Ball State Baseball Roundup: June 28th

 Sorry Cardinal Nation…I know I usually get this blog out early on in the week but please forgive me, as summer school took precedent this week. I know…summer school. Sounds like a lot of fun, right? It isn’t as bad as you would think.

            Anyways, it is time for the weekend and also a time for me to breakaway and talk about the program I have grown to love over the past couple of months, Ball State baseball.

            It has been an eventful week for many Ball State baseball players in summer league action but it has also been a groundbreaking week for Ball State baseball in multiple ways! There are a lot of great things brewing in Muncie, Indiana, for the coming fall but also for years to come.

            Lots to cover in this latest blog so let’s get right to it!

Construction at Ball Diamond is underway

            I have been waiting to drive past Ball Diamond this summer and see construction crews start on the much-deserved facelift for the ball park and this past week I finally got my wish….actually we ALL got our wish.

            Ball Diamond has NEEDED renovations for years. It really is sad when Coach Maloney returned for his second stint as the head coach, being over a decade gone from Ball State, and nothing changed at Ball Diamond besides the brick wall behind home plate.

            Every time I had the opportunity to chat with head coach Rich Maloney, it was easy to tell how important improving the facilities were to him and the program.

Construction is underway at Ball Diamond! 

            As for the timeline on the renovations and when they expect to be completed, will do my best to hunt down more information on when certain things should be done. For right now (as noted in the picture attached to the article) the barn is gone, dugouts torn out, and the outfield fence stripped down. Hoping to catch up with Coach Maloney here in the coming weeks, hopefully on a podcast, and dive more into the upgrades at Ball Diamond.

            If you want to see the long term plan for Ball Diamond, be sure to head to the Cardinal Commitment page on the Ball State official site by clicking here.

Future Cardinals Making Headlines

            I can’t say enough about the phenomenal job Coach Maloney,  Coach Linklater, and Coach French have done in recruiting. The reason Ball State Baseball is back on the map is because of what these men are doing out on the recruiting trail.

            One of the Cardinals coming in this fall will be Colin Brockhouse, and the incoming freshman was selected to play in the North-South All-Star game earlier this week. Last year Ball State had two incoming recruits playing in the North-South All-Star game (Caleb Stayton and Zach Plesac).

            Brockhouse is going to be a fun player to watch for years to come at the newly improved Ball Diamond. He will be used mostly at 3rd base and on the pitching mound for the Cardinals, which is why I can’t wait to watch him play. Anxious to see who can be the next Bryan Bullington or really now the next Zach Plesac. For more on Colin and why he picked Ball State, check out this video from WANE news in Fort Wayne by clicking here.

            Looking towards 2015, one of Ball State’s top prospects Maverick Bacon received a huge honor by being named The Journal Review Baseball Player of the year in Crawfordsville, Indiana this week. Bacon has the power to be a huge hitter for Ball State, as he had a .553 batting average this past season, including seven doubles and two triples.

            He really seems to be a player with a lot of confidence and that “swagger” you need to be a successful college baseball player. This is what made Zach Pleasac so dangerous this past year, having the belief they will make the big play when they need to.

            For more on Maverick, read the Journal Review’s article here.

Godfrey, Weir and Bautista making “major” statements in Minor Leagues

            It is always a big deal for any program when athletes get the call of their life and earn a chance to play professionally after giving everything they had the previous four years representing their respective University.

            Sean Godfrey began his professional career with a bang, hitting two doubles along with a single, while driving in two runs and scoring one run. Since opening night, Godfrey has recorded a hit in every game but one and has mustered three games of two hits or more.

Sean Godfrey is showing why he belongs to play at the next level
for the Danville Braves.

            TJ Weir made his debut last Sunday (June 22nd) and picked up his first minor league win. Weir powered his way through two innings on the mound while only surrendering one hit, struck out two and didn’t walk a single batter. The one hit was a lead off triple and Weir responded by sitting down the next three batters in order.

            Nestor Bautista had a rough go around in his debut (June 24th) but really settled down after his first inning on the rubber. Bautista allowed four hits and three runs in the sixth inning but didn’t allow a single batter to reach base in the seventh. Bautista returned to the mound on Friday (June 27th) and pitched one inning while striking out one and giving up zero hits.

            All three of these men represent Ball State baseball in the best way possible, by being incredible young men. These are true leaders on and off the field and players who we will be watching play professionally for years to come.

Summer League roundup

            Now it is back to the regular updates on some of the Ball State baseball players in summer league action across the country. I learned this week that the main summer league website (Pointstreak) is incorrect with some stats. Been told many of the teams are trying to fix them, so my apologies if the stats are a little off. I wish I could be at every game and record the stats myself but I am in college and can’t afford to do so! Haha! Also…I think the Ball State players need a break from seeing Luke Martin at the ballpark.

Jarret James

- Really feel for Jarrett James this summer because he got off to such a great start. I was able to catch up with James earlier this week and he told me around two weeks ago he pulled his groin, which he has been in the process of recovering and striving to get back out on the field.

James did so and returned earlier this week and started for the Power but James said, “it’s just not the same.” He didn’t feel a ton of pain; just really felt it was holding him back and not able to play near full strength. I sure hope James can recover because he is one of the all around great guys on this team and has a lot left in the tank.

Brandon Estep

            - Incase you missed it; I had a great conversation earlier this week with Brandon Estep. The podcast is located on the podcast portion of my website but you can get there by clickinghere.

            The Mariners have played a few games outside of the Great Lakes schedule, which is why I don’t have stats on him in those respective games, but he is still second on the team in batting average. Estep has reached base in every game this season after failing to do so on opening night.

Elbert Devarie

            - Really looking forward to having the chance to sit down and interview Elbert for my podcast on Saturday. We wanted to do it on Thursday but some things simply didn’t allow it to happen. One of those reasons being baseball games and Elbert has been making noise in those games for the Summit City Sluggers.

            Devarie found out Friday he was selected to participate in the 2014 Indiana Collegiate Summer League All-Star game. This is a big accomplishment for Devarie, coming off a season in which he didn’t see as much as the field as he did in 2013. Earlier this week Elbert went 3 for 5 with three runs scored and a walk.  Out of the three hits, two were doubles and the other hit was a triple, all of which made contact with the outfield wall.

            I will be sure to ask Devarie this in our podcast show for Saturday but this has to be what the doctor ordered for him.  Really excited to see how Devarie responds in the fall after such a great summer league season.

Ryan Spaulding

            - I always tell myself to never be surprised when looking at the stat line for Ryan Spaulding because I will always find myself looking at the big numbers he is able to put up and being blow away. Sometimes the stat sheet doesn’t even show the level of play he truly is playing at. You simply have to witness it.

Ryan Spaulding continues to have a great summer in Kalamazoo.

            Spaulding spent two games this week starting at shortstop, which speaks to his versatility as a player. As for the “numbers” on Spaudling, he had two games with two hits or more; three RBI’s and recorded a stolen base. Spaulding continues to lead the Growlers in RBI’s with 20 on the season.

Sean Kennedy

            - After a rough couple games for Sean Kennedy, the Ohio native was able to break through and earn an RBI single in the top of the ninth Friday (June 27th), which was the eventual game winning run in a 4-3 game for the Hamilton Joes. Kennedy continues to play around the diamond from first base to third base but hope to see more great performances this summer by Kennedy.

BJ Butler

            - I went on a rant last week about the summer BJ Butler was having but Butler did tell me, “At least it was a positive rant”! You are correct in that regard, BJ!

            Butler did record his first no decision of summer league play this week for the Westhampton Aviators, after picking up three victories in his first three appearances of summer league action. Butler gave up six runs (five earned), six hits, three K’s and two walks in five innings of work.

David Current

            - Another Ball State pitcher who has been in a groove lately has been David Current. Current had his best outing of the season on June 15th going five innings while only allowing two runs (one earned), six hits, two walks and striking out seven batters.  

            Current responded with a solid outing earlier this week on June 21st pitching three complete innings and not allowing a single run or walk. Current did allow three hits but was able to strikeout three batters. Current’s ERA has dropped to 2.31 while striking out a total of 13 batters and walking only four.

Caleb Stayton

            - This is another guy we need to get on for a Podcast! Would love to hear about Caleb’s trip to Alaska and all the events he was able to take part in during his short stint up in the Northwest.

            Anyways, Stayton is back playing in Great Lakes League action and has faired well in his four appearances. The young man from Elkhart, Indiana, has scored two runs on one hit (double) and reached base three times by virtue of a walk. The Monarch’s were 3-1 in the four games Stayton has appeared in since returning from Alaska.

Nick Hollowell

            - The Muncie Southside alum had a game to remember earlier this week against the Locos.  Hollowell was big at the plate with two hits, including the walk-off two run homer in the ninth. It was Hollowell’s first homerun of summer league play since June 17th.

            One of the other impressive stat lines for Hollowell is he has recorded at least one RBI in four of his last five games, adding up to a total of nine RBI’s during that span. Hollowell has 11 RBI’s on the season for the Mariners, which is the most on the team. The second best player on the Mariners has seven RBI’s on the season. Oh…and the second best player is Brandon Estep.

Alex Maloney

            - Mentioned how great it would be to talk with Caleb Stayton about his short stay in Alaska…what about Alex? I can only imagine what he would be able to talk about, as he is staying in Alaska for the whole summer!

            Maloney has seen both sides of the spectrum this summer playing for the Pilots. There have been games where he has been in a groove defensively and offensively and then there are games where it seems nothing can go his way. He has reached base in four of his previous six games, including three hits and one run scored. After a 4-1 win over the Oilers Friday (June 27th), Maloney had back-to-back games with at least one hit for the third time this season.

Anthony Gomez

            - One of the guys who fell victim to a faulty website was Anthony Gomez…good news is I was able to find out his stats anyway! Gomez has been producing some quality outings this summer for the Oilmen. Gomez went two innings strong while giving up three hits, two unearned runs, two K’s and only one walk on Wednesday (June 25th) this past week. Gomez is one of the many guys aiming to earn a spot in the bullpen this coming spring.

Check Back Next Week!

- Hope you all enjoyed the blog again! I always enjoy putting it together, even this week being a little late! Please give me a break for this week!

I will be updating daily on Ball State baseball players in summer league on twitter, so be sure to give me a follow @LukeMartinBSU. Actually, I will be updating on everything Ball State baseball…nothing new! Haha!

 I truly appreciate all the support from everyone but simply doing what I love to do…cover Ball State baseball.

Ball State Baseball Roundup: June 17th

  

Hello Cardinal nation! Great to have you reading my blog again on some of the current Cardinals and how they are performing in summer league play. Before I dive in and chat about some of the performances, just want to say how awesome it is being able to keep up to date with this crew.

There are many things I enjoy about what I get to do as a Ball State student but nothing means more to me than getting contacted by players during the week and having them say thanks for what I do. I always laugh a bit inside when it happens because I am simply doing what I love to do…and don’t know why anyone would want Luke Martin always tweeting about them! Haha!

Anyways, I know many already know this and don’t need me to say it but the Ball State baseball family is a special one. I am a lucky guy to have been around the program for such a short amount of time and get to know some of the best people this campus and community has to offer.

Alright…. enough of off the diamond talk, let’s see how some of the guys are doing across the country!

Brandon Estep--Great Lakes League—Grand Lake Mariners

- I do want to point out last week in my blog I said,” it is only the beginning of summer league play, which means plenty of time to improve for Estep.” I believe Estep got the memo. The future senior leader for Ball State had a week to remember for the Mariners, as he delivered eight hits during the course of seven days, including a double, triple, and a HR. Estep also scored four runs and provided six of his seven RBI’s in summer league play during that seven day time span. Good to see one of the good guys….wait…good to see one of the great guys producing big numbers!

Caleb Stayton--Great Lakes League—Lake Erie Monarchs

-Okay…I cursed Caleb Stayton. It was only a matter of time before my tweets of saying “Stayton has recorded a hit in every game so far for the Monarchs” would catch up to him. Sorry buddy! At least Caleb responded to his first hitless game of the summer by going 3-3, which I believe makes up for the game of not recording a hit.

Looking at the whole week for Stayton, mentioned he has been able to get on base frequently. Only one game this whole summer Stayton has been held hitless, which is pretty impressive for the soon to be sophomore for Ball State. Stayton has produced five hits and 3 RBI’s during the Monarch’s stay in Alaska!

Nick Hollowell--Great Lakes League—Grand Lake Mariners

- Another Cardinal playing for the Mariners is putting up big offensive numbers. I am really interested to see how Hollowell can keep this type of play up this summer, mostly because of how he can find a bigger role for himself on the 2015 roster. No doubt he can be a reliable bat but I am sure Hollowell would love to do more.

As I type this tonight, Hollowell is having a memorable game right now with a grand slam and a single, putting the Mariners way ahead of the Hamilton Joes tonight. Hollowell’s week as a whole, He mustered three hits, including a triple, and two RBI’s. The only glaring issue is strikeouts, as Hollowell has struck out 9 times. If Hollowell can cut down on his strikeouts, he will be more of a valuable asset for the Cards in 2015.

Ryan Spaulding--Northwoods League—Kalamazoo Growlers

-  Remember I mentioned earlier how Stayton has been really good about producing a hit each game he is in the lineup for the Monarchs…Ryan Spaulding is doing the same for the Growlers. I will be honest; I didn’t realize how great of a week he had until looking over the stats tonight. Spaulding has played in eight games and assembled at least one hit in seven of the eight games, had two hits or more in four of the seven games with at least one hit, and added nine RBI’s and six runs scored. A terrific week for Spaulding and right now he is on pace for another one, with a two RBI single tonight for the Growlers in a 10-5 loss.

David Current--Great Lakes League—Cincinnati Steam

- Not saying the first outing was awful or even close to being bad for David Current but his second outing was significantly better than his first. Current bounced back and earned his first win of the summer for the Cincinnati Steam in a 10-8 contest against the Hamilton Joes. Current pitched five innings, surrendered two runs (one earned), six hits, seven K’s, and only walked two batters. Current now has 10 K’s compared to four walks and brought his ERA down to 3.12.

BJ Butler--Hampton League—Westhampton Aviators

- What a summer this young man is having. There are going to be spots up for grabs in the pitching rotation in 2015 for Ball State and I wouldn’t be surprised if Butler was a one of the pitchers who earned one of those spots. I will be honest and go out on a limb here and pick him as my pitcher to watch heading into 2015. Butler is 3-0 in summer league play, with his latest outing going 4.1 innings with four runs (all earned), sox hits, two K’s, and two walks. The stat line doesn’t look overwhelming but remember Butler went 14.1 innings without giving up an earned run this summer.

Sean Kennedy--Great Lakes League—Hamilton Joes     

- Summer got off to such a great start for Sean Kennedy but a three game stretch following his first start hurt his batting average, only reaching base twice in 11 at bats (both walks). Kennedy is not just playing third base, like he did for Ball State, this summer, as the 2^nd team All-MAC third basemen has made starts at first base, along with playing the hot corner. Kennedy is in the midst of a four game hitting streak, which is by far the longest of the summer for him. Kennedy’s offensive numbers are five hits, one RBI, and two runs scored this past week, including action tonight in a loss against the Mariners.

Mike Roberson--Midwest League—Dupage County Hounds

 - I have to give Roberson credit where credit is due because my last blog post I left out one of his hits was a walk off hit for a win…and he was given the offensive MVP award for the night. My goodness, how it got passed me till a week later is beyond me but better late than never! Haha! In all seriousness, great to see Mike Roberson continue his great play for the Dupage County Hounds. Roberson has been disciplined at the plate, still remaining as the only Hound this season to have not struck out swinging. Roberson also has three sacrifice flies, two sacrifice bunts, and drawn 3 walks. All of those stats prove he is being smart with the bat in his hands. Roberson is also one of three players who have appeared in five games or more and still have an unblemished fielding percentage.

Elbert Devarie--Summit City Sluggers—Fort Wayne, Indiana, area

- What a week to begin summer play for Elbert Devarie, as he hit his first home run in a long time, as he still has never recorded a single home run in the Cardinal and White. Elbert didn’t have any huge numbers this past week for the Summit City Sluggers but he did provide two solid performances back-to-back, going 1-4 in both games with 1 RBI. Really looking forward to what else EJ can provide this summer for the Sluggers.

 Alex Maloney--Alaska Baseball League—Anchorage Glacier Pilots

- Maloney hasn’t produced a game like he did in his first time out for the Pilots, but he still has provided some timely hits for his team this summer. Maloney had a solid week with three hits through five games, including two runs scored. Out of those five hits for Maloney, two of them went for extra bases, both of them doubles. The two doubles were the first extra base hits of summer league play for Maloney. He has a game tonight for the Pilots and will have plenty of opportunities to improve his offensive numbers. I enjoy watching him at the plate but it is the web gems I enjoy more, as Maloney is still perfect in fielding percentage to this point. Only three other players on the Pilots who have appeared in 6 games or more can join Maloney with a perfect fielding percentage.

 Anthony Gomez--Midwest League— Northwest Indiana Oilman

- Not much has happened for Gomez since the last time I wrote about him a week ago but he was able to earn his first win of the summer for the NW Indiana Oilmen in a 2-1 nail biter. Gomez entered the game in a game tied at one and pitched his way through one inning surrendering one hit and recorded one strikeout. When you look at the past four innings of work for Gomez this summer, he has given up one hit, zero runs, three K’s and two walks.

Check Back Next Week!

Those are the updates for now! Be sure to check back next week for more updates on the Cardinal players in summer league action! Doing my best to reach out to all of them! Going to do what I can to set up some interviews and post a podcast along with a recap blog for next week. Until next time, be sure to follow me on twitter @LukeMartinBSU for the most up to date tweets on Ball State Baseball!

Ball State Baseball Roundup: Week 1

Don’t get me wrong; I love watching the NCAA Baseball tournament on TV. Witnessing the excitement and feeling the energy level from the teams in the tournament can’t be matched on any other level. Though, part of my heart still stings because I still wish I was watching the 2014 Ball State Cardinals.

Regardless of the ending in Avon, Ohio, 2014 was an unbelievable season for Ball State. Now we can begin looking towards the 2015 season and this time of year can provide a lot of answers to burning questions following the 2014 season.

Summer is not the time for vacations, at least for college baseball players. This is the time of year where players go around the country looking to improve their game before fall ball begins. Here is a look at many of the Ball State players and how summer ball is going for them so far.

 Alex Maloney—Alaska Baseball League—Anchorage Glacier Pilots

- So many great freshmen had stellar seasons for Ball State, as Alex Maloney was no different. I can remember calling the walk-off win against Northwestern in February and the walk-off win against Kent State. Alex has taken his talents to Alaska for the summer, playing for the Anchorage Glacier Pilots.

The league began play June 8^th and Maloney didn’t waste anytime making an impact. Maloney lead the Bucs to a 9-4 win while going 2-4, one run, a sacrifice bunt, and helped turn a double play. Maloney is on pace to have a great summer in Alaska. Check out the little post-game recap on the Alaska Baseball webpage below.

https://twitter.com/LukeMartinBSU/status/475845552412704768

Sean Kennedy—Great Lakes League—Hamilton Joes     

- Sean Kennedy's freshman season ended with him being named to the All-MAC Second team, as the young man form Ohio was one of the many bright spots for the Cardinals in 2014. Kennedy is looking to improve his game this summer in the Great Lakes League.

Kennedy has appeared in two games so far batting .286 with two hits, two runs scored, and a sacrifice bunt. The big game for Kennedy was the first game he appeared in, against Cardinal counterpart Caleb Stayton, where Kennedy went 2-4 and scored the eventual game-winning run in a 7-6 game against the Lake Erie Monarchs.

Caleb Stayton—Great Lakes League—Lake Erie Monarchs

- Hard to believe Ball State had so much success in 2014 with a core group of young stars and Caleb Stayton is one of them. Stayton was a reliable piece in the Cardinal lineup at first base all season long and provided some offensive production in key moments.

As for summer league ball, Stayton is showing off his offensive prowess for the Monarchs. Stayton, out of the players who have appeared in three or more games this season, has the best batting average on the team with a .364 mark. Stayton has produced four hits, one double, one run scored, and one RBI. Stayton has been perfect in the field so far with zero errors.

BJ Butler –Hampton League—Westhampton Aviators

- BJ Butler did see his moments on the mound for Ball State this past season, but not many young guys will see much action when you have a veteran bullpen and pitching staff. Next year will be a different story, as Butler will be needed and has a chance to be a huge asset for the Cards.

This summer is off to a great start for Butler, as he is 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA. Butler’s best pitching performance is going six innings strong with zero earned runs, four hits, four strikeouts and no walks. Butler has pitched eight complete innings total this summer and has struck out seven batters, surrendered five hits, and still has yet to have a baserunner reach due to a walk. Hear his interview after the stellar pitching performance Sunday below.

[embed]https://soundcloud.com/hamptons-baseball-league/bj-butler-westhampton-aviators-6814#t=0:02[/embed]

 Elbert Devarie—Summit City Sluggers—Fort Wayne, Indiana, area

- I can remember having a conversation with Elbert halfway through the 2014 season and I could tell he wasn't himself. Elbert is a high energy guy, always smiling but he wasn't the particular day I ran into him. Everyone at this level is highly energized and wanting to play every game but sometimes that simply can't happen. I told Elbert to stay positive, stay focused because you never know when your name will be called. For him, his name was called in the final regular season series against NIU and Elbert delivered with three hits, three runs scored, two RBI and a double. His confidence was soaring leaving Dekalb and still is during summer league play.

Devarie’s bat is on fire for the Summit City Sluggers, batting .352 and 6-6 on stolen base attempts. Devarie’s offensive skills were put on display when he went 2 for 3 with a home run and a single, along with 3 RBI’s and 2 runs scored June 8th. Not to mention he reached base on a walk and had a sacrifice bunt. This is great news for the Cardinals and will hopefully spark a great 2015 season for EJ.

Ryan Spaulding—Northwoods League—Kalamazoo Growlers

Ryan Spaulding signs an autograph for a fan after a game this summer. Spaulding is coming off a great 2014 season, in which he was named first team All-MAC.

- The first team All-MAC second baseman had a season to remember in 2014. I have always been impressed by Ryan Spaulding because of what the young man has gone through. Just watch his story from Ball State Sports Link and his battle with Crohn’s disease, as it is one of the most inspiring stories out there.

As for the action on the field, Spaulding is having a solid summer so far. He is one of only 5 players on the Growlers to have appeared in 11 or more games this season defensively, and one of six players to appear in the batting order 11 or more times. Spaulding is batting .244 with 11 hits, three doubles and one triple, along with 5 RBI’s, which is tied for third most on the team.

Brandon Estep—Great Lakes League—Grand Lake Mariners

- What a season it was for Brandon Estep, especially when you look back at what he did in 2013. Estep improved in every major statistical category and became a valuable part to the 2014 Cardinals, something he wasn’t in 2013. Instead of making excuses, trying to find reasons for not playing, Estep went back to work and improved his game. Now heading into next year, Estep is a senior leader.

This summer has been up and down for Estep so far.  He has appeared in four games for the Mariners and has produced a .167 batting average with two hits, 1 RBI, has walked twice and struck out twice. It is only the beginning of summer league play, which means plenty of time to improve for Estep.

Nick Hollowell—Great Lakes League—Grand Lake Mariners

- Good ol’ Nick Hollowell is mostly known for his bat when he is wearing the Cardinal and White, but he is making plays with his glove for the Mariners this summer. Hollowell is seeing some valuable time in the outfield, starting multiple games in left and right field, while also starting one game at first base. Hollowell has yet to commit a throwing error this summer.

I mentioned the power he has when the bat is in his hands and Hollowell is showcasing that this summer. The Muncie native is second on the team in batting average (.308) and tied for most extra base hits with two through four games on the Mariners.

David Current—Great Lakes League—Cincinnati Steam

- Athleticism definitely runs in the Current family. David’s two brothers both played collegiate sports (basketball and baseball) and two of his uncles played baseball at the collegiate level. There is no doubting David Current is going down the right path.

Current didn’t get a ton of time out on the mound in 2014 for Ball State, pitching 8.1 innings with a 6.48 ERA,  which is why summer ball is key for Current. The soon to be Cardinal sophomore has started one game for the Stream. Current went 3.2 innings allowing two earned runs and four hits, but struck out three while only walking two batters. He ended up facing 18 batters in total and recorded the loss, as the Stream fell to the Mariners 1-3.

Mike Roberson—Midwest League—Dupage County Hounds

- Not many are going to get a ton of playing time behind home plate when you have a guy like Jarett Rindfleisch in front of you, but Mike Roberson is still putting in work this summer in hopes to find a role in 2015 for Ball State. He was always one of the positive attitudes in the locker room in 2014, and would be right there to support his teammates in the best way possible.

Now Roberson is looking to make his impact on the field, and so far this summer he has accomplished that task. Roberson has appeared in four games behind the plate for the Hounds and has a perfect fielding percentage. Roberson saw action in five games inside the batter’s box hitting .250 with three hits, one double and four RBI's.

 Anthony Gomez—Midwest League— Northwest Indiana Oilman

Anthony Gomez is doing his best this summer to help lead him to more outings on the mound for Ball State next spring.

- This is a name many in Cardinal country may not know yet, mostly because he hasn’t seen any action yet for Ball State. Gomez came in with an extremely talented freshmen class, as we all know, which means scrapping for playing time can be difficult.  Now it is moving towards 2015, not looking back at 2014. There are going to be many positions up for grabs, especially in the bullpen and pitching rotation.

Gomez has appeared in two games this season, both being in relief and in tough spots.  His first outing came against the Lexington Snipes pitching 2.1 innings giving up four runs on four hits, striking out two batters and walking three. Gomez entered the game with the bases loaded and no outs, with the Oilman trailing 9-1. His second outing went much better, pitching 3 innings of no hit baseball with no runs, two strikeouts and two walks.

Jarrett James—New York League—Niagara Power

-  I really feel for Jarrett James because he is in a tough spot when it comes to finding a spot to play for the Cardinals. Ryan Spaulding is a reliable second baseman, along with Alex Maloney at shortstop. No doubt there are moments every now and then where James will get out in the field, but I know he is working towards trying to be a reliable asset Coach Maloney can go to more often.

Right now in New York, James is doing more than being an "asset." James is batting .318 from the plate with seven hits, two doubles, nine runs scored, and one RBI. James also has drawn eight walks. As for fielding, James has a .765 fielding percentage with four errors. Still, awesome to see one of the good guys getting some great production and quality experience in New York.

 Sam Tidaback—Coastal Plain League— Peninsula Pilots

- I mentioned how Mike Roberson has a tough spot being behind the plate for the Cards...well...so does Sam Tidaback. Tidaback had a great freshman season for the Cards, which was topped off by making the All-MAC Tournament team in 2013, but Jarett Rindfleisch earned his stripes in 2014. Even with Rindfleisch having the spotlight most of the time, Tidaback provided many great moments in 2014, highlighted by the Central Michigan series.

Summer has treated Tidaback well, as out of the players who have appeared in 7 or more games, Tidaback leads in batting average at .318. The Illinois native also has been making plays behind the plate, throwing out four of five base runners who have attempted to steal on him in summer league play.

Check back next Monday for more Updates!

Be sure to come back next Monday for another roundup of summer league news for Ball State baseball players! There are still some who I didn't get to this week, mostly due to faulty websites of the specific teams they are playing for, but will always do my best to provide coverage to every Ball State player playing summer league ball.

If you want daily notifications on how some Ball State players are doing, be sure to follow me on Twitter @LukeMartinBSU or follow @BallStateBB for updates!