Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowboy Baseball Fall Wrap-Up
November 29, 2007 | Cowboy Baseball
STILLWATER, Okla. — Oklahoma State recently concluded its fall baseball practices, and Cowboy head coach Frank Anderson was pleased with the performance of the group of players that will compete for the Cowboys in 2008.
“The fall was very successful for us,” said Anderson, who is entering his fifth season guiding the Cowboys. “With the extended time we had, we were able to evaluate a lot of the new guys to see what they could and couldn't do.
“We feel good about the things we saw and are excited about the upcoming season.”
An OSU roster that includes nearly 20 newcomers and just two returning position starters was carried in the fall by several Cowboy veterans.
All-Big 12 shortstop Jordy Mercer led the Cowboys with six home runs and hit .321, while another all-conference performer, senior first baseman Rebel Ridling, paced the ballclub with 14 RBIs to go along with a.388 batting average.
“Jordy and Rebel have had success in this conference for two years, and we expect them to step up and be leaders for us next season,” Anderson said. “They've embraced that role and continue to go out and produce.”
Several other returners had impressive showings in the fall. Sophomore outfielder Dylan Brown hit .324 with four homers and 11 RBIs, while junior infielder Kendall Horner turned in a .429 batting average.
As for the newcomers, junior college transfer Michael Dabbs batted .425 and was among the Cowboy leaders with 17 hits, while fellow JUCO product Tyrone Hambly hit four homers and collected 10 RBIs.
Incoming freshman Rafael Thomas led the Cowboys with 23 hits in the fall en route to a .379 average, while fellow frosh Thomas Belza tied for the team high with six doubles.
“We've definitely got some new guys who will play big roles for us from the start, both on the mound and in the field,” Anderson said.
From a pitching perspective, Anderson's club returns several experienced arms who will be called upon to play even bigger roles in '08.
“Pitching-wise, we've got a strong group,” Anderson said. “The freshmen that we had last year are more comfortable and ready to step it up as sophomores and be leaders on the mound.”
Senior Robbie Weinhardt, a draft choice of the Houston Astros in June, tossed 21 innings in the fall and racked up 21 strikeouts to go along with a 1.71 ERA.
A strong crop of sophomores were also impressive. Southpaw Tyler Lyons struck out 25 and had a 1.33 ERA in 27 innings of work, while Matt Willis pitched 26 innings and had a 3.12 ERA.
Coming off a strong summer in the prestigious Cape Cod League, lefty Andrew Oliver recorded 14 strikeouts in the fall, while hard-throwing right hander Tyler Blandford sported a 3.00 ERA and 13 Ks in 15 innings of work.
Redshirt freshman Thomas Keeling led all hurlers with 33 strikeouts in 27 innings and also had a 1.67 ERA, while newcomer Brett Davis had a 2.84 ERA in 19 innings.
“The fall was very successful for us,” said Anderson, who is entering his fifth season guiding the Cowboys. “With the extended time we had, we were able to evaluate a lot of the new guys to see what they could and couldn't do.
“We feel good about the things we saw and are excited about the upcoming season.”
An OSU roster that includes nearly 20 newcomers and just two returning position starters was carried in the fall by several Cowboy veterans.
All-Big 12 shortstop Jordy Mercer led the Cowboys with six home runs and hit .321, while another all-conference performer, senior first baseman Rebel Ridling, paced the ballclub with 14 RBIs to go along with a.388 batting average.
“Jordy and Rebel have had success in this conference for two years, and we expect them to step up and be leaders for us next season,” Anderson said. “They've embraced that role and continue to go out and produce.”
Several other returners had impressive showings in the fall. Sophomore outfielder Dylan Brown hit .324 with four homers and 11 RBIs, while junior infielder Kendall Horner turned in a .429 batting average.
As for the newcomers, junior college transfer Michael Dabbs batted .425 and was among the Cowboy leaders with 17 hits, while fellow JUCO product Tyrone Hambly hit four homers and collected 10 RBIs.
Incoming freshman Rafael Thomas led the Cowboys with 23 hits in the fall en route to a .379 average, while fellow frosh Thomas Belza tied for the team high with six doubles.
“We've definitely got some new guys who will play big roles for us from the start, both on the mound and in the field,” Anderson said.
From a pitching perspective, Anderson's club returns several experienced arms who will be called upon to play even bigger roles in '08.
“Pitching-wise, we've got a strong group,” Anderson said. “The freshmen that we had last year are more comfortable and ready to step it up as sophomores and be leaders on the mound.”
Senior Robbie Weinhardt, a draft choice of the Houston Astros in June, tossed 21 innings in the fall and racked up 21 strikeouts to go along with a 1.71 ERA.
A strong crop of sophomores were also impressive. Southpaw Tyler Lyons struck out 25 and had a 1.33 ERA in 27 innings of work, while Matt Willis pitched 26 innings and had a 3.12 ERA.
Coming off a strong summer in the prestigious Cape Cod League, lefty Andrew Oliver recorded 14 strikeouts in the fall, while hard-throwing right hander Tyler Blandford sported a 3.00 ERA and 13 Ks in 15 innings of work.
Redshirt freshman Thomas Keeling led all hurlers with 33 strikeouts in 27 innings and also had a 1.67 ERA, while newcomer Brett Davis had a 2.84 ERA in 19 innings.
Friday, June 05
Friday, May 29
Wednesday, May 27
Monday, May 18
