Game #1 - University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point 2, Emory University 0

 

Zimmermann's One-Hit Gem Clips Eagles

A little over two months after returning from a broken jaw, UW-Stevens Point (33-15) junior pitcher Jordan Zimmermann opened the 2007 NCAA Division III World Series with a jaw-dropping performance, leading the Pointers to a 2-0 victory over Emory University (39-9). The contest opened play at the 2007 World Series, which will unfold at Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton, Wis., over the course of the Memorial Day weekend.

The 6-2, 205-pound Zimmermann not only twirled the second one-hitter in NCAA Division III World Series history during a complete-game 10-strikeout performance, he also managed to out-hit the Eagles, going 3-for-3 with the game-winning RBI.

UW-Stevens Point head coach Pat Bloom commented on Zimmermann’s performance, “Championship baseball always comes down to pitching and we have one of the best in Jordan (Zimmermann). I have seen him throw a lot of great games, but this may have been the most complete and impressive.”

Emory head coach Mike Twardoski echoed Bloom’s sentiments, “You have to tip your hat to their pitcher (Zimmermann), we knew that runs were going to be at a premium today and he showed why he is going to be a high draft pick. He held us to one hit and had the game-winning RBI, but he also did a good job of slowing down our running game when we had chances.”

Emory entered the game with 113 stolen bases in 143 attempts, but the Pointers turned a pair of potential opportunities into outs during the game.

Emory leadoff man David Hissey was thrown out by UW-Stevens Point catcher Ben Warwick trying to steal second after Hissey was hit by a pitch in the game’s first at-bat.

The Eagles’ best scoring chance came in the eighth inning when they put two runners on with one out, as Brandon Custer was hit by a pitch and Bo Schill drew a walk. Zimmermann promptly picked off the runner at first base for the second out of the inning and then induced a popout in foul territory down the third-base line to end the threat.

“He (Zimmermann) has a good pickoff move, but there is never any excuse for getting picked off. The stolen base attempt was the right call, their catcher just made a perfect throw,” added Twardoski.

Brad Archambeau led off the game for the Pointers by reaching base on a fielding error and came around to score when Zimmermann’s double to the gap in left field rolled to the wall.

The Pointers added an insurance tally in the fourth, as Ryan Byrnes plated Zimmermann with a sacrifice fly to right field. The winning pitcher had managed to beat a throw to third base on a sacrifice bunt two batters earlier.

Frank Pfister registered Emory’s lone hit in the contest, finding the hole between third base and short to open the fifth inning.

“All my pitches were working well today, especially my changeup against their lefties,” said Zimmermann who continued, “This performance ranks among the best in my career. I have had a few no-hitters, but never against a team of this caliber on a stage like this.”

Jason Glushon took the loss for Emory, as the senior allowed one earned run on eight hits during a complete-game effort.

Zimmermann joins Dan Olsson of Montclair State as the only other player to record a one-hitter in NCAA Division III World Series history. Olsson edged future major leaguer Terry Mulholland and his Marietta teammates in 1984.

UW-Stevens Point will face the winner of Carthage College and Eastern Connecticut State University at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday (May 26).

Emory, whose lone losing streak of the season peaked at three games, will play an elimination contest against the loser of the Carthage vs. Eastern Connecticut matchup at 10 a.m. on Saturday.

Matt Troha
Midwest Conference Sports Information Director