Was the improved play over the past two weeks a sign of a turnaround or simply the result of playing against weak opponents? We'll get our answer this weekend as we face UTSA, the second best team in the conference, which comes in with an overall 24-16 record (11-4 in AAC, 9-6 road), #90 RPI, #78 ISR and #96 SoS.

They boast a very potent offense, hitting .315/.400/.464 as a team, with 7 starters hitting above .300 (5 hitting above .333), 41 HRs, 80 doubles/triples, and averaging 7.4 runs/game.

Their overall pitching is average at best with a staff ERA of 5.36 and BAA of .274, but they throw strikes (2.5:1 K:BB ratio). More important, they have a very good Friday night starter and an elite closer. However, outside of those 2 guys no one else on the staff has an ERA below 5.00. If we are to win this weekend it will be imperative to get to the bullpen as quickly as possible. The good news for us-- and this is big-- is that virtually their entire staff is right-handed. This bodes well for our lefty-laden lineup (Devenny, Correa, Reidel, Becker and with Garza more potent from the left side). They give up 5.7 runs/game, meaning that their impressive record is due primarily to outslugging their opposition.

Let's see if we've really turned a corner. Fingers crossed.

Hopefully this being finals week will not have a negative impact on this weekend.

Video review on the 1st play. Could be a long night.

Call stands. Leadoff infield single.

The view from the centerfield camera is out of focus.

(04-26-2024 06:43 PM)Almadenmike Wrote:  The view from the centerfield camera is out of focus.

81% humidity. Air is too thick for the camera.

After back-to-back singles to start the game, Parker gets a 6U-3 double play and a F8 to keep the game scoreless going to B1.

(04-26-2024 06:45 PM)Tomball Owl Wrote:  

(04-26-2024 06:43 PM)Almadenmike Wrote:  The view from the centerfield camera is out of focus.

81% humidity. Air is too thick for the camera.

We need to invent a variable dew index filter, it seems. :-)

4-3 (nice play), bunt pop-up to 1B (bad execution), 4 pitch walk followed by a wild pitch to advance Rank to 2B, and another 4 pitch walk to Riedel generates a mound visit from Hallmark. Gallo Ks on 4 pitches to keep the game scoreless.

Bobbled double play ball costs Parker a run. After back-to-back lead off singles again, grounder to 2B is dropped, but recovered in time to get the force at 2B. Safety squeeze scores the runner from 3B. 2 out walk puts runners at 1B and 2B, but line drive to Gallo ends the T2. 0-1 going to B2.

2 out, 2 run HR by Motley puts the Owls up 2-1!

Another 2 out, 2 run HR by Dukes makes it 4-1!

Motley’s homer was with 2 strikes and 2 outs, his first career Owl homer!

It was nice while it lasted. Runners tie it up, 4-4. Going into bottom of the 4th.

Dukes drives in Mobley and Devenny with a single, Owls now up 6-4, with Dukes on first and one out

Parker gets the shut down inning in the 5th, going to the bottom of the 5th, up 6-4

WHAT IS HAPPENING

Now Manny goes yard! Owls now up 7-4!

Chieto brought 'em the Red Bull?

Pitching change with 2 outs in the T6, runner at 1B. Parker threw 97 pitches.

Vincent in.

F7 sends it to B6. 7-4 Owls.

With two outs and a Runner on first, Tom Vincent comes on for Parker in the 6th. Still up 7-4

Vincent gets the F7

Vincent in a little trouble in top of the 7th with a HBP and walk, with two outs.

Garza makes a nice play on a swinging bunt and they get out of the inning. Stretching, up 7-4

But wait….Runners challenging the play? Contending that it should have been called a foul ball. Play stands.

Playing well vs a good team. Really need this series win.