Riding a 7-game win streak (winners of 9 of the last 10 games), and posting a stout 6-1 road record, the Baseball Owls head into Hattiesburg, MS this weekend to face Southern Miss in the opening of CUSA conference play (with scheduled start times of 6:00pm CT on Friday, 2:00pm on Saturday and 1:00pm on Sunday). Though it is true that we have been feasting on weak opposition, with UT-SA the only team during our streak with an RPI better than #180 (and we currently have just a 6-6 record against Top 100 ranked teams), winning breeds winning, and it was important for the team's overall confidence level to get on a bit of a roll, regardless to the level of competition. Hitting is contageous as it is very much dependent on one's mindset and overall mental approach...and our offense, though still frustratingly inefficient at times (due in large part to a minimal number of free passes and inconsistency in our bunting game), has shown signs of coming to life over the past two weeks. We're making better contact, hitting the ball harder, and have dramatically increased the frequency of extrabase hits. The increased confidence level should bode well even against better quality pitching. As a team, we are now hitting .274/.360/.354, while averaging 2 extrabase hits and 4.7 runs per game. Still not great, but a dramatic improvement over where we were just two weeks ago (prior to the FIU road trip). Geoff Perrott is now leading the way in both AVG (.370) and OBP (.478), while Michael Aquino boasts a .600 SLG and .998 OPS. Equally important, Leon Byrd (.426 OBP), Keenan Cook and Michael Ratterree are now contributing on a consistent basis, with all three having raised their AVG 50+ points during our win streak. We just need to keep improving.

On the mound, our experienced weekend rotation of Kubitza-Stephens-Simms puts us in an excellent position to win every weekend series...and, in fact, we're 4-0 in weekend series so far this year (having beaten #48 Stanford, #22 Hawaii, #90 FIU and #252 Harvard). If Chase McDowell and Kevin McCanna can build on their recent strong outings, we simply need our bullpen to solidify and show greater consistency. Zech Lemond, Evan Rutter, Blake Fox, Matt Ditman and Connor Mason have all flashed signs of brilliance, but have struggled on other occassions. Of course, now that we're just about done with 5-game weeks (the only one remaining is mid-April when we play back-to-back home mid-weekers against Texas Tech), perhaps McDowell or McCanna can win over the Sunday starter spot; thereby allowing Big John Simms to return to the co-closer role (with Lemond) and help stabilize the bullpen.

Regardless, pitching and defense remains the team's strengths. Our pitching staff has posted outstanding overall numbers: 2.76 ERA, .223 BAA, 2.6 strikeout: walk ratio, and we're averaging just under one strikeout per inning pitched. I do think we need to cut down on our free passes just a bit if we are to step up to the next level, but that's nit picking. Defensively, we've posted an exceptional .978 fielding percentage, our outfielders have already combined for 10 assists (throwing out runners), and our catchers have thrown out 52% of attempted basestealers (which I believe is the best we've done since at least the Danny Lehmann era). Keep in mind, even at the professional level, any catcher who has a caught stealing percentage above 33% is doing well.

By all appearances and statistics, we are rounding into form, but there is still ample room for continued improvement. We now enter the all-important CUSA part of our schedule, and we need to keep the momentum going if we hope to keep our streak alive...and by "streak" I'm referring to our 17 consecutive conference championships, going on 18 straight.

The Southern Mississippi Gorlden Eagles limp into Reckling Park losers of nine of their last eleven games. Ranked by many in the Top 25 preseason, USM has struggled mightily ever since opening the season with a sweep of Missouri. Admittedly, they've played one of the toughest out-of-conference schedules in the country (having played 9 games against teams currently ranked in the Top 50), but they're only 4-3 against teams ranked with an RPI between 100 - 200. Overall USM has posted an 8-12 record (7-5 at home, 2-9 vs. Top 100), with national rankings of #81 RPI, #127 ISR and #22 Strength of Schedule (vs. Rice's current rankings of #88 RPI, #51 ISR and #163 SoS). They coming off a heart-breaking 3-4 loss in 10 innings to Auburn on Wednesday, in which they started their usual weekend starter, LHP Jake Drehoff (pitched 7.0 IP), who though he's struggled a bit this season, kept us totally off-balance last year.

Offensively, USM's stats are very similar to our own-- as a team they are hitting .268/.349/.351, with 6 HRs, and averaging the same 2 extrabase hits and 4.7 runs per game. They have four everyday players hitting above .300, and only one hitting below .200. However, they have six batters with double-digit strikeout totals and only one batter who has amaased even 10 BBs. In other words, another aggressive, free swinging team that should be susceptable to the breaking ball and off-speed pitches, especially early in the count. They've stolen 21-26 bases, but Dillon Day appears to be the only real threat with 9-11 SBs. The Golden Eagles' everyday lineup features a severely left-handed laden order, with as many as seven left-handed bats going against RHPs (which could prove to be a challenge to our right-handed laden pitching staff). I've provided the current YTD stats below...

1. Dillon Day, CF (Sr, Left-handed batter): .264/.369/.333, 5 doubles, 6 RBIs, 9-11 SBs
2. Chase Fowler, C (Sr, Switch-hitter): .345/.394/.431, 10 RBIs, 3-3 SBs
Austin Roussel, DH,C (So, Left-handed): .346/.485/.462, 1 HR, 6 RBIs, only 26 ABs
3. Isaac Rodriguez, 2B (Sr., Right-handed): .303/.365/.421, 1 HR, 6 doubles, 10 RBIs, 2-2 SBs
4. Tim Lynch, 1B (Fr, Left-handed): .314/.398/.,400, 4 doubles, triple, 13 RBIs, 10 BBs
5. Blake Brown, 3B (Sr. Right-handed): .286/.390/.400, 2 HRs, 8 RBIs
6. Jared Bales, DH/C (Jr, Right-handed): .250/.308/.500, 1 HR, only 12 ABs
Andrew Furr, DH/LF (So, Left-handed): .238/.320/.286, 4 RBIs, only 21 ABs
7. Mason Robbins, RF (So, Left-handed): .270/.282/.392, 4 doubles, 1 HR, 12 RBIs
8. Connor Barron, LF (So, Left-handed): .237/.356/.237, 3-3 SBs
9. Nick Dawson, SS (Fr, Right-handed): .267/.389/.400, only 15 ABs
Michael Sterling, SS (So, Right-handed): .159/.229/.159, 44 ABs

Defensively, the Golden Eagles are always fundamentally sound. They've posted a respectable .963 fielding percentage, with no player/position having committed more than 5 errors. Their catchers have thrown out 11-24 attempted basestealers (and excellent 46% caught stealing percentage), while allowing just one passed ball (we have allowed 10 PBs) and 15 wild pitches. Consequently, i don't suspect we'll be attempting many stolen bases this weekend.

Perhaps the biggest surprise and disappointment for USM so far this year has been the pitching staff, especially since they returned all key starters and relievers from last year's team, while adding a couple highly regarded JUCO transfers (Fisk, Wineski). Unfortunately, of their Big 4 returning pitchers (Pierce, Drehoff, Robbins, Rooney), only their staff ace and Friday starter, Andrew Pierce, is replicating (if not bettering) his 2012 performance. Both Robbins and Drehoff have struggled mightily with their control in the early going, and stud closer (Roney), who made all-conference as a true Freshman last year, has been inconsistent when not hurt. The net result is that the staff has pitched to only pedestrian (at best) stats: 4.58 ERA, .255 BAA, 2:1 strikeout:walk ratio...BUT they are averaging exactly one strikeout per IP. Their pitchers have very good stuff, but all but a few have had continuing conrol problems. The have issued just under 6 free passes per game. Save for Friday's game against Pierce, who has exceptional control (just 4 BBs in 38 IP), it would behoove us to exhibit a degree of patience against these guys. Let's not help them by swinging at pitches out of zone early in the count. Baseball America provides a very good scouting report on their various pitchers in the link I have provided below (scroll toward the bottom). In all likelihood, we'll see Pierce on Friday, Fisk on Saturday, and either Robbins or Winston on Sunday...

Andrew Pierce (Sr, RHP): 5 starts, 4-1, 37.2 IP, 1.91 ERA, .203 BAA, 4 BBs, 4 HBP, 43 Ks
Jake Drehoff (Jr, LHP)-- pitched 7.0 IP vs. Auburn on Wednesday
Connor Fisk (JUCO xfer, RHP): 2 starts, 1-1, 8.0 IP, 1.12 ERA, .219 BAA, 5 BBs, 10 Ks
Mason Robbins (So, LHP): 4 starts, 1-2, 17.2 IP, 5.09 ERA, .273 BAA, 10 BBs, 11 Ks
Jake Winston (Fr,, RHP): 3 starts, 0-1, 8.0 IP, 5.62 ERA, .313 BAA, 9 BBs, 4 HBP, 9 Ks

Daniel Wineski (Jr, RHP): 7 app, 1 save, 6.2 IP, 1.35 ERA, .304 BAA, 2 BBs, 2 Ks
Cody Livingston (So, LHP): 8 app, 0-1, 13.0 IP, 2.77 ERA, .140 BAA, 3 BBs, 3 HBP, 10 Ks
Jay Myrick (Jr, RHP): 7 app, 1-0, 15.2 IP, 4.02 ERA, 222 BAA, 8 BBs, 23 Ks
Bradley Roney (So, RHP): 4 app, 2 saves, 4.2 IP, 5.79 ERA, .188 BAA, 4 BBs, 4 HBP, 7 Ks

As you can see, their bullpen is solid, with Livingston, Myrick and Roney all have outstanding BAAs and excellent strikeout numbers. The Friday night matchup between Pierce and Kubitza (co-favorites for CUSA Pitcher of the Year honors) should be a dandy-- rivaling our previous Friday pitchers duels between AK and both Appel (Stanford) and Emanuel (UNC). I hope Austin can keep his pitch count under a bit better control so that he can go deeper than the 6 - 7 innings he's been limitted to so far this season.

Here are the Golden Eagles Schedule/results and individual/team stats to date over their first 20 games...

http://warrennolan.com/baseball/2013/sch...thern-Miss
http://www.southernmiss.com/sports/m-bas...mcume.html

We should not be fooled by USM's poor start and record, as this is a very talented team that has historically been extremely tough to beat at home (where they draw similar-sized crowds as we do at Reckling, but much more partisan). They have simply underperformed to date. We need to step on them when they're down and not let them regain their confidence and momentum. We have been road warriors so far in the early going; let's continue the trend this weekend. This is the commencement of conference play, and that necessitates bringing an additional level of energy, focus and sense of urgency. Let's keep our momentum and win streak going while providing an early push toward what we hope to be our 18th consecutive conference championship. Time to remind the conference who's boss. Go Owls!

Below I have provided links to the various preseason scouting reports and previews on Southern Miss.

Baseball America ranked USM #23 in their preseason poll...
http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/col...14575.html

Quote:23. SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI
2012 Record (Ranking): 32-24 (NR). RPI: 90.
Coach (Record at school): Scott Berry (107-67, 3 years).
Postseason History: 12 regionals (last in 2011), 1 CWS trip (2009), 0 national titles.

2013 Lineup
C Chase Fowler, Sr. .239/.318/.291
1B Blake Brown, Sr. .271/.383/.453
2B Isaac Rodriguez, Sr. .276/.343/.316
3B Bradley Roney, So. .227/.306/.264
SS Michael Sterling, So. .288/.486/.344
LF Connor Barron, So. .250/.392/.300
CF Dillon Day, Sr. .290/.341/.383
RF Mason Robbins, So. .330/.356/.450
DH Jared Bales, Jr. .269/.345/.269

Hitting: 55. USM's lineup features a nice blend of steady upperclassmen and talented sophomores, righties and lefties. The centerpiece of lineup is Robbins, whose pretty lefthanded swing and natural hitting instincts helped him rank as the No. 15 prospect in the Cape League last summer. Sterling's knack for getting on base (28 HBPs last year, a school record) and hitting situationally should make him a good fit in the No. 2 hole, behind the gritty Day. Barron's fluid lefthanded swing helped make him a third-round pick out of high school, but he needs to bounce back from a disappointing freshman year that was punctuated by surgery on his non-throwing shoulder. Fowler and Rodriguez provide limited offensive upside at the bottom of the lineup, but Rodriguez had a good fall, and the Eagles believe he could help them against lefties.

Power: 50. Southern Miss returns a quality senior cleanup man in Brown, who finished strong last year and looks like a strong threat to reach double-digit homers this spring. If Bales can stay healthy after missing most of last season with back problems, he could provide another physical veteran with righthanded pop in the middle of the lineup. Roney might have the team's most raw power and can punish fastballs in advantage counts, but his approach is a work in progress. Robbins has solid-average power from the left side, and Barron also has flashed intriguing power potential in the past, but he is a wild card. The Golden Eagles hit just 15 homers last year but should more than double that total this spring.

Speed: 50. Day and Sterling give the lineup a pair of athletic catalysts with plus speed. Barron is another above-average runner, and Robbins is a fringe-average runner. This could be USM's most athletic team in years, but speed isn't a big part of its attack.

Defense: 60. Rock-solid shortstop Ashley Graeter is gone, but Sterling's good range and strong arm give him a chance to be even better, in time. Rodriguez isn't flashy or particularly rangy at second, but he makes all the routine plays and fielded .990 last year. Roney's smooth actions and rifle arm give him a chance to be a standout at third. USM has a seasoned senior backstop in Fowler, who has sound catch-and-throw skills. Day and Robbins are good in the outfield, but Barron is still learning left field after moving from middle infield.

Starting Pitching: 65. After transferring in from the juco ranks, Pierce established himself last year as a dogged, strike-throwing ace in the mold of former USM standout Todd McInnis. His heavy sinker eats up righties, he throws his slurvy breaking ball for strikes, and his changeup is becoming a swing-and-miss pitch. Redshirt sophomore Drehoff generated real draft buzz this fall when his velocity jumped from the 85-88 range into the 87-91 range, and he developed another out pitch in a cutter/slider, complementing his stellar changeup. Robbins fills up the strike zone with an 87-90 fastball, average breaking ball and plus change. Jr. RHP Conor Fisk, a juco transfer, could push for the Sunday job thanks to his ability to command an 88-91 fastball and put hitters away with a nasty 79-82 slider.

Bullpen: 55. The live-armed Roney proved he can handle the pressure of closing as a freshman, and the Eagles think his velocity could continue to climb; he already reaches 92 and has a power slider. Fearless Jr. RHP Daniel Wineski, another juco transfer, attacks hitters with a high-80s fastball and good slider, making him a candidate for the primary setup role. The pick to click is So. LHP Cody Livingston, who now touches the low 90s after working in the mid-80s last year. Jr. RHPs Boomer Scarborough and Cameron Giannini (whose bread and butter is a power sinker) provide quality depth and experience.

Experience/Intangibles: 60. The pitching staff returns every key piece, and all nine projected regulars have at least some experience as starters. This team is loaded with veteran leadership, but none of its talented sophomores has played in regionals, as USM's nine-year postseason streak was snapped last year.

Baseball America OFP: 55. The Eagles spent last year breaking in their third-ranked recruiting class, and they went through their share of growing pains. But they should reap the rewards of that acclimation period this year. Southern Miss is a balanced club that should contend for the Conference USA title and could make a deep postseason run if it stays healthy and gets hot at the right time.

Eric Sorenson appeared to be the only one to get it right with his preseason ranking of #66 for the Golden Eagles, picking them to finish 4th in CUSA...
http://www.collegebaseballtoday.com/2013...rence-usa/

Quote:- SOUTHERN MISS (32-24, 14-10)
2012 ISR: 83

Starters Returning: 7
Weekend Starters: 2
Mid-Week Starters: 1
Key Relievers (15+inns.): 3

All Conference Candidates:
OF/RHP Mason Robbins (.330-3-38 and 1-0, 4.01, 33.2inns)
RHP Andrew Pierce (7-4, 1.99, 14starts, .238OBA)
RHP/DH Bradley Roney (2-1, 2.42, 11svs and .227-2-10)

NOTES:
- We can’t be too bummed out over the Eagles 2012 showing, considering everyone knew this was going to be a rebuilding year at Pete Taylor Field. And sure enough, it showed, especially at the dish where they hit just .278. But the pitching was solid – a 3.83 ERA despite not having any weekend starters coming back – and the defense was a capable .974. Still… the Eagles NOT in the NCAA tournament field? Pshaw. That has become a thing of rarity.

- And don’t forget, that banner recruiting class from a year ago that was ranked 3rd-best in the country by Baseball America is now a bunch of experienced sophomores. So watch for talents like Mason Robbins, Michael Sterling, Connor Barron, Jake Drehoff and Brad Roney to hit even more of a comfort zone for this program and lead them back to hovering in the 40-win range.

- This year’s incoming class wasn’t as highly regarded as 2012′s stellar group of frosh, but keep an eye on RHP Conor Fisk, a JC transfer who the coaches were really high on after seeing him perform in the fall. Fisk could end up as a mid-week starter at the beginning of the year.

- Mason Robbins had an All Star summer in the Cape Cod League, once hitting a sprint-off, inside-the-park home run in the 14th inning of a game. He was tabbed as the 15th-best pro prospect in the Cape League by Baseball America, so look for him to be a mainstay on the post-season accolades circuit. Fellow soph Michael Sterling could be primed for a breakout season as well, hitting .288 in 38 starts as a freshman. Sterling has a knack of getting plunked – team-best 28 times last year – and stole 11 bases. His .486 on-base percentage led the team.

Kendall Rogers/Perfect Game picked USM to finish 2nd in conference, Mason Robbins and Andrew Pierce for all-conference, and Pierce as CUSA Pitcher of the Year....
http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View...ticle=7957

Quote:* Southern Miss has the squad most suited to challenge Rice for C-USA supremacy this season. The Golden Eagles are loaded at almost every area on the field. The offense finished last season with a .278 batting average, but is expected to be much better this season with the return of seven of their top nine hitters from last year's club. Catcher Jared Bales would make eight of nine, but he's currently working his way back from an injured back and may or may not play much this season, or if at all. Both Mason Robbins (starting rotation/OF) and Bradley Roney (closer, 3B) will play both ways, so staying fresh could be a concern as the season progresses. Look for senior second baseman Isaac Rodriguez to have a good spring. The veteran had a strong fall coming off a season that ended with a .276 average. Outfielder Connor Barron is another guy to watch. Barron missed a lot of last season because of a left shoulder injury, but is back in business ... On the mound, this team will be fun to watch. Ace pitcher Andrew Pierce is a big-time strike-thrower with a four-pitch mix, while mid to upper 80s left-hander Jake Drehoff and Robbins round out the rotation. Roney, who tops out at 94 with a good SL, will close for the Golden Eagles, while JUCO power arm Conor Fisk joins a long list of returning relievers/potential midweek starters, including righty Cameron Giannini, who had a 3.67 ERA in 27 innings last season.

Collegesportsmadness.com ranked USM #25 in their preseason poll...
http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/5793

Quote:The Golden Eagles had a respectable season last year, but one that left a bitter taste in their mouth, as they failed to qualify for the NCAA tournament. This season they are working hard to make sure that will change. This year’s squad is locked, loaded, dangerous and hungry.

2012: 32-24, 14-10
2012 Postseason: None
Coach: Scott Berry

Field Players:
This lineup will be paced by a pair of powerful hitters. Left handed slugger Mason Robbins is a dominate hitter. A season ago the outfielder slugged three homeruns, drove in 38 runs and hit an impressive .330 in 54 appearances, 50 being starts. His 101 total bases and .470 slugging percentage were team highs. He also collected 71 hits, second best on the squad. This season he will be relied upon to be the most productive hitter in the lineup once again. Providing some insurance for the Golden Eagles is infielder slugger Blake Brown. Last year he started in 54 games and hit .271. He belted six homeruns and plated 41 runners, both team highs. If runners are able to get on base ahead of him he will cause damage.

Pitchers:
The Golden Eagles are led by their veteran and ace, right handed senior Andrew Pierce. As a junior, Pierce dominated opposing batters with regularity. He owned a frighteningly low 1.99 ERA in his 14 starts. He notched two complete games, one being a shutout. In 99.1 innings of work, a team high, he rang up a team high 96 batters to go along with just 16 free passes. That type of strikeout to walk ratio is elite and makes his future appear even brighter. He posted a 7-4 overall record, also leading the team. His all-around dominance earned him a spot as a preseason third team All-American. This season he will look to guide the Golden Eagles into the NCAA tournament and beyond.

Who to Watch:
As a freshman, catcher Austin Roussel quickly proved his worth to Southern Miss. He played in 31 games, making 16 starts for them. However his .338 batting average indicates he will earn more playing time this season. With a year of seasoning and adjusting to the college level of pitching and game calling, the young backstop should be even better in his expanded role. If he improves at the rate coaches and teammates expect him to, he could be a difference maker for this lineup.

Final Projection:
Southern Miss should once again be fighting for the top spot in Conference USA. They have a dangerous lineup, especially with the speed of infielder Michael Sterling, whose game should be improved this season. Their rotation has depth and star power, which coupled with a great closer in Bradley Roney, makes the pitching staff a very good one. This team should make some strides topping last season’s success and qualify for the NCAA tournament. Once there, anything can happen, especially when Andrew Pierce toes the rubber.

Projected Postseason: NCAA Baseball Tournament

Returning Leaders:
At Bats: Mason Robbins, OF, 215
Hits: Mason Robbins, OF, 71
Home Runs: Blake Brown, IF, 6
RBIs: Blake Brown, IF, 41
Runs: Michael Sterling, IF, 39
Stolen Bases: Michael Sterling, IF, 11

Wins: Andrew Pierce, RHP, 7
Innings: Andrew Pierce, RHP, 99.1
Strikeouts: Andrew Pierce, RHP, 96
Saves: Bradley Roney, RHP, 11

Here are USM's game notes for the series...

http://www.southernmiss.com/sports/m-bas...13aaa.html

Their announced starters will be: Pierce - Robbins - Fisk

It will be Pierce-Robbins-Fisk.

I think Berry hit the panic button one week too early with Drehoff. Given how he pitched against you guys last year, I'm keeping him in the rotation for this series.

Roney's issues have been a result of not getting a consistent workload.

This team is definitely NOT fundamentally sound. Our outfielders have made a boatload of errors on botched fly balls and letting balls get past them. That doesn't even count the misplayed flyballs--largely a result of never ceasing personnel changes. The infield has been so bad that Berry took the redshirt off of Dawson.

This is a team that is in not fundamentally sound, lacks plate discipline, and has, by most accounts , lost any kind of fire.

That said, I would never guarantee a series victory against us largely because of Pierce. If Fisk rounds into his anticipated form, we are a wildcard.

Pretty decent chance of rain at USM Friday and Saturday and then it turns cold Sunday. But it could be worse, a lot of places in the Northeast and upper Midwest might get snow this weekend.

a lot of places in the Northeast and upper Midwest might get snow this weekend.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The UNC-BC series got moved from Boston to Chapel Hill, this week-end, because of that forecast.

In Aaron Fitt's (Baseball America) weekend update, he included a clip on the Rice - USM series...

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/col...14895.html

Quote:• Heading into the season, this weekend's showdown between Rice and Southern Mississippi looked like the series of the year in Conference USA, but the Golden Eagles have been one of college baseball's biggest disappointments thus far, going 8-12. USM has lost six of its last seven games and 10 of its last 12 heading into this weekend's series in Hattiesburg. The biggest culprit has been offense: Southern Miss is averaging a paltry 2.7 runs per game during its current 1-5 skid. The Owls, on the other hand, have won seven straight games and 10 of 12 since their ugly 0-3 weekend at the Astros Foundation College Classic.

...strangely, no mention of the showcase Kubitza - Pierce matchup.

How does the team get to Hattiesburg? Bus from Houston, fly to NO then bus?

(03-22-2013 08:39 AM)grol Wrote:  How does the team get to Hattiesburg? Bus from Houston, fly to NO then bus?

We used to bus it, but after both Ber-ry and Ojada got injured on the trip a 3 years ago, I'm not sure what we do any more.

(03-22-2013 08:41 AM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(03-22-2013 08:39 AM)grol Wrote:  How does the team get to Hattiesburg? Bus from Houston, fly to NO then bus?

We used to bus it, but after both Ber-ry and Ojada got injured on the trip a 3 years ago, I'm not sure what we do any more.

9 hour bus ride.