Great start to the season, beating UAB 6-2!
Great win! If they can keep hitting they should have a good season. i think the pitching is pretty strong.
Quote from: bb33 on February 20, 2021, 10:19:53 AM
Great win! If they can keep hitting they should have a good season. i think the pitching is pretty strong.
Good pitching definitely trumps good hitting, but that is coming from a Pitcher :)
Unfortunately, we dropped the series 2-1. Let's take out the frustration at Jacksonville state next weekend.
If we can end the Spring trip part of the season even close to .500, it is a win. Always a struggle for cold-weather states for the first 1/3 of each college baseball season, since you don't get as much outside practice time.
Quote from: valpotx on February 21, 2021, 07:46:58 PM
If we can end the Spring trip part of the season even close to .500, it is a win. Always a struggle for cold-weather states for the first 1/3 of each college baseball season, since you don't get as much outside practice time.
How many states were NOT cold weather states when the Spring season began in January/February?
Quote from: valpotx on February 20, 2021, 02:24:21 PMQuote from: bb33 on February 20, 2021, 10:19:53 AMGreat win! If they can keep hitting they should have a good season. i think the pitching is pretty strong.
Good pitching definitely trumps good hitting, but that is coming from a Pitcher :)
Agree but you need runs to support the pitchers and the last few years we have struggled to string together hits.. I we can score some runs, the pitching will take care of the rest.
I can't believe the boys had to come back to Indiana just to head back down to Alabama again.
Quote from: bb33 on February 22, 2021, 02:44:47 PM
Quote from: valpotx on February 20, 2021, 02:24:21 PMQuote from: bb33 on February 20, 2021, 10:19:53 AMGreat win! If they can keep hitting they should have a good season. i think the pitching is pretty strong.
Good pitching definitely trumps good hitting, but that is coming from a Pitcher :)
Agree but you need runs to support the pitchers and the last few years we have struggled to string together hits.. I we can score some runs, the pitching will take care of the rest.
I can't believe the boys had to come back to Indiana just to head back down to Alabama again.
Probably just due to the early start timing. It is usually easier to string together a few games in late Feb/early March, around the official Spring Break. We used to just do a Florida Spring trip each year, where a bunch of Midwestern/Northeastern teams would try to pickup some games.
So Kyle Schmack (son of HC Brian Schmack) is 1/10 on the season through the first three games and 6/44 or .136 for his career so far and has batted 4th the first 3 games this season. I've never really followed baseball to closely just glanced at the box scores here and there but is he really that good of a hitter and this is a slump? Is no one better? Or is the team not being put first?
Quote from: NotBryceDrew on February 23, 2021, 12:44:48 PM
So Kyle Schmack (son of HC Brian Schmack) is 1/10 on the season through the first three games and 6/44 or .136 for his career so far and has batted 4th the first 3 games this season. I've never really followed baseball to closely just glanced at the box scores here and there but is he really that good of a hitter and this is a slump? Is no one better? Or is the team not being put first?
I've noticed that as well. I think its a very small sample size and as valpotx says, it takes northern teams a while to get back into shape.
Kyle was a very highly regarded kid coming out of high school. I suspect that if this continues his role will change.
Before Valpo: Was the MVP of the Indiana North/South All-Star Game in June 2019 following his senior year of high school... Was an all-state and all-area selection while being tabbed the LaPorte County Player of the Year... Was a four-year letter winner in baseball while also earning four varsity letters in football... Member of National Honor Society.
Yes, he comes in with a lot of skills/potential, but seems prone to striking out. I don't think that this is favoritism, as he held higher level offers, before choosing Valpo.
Tied to the strikeout topic, it is annoying as hell how many baseball players are essentially 'boom or bust' nowadays, falling in love with the HR, versus just putting the ball in play. So many MLB hitters that have a crap ton of K's each season.
This team tends to strikeout...ALOT. Kyle may have been a HS stud, but until he can prove he can hit at this level, he should probably not be batting 4th -- especially because his dad is the coach. And all these kids were HS studs. That's why they are playing D1, We need to figure out the bats and fast. I know they haven't seen the field, but this is the same pattern as last year and is frustrating. At least put the ball in play and have a chance. And hopefully Kyle will prove me wrong. I would love for him to hit.. I want them all to hit.
Pitching is not our problem. But they can't win without runs. Fields pitched a great game and came away with the loss. Hoping the second time around in Bama will be better.
Exactly, just put the dang ball in play! Even in my old man baseball league, it still drives me nuts to see the amount of folks that strikeout on my team, versus just going with the pitch for a slap single the other way, or fouling it off until you get one that you like.
Quote from: valpotx on February 23, 2021, 10:59:40 PM
Exactly, just put the dang ball in play! Even in my old man baseball league, it still drives me nuts to see the amount of folks that strikeout on my team, versus just going with the pitch for a slap single the other way, or fouling it off until you get one that you like.
I always use the fact that of all the MLB players that had 3,000 at bats or more the player with the highest OPS (on base percentage plus slugging) was Babe Ruth. There were only 7 MLB players that had an OPS over 1. Babe Ruth (1.1636), Ted Williams (1.1155), Lou Gehrig (1.0798), Barry Bonds (1.0512), Jimmie Foxx (1.0376), Hank Greenberg (1.0169), and Rogers Hornsby (1.0103).
This team is young. Due to injuries they started 3 true freshman and a sophomore (shortened season last year) in the IF at Jax State. The Starting rotation consists of 1 junior and 2 sophomores. It is going to be a tough year with many teams in valley loaded with experience and returning 5th year seniors. Youngsters showed some great things this past weekend with comeback in 9th inning of first game. This team will continue to develop this year and the experience gained this year will pay off in future. Over half of this roster has 3 years of eligibility left after this year. Talent is there...just need game experience. :thumbsup:
Colin fields has a no hitter going into the Bot of 7. Hope he can finish strong. Go Valpo!!
That is very impressive! Congrats to Colin! Congrats on a good team win, as well, as we prevailed 5-0 with the no-hitter intact.
It will be interesting to see when our last no-hitter was. Maybe Tim Holmes? I think there was another solid guy before him, Jergen?
We sweep the Saturday twinbill, following up the no-hitter with another solid pitching performance, to win 3-2. We are now 3-6, and showing signs of being a pretty good team this season. The MVC always gets multiple bids in baseball, so it will be interesting to see what happens.
Quote from: valpotx on March 13, 2021, 07:00:25 PM
That is very impressive! Congrats to Colin! Congrats on a good team win, as well, as we prevailed 5-0 with the no-hitter intact.
It will be interesting to see when our last no-hitter was. Maybe Tim Holmes? I think there was another solid guy before him, Jergen?
[/quot
1992.
https://www.valpoathletics.com/baseball/news/2020-21/20286/fields-twirls-programs-first-no-hitter-since-1992-valpo-sweeps-doubleheader-from-middle-tennessee/
Yes, it was Tim Juran that I was thinking about. A long time back!
Quote from: valpotx on March 14, 2021, 03:03:54 PM
Yes, it was Tim Juran that I was thinking about. A long time back!
If I'm correct Tim Juran had several no hitters during his Valpo career and ended up in the Mets farm system but never made it past AAA. He only pitched a few innings, if I remember correctly, for the Tidewater Tides of the International League. I did see him pitch a no-hitter in the early 70's against one of the ICC teams. I remember Em Bauer walking up to my relative (sitting in our car on those cold spring days when there was no seating) and saying Juran has another no-hitter going.
http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/profile.asp?ID=84208
Both Juran and Tim Holmes were all over the historical statistical charts for Pitchers, while I was in school. Holmes was our Pitching Coach for a few seasons, and I believe he played in the Pirates system.
Apparently my memory is pretty bad. Here is Juran's Valpo Athletics Hall of Fame write up.
"An excellent "southpaw" pitcher, Tim Juran compiled a 29-8 career record in a Crusader uniform.
He was 17-0 in Indiana Collegiate Conference play, allowing only 13 runs in 20 games for a phenomenal 0.06 ERA. Juran had a 1.80 ERA in 50 overall appearances. He threw a no-hitter against Indiana University in 1970 to record the first Crusader win on the diamond now known as Emory G. Bauer Field.
Juran was a complete player and sported a career batting average of .305. He was a two-time Crusader MVP and was three times selected as the Indiana Collegiate Conference Most Valuable Player.
So Juran threw a no-hitter against Indiana but only one and he did throw 102 innings for Tidewater in his 1 year and a few months in 1974 & 1975.
https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=juran-001tim
Very cool. I like the historical aspects of baseball, much more so than any other sport, and not just because I played it. For those in The Region, you might know this guy:
https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=shinn-001all
Many a VU baseball player suited up for Al's Michigan City Stars team during the Summer seasons, including me, over my last 2 Summers of college ball. I was sad to see a few months back, that he had passed back in 2016. He was old school, hardcore old school. Had a huge cigar in his mouth during games, and didn't always smoke it, but it was there. He was able to attend Spring Training with Jackie Robinson, since he was also in the Dodgers system. He always had some cool stories. My fondest memory of that time, is that since it was a semi-pro team, players could come and go, as long as you were on the roster. Due to only having 8 players one game, Al put himself in as the last hitter in the line-up. At the time, he would have been 69 or 70. First AB, the dude smokes a line drive through the gap between 1B and 2B, after the other team was laughing at him the entire time. Now, he got thrown out at 1B, because he could barely run, but he had proved his point. You don't forget how to hit, if you are a top hitter...
Love the Valpo uniforms, brown hat with the "V" and gold jersey with block "VALPO" in brown
Yeah, the brown has always worked in Baseball. We have worn the color for many years. The jersey that they used to give (I assume that they still give this) to you upon completion of your career at Valpo, is one of the brown variety.
Congrats to Fields on the National Player of the Week award!
http://www.valpoathletics.com/baseball/news/2020-21/20292/fields-named-national-player-of-the-week-by-collegiate-baseball-newspaper-mvc-pitcher-of-the-week/
Quote from: valpotx on March 16, 2021, 01:51:03 AM
Congrats to Fields on the National Player of the Week award!
http://www.valpoathletics.com/baseball/news/2020-21/20292/fields-named-national-player-of-the-week-by-collegiate-baseball-newspaper-mvc-pitcher-of-the-week/
I just read that Fields pitched what is known as "an Immaculate" inning during his no hitter. Perhaps Valpotx can give some background on this. It is striking out all three batters on nine total pitches with all three being swinging strikeouts. Pretty special!
Yeah, that is almost next-to-impossible. So many factors against having such an inning. I remember a few 3 pitch innings in my day, which the opposing coach was obviously pissed in seeing
#7 on our top 10 career strikeouts list, needs to be in the Valpo HoF :). Mr. Oren/the RA knows that I am extremely biased, since Tom was my roommate and one of my good friends during my time at Valpo, as well as since that time. A Mid-Con Pitcher of the Year award winner, and twice on the All-Mid-Con team, in a league completely dominated by Oral Roberts, which routinely won all major awards. Mr. Leavitt, let him in, let him in, let him in! Just kidding on putting it on Aaron, but I do want to take my recommendation to the forums, in addition to my yearly submission when requests are made on whom to consider.
http://www.valpoathletics.com/baseball/news/2020-21/20303/baseball-continues-c-usa-tour-at-western-kentucky/
To the writer of this game summary, we beat Notre Dame when they were #1, during our 2001 season. Probably the only D1 Valpo program to beat a #1? Thank you :).
http://www.valpoathletics.com/baseball/news/2020-21/20330/baseball-edged-by-nationally-ranked-notre-dame/
Quote from: valpotx on March 23, 2021, 08:24:18 PM
To the writer of this game summary, we beat Notre Dame when they were #1, during our 2001 season. Probably the only D1 Valpo program to beat a #1? Thank you :).
http://www.valpoathletics.com/baseball/news/2020-21/20330/baseball-edged-by-nationally-ranked-notre-dame/
It hurts when we realize that our college years are no longer "in recent memory."
That's okay. You can take pride in it here.
Their home run hitter is a beast! It was a solid performance today considering they were scoring 10 plus runs against other highly competitive programs. Wish we could have pulled this one off, but maybe later. We do play them two more times.
Quote from: Pgmado on March 23, 2021, 09:14:03 PM
Quote from: valpotx on March 23, 2021, 08:24:18 PM
To the writer of this game summary, we beat Notre Dame when they were #1, during our 2001 season. Probably the only D1 Valpo program to beat a #1? Thank you :).
http://www.valpoathletics.com/baseball/news/2020-21/20330/baseball-edged-by-nationally-ranked-notre-dame/
It hurts when we realize that our college years are no longer "in recent memory."
I know! How dare this individual unilaterally decide that 2001 is no longer a recent memory. Did I miss a vote?? This is some sort of ageism BS :)
Quote from: valpotx on March 23, 2021, 10:31:51 PM
Quote from: Pgmado on March 23, 2021, 09:14:03 PM
Quote from: valpotx on March 23, 2021, 08:24:18 PM
To the writer of this game summary, we beat Notre Dame when they were #1, during our 2001 season. Probably the only D1 Valpo program to beat a #1? Thank you :).
http://www.valpoathletics.com/baseball/news/2020-21/20330/baseball-edged-by-nationally-ranked-notre-dame/
It hurts when we realize that our college years are no longer "in recent memory."
I know! How dare this individual unilaterally decide that 2001 is no longer a recent memory. Did I miss a vote?? This is some sort of ageism BS :)
As the writer in question (who was 6 years old in 2001, by the way), I'd say the line for recent memory if whether or not freshmen on our current team were born when it occurred :)
In this context, I was referring more to the Schmack head coaching era as recent memory. We beat ND in 2012 and had a two-run loss to a ranked ND team in 2013 as well. Your 2001 win was referenced in my pregame notes - it is not forgotten!
Quote from: Brandon on March 23, 2021, 11:40:02 PM
Quote from: valpotx on March 23, 2021, 10:31:51 PM
Quote from: Pgmado on March 23, 2021, 09:14:03 PM
Quote from: valpotx on March 23, 2021, 08:24:18 PM
To the writer of this game summary, we beat Notre Dame when they were #1, during our 2001 season. Probably the only D1 Valpo program to beat a #1? Thank you :).
http://www.valpoathletics.com/baseball/news/2020-21/20330/baseball-edged-by-nationally-ranked-notre-dame/
It hurts when we realize that our college years are no longer "in recent memory."
I know! How dare this individual unilaterally decide that 2001 is no longer a recent memory. Did I miss a vote?? This is some sort of ageism BS :)
As the writer in question (who was 6 years old in 2001, by the way), I'd say the line for recent memory if whether or not freshmen on our current team were born when it occurred :)
In this context, I was referring more to the Schmack head coaching era as recent memory. We beat ND in 2012 and had a two-run loss to a ranked ND team in 2013 as well. Your 2001 win was referenced in my pregame notes - it is not forgotten!
Yep, I knew that you lurked around here on occasion. Pgmado and I know each other, as well. I still think that you are trying to cancel us 'old people,' but I guess that I will let it slide...this time :)
Brandon, is there any way that you can work the words 'Buck Futler,' into future editions? You don't need to spell it out sequentially. Maybe secret code, where each paragraph starts with the letters, coming together to form such an accurate assessment of our feelings towards Futler? :) I do love that my sport is probably one of the only Valpo programs, which has a winning record against Futler.
http://www.valpoathletics.com/baseball/news/2020-21/20333/baseball-to-visit-butler-for-final-pre-conference-series/
Quote from: valpotx on March 25, 2021, 12:43:54 AMBrandon, is there any way that you can work the words 'Buck Futler,' into future editions? You don't need to spell it out sequentially. Maybe secret code, where each paragraph starts with the letters, coming together to form such an accurate assessment of our feelings towards Futler? I do love that my sport is probably one of the only Valpo programs, which has a winning record against Futler.
Haha. It's a big Valpo/Butler weekend with football, baseball and tennis all playing the Bulldogs, plus men's golf is at the Butler Invitational early next week. Let's hope for all victories!
Looks likely for a pitching duel on Friday between Fields and Hammel. Should be fun to watch.
Yes, it will be interesting to see how we perform at DBU!
Dallas Baptist video announcer: "Please disregard the Crusaders name on the front of the Valpo uniform. They are no longer the Crusaders."
That works.
Early Baseball America Projection has the MVC as a two bid league with DBU and Indiana State getting in DBU is a projected 3 seed in the TCU regional (#14 National seed) and Indiana State is a projected 2 seed in the Notre Dame regional (#8 National Seed)
https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2021-ncaa-baseball-tournament-projected-field-of-64-4721/
The MVC is a very solid baseball league, having secured 3 bids on multiple occasions.
Quote from: valpotx on April 16, 2021, 01:32:02 AM
The MVC is a very solid baseball league, having secured 3 bids on multiple occasions.
I understand how DBU or Oral Roberts in a previous life, draw better players because of the weather. Having said that, how is Indiana State ranked in the top 25 and we just aren't very good? Both baseball and softball are bad to really bad.
Quote from: vu72 on April 16, 2021, 08:12:11 AMQuote from: valpotx on April 16, 2021, 01:32:02 AMThe MVC is a very solid baseball league, having secured 3 bids on multiple occasions.
I understand how DBU or Oral Roberts in a previous life, draw better players because of the weather. Having said that, how is Indiana State ranked in the top 25 and we just aren't very good? Both baseball and softball are bad to really bad.
We've never really been a baseball school and the MVC is by far and away the best league for baseball we've ever been in. It could be coaching investment facilities or they just are having a great stretch recruiting the right players. I remember Indiana State being decent a lot of years though although I don't follow college baseball super closely (especially prior to us joining the Valley). I think it's possible that our recruiting just hasn't caught up. Weather probably doesn't help but neither does our reputation as a program which is not exactly known for winning championships in baseball. That two year run we had in 2012 and 2013 where we made the NCAA Tournament both years were our first appearances since 1968 and 2012 is the only time we've won a conference championship in baseball.
From what I can tell, our biggest weakness is our hitting. If we find a way to hit, we are competitive. But some days all we do is strike out. No amount of pitching or fielding can overcome lack of hitting. You need at least one to win. We have a lot of good pieces. I am an optimist so hopefully we can put it all together. Maybe because I was born a Cubs fan -- it's survival mode. This weekend series is going to be tough. Indiana State has build quite the program. Hopeful to take at least one.
For softball, I have heard that it would be helpful for a change at the top. (I have not heard that about baseball.)
Are you sure that you are not confusing the Valpo team with the Cubs?
Quote from: VUGrad1314 on April 16, 2021, 08:42:26 AM
Quote from: vu72 on April 16, 2021, 08:12:11 AMQuote from: valpotx on April 16, 2021, 01:32:02 AMThe MVC is a very solid baseball league, having secured 3 bids on multiple occasions.
I understand how DBU or Oral Roberts in a previous life, draw better players because of the weather. Having said that, how is Indiana State ranked in the top 25 and we just aren't very good? Both baseball and softball are bad to really bad.
We've never really been a baseball school and the MVC is by far and away the best league for baseball we've ever been in. It could be coaching investment facilities or they just are having a great stretch recruiting the right players. I remember Indiana State being decent a lot of years though although I don't follow college baseball super closely (especially prior to us joining the Valley). I think it's possible that our recruiting just hasn't caught up. Weather probably doesn't help but neither does our reputation as a program which is not exactly known for winning championships in baseball. That two year run we had in 2012 and 2013 where we made the NCAA Tournament both years were our first appearances since 1968 and 2012 is the only time we've won a conference championship in baseball.
I believe that Baseball has the most conference championships of any sport at Valpo :). I get that you are talking about recent, but we've always been competitive. We don't usually get blown out in Baseball.
We narrowly avoid being no hit in the first game today. With 1 out in the top of the 7th (7 inning game, due to DH), our pinch hitter gets a key hit down the RF line. We will still lose big in this one, but at least not a no hitter.
I kept switching between this game and the football game. Great to see football win. Hopefully tomorrow will be our day on the diamond. We just need to hit. I think we still have some pitchers for tomorrow.
I will be following this game and the soccer game. Hopefully they both win and make my Sunday....or at least one of them.
I don't understand what we gain by pitching Rhodehouse for two innings. It seems like a waste.
Two key wins to start our series against 25-9 SIU today! Not to mention, being our first home games, after 25 games on the road to start the season. To VU72's point on another thread, this is another reason that I think Baseball and Softball should be given a little bit more flexibility in results. Both usually have around 20 games on the road to start each season, which is extremely tough for any sport to do.
Game 1 was won on a pinch hit HR in the bottom of the 9th - http://www.valpoathletics.com/baseball/boxscore/2020-21/8895/southern-illinois-vs-valpo-04-23-2021/
Game 2 included all runs being scored by both teams in the last inning - http://www.valpoathletics.com/baseball/boxscore/2020-21/8896/southern-illinois-vs-valpo-04-23-2021/
Why was the second game only 7 innings?
I believe that it was only supposed to be a single 9 inning game on Friday, but they moved one of the Saturday games up. If you have a DH, both are typically 7 innings, so my guess is they are keeping that 2-7 and 2-9 inning game split for each conference weekend.
Quote from: valpotx on April 24, 2021, 01:48:03 PM
I believe that it was only supposed to be a single 9 inning game on Friday, but they moved one of the Saturday games up. If you have a DH, both are typically 7 innings, so my guess is they are keeping that 2-7 and 2-9 inning game split for each conference weekend.
All of the MVC series are four games this year - three nine-inning games and one seven-inning game. The normal format will be one nine-inning game on Friday, a doubleheader on Saturday featuring a seven-inning game followed by a nine-inning game, and a nine-inning game on Sunday. There is also a run rule if a team is leading by 10+ through seven innings of a nine-inning game. There is no standard for doubleheaders across the NCAA - Valpo has played two 9s, two 7s, a 9 then a 7 and a 7 then a 9 this season.
That is a very odd thing to think of in college baseball, a run-rule.
Regardless, congrats to the team on winning today, and taking 3 of 4 against SIU!
So good to win a series. We seem to play well against SIU. Good first home opener. Hopefully the bats will stay hot.
Another "almost" as we lost 8-7 to #8 Notre Dame. We out hit them and had a couple of long ball caught up against the fence. It sure seems like we has turned it up a BIG notch over early season play. Let's hope it keeps going entering into further Valley play.
Another home win, vu72. See how little of a change can make such a large impact? Playing 20-25 games on the road, and finally getting to sleep in your own bed and have your normal routine, goes a long way.
We lose the first game today 11-3, but are currently ahead 11-0 in the top of the third. We are 12/16 at the plate at this point, with an additional 1 BB & 2 HBPs. Wow...
Back-to-back 3 to 1 series wins at home against SIU and ISUr! What a difference being at home makes, as we are 6-2 at home, and 5-21 on the road/neutral. We are now 6-10 in conference, and can play with the rest of our opponents, since we already played the top 2 teams in DBU and ISUb.
This was a wicked series with the win blowing out. Great to take 3/4.
Quote from: bb33 on May 02, 2021, 08:49:12 PM
This was a wicked series with the win blowing out. Great to take 3/4.
When the score kept ballooning in that Saturday game, I had guessed it must have been windy. I remember games at Chicago State during my time, where we had 6-7 HRs, due to the same reasoning. If memory serves me correctly, Brian Wolotka had 4 HRs in a double-header, and around 6-7 HRs in that series.
This is why I get frustrated when everything becomes about stats. It doesn't tell the story. I heard that one of the HRs yesterday was a pop up that went over the ISU bullpen and then was carried back in a fair just over the fence. These games can kill an ERA even if the pitcher is doing well. Easton is great and gave up that 9th inning HR.
Wonder if Bradley will happen. That really hurts us since they would have probably dropped 3/4 at IndState.
Quote from: bb33 on May 03, 2021, 11:31:08 AM
This is why I get frustrated when everything becomes about stats. It doesn't tell the story. I heard that one of the HRs yesterday was a pop up that went over the ISU bullpen and then was carried back in a fair just over the fence. These games can kill an ERA even if the pitcher is doing well. Easton is great and gave up that 9th inning HR.
Wonder if Bradley will happen. That really hurts us since they would have probably dropped 3/4 at IndState.
Preaching to the choir, as I was a Pitcher lol. Nothing is more frustrating than BS wind-aided hits, or off the end of the bat singles.
Hannahs with MVC player of the week. What a weekend he had. He is going to be something special. This team keeps getting better and better.
Good split to start the series at Bradley, to move to 12-24 (7-11). Let's take both on Saturday!
Tough 3-2 loss in the first game today. I will be interested to see what happened for that last out, as it looks like a failed pickoff attempt, that led to our guy getting to 3B, but then getting the final out of the game trying to steal home?
I had friends at the game. Wild pitch. Controversial call at home.
I'm just hoping Fricke is okay. He started the 4th game with 6KS and no hits and came out.
Great to take two again a team that a week ago couldn't play the top team bc of covid and magically had all their players available against us. Have heard more rumors that they continued to produce all week.
Why no pinch hitter in the 9th for Thurston either
The Missouri Valley Baseball Tournament is this week at Itchy Jones Stadium in Carbondale, IL
Valpo the #8 seed (out of 8 teams) plays # 5 seed Missouri State at 7:00 p.m. (8:00 p.m. Eastern) on Tuesday, May 25. The first round is single elimination. So if Valpo loses they are out. If Valpo can manage to beat the Bears they would then play #2 seed Indiana State (NOT #1 seed Dallas Baptist as indicated on the Valpo Athletics website baseball schedule) http://www.valpoathletics.com/baseball/schedule/2020-21/8942/valpo-vs-mvc-tournament-05-28-2021/ on Wednesday, May 26 at 2:30 p.m (3:30 p.m. Eastern).
https://s3.amazonaws.com/sidearm.sites/mvc.sidearmsports.com/documents/2021/5/22/2021_MVC_Baseball_Tourney_Bracket.pdf
If Valpo beats Missouri State (got swept in 4 games at Missouri State this past weekend) and loses to #2 Indiana State they would then fall to the losers bracket and play the loser of the #1 Dallas Baptist vs winner of the #6 Illinois State/#7 Evansville first round game. The loser bracket game would be on Thursday, May 27 at 10:00 a.m. (11:00 a.m. Eastern).
From the bracket you linked:
*If the No. 8 seed wins Game 2, it will play the No. 1 seed at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, and the winner of Game 1 would face the No. 2 seed.
Quote from: bbtds on May 24, 2021, 06:45:46 AM
The Missouri Valley Baseball Tournament is this week at Itchy Jones Stadium in Carbondale, IL
Valpo the #8 seed (out of 8 teams) plays # 5 seed Missouri State at 7:00 p.m. (8:00 p.m. Eastern) on Tuesday, May 25. The first round is single elimination. So if Valpo loses they are out. If Valpo can manage to beat the Bears they would then play #2 seed Indiana State (NOT #1 seed Dallas Baptist as indicated on the Valpo Athletics website baseball schedule) http://www.valpoathletics.com/baseball/schedule/2020-21/8942/valpo-vs-mvc-tournament-05-28-2021/ on Wednesday, May 26 at 2:30 p.m (3:30 p.m. Eastern).
https://s3.amazonaws.com/sidearm.sites/mvc.sidearmsports.com/documents/2021/5/22/2021_MVC_Baseball_Tourney_Bracket.pdf
If Valpo beats Missouri State (got swept in 4 games at Missouri State this past weekend) and loses to #2 Indiana State they would then fall to the losers bracket and play the loser of the #1 Dallas Baptist vs winner of the #6 Illinois State/#7 Evansville first round game. The loser bracket game would be on Thursday, May 27 at 10:00 a.m. (11:00 a.m. Eastern).
Quote from: vusupporter on May 24, 2021, 09:17:18 AM
From the bracket you linked:
*If the No. 8 seed wins Game 2, it will play the No. 1 seed at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, and the winner of Game 1 would face the No. 2 seed.
OK, my mistake. What good is a bracket if it doesn't actually follow the lines? The whole tournament seems to be rigged for the 8th seed NOT to win. Might as well just lose to Missouri State for the fifth time in 5 days and get it over with. :-)
Quote from: bbtds on May 24, 2021, 09:52:16 AM
Quote from: vusupporter on May 24, 2021, 09:17:18 AM
From the bracket you linked:
*If the No. 8 seed wins Game 2, it will play the No. 1 seed at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, and the winner of Game 1 would face the No. 2 seed.
OK, my mistake. What good is a bracket if it doesn't actually follow the lines? The whole tournament seems to be rigged for the 8th seed NOT to win. Might as well just lose to Missouri State for the fifth time in 5 days and get it over with. :-)
To be fair, 3 of our 4 losses to Missouri State were by 1 run. We didn't get blown out in conference, except against DBU and Indiana State, who were both ranked at different times this season.
I agree. We played MSU tough. I don't think they want to play us again. I think we matched up well against them. We were one hit away in three games to win. We just couldn't do it. Maybe today is the day. And I think we have been there a day earlier than MSU, so that may work for us. Or being on the road for while will hurt us. Regardless, let's get them boys!!
Quote from: bb33 on May 25, 2021, 09:57:34 AMWe played MSU tough
Quote from: valpotx on May 24, 2021, 11:48:10 PMTo be fair, 3 of our 4 losses to Missouri State were by 1 run.
Coulda, shoulda. We still lost. If Matt Lottich had a record of 14-33 would you say but "8 of those were only by 2 points". I think not. Just win!
Quote from: vu72 on May 25, 2021, 10:27:22 AM
Quote from: bb33 on May 25, 2021, 09:57:34 AMWe played MSU tough
Quote from: valpotx on May 24, 2021, 11:48:10 PMTo be fair, 3 of our 4 losses to Missouri State were by 1 run.
Coulda, shoulda. We still lost. If Matt Lottich had a record of 14-33 would you say but "8 of those were only by 2 points". I think not. Just win!
Yes and no. Baseball is a different beast than Basketball. It is much more likely that you can get lucky and win in Baseball, versus Basketball. So many more factors can go wrong, where it isn't always about overall talent.
I'm just hopeful we have a chance a win based on how we competed, versus how we paired against Indiana State or even Evansville. It has no reflection of the overall season.
Wow!! Congratulations to the team. Hard fought battle and we finally came out on top!! Next up Dallas Baptist. Go Valpo!!
Yeahhhh! Vu72, do you like apples?....well....how do you like them apples? :) Former football athlete feeling confident after 1 year of success, that you come for our Baseball program. Get outtttaaaaa here lol jk. Just messing with you.
Great first win over a Missouri State team that is obviously having a down year, but is a traditional Baseball power in the MVC. Let's do the same to those Baptists from Grand Prairie! Beautiful campus, btw.
Congrats to the VUBaseball team!
You see, it was all part of my plan to jinx Missouri State (and hopefully Dallas Baptist and the rest of the MVC) by having them believe that the rest of the conference besides Missouri State also had it in for them. So what happens? They beat MSU in a neutral site game and go on to play the #1 seed at 10:00 a.m. (11:00 a.m. Eastern) today. :-)
Quote from: valpotx on May 25, 2021, 11:46:45 PM
Yeahhhh! Vu72, do you like apples?....well....how do you like them apples? :) Former football athlete feeling confident after 1 year of success, that you come for our Baseball program. Get outtttaaaaa here lol jk. Just messing with you.
Great first win over a Missouri State team that is obviously having a down year, but is a traditional Baseball power in the MVC. Let's do the same to those Baptists from Grand Prairie! Beautiful campus, btw.
Sure thing! Nice to finally get the win! But, they managed to keep me up past my bed time so now I'm a little grumpy! Let's beat the Baptists!!
Game moved to noon, but I heard the weather is awful so may be pushed back again.
I may have to go back and watch the replay of that game. So happy for Easton and Jon to finish their careers with a bang. Two unbelievable elimination games.
I wonder if the Big Ten is questioning their decision to not have a tournament.
Looks like a tough loss against a stout DBU team, 12-2. Time to regroup and get the next one!
I think a loss was anticipated. Now we just need to get Illinois State. Our pitching is set up to win (Fields, Chasey, Lebonoff) If these guys are on today, we have a great chance...as long as the bats are alive and we can get a few runs. Let's play again tomorrow boys!!
UNBELIEVABLE finish! Great win!! GO VALPO!
WOW!!! This is one exciting tournament. If it wasn't so far away, I'd be tempted to jump in my car and go. These boys need fans cheering them on. What a great run.
Let's Go!!!
First game I've watched all year and wow what a finish! Redbird runner was definitely out on the tag and the call was overturned and they got it right! Nice job Boys , keep it rolling!
I was worried for a moment that they were not going to review it. You could tell he knew he had the tag.
We have an interesting roster:
7 seniors
7 Sophs
21 frosh
0 juniors
We also started 7 position/DH freshmen today.
I want more info on the hotel situation. So Calpo had to check out but Illinois State did not?? Who organized this?? Either both teams check out or neither. Did Bradley have to check out before they left for the game since they could be eliminated?? Anyone have any info?
Yeaahhhhh, take that, vu72! This one is for you, as I saw your FB comment...Go Crusaders!! ;)
Quote from: valpotx on May 27, 2021, 11:59:45 PM
Yeaahhhhh, take that, vu72! This one is for you, as I saw your FB comment...Go Crusaders!! ;)
GO BROWN AND GOLD!!!!
Valpo gets to play SIU at 6:35 p.m. Central Time. SIU lost to Indiana State 11-8. Indiana State scored three in the top of the ninth inning to make it 11 to 6. In the bottom of the 9th inning SIU hit a two-run homer, got two runners on base, had the tying run up at the plate with one out but they couldn't score anymore runs.
No reason to hang our heads, as we gave it our all, going 2-2 in the conference tourney. Lots to look forward to next year, as we had a young team this season. VU72, we are likely to get 3 teams into the NCAA tourney, with DBU, ISUb, and SIU, all at-large worthy. Can Football do that? :)
Quote from: valpotx on May 28, 2021, 09:55:00 PM
No reason to hang our heads, as we gave it our all, going 2-2 in the conference tourney. Lots to look forward to next year, as we had a young team this season. VU72, we are likely to get 3 teams into the NCAA tourney, with DBU, ISUb, and SIU, all at-large worthy. Can Football do that? :)
Well, we were one win away from ACTUALLY being in the NCAA tournament! Seriously, Valpo's hitting doesn't seem to be the problem and Schmack finally hit a home run. Pitching is a problem. We lose our two best to graduation. Can't win many games giving up 10 or more runs (15 times this past season). Let's all hope for a great future. Clearly they got a lot better near the end of the season.
I saw in the game notes that we would be returning around 80% of our innings, and around 60% of our ABs. That is a very young team with a lot of potential. With the MVC rated as the #7 conference in RPI this year, and consistently top 8, if we put together some solid non-conference wins, we have a very real chance of an at-large bid in Baseball. The MVC routinely gets 2-3 teams in each year, even in the year that DBU did not make it.
It was enjoyable to be with the team in Carbondale this week -- for a team loaded with talented freshmen and sophomores to get the opportunity to play four games in the MVC Tournament is great experience that should pay off going forward. Joe Healy from Baseball America had several good points about the program on Twitter, and that praise coming from a reporter from a national outlet says a lot. The other encouraging thing is that even the underclassmen who did not have great numbers this season have high ceilings, and our program has a strong history of player development. Schmack is an excellent pitching coach and I think a few of the young arms could make big jumps. For example, Rhodehouse had a 9.68 ERA as a sophomore before becoming an all-conference type pitcher over the last few years.
I was excited to see them have some success at the tournament in part because this program is run the right way on & off the field. For example, the four fifth-year seniors all have high GPAs in the MBA program after finishing undergrad last year, and those were the guys setting the tone. Numerous times over the years when I've traveled with the team, including this week, I've heard restaurant staffs tell the coaches how good the team was to work with for such a large group. And that extends to on the field as well -- I hear from broadcasters & SIDs across the league that their coaches have a lot of respect for the way our team competes and how they play the game.
https://twitter.com/JoeHealyBA/status/1398484356134588418 https://twitter.com/JoeHealyBA/status/1398484359078977537 https://twitter.com/JoeHealyBA/status/1398484361415114754 https://twitter.com/JoeHealyBA/status/1398484365458513920
Good to see the thoughts from the BA reporter/writer, and your additional analysis. Agreed on the potential of this team going forward.
The MVC got both DBU (champs) & Indiana State (at-large) in the tourney, but SIU missed out. It looks like some upsets in conference tourneys took away the Salukis' shot at an at-large, but they deserved that consideration. I wonder how close they were to being selected, if they had that same First Four Out model that the Basketball tourney does.
I've seen a similar format used on BaseballAmerica when it tries to predict the bracket but I'm not sure if they do so for the official bracket. I've never seen it before.