GAME NOTES: No. 2 Statesmen making 11th NCAA College World Series Appearance (5.26-6.2.12)
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CARY, N.C. - The No. 2 ranked Statesmen (46-13) of Delta State University are making their Gulf South Conference-record 11th NCAA DII College World Series appearance this week at the USA National Training Complex in Cary, N.C.  DSU boasts GSC records for NCAA wins (82), regional championships (11), College World Series appearances (11) and College World Series victories (23). 

Delta State opens play versus No. 1 ranked St. Mary's University-Texas (48-9) in Bracket Two on Sunday, May 27 in game four of the CWS.  Game time is set for 5 p.m. EST/4 p.m. CST and the game will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network.  The DII College World Series begins on Saturday, May 26 with a pair of opening round games in Bracket 1.  At 1 p.m., Atlantic Region champion West Chester (42-10) squares off with West Region champion Chico State (40-17).  Game two features Minnesota State-Mankato (48-10), champions of the Central Region, versus East Region champion Southern New Hampshire University (42-13) at 5 p.m. 

Bracket two will pit Southeast Region title holder Catawba College (43-15) against Midwest champion University of Indianapolis (46-14) in game three at 1 p.m.  The winner/loser of game three faces the winner/loser of the game four on Tursday, May 28 with the winners meeting at 7 p.m. and the losers at 3 p.m.

DSU has played seven games all-time, posting a 5-2 record, against the seven teams comprising the NCAA DII College World Series Field.  The Statesmen are 11-2 in postseason play this season, including an 8-0 mark in elimination games.

In the NCAA's only eight team regional, the Statesmen had to battle its way through the Loser's Bracket inorder to claim the South Region title.  DSU opened the regional with a closely contested 2-0 victory over North Alabama, but once again fell to Alabama-Huntsville 6-5 in the winner's bracket on day two.  The Statesmen then put together an improbable run to the South Region title, claiming five straight elimination game victories, including two over undefeated Stillman College, 5-2 and 10-7, on Championship Monday.  DSU's Brent Langston was named the Most Outstanding Player of the South Regional. 

Statesmen skipper Mike Kinnison is in his 16th season as head coach of the Statesmen.  Over his 15+ seasons, the Mississippi Sports Hall of Famer has compiled an enviable 700-214-1 record with five GSC championships, five NCAA DII College World Series appearances, and the 2004 NCAA DII National Championship.  He claimed his 700th career win in the South Region title game, a 10-7 victory over Stillman College on May 21. 

Delta State has posted an impressive 42-12 record versus Division II opponents this season, including a mark of 32-9 versus South Region foes.  That experience will be needed against a deep and talented CWS field. 

The Statesmen had four players named to the American Baseball Coaches Association/Rawlings All-South Region Team, led by First Team selections Jon Carnahan (C) and Michael Vinson (OF).  DSU placed pitchers Josh Branstetter (SP) and Colton Mitchell (SP) on the Second Team.

Senior catcher Jon Carnahan, who has played all season without committing an error, and sophomore centerfielder Jordan Chovanec, who has committed just one, were named to the ABCA/Rawlings All-South Region Gold Glove Team.  

STATESMEN MAKING 11th NCAA CWS APPEARANCE
The Statesmen are making, a Gulf South Conference record,  11th appearance in the NCAA DII College World Series May 26-June 2 at the USA Baseball Training Complex in Cary, N.C.  The Statesmen, who are 86-53 all-time in NCAA postseason play, hold GSC records for NCAA postseason victories (86), appearances (27), region titles (11), College World Series appearances (11) and CWS victories (23).

DSU is making its first appearance at the NCAA DII CWS since the 2005 campaign.  In 2004, DSU claimed the NCAA National Championship with a 12-8 victory over Grand Valley State at Patterson Field in Montgomery, Ala. 

The Statesmen (46-13) of Delta State University, champions of the NCAA South Region, will face the Rattlers (48-9) of St. Mary's University (Texas) in game four of the Division II College World Series Sunday, May 27.  Game time is set for 5 p.m. EST/4 p.m. CST at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, N.C.  All DSU games at the CWS will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network. 

The DII College World Series begins on Saturday, May 26 with a pair of opening round games in Bracket 1.  At 1 p.m., Atlantic Region champion West Chester (42-10) squares off with West Region champion Chico State (40-17).  Game two features Minnesota State-Mankato (48-10), champions of the Central Region, versus East Region champion Southern New Hampshire University (42-13) at 5 p.m. 

Bracket One's winner's bracket matchup will take place at 5 p.m. on Monday, May 27 with the losers squaring off at 1 p.m. 

Bracket two will pit Southeast Region title holder Catawba College (43-15) against Midwest champion University of Indianapolis (46-14) in game three at 1 p.m.  The winner/loser of game three faces the winner/loser of the game four on Tursday, May 28 with the winners meeting at 7 p.m. and the losers at 3 p.m.   

DELTA STATE'S REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
1968  20-11-1
1977  41-17
1978  43-19
1982  41-19
1994  45-13
1996  53-8
2001  50-11
2002  50-8
2004  54-11/National Champions
2005  52-10
2012  46-13

REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS UNDER KINNISON
2001  50-11
2002  50-8
2004  54-11/National Champions
2005  52-10
2012  46-13

DELTA STATE VERSUS THE FIELD
The Statesmen, who are making their 27th NCAA postseason appearance all-time, have a combined record of 5-2 against the field, including an 0-1 mark against St. Mary's (TX).  DSU was eliminated by the Rattlers 17-4, the eventual national champions at the 2001 CWS in Montgomery, Ala., at Patterson Field. 

PARTICIPANT/ALL-TIME RECORD AGAINST
California State-Chico (West)  1-1
St. Mary's-Texas (South Central)  0-1
Indianapolis (Midwest)  3-0
West Chester (Atlantic)  0-0
Southern New Hampshire (East)  0-0
Minnesota State-Mankato (Central)  1-0
Catawba (Southeast)  0-0

DSU IN THE NCAA TOURNAMENT RECORD BOOK
The Statesmen boast four NCAA Championship Tournament records.  Individually, Mark Broome's six hits versus Southern Arkansas on May 16, 2004 is tied for most hits in a game with Valdosta State's Mike Jones (1985).  Two Statesmen, Mark Graham (1981) and Jud Thigpen (2004), are tied for most RBIs in a game with nine. 

Lastly, DSU holds one team record, RBIs in a game.  On May  15, 1981 versus Indianapolis, Delta State batted in a record 27 runs. 

SOUTH REGION RECAP
In the NCAA's only eight team regional, the Statesmen of Delta State University entered the South Region Tournament as the contest's No. 2 seed.  Top-seed University of Tampa served as the host. 

DSU opened the regional with a closely contested 2-0 victory over North Alabama, but once again fell to Alabama-Huntsville 6-5 in the winner's bracket on day two. 

The Statesmen then put together an improbable run to the South Region title, claiming five straight elimination game victories, including two over undefeated Stillman College, 5-2 and 10-7, on Championship Monday. 

DSU's Brent Langston was named the Most Outstanding Player of the South Regional.  Joining Langston on the NCAA All-South Region Tournament Team are catcher Jon Carnahan, left fielder Michael Vinson, designated hitter Ben Kingsley, starting pitcher Josh Branstetter. 

STATESMEN CLINCH 12th GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE TITLE
The Statesmen added to their record for GSC Championship last week when they defeated Alabama-Huntsville 14-8 for the 12th title in program history at State Mutual Stadium in Rome, Ga.

DSU opened the tournament with a 5-4 victory over Christian Brothers and an 11-2 win over Valdosta State. 

The Statesmen fell in the Winner's Bracket final 8-4 to Alabama-Huntsville before rallying with back-to-back wins  over West Florida (7-4) and No. 27 North Alabama (4-0) to gain a rematch with UAH. 

In the GSC title tilt, the Statesmen tied the GSC record for hits in a tournament game with 24 en route to the convincing 14-8 victory over the Chargers of the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

DSU's Jon Carnahan was named GSC Tournament MVP, while Rickey Winters (P), Josh Branstetter (P), Michael Vinson (OF) and Ben Kingsley (DH) were named to the All-Tournamen Team.  

STATESMEN RANK NO.1 ALL-TIME IN WINS IN GSC
Delta State University baseball holds the distinction of owning the most conference titles (12) in Gulf South Conference history.  DSU also holds the honor of being the all-time winningest program in league history with 1,777 victories.  Since 1933, the Statesmen are 1,777-879-11. 

ABCA/RAWLINGS HONORS FIVE STATESMEN & KINNISON
The ABCA and Rawlings have announced their 2012 All-South Region teams. The ABCA and Rawlings honored five Statesmen for their play in the 2012 season and DSU head coach Mike Kinnison was named the region Coach of the Year.

Delta State placed senior catcher Jon Carnahan and junior left fielder Michael Vinson on the First Team, while senior pitcher Aaron Newcomb and junior pitcher Josh Branstetter were Second Team selections. 

The ABCA and Rawlings also named their South Region Gold Glove teams with two Statesmen being honored, including Carnahan behind the plate and Jordan Chovanec in centerfield.

NINE STATESMEN NAMED TO ALL-GSC TEAMS
After a successful season, the Statesmen placed nine players on the All-GSC teams. Three players made the First Team. Sophomore outfielder Jordan Chovanec, senior pitcher Aaron Newcomb and junior pitcher Colton Mitchell were named First Team All-GSC.

Senior catcher Jon Carnahan, senior third baseman Brent Kakwitch, junior outfielder Sam Kidd, junior outfielder Michael Vinson, junior pitcher Josh Branstetter, and senior pitcher Brandon Hardin were all named to the All-GSC Second Team.

50 HITS/40 RBIS CLUB
The Statesmen offense boasts five players in the 50 hits/40 RBIs Club, led by do-it-all RF Sam Kidd, who leads DSU with 50 RBIs and 70 hits.  LF Michael Vinson (70H/47 RBIs), DH Ben Kingsley (70H/46 RBIs), 3B Brent Kakwitch (68H/40 RBIs) and catcher Jon Carnahan (69H/46 RBIs).  Sophomore 1B Brent Langston is close to joining the club with 57 hits and 36 RBIs.      

DELTA'S IRON MAN
Senior catcher Jon Carnahan has proved that he has endurance behind the plate by starting 49 of the 56 total games the Statesmen have played this season.  What is even more impressive is that Carnahan caught 64 consecutive innings in the NCAA DII South Region tournament in Tampa, Fla., including a 10 inning affair against Alabama-Huntsville on May 20.

ON THE BRINK OF...
The Statesmen like living on the edge by taking the hard route to winning the Gulf South Conference Championship and also emerging as the NCAA DII South Regional champions; the green-and-white sport an 8-0 record in elimination games this post-season.

STATESMEN PITCHERS LEADING WAY FOR DSU
The Delta State pitching staff has been incredible this season, leading the Statesmen to a 46-13 overall record, the program's 12th Gulf South Conference Championship and last week the NCAA South Region title. 

The Statesmen boast the lowest team ERA in the GSC with 3.14 while holding opposing batters to a mere .240 average from the plate. 

The Statesmen have also allowed the fewest earned runs (177), allowed the second fewest walks (154) and have the most strikeouts (460). The Statesmen pitching staff is also averaging 8.98 strikeouts per nine innings and allowing just 2.64 walks per game.

THEY HAD FOUR HORSEMEN, WE HAVE FIVE
Delta State's pitching staff features one of the deepest rotations in the nation with five starters claiming at least four  wins this season.  Aaron Newcomb (10-3/3.33 ERA) leads the team in wins, while Josh Branstetter (7-3/2.79 ERA) features the lowest ERA and most strikeouts (96) amongst weekend starters.  Colton Mitchell (8-1/3.05 ERA) is a lefty that has caused opponents major headaches all season. 

Jordan Moore (7-1, 3.45 ERA), who claimed the win in the GSC title game, and Rickey Winters (4-0/2.30 ERA) also give the Statesmen a big boost as midweek starters.

THE GENERAL IS IN COMMAND
Brandon Hardin has been rock solid in relief this season, as he leads the Statesmen with a 1.11 ERA in 22 appearances. The senior from Pinckneyville, Ill., has picked up seven saves on the season, which ties him for third in DSU single season history, with 35 strikeouts in 32.1 innings pitched.

Hardin has been a reliable arm out of the bullpen for the Statesmen in the postseason, with a 2-0 record and three saves in six appearances. During postseason play, Hardin has six strikeouts in 9.0 innings pitched while giving up one run.

BRANSTETTER CHASING SEASON MARKS
Junior right-hander Josh Branstetter (7-3, 2.79 ERA), who has won his last four starts and earned a save, has moved into third place in a season for innings pitched with 116.  Bubba Dixon set the record of 144.1 innings pitched in 1994. 

Branstetter also has 96 strikeouts and needs just five K's in his next start to break into the season top five.  He has also tossed 18.1 scoreless postseason innings before giving up two runs versus UAH.

STEALING AT WILL
Redshirt sophomore and All-GSC center fielder Jordan Chovanec has swiped bases at will this season, totaling 26 steals in 34 attempts.  The 26 steals are good for sixth in DSU single season history.

Sam Kidd and Ben Kingsley are also in double figures this season in steals.  Kidd has stolen 18-of-20 this season, while Kingsley is a perfect 14-of-14.  Tyler Aldridge is just outside the 10 steals club with eight. 

MITCHELL RACKING UP POSTSEASON HONORS
Junior pitcher Colton Mitchell has put together a stellar season on the mound for the Statesmen, and Mitchell has been getting recognition for his performance. In addition to being named First Team All-GSC, Mitchell has been named a finalist for the Ferriss Trophy and a semi-finalist for the Tino Martinez Award. The Ferriss Trophy is awarded each year to the top collegiate baseball player in the state of Mississippi. The Tino Martinez Award is given out to the top player in NCAA Div. II.

Mitchell has a near spotless 8-1 record on the season with a 3.05 ERA. One of those eight victories was the first perfect game in Statesmen history, a 4-0 victory over New Orleans back on April 14, 2012.  He also pitched 21.1 consecutive scoreless innings this season. 

SEEING DOUBLES IN POSTSEASON
The Statesmen have connected on 29 doubles in the postseason, including five each by Brent Kakwitch (3B) and Brent Langston (1B).  Ben Kingsley (DH), Jon Carnahan (C) and Tyler Aldridge (2B) all have four doubles as well. 

STATESMEN OFFENSE CLICKING IN POSTSEASON
In 13 postseason games, the Statesmen have started producing at a near-record pace at the plate.  In 46 regular season games, DSU batted .312, but when the lights came on in the postseason that average swelled to .343 at the conclusion of the NCAA South Region Tournament. 

STATESMEN BULLPEN SLAMS DOOR
Led by closer Brandon Hardin, the Statesmen bullpen has been just as effective as the starting rotation this season.  DSU's bullpen is 12-5 this season with a 3.54 ERA and 10 saves. 

Hardin (5-4/1.11 ERA/7 saves) is just one of six pitchers coach Mike Kinnison routinely calls out of the pen.  Rickey Winters (4-0/2.30 ERA), James Hudelson (1-0/3.44 ERA/1 save), Jordan Moore (7-1/3.45 ERA), Jared Bond (1-0/3.68 ERA), Drew Milligan (2-0/2.31 ERA) and Cullen Babin (1-1/6.98 ERA) all appear regularly for the Statesmen. 

AFTER SIX IT'S ALL GREEN & WHITE
The Statesmen have an outstanding 39-2 record when leading after six innings this season.  DSU is an even better 28-0 when leading after eight innings.

RACE TO THE SIXTH
Delta State's offense has put up a league-leading 460 runs this season with 74 coming in the fifth inning.  In fact, DSU has outscored the opposition 282-107 through the fist five.

ADDITIONAL NEEDS...
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