April 17, 2008

Complete Release in PDF Format

LOS ANGELES, Calif. - THIS WEEK

THE SCHEDULE
Games 37-40
LMU Lions vs. No. 6 Pepperdine Waves
Friday, April 18, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. at LMU's Page Stadium
Saturday, April 19, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at LMU's Page Stadium
Sunday, April 20, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at LMU's Page Stadium
LMU Lions vs. UC Riverside Highlanders
Tuesday, Apr. 22, 2008 at 3 p.m. at UC Riverside's Riverside Sports Complex

LIONS' ALL-ACCESS
Check out LMU baseball on Lions' All-Access. LMU's Tyler Geivett and a host of other LMU broadcasters will have the call. Thanks to an agreement with CSTV, more than 150 LMU Athletics events will air live via the internet again this season. Every baseball game will be broadcast over the Internet free of charge on LMULions.com.

LMU ON THE WEB
Get the latest in LMU sports news via the official home of LMU athletics on the Internet. Visit www.LMULions.com 24-hours a day for scores, stats, features, photos and up-to date news releases on every intercollegiate sport. Listen live to all the action from Lions' All-Access and follow the game through GAMETRACKER.

BRIEFLY
The Lions will continue conference play this weekend as they host No. 6 Pepperdine at Page Stadium on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Friday's game is slated for 3 p.m. while Saturday and Sunday will both be played at 1 p.m. After the three-game set with the Waves, LMU will hit the road to take on UC Riverside at 3 p.m. on Tuesday.

LAST WEEK
The Lions are coming off a 1-3 week last week, dropping two of three games to Saint Mary's over the weekend and one to Cal Poly on Wednesday. LMU fell 14-9 in game one against SMC on Friday. Sophomores Angelo Songco and Ryan Wheeler led the Lion offense on the day, each finishing with three hits. Songco batted 3-for-4 with two runs scored, a double, two RBI and a walk. Wheeler contributed a 3-for-5 day at the plate, collecting two doubles, a run scored and three RBI. Junior Mike Kenney got the Friday start, lasting three innings and allowing six runs (four earned) on seven hits and one walk en route to taking his third loss of the season. LMU returned the favor on Saturday, using a season-high 24 hits to plate a season-high 15 runs en route to pounding Saint Mary's by a count of 15-9. Seniors Andy Preston and A.J. LaMonda, along with Songco led the Lions offensively on the day. Preston finished 3-for-5 with three runs scored, four RBI, a home run and two doubles. LaMonda batted 4-for-6 out of the leadoff spot, collecting three runs scored along the way. Songco turned in a perfect 4-for-4 day at the plate, with three runs scored, his team-leading seventh home run of the season, two RBI and a double. Sean Dovel and Wheeler each contributed three hits in the victory, with Dovel going 3-for-5 with a run scored and a RBI. Wheeler batted 3-for-5 with three doubles, four RBI and two runs scored. Senior Andy Beal got the start for LMU, tossing the first six and two-thirds innings and allowing six runs (five earned) on 10 hits and two walks while striking out a batter to improve to 4-3 on the season. LMU lost the series after falling 6-5 in the rubber-match on Sunday at Page Stadium. Second baseman Jonathan Johnson was the lone Lion hitter to collect multiple hits in the game, finishing 2-for-3 with a run scored and a walk. Junior right-hander Ernie Cho got the start for the Lions, lasting four and two-thirds innings and allowing five runs on eight hits and three walks while striking out four batters. Sophomore Xavier Esquivel tossed the final four and a third for LMU, surrendering a run on one hit and two walks and striking out six Gael hitters en route to playing the role of tough-luck loser. His record fell to 3-2. LMU surrendered nine runs over the first two innings of play en route to dropping a 10-3 decision to Cal Poly on Wednesday at Baggett Field in San Luis Obispo, Calif. Freshman Greg Meyers got the start for the Lions, lasting two-thirds of an inning and allowing five runs (two earned) on three hits and three walks before being tagged with his first collegiate loss. Senior Michael Glomb was the only Lion hitter to collect multiple hits in the game, finishing 3-for-4 with a sacrifice fly and a RBI. Junior Kyle Spraker batted 1-for-2 with a drag bunt RBI-single, while Jonathan Johnson drove in the only other Lion run with a RBI-single.

LMU ACCORDING TO BOYD'S WORLD
According to Boyd's World, the Lions currently rank second in Strength of Schedule (SOS), which takes into account the results and success of LMU's opponents this season, 36th in Iterative Strength Rating (ISR), which is essentially how tough a schedule looks today based on past results of the opponents and how LMU has fared thus far, and 59th in Ratings Percentage Index (RPI), the official NCAA measure of team quality used by the tournament selection committee.

STELLAR WEEK AGAINST SAINT MARY'S
Sophomore Ryan Wheeler batted .563 (9-for-16) over the week of April 7, helping the Lions to a win over No. 16 Long Beach State on Tuesday of that week and West Coast Conference-foe Saint Mary's on that Saturday. In addition to the .563 clip, Wheeler amassed four runs scored, seven doubles, two walks, seven RBI and 16 total bases to the tune of a 1.000 slugging percentage and a.611 on base percentage. Wheeler finished the three-game series against Saint Mary's batting .583 (7-for-12) with four runs scored, six doubles, two walks, 13 total bases and seven RBI. He reached base at a .643 clip and recorded a slugging percentage of 1.083. Fellow sophomore Angelo Songco batted .444 (8-for-18) over the same four-game span. In addition to the .444 clip, Songco amassed six runs scored, two home runs, two doubles, two walks, eight RBI and 16 total bases to the tune of a .889 slugging percentage and a .500 on base percentage. Songco finished the three-game series against Saint Mary's batting .538 (7-for-13) with five runs scored, two doubles, a home run, 12 total bases and two walks. He reached base at a .600 clip and slugged .923. He finished 1-for-5 with a grand slam (his first of his career) and four RBI on Tuesday against LBSU.

KEEP THE "WHEELS" TURNING
Sophomore Ryan Wheeler is the hottest hitter in the Lion lineup as of late, collecting multiple hits in 10 of his last 14 games and 12 of his last 17. The first baseman currently leads the team in batting average (.379), hits (50), doubles (15), triples (1), RBI (33), total bases (76), slugging percentage (.576) and on base percentage (.434). He is also second in runs scored (28). In addition to his impressive numbers with two out in an inning, Wheeler is also hitting .414 (36-for-87) against right-handed pitching, reaching base at a .441 clip (15-for-34) as a leadoff hitter in an inning, batting .446 (29-for-65) with runners on base, .439 (18-for-41) with runners in scoring position and .824 (14-for-17) with a runner on third base and less than two out.

LMU IN THE WCC
LMU currently sits in a tie for fifth place, toting a 4-5 record after three weeks of conference play. Entering the week, the Lions ranked sixth overall in batting average (.297) amongst the eight teams. In other offensive categories, LMU is first in doubles (85), fourth in hits (365), fifth in runs (221), sixth in on base percentage (.372) and stolen bases (28), seventh in home runs (20), RBI (183) and walks (114), and eighth in triples (2). The LMU pitching staff ranked fourth overall in ERA, toting a 4.83 mark. In other categories, the Lions ranked third in strikeouts (242), fourth in innings pitched (302.0), earned runs (162) and walks (118), sixth in bating average against (.294), hits allowed (347) and runs allowed (202), and eighth in saves (4). In conference games alone this year, LMU places first in doubles (26), second in stolen bases (10), third in runs scored (65) and walks (31), fifth in batting average (.300), slugging percentage (.418), hits (97) and RBI (53), and sixth in on base percentage (.373) and home runs (4). On the pitching side, LMU places first in strikeouts (63), third in innings pitched (78.0), fourth in walks (27), fifth in ERA (4.96), batting average against (.323), runs allowed (58) and earned runs allowed (43), and sixth in hits allowed (101).

LIONS IN THE WCC
Individually in the WCC, Ryan Wheeler ranks fourth in batting average (.388), followed by A.J. LaMonda (21st-.333), Angelo Songco (24th-.322) and Andy Preston (25th-.322). Wheeler ranks second in doubles (15), third in hits (50), fifth in RBI (33), sixth in total bases (76), and seventh in on base percentage (.443) and slugging percentage (.589). Angelo Songco ranks fifth in home runs (7) and eighth in slugging percentage (.568). Sean Dovel is fourth in doubles (12), A.J. LaMond is fifth in hits (48), and Kyle Spraker is fifth in stolen bases (8). On the pitching side, junior Lee Roberts ranks 11th in ERA (4.46), followed by Andy Beal (12th-4.53) and Mike Kenney (23rd-5.87). In other pitching categories, Beal is tied for first in games started (9), fifth in strikeouts (42) and ninth in innings pitched (49.2). Roberts claims second in complete games with one, and fifth in appearances with 15. Kenney ranks third in wins (5), Xavier Esquivel is third in saves (3), Martin Viramontes is fourth in strikeouts (43), and Ernie Cho places fourth in appearances at 16. In conference games alone, Wheeler is fourth in batting average (.500), first in doubles (8), second in hits (18), third in RBI (15), fourth in runs scored (10), and fifth in total bases (29) and slugging percentage (.806). LaMonda places second in runs scored (12) and Will Dugoni is second in stolen bases (3). On the pitching side, Beal is second in wins (2).

A LEADER IN LaMONDA
Senior A.J. LaMonda has recorded a team-high tying 15 multiple hit games this season, including the only five-hit game for the Lions this year. LaMonda collected the career-high five hits against USD on March 9, finishing 5-for-6 with two runs scored, a triple and four RBI. Hitting out of the leadoff spot on the day, he became the first Lion to collect five hits in a game since Billy Lockin did so on March 24, 2002 versus San Francisco. The senior first baseman and outfielder currently ranks first in runs scored (29) and triples (1), second in hits (49), walks (13), stolen bases (5) and batting average (.331), third in total bases (65), and fourth in slugging percentage (.439), RBI (20), home runs (2) and on base percentage (.402).

SWEET-SWINGING SONGCO
After a stellar freshman campaign, sophomore Angelo Songco has continued to be one of the better Lion hitters in 2008. Songco currently ranks first on the team in home runs (7), second in slugging percentage (.562) and total bases (68), third in hits (39) and RBI (25), and fourth in runs scored (21), walks (12) and batting average (.322).

TOUGH WITH TWO OUT
LMU as a team is batting .278 (113-for-407) with two outs in an inning this season. Will Dugoni is batting an unbelievable .571 (8-for-14) with two outs this year, followed by Ryan Wheeler at .395 (15-for-38). Ollie Enos rounds out the top-three in the situation, posting a mark of .382 (13-for-34). Moreover, Dugoni is 3-for-5 (.600) with four RBI with runners in scoring position and two outs in an inning. Wheeler hits .563 (9-for-16) in that situation, while Enos posts an impressive mark of .474 (9-for-19) as well. Wheeler has cashed-in on the most RBI in the situation (9), followed by Enos (8), LaMonda (7) and Angelo Songco (7).

STELLAR SITUATIONAL STATISTICS
In addition to the success with two outs in an inning, LMU is posting some impressive numbers in a variety of other situations this year. The Lions are batting .311 (195-for-628) with runners on base, .489 (23-for-47) with the bases loaded (including two grand slams), and are putting the leadoff hitter in an inning on base at a .352 clip (111-for-315). The Lions post a mark of .605 (69-for-114) in at bats with a runner on third and less than two outs in a frame.

PRESS ON, PRESTON
Senior first baseman and designated hitter Andy Preston is proving to be one of the most consistent hitters in the Lion lineup. The left-handed hitter ranks first in walks (15), second in RBI (26) and home runs (4), third in slugging percentage (.504), runs scored (23), doubles (10) and on base percentage (.410), and fourth in hits (37). Preston had one of the best games of all the Lions on March 9 vs. USD. The left-handed hitter batted 4-for-6 with a career-high six RBI, four of which came on a grand slam in the six-run ninth inning. Preston became the first hitter to collect five or more RBI in a game since Elvis Herrera collected five on April 13, 2007 at Saint Mary's. In addition, the Hutchinson, Kan. native was the first hitter to hit a grand slam since A.J. LaMonda did so on May 29, 2005 versus Pepperdine. Angelo Songco has since also connected on a grand slam this season, doing so on April 8 vs. No. 16 Long Beach State.

SAVE THE BEST FOR LAST
LMU has outscored opponents 23-14 in ninth innings or later this season. Included in that total is a 18-14 advantage in the ninth and 5-0 mark in extra innings. The Lions also hold an advantage over their opponents in the fifth (27-23), seventh (40-23) and eighth (15-12) innings. The second (33-23), third (24-20) and sixth (33-26) favor the opponents. The first (18-18) and fourth (32-32) are tied. In total, LMU has outscored opponents by a count of 224-212.

CATCHING THE WAVES
The Pepperdine Waves, coached by Steve Rodriguez (fifth year at Pepperdine), are 23-12 (6-2 in WCC), last winning, 8-5, on April 13 versus San Francisco, a conference series in which the Waves swept the Dons. Top hitters for Pepperdine include Eric Thames (the current WCC Player of the Week) (.406, 42 runs scored, nine doubles, six triples, 10 home runs, 47 RBI), Bryce Mendonca (.360, 34 runs scored, 10 doubles, 17 RBI) and Chase D'Arnaud (.309, 30 runs scored, 10 doubles, a triple, five home runs, 31 RBI). Nathan Newman leads the pitching staff, toting a 2.57 ERA and a 5-2 record in seven starts and 56.0 innings pitched. Nick Gaudi leads the team in relief appearances, contributing 26.1 innings over 17 appearances to the tune of a 2.39 ERA. In 2007, the Waves finished 35-22 overall, 14-7 (3rd) in the West Coast Conference.

THE RIVERSIDE REPORT
The UC Riverside Highlanders, coached by Doug Smith (fourth year at UC Riverside), are 9-22 (3-3 in Big West), last winning, 7-1, on April 6 against then No. 9 Long Beach State. The Highlanders have lost their last six straight games after the victory. Top hitters for UC Riverside include Drew Garcia (.352, 12 runs scored, 11 doubles, one home run, 26 RBI), Joey Gonzales (.280, 17 runs scored, five doubles, two home runs, 15 RBI) and Aaron Wible (.252, 13 runs scored, five doubles, a triple, five home runs, 24 RBI). Paul Applebee leads the starting rotation in ERA, toting a 4.85 mark and a 1-4 record in four starts and 39.0 innings of work. Rob Waite has turned in 14 relief appearances (and one start) for the Highlanders. D.J. Smith leads the relief effort in terms of numbers, allowing eight earned runs over 20.0 innings of work and striking out 20 batters over the span to the tune of a 3.60 ERA. In 2007, the Highlanders finished 38-21 overall, 16-5 (1st) in the always-competitive Big West Conference.

WHEELER NAMED WCC PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Sophomore Ryan Wheeler was named WCC Player of the Week for the week ending March 31. The selection was the first of the season for LMU, and the first of Wheeler's career. Wheeler batted .545 (12-for-22) over the five games played, serving a crucial role in the Lions' 5-0 week. In addition to the .545 clip, Wheeler amassed seven runs scored, three doubles, a triple, a walk, a hit-by-pitch, six RBI, a stolen base and 17 total bases to the tune of a .773 slugging percentage and a .560 on base percentage. Wheeler hit safely in all five games over the span, collecting multiple hits in all but one.

THE AZTEC KINGS
Seniors A.J. LaMonda, Andy Beal and Andy Preston were named to the 2008 Aztec Invitational All-Tournament Team, it was announced March 10 at the conclusion of the five-day event. LaMonda was also named Tournament MVP as he helped lead the Lions to a 3-1 record and the Aztec Invitational Tournament Championship. LaMonda and Santa Clara's Ryan Conan shared the honor at first base. The Orange County, Calif. native batted .474 (9-for-19) with three runs scored, a triple, a walk, a stolen base and nine RBI over the four-game span. Preston batted .389 (7-for-18) with a double, four runs scored, a grand slam and seven RBI. Beal pitched six innings, allowing one run on three hits and three walks while striking out eight batters.

JACK TAKES THE HILL
Loyola Marymount baseball honored one of its newest and most loyal fans when Jack Steinberg tossed out the ceremonial first pitch to kick-off the 2008 season at Page Stadium on February 29. Jack was issued a Lion jersey earlier in the week, and was ready and excited to throw out the pitch on Friday. In a recent writing to the Westchester/Playa Del Rey Hometown News entitled "Follow the Crack of the Bat", Jack's mother, Ivey, detailed Jack's story and how he became associated with LMU baseball. To read the heartfelt column, please visit the following link on the baseball page at lmulions.com: www.lmulions.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/021408aag.html

LMU ON OPENING DAY
Since 2001, LMU has been victorious in five of its eight games on Opening Day, falling this season to Sac State, 11-7. The Lions defeated Cal State Northridge 7-3 in 2001's opener at Page Stadium before defeating UC Santa Barbara on the road to start the 2002 campaign. LMU failed to make it three-straight in 2003, dropping a one-run decision to Cal to open the year. LMU was back to its winning ways in 2004, knocking-off UC Riverside, 5-4, and getting revenge against Cal with a one-run victory in 2005. Starting the 2006 season on the road in Arizona, LMU dropped the first game of the year, 10-5, before rebounding last season with a 9-5 victory over Sac State.

WALLACE WATCHES SONGCO
Outfielder Angelo Songco was named to the 2008 Brooks Wallace Award Preseason Watch List, it was announced in early January. Songco, the reigning WCC Freshman of the Year, 2008 preseason All-Conference selection and 2007 Freshman All-American, earned a spot the prestigious list that will eventually determine the Player of the Year. The left-hand hitting outfielder led LMU in doubles (22), RBI (33), slugging percentage (.528), sacrifice flies (7) and outfield assists (8) last season. In addition, he tied for the lead in triples (3) and was second in batting average (.321), runs scored (36), home runs (4), total bases (102) and walks (30). In WCC play alone, he led the team in batting average (.392), hits (29), doubles (10), slugging percentage (.635) and on-base percentage (.464). The Wallace Award is presented to the nation's top collegiate baseball player in conjunction with the College Baseball Hall of Fame's annual induction festivities. The 2008 award banquet will be held Thursday, July 3, in the United Spirit Arena on the campus of Texas Tech.

WCC PRESEASON POLL
LMU was picked to finish fourth in the WCC 2008 preseason baseball poll, as selected by conference coaches. University of San Diego was chosen to repeat as West Coast Conference champion after receiving the maximum number of points, garnering all seven possible first-place votes and 49 overall points to take first place in the listing. Pepperdine was picked second with 42 overall points, while Santa Clara received the remaining first place vote and checked in at No. 3 in the poll with 32 points. LMU edged out Gonzaga for the fourth place spot, as the Lions received 29 points and the Zags garnered 28 points to grab the No. 5 spot. San Francisco was tabbed for a sixth place finish with 24 points, while Portland and Saint Mary's were picked to finish seventh and eighth with 12 points and eight points, respectively.