch hitter Sam Keller his a rocket line drive off Maietta – but right at Chapman 1st baseman Mark Saatzer.

In the ninth inning, Donovan drew a two out walk, but was stranded on 1st base when Brent “Aussie” Young gounded to 2nd base to bring a curtain down on the season for the Warhawks.

Whitewater finishes the year with an outstanding 37-13 record.

Much more reaction and analysis will be posted Monday morning here on voiceseyeonbaseball.blogspot.com.

CLICK HERE for UWW-Chapman box score

PROGRAMMING NOTE: Sunday's UWW vs Chapman game has been moved to 940 WFAW

ATTENTION WARHAWK BASEBALL FANS...

Sunday's (today's) UW-Whitewater Division III World Series game broadcast WILL HE HEARD ON AM-940 WFAW.

Due to a conflict with the Indianapolis 500 Sunday's (today's) UW-Whitewater Baseball game at the College World Series will be heard on 940 WFAW starting at 11:50.

CLICK HERE to listen to game via audio stream

Warhawks to face Chapman (CA) Sunday at 12-noon at DIII World Series

The UW-Whitewater baseball team is set to play Chapman University (CA) Sunday in 2011 Division III World Series action at Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton.

Chapman drew No. 1 ranked Marietta (Ohio) in Saturday’s winner’s bracket action.

Austin Blaski was dominant on the mound as the Pioneers defeated Chapman 9-4 in Day 2 of the Division III Baseball Championship. Blaski had eight strikeouts and overcame two errors of his own to advance Marietta to the winner’s bracket final

Meanwhile, the team that beat UW-Whitewater on Friday night - Buena Vista, unranked entering the NCAA Tournament, will play in the winner’s bracket championship after the Beavers defeated Keystone 8-5 in a winner's bracket game at the 2011 Division III Baseball Championships.

Buena Vista, following the path blazed by Central Regional champion Illinois Wesleyan in 2010, will play Marietta on Sunday night in a game scheduled for 6 p.m.

Future Warhawks too much for current Warhawks

The UW-Whitewater was fresh off staying alive in the 2011 NCAA Division III World Series with an 8-3 victory over Western New England College Saturday afternoon at Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton.

Following the game the Hawks were quick to jump on the Van Galder Warhawk Express motor coach back to the team hotel – right?

Wrong! Less than 24 hours after its emotional 5-4 loss to Buena Vista in opening round action, the UW-Whitewater baseball team hung around the stadium to enjoy the elimination bracket win with family and friends.

Jefferson County Daily Union sports editor Jeff Seisser called me to say there was a postgame wiffle ball game going on out in the parking lot.

For about an hour, some Warhawk players and friends played a wiffle ball game with some "future Warhawks," including Sam Vodenlich, son of Warhawk baseball coach John Vodenlich; Tyler Seisser, son of Daily Jefferson County Union sports editor/photographer Jeff Seisser; and Landon and Lindsay Leipold, children of Warhawk head football coach Lance Leipold.

You think the kids will have memories of playing wiffle ball against the Warhawks in years to come?

Final score: Future Warhawks 75, Current Warhawks 0!

Seniors played key role in the Hawks 8-3 win over Western New England College

The one thing I have discovered over my many years of blogging here on voiceseyeonbaseball.blogspot.com and over on warhawkfootball.com is the importance of senior leadership.

The senior leadership has been outstanding on this 2011 Warhawk team. Dan Putnam, Rob Coe, Riley Tincher and Jeff Donovan have played plenty of “championship caliber” baseball wearing a Warhawk baseball uniform. That leadership has stood out as brightly as Kim Kardashian’s $2 million engagement ring leading up to and during Saturday’s 8-3 elimination bracket victory over Western New England College (MA).

Less than 24 hours after suffering an emotional, bottom of the ninth inning loss to Buena Vista (IA) in 1st round NCAA Division III World Series action, the Hawks arrived back at Fox Cities Stadium Saturday morning relaxed and looking forward to exorcizing the “demons” from the previous day.

Prior to the game, as the Hawks were standing in front of the dugout waiting for the NCAA to send them out for pregame infield. I look down from the press box and there is Rob Coe and Jeff Donovan dancing to the music out of the Fox Cities Stadium public address system.

“It’s our senior year and we didn’t want to go into the game too tight,” Coe said following the game. “Jeff and I have had fun all year. It wasn’t our first dance. You gotta do what you’ve been doing all year because we still have a chance to win this thing (D III title)."

For Donovan, it is making sure everything is left out on the field win or lose this weekend.

“We went into the game realizing how great a season we’ve had and it could end today (Saturday), Donovan tells voiceseyeonbaseball.blogspot.com. “We’ve talked about from here on out, everyone’s going to continue to lay it on the line. You are going to see some great baseball from us.”

Now back to the senior leadership aspect to this story. The seniors took the challenge of elimination bracket baseball from the “get-go” vs. WNEC.

Senior Dan Putnam opened the bottom of the first inning with a walk. Senior Rob Coe hit a grounder through the left side to put runners on the corners, and senior Jeff Donovan drilled a triple to the wall in right center for a 2-0 lead. One pitch later Donovan came home on a wild pitch to make it 3-0.

How’s that for the UWW seniors leading the way?

The seniors were back at it again in the sixth. Coe walked, and Donovan hit his school record twenty-second double of the season to plate Coe. Kevin Jeffries came on to replace WNEC starter Zach Cloft, and Warhawk third baseman Jared Fon greeted him with a double to score Donovan and build the Whitewater lead to 5-2.

It was Putnam again in the seventh, hitting a sharp single back up the box and taking second on a ball that got tangled in the catcher's legs. Andrew Eichstaedt walked. Putnam then took off for third and the catcher's attempt to throw him out sailed into left field. Putnam scored and Eichstaedt moved to second. Coe knocked in Eichstaedt with a single. Coe moved to second on a ground out, and scored on Brent Young's single to increase Whitewater's lead to 8-2.

You’re final senior scorecard reads: Donovan and Coe with two hits. Donovan's were both extra base hits, and he drove in three and scored twice. Coe scored three times, and Putnam scored twice and was on base twice.

Another of the UWW seniors is expected to get his opportunity in Sunday’s elimination bracket game vs. Chapman (CA). Riley Tincher will likely be on the mound for the Warhawks for the 12-noon start at Fox Cities Stadium.

CLICK HERE for 5/28 Warhawk postgame press conference

Hawks bounce back in big way with win over Western New England College

The UW-Whitewater baseball team fought off the disappointment of Friday night’s loss to Buena Vista (Iowa) with a stress-free, 8-3 victory over Western New England (Mass) Saturday in second day action at the NCAA Division III World Series at Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton.

The Hawks played error-free baseball while pounding out nine hits, including three for extra bases, a left just six runners on base vs. WNEC compared to the 12 left on base Friday night.

The top of the batting order was outstanding, as the top four in the order combined to go 6-for-14 with eight runs scored and four RBI. Danny Putnam went 1-for-4 with two runs scored, Andrew Eichstaedt went 1-for-3 with a run scored and Rob Coe was 2-for-3 with three runs scored and an RBI.

(In the adjacent photo - UWW's Rob Coe catches a glance back at his dugout after lacing one of his two hits in Saturday's 8-3 Warhawk win over Western New England College at the NCAA Division III World Series in Appleton - photo courtesy of Jeff Seisser, Daily Jefferson County Union)

Jeff Donovan, less than 24 hours after seeing his team fall short vs. Buena Vista, let his bat talk Saturday afternoon.

The senior out of Wauwatosa East High School wasted little time putting Whitewater on the board. The Warhawk first baseman crushed a triple that bounced just in front of the 405-foot marker on the right-center field wall. Danny Putnam and Rob Coe scored on the play.

Donovan scored one pitch later on a passed ball to put UW-W up, 3-0.

In the sixth inning “J-Doe” did it again, lacing a double to nearly the exact same spot as his first inning triple. Coe scored from first base on the play.

Putnam stole third in the bottom of the seventh and scored a throwing error by the Golden Bear catcher. Later in the frame, Andrew Eichstaedt scored on Coe's RBI single. Coe came home on Brent Young's RBI base hit two batters later.

Coe, an Appleton North High School graduate, was 2-for-3 in front of his home-town crowd. Jared Fon added a 2-for-4 effort on the day as well.

UW-Whitewater stating pitcher, Justin Lamber,t turned in a gem, pitching seven innings of two-run ball.

"He's really pitched well down the stretch," Vodenlich said of the right-hander, starter who ate up seven innings. "(No. 1 starter Riley) Tincher's going to be in the mix for us, and we're going to need them all."

Mathew Roberts took care of the eighth inning, setting down Western New England in order. Jack Larsen closed out the game in the ninth after surrendering one run.

According to veteran Warhawk coach John Vodenlich, when you are in the “elimination bracket” of a double-elimination tournament the task at hand is simple – to survive and advance.

"Hopefully, we're here for a while," Vodenlich said. "It's an elimination game from this point on. Our guys know that our back is against the wall."

Next up for Whitewater is a 12-noon game Sunday vs. the loser of Saturday night’s Marrietta (Ohio) vs. Chapman (California) game.

CLICK HERE for Whitewater - Western New England Box Score

More coming up following prime rib at Texas Roadhouse

- Voice

Hawks roll to 8-3 win over Western New England University at D III World Series

Whitewater bounces back big Saturday afternoon to defeat Western New England University 8-3. More to come following postgame media conference.

Voice

Violent emotion changes late in Friday night's 5-4 loss to BV

The range of emotions for UW-Whitewater players, coaches and fans changed dramatically in just a few short minutes Friday evening.

Down 4-2 heading into the top of the ninth inning, it appeared that the Warhawk baseball team was just minutes away from a very frustrating loss to upstart Buena Vista (Iowa) in first round action at the NCAA Division III World Series Friday evening in Appleton.

The frustration suddenly turned to incredible elation as the Hawks staged a scintillating come-from-behind rally in its last at bat. The Hawks scored two runs highlighted by Jared Fon’s dramatic two-out single driving in Rob Coe to tie the game at 4-all.

(In the adjacent photo - UWW pitcher Jeff Donovan explodes with emotion following Jared Fons' dramatic RBI single with two outs in the ninth inning to keep his team alive at 2-2 heading into bottom on ninth - photo courtesy of Jeff Seisser, Daily Jefferson County Union)

The come-back meant that the Hawks needed just three BV outs to send the game into extra-innings.

It didn’t happen.

With one out in the bottom of the ninth, Tyler Case walked and Blum singled to put men at first and second. Brock Yossi hit a long foul down the first base line that Warhawk first baseman Brent Young caught going away and up against the stands. Case tagged and went to third on the play.

The Hawks brought in senior lefthander Riley Tincher, in relief of Eric Schmitz, to face BV first baseman Michael Hoffman with two outs and just one out from heading to extra innings. It was not going to happen as Hoffman lined a single up the middle scoring Case with the dramatic winning run and send the mood of Warhawk nation into a tailspin.

While the magical tournament run for Buena Vista continues in a Saturday winners bracket game vs. Keystone (PA), the Hawks now must play Western New England (MA), a 2-1 loser to Keystone, in an elimination bracket game at 1 p.m. Saturday.


CLICK HERE for UWW/BV Box Score

CLICK HERE for 5/27 UWW postgame press conference

Hawks drop heartbreaker in the bottom of 9th

It has been said before and it will be said again – a game is never over till its over.

Buena Vista University appeared on the way to a first round win by forging out to a 4-2 lead heading into the UW-Whitewater ninth inning. In Friday’s opening round NCAA Division III

The Hawks would not say die.

UWW loaded the bases with nobody out. Brent Young grounded into a double play that scored Drew Eichstaedt to pull the Warhawks within one at 4-3. That set up Jared Fon’s dramatic two-out RBI single to center field to score Rob Coe with the game-tying score to send the game to the bottom of the ninth.

The Whitewater momentum would not last long.

Buena Vista left fielder Michael Hoffman broke UW-Whitewater hearts by lining a two-out single to center to score Tyler Case and give the Beavers a 5-4, bottom of the ninth inning victory.

(In the adjacent photo – UWW centerfielder walks dejectedly off the field Friday night while Buena Vista players celebrate in the background follow the Beavers’ 5-4, bottom of the 9th victory in the first round of the NCAA Division III World Series at Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton – photo courtesy of Jeff Siesser, Daily Jefferson County Union)

The Beavers excelled at playing “small-ball” by executing numerous bunt situations flawlessly. BVU also put its leadoff batter on base in six of the nine innings.

Whitewater left 12 runners on base including the bases loaded twice.

Final Line Score
Buena Vista: 5 runs, 9 hits, 2 errors, 9 LOB
UW-Whitwater: 4 runs, 13 hits, 2 errors, 13 LOB

Much more on today’s game will be coming up this evening here on Voiceseyeonbaseball.blogspot.com including quotes from the postgame press conference.

I’ll be talking to you later tonight here on the blog.

- Voice

Hawks lose opener at D III World Series

Hawks lose 5-4 to Buena Vista in the bottom of the ninth inning.e

Much more to come

Voic

Game 2: Marietta (OH) 6, Salisbury (NJ) 0 (Final)

D3baseball.com Pitcher of the Year Brian Gasser threw six shutout innings and Mark Williams and Kyle Lindquist finished it up as No. 1 ranked Marietta improved to 43-3.

The game was a 0-0 pitcher's duel throught the first five innings.

Marietta put three runs on the scoreboard in the sixth inning followed by two in the seventh and three more in the Pioneer eighth inning.

With the win, Gasser is now 14-0 on the season.

Chris Greiner took the loss for Salisbury and is now 10-4 in 2011

CLICK HERE FOR MARIETTA Vs SALISBURY BOXSCORE

Coming up next: Buena Vista vs UW-Whitewater (First pitch is set for 5:{25 p.m.)

Voice's blog: Friday afternoon at the DIII World Series

• A steady stream of UW-Whitewater baseball fans have been arriving at Fox Valley Stadium for the past 45 minutes.

• The early arrivers didn’t wait for the official Warhawk World Series tailgate to get underway. The non-official tailgates have been going on since 1:45! (see adjacent photo)

• The UW-Whitewater tailgate tent has been erected on the right field line area of the FVS parking lot. The tailgate, just getting underway, is sponsored by the UW-Whitewater Alumni Association and the athletic department. If you are a Warhawk fan, make sure you stop by the tailgate which runs right up to game-time a 4:30 p.m.

• No. 1 ranked Marietta (OH) and Salisbury (MD) are in an old fashioned pitcher’s duel. Each team with just one hit through 4 innings. The Score: Salisbury 0, Marietta 0. Division III Player of the Year. Brian Gasser is on the mound for Marietta. The big righthander’s statistics are awesome with a 13 & 0 record and 1.09 ERA entering today’s game.

• The UW-Whitewater coaching staff was in the stands for much of this morning’s first game. The team has been spending the last couple of hours at nearby baseball fields for NCAA sponsored batting practice.

• My sources are telling me that Jeff Donovan will get today’s starting pitching assignment. At this point that information is not official. Donovan 10 & 0 in 2011.

• I’ve been blogging a great deal about the seniors on this year’s Warhawk baseball team. Last weekend it was the underclassmen down in the batting order. If Jared Fon, Matt Beyer, Dylan Friend and Travis Wessels can even come close to having a weekend, like last weekend, the Hawks’ offense will be in good shape.

• Jared Fon, just a freshman, became the Warhawks’ everyday 3rd baseman earlier this month. His defensive play has been anything but freshman-like.

• The UWW offense has been “off and on” over the past couple of weeks. A big key this weekend will be the ability of Danny Putnam to get on base in the lead-off position, and Andrew Eichstaedt to get “Putty” into scoring position for the “big bats” in the lineup.

• With the Buena Vista Beavers being in its first NCAA Division III World Series – for UWW to get off to a quick lead would definitely advantageous.

• Despite being in a national championship baseball tournament for the first time since 1968 (NAIA) BV insists there is no pressure on the upstarts from the IIAC -There are a lot of teams there that are predicted to win it. We don't have that on our shoulders. We have nothing to lose so I think that makes us a little bit dangerous. (Buena Vista coach Steve Eddie)

• Hawks and Beavers coming up. You can listen to the game on KOOL 106.5 with Gary Douglas and Dick Haven.

CLICK HERE for audio stream of today’s game

I'll be blogging after today's Warhawk game

Voice -

Game One: Chapman 9, Kean 4 (Final)

Chapman University (CA) broke a tight 3-2 game open by scoring seven runs in the final four innings to defeat Kean University (NJ) 9-4 in first round action at the 2011 NCAA Division III World Series at Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton.

Kean 42-10) entered the game ranked No. 3 in the nation by d3baseball.com. Chapman is now 34-11 and ranked No. 9 in the nation.

CLICK HERE FOR CHAPMAN vs, KEAN BOX SCORE

Voice’s Eye on D III World Series Weekend from Appleton

• What an opening day for the D III World Series. Filtered sunshine with temperatures in the lower 60’s – OUTSTANDING!

• Game one has just finished – final score: Chapman 9, Kean 4. Marrietta and Salisbury first pitch is now scheduled for 1:55 p.m.

• I was planning on getting to Fox Cities Stadium in time for the 10 a.m. start of the World Series opener between Kean (NJ) and Chapman (CA). Since I am now semi-retired I slept-in and arrived at 11 a.m.

• I ran into UW-Stevens Point coach Pat Bloom in the stands during the Kean-Chapman game. He wished the Hawks good luck but said he and the team would rather be between the lines here in Appleton this weekend.

• Bloom also told me that UWSP center fielder/pitcher Cody Koback is expected to be drafted in one of the top 10 rounds in next months MLB Draft.

• Taking a look into the parking lot off the 1st base side of Fox Cities Stadium and the UW-Whitewater tailgate tent has just started going up under the direction of “Mills” and Bob Lanza.

• The tailgate will run from 2:30 to 4:30 – make sure you wear your “purple” and I’ll see you at the U-Dub-Dub tailgate.

I’LL BE CHECKING BACK ON THE BLOG AT 3 P.M.

GO WARHAWKS!!

- Voice

D III World Series underway in Appleton

The 2011 NCAA Division III World Series is underway at Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton. Partly cloudy skies and 59 degrees at noon according to the National Weather Service.

Today's first game has No. 3 Kean(New Jersey) and No. 9 Chapman (California) squaring off.

(In the adjacent photo - a look at Fox Cities Stadium from the press box early in today's first game of the 2011 NCAA Division III World Series - Tom Pattison)

Game two set for 1::15 p.m. will have No. 1 ranked Marietta (Ohio) vs. Salisbury (Maryland)


More to come
-Voice

Listen to Warhawk World Series games LIVE on KOOL 106.5

The UW-Whitewater baseball team opens play at 4:30 Friday (5/27) afternoon in the 2011 NCAA Division III World Series at Fox Cities Stadium adjacent to U.S. Highway 41 in Appleton

If you for some reason can’t make to Appleton this weekend you will be able to listen to all the UWW World Series action exclusively in southern Wisconsin on KOOL 106.5.

Join veteran sportscaster Gary Douglas for all the play-by-play action on your official radio home for UW-Whitewater athletics since 1963.

The Warhawk World Series broadcasts will begin with Warhawk Baseball Today voiced by Tom Pattison. Gary Douglas follows with an interview with U-Dub-Dub head coach John Vodenlich followed by the first pitch.


CLICK HERE to listen to the audio stream of the game

CLICK HERE to download podcasts of all Warhawk tournament broacasts

Nixon was President and the Vietnam War was raging last time BVU was in a national baseball tournament

The last time Buena Vista went to a national baseball tournament was in 1968 - 43 years ago, when they were an NAIA school. This season, the Beavers have qualified for the NCAA Division III World Series for the very first time. But they almost didn't make it.

BV closed the regular season with 7 straight wins, but were knocked out of the Iowa Conference tournament, and thought their season was over. But the Beavers got a surprising spot in the NCAA regionals, which they won, earning a trip to the World Series.

Even though they were in the top ten in the region in 13 different statistical categories, BV will again play the underdog role in the World Series. Coach Eddie says if their pitching and defense is good, they can play with anyone, as long as they keep smiling.

"We made a commitment to each other that we were going to be the loosest team there. We're going to have just an absolute great time no matter what happens. There are a lot of teams there that are predicted to win it. We don't have that on our shoulders. We have nothing to lose so I think that makes us a little bit dangerous."

BV's first game at the World Series is Friday at 4:30 against UW-Whitewater, in Appleton, Wisconsin. The Warhawks are ranked 12th in the nation and won the national title in 2005.

CLICK HERE for a preview of the Beavers from KTVI News Channel 4 in Sioux City, Iowa

Hawks senior leadership key to return to Fox Cities Stadium

(Adjacent photo and display courtesy of Tim Gumz and UWW athletic department)

Can the UW-Whitewater baseball team capture the 2011 NCAA Division III Baseball Title this weekend at Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton?

You bet!

In the Warhawks three previous trips to the Division III World Series, 2005 (Championship), 2004 (3rd Place) and 2008 (3rd Place) senior leadership played a huge role in UWW’s success on the field. This weekend will be no different.

"One thing we've talked about is we're playing for a championship," Vodenlich told the Daily Jefferson County Union. "We're not going to win a national championship by going out there and playing an average game. Each of our individuals should understand that 1-for-3 and making routine plays is no longer acceptable - it's no longer what we need to win the big games. The challenge is out there for each of our individuals to step up their game.

Jeff Donovan, Rob Coe, Riley Tincher, Dan Putnam, and Lee Kimbell make up this year’s senior class.

• Putnam enters the World Series hitting a team-high .411, 59 runs scored and 28 stolen bases. The Ashland native was leading the nation, hitting over .500 into the third week of April.

• Donovan is ending his career this weekend among a handful of the top UW-Whitewater players in school history.

The Wauwatosa native is the school record-holder in at bats, runs, hits, runs batted in, and doubles. He ranks 3rd in career home runs behind only Pat Tobiasz (1995-98) and Brady Endl (2001-2004).

The former UW-Whitewater starting quarterback was named the 2009 WIAC Football Player of the Year and followed that up by leading Warhawk football team to the 2009 NCAA Division III National Championship.

• Coe is the “quarterback” of the UWW defense and pitching staff. The Appleton native possesses a rifle arm behind the plate. In the Hawks’ regional championship victory over St. Scholastica, Coe threw out SCC centerfielder Joe Link on first inning steal attempt of third base. It was the first “throw-out” of Link in 45 stolen base attempts this season.

The senior, who had not pitched at all in his career, was installed into the Warhawks’ closer role late in the season.

Coe, who throws in excess of 90 miles per hour on a regular basis - enters the weekend with nine appearances – all in relief – he sports a 1 and 1 record with 2 saves and a team-best 0.78 earned run average.

• Brent Allen and Lee Kimbell transferred to Whitewater this season as seniors from the now defunct Lambuth University in Jackson, Tennessee.

• Allen is a native of Brisbane, Australia and is among the most popular players on the team. The energetic “Aussie” has been an important utility player for much of the season. His dramatic, game-winning three-run homer last Saturday propelled the Warhawks past St. Scholastica and into the team’s fourth D III World Series for the fourth time in the last eight years.

The Warhawks' pitching rotation is anchored by left-hander Riley Tincher (10-3, 3.02 ERA) and righty Jeff Donovan (10-0, 3.38). The talented duo has been the No. 1 and No. 2 pitchers each weekend for Whitewater. “Tinch and J-Doe” have been one of the top one-two pitching combinations in the WIAC for the past two seasons. They are entering the final weekend of outstanding Warhawk baseball careers.

Earlier this month, Tincher was named the recipient of the 2011 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Max Sparger Baseball Scholar-Athlete Award.

A senior from Oregon, Wis., Tincher is majoring in health, human performance and recreation with a minor in coaching and maintains a 3.32 grade point average. He is a two-time member of the WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll and been recognized on UW-Whitewater’s Dean’s List.

A two-year team captain, Tincher is a two-time All-WIAC first team selection and secured WIAC Pitcher of the Year honors a season ago.

As you can see, the senior class has stepped up all season on the way to a 36 & 11 record.

Tincher and Donovan speak for the five seniors when talking about playing for the final weekend in a UW-Whitewater baseball uniform.

“For us seniors it is all or nothing,” Tincher said. “It is just keeping that mentality of leaving it all on the field, doing your best at all times, and not really regretting anything."

“We have everything we need,” Donovan said. “Coach (Vodenlich). Following Saturday’s Midwest Region championship game told us – guys, I’ve seen a lot of teams and we have everything we need – now we just have to go out and play good baseball.”

Vodenlich's coaching staff has done an "awesome job"

(Editor's Note: The following story witten by Josh Smith on the Warhawk baseball team's coaching staff was published Thursday, May 26 by the Daily Jefferson County Union.)

As a back-up catcher on the 1989 UW-W World Series team, Vodenlich has been a part of every team that has qualified for the Division III national tournament. However, he explained his role on the 1989 team was a minor one.

"I played a back-up role. I was a back-up catcher and I carried the starting catcher's equipment. I got in only to give him a rest," he said. "I was very proud to be a part of that team, but by no means was I a big part of that success. I had a very behind-the-scenes kind of role."

Vodenlich then coached Whitewater to World Series appearances in 2004, 2005, 2008 and now in 2011.

The Whitewater head coach, who has a career record of 289-93-1, credits a lot of his success to his assistant coaches, who also have had success as UW-W players.

"Look at my current staff. You look at coach (Armando) Hernandez, who was a standout Warhawk. You look at coach (Justin) Stewart, who captained the teams that had more championships than ever," Vodenlich said, noting Stewart played in 2004 and 2005 before working as a coach for the 2008 squad. "You look at coach (Ben) Prather, who was on the 2008 team. You look at coach (Ryan) Callahan, who was the captain on the 2004 team.

(In the adjacent photo is a look at the Warhawk baseball coaching staff with the exception of Ben Prather who was not available at the time of the photo - Tom Pattison Photo)

"Success breeds success. When you have people that lead that have been there and know what it takes. That matters."

Vodenlich said while he has been a part of five World Series team, his staff has a lot of experience themselves.

"I'm not alone by any means in that type of circumstance," he said. "I'm very pleased to say I have an awesome staff that has been there as a Warhawk in many ways."

The coaching staff has earned the current players' success.

"(Dave Perchinsky) is always a motivator. He's always getting on you about doing things right," Coe said. "Prather's always helping with hitting with Vo, and Armando is always doing the ground balls. It's a great coaching staff."

"Coach Vo is a winner. That's what he does. He knows how to win," Donovan said. "He knows what it takes, and his resumé shows that."

"Vo shaped me into the catcher that I am today," Coe said. "He called games with me my first year, but I learned from him, and now I haven't had to look in for a pitch the last two years."

Even players like Young, who have been with the team for a short time have high praise for the coaches.

"They can finely tune athletes here with great facilities and a great staff," Young said. "I'm really happy and lucky that I came here."

CLICK HERE to read Josh Smith's entire Daily Union article

Buena Vista Beavers Set for Opener with UW-Whitewater

(Editor's Note: Portions of the following story include information originally published in the Storm Lake Times)

Buena Vista University of Storm Lake, Iowa looks to continue its magical postseason run on NCAA Division III’s biggest stage over Memorial Day weekend.

The Beavers (32-16) earned a spot into this year's World Series after going 4-1 during the Central Regional Tournament, including a thrilling 7-6 triumph over Carthage College on Saturday afternoon.

The trip to Appleton, Wis., and a chance to contend for a national championship is the first by an Iowa Conference school since Wartburg in 2005. You have to go back to the late 1960s to find a Buena Vista baseball team (then NAIA) that made it this deep in the postseason.

“We played about as well as anyone those first three games,” BVU coach Steve Eddie said of the Central Regional tournament leading up to the World Series. “We could’ve beat anybody. Everyone was saying this is how we should’ve played all year, but it was nice to see it come out when it mattered most.”

Buena Vista (32-16) will face UW-Whitewater (36-11) Friday at 4:30 p.m. in its College World Series opener. “They (Whitewater) have a couple good pitchers, but they don’t strike you out a lot,” Eddie said. “You’re going to get hits and we should be able to play our game. It’s one of those things where you get on first and then go from there.”

Senior right-hander Luke Probasco (9-3, 2.98 ERA) who was named Most Valuable Player of the Central Regional tournament is expected to get the start against Whitewater. Eddie said Probasco needs to pitch deep into the game and his team will need to be sharp defensively to get a win.

BVU is led by seniors Kevin Kloewer, Brad Blum and Luke Probasco who were named to the All-Region First Team this week.

Senior catcher Kevin Kloewer has been hot at the plate. He has seen his average raise from .307 to .322 following Regionals. He also leads the team in doubles (18), home runs (12) and slugging percentage (.649) and is second in RBI (46).
Blum the Beavers’ shortstop is the team's lead-off man and is leading the team in average at .378 and also posts an on-base percentage of .507. He leads the team with 20 stolen bases.

“It’s going to be an incredible atmosphere,” Eddie said of Appleton. “We made a promise that we’ll be the loosest team there because that’s what we’ve been through this whole process. Nobody gave us a shot to make it here.”

“I think it’s great way to cap off the career,” senior catcher Kevin Kloewer said. “Four years ago we were a .500 team and not real good. We worked hard with this in mind the entire time.”

“We’re going to go up there and play our game. Whatever happens, happens,” senior shortstop Brad Blum said. “We’ll give them our best shot, have some fun and hope it’s good enough to get a win.”

Will UW-Whitewater take advantage of "home field advantage"

Beginning Friday, Fox Cities Stadium in Grand Chute (Appleton) will be home to a 12th consecutive NCAA Division III World Series.

UW-Whitewater is making its fourth trip to Appleton – winning the 2005 national title and finishing 3rd in 2008 and 2004. The Warhawks have posted a 13 and 12 record in its three previous World Series trips to Fox Cities Stadium.

Originally UW-Oshkosh and Lawrence University were hosts to the Wisconsin-based D III World Series. Beginning last year, Lawrence University along with the Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau are the hosts.

UW-Oshkosh was the most dominant Division III team in the nation during the 1980’s and 1990’s. The Titans earned the trip to the D III World Series 16 of 17 consecutive seasons.

The success prompted UW-Oshkosh and community leaders in the Fox Valley region to seek to have Fox Cities Stadium as the annual venue for the NCAA Division III World Series

Much like Salem, Virginia and the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl NCAA Division III Football Championship, Appleton has been a popular destination for Division III teams seeking to win the D III national baseball title.

Ironically, since 2000 when Fox Cities Stadium became the venue for the Division III World Series UW-Oshkosh has made it the 20 miles north on Highway 41 just once – in 2003 – and it was “two and out” for the hometown team.

As I previously indicated, UW-Whitewater has made it Fox Cities Stadium three times previous to this year. UW-Stevens Point has been able to make the trip east on Highway 10 three times – in 2010, 2007 and 2006.

Entering this year’s World Series WIAC teams have posted a 14 win – 12 loss record in games at Fox Cities Stadium.

Both Whitewater and Stevens Point fans have flocked to Appleton during there team’s run to a National Championship.

Look for Warhawk fans make the 145 mile trek up Highway 26 en masse beginning with Friday afternoon’s 4:30 p.m. game vs. Buena Vista University (Iowa).

For U-Dub-Dub fans heading to Appleton on Friday, plan to get to the stadium early.

The UW-Whitewater Alumni Association and the athletic department invite you to join them for a World Series tailgate party on Friday, May 27 at Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton, Wisconsin. The tailgate will begin at 2:30 and end at 4:30. Food and beverage will be provided and all alumni, family, friends and supporters of Warhawk baseball are welcome. The tailgate will take place in the parking lot on the first base side of the stadium.

GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!

CLICK HERE to view WIAC Baseball NCAA Championship History

Tincher provides that grinder mentality needed to win championships

The UW-Whitewater baseball team has been known for having some very good pitching staffs over the years. The one constant with each pitching staff has been to have at least one “innings eater” capable of pitching quality baseball on short rest.
Riley Tincher has been “that man” for the past two years. In 2010, the former Oregon High School athlete put together a monster year. “Tinch” was a major cog in leading the Warhawks to the WIAC title with a 13 & 1 record while pitching 102.1 innings.
Those statistics led the Riley being named the 2010 WIAC Pitcher of the Year.

(Adjacent photo courtesy of Jeff Seisser, Daily Jefferson County Union)

Fast-forward one year. Tincher got off to a great start this season by winning five of his first six starts. Known for his control, Riley lost that control midway through the season.

On April 17th on a very cold day (29 degree wind chill) in Menomonie vs. UW-Stout, Tincher’s control issue became a big concern. The big lefthander gave up 9 runs and 12 hits in six innings of work. The Hawks, unbeaten in the conference going into the game, lost 14-8.

Riley talks about his struggles at the time.

“I had a little bit of a dead arm during that cold weather,” Tincher told voiceseyeonbaseball.com. “I just lost all my confidence.”

The confidence problem didn’t fester long. The feeling was back during Riley’s regular season outing at Oshkosh.

“I got that will to win back,” Tincher explained. “Every pitch I threw, it was, I’m going to win this pitch, you are not going to beat me. I finally got that mentality back.”

A couple weeks later, Tincher hooked up with soon-to-be named conference pitcher of the year, Luke Westphall, in a WIAC tournament game that turned out to be the classic pitcher’s duel.

The two 1st team All-WIAC pitchers dueled it out, matching pitch for pitch for nine innings. Oshkosh won the game 2-1 in the bottom of the ninth on a suicide squeeze bunt.

For Tincher (10 wins & 3 losses/1 save), the focus remained “look forward and not back” as the Warhawks would be awarded an “at large” berth into the NCAA Division III Playoffs. The Hawks proceeded to grind its way through the incredibly tough Midwest Region and stamp its ticket back to the Division III World Series for the first time since 2008 – the year before Riley arrived on campus.

The “grinder” mentality will be very important as the Warhawks enter play this weekend back in Appleton and the NCAA Division III World Series.
Tincher is part of a senior class that has been the “rudder” for keeping this year’s team focused on its goals.

“For us seniors it is all or nothing,” Tincher said. “It is just keeping that mentality of leaving it all on the field, doing your best at all times, and not really regretting anything."

For Ticher and the other seniors, that is really all that can be done.

“If we can go out on top that way, that’s a perfect way to complete a career.”

Putnam, Donovan earn All-American recognition

UW-Whitewater’s Dan Putnam and Jeff Donovan have been named to the 2011 D3baseball.com All-America team. Putnam has been named to the 2nd team, Donovan to the 3rd team All-American squad.

Putnam, a senior from Ashland, Wisconsin, has been the “igniter” of the UW-Whitewater offense from his lead-off position in the batting order. Putnam enters the NCAA Division III World Series hitting .411. He led the nation in hitting through mid-April and was hitting .500 entering the month of May. “Putt” tops the WIAC in hits (76) and walks (33) – proof-positive of his value as UWW’s lead-off hitter.

Donovan, a senior out of Wauwatosa East High School, has been named to D3baseball.com’s 3rd Team as a “utility” player. Translated, that means as both a first baseman and as a pitcher. Donovan enters play at Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton Friday with a .390 batting average. His 50 RBI and 21 doubles is No. 1 in the WIAC. His 8 home runs are tied for first in the conference.

Donovan’s pitching statistics are equally as impressive. J-Doe will take a 10 & 0 and 1 save record into the World Series. His 82.2 inning pitched is second only to Riley Tincher on the Warhawks’ pitching staff.

Click here to view the entire D3baseball.com All-America team

Voice's random thoughts on a Tuesday night

• The Warhawk baseball team held a practice under the lights on Prucha Field at James B. Miller Stadium Tuesday evening. Why under the lights? The Hawks are playing a 4:30 p.m. in the opener vs. Buena Vista (Iowa). A win Friday means Whitewater would play a 7:45 p.m. game Saturday. UW-Whitewater has not played a night game this season.

• A first look at the 2011 D III World Series brackets one would think the Warhawks are in the “easier” lower bracket. Buena Vista and Western New England are making each school’s first trip to the World Series.

• The ultimate “cardinal sin” of teams in NCAA playoff competition is underestimating your opponent. Want proof? Christopher Newport entered last week’s South Regional ranked No. 2 in the country and the No. 1 seed in the region. CNU season ended quickly, losing two straight in the regional, including an 11-3 loss to Wabash College who was 22 & 22 entering the game. NOTE: All teams are good if they have made it to the NCAA Division III World Series!

• Hey, let’s have a big crowd of Warhawk fans make the trip up to Appleton to root on the Warhawk baseball team. UWW fans have been the best in the WIAC all year – there were road games where Whitewater had as many, or more fans than the home team.

• For those of you that will be at Fox Cities Stadium for Friday’s 4:30 p.m. first round game vs. Buena Vista. Plan on getting to the stadium early.

• The UW-Whitewater Alumni Association and the athletic department invite you to join them for a World Series tailgate party on Friday, May 27 at Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton, Wisconsin. The tailgate will begin at 2:30 and end at 4:30. Food and beverage will be provided and all alumni, family, friends and supporters of Warhawk baseball are welcome. The tailgate will take place in the parking lot on the first base side of the stadium.

• On a personal note – thanks to all of you that have either posted, or contacted me, following my announcement that I have retired after 34 years of broadcasting games on the radio – the last 23 involving UW-Whitewater games.

• I have been very fortunate in my radio career having the opportunity to broadcast UWW men’s basketball 1989 NCAA Division III National Championship. It was my first year at WFAW/KOOL 106.5. National championship broadcasts for the UWW baseball team, women’s volleyball team, and six consecutive broadcasts from the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl and helping call the 2007 & 2009 national championship broadcasts along side Gary Douglas.

• As I indicated yesterday – while I will not actually be doing the “color analysis” on KOOL 106.5’s Hawk radio broadcasts, I’ll still be part of the radio station’s “game-day” package.

• During the upcoming KOOL 106.5 Division III World Series broadcasts, I’ll actually be kicking off each Warhawk broadcast with WARHAWK BASEBALL TODAY. It is five minutes of pregame programming featuring highlights and sound bites from the previous day’s game.

GO WARHAWKS!!

D III World Series teams arrive in Appleton Wednesday

UW-Whitewater will take a 36 & 11 record into its first round game against Buena Vista University (Iowa) 31-16 Friday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. in the 2011 NCAA Division III World Series in Appleton.

In the other game in the tournament’s lower bracket, Western New England (Mass) 41-9 will play Keystone College (Penn) 35-10 at 7:45 p.m. Friday evening

The winners of the two games will play Saturday evening at 7:45. The losers will play in an elimination bracket game at 4:30 p.m.

The World Series opens Friday morning with two outstanding “upper bracket” games.

Chapman 33-11 and Kean 42-9 will open play Friday morning at 10:00 a.m. followed by Marietta 42-3 vs. Salisbury 33-12 at 1:45 p.m.

In a D3baseball.com reader’s poll conducted this week on the popular Division III Website, Whitewater trails only No. 1 ranked Marietta, Ohio as the fan favorite to capture this season’s World Series.

Click here to upload the complete World Series bracket

(Special Note to Warhawk baseball fans)
The UW-Whitewater Alumni Association and the athletic department invite you to join them for a World Series tailgate party on Friday, May 27 at Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton, Wisconsin. The tailgate will begin at 2:30 and end at 4:30. Food and beverage will be provided and all alumni, family, friends and supporters of Warhawk baseball are welcome. The tailgate will take place in the parking lot on the first base side of the stadium.

Tom Voice Pattison retiring from Warhawk radio broadcasts

If you haven’t heard, I have made the decision to retire following being a “radio voice” of UW-Whitewater sports on KOOL 106.5 and 940-WFAW.

The time is right. I will turn 60 years old on November 8th and it is time to turn over my microphone to younger and more talented broadcasters.

I’ve been broadcasting sports on the radio for the past 34 years.

It wasn’t until I was considering retirement that I realized just how many games I have been part of - I have averaged 50 games a year since I began back in 1974 – that means I have been part of 1,700 game broadcasts!

I also spent six years driving to and from Lambeau Field in Green Bay as producer and “voice” of Goetz Broadcasting’s Titletown Report.

I would like to say huge “thank you” to Jim Vriezen, Shane Sparks and Gary Douglas, and before that to Scott Trentadue and Jim Klug and the late Bob Bass at KOOL 106.5 and 940 WFAW for allowing me the opportunity to do what I love for the past 23 years – to be a sportscaster here in southern Wisconsin.

I also want to thank Daily Jefferson County Union sports editor Jeff Seisser for his assistance on getting the UWW story out to the readers and listeners over the years.

While stepping away from “calling games,” I am still going to be extremely involved in “covering” UW-Whitewater athletics.

I will continue my two Websites – Warhawkfootball.com and Voiceseyeonbaseball.blogspot.com.

I also have a season-long project that I intend to focus on during the Warhawk football team’s 2011 season.

Since arriving in Fort Atkinson & Whitewater on July 11, 2008 I have made it my No. 1 goal of being able to put a “face” on the UW-Whitewater athletes who are among the very best in the country.

Division III athletes are no different than the Division I athletes at the University of Wisconsin.

When Whitewater athletes are featured in the newspaper, on the radio, and on TV sports fans in Wisconsin take notice.

Ask ESPN about UW-Whitewater having a high “Q” rating after televising the last six Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowls (NCAA Division III National Championship Football Games).

I have been a sports broadcaster for nearly two-thirds of my life and I’m going to miss being behind the microphone on “game-day” - but as long as the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will let me continue to post stories on my Websites I will be a very happy camper.

GO WARHAWKS!

D III World Series: First look at Buena Vista Beavers

UW-Whitewater's first round opponent in Appleton will be Buena Vista University who will be making the school's first appearnce in the NCAA Division III World Series.

Buena Vista scored four times in the seventh inning and overcame a 5-0 first inning deficit to win the Central Regional Championship with a thrilling 7-6 victory over Carthage College on Saturday afternoon here at Jack Horenberger Field. The win moves BVU into the Division III College World Series which begins next Friday in Appleton, Wis. vs. Midwest Region champion, UW-Whitewater

BVU was forced into the elimination championship game after Carthage used a big five-run eighth inning to win 12-7 in the opener.

Buena Vista improves to 32-16 overall, while tying a school record for wins in a season set last year. The team hadn't made it past regional play since qualifying to the NAIA World Series back in 1968. The Beavers also become the Iowa Conference's first team to advance since Wartburg did so back in 2005.

Click here for Sioux City (Iowa) Journal BVU game story

Vodenlich talks about his team in the D III World Series for a 4th time

UW-Whitewater head coach John Vodenlich fully understands the impact of having the Warhawks in the NCAA Division III World Series.

As a player, Vo was a catcher on the 1989 squad – the first team in school history to be a participant in the Division III World Series.

Since returning to his Alma Mater to take over the UWW baseball program from his mentor and iconic head coach Jim “Mills” Miller, the Hawks have made the 1 hour 25 minute drive up Highway 26 to Fox Cities Stadium.

This will be the third UW-Whitewater team under Vodenlich – the first since 2008.

“You know we were there in 2004, 2005 and 2008,” Vodenlich indicated during his postgame interview following the Hawks regional championship victory Saturday afternoon. “It is great to get back there.”

Vodenlich and his team had possessed bad memories for a full year after UW-Stevens Point defeated the Warhawks on the final day of the 2010 Division III Midwest Regional to block UWW’s bid to make last year’s NCAA Division III World Series.

“Last year (2010), I think was an important part of this year’s story,” Vodenlich said. “I can’t say this for sure, but maybe if we won here (’10 regional final) last year. Then maybe we would have had a little less drive this year. That loss to Stevens Point was part of everybody who was on that team.”

Coach Vo told his team on the field following its 6-3 regional championship victory that the Hawks aren’t just going to Appleton to be there.

“This was a tough (UW-Whitewater) regional where there were a number of quality individuals and quality programs.” Vodenlich said. “To come out of here (Midwest Region) should make us feel pretty good about our chances up there (NCAA Division III World Series at Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton).”

The Warhawks will open play on Friday at 4:30 p.m. vs Central Region champion, Buena Vista University of Storm Lake, Iowa.

For Jeff Donovan it will be one last time under the national spotlight

Jeff Donovan is no stranger to having the national spotlight on him in NCAA championship competition.

This will be the second NCAA Division III World Series for the senior from Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. He played a major role in the UW-Whitewater baseball team’s run to third place in the 2008 World Series.

As a member of the UW-Whitewater football team Donovan and his teammates played in four consecutive Division III championship (Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl) games. The 2007 UWW football team earned the school’s first national championship. Donovan was a major factor as the team’s quarterback to lead the Warhawks to a second national title in 2009. Donovan was coming off a senior season (in football) where he was named the 2009 WIAC Player of the Year.

J-Doe has been no less a team leader on John Vodenlich’s U-Dub-Dub baseball team. He is in a rare club of being named All-Conference in 2010 and 2011 as both a 1st baseman and as a pitcher.

(In the adjacent photo - Jeff Donovan is a very "happy camper" during the Warhawk baseball team's celebration after winning a berth in the 2011 NCAA Division World Series Sunday afternoon at James B. Miller Stadium - photo courtesy of Jeff Seisser, Daily Jefferson County Union)

Following the game, Donovan’s voice cracked when talking about making one more trip into the national limelight.

“Its very special, I’m very blessed” Donovan told voiceseyeonbaseball.blogspot.com just minutes after his team defeated Saint Scholastic to punch the Hawks ticket back the D III World Series. “We have to take advantage of it. This is my last my, and the rest of the seniors, last chance (to win a title). We are going to do everything we can to win a title but we’re going to enjoy the experience too.”

Donovan and his teammates will open play Friday afternoon at 4:30 by taking on Buena Vista (Iowa) at Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton.

Are the Warhawks capable of attaining a second national championship this season?

“We have everything we need,” Donovan said. “Coach (Vodenlich). Following today’s (Saturday’s) game told us – guys, I’ve seen a lot of teams and we have everything we need – now we just have to go out and play good baseball.”

Division III World Series Pairings Set

The pairings are set for the 2011 NCAA Division III World Series to be played at Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton, Wisconsin).

Here is the Friday (May 27th) First Round Schedule

#1 - 10:00 a.m. - Chapman University (Calif) (33-11) vs. Kean University (NJ) (42-9),

#2 - 1:15 p.m. - Salisbury University (Maryland) (33-12) vs. Marietta University (Ohio)(42-3)

#3 - 4:30 p.m. - UW-Whitewater (36-11) vs. Buena Vista University (Iowa) (32-16)

#4 - 7:45 p.m. - Western New England (Mass) (41-9) vs. Keystone Coll. (PA) 5 (36-10)

UWW is no stranger to Division III World Series

UW-Whitewater Warhawk baseball teams are no strangers to playing in the NCAA Division III World Series.

The Warhawks will be making its fifth appearance in the Division III World series later this week.

Under head coach John Vodenlich, UWW captured its only NCAA Division III baseball title in 2005. His 2004 and 2008 teams finished 3rd in Appleton.

UW-Whitewater’s first trip to the World Series sent them to Bristol, Connecticut in 1989, where the team tied for fifth place under head coach Jim Miller.

(Adjacent NCAA baseball logo courtesy of NCAA and WIAC)

NCAA Division III Championship (at Grand Chute)

2008 (3rd Place)
5/23--Linfield (OR) 5, UW-Whitewater 1
5/24--UW-Whitewater 10, SUNY-Cortland 2
5/25--UW-Whitewater 7, Chapman (CA) 4
5/26--UW-Whitewater 13, Adrian (MI) 11
5/26--Johns Hopkins (MD) 12, UW-Whitewater 11

2005 (National Champions)
5/27--UW-Whitewater 8, Trinity (CT) 3
5/28--UW-Whitewater 7, Chapman (CA) 6
5/29--UW-Whitewater 10, Wooster (OH) 7
5/31--UW-Whitewater 10, SUNY-Cortland 4

2004 (3rd Place)
5/28--Rowan (NJ) 8, UW-Whitewater 2
5/29--UW-Whitewater 8, Salisbury (MD) 1
5/30--UW-Whitewater 4, SUNY-Brockport 3
5/31--Eastern Connecticut State 2, UW-Whitewater 1

NCAA Division III Championship (Bristol, Connecticut)

1989 (tied for 5th Place)
5/1--California State-Stanislaus 3, UW-Whitewater 2
5/1--John Hopkins (MD) 5, UW-Whitewater 2

The Warhawks will take a 36 & 11 record into its first round game vs. (32-16) Buena Vista University of Storm Lake, Iowa. The Hawks and BVU game is set for Friday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. at Fox Cities Stadium in Grand Chute (Appleton)

Donovan Midwest Region Most Outstanding Player - Rob Coe, Matt Beyer and Dylan Friend also named to All-Tournament Team

The Warhawks placed four players on the NCAA Division III Midwest Region all-tournament team.

Jeff Donovan was voted the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament.

The senior pitcher/first baseman was joined on the squad by teammates Rob Coe, Matt Beyer and Dylan Friend.

• Donovan pitched 12.0 innings in two appearances on the way to the regional title. The senior out of Wauwatosa East High School held opponents to a 1.50 earned run average, walking just one batter while striking out nine. “J-Doe” led the tournament with four runs scored along with one home run and three runs batted in.

• Coe, another of the team’s senior team leaders, hit a solid .357 with one home run, three runs scored and three RBI. The senior from Appleton North High School also flashed some outstanding catching in the tournament including throwing out St. Scholastic’s Joe Link in the championship game.. It was Links first and only time Link was caught stealing after 44 consecutive stolen bases in 2011 – tops in the nation in Division III statistics.

• Beyer, in the No. 7 spot in the UWW batting order was a key cog in getting the Warhawks to the championship game. The junior from Janesville Parker High School hit .462 including a triple and two runs batted and was 2 for 2 in stolen base attempts. Beyer’s tournament resume included driving in the winning run with a sacrifice fly in UWW’s 3-2 opening round victory over St. Thomas on Wednesday. He was 4 for 5 in Thursday’s extra inning win setting up the victory by tripling to in the 10th and scoring on Dylan Friend’s game-winning double. Beyer was not done with his heroics. In Friday’s critical 2-1 win over rival UW-Stevens Point, Beyer had his second game-winning RBI, singling home Jared Fon who had doubled earlier in the 6th inning.

• Friend matched Beyer by hitting .462 in regional action. The freshman center fielder hit three doubles, including the game-winner vs. St. Thomas. His six hits tied with Beyer for the team-lead in regional play. Beyer also excelled out in center field making several impressive catches by getting to the ball with his speed in the outfield.

The Hawks open play on Friday vs. Buena Vista University (Iowa) at the 2011 NCAA Division III World Series in Appleton.

CLICK Here to view Midwest Region Tournament Statistics

Lambert slams door on St. Scholastica

Justin Lambert showed again Saturday afternoon that the UW-Whitewater pitching staff in much deeper than just Jeff Donovan and Riley Tincher.

The sophomore out of Mount Horeb High School was outstanding in relief of Riley Tincher in the NCAA Division III Midwest Region championship game vs. St. Scholastica (Minn).

The right-hander shut down the Saints on just 3 hits over the final four innings. The sophomore out of Mount Horeb High School ended the game by getting CSS one-two-three in the ninth inning to earn his fifth win of the season.

“The adrenaline was flowing, how could it not be” Lambert tells voiceseyeonbaseball.blogspot.com. “Ready to go to the World Series – three outs to go – its an incredible feeling!”

Pitching “ahead in the count” is a big key to being successful as a pitcher.

“Especially when you get to the level of talent of the teams that are here (NCAA tournament teams), you fall behind, it doesn’t matter how hard you throw, they will be sitting fastballs and they’ll hit you,” Lambert explains.

For Justin, UWW catcher Rob Coe is a huge factor in his success on the mound.

“The big reason we get the batters in the hole is because we have such a smart kid behind the plate,” Lambert said. “I don’t know if he does but I think he “calls” the game all by himself. I haven’t shaken him off one time this year. It didn’t take me long to understand to just trust him and throw the pitch he calls.”

(In the adjacent photo - Justin Lambert (left) and Rob Coe (right) show the emotion of just winning the Midwest Regional title and berth in this week's NCAA Division III World Series in Appleton - photo courtesy of Jeff Seisser, Daily Jefferson County Union)

As for his team earning a berth in this year’s NCAA Division III World Series that begins Friday at Time Warner Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton (Grand Chute)?

“I wouldn’t trade it for the world – it is an incredible feeling.”

UW-Whitewater will play Buena Vista College (Iowa) in first round action at 4:30 p.m. Friday.

Wahawks to play Buena Vista (Iowa) on Friday in 1st round World Series action

The UW-Whitewater baseball team will open NCAA Division III World Series play Friday afternoon vs. Buena Vista College in the 4:30 p.m. 1st round game at Warner Cable Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton, Wisconsin.

Th Beavers scored four times in the seventh inning and overcame a 5-0 first inning deficit to win the Central Regional Championship with a thrilling 7-6 victory over Carthage College on Saturday afternoon at Jack Horenberger Field in Bloomington, Illinois.

Earlier in the day Saturday, Carthage College forced a second championship game with a 12-7 win in the double elimination tournament.

(In the adjacent photo - BVU players celebrate moments after defeating Carthage College to advance to the 2011 Division III World Series. The last time the Beavers qualified for the "World Series" was in 1968 in the NAIA - photo courtesy of Buena Vista University athletics)

Buena Vista, located in Storm Lake, Iowa, improves to 32-16 overall, while tying a school record for wins in a season set last year. The team hadn't made it past regional play since qualifying to the NAIA World Series back in 1968. The Beavers also become the Iowa Conference's first team to advance since Wartburg did so back in 2005.

Aussie aussie aussie, oye oye oye

The UW-Whitewater baseball team is heading back to the NCAA Division III World Series for the first time since 2008. The Warhawks came from behind to defeat St. Scholastica (Minn) 6-3 in Sunday’s Midwest Regional championship game on Prucha Field at James B. Miller Stadium

The Hawks trailed CSS 3-0 heading into the bottom of the sixth inning.

Jeff Donovan got UWW on the scoreboard with a one-out double to score Rob Coe who had gotten on base via a base-on-balls. Dylan Friend drew a bases-loaded walk to score Donovan, cutting the Saints lead to 3-2.

In the seventh, Danny Putnam lead the inning off with a walk. Drew Eichstaedt followed with a solid hit to right field getting past rightfielder Tom Juberian’s glove allowing Putnam to score and putting Eichstaedt at second base. Jeff Donovan followed with a walk. UW-Whitewater designated hitter Brent Young, a native of Brisbane, Australia, hammered the Hawks on to Appleton by blasting a game-winning, three-run homer to make it a 6-3 game.

(In the adjacent photo - Brent "Aussie" Young (left) is greeted at home plate by Drew Eichstaedt (26) and Jeff Donovan (34) following his dramatic three-run homer to lift UWW past St. Scholastica in Sunday's NCAA Division III Midwest Region championship game. The victory sends the Warhawks to the Division III World Series that opens next Friday at Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton - photo courtesy of Jeff Seisser, Daily Jefferson County Union)

Tincher, who had already appeared in three games in relief, started Sunday’s regional championship game. The senior from Oregon, Wisconsin allowed three runs on seven hits in five innings on the mound. UWW pitching did not walk a batter.

Justin Lambert, who came into the game in relief of Tincher in the 6th inning, shut down the St. Scholastica on just 3 hits over the final four innings. The sophomore out of Mount Horeb High School ended the game by getting CSS one-two-three in the ninth inning to earn his fifth win of the season.

UW-Whitewater is heading back to Fox City Stadium in Appleton (Grand Chute) to the NCAA III World Series for the fourth time in eight years.

The Warhawks (36-11) will open play on Friday (5/27) at 4:30 p.m. vs. the Central Region champion. Carthage College (Wis) forced a second championship game Sunday afternoon in Bloomington, Illinois by handing Buena Vista (Iowa) a 12-7 loss in Sunday’s first championship game of the double elimination tournament.

Welcome to Championship Saturday: Whitewater vs St. Scholastica

St. Scholastica (37-6) advances for the second time in school history to the regional championship game, where it will play the host school, UW-Whitewater.

The only other time the Saints were in the regional final was in 2008, where Whitewater shelled them 21-13 as St. Scholastica was tapped out on pitching. This time CSS head coach Corey Kemp feels the Saints have the arms to win it.

Following Friday’s postgame media conference following his team’s 2-1, elimination game victory over St. Thomas (Minn) he wouldn’t rule out having ace Matt Lewis (9-1, 1.62 ERA) as his starting pitcher vs. the Warhawks.

Lewis pitched 12 innings in the Saints’ opening round loss to Hamline on Wednesday.

Today won’t be this first time CSS and Whitewater have met on the diamond this season.

On May 3rd St. Scholastic travelled to Whitewater for a pair of seven-inning games.
The Warhawks won the opener with UWW’s Jack Larson and Eric Fritz combining on a 4-hit, 2-1 victory. Larsen earned his first career victory for the Whitewater.
Matt Lewis got the loss, his first of the season, despite giving up just five hits in going the distance.

In game-two, UW-Whitewater started another freshman pitcher – Justin Mortenson – who pitched well, giving up five hits and two walks with three strikeouts.
A two-run 6th inning was the difference for CSS as Saints’ pitcher got out of a jam in the final inning to get the win.

CSS will need to beat the Warhawks twice to advance to their first College World Series, to be held May 27-31 at Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton, Wis.

Whitewater head coach John Vodenlich will have plenty of options for his pitching strategy.

Riley Tincher, who has had two appearances already in this week’s Midwest Regional, is ready to go nine innings today if needed.

UWW’s No. four starter, Jack Larsen, has yet to pitch this week.

No. 3 starter, Justin Lambert, is also available after 4-point-1 innings on the mound in Thursday’s 7-6, 10 inning win over Hamlin University (Minn).

Despite rain showers in the region at 10:15 a.m. (but no rain in Whitewater) today’s first championship game is set to begin at 12-Noon.

Another one-run win - How about those Warhawks?!

This week’s NCAA Division III Baseball Regional has featured some incredible baseball on Prucha Field at James B. Miller Stadium on the campus of UW-Whitewater.

For the Warhawks it has meant three, one-run wins to advance to today’s championship round.

• 3-2 over St. Thomas in the Wednesday’s opener
• 7-6 in 10 innings over Hamline on Thursday
• 2-1 over WIAC rival and No. 1 seed UW-Stevens Point on Friday

In all three victories, Warhawk leftfielder Matt Beyer has either scored the game-winning run or recorded the game-winning RBI.

On Friday vs. Stevens Point, the Janesville native delivered the game winning hit – an RBI single in the 6th inning moments after freshman 3rd baseman Jared Fon had doubled with two out.

“When you have players stepping up, like Beyer delivering big hits all week, along with two freshmen - Dylan Friend yesterday (Thursday) and Jared Fon today (Friday) - you have to feel good about the future."

Sunday the UW-Whitewater baseball team will seek its first berth in the NCAA Division III World Series since finishing third at Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton in 2008.

The Warhawks (35-11) will meet College of St. Scholastica (Minn.) (37-6) in the championship game of the double-elimination regional at noon today at James B. Miller Stadium. If the Hawks lose, a second bout will be held at 3 p.m.

UWW "gets one back" against Stevens Point

The UW-Whitewater baseball erased a year of misery with Friday’s 2-1 victory to knock UW-Stevens Point out of the NCAA Division III Midwest Region at James B. Miller Stadium Friday afternoon on Prucha Field at James B. Miller Stadium.

Last year the Pointers scored on a suicide squeeze play to beat the Hawks and earn a trip to the 2010 NCAA Division III World Series in Appleton.

Wahawk relief pitcher Eric Schmitz has had the photo of the Pointers celebrating that victory on Whitewater’s field on his computer’s screen saver.

Jeff Donovan, who pitched his first complete game victory of his career, was asked after the game if memories of that Regional championship game loss to the Pointers in 2010 still lingered for his team.

“It lingered until today,” Donovan told reporters. “We remembered what happened last year. It just added to our hunger today.”

It was definitely one of those “red letter” wins, especially after last year’s result.

“It was a big game for a number of reasons,” UWW head coach John Vodenlich said following Friday’s Warhawk victory. “They (Stevens Point) was the No. 1 seed, they’re in our league, they’ve been a big opponent of ours for years. I don’t know if would have been bigger or smaller if it hadn’t been Point – the fact is it was Point and we beat ‘em - This was a huge game and we have to feel proud about it.”

As big of a win as it was for Whitewater there is still plenty of work needed to earn a berth in next week’s NCAA Division III World Series in Appleton.

UW-Whitewater heads into today’s 12-Noon game vs. St. Scholastica unbeaten in this week’s Midwest Regional. A UWW win in the 12-Noon contest punches the UWW ticket to the “World Series.” A CSS victory sets up a second game at 3 p.m. for “all the marbles.”

CLICK HERE to view WKOW TV-Channel 27’s video story of Friday’s win over UW-Stevens Point

UWW 2, UWSP 1: Warhawks move on to Midwest Region championship game

The UW-Whitewater baseball team is heading to Saturday’s championship game of the NCAA Division III Midwest Region on the heels of Friday’s thrilling 2-1 win over WIAC rival UW-Stevens Point.

Jeff Donovan went the distance on the mound on just two day’s rest to run his season record to 10 & 0 on the season.

The senior from Wauwatosa East High School scattered 9 hits, struck out four without giving up a walk in “willing” his team past the Pointers.

The game didn’t start that well for Donovan.

The Pointers got on the board first. Cody Koback, the winning pitcher and provider of the game winning home run in the win over Saint Scholastica earlier Friday, doubled with one out in the first and scored on Justin Jirschele's single.

Whitewater had its chances in the early innings stranding five runners through two innings.

In the bottom of the sixth Rob Coe was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning and moved to second on a ground ball. UWSP head coach quickly was out to the mound to lift his freshman starting pitcher Zach Wendorf in favor of the Pointer’s top reliever, Ryan Iverson.

Coe greeted Iverson by attempting to steal third base. The throw from Point catcher Steve Considine short hopped third baseman Justin Jirschele ending up in short left field allowing Coe to score the game tying run. The Hawks weren’t finished in the inning. With two outs UW-W freshman Jared Fon doubled, advanced to third on a passed ball, and scored the what proved to be the game-winning run on Matt Beyer's single to right.

With the help of a couple sensational plays by 3rd baseman Jared Fon, Donovan allowed only two hits over the final three innings in shutting down a very potent UWSP offense.

The Hawks are now just one win from earning its first trip to
Iverson,’s record falls to 4 and 1, suffering his first loss of the season in relief.

UW-Whitewater, 35-11 and 3-0 in the regional, will play Saint Scholastica, 37-6 and 2-1 in the regional, at 12:00 Saturday.

If the Saints win the 12:00 game the teams would play again at 3:00 in the double elimination format.

The winner will advance to the NCAA III World Series at Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton, Wisconsin May 27-31.

Much more will be posted here on voiceseyeonbaseball.blogspot.com later on this evening.
- Voice