After an impressive 5-0 whitewashing of TCU and escaping embarrassment at the hands of TAMU-CC (in what was an ugly and sloppy game by Rice, but one in which the offense showed fight and resilience), the Baseball Owls take the road to Miami to face the red hot Florida International Golden Panthers in a matchup amongst two Top 30 ranked teams that will determine the early favorite for the regular season conference championship. We need to remind these CUSA newcomers and upstarts who is boss, and who sets the standard within the conference. Consequently, this is very much a statement series. A win will not only propel the Owls into the conference lead, but give the team renewed confidence and momentum heading into another important week against Texas State and highly regarded Florida Atlantic. We will need the pitching staff and defense to rebound from their uncharacteristically poor performance against TAMU-CC, and the offense to build upon it's strong showing on Wednesday.

This will not be an easy task against a a very balanced FIU team that boasts a 16-1 overall record (10-1 at home, 3-0 in CUSA, 6-1 vs. Top 50), and ranks in the Top 10 nationally in virtually every offensive and pitching statistic-- #4 in OBP, #5 AVG, #9 SLG, #3 runs/game, #3 ERA, #2 shutouts (6) and #4 in BAA. Though they have only cracked the Top 25 in a couple of the national polls (#19 in Collegiate Baseball), they currently rank #1 in ISR, #20 in RPI and #90 in RPI (vs. Rice's national rankings of #12 in ISR, #31 in RPI and #12 in SOS). Having said all that, and certainly not intending to discredit their fast start, the reality is that FIU has played just two games-- both midweek-- against teams sporting above .500 records (Bethune-Cookman, with a 9-8 record, but a 218 RPI and 11-6 South Florida with a #112 RPI)...and their seven games against Top 50 ranked opponents were weekend series against Rutgers and Dartmouth, neither of which are expected to end the season with RPIs above #150. However, you can only play the teams on your schedule, and credit FIU for dominating their opponents so far. They have won 13 of their 16 games by 4+ runs. To put this in perspective, Rice has scored over 4 runs in less than half our games.

Here's FIU's schedule and results over their first 17 games...
http://warrennolan.com/baseball/2014/schedule/FIU

Offensively, the Panthers are hitting an exceptional .336/.432/.458 as a team, with 11 HRs, 24-31 stolen bases and averaging a whopping 7.8 runs/game. Only two of seven everyday position players are hitting below .319, and they have three platoon players each with 20+ ABs who are hitting above .340. And though preseason all-american and CUSA Player of the Year pick, C Aramis Garcia, is the team leader and cleanup hitter (.431/.521/.769, 5 HRs, 21 RBIs, 11 BBs), he is by no means alone. Joining him in the middle of the lineup are Josh Anderson (.441/.500/.618, 10 xtrabase hits, 18 RBIs) and Edwin Rios (.342/.385/.438, 5 xtrabase hits, 16 RBIs). Their lone sub-par hitter, Tyler Hibbert, still boasts a .388 OBP, with 14 BBs and 10-12 SBs. They also exhibit excellent plate discipline, having received 18 more free passes (BBs, HBPs) than times they struck out. This is going to be quite the challenge for our pitching staff. They do not sacrifice bunt much (only 2 on the year so far), but they are very aggressive on the bases.

Unfortunately for us, given how much our offense has struggled, FIU's pitching staff has matched the prowess of their offense-- they boast an off-the-charts staff ERA of 1.46, BAA of .187, 3:1 K:BB ratio, and are averaging 8.6 strikeouts/game. The one break we get is that their entire weekend rotation is right-handed (but each starter with better stats then the next). However, their closer is a southpaw, as are several other quality bullpen options...

Friday: Jr RHP Mike Franco: 4 starts, 3-0, 25.1 IP, 1.07 ERA, .227 BAA, 5 BBs, 0 HBP, 0 WP, 28 Ks
Saturday: Jr RHP Michael Ellis: 4 starts, 2-1, 17.2 IP, 2.04 ERA, .231 BAA, 10 BBs, 2 WPs, 16 Ks, only 1 xtrabase hit
Sunday: Jr RHP Robby Kalaf: 3 starts, 2-0, 16.0 IP, 0.56 ERA, .151 BAA, 5 BBs, 1 HBP, 13 Ks

Closer: RS Sr LHP M.Gomez: 7 app, 1-0, 2 saves, 7.1 IP, 4.91 ERA, .207 BAA, 2 BBs, 0 HBP, 9 Ks

Here's the Panthers' roster and individual and team stats to date...
http://www.fiusports.com/Sports/MensSpor...oster.aspx
http://www.fiusports.com/portals/1/conte...amcume.htm

Needless to say, we've got our work cut out for ourselves this weekend....but a road series win would go a long way toward solidifying ourselves as a legitimate Top 15 team, and the team to beat in CUSA. We need to bring the focus, aggressiveness and resilience required to be effective road warriors. Time to put all three facets of the game together (pitching, defense, offense), and show our new conference mates why we've won 18 consecutive conference championships, and have every intention of stretching that streak to 19 this season. Let's win our second consecutive road series against a quality opponent this year. Go Owls!


Here's Kendall Roger's preview of the weekend series...
http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View...ticle=9587

Quote:No. 15 Rice at Florida International: The Panthers have gotten off to a terrific 16-1 start this season, but it’s safe to say their schedule hasn’t been the greatest. With that said, they’ve got a chance to make a real statement this weekend against the Owls. FIU has a potent offensive lineup, hitting .336, with veterans Aramis Garcia (.431) and Josh Anderson (.431) leading the way, while the pitching staff, thus far, has been a big surprise with Mike Franco (1.07) and Mike Ellis (1.93) off to good starts, while freshman Cody Crouse (1.04) has met expectations in 17 1/3 innings of work … The Owls suffered some tough news last week when right-handed pitcher Jordan Stephens went down with a season-ending injury, but hard-throwing righty Zech Lemond, who moved from the closer role to starting rotation, struck out 10, walked three and allowed just a run on two hits in 6 2/3 innings in his first start against Old Dominion last weekend. Offensively, the Owls need a big weekend from hard-hitting Skyler Ewing (.361/3/21), while Leon Byrd and Ford Stainback are guys who have the ability to breakout this weekend.

...and Aaron Fitt/BA's weekend preview included an interview with FIU Coach Turtle Thomas...
http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/w...rch-14-16/

Quote:• After one weekend of Conference USA play, Florida International sits atop the standings as the lone 3-0 team, following a road sweep at Charlotte during which it outscored the 49ers 15-4, with shutouts Friday and Sunday. At 16-1, FIU looks like a real threat to Rice in C-USA, and the Golden Panthers have a chance to make a statement this weekend with a three-game home series against the 15th-ranked Owls. The two teams are familiar with each other, having met in a midweek game in 2011 and weekend series over the last two years. Rice is 6-1 in those meetings, with FIU’s lone win coming on the Sunday game last year in Miami.

“So we kind of know a little bit about Rice, not just by reputation,” FIU coach Turtle Thomas said. “And we know they’re the king of the league. We know they’ve been to regionals 19, 20 years in a row, and we know that’s the team that anybody’s got to beat to be able to win the league.”

But the Panthers are better this year than they have been since their last regional team in 2011. Thomas said he is confident in five potential starting options on the mound and three proven options in the bullpen. Ace Mike Franco (3-0, 1.07) didn’t need any help from the bullpen last week, allowing just five hits in a complete-game shutout. Thomas said he can work in the 88-93 range and mix in a short, tight slider and an occasional changeup. Mike Ellis (2-1, 1.93) and Robby Kalaf (2-0, 0.56) join him in a good rotation.

The bullpen has gotten a boost from the return of Mike Gomez from Tommy John surgery that cost him all of last season. Gomez, who had 13 saves to lead the Sun Belt Conference in 2012, has nine strikeouts and two walks in seven innings, compiling a pair of saves. “He’s a nice lefthanded arm, upper 80s, touch 90, with a nice cut slider and a good changeup,” Thomas said. “He’s really got nerves of steel. If it’s a tough spot, he wants to be in the game.”

But FIU’s biggest strength is its thunder in the middle of the lineup. Junior catcher Aramis Garcia (.431/.519/.769, 5 HR, 21 RBI), has kept on mashing since we profiled him two weeks ago, and the Panthers have a strong supporting group of physical run producers in Josh Anderson (.431), Zach Sweety (.349), Edwin Rios (.342) and J.C. Escarra (.300).

“We’ve got a nice mix of left- and righthanded batters, which is good,” Thomas said. “We’ve got some speed, we’ve got some pop, some guys that can hit some doubles, high batting average.” The Panthers have dominated softer competition. Now they’ll find out where they stand in the new-look C-USA.

Here's the FIU game notes for tonight's game...
http://www.fiusports.com/Sports/MensSpor...ekend.aspx


Aramis Garcia is widely considered one of the Top 3 catchers in all of college baseball, and he's rising up the draft boards as he excels both offensively and defensively. Here's a couple articles and scouting reports on him...
http://collegebaseballcentral.com/fiu-ba...hers/3513/
http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/s...is-garcia/



Kendall Rogers and Perfect Game picked FIU to finish 5th in the conference, but still make the post-season. He also selected C Aramis Garcia as CUSA Player of the Year, and picked C Garcia, and 2B Edwin Ross to his preseason all-conference team...
http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View...ticle=9331

Quote:• FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL: The Panthers were expected to make a big statement last season, but failed in that quest thanks, mainly, to injuries. Well, FIU is back in business and healthy this spring with several impressive returning players. For instance, key arms Mike Gomez (closer), Mike Ellis and Maleko Galusha are back from injuries, while talented shortstop Julius Gaines is back in business after a fracture in his back … Gomez is an 88-91 type of arm with a plus changeup and good makeup. Meanwhile, keep an eye on Mike Franco, who’s 90-94 with good command, as well as talented freshman pitcher Cody Crouse, who will be an immediate impact arm and is 89-92 with much upside from a lanky 6-foot-6, 215-pound frame … Most importantly, keep an eye on Edwin Rios and catcher Aramis Garcia. Both players are elite hitters and prospects in their respective draft classes.

Baseball America picked FIU to come in 4th in the conference and make the post-season. They also selected C Aramis Garcia as CUSA's preseason Player of the Year...
http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2...rence-usa/

Quote:The Panthers figure to be very offensive in 2014, led by the slugging trio of Garcia and infielders Edwin Rios and Josh Anderson, who combined for 27 long balls last year. Smooth-fielding SS Julius Gaines brings speed, along with OFs Roche Woodard and Tyler Hibbert, giving FIU a multi-faceted attack. Jr. RHP Mike Franco, who flashes 94 mph heat, must emerge as a Friday ace.

Eric Sorenson once again missed the mark in his Top 302 count down, picking FIU to finish 6th in CUSA and ranked only #141 preseason...
http://www.collegebaseballtoday.com/2014...s-of-2014/

Quote:151- FIU (26-32, 13-17 in the Sun Belt)
2013 ISR: 147
Starters Returning: 5
Weekend Starters: 1
Mid-Week Starters: 1
Key Relievers (15+inns.): 5

The 2013 season was an odd year for the Panthers, but they should get back in the groove this year. The top five hitters return to the order, led by SS Edwin Rios (.332-9-52), C Aramis Garcia (.321-11-51) and OF Zach Sweety (.308-3-20). All three are also top-notch gloves in the field. Though there is not a lot of starting pitchers coming back, RHP Mike Franco (5-4, 5.23) will be a leaning post to build around.

Forgot to include game times: 5:00pm CT on Friday, 3:00pm CT on Saturday and 10:00am CT on Sunday.

I'm going to Saturday's game!

Here's the preview from the Miami Herald, courtesy of Alan Shelby[/align]...

http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/03/13/39...emond.html

Just a confirmation that FIU's offense is for real, and not just a figment of their relatively weak early schedule-- a very solid South Florida team (11-5 heading into their Wednesday matchup) started their Friday ace (Jimmy Herget) against the Panthers hitters batterred him for 12 hits and 5 runs in 6.1 inniings pitched. And before you question Herget's credentials on the mound, coming into Wednesday's game against FIU he sported an ERA under 1.25 over his first 4 games and 24.0 IP. He had previously given up just 2 extrabase hits, but FIU tagged him for 4 extrabase hits in the 6.1 IP. (Granted he was pitching on short rest-- 4 days vs. his usual 6 days, but still.)

Zech, Blake and Kevin are really going to have to be on their game, and throwing strikes to beat these guys. Get behind consistently in the count, and these guys will kill you.

Going to the game tonight. Can't wait to see Lemond pitch in person. Watched the two wins agst. FIU in last year's series. Looks like it's going to be much tougher this year. Go Owls!

Great news-- no need to be frustrated with the new and inept GameTracker interface for tonight's game, as FIU is streaming the video free of charge...and already has the cameras rolling during infield drills...

http://www.fiusports.com/Multimedia/Mult...vents.aspx