Eagles Baseball Team Poised to Build on Recent Successes

February 15, 2013

Kansas City, MO - The Avila University baseball team has set a high bar the past several seasons, having qualified for the NAIA national tournament two of the past three seasons and winning the Heart of America Athletic Conference regular season last spring. Despite the loss of a pair of top-notch pitchers, Eagles coach Daryl Cronk said he thinks his 2013 squad has the potential to raise that bar even higher.

“It looks really good,” said Cronk, who’s in his second season as head coach. “We had 10 all-conference players last spring, and we return five. Of course, it’s always tough when you have to replace Chris Thomas and Jason Paul, both of whom went 12-2 last season. But, I think we’ve actually bolstered our pitching this year.”

A big reason for Cronk’s optimism in the Eagles’ pitching is the acquisition of Aaron Baker, a hard-throwing right-hander who transferred from perennial NCAA Division II powerhouse Central Missouri. Baker, a 6-foot-3 senior from Belton, Mo., was listed among the top 100 players to watch by Collegiate Baseball magazine. Cronk said he thinks Baker will be a legitimate All-America candidate.

Baker and the rest of the Eagles’ pitching staff should find plenty of run support with the return of five all-HAAC players from last season. First baseman Cameron Luitwieler, a senior from Lahabra, Calif., led the team in hitting (.375), home runs and RBIs.

Tanner McCall, a senior from Anaheim, Calif., was all-conference at third base last spring, but this season is being moved to his natural position of second base. Matt Ricketts, a second-team all-conference pick in the outfield from Lenexa, Kan., is moving from right field to center field.

“Matt has good range and a cannon for an arm,” Cronk said.

The Eagles also return an all-conference player in left field, senior A.J. Herrera from San Diego. Cronk said the team also most likely would’ve had a returning all-conference pick at shortstop, but Brian Sagun, a senior from San Diego, was injured much of the season. Now healthy, Sagun will bat second in the order for the Eagles this spring.

Baker also will have plenty of help in the starting rotation and coming out of the bullpen. Jake Johnson, a senior right-hander from Reno, Nev., will move from the pen to the rotation. Tim Roberts, a junior from Lemoore, Calif., and Brian McNulty, a 6-foot-6 junior from Glendale, Ariz., will provide two strong left arms out of the bullpen. Mike Meza, a junior out of California, adds another strong right arm and Jake Slocum, a right-handed transfer from Longview Community College, could be the Eagles’ closer.

Kyle Ford, a junior from Reno, Nev. and Feather River Junior College in California, will probably start at catcher. Ford’s younger brother, Ryan, J.R. Atterbury, Jason Leone and Jordan Byrd also will be looked upon to help out in the field or at designated hitter. And, a pair of freshmen, Alex Quiros, who could back Kyle Ford up at catcher, and left-handed pitcher Caleb Curry also will be counted on for significant contributions.

While Cronk said he’d match his team favorably against any other in the conference, he expected especially tough challenges from the likes of MidAmerica Nazarene, Peru State and Evangel.

“But, we don’t overlook anybody,” he said. “We know it’s a dogfight every conference game. “We expect another good season, and I expect us to compete for another title.”

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Former Eagles Pitcher Promoted in Cardinals System

August 2, 2012

Kansas City, MO - Former Avila University pitcher Chris Thomas is wasting no time moving his way toward the big leagues.

Thomas, a 6-foot-2 right-hander from Liberty, Mo. who finished his collegiate eligibility at Avila last spring, was promoted Aug. 1 from the St. Louis Cardinals’ rookie league team to its A club in Batavia, N.Y. The team plays in the N.Y. Penn League.

With this promotion, Thomas basically leap-frogged one entire level in the minor leagues and is ever closer to his dream of one day playing in the majors.

Thomas, Avila’s pitcher of the year each of the last two seasons, pitched in 12 games with the Gulf Coast Cardinals, located in Jupiter, Fla. He posted an earned-run average of 0.68, giving up one earned run with four saves, 15 strikeouts and five walks.

“He texted me today,” said Eagles head baseball coach Daryl Cronk, “and he was extremely excited. He put up some incredible numbers in the rookie league.”

Thomas went 12-2 in 14 starts for the Eagles and posted an impressive ERA of 1.53, striking out 121 batters while walking only 21 as the team rolled to the Heart of America Athletic Conference regular-season championship and second NAIA tournament appearance in the last three years.

Primarily a power hurler, Thomas throws a fastball that consistently clocks north of 90 mph. Scouts from the Cardinals’ organization took note of that velocity during a private tryout back in May and quickly signed Thomas to a contract.

“There’s really no way to describe what that felt like,” Thomas said back then. “Everything you work for all those years … to have it finally all come together was a great feeling.”

It appears that it’s still coming together for Thomas.

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Former Eagles Hurler Takes Big Step Toward the Big Time

June 21, 2012

Kansas City, MO –Chris Thomas, a 6-foot-2 right-handed pitcher who just capped his collegiate career by leading Avila University to a Heart of America Athletic Conference title and NAIA tournament appearance, recently took a major step toward realizing his dream of one day playing baseball in the major leagues.

Thomas, a Liberty, Mo. product, was signed by the defending World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals and assigned to one of their rookie clubs in the Gulf Coast League in Jupiter, Fla.

In fact, Thomas actually made his professional pitching debut for the GLC Cardinals June 19 against the GLC Astros, working one inning and retiring all three batters he faced, earning the team’s first win of the season.

“I hadn’t thrown in about a month, since the last game I pitched for Avila,” Thomas said over the phone from Florida. “It was just getting my rhythm back. It’s going pretty well.”

Things have been going well for Thomas since last spring, when he went 12-2 in 14 starts for the Eagles and posting a very impressive earned-run average of 1.53. He struck out 121 batters while walking only 21.

Perhaps most impressively, he threw a fastball that consistently clocked north of 90 mph.

“Major league scouts are always looking for that kind of raw talent,” said Avila baseball coach Daryl Cronk. “He has to keep developing his change-up and slider. But, I think chances are real good for Chris.

“He worked hard for this, and he deserves it.”

Thomas’ talents began attracting major league scouts early last spring. Cronk, who played a couple of seasons in the minor leagues and once scouted for the Tampa Bay Rays, contacted some scouts he knew and interest started trickling in.

“I played in the Independent League and knew what it took to play at the professional level,” Cronk said. “Knowing what I had in Chris, I wanted him to have that chance.”

Thomas and Cronk were “cautiously optimistic” that Thomas would get selected in the 2012 Major League Baseball draft. That didn’t happen, but a few days later, Thomas received a call from a pair of scouts from the Cardinals, who scheduled a day to come to the Avila baseball field and watch Thomas pitch.

A few days after that, the Cardinals offered Thomas a contract.

“There’s really no way to describe what that felt like,” Thomas said. “Everything you work for all those years … to have it finally all come together was a great feeling.

“I just hopped on a plane and got down (to Florida). I didn’t sign my contract until I got here.”

Thomas, who transferred to Avila after two seasons at Maple Woods Community College in Kansas City, Mo., said his two years with the Eagles were instrumental in getting him to this point.

“This last year was my favorite season of my college career,” he said of the Eagles’ 41-16 season which saw them win the regular-season HAAC championship and advance to the NAIA tournament for the second time in the last three years. “The coaches were great, helped me a lot. Coach Cronk did a great job. He’s one of the best coaches I’ve had and worked hard for us. I give him a lot of credit for helping me get here.”

Cronk said, “I just wanted this for him, but it’s good for our program, too. It helps with our recruiting. Now, we can tell recruits we’ve had a kid go on to affiliated ball, that these opportunities exist here.”

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Thomas Named NAIA First Team All-American

June 4, 2012

Kansas City, MO - The postseason honors continued to role in for the Eagles this week as Chris Thomas was named to the NAIA 2012 First Team All American squad while Corwin Patis was named to the 2012 Daktronics - NAIA Baseball Scholar-Athlete list.

Thomas transferred to Avila prior to his junior year after pitching at Maple Woods Community College in Kansas City, Missouri. He finished the 2011 season with a record of 5-4 and an ERA of 1.93 with 71 strikeouts and was named HAAC Pitcher of the Year. This season, Thomas improved in nearly every statistical category, ranking in the top five in the nation in wins, hits allowed per nine innings, opponent batting average, and ERA. Thomas also ranked in the top ten in total runs allowed, strikeouts, and total runs allowed. Thomas was joined by Ben Alison (Honorable Mention All American) of MidAmerica Nazarene University as the only HAAC athlete's to be named NAIA Baseball All American's list.

View the NAIA Baseball All American List

Chris Thomas | Senior | Liberty, MO | Pitcher

	2011 | Junior	2012 | Senior
Record	5-4	12-2
Innings Pitched	65.1	94.0
Complete Games	5	9
Shutouts	5	4
Runs Allowed	19	20
ERA	1.93	1.53
Hits Allowed	54	56
Walks	18	21
Strikeouts	73	121

 

Senior second baseman Corwin Patis was one of 259 athletes to be named to the 2012 Daktronics - NAIA Baseball Scholar-Athlete list. Patis, a kinesiology major from Olympia, Washington wraps up his two year career at Avila having played in a 102 contests with a 0.296 batting average. He collected 91 hits and 45 RBI in his Avila career and was named to the Second Team All HAAC Squad this year.

In order to be nominated by an institution's head coach or sports information director, a student-athlete must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and must have achieved a junior academic status to qualify for this honor. View the NAIA Scholar-Athlete List

Corwin Patis (2)

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Eagles Pick Up Two Wins to Advance to Semifinals

May 11, 2012

Cleveland, Tenn. – After losing their opening game in the NAIA National Tournament Opening Round to Bacone College (Okla.) 1-5, the Eagles bounced back winning both contests on Friday to advance to the semifinals of the Cleveland bracket.

The Eagles started the day off knowing that a loss would see their season end and defeated the second seeded Freed-Hardman University (Tenn.) 5-4. The Lions, who were ranked 20th in the NAIA Top 25 Coaches Poll, saw their season come to an end as Chris Thomas (12-2) threw a complete game giving up three earned runs off six hits while striking out 12 batters.

After taking an early 3-0 lead in the bottom of the second, the Lions came charging back and tied the game in the top of the eighth at 4-4 courtesy of a Robert Prieto RBI double that scored shortstop Kyle Dearing.

After a scoreless bottom of the eighth, Thomas gave up a lead-off double to start the ninth inning. The senior from Liberty, MO then showed the quality that’s seen him ranked in the top five in the NAIA in wins as he struck out the next three batters to keep the score tied as the teams headed into the bottom of the ninth.

Corwin Patis led off the inning and was walked by FHU pitcher Daniel Wallace. After a missed catch and a wild pitch, Patis advanced to third base with no outs and scored the game winning run off a wild pitch from Wallace that saw the Eagles claim a 5-4 victory.

Wallace (0-6) picked up the loss for the Lions who finished the season with a record of 36-23. Patis, a senior from Olympia, Washington was the only Eagle to register multiple hits as he went 2-for-3 while scoring 2 runs. Matt Ricketts (0-for-3), Shane Colbert (1-for-4), Cameron Luitwieler (0-for-4) and AJ Herrera (1-for-1) provided an RBI each for the Eagles as they advanced to face Bacone College in a rematch that would see the losers’ season come to an end.

After two scoreless innings, Bacone took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the third as the Eagles committed three errors in the inning. Tanner McCall then scored a run for the Eagles in the top of the fifth from a Corwin Patis RBI cutting the deficit to one run.

The Eagles tied the score at 2-2 in the top of the seventh, and once again, it was Corwin Patis who provided the RBI, this time scoring pinch runner Chase Jackson off a single to shallow center. The Eagles wasted no time as they took a lead they would never surrender in the top of the eighth as Cameron Luitwieler scored the game winning run off a Tanner McCall double to deep left.

James Chapman (8-4), who started on the mound for the Eagles, pitched what may have undoubtedly been the greatest game of his Avila career as he threw a complete game and finished strong striking out the first two batters in the bottom of the ninth and forced the final batter to pop out to first to keep the Eagles season alive. The senior from Rohnert Park, California gave up just four hits and struck out five as he picked up his eighth win of the year.

Jesse Fish (3-4) took the loss for Bacone as they finished their season with a record of 29-25.

Head coach Daryl Cronk had the following to say on his teams’ back against the wall performance: “James was absolutely locked in like I’ve never seen. He’s pitched extremely well his last few outings, and I’m so happy for him and this team as a whole. They just keep on believing. Tanner McCall had a clutch hit in game two and that’s basically been our story all year, good pitching and timely hitting. I couldn’t be more proud of my guys.”

The Eagles advance to face bracket hosts and number one seeded Lee University in a semifinal matchup that will see the losers’ season end. The Flames were ranked 2nd in the latest edition of the NAIA Top 25 Coaches Poll and enter the losers bracket after falling to Missouri Baptist 5-4 Friday afternoon. The winner will face Missouri Baptist in the finals of the bracket Saturday night at 6:00PM (Central Time). The Eagles would need to defeat Missouri Baptist twice to claim the bracket as the Spartans are yet to lose in the double elimination tournament. View the tournament bracket

Tomorrow’s game against Lee University can be followed online through live stats or radio broadcast courtesy of the Lee University Sports Information Department.

Avila vs. Freed-Hardeman Box Score | Avila vs. Bacone Box Score

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Eagles to Face Bacone College In Opening Round Game One

May 6, 2012

Kansas City, MO - The Eagles will be headed to Cleveland, Tennessee for the opening round of the NAIA national tournament and will face Bacone College (28-23, 14-10) at 12:00PM on the campus of Lee University. The Cleveland region consists of the following five teams seeded one through five:

#1 Lee University (50-8-1) - Ranked 2nd in the NAIA

#2 Freed Hardeman University (36-21) - Ranked 20th in the NAIA

#3 Missouri Baptist University (36-15) - Ranked 21st in the NAIA

#4 Avila University (x-x) - Receiving votes in NAIA Top 25 Poll

#5 Bacone College (28-23) - Not ranked

With a win in their opening game against Bacone, the Eagles would face number one seed an hosts Lee University Thursday at 7:00PM. A loss would see them face the loser of the Missouri Baptist v Freed Hardeman game Friday at 12:00PM. Click here to see the full bracket.

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Ten Eagles Receive All HAAC Honors, Cronk Named HAAC Coach of the Year

May 5, 2012

Kansas City, MO - After claiming the HAAC regular season title, the Eagles had ten players named to various All HAAC squads, including four first team members, five second team members, and one honorable mention. On top of these honors, Chris Thomas was named HAAC Pitcher of the Year for the second straight year while head coach Daryl Cronk was named HAAC Coach of the Year in his first year at the helm for the Eagles.

Breakdowns of each award winner can be found below:

Chris Thomas - 1st Team All HAAC, HAAC Pitcher of the Year

The Liberty, Missouri native received HAAC Pitcher of the Year honors for the second year in a row. The senior led the conference in ERA (1.38), strike outs (109), runs allowed (16), and wins (11) and was a unanimous first team All HAAC selection. He ranks in the top 10 in the NAIA in the following statistical categories:

• 11 Wins – 2nd in the NAIA
• 16 Runs Allowed – 3rd in the NAIA
• 1.38 ERA – 5th in the NAIA
• 0.168 Opponents Batting Average – 5th in the NAIA
• 13 Total Earned Runs Allowed – 6th in the NAIA
• 109 Strikeouts – 9th in the NAIA

Shane Colbert - 1st Team All HAAC

The senior hailing from Bonney Lake, Washington finished the regular season with a 0.366 batting average and led the team in runs with 41 on the year. He had multiple hit games in 19 games and finished 8th in the conference in slugging percentage (0.537).

Nick Field - 1st Team All HAAC

The senior catcher from West Covina, California started every game for the Eagles and ranked third on the team in batting average (0.344), hits (55), triples (2), and ranked second on the program in on base percentage (0.478). Field is also second on the team in put-outs with 283 on the year.

Jason Paul - 1st Team All HAAC

Paul, an Anaheim, California native led the Eagles in games pitched with 15 and was second in the NAIA in wins with 11. He is currently 15-5 and has pitched 139 innings in his career as an Eagle. His 3.47 ERA ranks ninth in the conference while his 84 strikeouts ranks 3rd in the HAAC.

Cameron Luitwieler - 2nd Team All HAAC

The junior transfer from Fullerton College featured at first base for the Eagles in 52 contests. The Lahabra, California native led the Eagles in batting average (0.382), hits (60), doubles (14), home runs (4), and RBI (43) while his 383 putouts led the HAAC. Luitwieler has committed just one error on the year and was named HAAC Player of the Week for the week of April 9th.

Corwin Patis - 2nd Team All HAAC

Patis, a Green River Community College transfer featured in every Eagle contest this year and 6th on the team with a 0.325 batting average. In his two years at Avila, the senior has 86 hits, scored 63 runs, and hit an impressive 27 doubles.

Tanner McCall - 2nd Team All HAAC

The junior from Anaheim, California provided the sac fly that not only claimed the HAAC conference title for the Eagles, but also secured their place in the NAIA National Tournament. McCall collected 46 hits and 39 RBI on the year while his 10 stolen bases ranked four on the team.

Matt Ricketts - 2nd Team All HAAC

The Lenexa, Kansas native improved in nearly every statistical category this season. The junior featured in 20 more games, scored 34 more runs, collected 37 more hits, and has 18 more RBI. Ricketts' most impressive trait has been his ability to read pitches as he leads the Eagles in walks with 33 on the year, five more than any other Eagle.

Jake Johnson - 2nd Team All HAAC

Johnson, a junior from Reno, Nevada acted as the Eagles go to player in a pinch. He led all Eagles in appearances with 17 on year and had the third lowest ERA (3.35). Johnson had a 3-1 record on the year with one save and held opposing batters to a 0.262 batting average while giving up just 8 multi-base hits.

AJ Herrera - HAAC Honorable Mention

The junior outfielder from San Diego, California featured in 36 games for the Eagles and finished the year with a 0.306 batting average. In 111 at bats, Herrera collected 34 hits and 18 RBI. AJ also finished the year with 20 runs scored ranking 7th on the squad.

Daryl Cronk - HAAC Coach of the Year

Cronk led the Eagles to a piece of their second regular season title in the last three seasons and third total in program history. In his first year at the helm, the Eagles rank among the national leaders in opponent batting average (0.242), ERA (3.66), and batting average (0.316).

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Eagles Bow Out of HAAC Tournament, Prepare for National Tournament

May 5, 2012

St. Joseph, MO - The Eagles HAAC tournament came to an end Friday after they suffered losses at the hands of Peur State (1-2 Loss) in game one and Central Methodist (3-10 Loss) in game two. The Eagles will now turn their sights to the NAIA National Tournament opening round. The entire field of national qualifiers will be announced by the NAIA office at 4PM Sunday (May 6), while opening round matchups will be announced at 6PM. These announcements can be found by clicking here.

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Eagles Claim HAAC Regular Season Title

April 30, 2012

Kansas City, MO – A Tanner McCall sac fly in the bottom of the seventh with the bases loaded and one out sent the Eagle bench in to pandemonium. McCall, a junior transfer from Anaheim, California scored fellow west coast native Shane Colbert (Bonney Lake, Washington) to secure a 2-1 win over Baker University (23-30, 11-15) and the Eagles second HAAC Championship in the last three years.

After going 2-2 on the road at Peru State College and Benedictine College earlier this month, the Eagles closed out their regular season schedule with a four game sweep of Baker University at home to claim the conference title.

The Eagles took game one of the series with a comfortable 5-2 win courtesy of a four run fifth inning. Both Corwin Patis (2-for-3, 1 Run) and Nick Field (2-for-2, RBI, 2 Walks) collected two hits to led the Eagles at the plate. Senior pitcher Chris Thomas (10-2) was once again lights out throwing a complete game win giving up two runs off three hits while striking out eight. Chris Cummings (8-4) picked up the loss for Baker lasting five innings giving up five runs off five hits.

Senior pitcher Jason Paul was the star for the Eagles in game two as they finished on the winning side of a 1-0 contest. Anthony Zicarelli scored the game’s only run off a Steven Stewart error in the bottom of the third as both Paul and Baker’s Nathan Wheelock kept batters off balance all game long. Paul (11-1) gave up just two hits and struck out five in a complete game effort.

Rain throughout the morning on Sunday allowed the teams to only get one game in that afternoon, and once again the Eagles ended up on the right side of a one run victory. The Eagles took an early 2-0 led in the bottom of the second and were able to weather a late charge from the Wildcats that included a play at the plate to end the game. Senior Tyler Herring fielded a shallow center hit and threw Baker’s Bryan Kindle out at the plate to end the game as the Eagles took the 2-1 win. Matt Ricketts led the Eagles at the plate going 1-for-3 while scoring a run and collecting a RBI. James Chapman (7-3) continued the streak of complete game pitching for the Eagles as he lasted all seven innings scattering five hits while striking out two.

The final game of the series took place Monday afternoon with the Eagles knowing a win would see them crowned conference champs while a loss would see the title go to MidAmerica Nazarene. After both teams exchanged runs in the first, a pitchers battle ensued as Avila’s Nathan Bacon and Baker’s Zach Durr kept both teams at bay through the first five innings.

In the sixth, both teams turned to their bullpens with Avila going and game two winner Jason Paul while Baker turned to game three pitcher Jimmy Gricol. Paul was perfect in the final two innings as he struck out two while not allowing a hit. Gricol was unable to keep pace with Paul as he loaded the bases in the seventh inning to allow McCall’s game winning sac fly.

Paul took the win for the Eagles while Bacon (5-2) lasted five innings giving up one run off three hits and struck out three.

With the win, the Eagles (37-12, 19-7) received the number one seed in the Western Division for the HAAC Tournament and will face Graceland University (23-24, 13-13), the number three seed in the Eastern Division. The Eagles also will receive an automatic berth in the NAIA National Championship. The opening round will be played May 10-14 on the campus of Oklahoma City University and will feature a five-team double elimination tournament. The 46 qualifiers for the National Championship Opening Round tournaments will be announced by the NAIA on May 6.

Game One Box Socre | Game Two Box Score | Game Three Box Score | Game Four Box Score

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Eagles Rank 15^th in the Country after Going 3-1 against MNU

April 11, 2012

Kansas City, MO – The Eagles climbed four spots in the NAIA Top 25 poll and are now ranked 15^th in the country. The Eagles went 5-1 against teams receiving votes in the poll last week as they swept a doubleheader against Doane College and won three games in a four game series against MidAmerica Nazarene. View the NAIA Top 25 Poll

To add to the honors for the Eagles, Cameron Luitwieler was named this week’s HAAC Player of the Week. Luitwieler, a Junior from La Harba, California went 6-for-15 at the plate (.400) while hitting seven RBI and scoring six runs in the Eagles six games last week. He also had two homeruns. Luitwieler is the second Eagle of the year to receive HAAC  honors as Chris Thomas was named HAAC Pitcher of the Week for the  week of March 12^th. Cameron is hitting .375 at the plate on the year and ranks  second on the team in RBI (30) and runs scored (28).

MidAmerica Series Summary

Game One | Box Score

Score by Innings	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	-	R	H	E
MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.)	0	0	0	3	0	0	0	-	3	5	1
Avila University	0	0	0	1	0	4	x	-	5	7	1

The Eagles erased a 1-3 deficit with a four run sixth inning. Jordan Byrd (2-for-3, 2 RBI) and Tanner McCall (2-for-4, 1 RBI) combined for four of the Eagles seven hits. Chris Thomas (8-1) picked up the win as he threw a complete game giving up three runs off five hits. Thomas struck out nine while walking three. Thomas currently ranks second in the nation in wins (8) and total runs allowed (9). His ERA of 1.22 also ranks fourth in the NAIA while he leads the HAAC in strikeouts with 76.

 

Game Two | Box Score

Score by Innings	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	-	R	H	E
MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.)	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	-	1	3	1
Avila University	4	0	2	6	4	0	x	-	16	16	0

The Eagles erupted on offense and scored a season high 16 runs. Tanner McCall (2-for-4, 2 RBI), Shane Colbert (2-for-4, 2 RBI, 3 Runs), Cameron Luitwieler (2-for-5, 3 RBI, 2 Runs), AJ Herrera (3-for-3, 1 RBI, 4 Runs), and Jordan Byrd (3-for-4, 4 RBI, 2 Runs) all had multi-hit games for the Eagles. Jason Paul (8-1) picked up the win for the Eagles giving up one run off of two hits in six innings of work. Paul walked just one batter while striking out six.

 

Game Three | Box Score

Score by Innings	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	-	R	H	E
MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.)	0	3	1	2	1	0	2	-	9	11	2
Avila University	2	0	0	1	0	0	1	-	4	5	2

After taking an early 2-0 led, MidAmerica saw its production at the plate pick up as they scored in all but two innings. Kyle Olson kept the Eagles at bay offensively for the Pioneers as he struck out ten. Corwin Patis (2-for-3, 1 RBI, 1 Run) led an Eagles offense that saw just four players collect hits. James Chapman (5-2) picked up the loss as he last just three and two-thirds giving up six runs off nine hits. The loss snapped a nine game winning streak for the Eagles.

 

Game Four | Box Score

Score by Innings	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	-	R	H	E
MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.)	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	-	2	7	0
Avila University	2	1	0	1	0	1	x	-	5	8	0

For the third consecutive game, the Eagles took the lead in the bottom of the first courtesy of hits from Matt Ricketts, Shane Colbert, and Cameron Luitwieler. Avila spread the hitting around as seven batters collected hits while five (Ricketts, Colbert, Luitwiler, Herring, Gonzalez) Eagles had an RBI. Nathan Bacon (5-1) picked up the win for the Eagles as he lasted five and a third giving up two runs off five hits and striking out four.

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Eagles Ranked 19^th in NAIA after Two Big Wins Against Doane

April 4, 2012

Crete, Neb. – The Eagles (26-5, 8-2) have finally cracked the NAIA Top 25 Poll as they jumped up to the No. 19 spot in the April 3^rd edition of the rankings. The Eagles are currently riding a seven game win streak and will be returning home this weekend to face MidAmerica Nazarene (24-7, 8-2) after going 8-1 on a nine game road trip. The Eagles are currently 15-2 when playing at home. View the Entire Top 25 Poll

The Eagles picked up two wins yesterday in Crete, Nebraska as they defeated Doane College (19-12), a fellow top 25 poll member, 4-3 and 5-4 to move to 26-5 on the year. With their 5-4 win in game two, the Eagles have now tied their 2011 wins total of 26. Game 1 Box | Game 2 Box

Game one opened up as a pitcher’s duel as both teams were held scoreless through the first four innings. The Eagles did all their damage in the top of the fifth with two outs as Nick Field and Cameron Luitwieler both had 2 RBI singles. Matt Ricketts, Corwin Patis, Anthony Zicarelli, and Tanner McCall all scored runs for the Eagles.

Doane was able to cut the lead to just one after scoring two runs in the fifth and one in the sixth, but Steven Johsnon came on and pitched a scoreless seventh giving up one hit as he picked up his fifth save of the year.

Nick Field (2-3, 2 RBI), Cameron Luitwiler (1-2, 2 RBI) and Corwin Patis (2-3, 1 run) led the way offensively for the Eagles while Dylan Flott (2-3, 1 RBI) was one of only four Doane hitters to register a hit in the contest.

James Chapman (5-1) picked up the win for the Eagles as he lasted 5 innings giving up two earned runs on four hits and striking out three. Jake Johnson came on in relief in the sixth and gave up one run off one hit. Myles Arehart (0-2) picked up the loss for Doane, as he lasted four and two-thirds giving up four runs off four hits while striking out five.

Game two saw Doane jump out to an early 1-0 lead off an Alex Arkfeld RBI double in the bottom of the second. The Eagles came soaring back and took the lead in the top of the fourth as they scored three runs off relief pitcher Brandon Stennis. RBI’s in the fourth were provided by Anthony Herrera (single), Corwin Patis (Sac fly) and Tyler Herring (Single).

Steven Johnson again came on to close, and after giving up one unearned run and putting the tying runner on third with two outs, came up big as he struck out Arkfeld swinging on three straight pitches. The save was Johnson’s second of the day and sixth of the season.

Luitwieler (1-3, 2 runs, 1 RBI) and Tanner  McCall (2-4, 1 RBI) led the Eagles at the plate while Nathan Bacon (4-1) picked up his fourth win of the year. Bacon lasted five innings giving up three earned runs off six hits. Jake Johnson and Steven Johnson combined to give up just two hits in the final two innings for an Eagle bullpen that came up big when called upon.

The Eagles will have just two days rest before they take on MidAmerica Nazarene in a four game series with doubleheaders on both Friday and Saturday. First pitch for both days is scheduled for 1PM. The Pioneers currently sit in second place in the HAAC standings are receiving votes in the Top 25 Poll.

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Eagles Pick Up Two Wins at CMU, Move into First Place In HAAC

April 1, 2012

Fayette, MO – Avila aces Jason Paul and Chris Thomas were lights out for the Eagles as they picked up two crucial road victories defeating Central Methodist (8-14, 3-7) 9-0 and 1-0. The Eagles are now 8-2 in conference play and sit atop the conference standings with a 24-5 overall record.

Game one saw the Eagles jump out to an early 4-0 led courtesy of Anthony Herrera 2 RBI double to left center and a Hector Gonzalez 2 RBI single to right field. The Eagles would go on to score two runs in the fifth and three in the seventh to pick up the 9-0 victory.

The Eagles did the majority of the damage towards the bottom of the batting order as Cameron Luitwieler (Batting Fifth) went 2-2 with two runs, two RBI, and two walks; Anthony Herrera (Batting Sixth) went 2-4 with one run and four RBI; and Hector Gonzalez (Batting Seventh) went 2-4 with three RBI.

Chris Thomas (7-1) pitched his fifth complete game of the year throwing 93 pitches, 70 of which were strikes. Thomas gave up just two hits while striking out nine and currently ranks first in the nation in ERA (1.04) and total runs allowed (6). His seven wins on the year ranks seventh in the NAIA while his 67 strikeouts ranks 15^th.

Rhett Quinlan (2-3) picked up the loss for Central Methodist lasting six innings and giving up six runs off of ten hits.

Runs were much harder to come by in game two as the game went into extra innings with the score tied at 0-0. In the top of the eight, Shane Colbert reached base on balls and both Luitwieler and Herrera reached on bunts that loaded the bases with no outs. Corwin Patis delivered what would be the game winning run as his Sac fly scored Colbert to give the Eagles a 1-0 lead.

Jason Paul (7-1) pitched all eight innings for the Eagles, and struck out two batters in the bottom of the eighth to secure the win and brought his wins total to seven on the year, matching Thomas from game one and also ranking seventh in the NAIA. Paul gave up just four hits in the contest and struck out ten batters while walking just one.

Drew Greiwe pitched a scoreless seven innings for Central Methodist scattering seven hits. Ryan Revoir (0-3) picked up the loss in relief for CMU.

The Eagles will complete their eight game road trip Tuesday as they head to Crete, Nebraska to take on Doane College (19-9). Doane are currently receiving votes in the NAIA Top 25 Poll and sit atop their conference poll (Great Plains Athletic Conference). The Eagles will play a doubleheader with the first pitch scheduled for 1:00pm. Game 1 Box | Game 2 Box

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Avila Ranks 2^nd in HAAC Rankings and Receives Votes In National Poll

 March 28, 2012

Kansas City, MO – In this week’s conference rankings, the Eagles were slotted in the number two spot behind MidAmerica Nazarene and received 21 votes in the NAIA National Top 25 Poll. The Eagles are currently 22-5 on the year and 6-2 in conference play. View HAAC Poll | View NAIA Top 25 Poll

The Eagles have two upcoming matchups with programs in the Top 25 Poll, a double header April 3 at Doane College (RV) and four games at home against MidAmerica Nazarene (RV), two on April 6 and two on April 7.

The Eagles most recently swept a two game series against Culver-Stockton(8-15, 3-3) in Canton,MO defeating the Wildcats 4-3 in Game one and 11-4 in Game two.

In game one, the two teams traded runs through the first three innings, and went into the sixth tied 3-3. In the top of the sixth, Cameron Luitwieler led the Eagles of with a double to right field. Tanner McCall drove in Luitwieler on a 3-1 single to right field to give the Eagles a 4-3 led they would not surrender.

Nick Field (2-3, 1 RBI), Matt Ricketts (2-2, 2 Runs), and Shane Colbert (1-4, 2 RBI) led the Eagles offensively while James Chapman (4-1) pitched a complete game giving up six hits, striking out two while walking only one batter.

Scott Marshall (0-3) picked up the loss for Culver-Stockton while Catcher Jose Salas led the Wildcats at the plate going 3 for 3 with two RBI.

In game two, the Eagles came flying out of the gates as they scored nine runs in the first and followed with two runs in the second to quickly take control with an 11-0 lead. The Wildcats were only able to chip at the Eagles led in the remaining five innings as the Eagles took the 11-4 victory.

Matt Ricketts (2-3), Brian Sagun (2-4), Shane Colbert (2-3), and Tim Gilday (2-3) all registered two hits for the Eagles while Gilday and Corwin Patis both had two RBI each. Nathan Bacon (3-1) picked up his third win of the year as he pitched all seven-innings scattering 12 hits with one strikeout.

Spencer McKeown (1-1) picked up his first loss of the year for the WIldcats facing just six batters and giving up six runs off of three hits. James Lafuente came out of the bullpen for Culver-Stockton and pitched five innings giving up just one hit.

The Eagles will continue their road trip as they head to Fayette, MO to take on Central Methodist University (8-12, 3-5) in a HAAC doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00PM.

Game 1 Box | Game 2 Box

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Thomas Named HAAC Pitcher of the Week

March 19, 2012

Kansas City, MO - Avila's Chris Thomas, one of the top pitchers in the conference, continued to improve on an outstanding senior season by picking up his sixth victory of the season in a 7-0 victory over Missouri Valley. As a result, he was named HAAC Pitcher of the week this morning, and will represent the conference in this weeks NAIA Pitcher of the Week voting. The results of the NAIA Pitcher of the Week award will be released Tuesday afternoon. Game 1 Box | Game 2 Box

A native of Liberty, Mo, Thomas tossed a three-hit shutout, his third of the season, in only his sixth outing of the season. After Thomas picked up the 7-0 win in Game One for the Eagles, Jason Paul gave up just five hits and two runs in seven innings of work as the Eagles took Game Two 7-2. He struckout seven batters while walking just one.

Cameron Luitwieler led the Eagles at the plate going 4 for 6 at the plate with 4 RBI and was hit by a pitch on two occasions. Matt Ricketts went 2 for 3 from the plate and scored three runs in Game One while AJ Herrera went 3 for 4 in the DH spot for the Eagles in Game 2 with 2 RBI.

The Eagles will continue with HAAC conference play with a home double-header against Graceland University (9-12, 1-1) this Wednesday, March 21. The Yellowjackets split a home double-header against HAAC newcomers Peru State this past weekend winning game one 6-2 and losing game two 1-9. First pitches are scheduled for 1 and 3 PM.

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Purple Take Game 3 of Avila Fall World Series, Sweep Black in Best of Five

Fall 2011

Kansas City, MO – The Purple team completed the sweep of the Black squad Monday afternoon winning the best of five series 3-0. Unlike the previous two games, game 3 was full of lead changed and the offense erupted for both sides.

Black was led at the plate by Brian Sagun, who went 3-4 for including two doubles. Shane Colbert, Cameron Luitwieler, and AJ Herrera all collected RBI's for the black team, and Cody Lewis and Steven Johnson also registered hits.

Purple was led by the trio of Nick Field, Brock Pisacco, and Jordan Byrd who all had multiple hits and RBI doubles. Jason Leone and Josh Sword also had a pair of singles.

Undoubtedly, the biggest play of the game came from Matt Ricketts who hit a grand slam over the left center field gap that went for days.

Jason Paul and James Chapman started on the mound for their respective squads and both were able to put together decent outings despite winds blowing straight out to left field.

Coach Cronk summed up the three game series saying “I was very pleased with the way both teams played and I am definitely getting some good evaluations going into the winter. I had a lot of questions that I needed answers to and I feel that we will be better off going into the last stretch run of the fall semester.”