Baseball Report (Week 1) - Rose Finishes Florida Trip with 5-1 Record

GREENWOOD, IN- The 2010 baseball season began last week as all nine institutions started their schedules.  Preseason favorite Rose-Hulman finished their week in Florida with a 5-1 mark and hold the top record in the HCAC after the first week of action.

The Engineers' (5-1, 0-0 HCAC) offense exploded for 97 runs during their six game trip, notching 20 runs or more twice in the Sunshine State.  RHIT earned wins over Thiel, Beloit, Hiram, Widener, and Johnson & Wales with their only defeat coming against Augustana (Ill.).

Junior outfielder Chris Stemple (Mt. Vernon, Ind./H.S.) led the offense with a .571 average at the plate, adding 12 runs, six doubles, a grand slam, and 10 RBI. 

Senior Kirk Thompson (Harrisburg, Ill./H.S.) finished the week batting .611 with a home run and a team-high 12 RBI.

Preseason All-American Tim Tepe (Cincinnati, Ohio/Elder) did not disappoint during his first week of action.  The senior shortstop hit .560 with 12 runs, four doubles, and 11 RBI.

On the mound for the Engineers, senior pitcher Derek Eitel (Marshall, Ill./H.S.) earned a 2-0 record down in Florida.  In the 17-0 season opening win over Thiel, Eitel tossed a complete-game with 13 strikeouts, allowing only four hits.  He also tossed seven innings in RHIT's 20-4 win over Johnson & Wales.

The Engineers return to Terre Haute for their home opener this weekend as Calvin comes to Art Nehf Field for a three game series Friday and Saturday.

For a complete recap of Week 1 in HCAC Baseball, click here