A sweep in today's finale vs. UAB is incredibly important given the conference standings and remaining schedule. Yes, we still own a 1 1/2 game lead over the suddenly surging USM Golden Eagles, BUT we remain even in the loss column...and while we have UTSA on the road and LaTech remaining on our schedule, USM has Tulane, LaTech and ECU, with only the Pirates posing a real competitive threat. And we've got to play USM on the road next week, with the omnipresent academic pressures associated with the end of the Semester deadline and the commencement of Finals week. Never an easy task; especially for a difficult (plane and bus ride) road trip.

Both USM and ECU have lucked out with the schedule this year-- playing LaTech, Charlotte and Marshall, while we play just one of the three. Sure, this unbalanced schedule helps our RPI, but makes it more difficult to win the conference title.

We REALLY need a sweep of UAB-- not so much to create some breathing room, but simply to stay even in the loss column. Go Owls!

(04-20-2014 07:50 AM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  A sweep in today's finale vs. UAB is incredibly important given the conference standings and remaining schedule. Yes, we still own a 1 1/2 game lead over the suddenly surging USM Golden Eagles, BUT we remain even in the loss column...and while we have UTSA on the road and LaTech remaining on our schedule, USM has Tulane, LaTech and ECU, with only the Pirates posing a real competitive threat. And we've got to play USM on the road next week, with the omnipresent academic pressures associated with the end of the Semester deadline and the commencement of Finals week. Never an easy task; especially for a difficult (plane and bus ride) road trip.

Both USM and ECU have lucked out with the schedule this year-- playing LaTech, Charlotte and Marshall, while we play just one of the three. Sure, this unbalanced schedule helps our RPI, but makes it more difficult to win the conference title.

We REALLY need a sweep of UAB-- not so much to create some breathing room, but simply to stay even in the loss column. Go Owls!

Cannot afford to lose. Just like the last two games, this is a must win situation.

(04-20-2014 10:48 AM)Ranger Wrote:  

(04-20-2014 07:50 AM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  A sweep in today's finale vs. UAB is incredibly important given the conference standings and remaining schedule. Yes, we still own a 1 1/2 game lead over the suddenly surging USM Golden Eagles, BUT we remain even in the loss column...and while we have UTSA on the road and LaTech remaining on our schedule, USM has Tulane, LaTech and ECU, with only the Pirates posing a real competitive threat. And we've got to play USM on the road next week, with the omnipresent academic pressures associated with the end of the Semester deadline and the commencement of Finals week. Never an easy task; especially for a difficult (plane and bus ride) road trip.

Both USM and ECU have lucked out with the schedule this year-- playing LaTech, Charlotte and Marshall, while we play just one of the three. Sure, this unbalanced schedule helps our RPI, but makes it more difficult to win the conference title.

We REALLY need a sweep of UAB-- not so much to create some breathing room, but simply to stay even in the loss column. Go Owls!

Cannot afford to lose. Just like the last two games, this is a must win situation.

I agree it is an important game, but realistically with McDowell down with flu-like symptoms for a big part of the week, my expectations focus more on effort than results. Yesterday was just so much fun to watch as it seemed like Reeves and Ewing just refused to lose. Very cool vibe at the ballpark. You could tell UAB was fighting for its post-season life when very early in the game Coach Shoop argued for an batters interference call. He bounced out of the dugout like he was sitting on a coach launcher...I like it when this Rice team battles, they seem to find a way more often than not.

Was Ditman pitching backwards a lot yesterday. We had game long conversations going, so our focus might not have been the best...Seemed like a lot of breaking pitches and then he would buzz the 90 mph heat by the hitter.

I have been fairly quick to either rag on or not give full vocal support to Ford at shortstop over the years. I have to tell you that I think he is playing at a high level right now in the field. He has been fun to watch. My apologies for the previous lack of faith.

(04-20-2014 11:14 AM)13thOwl Wrote:  I have been fairly quick to either rag on or not give full vocal support to Ford at shortstop over the years. I have to tell you that I think he is playing at a high level right now in the field. He has been fun to watch. My apologies for the previous lack of faith.

+1

Ford's play at SS has been outstanding this series. He's made multiple outstanding plays. Even the one error he made was a great fielding play charging a slow hopper where the throw sailed high on him pulling Ewing off the bag.