LSCC pitcher Chandler Jagodzinski selected for NJCAA All-Star team

The Boone High graduate will represent the USA in the Honkbal Tournament in the Netherlands

It wasn't an opportunity former Lake-Sumter Community College pitcher Chandler Jagodzinski ever expected, but it is one he is happy to receive.
Jagodzinski, 19, who just finished his sophomore season with LSCC and has signed with the University of North Florida in Jacksonville for his final two college seasons, was one of 24 players selected to play on the National Junior College Activities Association All-Star team in the Honkbal Tournament in Haarlam, Netherlands.

The Boone High School graduate becomes the first LSCC player to get the chance to represent the United States in an international baseball competition.
"I am real excited. I never thought I would have this opportunity to go overseas to play baseball," Jagodzinski said. "Once they offered me a chance to go, I jumped at it. It is a big opportunity to represent the USA. It's a big honor for me."
LSCC coach Rich Billings nominated Jagodzinski for a spot on the team after getting an e-mail from South Florida Community College coach Rick Hitt, who was part of the selection committee.

"I think more than anything, it's a chance for him to get to experience something not many baseball players get a chance to experience," Billings said. "It is an opportunity to do something special and, besides that, he is going to see some very good baseball players from all different parts of the world."
Dave Grant, president of the NJCAA Baseball Coaches Association, said he is excited about the quality of players on the team's roster and believes the team will compete well in the tournament.

"This is a roster loaded with some of the best players in the NJCAA," Grant said in a release. "Hats off to all the coaches who nominated players. Also, our staff of Rick Hitt, Jeff Willis, Marc Rardin and John Stratton worked tirelessly to get the roster finalized. The selection process is finally over and they can now concentrate on preparing the team for this great tournament."

Willis, who is the baseball coach at LSU-Eunice (La.), which won the NJCAA Division II national championship – his third since 2003 -- is the head coach. Rardin (Iowa Western Community College) and Stratton (Arizona Western College) are assistants.
The tournament will be played from July 9-18 at Pim Mulier Stadium. Other teams competing will be from Cuba, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Netherlands, and Venezuela.

The team will assemble at the University of Tampa for practices and team meetings on July 4-6 before leaving for the tournament on July 7.

"I am hoping this will help me gain some exposure so that after two more years in college, I will get the opportunity to play pro baseball," Jagodzinski said. "I am looking forward to getting some experience of playing in front of large crowds and the experience of playing for the USA. I'm real excited about it.

"It is good to play against good people and it is a wood bat tournament. So if they do hit home runs, they will be legitimate home runs."

Jagodzinski, who currently pitches for the Winter Park Diamond Dawgs in the Florida Collegiate Summer League, said he doesn't know what his role on the USA staff will be, though he was used almost exclusively as a closer for the Lakers.

He appeared in 25 games for LSCC this season, pitching 47 innings and had 49 strikeouts, a 2-2 record with nine saves and a 2.11 ERA. His career stats include 54 appearances – only three starts (two as a freshman and one as a sophomore) -- with a 5-5 record, 16 saves and a 2.73 ERA.

"I think he has exceeded my expectations and everyone else's," Billings said of Jagodzinski's LSCC career. "When we brought him in, I don't think he had many opportunities to play in college. In fact, we may have been his only offer. But he certainly excelled for us."

Kovacs Named Pitcher of the Week

LSCC rising sophomore Nic Kovacs was named the Florida Collegiate Summer League's pitcher of the week for the period from June 14th -21st .

Kovacs earned the FCSL's top pitching honor for throwing the league’s first complete-game shutout in a 2-0 win against DeLand. In that game, Kovacs made only 81 pitches and allowed four hits.

A former East Ridge standout, Kovacs is 1-1 with the Lightning with a 1.69 ERA and has limited hitters to a .222 batting average.

With the Lakers, Kovacs sported a 1-5 record this season with a 6.29 ERA. Kovacs tossed the only complete game for LSCC.

FOUR LSCC BASEBALL PLAYERS EARN HONORS

Lake-Sumter Community College baseball players Bryan Hill and Chandler Jagodzinski were named this week to the Mid-Florida Conference first team. The Lakers were also represented on the second team by freshman pitcher Dave Thomas and sophomore outfielder Stephen Bellantoni.

Hill, a sophomore outfielder, paced LSCC with a .338 batting average and 12 home runs. Hill also had 52 RBIs, good enough to give him the Lakers’ Triple Crown. Nearly half of Hill’s 45 hits(22) went for extra bases. Hill was second on the Lakers with 13 stolen bases and was the only player with more than six stolen bases to not be caught stealing.

Jagodzinski, a sophomore relief pitcher, posted a team best 2.11 ERA with nine saves. He struck out 49 in 47 innings and limited opponents to a .247 batting average. Jagodzinski also picked off one runner.

Thomas paced the Lakers pitching staff with seven wins and threw a team high 64 1/3 innings. Despite hitting nine batters, Thomas walked only eight, while striking out 53

. Bellantoni batted .322 with 23 RBIs. He was the Lakers’ top baserunner with 15 stolen bases. Bellantoni was the only Laker to play in each of the team’s 44 games and started in 43. Bellantoni trailed only Chase Okey among position players with a .981 fielding percentage.

LSCC WINS FINAL GAME OF 2010 SEASON

LSCC Closed out its regular season with a 3-0 win Wednesday against Seminole State College.  Five pitchers combined for the win, allowing only three hits.  LSCC was eliminated from postseason consideration Monday, after a game against Santa Fe College that was originally ruled to be a suspended game was later changed to a completed game, resulting in a 8-6 loss.

David Thomas (7-5) got the win for the Lakers. He went five innings and allowed one hit. Chandler Jagodzinski pitched the ninth inning for his ninth save of the season. Carlos Labrador paced LSCC on offense with three hits, including a two-run homerun.

LSCC LOSES TWO GAMES OVER THE WEEKEND

Mid-Florida Conference Standings

LSCC LOSE TO SANTA FE IN A RAIN SHORTENED GAME

The Lake-Sumter Community College Baseball team lost to Santa Fe College on Monday 8-6 in a game that was called after six innings due to rain. With the loss, the Lakers were eliminated from postseason contention and with the win Santa Fe College clinched the Mid-Florida Conference Championship. The loss drops the Lakers to 20-22-1 overall and 11-12 in the Mid-Florida Conference. Cody Mombourquette and Zac Hubbard had the only RBIs for the Lakers as three Santa Fe errors led to the other four Lakers’ runs. Nick Wilson threw a scoreless inning of relief and Chandler Jagodzinski threw 2 2/3 innings of scoreless baseball. Eddie Bonilla (3-1) was tagged with the loss, his first of the season.

The Lakers finish out the season on the road on Wednesday at Seminole State College. First pitch is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.

LAKERS SNAP 4 GAME LOSING STREAK BY DEFEATING DAYTONA STATE ON MONDAY

The LSCC Lakers Baseball team banged out 17 hits and 13 runs in a 13-3 win over homestanding Daytona State College on Monday.  With the win, the Lakers move back into a 3-way tie for second place in the Mid-Florida Conference with a 10-9 record.  The Lakers improve to 19-19-1 overall on the season.

Offensively, Stephen Bellantoni (4-for-4, 3 RBIs), Cody Mombourquette (3-for-6, RBI), and Chase Okey (2-for-5, 2 doubles) paced the Lakers attack.  The Lakers scored runs in all but one inning on the day.

Dave Thomas went six strong innings for his sixth win of the season to improve to 6-4 overall on the year.  Thomas struck out four hitters, allowed six hits, and two earned runs in the win.  Mark Peterson and Eddie Bonilla each threw a scoreless inning of relief for the Lakers in the ten run ruled shorten game.

The Lakers are back in action on Wednesday (4/14) at home against Central Florida Community College.  First pitch is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.

LSCC STILL ALIVE IN POSTSEASON HUNT WITH WIN OVER CFCC ON WEDNESDAY

The Lake-Sumter Community College baseball team got what it needed.  The Lakers got two home runs from Bryan Hill and limited Central Florida Community College to one run over the final six innings to pick up a 10-6 win Wednesday at the LSCC Baseball complex.

With the win, LSCC improved to 20-19-1 overall and 11-9 in the Mid-Florida Conference, good for a second-place tied with St. John’s River Community College.

Hill homered in a three-run first and again in a five-run second to give the Lakers the offense they would need.  Hill now has 12 homers for the season and totaled six RBIs.  The Lakers had 13 hits, with the team’s top three hitters in the lineup – Chase Okey, Cody Mombourquette, and Hill – had eight hits and scored seven runs.  Josh Johnson was the only other LSCC player with multiple hits.

Jacob Davis picked up the win, going four innings in relief of starter Brandon Vazquez.  Davis allowed four hits, one unearned run and struck out five.  Mark Peterson, Eddie Bonilla, and Chandler Jagodzinski pitched the final three innings for LSCC.   Jagodzinski earned his eighth save of the season in the win.

LSCC hosts St. John’s River Community College at 3 p.m. on Friday in another contest with playoff implications.

Upcoming games
Friday, 4/16 vs SJRCC – 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, 4/17 @ FSC-J – 1:00 p.m.
Monday, 4/19 vs Santa Fe College – 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 4/21 @ Seminole State College – 3:00 p.m.

LAKERS LOSE LEAD LATE IN LOSS TO ST. JOHN’S RIVER CC ON FRIDAY

The Lakers traveled to St. John’s River CC on Friday night in a Mid-Florida Conference game.  The Lakers took an 8-6 lead into the bottom of the eighth inning thanks to Bryan Hill’s second homerun of the game in the top of the inning.  The lead was short-lived because the Vikings hit a two run homerun of their own to tie the game and went on to win the game on a walk off single in the bottom of the ninth.

Chandler Jagodzinski was tagged with his first loss of the season.  He falls to 2-1 overall.  Nick Wilson threw well in relief for the Lakers by going 1 1/3 innings allowing 0 hits, 0 runs, and striking out 2 hitters.

Offensively, the Lakers had 12 hits in the game.  Bryan Hill had 4 hits, including 2 homeruns and 4 RBIs.  Stephen Bellantoni and Zach Pitts both had 2 hits for the Lakers.

The Lakers (18-16-1, 9-6 MFC) are right back in action in the Mid-Florida Conference when they welcome the Florida State College-Jacksonville to town on Monday.  First pitch is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.

Mid-Florida Conference Standings

LAKERS BATS COME ALIVE IN WIN AGAINST CFCC ON WEDNESDAY

The Lakers visited Central Florida Community College on Wednesday and pounded out 14 hits and 12 runs en route to a 12-2 win. The win moves the Lakers to 18-15-1 overall (9-5 in the Mid-Florida Conference). Dave Thomas pitched 6 strong innings, allowing 7 hits, 1 run, 0 walks, and 7 strikeouts. He improves to 5-4 on the year.

Offensively, Tim Blackmon and Stephen Bellantoni had big days at the plate. Blackmon finished a triple short of hitting for the cycle by going 3-for-4 at the plate with a double and 2-run homerun. He also finished the day with 5 RBIs. Bellantoni finished a homerun short of hitting for the cycle by going 3-for-5 with a double, triple, and 2 RBIs. Chase Okey had 2 hits and Cody Mombourquette chipped in with 4 hits for the Lakers.

The Lakers are back in action on Friday night when they travel to Palatka to take on St. John’s River Community College. First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.

THREE RUN 8TH INNING GIVES LSCC 7-3 WIN OVER DAYTONA STATE ON MONDAY
From the Daily Commercial Staff Report

Brandon Vazquez tossed a seven hitter, striking out seven and allowing just one base on balls as Lake-Sumter Community College recorded a 7-3 win over Daytona State College on Monday.  Chandler Jagodzinski struck out two and walked none in the final two innings of the game to pick up his seventh save of the season.

Second-basemen Zac Hubbard led the way for the Lakers with a perfect 3-for-3 performance at the plate, including a double and three RBIs.  His run scoring single in the seventh inning drove in the go-ahead run. 

FCCAA Baseball Co-Pitchers of the Week

Alex Burgos, State College of Florida - Sophomore – Kissimmee, Fla.
Chandler Jagodzinski, Lake-Sumter - Sophomore – Orlando, Fla.

State College of Florida’s Alex Burgos and Lake-Sumter Community College’s Chandler Jagodzinski are this week’s FCCAA Baseball Co-Pitchers of the Week.

Burgos, a sophomore from Kissimmee, Fla., had a superb week as a starter for the Manatees while Jagodzinski, a sophomore from Orlando, Fla., excelled in a relief role.

Burgos was 2-0 (0.00 ERA) and allowed only one run (unearned) in 14.2 total innings, recording wins over Pasco-Hernando and St. Petersburg. Against St. Petersburg on March 19, he allowed only one hit and one walk over eight scoreless innings while striking out 13. For the week, he yielded only five total hits and three walks while tallying 21 strikeouts (.545 WHIP).

Jagodzinski was 2-0 with one save (0.00 ERA) and allowed no runs in 7.0 innings of work. He picked up wins against St. Johns River (March 15) and Daytona State (March 20) and was credited with the save in the Lakers’ win over Seminole State (March 17). He allowed only one hit and struck out four in four scoreless innings of relief against Daytona State, as the Lakers picked up a 7-5 win in 11 innings in a battle of first-place teams in the Mid-Florida Conference. For the week, he allowed three hits and one walk while striking out six (.571 WHIP).

LSCC LOSES TO DAYTONA IN A PITCHER’S DUEL

The LSCC Lakers Baseball team lost to Daytona State College on Monday by a score of 3-1.  Brandon Vazquez started and pitched well by throwing five innings, allowing three hits, one unearned run, and striking out seven hitters.  Unfortunately, he was tagged with the loss and falls to 1-3 on the year.  Mark Peterson, Chad Allen, and Eddie Bonilla finished the game for the Lakers by pitching four combined innings, allowing four hits and two earned runs. 

Offensively, the Lakers managed to get eight hits but left 10 runners on base including the tying run in the ninth inning.  Carlos Labrador had the only multi-hit game for the Lakers by going 2-for-4 with a double.

The Lakers (15-13-1, 7-3 in MFC) return to action on Friday when they travel to Santa Fe College in another Mid-Florida Conference game.  Game time is set for 3:00 p.m.

LSCC WINS TWO MID-FLORIDA CONFERENCE GAMES OVER THE WEEKEND TO MOVE INTO FIRST PLACE

On Friday, the LSCC Lakers defeated Seminole State College 6-1.  Dave Thomas pitched six innings to get the win and improve to 4-3 overall on the year.  Offensively, Bryan Hill hit a grand slam homerun in the fourth inning to put the Lakers on the board. 

The following day, the Lakers traveled to Daytona State College in another Mid-Florida Conference showdown.  Tim Blackmon had the game winning single in the 11th inning and Chandler Jagodzinski pitched four scoreless innings of relief to give the Lakers a 7-5 win in 11 innings.  The two wins improve the Lakers to 15-12-1 overall and 7-2 in the Mid-Florida Conference.  Jagodzinski got credit for the win and ups his record to 2-0.  He allowed one hit and struck out four.

LSCC hosts Daytona State College at 3 p.m. on Monday.  Brandon Vazquez (1-2, 4.45 ERA) is the scheduled starter.

Upcoming Games
Friday, March 26th  - @ Santa Fe College – 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 27th – vs Santa Fe College – 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 28th – vs Rhode Island CC – 12:00 p.m.
Monday, March 29th vs Daytona State College – 3:00 p.m.

LSCC GOES OVER .500 MARK WITH WIN AGAINST SEMINOLE
From the Daily Commercial Staff Report

Bryan Hill blasted a home run and had three RBIs, and Jacob Davis pitched six strong innings Wednesday to lead Lake-Sumter CC to an 8-5 win against Seminole State College.  The win lifted the Lakers to 13-12-1 for the season and 5-2 in the Mid-Florida Conference.

Davis (2-0) allowed four hits and did not allow an earned run.  Stephen Bellantoni went 2-4 with an RBI.  Chase Okey went 2-for-5 with a double and an RBI.  Tim Blackmon also had two hits, including a double.

Chandler Jagodzinski pitched 1 2/3 innings in relief, striking out two and allowing one hit.  Jagodzinski earned his sixth save of the season. 

LSCC hosts Seminole at 2:30 p.m. on Friday.  Dave Thomas (3-3, 5.06 ERA) will be the starting pitcher.

Mid-Florida Conference Standings (as of March 18th )

Upcoming Games
Saturday, 3/20 @ Daytona State College – 1:00 p.m.
Monday, 3/22 vs Daytona State College – 3:00 p.m.
Friday, 3/26 @ Santa Fe College – 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, 3/27 vs Santa Fe College – 1:00 p.m.

LSCC BEATS SJRCC ON MONDAY TO IMPROVE TO 4-2 IN THE MID-FLORIDA CONFERENCE

The Lakers baseball team received another strong effort from their pitching staff on Monday to upend the visiting SJRCC Vikings by a score of 6-3.  Brandon Vazquez started and pitched effectively by going six innings, allowing three runs on five hits, and striking out three hitters.  Eddie Bonilla and Chandler Jagodzinski combined to throw three scoreless innings out of the bullpen.  Jagodzinski picked up his first win of the year.

Offensively, the Lakers scored three runs in the bottom of the seventh inning on two Vikings’ errors to tie the game 3-3.  In the bottom of the eighth, the Lakers took the lead for good by scoring three more runs.  The Lakers had eight total hits in the game and were led by Kenny Hollins (2-4), Tim Blackmon (2-4), and Zac Hubbard (1-2, run scored, 2 walks).  Stephen Bellantoni, Cody Mombourquette, and Bryan Hill all contributed RBI’s to the offensive effort.

With the win, the Lakers improve to 12-12-1 overall and 4-2 in the MFC.  The Lakers return to action on Wednesday when they travel to Sanford to take on the Seminole State College Raiders.  First pitch is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. and Jake Davis (1-0, 4.15 ERA) is the expected starter.

UPCOMING GAMES
Wednesday, 3/17 - @ Seminole State College  2:30 p.m.
Friday, 3/19 – vs Seminole State College  2:30 p.m.
Saturday, 3/20 - @ Daytona State College  1:00 p.m.

LSCC WINS THREE GAMES OVER SPRING BREAK

The LSCC Lakers Baseball Team was busy over spring break, playing five games.  After starting conference play with a 2-0 record, the Lakers welcomed Central Florida CC to town last Saturday.  The CFCC Patriots beat the Lakers 8-0 behind a strong pitching effort from Matt Gendron.  With the loss, the Lakers fell to 9-11-1 and 2-1 in the MFC.

On Monday, the Lakers traveled up to Ocala to take on the Patriots once again.  The Lakers jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead after two innings of play.  However, the Patriots tied the game in the third inning and took the lead for good in the fourth and went on to win 11-7.  Offensively, the Lakers banged out 12 hits and were led by Cody Mombourquette (2-4, 3 runs scored), Chase Okey (2-4, 2B, RBI), Bryan Hill (2-5, 3 RBIs), Tim Blackmon (2-4, HR, 2 RBIs), and Josh Johnson (2-4).  On the mound, Chandler Jagodzinski was the only bright spot for the Lakers by pitching 2 1/3 innings, allowing 1 hit, 0 runs, and striking out 4 hitters.

After a four day break, the Lakers returned to Mid-Florida Conference action by traveling to Palatka to face St. John’s River CC.  Kenny Hollins and Zac Hubbard hit home runs and David Thomas pitched six strong innings to lead the Lakers to a 5-4 win.  Bryan Hill contributed offensively by going 2-for-4 with an RBI and a stolen base.  Tim Blackmon was 2-for-4 with a stolen base.  Thomas evened his record at 3-3 on the year, allowing two runs on five hits.  He also struck out five hitters.  Chandler Jagodzinski earned his fifth save on the year, allowing one earned run in three innings.  LSCC (10-12-1, 3-2 in Mid-Florida Conference) hosts the University of Tampa JV at 2 p.m. today.

On Sunday, the Lakers finished their spring break schedule by winning a 4-1 decision over the visiting University of Tampa JV.  Nic Kovacs earned his first collegiate victory by throwing a complete game.  He allowed six hits, one unearned run, and struck out four hitters.  He improves to 1-3 on the year.  Offensively, the Lakers were led by Stephen Bellantoni (2-5, stolen base), Carlos Labrador (2-3, RBI), and Kenny Hollins (2-4, RBI, 2 stolen bases).  The Lakers improve to 11-12-1 with the non-conference win.

The Lakers are back in Mid-Florida Conference play on Monday when they welcome the St. John’s River CC Vikings to town.  First pitch is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.  Brandon Vazquez (1-2, 4.43 ERA) will be the starting pitcher.

Upcoming Games
Monday, 3/15 – vs SJRCC  3:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 3/17 - @ Seminole State College  2:30 p.m.
Friday, 3/19 – vs Seminole State College  2:30 p.m.
Saturday, 3/20 - @ Daytona State College  1:00 p.m.

LAKERS WIN THE MID-FLORIDA CONFERENCE OPENER AT FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE-JACKSONVILLE
From the Daily Commercial Staff Report

David Thomas allowed only four hits and one run through seven innings Wednesday and Zach Pitts and Kenny Hollins hit home runs to lead Lake-Sumter Community College to a 10-4 win against Florida State College-Jacksonville.  Thomas struck out seven and improved his overall season record to 2-3.

Stephen Bellantoni extended his hitting streak to 18 games with a 4-for-5 performance at the plate for the Lakers, which hammered out 11 hits.  Bryan Hill went 1-for-3 with an RBI.  Josh Johnson went 2-for-5.

LSCC (8-10-1, 1-0 in Mid-Florida Conference) hosts Florida State College-Jacksonville at 3 p.m. Friday at the LSCC Baseball Complex.  Jake Davis will get the start on the mound.

LSCC SLUGFEST HALTED BY DARKNESS IN 10TH INNING
From the Daily Commercial Staff Report

Chase Okey and Jason Matusik led an 11-run, 18-hit Laker attack on Monday, but the bats of Hillsborough CC were active as well and the two schools slugged their way to an 11-11 tie when darkness halted the offensive onslaught.

LSCC (7-10-1) opened the scoring in the second inning, when Matusik blasted a long home run to give LSCC a 1-0 lead. But Hillsborough came roaring back, posting a 4-spot in the third when Kyle Copack singled up the middle to drive in two runs. A double, ground ball and a single later, the visitors had opened a three-run lead.

The Lakers continued their heavy hitting in the fifth, scoring five runs on seven hits. Third baseman Tim Blackmon doubled down the left field line and came in to score when Kenny Hollins doubled to left center. Josh Johnson singled up the middle, scoring Hollins. Zac Hubbard continued the rally with a base hit through the right side and advanced to second on the throw while Johnson took third. Shortstop Cody Mombourquette then made his only hit of the game count, with a single to center, scoring Johnson and Hubbard. Matusik plated the final run when his single to right center scored Mombourquette, giving LSCC a 6-5 lead.

Hillsborough scored four in the seventh and single runs in the eighth and ninth to account for their 11 runs. The Lakers countered with three in the eighth sandwiched between single runs in the seventh and ninth. Mother Nature took care of the rest. Seven HCC pitchers and six from LSCC took the drubbing.

The Lakers open up Mid-Florida Conference play on Wednesday when they travel to Jacksonville to take on Florida State College-Jacksonville. First pitch is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. and Dave Thomas will be the starting pitcher.