FAU moved into the CUSA semi-finals with a convincing 6-2 victory over ODU (who are now praying for an at-large birth, and they're firmly on the bubble). FAU's top 4 batters clobbered ODU's pitching in today's game.

And while FAU has used up it's two primary weekend starters (House, Meidnick), they have a number of quality to solid relievers who have thrown 30+ innings, or they can go with their sub-par midweek starter. My guess is we'll likely see Jr RHP Mark Nowatnick in the morning game...

17 app, 2 starts, 5-0, 30.0 IP, 2.40 ERA, 2.45 BAA, 6 BBs, 26 Ks

...a quality guy so late in the tournament, and a guy with pin point control. Just 8 extrabase hits. Statistically speaking, he's by far the best pitcher on the FAU staff....and, strangely, has yet to be used in Biloxi.

If a second game is necessary, we'll probably get their midweek and some time Sunday starter, Jr RHP Marc Stewart...

11 app, 8 starts, 2-1, 40.1 IP, 4.91 ERA, .280 BAA, 18 BB, 32 Ks

We need a strong outing from Willy Amador, reminiscent of his games last year against LSU and A&M. Most importantly, he needs to throw strikes and keep the ball down (which has been an issue for him). FAU has power bats up and down their lineup, and they are very disciplined at the plate, ranking amongst the national leaders in walks and HBPs.

Obviously, we simply cannot make the plethora of errors we made yesterday vs. ODU, and our offense needs to rediscover it's mojo from two weeks ago. Our high frequency of strikeouts, even against non-strikeout pitchers, is worrisome. I fear that our late surge in HRs the final 2 weeks of the season have several of our guys swinging for the fences rather than focusing on making contact.

Let's find a way to win tomorrow morning and enter the championship game with our best chance of winning the title and keeping our post-season streak alive. Go Owls!

Rice starters vs. FAU (9:00 a.m.):
Chandler-cf;
Proctor-ss;
Myers-3b;
DiCaprio-c;
Gray-2b;
Sheppard-1b;
Warren-rf;
Dunlap-dh;
Wunderlich-lf.

Amador

(05-27-2017 08:57 AM)grol Wrote:  Rice starters vs. FAU (9:00 a.m.):
Chandler-cf;
Proctor-ss;
Myers-3b;
DiCaprio-c;
Gray-2b;
Sheppard-1b;
Warren-rf;
Dunlap-dh;
Wunderlich-lf.

Amador

I actually like the construction of this lineup vs. a RHP.

Indeed! Go Owls!

We're the visitors again this morning.

(05-27-2017 08:59 AM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(05-27-2017 08:57 AM)grol Wrote:  Rice starters vs. FAU (9:00 a.m.):
Chandler-cf;
Proctor-ss;
Myers-3b;
DiCaprio-c;
Gray-2b;
Sheppard-1b;
Warren-rf;
Dunlap-dh;
Wunderlich-lf.

Amador

I actually like the construction of this lineup vs. a RHP.

I don't like Chandler as leadoff.

Dane with a big hit -- 2-0 Rice

Please keep the updates coming. TIA.

FAU starts with their closer, RHP Ragsdale...

18 app, 2-2, 8 saves, 18.0 Ip, 4.00 ERA, .243 BAA, 11 BBs, 13 Ks

...likely will only pitch an inning or two before handing it off.

Chandler struck out. Here we go again.
Proctor first pitch double in the gap. One out.
Myers 2-run bomb #5, a no-doubt line shot!
DiCaprio flied out to RF.
Gray 7-pitch single up the middle. Two outs.
Sheppard struck out swinging at a pitch in the dirt.

Good guys take an early 2-0 lead heading to the bottom of the first inning.

I'm heading out, but will be following on GameTracker. Bring this one home!

Not that it matters, but I just do not like those "owl on bat" unis.

Willy starts it off in style with a 7-pitch, 1-2-3 inning.

Willy 1-2-3
3 fly outs

Amador's first pitch was lined hard to right for an out. But 3 up, 3 down. 2-0 Rice after one.


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(05-27-2017 09:20 AM)TJS_NYC Wrote:  Not that it matters, but I just do not like those "owl on bat" unis.

Me too.

FAU leads off B2 with a single to RF.

Followed by an infield fly and a fly to LF. 2 down.

(05-27-2017 09:21 AM)Ranger Wrote:  

(05-27-2017 09:20 AM)TJS_NYC Wrote:  Not that it matters, but I just do not like those "owl on bat" unis.

Me too.

Agreed. Especially because our classic unis are so great.

Another pop up! Going to the 3rd Rice up 2-0.

Appears to be more people in the dugouts than in the stands

Proctor hits one to the warning track in dead center. Myers pop out. Dom HBP.

Gray 2 Run bomb to right

4-0 Rice.