For a baseball fan, yesterday's game was a good one. The final score was 2 - 1, and the game was highlighted by strong pitching from both clubs, both of which were led by their aces. Unfortunately for Canes fans, it was just that NC State's Andrew Brackman outdueled Miami's Cesar Carillo yesterday.
NC State also deserves credit for turning to their outstanding closer, Joey Devine, in the 8th inning - instead of waiting for the "traditional" closer's time of the 9th. This was particualrly important as the Canes had their 3, 4, and 5 hitters due to the plate (All-Americans Ryan Braun and Jon Jay, plus Danny Valencia). Devine came in and did his job. Had the Wolfpack used another arm from their bullpen in the 8th, yesterday's outcome could have been different.
What's interesting for the Canes is the unusual lineup they used yesterday. Walter Diaz, normally the team's second baseman, played shortstop, while Roger Tomas, who is normally the shortstop, played second. The Figueroa brothers also swapped roles at the top of the batting order, with Paco leading off and Danny dropping from his customary spot to the second hole. It's usually not the mark of a championship team to change such things up during the post-season. With the way the Canes have been playing of late, I suppose that's stating the obvious.
Other Tournament News:
- Wake Forest was eliminated, after a 9-8 loss to top seeded Georgia Tech last night. The Terps, along with Duke, Maryland, and Va Tech, can now enjoy the scenes and sites of Jacksonville at their leisure. We'll see more teams go the 0-2 and a barbeque route today.
- Miami faces Clemson this morning at 10 am. One of these top teams will be eliminated quickly (Miami is the #3 seed, Clemson is #2).
- #1 Georgia Tech faces #4 Florida State tonight in the late game. The winner here will likely be playing late into the weekend. Both teams won close games yesterday (with FSU needing extra innings).
Sorry to see about Miami. While I'm obviously not a big fan - I was kind of hoping to see some sort fo epic FSU-Miami battle somewhere in there, but I guess UM is out of there after this morning...
ReplyDeleteHopefully the Noles can get past the Jackets tonight.
I'm stunned.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I think (and have thought) that this was the worst Miami team in the last ten years (or at least the team with the least depth). With the transfers, scholarship reductions, injuries, and suspensions, I wasn't expecting too much from them this year (despite having two likely 1st round picks).
I'm guessing though that folks aren't looking at it that way generally. They probably just think this is your typical Canes team and that they've just gotten lucky over the years, as a result of not being in a conference.
Not that there is any interest but if Rice wins one of its 3 games v, San Jose State this weekend they will clinch the WAC's automatic bid. Alternatively if Fresno State doesn't sweep Nevada, Rice will win the automatic bid.
ReplyDeleteNow you are caught up on WAC baseball, lucky you.
By this time next week there will definitely be interest in Rice and whoever's in the tournament. A couple years ago I became an SMS fan (except for when they played UM).
ReplyDeleteThis year it seems like I'll need to adopt another school fairly early.
Update: Rice is in the tourney
ReplyDeleteMiami's in too - or at least they're hosting a regional. I wonder if the Canes will be a #1 seed in their regional. I get a feeling they could get a 2 seed.
ReplyDeleteRice is the #2 seed in the Baton Rouge regional. That's cool the team has won there before. And come Friday the fun of the NCAA baseball tourney begins.
ReplyDeleteGood Luck to All