Completed Event: Baseball versus Murray State on June 9, 2025 , Loss , 4, to, 5
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Final
Baseball
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Baseball Hosts Wake Forest in Three-Game ACC Series
3/31/2000 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
WAKE FOREST ** JACK COOMBS FIELD ** MARCH 31-APRIL 2, 2000 ** DURHAM, N.C.
BLUE DEVILS TO HOST WAKE FOREST
Duke (11-21 overall, 2-4 ACC) hosts No. 22 Wake Forest (21-9-1 overall,
5-4 ACC) this weekend in a three-game series at Jack Coombs Field. Wake
Forest enters the weekend ranked No. 22 by Baseball America and No. 24
by Baseball Weekly.
SERIES NOTES
Duke is 127-124-2 against Wake Forest in the series between the two
schools which dates back to the 1896 season. Duke won the first meeting
between the two schools in 1896. The score cannot be found.
Wake Forest has a five-game winning streak against Duke dating back to
3/8/97 when the Blue Devils defeated the Demon Deacons 16-12 in
Winston-Salem. Last year, Wake Forest won both games in Winston-Salem
by the scores of 5-0 and 15-6.
MEDIA COVERAGE
Saturday and Sunday's games will be broadcast by the Wake Forest Sports
ISP radio network. Steve Cotten (Voice of the Deacons) and Mark
Friedlinger (analyst) will make the call.
DUKE WINS SIX OF LAST TEN GAMES
Duke enters the Wake Forest three-game series after winning six of its
last 10 games. Among those wins include a pair of 4-3 victories against
Georgia Tech in Atlanta. The Blue Devils are also on a two-game ACC win
streak after the two wins at Georgia Tech.
HILLIER BEGINS FIRST YEAR AT HELM
Duke head coach Bill Hillier earned his first victory at the helm of
the Blue Devil baseball program in Duke's second game against
Georgetown. Hillier, a former Duke assistant coach for seven seasons,
began his new job this summer.
Hillier comes back to Duke after serving five seasons as head coach of the UNC-Asheville program. Twenty-four of his players have been drafted by Major League Baseball squads and four of his former players including Quinton McCracken, Mike Trombley, Ryan Jackson and Scott Schoeneweis (all Duke players) have enjoyed big league careers.
BECKER BREAKS DUKE'S CAREER DOUBLES RECORDS
Jeff Becker broke the Duke school career doubles record against East
Carolina with his 61st double. He breaks the old record of 60 set by
Vaughn Schill (1997-99) and Michael Fletcher (1995-98).
BECKER SETS CAREER HITS RECORD
Senior Jeff Becker set his first career offensive record as he
registered his 278th career hit vs. Elon. The hit shattered the former
record of 277 held by All America and 1994 Collegiate Baseball Player of
the Year Ryan Jackson (1991-94). He accomplished the feat after only 19
games and has well over half a season to increase his total.
JEFF BECKER RECORD WATCH
THE BECKER RECORDWATCH
He is nearing Duke career records in runs scored (202/record is 203),
bases on balls (123/record is 126), games played (214/record is 219),
games started (214/record is 218) and runs batted in (177/record is
198). See chart on page two.
Becker currently has Duke's second-longest hitting streak this season
(11 games), the most multiple RBI games (seven) and the most multiple
hit games (13).
WAKE FOREST CONNECTIONS
YOUTHFUL BLUE DEVILS
Both Larry Broadway (first base) and Troy Caradonna (catcher) have
started all 28 games at their respective positions and outfielder Doug
Bechtold has emerged as Duke's second-best hitter with a .358 batting
average (19-53). Broadway has given Duke a solid defender at first base
while fielding a .260 batting average from the left side while Caradonna
is in his first year as Duke's starting catcher with a .245 average.
VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH DEFEATS DUKE 6-4
Virginia Commonwealth pulled ahead early after scoring solo runs in the
first and second innings. Jason DuBois' first inning home run and Brian
Mohr's run on an error gave the Rams a 2-0 lead. Virginia Commonwealth
extended its lead to 4-0 in the fourth on RBI singles from Kevin Elrod
and Davy Martin. The Rams made it 6-1 in the sixth on Davy Martin's RBI
single and Matt Davis' RBI single.
Duke came back with a run in the sixth (Jeff Becker's RBI fielders'
choice) and two in the seventh (error by centerfielder, Kevin Kelly RBI
groundout) but couldn't close the deficit any further.
Duke left 13 runners on base. The Blue Devils stranded three runners on
base in the fourth and two each in the fifth and sixth.
Duke's J.D. Alleva hit his fourth homer of the season and went 1-4,
Jeff Becker finished 2-5 with an RBI.
The Rams used six pitchers in the win. Starter Marc Fisher (5-1)
earned the victory after throwing the first two innings. Jason DuBois
earned his first save of the season after shutting out in the ninth
inning. Tommy Edelblut (1.2 IP), John Korn (1.1 IP), Bo Acors (2.0 IP)
and Pat McNair (1.0 IP) all threw in the game.
Duke's Steve Schroeder (3-5) took the loss on the mound after throwing
the first 5 1/3 innings. He struck out three batters and allowed seven
hits and five runs. Reliever Jeff Alleva was impressive as the threw
the final 3.0 innings and allowed only one hit.
DUKE DEFEATS GEORGIA TECH FOR SECOND STRAIGHT DAY, 4-3
ATLANTA, Ga. -- The Duke baseball team won its first ACC series of the
season Sunday with a 4-3 victory over No. 14 Georgia Tech at Russ
Chandler Stadium. Duke won game two Saturday night 4-3 and lost game
one 14-1. The victory improves Duke to 2-4 in the ACC and 11-21 overall
while No. 14 Georgia Tech drops to 4-2 in the ACC and 18-8 overall.
Duke took a 4-2 lead into the eighth inning and held off Georgia Tech
for the victory. Duke starter Kevin Perry (3-1) threw 7.0 innings and
allowed only two runs on 10 hits in registering the victory. Reliever
Brad DuPree came on to pitch the final 2.0 innings for his fourth save
of the season and second save in the last two games.
Duke never trailed in the game. The Blue Devils got on top with a run
in the fourth inning when J.D. Alleva led off with a single and scored
on a two-base throwing error following Wes Goodner's sacrifice bunt.
Duke added another run in the fifth on Kevin Kelly's leadoff double,
Doug Bechtold's sacrifice bunt and David Mason's RBI groundout to go up
2-0.
After Georgia Tech scored a run in the fifth on Bryan Prince's RBI
double, the Blue Devils went up 4-1 with two runs in the top of the
seventh on Doug Bechtold's RBI single and J.D. Alleva's sacrifice fly
RBI.
Georgia Tech battled back to within 4-3 on Mark Teixeira's solo home
run in the seventh and Richard Lewis' RBI single in the eighth.
The host Yellow Jackets tried to rally in the bottom of the ninth but
after a leadoff walk to Mark Teixeira and Blue Devil error, DuPree
forced Derik Goffena to hit into afielder's choice and Tyler Parker to
fly out to center to end the game.
Georgia Tech starter Rhett Parrott (3-2) took the loss after throwing
6.1 innings and allowing six hits and four runs. Tech left 13 runners
on base to Duke's six.
Duke was led at the plate by Kevin Kelly's 2-3, two run performance.
J.D. Alleva, Larry Broadway, Gideon Thompson and Doug Bechtold all
collected hits for the Blue Devils.
DUKE DEFEATS NO. 14 GA. TECH 4-3
Duke fended off a late Georgia Tech comeback in the bottom of the ninth
inning when Richard Lewis and Mark Teixeira singled and walked
respectively. Bryan Prince's sacrifice bunt advanced both runners and
Derik Goffena was intentionally walked to load the bases. Duke reliever
Brad DuPree got Jason Basil to ground into a double play to end the
game. DuPree earned his third save of the season.
Duke starter Ryan Caradonna (3-4) earned the victory after throwing the
first 8.0 innings and allowing 11 hits and three runs. He struck out
three batters. Georgia Tech's Ben Sheeter (0-2) took the loss after
going 6.0 innings and allowing seven hits and three runs.
Duke never trailed in the game. The Blue Devils jumped on top 1-0 in
the first inning Troy Caradonna's RBI single after David Mason was hit
by pitch and Jeff Becker's single. Duke went up 2-0 in the fourth on
Kevin Kelly's sacrifice RBI bunt which enabled Gideon Thompson to
score. The Blue Devils grabbed a 3-0 lead in the fifth on consecutive
singles by Jeff Becker and Wes Goodner while Becker scored on a wild
pitch. After Georgia Tech closed the gap to 3-2 with two runs in the
fifth, Duke increased its lead to 4-2 on Troy Caradonna's RBI singel in
the seventh inning.
Caradonna led Duke at the plate with a 2-4, two RBI day. Wes Goodner
went 3-4 with a run scored, Jeff Becker went 2-5 and Larry Broadway and
Doug Bechtold each colleted hits.
CARADONNA THROWS FOUR-HITTER
TWO-WAY PLAYERS
BECKER IN FIFTH YEAR AT DUKE
COACH HILLIER EXTENDS DUKE COACHING CAREER
DUKE FAMILY COMBINATIONS
JACK COOMBS FIELD UPGRADE
BLUE DEVILS SIGN EIGHT PLAYERS FOR 2000-01 SEASON
Hillier, who served six seasons (1988-1994) as an assistant baseball
coach at Duke, touts his first recruiting class as head coach at Duke as
one of the best ever.
"Our 1991 group was about as good talent-wise but they didn't have the
arms that this class has," Hillier said. "You never know about
recruiting classes until after two or three years but this class is the
best-ever recruited to Duke."
Duke recruiting coordinator Erik Filipek was also happy with the eight
signees.
"We believe this class can help us build a national power here at
Duke," Duke baseball recruiting coordinator Erik Filipek said. "We
signed five pitchers that will make an immediate impact- two of them
being two-way guys. With the legitimate position players we signed, we
feel we've made each area on the field more competitive. Overall, we're
excited to bring in the caliber of athletes we signed."
The eight signees are from eight different states. Several are two-way
players. Following is information on Duke's eight baseball signees:
EVAN ANDERSON
COLIN BEGLEY
GREG BURKE
JUSTIN CALLIHAM
JUSTIN DILUCCHIO
DREW JERDAN
ADAM LOFTIN
BRYAN SMITH
This chart depicts where All America candidate Jeff Becker stands on
various Duke career offensive charts. Becker is on pace to break all of
these career offensive records by the end of the season:
STAT Current Record, Recordholder
Games Played: 214 219, Michael Fletcher
Games Started: 214 218, Frankie Chiou
At Bats: 846 859, Ryan Jackson
Runs: 202 203, Frankie Chiou
Hits: 295 277, Ryan Jackson
Doubles: 64 60, Vaughn Schill
Home Runs: 28 42, Ryan Jackson
RBI: 177 198, Gregg Maluchnik
Bases on balls: 123 126, Frankie Chiou
Upon entering this weekend's three games against Wake Forest, Jeff
Becker owns a total of three Duke statistical baseball records- season
hit by pitch (12 in 1998), career hits (295) and career doubles (64).
In all, Becker should own Duke career records in eight of the 14
available statistical categories.
Duke's assistant coach Bill Hillier, Jr. was an volunteer assistant
coach with the Demon Deacons last year.
With a young team, Duke has had to rely upon several freshmen to step
up with big seasons. Pitching-wise Duke has had three freshmen pitchers
start this year. Kevin Perry (2-1, 4.70 ERA), Jeff Alleva (1-4, 5.82
ERA) and Kevin Thompson (0-1, 5.14) have a combined nine starts and 39
appearances. They have also accounted for 35.8 percent of innings
pitched (85.2 of 238.1).
Blue Devils to host Wake Forest this weekend in Durham
DURHAM, N.C. -- Virginia Commonwealth jumped ahead early, used a 10-hit
offensive attack and six pitchers to defeat Duke 6-4 Tuesday at Jack
Coombs Field. The loss drops Duke to 11-21 on the season while Virginia
Commonwealth improves to 22-10 overall.
Blue Devils win first ACC series of season, Perry throws seven innings
for victory
Caradonna brothers lead Duke to its first ACC baseball victory
ATLANTA, Ga. -- Duke took advantage of Ryan Caradonna's eight inning
pitching performance and Troy Caradonna's 2-4, two RBI offensive evening
to register a 4-3 victory against No. 14 Georgia Tech at Russ Chandler
Stadium.
Ryan Caradonna threw a four-hitter against Brown in the first game of a
doubleheader March 18. The junior struck out six batters and had his
best outing of the season. Last year, Caradonna contributed as both a
relief pitcher and designated hitter. This year he has developed into
Duke's No. 1 starter. Ryan's brother, Troy Caradonna is Duke's starting
catcher.
Head coach Bill Hillier makes full use of his 20-man roster. Several
are two-way players including pitcher/designated hitter Ryan Caradonna,
pitcher/infielder Jeff Alleva (has played second bas) and pitcher/first
baseman Larry Broadway. Pitcher Kevin Thompson even drove in two runs
in his first collegiate pinch-hitting debut at Elon.
Jeff Becker returns to the Duke baseball squad for a fifth year. Becker
was granted a medical redshirt after playing in only nine games last
year due to a foot injury. He was drafted as a junior but decided to
finish up his career at Duke and return for his senior season. Just
nine games into his senior season, Becker went down with a foot injury
that sidelined him for the rest of the season. A three-year All ACC
player and 1996 ACC Freshman of the Year, Becker is an All America
candidate in his final year as a Blue Devil. He should also be drafted
high in the 2000 MLB Draft.
Head coach Bill Hillier is in his first year as head Duke baseball
coach. He blends a glimpse of Duke baseball past along with dedicated
focus on the future as he served as an assistant coach with the Blue
Devils from 1988-1994. From Duke, he became the UNC Asheville for five
seasons (1995-1999). He has high hopes for the program and plans
several facility improvements. Hillier has coached virtually every
big-name player to pass through the Duke baseball program. It is that
knowledge of the program's history combined with his vision of the
program's future is what will undoubtedly make the program a success.
Duke baseball has two sets of brothers and a father-son duo. Second
baseman Jeff Alleva and righthanded pitcher Jeff Alleva are brothers and
sons of Athletic Director Joe Alleva. Righthanded pitcher/DH Ryan
Caradonna is the older brother of starting catcher Troy Caradonna. The
duo is also a battery on the mound and behind the plate. Assistant
coach Bill Hillier, Jr. is the son of head coach Bill Hillier. Duke
also has two Thompsons on the roster- Gideon and Kevin. They are not
related.
Hillier has big plans for Jack Coombs Field. Already a new fence,
warning tracK and foul poles have been installed in the outfield. A new
P.A. system and new seating complete with chair backs have been
installed in the main grandstand. Other plans include increased
bleacher seating, renovations of the batting cages and the building of
an office structure.
Hillier touts class as best-ever in Duke school history
The Duke baseball program signed eight players to National-Letters of
Intent Blue Devil head coach Bill Hillier announced Monday. All eight
players will enter as freshmen at Duke University in the 2000-01 school
year.
(P/OF, 6-4, 190, Norman, Okla./Norman)
Enters senior season at Norman H.S. in Norman, Okla. ... threw
three-hitter vs. California in the Sunbelt Classic ... named Team One
All Star Showcase Classic as a junior; selected for Area Code Games All
Star Game by Chicago White Sox ... finished 1999 season with 137
strikeouts in 97 innings ... struck out six out of 12 batters faced in
Area Code Games tryout ... registered 15 strikeouts vs. Putnam City
Western in 3-1 win and finished with 13 strikeouts in 3-2 win against
Edmund North last year ... chose Duke because of its combination of
academics/athletics ... plans to attend medical school.
(P/OF, 6-3, 215, Nashville, Tenn./Hume-Fogg)
Enters senior season at Hume-Fogg H.S. in Nashville, Tenn. ... named All
District, All Middle Tennessee as a junior ... Team One competitor ...
All GNBA team and Most Valuable Player.
(P/INF, 6-4, 180, Bellmawr, N.J./Gloucester Cath.)
Enters senior season at Gloucester Catholic in Bellmawr, N.J. ... named
all conference, all parochial, All South New Jersey and All State as a
junior last year ... earned pitching victories in three of four state
playoff victories including a 13-strikeout performance in semi-final and
four-hit performance in state final ... played in All Star Game for
Carpenter Cup for Tri-Cape team (5 K's in 2 IP) ... led Brooklawn team
to American Legion World Series in 1998 and 1999.
(OF, 6-1, 195, Myrtle Beach, S.C./Myrtle Beach)
Enters senior season at Myrtle Beach H.S. ... earned All Region,
Honorable Mention "Toast of the Coast" Team and 1998 Hawaiian Tropic All
Tournament team honors ...accumulated 30 base hit bunts in first three
years of high school baseball ... led team all three years in stolen
bases ... three-year starter at centerfield ... played for Carolina
Clippers, traveling All Star team this past summer ... batting leader
and stolen base leader on American Eagles, national team based in San
Diego, Calif.
(P/INF, 6-4, 200, Paoli, Pa./Episcopal Academy)
Enters senior season at Episcopal Academy in Merion, Pa. ... 1999
Honorable Mention Philadelphia All City ... 1999 All Star InterAc Team
... selected to compete in Area Code Tryouts ... led Episcopal Academy
to Interac League championship for first time in 50 years ... pitched
most innings and had most wins on squad last year ... earned Bronze
Medal at Penn. State Keystone Games ... also played in several other All
Star tournaments ... plays basketball.
(UTIL, 6-5, 220, Marietta, Ga./Wheeler)
Enters senior season at Wheeler H.S. in Marietta, Ga. ... named 1998 All
City in Atlanta ... named East Cobb Astros MVP in 1995-1997 ... named
East Cobb Astros best pitcher in 1998 and Wheeler H.S. best pitcher in
1999 ... threw one-hit shutout in regional championship and hit home run
to lead team to 1-0 victory as a sophomore ... threw one-hit shutout to
get into AAU World Series championship game ... selected to several all
tournament teams in AAU baseball ... father, Myles Jerdan, played
basketball at Northwestern (1967-71).
(C/INF, 6-0, 190, Raleigh, N.C./Leesville)
Enters senior season at Leesville H.S. in Raleigh, N.C. ... named all
conference as a sophomore and junior and honorable mention all
conference as a freshman ... set school records for most hits in a game
and consecutive hits ... selected to All-Babe Ruth World Series team in
1994 ... named to 1999 Bobby Murray Invitational All Tournament team and
went 6-10 with two home runs.
(INF, 6-0, 185, Longwood, Fla./Lake Brantley)
Enters senior season at Lake Brantley H.S. in Altamonte Springs, Fla.
... named to two all tournament teams- All Big Blue Bonanza and Cypress
Creek Orlando Classic teams ... played in All Star Tournament in Boca
Raton, Fla. and went 11-22 with seven doubles and eight RBI ... team
captain for both baseball and football ... has played quarterback on
football team for three seasons.
Players Mentioned
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/ BaseballDuke Baseball - Corey Muscara Opening Press Conference
Friday, June 27
Press Conference: Corey Muscara Introduction
Wednesday, June 25
Press Conference: Durham Super Regional Sunday
Sunday, June 08
Press Conference: Durham Super Regional Saturday
Saturday, June 07
