Need to get off to a good start in the tourney to build momentum and confidence for the post-season. Interesting first game matchup-- not only because we just played 3 games against FIU (so both teams are very familiar with each other), but also because the pitching matchup between staff aces (Jordan Stephens vs. So RHP Chris Mourelle) features two guys who struggled over the weekend. Jordan was adversely impact by the rain delay, and uncharacteristically struggled with his control, giving up 3 runs in the 3rd inning before getting pulled after a leadoff walk in the 4th. Muorelle, was hit hard in giving up 3 runs in the first inning on Saturday (all singles + error), but was pulled immediately after that one inning so as not to have the Rice lineup get too familiar with his stuff. Here's Mourelle's stats for the year:
14 starts, 6-7, 84.1 IP, 3.31 ERA, .250 BAA, 25 BBs, 42 Ks
...clearly, a soft-tossing right-hander, the type of pitcher who have frequently been kryptonite to our hitters, but a guy who averages just 0.5 strikeouts per IP. Hopefully, our guys make the adjustments and are prepared to go the opposite way against this guy (rather than trying to pull, and end up hitting ground ball after ground ball).
To refresh people's memories, here's my preview and scouting report from last weekend...
http://www.csnbbs.com/thread-737403.html
Will be interesting to see if the Byrdman comes out of the doghouse and sees action this week; particularly against left-handed pitching.
Let's continue our history of success playing in Hattiesburg and at The Pete, where I believe we have never lost a weekend series, and where we have won a couple conference championships. Let's get back on a roll in preparation for our upcoming post-season roadtrip. Just win, baby. Go Owls!
