No preview since I'm still on the road, but to get things started...
Announced pitching matchup will be RS Sr RHP Chase McDowell vs. Jr RHP Jordan Kipper (3 starts, 1-1, 15.0 IP, 5.40 ERA, .286 BAA, 18 hits/7 xtrabases, 2 BBs, 12 Ks).
A right-hander with good control is the best possible matchup for us-- we can be aggressive at the plate, and play our 4 left-handed bats (Cook, Williams, Warren, Teykl) and both switchhitters (Byrd, Stainback) are better from the left-side.
TCU limps into Reckling with a 9-6 record (4-2 road/neutral, 1-2 vs. Top 50), having just lost a home weekend series to Michigan State, but seeking revenge for our victory at Minute Maid. Here's the Horn Frogs' schedule and results YTD...
http://warrennolan.com/baseball/2014/schedule/TCU
Here's the game notes from the TCU site...
http://gofrogs.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/...14aaa.html
Here's the TCU stat sheet coverng their first 15 games...
http://gofrogs.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/...mcume.html
Similar to ourselves, they have pitched exceptionally well (staff ERA of 2.25, BAA of .220, K:BB ratio of 4.2, and averaging exactly one strikeout per inning pitched), but...their offense has struggled mightily (259/.358./325, 3 HRs and averaging just 4.2 runs/game. However, they are very aggressive on the bases, having stolen 27-40 bases, led by Cody Jones (12-13 SBs). They are also adept at working the count, having accumulated as many free passes as strikeouts.
I hope the coaching staff has identified specific flaws in our offensive approach and has worked with the team on rectifying them. Our pitching has been off-the-charts outstanding so far this year (2.25 ERA, .220 BAA, K:BB ration of 2.4)-- exceeding expectation, especially with Stephens now out and Rutter sidelined), and our defense has been very, very good (.986 fielding percentage). Unfortunately, save for 3 or 4 games, our offense has provided virtually no support. This has got to change.
BTW, any update on the status of Evan Rutter (who was injured 17 days ago)? And does anyone know why Caleb Smith hasn't pitched in two weeks, despite currently having a short bullpen?
Let's get another quality win, and protect our home turf. Go Owls!
