March 12-20, 2010

Akron Zips (5-6) at RussMatt Invitational
Winter Haven, Fla.

AKRON, Ohio - Akron will travel to Winter Haven, Fla. this weekend to participate in the second annual RussMatt Invitational, playing eight games in as many days. The Spring Break trip marks the final preseason road trip before the Zips return to Lee Jackson Field, March 24 to host Duquesne University in the season home opener at 3:00 p.m. 

Zips Recap
Akron improved to 5-6 on the year after finishing the weekend with a series win at the UNC-Wilmington tournament, sweeping host UNCW (11-5, 5-4) and splitting a pair of games with Stony Brook University (L, 4-3; W, 7-0). The Zips were led by Drew Turocy who finished the week with seven hits, including a homer, triple and double to go along with a team-high nine RBIs. John Turk and Brandon White each finished with five hits apiece with two and three RBIs respectively. On the mound Alex Loftin, Andrew Brown and Benjamin Danziger all picked up wins for the club. Danziger was unstoppable in the Zips' shutout victory over Stony Brook on getaway day, going the distance, allowing just five hits while registering a strikeout in nine innings pitched.

The RussMatt Invtational
The RussMatt Invitational is one of the premiere baseball tournaments in the conference, drawing top tier teams from conferences across the nation. Last year it drew over 200 college teams participated in just its first year. This season, Akron will take on Butler (Horizon League), Army (Patriot League), North Dakota State (Summit League), Hartford (America East Conference), Eastern Illinois (Ohio Valley Conference), Dartmouth (The Ivy League), Illinois and Indiana (Big Ten Conference).

Butler - The Bulldogs finished the year 13-41 last year and 6-20 in the Horizon League. Butler is currently 3-6 in 2010. Luke Duncan (.308, 25 Runs, 22 RBI), an infielder, was one of the Bulldogs top performers last y season.

Army - The Black Knights ended the 2009 campaign with 36-21 overall and 13-7 mark in conference play, sealing a Patriot League championship. First baseman Kevin McKague (.389, 6 HR, 44 RBI) paced the Black Knights last season. Army enters the weekend 4-2.

North Dakota State - The Bison ended 2009 with a 16-28 mark overall, including a 10-14 record in the Summit League where North Dakota State finished the year fourth. Currently 2-5 on the year, the Bison will look to top returners, including catcher Justin Kline (.432, 2 HR, 20 RBI) and first baseman Zach Wentz (.349, 3 HR, 25 RBI) to get the offense ignited over spring break.

Hartford - With a 15-32 record in 2009, including a 7-15 mark in the America East Conference, garnering a sixth place finish. The Hawks will play one contest before heading into the RussMatt Invitational.

Eastern Illinois - The Panthers finished 31-19 and 13-5 in the Ohio Valley Conference en route to finishing as regular season champs last season. EIU, 1-9 in 2010 has had a tough time getting things started this season but has designated hitter Richie Derbak (.417, 78 Hits, 5 HR, 41 RBI) back to lead an arsenal of offensive threats this campaign.

Dartmouth - Concluded 2009 27-18 overall and 16-4 in the Ivy League, finishing the year as both regular season and Ivy League Tournament champions. The Big Green are 1-3 heading into spring break led by returning outfielder an All-Ivy first team selection, Jim Wren (.325, 5 HR, 44 RBI).

Illinois - Finished 34-20 overall last season, boasting a 16-8 mark in the Big Ten to finish fourth in the conference. Currently, the Illini are 1-5 heading into this weekend's Caravelle Resort Classic with games slated against Coastal Carolina, Lipscomb and Ball State before heading to Florida.

Indiana - Won the Big Ten Conference Tournament Championship after finishing 2009 32-27 overall to earn a berth to the NCAA's. The Hoosiers were 16-7 in the Big Ten, finishing third in the conference. In 2010, Indiana boasts a 4-7 mark heading into the spring break trip.

Tuning In...
Gozips.com is your one stop shop for following Akron Baseball all season long! Live statistics for each game will be available online with radio broadcasts also airing once the Zips return to Lee Jackson Field for the home opener.