when do we expect our game notes out?

has coach announced a game 1 starter?

they should just about be landing at RDU so would expect news to pick up again shortly

Joseph Duarte ‏@Chronicle_Owls 10m
Rice coach Wayne Graham says he's been calling pitches since May 12. Owls are 12-1 during span.

Joseph Duarte ‏@Chronicle_Owls 9m
#Rice coach Wayne Graham, 77, said calling pitches can be draining. "It's like a vampire sucks all the blood out of you."

(06-05-2013 05:56 PM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  Catching Zech's and Jordan's curveball is a lot different than trying to block AK's nasty slider. Again, no knock on Hunter, who is going to be a big contributor going forward, but he just doesn't have the experience and instincts that Geoff has.

I thought Hunter did a fine job catching Austin Monday night.

I hope Geoff is healthy enough to go this weekend. Because it would really stink to be a senior unable to help your team get to Owlmaha due to injury.

But if Perrott can't go, Kopycinski is a capable replacement - as a receiver, controlling the running game and at bat.

No reason to worry about whose behind the plate. I think he guy will handle himself very well this weekend.

Go Owls!

Well, there you have it-- according to JD, in his article on Jordan Stephens, Jordan will be pitching Game 2 on Saturday (or Sunday); meaning, I presume, that The OG will be handing the ball to AK in Game 1...

http://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/r...498c769e06

Looking over NC State's stat sheet...

http://www.gopack.com/sports/m-basebl/st...mcume.html

...several more observations....

- the Wolfpack go with a pretty set, everyday lineup, that includes only one left-handed bat (their cleanup hitting 1B Tarran Senay) and one switch hitter (their catcher, Brett Austin). This is a favorable matchup for our right-hand laden pitching staff. Overall, they're hitting .281/.364/.391, 29 HRs, and averaging 2 stolen bases and 6.3 runs per game...

1. SS T.Turner (So, R): .377/.464/.578, 7 HRs, 16 doubles/triples, 41 RBIs, 63 runs, 35 BBs, 27-33 SBs
2. RF J.Fincher (So, R): .325/.411/.366, 9 doubles/triples, 26 RBIs, 31 BBs, 14-20 SBs
3. C B.Austin (So, S): .269/.353/.384, 2 HRs, 21 doubles/triples, 36 RBIs, 48 Ks, 13-19 SBs
4. 1B T.Senay (Sr, L): .292/.373/.476, 8 HRs, 17 doubles/triples, 56 RBIs, 50 Ks
5. 3B G.Clyde (Sr, R): .288/.368/.446, 4 HRs, 16 doubles, 25 RBIs
6. CF B.Williams (So, R): .244/.326/.338, 3 HRs, 10 doubles/triples, 31 RBIs, 47 Ks, 17-21 SBs
7. LF B.Adametz (Sr, R): .309/.357/.382, 14 doubles/triples, 31 RBIs
8. DH S.Morgan (Jr, R): .254/.292/.377, 3 HRs, 6 doubles, 18 RBIs
9. 2B L.Ratledge (So, R): .248/.310/.312, 8 doubles/triples, 14 RBIs, 10 sac bunts, 11-16 SBs

Obviously, the key will be to keep their two best players-- their tablesetters atop the order (Turner, Fincher)-- off the bases to the extent possible. As I mentioned in an earlier post, they like to work the count; resulting in a lot of walks, but also a lot of strikeouts. They have struck out 89 more times than they've received free passes. And, as has been mentioned in multiple post, despite similar batting stats, they average scoring a run a game more than us because of their running game. Speed kills, and we have to find a way to keep it to a minimum by limitting the number of free passes issued, and holding runners close to the bag.

Defensively, NCSU is solid, but not elite level. They've posted a fielding percentage of .968, but only their SS (Trey Turner with 17 errors) has committed more than 7 errors. It appears their catcher is in their primarily for his offense. Opposing teams have run wild against the Wolfpack (75-102 SBs), with Austin having thrown out only 20% of attempted basestealers (despite the fact that NCSU features 2 left-handed weekend starters and 3 heavily used southpaw relievers). He's also allowed 16 passed balls and 36 wild pitches. This may be the weekend to try to get the running game going a bit...and do unto them what they will try to do to us.

Rice does own the slight edge defensively...

Fielding percentage: .974 Rice vs. .968 NCSU
Outfield assists: 17 rice vs. 15 NCSU
Double plays turned: 69 Rice vs. 48 NCSU
Caught stealing (primary catcher): 51% Rice/Perrott vs. 20% Austin/NCSU
Passed balls/wild pitches: 11/34 Rice vs. 16/36 NCSU

My wife and I...two Louisiana Ragin' Cajun fans want to wish the Owls good luck in this weekends Super Regional series. 10 years ago we moved to Houston from Lafayette, LA. and attending Rice University Baseball games has been a lot of fun. Good luck to the Rice Owls and their fans.

NC State's overal record: 47 - 14 (28-8 at home, 20-10 vs. Top 50, 28-13 vs. Top 100)

They have beaten twice as many Top 25 teams as we've played Top 50 teams.

They're 29 - 4 in their last 33 games.

3 weekend series losses: at Virginia, home vs. Clemson, FSU

#7 RPI, #9 RPI, #44 SoS (vs. #25, #20, #74 for Rice)

I wouldn't mind seeing some rain to wet the track a bit and hopefully neutralize their speed

(06-06-2013 08:14 AM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  NC State's overal record: 47 - 14 (28-8 at home, 20-10 vs. Top 50, 28-13 vs. Top 100)

They have beaten twice as many Top 25 teams as[/code] we've played Top 50 teams.

They're 29 - 4 in their last 33 games.

3 weekend series losses: at Virginia, home vs. Clemson, FSU

#7 RPI, #9 RPI, #44 SoS (vs. #25, #20, #74 for Rice)

Despite any numbers that might be to the contrary, you know and I know that this series will be a dogfight. State has a slight advantage playing at home and team speed, Rice has an advantage in their #2 & #3 starters. This will be close......and tense.


Hope you continue to come over to our board to discuss the games. Nice to get your insight.

(06-06-2013 01:18 AM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  Well, there you have it-- according to JD, in his article on Jordan Stephens, Jordan will be pitching Game 2 on Saturday (or Sunday); meaning, I presume, that The OG will be handing the ball to AK in Game 1...

http://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/r...498c769e06

I'd say it's far from a give when Jordan will pitch based on that story. JD wrote, "said Stephens, who likely will start Game 2 on Saturday." With no related quote from Graham or Stephens. Maybe JD was told Stephens will probably start Saturday or maybe he's simply assuming the rotation will remain as it normally is.

My guess is the latter. I can't see any reason why Wayne would announce his decision this early - what's to be gained?

Interesting Baseball America preview, where they get opposing coaches to speak anonymously:

http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/s...ina-state/

I liked the bit that good RHP, especially with good sliders, can match up well with their predominantly RH lineup. From that coach's lips to God's ears to our pitchers' arms...

(06-06-2013 11:08 AM)MJY Wrote:  Interesting Baseball America preview, where they get opposing coaches to speak anonymously:

http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/s...ina-state/

I liked the bit that good RHP, especially with good sliders, can match up well with their predominantly RH lineup. From that coach's lips to God's ears to our pitchers' arms...

An exceptional writeup and scouting report by BA. As I said, we do matchup well with our right-handed pitchers against their right-handed lineup...and I do think we can run on their catcher. The issue is going to be finding away to score on Rodon and their bullpen. Again, I think so long as our pitchers keep the free passes to a minimum, and our defense plays clean all weekend, this should be a dogfight of a series.

Thanks, MJY.


From that article..

Quote:“There are some teams where the name on the front of the uniform makes you play better, teams that have been there every year. I really think Graham is the best that’s ever been in our business. What has he won, 19 championships in a row? And hasn’t played in bad leagues all the time. Super regionals 10 times? He’s something else, man. He’s got it figured out.”

(06-06-2013 09:39 AM)CoatzaOwl Wrote:  

(06-06-2013 01:18 AM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  Well, there you have it-- according to JD, in his article on Jordan Stephens, Jordan will be pitching Game 2 on Saturday (or Sunday); meaning, I presume, that The OG will be handing the ball to AK in Game 1...

http://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/r...498c769e06

I'd say it's far from a give when Jordan will pitch based on that story. JD wrote, "said Stephens, who likely will start Game 2 on Saturday." With no related quote from Graham or Stephens. Maybe JD was told Stephens will probably start Saturday or maybe he's simply assuming the rotation will remain as it normally is.

My guess is the latter. I can't see any reason why Wayne would announce his decision this early - what's to be gained?

I agree that the article does not tell us much. But I assume that Austin will be ready to go on Friday. His Monday effort (2.1 innings) may have simply substituted for a mid-week bull pen session. Sticking with the established rotation seems like a reasonable option.

(06-06-2013 11:08 AM)MJY Wrote:  Interesting Baseball America preview, where they get opposing coaches to speak anonymously:

http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/s...ina-state/

I liked the bit that good RHP, especially with good sliders, can match up well with their predominantly RH lineup. From that coach's lips to God's ears to our pitchers' arms...

Read the comments after the article.

(06-06-2013 12:20 PM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(06-06-2013 11:08 AM)MJY Wrote:  Interesting Baseball America preview, where they get opposing coaches to speak anonymously:

http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/s...ina-state/

I liked the bit that good RHP, especially with good sliders, can match up well with their predominantly RH lineup. From that coach's lips to God's ears to our pitchers' arms...

Read the comments after the article.

Anyone going to tell the guy that Byrd played 2b during a game at Minute Maid?

This matchup has me VERY EXCITED as a college baseball spectator.

OH, AND FYI, THE CHICAGO WATCH PARTY FOR SATURDAY'S GAME IS HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/136070096073/?fref=ts

I suspect all three games will be classic pitchers duels.

Here's Kendall's writeup...

http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View...ticle=8597

Quote:RALEIGH SUPER REGIONAL PREVIEW
HOW RICE GOT HERE: The Owls put together a very impressive weekend, especially offensively, at the Eugene, Ore., Regional last weekend. The Owls went 3-1 in the NCAA Regional, beating host Oregon in the finale.

HOW N.C. STATE GOT HERE: After not getting a national seed, the Wolfpack put an impressive weekend together in the Raleigh, N.C., Regional with wins over Binghamton and William & Mary (twice).

Starting pitching
North Carolina State has one of college baseball's elite pitchers in left-handed starting pitcher Carlos Rodon, while Rice, as a whole, slightly has the better weekend rotation.

It's an interesting set up matchups to watch this weekend.

But let's start the analysis with an inside look at Rice. The Owls have a very good ace right-handed pitcher in Austin Kubitza. Kubitza is a sure-fire pick for the top few rounds in Thursday's MLB draft, and has good overall stuff. Kubitza was up to 92-93 with his fastball earlier in the year, but has settled in around 88-89 with that fastball, along with a devastating 82-85 slider that has some serious tailing movement and late break. It's a definite swing-and-miss pitch.

Keep an eye on right-handed pitcher Jordan Stephens this weekend. Stephens put together the performance of his career last weekend against the Ducks and is riding a hot arm going into the weekend. Stephens can get up to 91 with his fastball and has good depth on his secondary offerings. Stephens has a 2.48 ERA in 112 1/3 innings of work.

Then there's John Simms. Simms can either be great or just average, but when he's on, his bulldog-like mentality just seems to take over. Simms has decent velocity on his fastball, getting to 90 or a bit above, and enters the weekend with a 2.61 ERA in 103 1/3 innings, along with 90 strikeouts and 34 strikeouts. Teams only are hitting him at a .223 clip.

As for North Carolina State, things seem to start and end with left-handed pitcher Carlos Rodon. Rodon has the hot hand entering the weekend, tossing yet another postseason gem last weekend against William & Mary. Rodon has elite stuff with a fastball that was up to 93-94 late in the game the past two weekends, while his mid-80s slider is a plus pitch most of the time. Rodon also utilizes a changeup, but it's a pitch that wasn't used often when I saw him earlier this year.

Senior right-handed pitcher Ethan Ogburn is another talented arm to watch for the Wolfpack. Ogburn won't blow you away on the mound, he tends to have good pitchability at times. Ogburn has started 12 games this spring and has a 2.95 ERA in 55 innings, along with 32 strikeouts and 13 walks.

Lastly, keep an eye on freshman left-handed pitcher Brad Stone. Stone's 5.28 ERA might give fans the impression that he's not an effective pitcher, but that's the opposite of reality. Stone has a good left-handed arm, sitting 86-89 with his fastball, along with a 79-81 changeup, and a 72-74 curveball that is very good at times.

Bullpen
Rice doesn't have an incredibly deep bullpen, but of the arms it does have, they're a premium bunch with unorthodox right-hander Zech Lemond leading the charge.

Lemond has quickly become one of my favorite relievers in college baseball this spring with a strong showing. Lemond has been a workhorse for the Owls this season, even putting together a great start for the Owls against Oregon earlier this week. Lemond has a fastball anywhere from 92-94, along with a curveball that plays very well when complemented with that fastball. He has appeared in 30 games this season with a 1.52 ERA and 14 saves in 71 innings of work.

Tyler Spurlin is another arm the Owls use at times, and he has a 2.61 ERA in 10 1/3 innings of work, while Blake Fox is a talented left-handed arm with a 3.41 ERA in 37 innings. Fox should really rise on the scene next spring, as he's a talented lefty with a fastball 90-plus on the radar gun.

While the Owls pack a powerful punch with Lemond, N.C. State has the deeper bullpen. Bulldog-like right-handed pitcher Chris Overman leads the Wolfpack pen. Overman only has a fastball in the 80s, but he's a hard-nosed guy who knows the strike zone. Overman has appeared in 19 games this spring, recording six saves and tallying a 0.39 ERA in 23 1/3 innings.

Also keep an eye on Grant Sasser, who has a 1.13 ERA and eight saves in 39 2/3 innings, Josh Easley, who has a 1.45 ERA in 23 appearances, and Ryan Wilkins, who has a 4.02 ERA in 47 innings of work and Josh Easley, who has appeared in 23 games and has a 1.45 ERA in 43 1/3 innings. Lastly, Andrew Woeck is another talented arm to watch. Woeck is a young arm who can run his fastball up to 90-91. He's appeared in 25 games and has a 2.80 ERA in 45 innings of work.

North Carolina State didn't need to turn things over to several relievers in the Raleigh Regional last weekend, but even if so, it is in pretty good shape.

Offense
Typically speaking, neither Rice or North Carolina State are considered to be overly productive offensive clubs. However, both have done a great job of getting key hits in the postseason thus far, especially the Owls, who had an offensive onslaught in the decisive game against Oregon earlier this week.

Considering that, let's start the offensive breakdown with a look at the Owls. With catcher Geoff Perrott hobbled and just out of a walking boot, the Owls may once again have to rely on Hunter Kopycinski to get some key hits. They're fine with that, though, after he put together an impressive performance Monday against the Ducks.

Third baseman Shane Hoelscher is having a productive campaign with a .331 average and 25 RBIs, while second baseman Christian Stringer (.304/1/27) and Michael Ratterree (.270/9/41) are elite types of hitters when they get rolling.

I'd also keep an eye on designated hitter Michael Aquino. Though not an overly physical-looking guy, Aquino certainly has deceptive pop with a .312 average, 13 doubles, four triples, eight homers and 42 RBIs, along with a .420 slugging percentage.

Others to watch this weekend include Keenan Cook (.302/0/32), Skyler Ewing (.225/4/22), Blake Fox (.241/0/7) and one of my favorite young players in the game, outfielder Leon Byrd. Like most freshmen, Byrd has had his great and not so great moments. But he's a spark plug and plays much better than his .269 batting average would indicate.

Very much like the Owls, we certainly wouldn't classify the Wolfpack as having an overly productive offensive lineup, but there's some potential there at times.

The big key to slowing down the N.C. State offense is well-documented -- you must stop shortstop Trea Turner. Turner is arguably one of the top two or three position players in college baseball, and leads the team with a .377 average, 12 doubles, four triples, seven homers and 41 RBIs. But where he hurts you the most is on the base-paths, where he's 27-for-33 in stolen bases this spring.

N.C. State right fielder Jake Fincher is hitting .325 with 26 RBIs, while fellow outfielder Bryan Adametz is a scrappy hitter with a .309 average and 31 RBIs. Tarran Senay and Grant Clyde serve as the primarily power threats for the Wolfpack. Senay is an imposing figure at the plate and is hitting .292 with eight homers and 56 RBIs, while Clyde is a guy I've really liked down the stretch. Clyde was hitting in the low-200s earlier this season, but really started to get going at the plate after the home series against Virginia Tech. He's now hitting .288 with four homers and 25 RBIs.


I'd also keep an eye on Brett Austin, Logan Ratledge and Brett Williams, who all aren't hitting at great clips this season, but are trouble on the base-paths if they can get on base. The trio of sluggers combine for 41 stolen bases so far this season.

Defense
Both Rice and North Carolina State are solid defensive clubs for the most part.

Beginning with Rice, some will look at the .883 fielding percentage attached to third baseman Shane Hoelscher and assume he's bad at that position. However, he's been adequate to more than adequate each time we've seen him this season.

Meanwhile, Rice's tradition of stable shortstops has continued with Ford Stainback, while veteran Christian Stringer is a rock at second base. Behind the plate, the Owls obviously would love to have Geoff Perrott in the mix, who's solid back there, but aren't afraid of the possibility of using Hunter Kopycinski this weekend, either.

In the outfield for the Owls, center fielder Leon Byrd is one of my personal favorites. Byrd gets good jumps on balls and covers a lot of ground out there, essentially being the ring leader for a group that includes Cook and Ratterree.

As for North Carolina State, we give the Wolfpack a slight edge. Third baseman Grant Clyde is solid defensively, shortstop Trea Turner has good range and a good arm at shortstop [he also has comitted 17 errors], Logan Ratledge is stable at second base, and Brett Austin behind the plate is one of the more athletic catchers you'll find in college baseball. [Does Kendall even bother to look at the stat sheets-- Austin has been run on aggressively by opposing teams, and he's allowed 16 passed balls.]

In the outfield, the Wolfpack always feel good with any trio of players that is led by speedy Brett Williams, who like Leon Byrd, covers a lot of ground out there.

Overall, I don't see either of these clubs beating themselves from a defensive standpoint.

WHAT COACHES ARE SAYING
On Rice: "When Rice has Austin Kubitza on the mound, they feel like they can't be beaten. After, Jordan Stephens is a very solid college pitcher, but he's nothing that you haven't ever seen despite having a great weekend against Oregon. Simms is a very good arm, but there are times when he can be a little erratic. However, John is also the type of guy who can go out there and give you a complete game shutout, too. I liked their team when we played them. I didn't think it was an Omaha team when we got them, but credit Wayne and his staff. They're obviously doing a terrific job."

On N.C. State: "It all starts with Rodon and Trea Turner. I think Tarran Senay is a pretty good player, but it all starts with Trea. You have to keep him off the bases if you want to beat those guys. In my opinion, you're not going to win with Rodon pitching, he's just on another level and shouldn't be in college at this point. The other starting pitchers are just OK, and the bullpen is just OK. Grant Sasser is a guy I liked on the back-end of the bullpen, while overall, this is just a team that plays solid baseball for the most part. N.C. State certainly won't overwhelm you."