Welcome to the West Regional! Home of close games, high level baseball, and sunshine.
Venue:
Avista Stadium. Spokane, WA
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia2.fdncms.com%2Finlander%2Fimager%2Fthe-spokane-indians-played-for-4334-fans-at-avista-stadium-against-the-eug%2Fu%2Foriginal%2F2315586%2Findians_game-5134.jpg&hash=fc89e4a15ba785720bae41cab3cdd984260e93ea)
Regional Website: http://whitworthpirates.com/sports/bsb/2015-16/2016ncaatournament
Teams:
1. Trinity (TX) (35-7)
2. Cal Lutheran (31-11)
3. Case Western Reserve (26-13)
4. Whitworth (29-11)
5. Texas-Tyler (30-17)
6. Pacific Lutheran (26-17)
Team Stats:
Trinity (TX): .347 Batting Average, 2.79 ERA, .968 Fielding %
Cal Lutheran: .328 Batting Average, 3.43 ERA, .972 Fielding %
Case Western Reserve: .289 Batting Average, 4.04 ERA, .961 Fielding %
Whitworth: .306 Batting Average, 3.86 ERA, .972 Fielding %
Texas-Tyler: .307 Batting Average, 4.32 ERA, .958 Fielding %
Pacific Lutheran: .289 Batting Average, 4.29 ERA, .972 Fielding %
Weather:
Wednesday: 77 and sunny.
Thursday: 61 with showers.
Friday: 68 and cloudy.
Saturday: 65 with showers.
Sunday: 65 and cloudy.
Round One:
#1 Trinity (TX) vs. #6 Pacific Lutheran
Trinity wins 7-3.
#2 Cal Lutheran vs. #5 Texas-Tyler
Texas-Tyler wins 4-3.
#3 Case Western Reserve vs. #4 Whitworth
Whitworth wins 8-5.
Round Two:
#2 Cal Lutheran vs. #6 Pacific Lutheran
Pacific Lutheran wins 8-6.
Cal Lutheran eliminated.
#1 Trinity (TX) vs. #3 Case Western Reserve
Trinity wins 10-0.
Case Western Reserve eliminated.
#4 Whitworth vs. #5 Texas-Tyler
Texas-Tyler wins 6-4.
Round Three:
#1 Trinity (TX) vs. #5 Texas-Tyler
Trinity wins 14-2.
#4 Whitworth vs. #6 Pacific Lutheran
Pacific Lutheran wins 8-5.
Whitworth eliminated.
#5 Texas-Tyler vs. #6 Pacific Lutheran
Pacific Lutheran wins 3-2.
Texas-Tyler eliminated.
Final Round:
#1 Trinity (TX) vs. #6 Pacific Lutheran
The Pacific Lutheran Lutes are the first team from the West Region to officially make it. The Lutes rode their offense to the sound of 39 hits in three games to win the NWC tournament. Garrett Brown was dominant out of the bullpen as he recorded a save in all three games without allowing a run. It was even more impressive that they defeated Whitworth twice on their home field. PLU struggled earlier in the season before they got the ball rolling a bit late. Their pitching staff hasn't been the strongest, but it is impressive to see them back in the playoffs without Mahlum returning or Rossman being effective.
Quote from: Westside on April 24, 2016, 10:26:37 PM
Now that the first team has, likely, punched their ticket to the West Regional, I figured I would get this started. I will update it as we go along.
My guess for the regional
Teams:
1. Trinity (Texas)
2. Occidental
3. Whitworth
4. Pacific Lutheran (25-16)
5. Texas Lutheran
6. ASC
Jim I think the description of the Wild Wild West is best for this year. If Oxy gets to the championship game and loses they are likely in plus the winner of the SCIAC. If they win and CLU gets to the championship game then they may both go.
In the SCAC, if Trinity loses to say TLU then the SCAC gets two, if not I don't think Cent and TLU get in without winning the SCAC.
In the ASC I only see the champion going.
I think Whitworth has to finish strong or they could be at risk. They have the advantage of being close to Regional from a cost standpoint so they are easy for the NCAA to put in.
So at this point I only see 4 "for sure's"
1. PLU
2. Trinity
3. ASC
4. SCIAC
It is still possible to get a West Regional with all West teams: If Oxy and CLU go to the championship game and CLU wins, (2) SCIAC. If Trinity loses in SCAC (2) SCAC, ASC and Whitworth finishes strong. Lot's of "what if's".
I can easily see Texas Lutheran falling out in favor of Cal Lutheran as well. I think that an all west regional is indeed possible. With that said, the NCAA will make it a 8 team regional and ship a WIAC team and an oddball selection - like how Pac Lu ended up in the South in 2015.
Quote from: Jim Dixon on April 26, 2016, 01:40:32 PM
I can easily see Texas Lutheran falling out in favor of Cal Lutheran as well. I think that an all west regional is indeed possible. With that said, the NCAA will make it a 8 team regional and ship a WIAC team and an oddball selection - like how Pac Lu ended up in the South in 2015.
An 8-team regional web tax the depths of the pitching staffs. A WIAC ship-in would become one of my favorites.
Are we still at 56 bids this year?
I'm sure this is somewhere else ... but when will the first regional rankings be published?
Quote from: Ron Boerger on April 28, 2016, 09:18:56 AM
I'm sure this is somewhere else ... but when will the first regional rankings be published?
I believe it will be sometime today.
First NCAA Regional Ranking:
West Region
1 Trinity (Texas) 30-7-0 ( 0.811) 32-7-0 ( 0.821)
2 Occidental 28-5-0 ( 0.848) 28-6-0 ( 0.824)
3 Whitworth 27-10-0 ( 0.730) 27-10-0 ( 0.730)
4 Cal Lutheran 24-10-0 ( 0.706) 24-11-0 ( 0.686)
5 Concordia (Texas) 21-12-0 ( 0.636) 24-12-0 ( 0.667)
6 Texas Lutheran 24-13-0 ( 0.649) 24-13-0 ( 0.649)
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 28, 2016, 05:08:48 PM
First NCAA Regional Ranking:
West Region
1 Trinity (Texas) 30-7-0 ( 0.811) 32-7-0 ( 0.821)
2 Occidental 28-5-0 ( 0.848) 28-6-0 ( 0.824)
3 Whitworth 27-10-0 ( 0.730) 27-10-0 ( 0.730)
4 Cal Lutheran 24-10-0 ( 0.706) 24-11-0 ( 0.686)
5 Concordia (Texas) 21-12-0 ( 0.636) 24-12-0 ( 0.667)
6 Texas Lutheran 24-13-0 ( 0.649) 24-13-0 ( 0.649)
Looks like CLU's head-to-head vs NWC teams came into play here.
Whitworth won game 1 this year 8-2 vs CLU; which looks to be a contributing factor for ranking #3 vs #4.
CLU defeated PLU 14-6 at the end of March. Since then PLU has been 10-2; but not able to overcome overall 25-16 rankings to be in top 6. If they had defeated CLU, then I wouldn't expect PLU would be ranked higher than CLU; especially since PLU was 6-1 in their other SCIAC games.
Quote from: SoCalSoxFan on April 28, 2016, 06:01:54 PM
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 28, 2016, 05:08:48 PM
First NCAA Regional Ranking:
West Region
1 Trinity (Texas) 30-7-0 ( 0.811) 32-7-0 ( 0.821)
2 Occidental 28-5-0 ( 0.848) 28-6-0 ( 0.824)
3 Whitworth 27-10-0 ( 0.730) 27-10-0 ( 0.730)
4 Cal Lutheran 24-10-0 ( 0.706) 24-11-0 ( 0.686)
5 Concordia (Texas) 21-12-0 ( 0.636) 24-12-0 ( 0.667)
6 Texas Lutheran 24-13-0 ( 0.649) 24-13-0 ( 0.649)
Looks like CLU's head-to-head vs NWC teams came into play here.
Whitworth won game 1 this year 8-2 vs CLU; which looks to be a contributing factor for ranking #3 vs #4.
CLU defeated PLU 14-6 at the end of March. Since then PLU has been 10-2; but not able to overcome overall 25-16 rankings to be in top 6. If they had defeated CLU, then I wouldn't expect PLU would be ranked higher than CLU; especially since PLU was 6-1 in their other SCIAC games.
But, I suppose its irrelevant for PLU whether they are in the RR top 6, as they are in the D3 tournament via the AQ victory in NWC conference tournament.
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 28, 2016, 05:08:48 PM
First NCAA Regional Ranking:
West Region
1 Trinity (Texas) 30-7-0 ( 0.811) 32-7-0 ( 0.821)
2 Occidental 28-5-0 ( 0.848) 28-6-0 ( 0.824)
3 Whitworth 27-10-0 ( 0.730) 27-10-0 ( 0.730)
4 Cal Lutheran 24-10-0 ( 0.706) 24-11-0 ( 0.686)
5 Concordia (Texas) 21-12-0 ( 0.636) 24-12-0 ( 0.667)
6 Texas Lutheran 24-13-0 ( 0.649) 24-13-0 ( 0.649)
As I look at the Pool C bids across all of the regions, we look to be in good shape.
We need TLU or someone to beat Trinity (a Pool A and a Pool C).
Cal Lu can beat Oxy (a Pool A and a Pool C).
I think that Whitworth is in as Pool C.
CTX or someone from the ASC makes the tourney as a Pool A.
We can fly someone out of the region and have a 6-team regional.
Ralph this is purely hypothetical, but if for some reason Trinity loses the SCAC, it is conceivable that they could fly them to another region, like the South as they did with PLU last year. Correct ?
Quote from: 108 Stitches on April 28, 2016, 07:24:00 PM
Ralph this is purely hypothetical, but if for some reason Trinity loses the SCAC, it is conceivable that they could fly them to another region, like the South as they did with PLU last year. Correct ?
It is conceivable but PLU only got flown out last year because three NWC teams made it (Whitworth and Linfield in the West regional).
+1 forgot about that. They brought in Millsaps.
Quote from: Westside on April 28, 2016, 07:32:20 PM
Quote from: 108 Stitches on April 28, 2016, 07:24:00 PM
Ralph this is purely hypothetical, but if for some reason Trinity loses the SCAC, it is conceivable that they could fly them to another region, like the South as they did with PLU last year. Correct ?
It is conceivable but PLU only got flown out last year because three NWC teams made it (Whitworth and Linfield in the West regional).
And PLU played very well in the South Regional, too. They went 2-2 against BSC and Emory.
Like I say, the West Region has the most overall balance in all of Division-3 !
http://www.d3baseball.com/teams/Pacific_Lutheran/2015/index
Quote from: Whatagame on April 28, 2016, 06:09:06 PM
Quote from: SoCalSoxFan on April 28, 2016, 06:01:54 PM
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 28, 2016, 05:08:48 PM
First NCAA Regional Ranking:
West Region
1 Trinity (Texas) 30-7-0 ( 0.811) 32-7-0 ( 0.821)
2 Occidental 28-5-0 ( 0.848) 28-6-0 ( 0.824)
3 Whitworth 27-10-0 ( 0.730) 27-10-0 ( 0.730)
4 Cal Lutheran 24-10-0 ( 0.706) 24-11-0 ( 0.686)
5 Concordia (Texas) 21-12-0 ( 0.636) 24-12-0 ( 0.667)
6 Texas Lutheran 24-13-0 ( 0.649) 24-13-0 ( 0.649)
Looks like CLU's head-to-head vs NWC teams came into play here.
Whitworth won game 1 this year 8-2 vs CLU; which looks to be a contributing factor for ranking #3 vs #4.
CLU defeated PLU 14-6 at the end of March. Since then PLU has been 10-2; but not able to overcome overall 25-16 rankings to be in top 6. If they had defeated CLU, then I wouldn't expect PLU would be ranked higher than CLU; especially since PLU was 6-1 in their other SCIAC games.
But, I suppose its irrelevant for PLU whether they are in the RR top 6, as they are in the D3 tournament via the AQ victory in NWC conference tournament.
Irrelevant for them but not for lower seeds. PLU being out of top six opens rating slot for others.
Quote from: Ralph Turner on April 28, 2016, 07:09:57 PM
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 28, 2016, 05:08:48 PM
First NCAA Regional Ranking:
West Region
1 Trinity (Texas) 30-7-0 ( 0.811) 32-7-0 ( 0.821)
2 Occidental 28-5-0 ( 0.848) 28-6-0 ( 0.824)
3 Whitworth 27-10-0 ( 0.730) 27-10-0 ( 0.730)
4 Cal Lutheran 24-10-0 ( 0.706) 24-11-0 ( 0.686)
5 Concordia (Texas) 21-12-0 ( 0.636) 24-12-0 ( 0.667)
6 Texas Lutheran 24-13-0 ( 0.649) 24-13-0 ( 0.649)
As I look at the Pool C bids across all of the regions, we look to be in good shape.
We need TLU or someone to beat Trinity (a Pool A and a Pool C).
Cal Lu can beat Oxy (a Pool A and a Pool C).
I think that Whitworth is in as Pool C.
CTX or someone from the ASC makes the tourney as a Pool A.
We can fly someone out of the region and have a 6-team regional.
I would think the SCIAC teams would really hope for Trinity to win the SCAC and Concordia to win the ASC. I don't think there is any guarantee the SCIAC would get 2 teams in, but it could certainly help them if both Trinity and Concordia took care of business.
Teams: Not seeded just in order qualified
1. Pacific Lutheran (25-16)
2. Trinity (35-7)
3.
4.
5.
6.
Team Stats:
Pacific Lutheran: .290 Batting Average, 4.35 ERA, .970 Fielding %
Trinity: 0.347 BA, 2.79 ERA, 0.968 Fielding %
Aww, thanks. I was just logging on at work to do that! ;)
May 5th Regional Rankings:
1. Trinity (TX)* 33-7-0 ( 0.825) 35-7-0 ( 0.833)
2. Cal Lutheran 27-10-0 ( 0.730) 27-11-0 ( 0.711)
3. Whitworth 29-11-0 ( 0.725) 29-11-0 ( 0.725)
4. Concordia (TX) 24-13-0 ( 0.649) 27-13-0 ( 0.675)
5. Occidental 30-7-0 ( 0.811) 30-8-0 ( 0.789)
6. Texas Lutheran 26-15-0 ( 0.634) 26-15-0 ( 0.634)
* - denotes already guaranteed spot
I think that Trinity, Cal Lu, Whitworth and PLU are all safely to the regional.
Quote from: Westside on May 05, 2016, 05:01:14 PM
May 5th Regional Rankings:
1. Trinity (TX)* 33-7-0 ( 0.825) 35-7-0 ( 0.833)
2. Cal Lutheran 27-10-0 ( 0.730) 27-11-0 ( 0.711)
3. Whitworth 29-11-0 ( 0.725) 29-11-0 ( 0.725)
4. Concordia (TX) 24-13-0 ( 0.649) 27-13-0 ( 0.675)
5. Occidental 30-7-0 ( 0.811) 30-8-0 ( 0.789)
6. Texas Lutheran 26-15-0 ( 0.634) 26-15-0 ( 0.634)
* - denotes already guaranteed spot
I think that Trinity, Cal Lu, Whitworth and PLU are all safely to the regional.
I think reality just hit the Oxy campus. Their SOS is 223 but will go up during the SCIAC Tournament. I would hate to get over-confident in regards to those listed that you believe are in, but I would agree. I think the ASC is only getting one bid and if Oxy fails to win the SCIAC Tourney, I do not see them getting in and that is a direct result of terrible non-conference scheduling.
Here are the SCIAC SOS's as of today:
Redlands- 72
Cal Lu- 87
La Verne- 98
Pomona- 103
Claremont- 113
Chapman- 117
Caltech- 133
Whittier- 156
Oxy- 223...223!!
Trinity and Whitworth can't do anything to improve their standing and Whitworth does have a win against Cal Lu back in Feb. They stumbled a little down the stretch but I think they are (fairly) safe.
PLU automatically bumps the #6 team on the list out of that spot (not saying PLU will be seeded 6th, just that there is one less spot already.)
Very interested to see how the SCIAC shapes up.
Quote from: Jack Parkman on May 05, 2016, 06:34:55 PM
Quote from: Westside on May 05, 2016, 05:01:14 PM
May 5th Regional Rankings:
1. Trinity (TX)* 33-7-0 ( 0.825) 35-7-0 ( 0.833)
2. Cal Lutheran 27-10-0 ( 0.730) 27-11-0 ( 0.711)
3. Whitworth 29-11-0 ( 0.725) 29-11-0 ( 0.725)
4. Concordia (TX) 24-13-0 ( 0.649) 27-13-0 ( 0.675)
5. Occidental 30-7-0 ( 0.811) 30-8-0 ( 0.789)
6. Texas Lutheran 26-15-0 ( 0.634) 26-15-0 ( 0.634)
* - denotes already guaranteed spot
I think that Trinity, Cal Lu, Whitworth and PLU are all safely to the regional.
I think reality just hit the Oxy campus. Their SOS is 223 but will go up during the SCIAC Tournament. I would hate to get over-confident in regards to those listed that you believe are in, but I would agree. I think the ASC is only getting one bid and if Oxy fails to win the SCIAC Tourney, I do not see them getting in and that is a direct result of terrible non-conference scheduling.
Here are the SCIAC SOS's as of today:
Redlands- 72
Cal Lu- 87
La Verne- 98
Pomona- 103
Claremont- 113
Chapman- 117
Caltech- 133
Whittier- 156
Oxy- 223...223!!
Trinity and Whitworth can't do anything to improve their standing and Whitworth does have a win against Cal Lu back in Feb. They stumbled a little down the stretch but I think they are (fairly) safe.
PLU automatically bumps the #6 team on the list out of that spot (not saying PLU will be seeded 6th, just that there is one less spot already.)
Very interested to see how the SCIAC shapes up.
I'm sure you are well aware of it (and probably most everyone reading this), but never forget that Pool C selection is national, not regional. PLU bumps
someone out of a spot, but not necessarily a West team.
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on May 05, 2016, 06:46:00 PM
Quote from: Jack Parkman on May 05, 2016, 06:34:55 PM
Quote from: Westside on May 05, 2016, 05:01:14 PM
May 5th Regional Rankings:
1. Trinity (TX)* 33-7-0 ( 0.825) 35-7-0 ( 0.833)
2. Cal Lutheran 27-10-0 ( 0.730) 27-11-0 ( 0.711)
3. Whitworth 29-11-0 ( 0.725) 29-11-0 ( 0.725)
4. Concordia (TX) 24-13-0 ( 0.649) 27-13-0 ( 0.675)
5. Occidental 30-7-0 ( 0.811) 30-8-0 ( 0.789)
6. Texas Lutheran 26-15-0 ( 0.634) 26-15-0 ( 0.634)
* - denotes already guaranteed spot
I think that Trinity, Cal Lu, Whitworth and PLU are all safely to the regional.
I think reality just hit the Oxy campus. Their SOS is 223 but will go up during the SCIAC Tournament. I would hate to get over-confident in regards to those listed that you believe are in, but I would agree. I think the ASC is only getting one bid and if Oxy fails to win the SCIAC Tourney, I do not see them getting in and that is a direct result of terrible non-conference scheduling.
Here are the SCIAC SOS's as of today:
Redlands- 72
Cal Lu- 87
La Verne- 98
Pomona- 103
Claremont- 113
Chapman- 117
Caltech- 133
Whittier- 156
Oxy- 223...223!!
Trinity and Whitworth can't do anything to improve their standing and Whitworth does have a win against Cal Lu back in Feb. They stumbled a little down the stretch but I think they are (fairly) safe.
PLU automatically bumps the #6 team on the list out of that spot (not saying PLU will be seeded 6th, just that there is one less spot already.)
Very interested to see how the SCIAC shapes up.
I'm sure you are well aware of it (and probably most everyone reading this), but never forget that Pool C selection is national, not regional. PLU bumps someone out of a spot, but not necessarily a West team.
Absolutely. I would only say this as I have a VERY hard time believing the NCAA would pay for 6 flights and make this an 8-team regional. Good point either way.
Jack, I am certainly not predicting anything, but the NCAA could put Trinity, CTX and TLU on one plane out of SAT or Austin.
Quote from: Jack Parkman on May 05, 2016, 06:57:18 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on May 05, 2016, 06:46:00 PM
Quote from: Jack Parkman on May 05, 2016, 06:34:55 PM
Quote from: Westside on May 05, 2016, 05:01:14 PM
May 5th Regional Rankings:
1. Trinity (TX)* 33-7-0 ( 0.825) 35-7-0 ( 0.833)
2. Cal Lutheran 27-10-0 ( 0.730) 27-11-0 ( 0.711)
3. Whitworth 29-11-0 ( 0.725) 29-11-0 ( 0.725)
4. Concordia (TX) 24-13-0 ( 0.649) 27-13-0 ( 0.675)
5. Occidental 30-7-0 ( 0.811) 30-8-0 ( 0.789)
6. Texas Lutheran 26-15-0 ( 0.634) 26-15-0 ( 0.634)
* - denotes already guaranteed spot
I think that Trinity, Cal Lu, Whitworth and PLU are all safely to the regional.
I think reality just hit the Oxy campus. Their SOS is 223 but will go up during the SCIAC Tournament. I would hate to get over-confident in regards to those listed that you believe are in, but I would agree. I think the ASC is only getting one bid and if Oxy fails to win the SCIAC Tourney, I do not see them getting in and that is a direct result of terrible non-conference scheduling.
Here are the SCIAC SOS's as of today:
Redlands- 72
Cal Lu- 87
La Verne- 98
Pomona- 103
Claremont- 113
Chapman- 117
Caltech- 133
Whittier- 156
Oxy- 223...223!!
Trinity and Whitworth can't do anything to improve their standing and Whitworth does have a win against Cal Lu back in Feb. They stumbled a little down the stretch but I think they are (fairly) safe.
PLU automatically bumps the #6 team on the list out of that spot (not saying PLU will be seeded 6th, just that there is one less spot already.)
Very interested to see how the SCIAC shapes up.
I'm sure you are well aware of it (and probably most everyone reading this), but never forget that Pool C selection is national, not regional. PLU bumps someone out of a spot, but not necessarily a West team.
Absolutely. I would only say this as I have a VERY hard time believing the NCAA would pay for 6 flights and make this an 8-team regional. Good point either way.
The NCAA insists (and the d3sports.com guys seem to take them at their word) that SELECTION decisions are not influenced by costs, only bracketing decisions. (I'm not entirely convinced, but have no real evidence to call BS.) I'd agree that keeping the West regional at six (due to costs) is highly probable, but that still doesn't translate into a West team going unselected (if necessary, they could be sent elsewhere) due to PLU 'eating' a C bid.
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on May 05, 2016, 08:17:10 PM
Quote from: Jack Parkman on May 05, 2016, 06:57:18 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on May 05, 2016, 06:46:00 PM
Quote from: Jack Parkman on May 05, 2016, 06:34:55 PM
Quote from: Westside on May 05, 2016, 05:01:14 PM
May 5th Regional Rankings:
1. Trinity (TX)* 33-7-0 ( 0.825) 35-7-0 ( 0.833)
2. Cal Lutheran 27-10-0 ( 0.730) 27-11-0 ( 0.711)
3. Whitworth 29-11-0 ( 0.725) 29-11-0 ( 0.725)
4. Concordia (TX) 24-13-0 ( 0.649) 27-13-0 ( 0.675)
5. Occidental 30-7-0 ( 0.811) 30-8-0 ( 0.789)
6. Texas Lutheran 26-15-0 ( 0.634) 26-15-0 ( 0.634)
* - denotes already guaranteed spot
I think that Trinity, Cal Lu, Whitworth and PLU are all safely to the regional.
I think reality just hit the Oxy campus. Their SOS is 223 but will go up during the SCIAC Tournament. I would hate to get over-confident in regards to those listed that you believe are in, but I would agree. I think the ASC is only getting one bid and if Oxy fails to win the SCIAC Tourney, I do not see them getting in and that is a direct result of terrible non-conference scheduling.
Here are the SCIAC SOS's as of today:
Redlands- 72
Cal Lu- 87
La Verne- 98
Pomona- 103
Claremont- 113
Chapman- 117
Caltech- 133
Whittier- 156
Oxy- 223...223!!
Trinity and Whitworth can't do anything to improve their standing and Whitworth does have a win against Cal Lu back in Feb. They stumbled a little down the stretch but I think they are (fairly) safe.
PLU automatically bumps the #6 team on the list out of that spot (not saying PLU will be seeded 6th, just that there is one less spot already.)
Very interested to see how the SCIAC shapes up.
I'm sure you are well aware of it (and probably most everyone reading this), but never forget that Pool C selection is national, not regional. PLU bumps someone out of a spot, but not necessarily a West team.
Absolutely. I would only say this as I have a VERY hard time believing the NCAA would pay for 6 flights and make this an 8-team regional. Good point either way.
The NCAA insists (and the d3sports.com guys seem to take them at their word) that SELECTION decisions are not influenced by costs, only bracketing decisions. (I'm not entirely convinced, but have no real evidence to call BS.) I'd agree that keeping the West regional at six (due to costs) is highly probable, but that still doesn't translate into a West team going unselected (if necessary, they could be sent elsewhere) due to PLU 'eating' a C bid.
Another solid point. You are on fire tonight!
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.annarbor.com%2Fassets_c%2F2010%2F07%2Fypsi_twp_fire_9-thumb-590x392-46145.jpg&hash=961a2017917f96f661f8ac0842bcef9e66460aaa)
Hey! I am not some derelict building - I am ALBERTA! ;)
With almost 22,000 posts, SOME of them are bound to be decent - if only by 'law of averages'. ;D
I confess that I am not that much into D3 baseball (I follow only the west and central boards). And I never followed it at all until the post-season in 2010, when the final word was "They will 'Remember the Titans' in Appleton". The performance by Jason Pankau that day, against a Cortland team that had pounded the crap out of all other pitching, made me a fan. (During the crucial innings, when IWU went from down 1-2, to up 17-2, he yielded ZERO base runners!) That both coaches cleared the benches when the game was obviously over (give those guys a taste of the WS!) solidified my fanship.
I'm much more a football and (especially) basketball fan (both genders), but I do like my baseball also. (Though IWU seems to be much better at softball than baseball. :P)
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on May 05, 2016, 10:35:01 PM
Hey! I am not some derelict building - I am ALBERTA! ;)
With almost 22,000 posts, SOME of them are bound to be decent - if only by 'law of averages'. ;D
I confess that I am not that much into D3 baseball (I follow only the west and central boards). And I never followed it at all until the post-season in 2010, when the final word was "They will 'Remember the Titans' in Appleton". The performance by Jason Pankau that day, against a Cortland team that had pounded the crap out of all other pitching, made me a fan. (During the crucial innings, when IWU went from down 1-2, to up 17-2, he yielded ZERO base runners!) That both coaches cleared the benches when the game was obviously over (give those guys a taste of the WS!) solidified my fanship.
I'm much more a football and (especially) basketball fan (both genders), but I do like my baseball also. (Though IWU seems to be much better at softball than baseball. :P)
If I recall correctly, in a previous life Mr Ypsi taught statistics.
Quote from: Ralph Turner on May 05, 2016, 10:50:13 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on May 05, 2016, 10:35:01 PM
Hey! I am not some derelict building - I am ALBERTA! ;)
With almost 22,000 posts, SOME of them are bound to be decent - if only by 'law of averages'. ;D
I confess that I am not that much into D3 baseball (I follow only the west and central boards). And I never followed it at all until the post-season in 2010, when the final word was "They will 'Remember the Titans' in Appleton". The performance by Jason Pankau that day, against a Cortland team that had pounded the crap out of all other pitching, made me a fan. (During the crucial innings, when IWU went from down 1-2, to up 17-2, he yielded ZERO base runners!) That both coaches cleared the benches when the game was obviously over (give those guys a taste of the WS!) solidified my fanship.
I'm much more a football and (especially) basketball fan (both genders), but I do like my baseball also. (Though IWU seems to be much better at softball than baseball. :P)
If I recall correctly, in a previous life Mr Ypsi taught statistics.
I confess to having taught statistics for (so far) about half my life. (If it reaches only one third of my life, I'll be 102! ;D)
I therefore must also confess that I used 'law of averages' in the colloquial sense, rather than statistically. Since no standard (i.e., mean) was established, there can be no (identifiable) regression to the mean. A blithering idiot could have 22,000 consecutive horrible posts (though probably a few decent just by accident); a baseball savant could have nearly 22,000
en fuego posts, though no doubt a few clinkers along the way. I hope I am not a blithering idiot, and am pretty sure I am not a baseball savant, so a good day now and then seems inevitable. :D
Teams: Not seeded just in order qualified
1. Pacific Lutheran (25-16)
2. Trinity (35-7)
3. Cal Lu (31-11)
4.
5.
6.
Teams: Not seeded just in order qualified
1. Pacific Lutheran (25-16)
2. Trinity (35-7)
3. CLU (31-11)
4.
5.
6.
Team Stats:
Pacific Lutheran: .290 Batting Average, 4.35 ERA, .970 Fielding %
Trinity: 0.347 BA, 2.79 ERA, 0.968 Fielding %
CLU: 0.328 BA 3.43 ERA 0.972 Fielding %
The west regional is looking clearer now after this weekend. The ASC winner will take the last guaranteed spot, and Whitworth will likely get an at large bid and most likely one out of region team. I just don't see CTX, Oxy and TLU taking the last spot as one of the top ranked Midwest teams, even Whitworth is at risk depending on what happens in the mid-west. Trinity will take the top seed with CLU likely at 2, which is good for them to stay out of Trinity's way for as long as possible. PLU likely the 6 seed, and the rest we have to see.
Quote from: 108 Stitches on May 09, 2016, 12:19:30 PM
The west regional is looking clearer now after this weekend. The ASC winner will take the last guaranteed spot, and Whitworth will likely get an at large bid and most likely one out of region team. I just don't see CTX, Oxy and TLU taking the last spot as one of the top ranked Midwest teams, even Whitworth is at risk depending on what happens in the mid-west. Trinity will take the top seed with CLU likely at 2, which is good for them to stay out of Trinity's way for as long as possible. PLU likely the 6 seed, and the rest we have to see.
I pretty much agree with everything you said. I think Whitworth gets in, a lot of it having to do with the fact they are hosting.
I mean, let's compare:
Whitworth - 29-11, 153 SOS
Occidental - 32-9, 175 SOS
So Oxy has more a better win % with a slightly worse SOS. That feels like a wash to me, but Whitworth gets the tiebreaker with proximity to the regional.
1. Trinity
2. CLU
3. Whitworth
4. ASC Winner
5. Out of Region Team
6. PLU
But we have seen the committee do crazy things before ::)
I think there is also a bit of recency bias for the regionals, whether the committee admits it or not. They may not look favorably to having two SCIAC teams in the regional, since it has been a while since there was a deep run by a team from Cali (Chapman as a non-SCIAC member excluded!).
Or would they take OXY and ship them as a 5/6 seed somewhere else? Midwest? Central?
So you baseball guys actually think there is some chance that the NCAA flies in two teams when Whitworth is sitting right there with a resume that the committee could easily defend?
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F49.media.tumblr.com%2Ftumblr_m965zarDfQ1rvcjd7o7_250.gif&hash=8860c8c973dd4f08e457ae406b37d2d461563d80)
Quote from: (509)Rat on May 09, 2016, 01:43:09 PM
So you baseball guys actually think there is some chance that the NCAA flies in two teams when Whitworth is sitting right there with a resume that the committee could easily defend?
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F49.media.tumblr.com%2Ftumblr_m965zarDfQ1rvcjd7o7_250.gif&hash=8860c8c973dd4f08e457ae406b37d2d461563d80)
I think we all agree Whitworth is in. The big question is whether Oxy gets in or if they ship in someone from another region. This is a 4-flight regional however you look at it.
Quote from: (509)Rat on May 09, 2016, 01:43:09 PM
So you baseball guys actually think there is some chance that the NCAA flies in two teams when Whitworth is sitting right there with a resume that the committee could easily defend?
Whitworth is in. A #3 ranking in the Regional Standings pretty much guarantees that. We were just discussing things, on the discussion forum :-*
To be fair though, with a SOS of 150+, not winning the conference championship, and being only 8-7 in their last 15 games; you can just as easily point out reasons they might not make it. Which, again, they will.
As I shared on the SCAC board, after not making it to the SCAC final I do not think Texas Lutheran has a shot. This is especially true now that Cal Lu won the SCIAC; however, is there a scenario where Hardin Simmons wins the ASC and the committee now all of sudden looks at a TLU team with a decent SOS and 3 wins against Trinity, 3 against ASC champ Hardin Simmons and 1 against Birmingham Southern and gives them a twinge of consideration? How does their resume compare to Oxy? Is it truly just Oxy or a team from another region?
QuoteI'd venture that TLU's 3 recent losses to a sub .500 Southwestern team and their two late February losses to the University of Dallas will be tough to overcome. That said, they had a really great conference season and finished the year 3-4 against a very, very good Trinity team. Not to mention a valuable win against Birmingham Southern. I don't think they will leap frog Whitworth, but if someone other than Oxy or Cal Lutheran wins the SCIAC tournament, they might have an outside shot.
JSG
But does HSU make it to the Regional Rankings?
Quote from: Just_Some_Guy on May 09, 2016, 02:40:21 PM
As I shared on the SCAC board, after not making it to the SCAC final I do not think Texas Lutheran has a shot. This is especially true now that Cal Lu won the SCIAC; however, is there a scenario where Hardin Simmons wins the ASC and the committee now all of sudden looks at a TLU team with a decent SOS and 3 wins against Trinity, 3 against ASC champ Hardin Simmons and 1 against Birmingham Southern and gives them a twinge of consideration? How does their resume compare to Oxy? Is it truly just Oxy or a team from another region?
QuoteI'd venture that TLU's 3 recent losses to a sub .500 Southwestern team and their two late February losses to the University of Dallas will be tough to overcome. That said, they had a really great conference season and finished the year 3-4 against a very, very good Trinity team. Not to mention a valuable win against Birmingham Southern. I don't think they will leap frog Whitworth, but if someone other than Oxy or Cal Lutheran wins the SCIAC tournament, they might have an outside shot.
JSG
The last spot in the West (besides Whitworth) will likely be determined what happens with the Midwest teams. Per the book they give more weight on the last 25% of the schedule and not getting to the conf championship hurts TLU and helps Oxy IMO. The West rankings later in the week should provide some insight. Does the conf tournament for the MWest teams happen this weekend?
Midwest Region
1 Wis.-La Crosse 26-7-0 ( 0.788) 26-7-0 ( 0.788)
2 Concordia Chicago 28-9-0 ( 0.757) 28-9-0 ( 0.757)
3 Wis.-Whitewater 22-9-0 ( 0.710) 22-9-0 ( 0.710)
4 St. Thomas (MN) 23-9-0 ( 0.719) 23-9-0 ( 0.719)
5 Saint Mary's (MN) 22-11-1 ( 0.662) 22-12-1 ( 0.643)
6 Saint John's (MN) 25-9-0 ( 0.735) 25-10-0 ( 0.714)
Quote from: 108 Stitches on May 09, 2016, 04:20:46 PM
The last spot in the West (besides Whitworth) will likely be determined what happens with the Midwest teams. Per the book they give more weight on the last 25% of the schedule and not getting to the conf championship hurts TLU and helps Oxy IMO. The West rankings later in the week should provide some insight. Does the conf tournament for the MWest teams happen this weekend?
Midwest Region
1 Wis.-La Crosse 26-7-0 ( 0.788) 26-7-0 ( 0.788)
2 Concordia Chicago 28-9-0 ( 0.757) 28-9-0 ( 0.757)
3 Wis.-Whitewater 22-9-0 ( 0.710) 22-9-0 ( 0.710)
4 St. Thomas (MN) 23-9-0 ( 0.719) 23-9-0 ( 0.719)
5 Saint Mary's (MN) 22-11-1 ( 0.662) 22-12-1 ( 0.643)
6 Saint John's (MN) 25-9-0 ( 0.735) 25-10-0 ( 0.714)
I could see a team like St. Johns (if they have a good MIAC tournament) being shipped West like they were a few years back. The MIAC and WIAC are both good conferences and the committee has shown they are not afraid to ship teams in.
My thoughts. Not seeded
from the former CrashDavisD3
Trinity
CLU
Whitworth
ASC Winner
Occidental
PLU
I am not sure I see Oxy as "in." The NCAA has rewarded SoS in the last decade and that is where Oxy falls short. I see an outside team being sent into the Weat Regional. Maybe look to the WIAC, MIAC, or CCIW.
Quote from: BigPoppa on May 09, 2016, 10:36:47 PM
I am not sure I see Oxy as "in." The NCAA has rewarded SoS in the last decade and that is where Oxy falls short. I see an outside team being sent into the Weat Regional. Maybe look to the WIAC, MIAC, or CCIW.
These are going to be a long few days of waiting for Oxy until the regional rankings are out.
Awesome to have you back Crash!
It is in the hands of the committee and how the Midwest regions turn out. Oxy has to be routing for the top seeds at this point. It will be interesting to see how the regional rankings look later in the week.
I should add that I really hope Oxy makes it in. I think the West has continually had a good showing on the national level and they certainly deserve to fill a six team regional... But that isn't up to us keyboard mashers :o
I should ask, anyone on here planning to make the trip to Spokane? I am still on the fence! It is just a 4 hour drive...
Quote from: Westside on May 10, 2016, 12:06:29 AM
I should add that I really hope Oxy makes it in. I think the West has continually had a good showing on the national level and they certainly deserve to fill a six team regional... But that isn't up to us keyboard mashers :o
I should ask, anyone on here planning to make the trip to Spokane? I am still on the fence! It is just a 4 hour drive...
The recent West Regionals have been very competitive.
A strong Millsaps Pool C was sent to Tyler last year to affirm the strength of a West Region.
http://www.d3baseball.com/playoffs/2015/previews/west-regional-playoff-preview
Just checked in for this surprise:
I would love to see TLU get in. A lot rides on what happens in the mid-west this weekend.
West Region
1 Trinity (Texas) 33-7-0 ( 0.825) 35-7-0 ( 0.833)
2 Cal Lutheran 31-10-0 ( 0.756) 31-10-0 ( 0.756)
3 Whitworth 29-11-0 ( 0.725) 29-11-0 ( 0.725)
4 Texas Lutheran 26-15-0 ( 0.634) 26-15-0 ( 0.634)
5 Occidental 32-9-0 ( 0.780) 32-10-0 ( 0.762)
6 Concordia (Texas) 25-15-0 ( 0.625) 28-15-0 ( 0.651)
Wow. I think Texas Lutheran will be in based off of these rankings. They may not go to the West Region, but they should go somewhere. Oxy will get to keep sweating it out until the official brackets.
TLU is one hour from San Antonio where Trinity will fly out of. They could also get either UTT or H-S, one of which will win the ASC could also go. How convenient!
I don't think TLU or Oxy really has a shot, and Whitworth is sweating it out after all of the conference tournament upsets. Don't get me wrong, I would love to see all West teams in the regional but I have a feeling that will not happen.
You are probably right Jack, when you look at the national picture. They are looking at 14 spots from across the country.
Trinity
CLU
Whitworth - Most likley but still on the bubble
ASC Winner
TBD - likely fly in from midwest/TBD
PLU
think you hit the nail on the head 108; TLU is out
Quote from: Jack Parkman on May 13, 2016, 09:40:52 AMand Whitworth is sweating it out...
Im sure they are very worried the NCAA will fork over the $$ to fly 5 teams to Spokane instead of 4...
Quote from: 108 Stitches on May 13, 2016, 10:31:33 AM
You are probably right Jack, when you look at the national picture. They are looking at 14 spots from across the country.
Trinity
CLU
Whitworth - Most likley but still on the bubble
ASC Winner
TBD - likely fly in from midwest/TBD
PLU
IMHO, Whitworth is first on the table from the West. and they are in. They have wins against Emory, Cal Lu and CTX (Regionally Ranked teams), but I think that CTX may fall out of the "secret" final regional rankings. Can you imagine Whitworth not being picked thru all 14 rounds?
WHitworth will absolutely be first on the table in the West, but is their resume as strong as/stronger the other Pool C teams? I fully expect them to be in but would not fall off my chair if they weren't.
Hey all!
I just wanted to toss in my two cents.
I think both Whitworth and TX Lu will be in. TX Lu doesn't have a great record but they have 3 wins in 7 against Trinity, and beat Birmingham Southern. Whitworth beat Cal Lu and Emory. All of those are probably top 4 seeds in their regions.
It seems several of the West regional teams have made more of an effort of late to play better competition, even if they have to spend some money to do it. I think it will pay off this year and there will be 6 West region teams in the West regional.
Welcome to the Boards Retorno! +1!
You seem quite knowledgeable about D-3 baseball.
I hope that you will continue to contribute.
We can always use more sane, civil, mature insights into the world of D-3!
;)
UT-Tyler was taken to a second game by Hardin-Simmons but won the final 5-2 to claim the ASC's pool A bid.
Quote from: ElRetornodelEspencio on May 14, 2016, 10:15:40 PM
Hey all!
I just wanted to toss in my two cents.
I think both Whitworth and TX Lu will be in. TX Lu doesn't have a great record but they have 3 wins in 7 against Trinity, and beat Birmingham Southern. Whitworth beat Cal Lu and Emory. All of those are probably top 4 seeds in their regions.
It seems several of the West regional teams have made more of an effort of late to play better competition, even if they have to spend some money to do it. I think it will pay off this year and there will be 6 West region teams in the West regional.
I'm really not sold on TLU getting in. Seems like too many other Pool C candidates with better resumes ahead of them. I would love to have 6 West teams in, I just don't see it working out that way.
Teams: Not seeded just in order qualified
1. Pacific Lutheran (25-16)
2. Trinity (35-7)
3. CLU (31-11)
4. UTT (30-17)
5.
6.
Last two spots up to the baseball Gods. (otherwise known as the NCAA)
Team Stats:
Pacific Lutheran: .290 Batting Average, 4.35 ERA, .970 Fielding %
Trinity: 0.347 BA, 2.79 ERA, 0.968 Fielding %
CLU: 0.328 BA 3.43 ERA 0.972 Fielding %
UTT: 0.307 BA 4.32 ERA 0.958 Fielding %
Could surprise MWC winner Beloit be shipped in? Or a second WIAC team? Or even North Central who failed to win the CCIW crown?
I have not seen any of the mock projections, but with all of the upsets Whitworth might be in trouble. (hositing.ouch.gota.hurt)
I don't think the guys have been able to get their mocks up, and with the NCAA selections coming out in about an hour, wonder if they will.
Edit: this just posted on Twitter:
The number ones @d3baseball projections: Southern Me, Cortland, Misericordia, La Roche, UW-La Crosse, No. Central, Emory, Trinity (Tex) #d3b
http://www.d3baseball.com/playoffs/2016/2016-playoff-projections
Apparently the real bracket is done. Seen a couple of tweets from schools.
West Region hosted by Whitworth, Spokane, Wash.
No. 3 Case Western Reserve vs. No. 4 Whitworth
No. 2 Cal Lutheran vs. No. 5 Texas-Tyler
No. 1 Trinity (Texas) vs. No. 6 Pacific Lutheran
TLU was not selected. Whitworth was (the comments from the guys said that Whitworth's perfect record against RRO made them an easy choice).
Teams as ranked.
1. Trinity (35-7)
2. CLU (31-11)
3. Case Western Reserve (26-13)
4. Whitworth (29-11)
5. UTTyler (30-17)
6. Pacific Lutheran (25-16)
Team Stats:
Trinity: 0.347 BA 2.79 ERA, 0.968 Fielding %
CLU: 0.328 BA 3.43 ERA 0.972 Fielding %
Case W 0.289 BA 4.04 ERA 0.961 Fielding %
Whtworth: 0.306 BA 3.86 ERA 0.972 Fielding %
UTTyler: 0.307 BA 4.32 ERA 0.958 Fielding %
PLU: 0.290 BA 4.35 ERA 0.970 Fielding %
Awesome! Can't wait to take a closer look at these match ups when I get to work!
Quote from: 108 Stitches on May 16, 2016, 10:37:24 AM
Teams as ranked.
1. Trinity (35-7)
2. CLU (31-11)
3. Case Western Reserve (26-13)
4. Whitworth (29-11)
5. UTTyler (30-17)
6. Pacific Lutheran (25-16)
Team Stats:
Trinity: 0.347 BA 2.79 ERA, 0.968 Fielding %
CLU: 0.328 BA 3.43 ERA 0.972 Fielding %
Case W 0.289 BA 4.04 ERA 0.961 Fielding %
Whtworth: 0.306 BA 3.86 ERA 0.972 Fielding %
UTTyler: 0.307 BA 4.32 ERA 0.958 Fielding %
PLU: 0.290 BA 4.35 ERA 0.970 Fielding %
This was taken from the 2013 Regional Board:
Some stats for the teams that are in the West Region and how they stack up Nationwide (from NCAA.com)
These are teams in the West Region that are ranked in the top 10 in the country by category.
Batting Average - #1 Cal Lutheran
Runs Scored - #2 Cal Luteran
ERA - # 4 Trinity; #7 Linfield
Fielding % - #1 UT Tyler; #2 Linfield; #9 Texas Lutheran
Interesting that our region has some of the best teams in each of these catagories nationwide.
If you look at this year for the same things:
BA: Trinity #5
Runs: Trinity #2
ERA: Trinity #4
Fielding %: Whitworth #5 Cal Lu #7 Pac Lu #8
I just do not see how these other teams can compete with Trinity when they have a top 10 offense and pitching staff they are #21 in Fielding %. There really doesn't seem like there are as many elite teams in this regional compared to a year like 2013 where you could argue 3 of the top 10 teams in the country were in it. If Trinity does not make the trip back to Appleton I'd be very surprised.
agreed. the Trinity team was loaded in 2013 and just could not get by Linfield. In my opinion those two teams were the tops teams in the country. both teams were loaded in pitching
Case played the #2 schedule. I wouldn't take their number to be comparable to the rest of the region that is limited in what they can accomplish SOS wise.
Decided to clean it up a little bit. Looks like Spokane is trying to do their best McMinnville impression with the weather.
Teams:
1. Trinity (TX) (35-7)
2. Cal Lutheran (31-11)
3. Case Western Reserve (26-13)
4. Whitworth (29-11)
5. Texas-Tyler (30-17)
6. Pacific Lutheran (26-17)
Team Stats:
Trinity (TX): .347 Batting Average, 2.79 ERA, .968 Fielding %
Cal Lutheran: .328 Batting Average, 3.43 ERA, .972 Fielding %
Case Western Reserve: .289 Batting Average, 4.04 ERA, .961 Fielding %
Whitworth: .306 Batting Average, 3.86 ERA, .972 Fielding %
Texas-Tyler: .307 Batting Average, 4.32 ERA, .958 Fielding %
Pacific Lutheran: .289 Batting Average, 4.29 ERA, .972 Fielding %
Weather:
Wednesday: 77 and sunny.
Thursday: 61 with showers.
Friday: 68 and cloudy.
Saturday: 65 with showers.
Sunday: 65 and cloudy.
Round One:
#1 Trinity (TX) vs. #6 Pacific Lutheran
#2 Cal Lutheran vs. #5 Texas-Tyler
#3 Case Western Reserve vs. #4 Whitworth
Quote from: ElRetornodelEspencio on May 16, 2016, 12:03:12 PM
Case played the #2 schedule. I wouldn't take their number to be comparable to the rest of the region that is limited in what they can accomplish SOS wise.
I didn't mean to devalue that point. It's just my interpretation of taking that into account that I value the .60 difference in BA and 1.25 difference in ERA more than the #2 SOS. Being a West poster I'm also a little biased with the SOS since the West gets bashed for that and there is not a ton those teams can do about it.
Quote from: CAK72B on May 16, 2016, 12:17:34 PM
Quote from: ElRetornodelEspencio on May 16, 2016, 12:03:12 PM
Case played the #2 schedule. I wouldn't take their number to be comparable to the rest of the region that is limited in what they can accomplish SOS wise.
I didn't mean to devalue that point. It's just my interpretation of taking that into account that I value the .60 difference in BA and 1.25 difference in ERA more than the #2 SOS. Being a West poster I'm also a little biased with the SOS since the West gets bashed for that and there is not a ton those teams can do about it.
But that difference in ERA MAY be linked directly to SOS. WHat wouild Case's ERA be if they did not play the SOS they did. I do not believe you can just throw out SOS. I believe the 2 are inexorably linked. You cannot look at one with out looking at the other.
I think you have to take stats with a grain of salt given Case's SoS. Here is my take. Trinity is deep in pitching and their lineup 1-9 is tough to pitch to, but they are vulnerable in game 1 as they don't have an ace type pitcher, unless Gray is back in form. (which he was in his last game) If Trinity wins game one then they will be the clear favorite. If they lose game one then it is anyone's Regional. If the PLU starter can get to Brown with a lead they have a chance. I actually think CLU has the favorable draw since UTT does not have an ace pitcher either for game 1 and I think they are the weakest team in the Regional. (not really knowing PLU)
My predictions for game 1.
Trinty vs PLU: Very tight game with Trinity on top
CLU vs UTT: CLU should win this game
Case vs Whitworth: Case due to their SoS experience you have to respect who they have played and to have a couple of pitchers with mid 3 ERA says something.
I have not looked at the site webpage but assume they should have a high quality webcast. (Let's hope)
Quote from: 108 Stitches on May 16, 2016, 12:35:16 PM
My predictions for game 1.
Trinty vs PLU: Very tight game with Trinity on top
CLU vs UTT: CLU should win this game
Case vs Whitworth: Case due to their SoS experience you have to respect who they have played and to have a couple of pitchers with mid 3 ERA says something.
I have not looked at the site webpage but assume they should have a high quality webcast. (Let's hope)
In the regular season, Whitworth did not have a nice webcast (along with everyone in the NWC, it seems like the teams are stuck in the early 2000's). Here is to hoping the webcast is stepped up for the regional.
Quote from: Bishopleftiesdad on May 16, 2016, 12:33:14 PM
Quote from: CAK72B on May 16, 2016, 12:17:34 PM
Quote from: ElRetornodelEspencio on May 16, 2016, 12:03:12 PM
Case played the #2 schedule. I wouldn't take their number to be comparable to the rest of the region that is limited in what they can accomplish SOS wise.
I didn't mean to devalue that point. It's just my interpretation of taking that into account that I value the .60 difference in BA and 1.25 difference in ERA more than the #2 SOS. Being a West poster I'm also a little biased with the SOS since the West gets bashed for that and there is not a ton those teams can do about it.
But that difference in ERA MAY be linked directly to SOS. What would Case's ERA be if they did not play the SOS they did. I do not believe you can just throw out SOS. I believe the 2 are inexorably linked. You cannot look at one with out looking at the other.
I agree but in the West I think it is a different animal. Every year you could use SOS against the West over and over again. So when you apply it to the West I think you have to look at it more than one is low and one is high. Every time in the West it is going to be higher compared to other teams in the country so I think its needs to be more of a team by team basis. My point is more of I think SOS can work as a fair comparison if the West teams could consistently play the top teams in the rest of the country. However, I think for the West you just have to look at the region in general and to be honest it really for much of the season has looked like Trinity and then there is a drop off (however Cal Lu has looked better of late). It would not surprise me in the slightest if Case plays Trinity in the final.
You hate to judge the quality of an entire conference on the play of one team.
However, I am still trying to figure whether the ASC was down this year, or that the conference is so "knock-down?drag out" competitive that we cannot seem to rise above the fray. UTT is going against #2 seed CLU.
IMHO, if UTT wins one game in the regional, or even plays to within a competitive 3 runs in the 2 losses, then I have to believe in the parity of the top half of the conference.
Of course, Trinity is my bet for the strong favorite. Case (CWRU) will have been battle tested with all of the Regionally Ranked teams that they have played. Whitworth and PLU return to the playoffs from 2015 appearances.
This should be the strongest and most balanced regional of the eight.
Ralph - thanks for taking over with the West preview. I was swamped :'(
I agree Trinity is the favorite, but I really don't know much past that. I need to see something from SCIAC teams before I believe in them, and the same goes for Texas teams not named Trinity.
I know PLU was a few hops away from the World Series last year, and they were even better this year on paper (heck, I had them ranked top 10 in the preseason). It will be interesting to see if they can ride the momentum of a NWC tourney win. Their pitching staff seems to be lacking a ton of depth, and they rely a ton on "crafty" lefties that aren't going to strike many people out.
Whitworth's offense has been good, and I think their time off is really helpful. I think their pitching staff tired a bit at the end of year, which may have led to their, roughly, .500 record in their last part of the season. Their two freshman starters combined for 140 innings, so a break should definitely help them.
32 win team stays home -- Occidental. Here is a prime example why Caltech needs to go to club ball. They drag down the SOS for teams and they get left home. Playing Caltech along with losses to Pomona and CMS did them in. They had their chance by winning the SCIAC tournament but lost and stay home. Still will never agree with the selection process but that's me.
I am picking Trinity to win the West. They are there every year. Great program, great coach and he always recruits players out of state with many from CA and other states. Downfall is always the large break of games not played before the the Regional. This year 17 days since it last game when they play their 1st game in the regional.
There were tes from other regions left home as well. See Otterbein of the OAC, 32-11. Also see Wooster last year, over 30 wins and they stayed home. Happens almost every year to some team. Clearly SOS is important. Part of the problem is pool A bids from bad conferences. Not sure there is an answer to this. It is what it is.
Quote from: Bishopleftiesdad on May 16, 2016, 08:33:15 PM
There were tes from other regions left home as well. See Otterbein of the OAC, 32-11. Also see Wooster last year, over 30 wins and they stayed home. Happens almost every year to some team. Clearly SOS is important. Part of the problem is pool A bids from bad conferences. Not sure there is an answer to this. It is what it is.
Cal Lu from the SCIAC with 32 wins in 2015 and they stayed home. Caltech isn't what hurt Oxy, it's the fact that they couldn't win the auto-bid when they had the same opportunity everyone else did.
Oxy's non-conference schedule:
Willamette (X3) 20-19
Rutgers- Newark (X3) 15-24
Puget Sound (X3) 16-24
Bethesda (X1) 29-24 *Bethesda is an NCCAA school and this game didn't count towards their SOS, but they still lost.
If Oxy want's to blame anyone, they have to look nowhere but in the mirror. Playing 10 non-conference games, ALL AT HOME, against weaker squads will never help. If they duplicate this season next year, they must build their SOS so they are not in the same position. For a school that is sending their football team to Hawaii to play a non-conference game, you would think the baseball team could bus over to AZ for 4+ games.
Quote from: Jack Parkman on May 16, 2016, 09:07:17 PM
Quote from: Bishopleftiesdad on May 16, 2016, 08:33:15 PM
There were tes from other regions left home as well. See Otterbein of the OAC, 32-11. Also see Wooster last year, over 30 wins and they stayed home. Happens almost every year to some team. Clearly SOS is important. Part of the problem is pool A bids from bad conferences. Not sure there is an answer to this. It is what it is.
Cal Lu from the SCIAC with 32 wins in 2015 and they stayed home. Caltech isn't what hurt Oxy, it's the fact that they couldn't win the auto-bid when they had the same opportunity everyone else did.
Oxo's non-conference schedule:
Willamette (X3) 20-19
Rutgers- Newark (X3) 15-24
Puget Sound (X3) 16-24
Bethesda (X1) 29-24 *Bethesda is an NCCAA school and this game didn't count towards their SOS, but they still lost.
If Oxy want's to blame anyone, they have to look nowhere but in the mirror. Playing 10 non-conference games, ALL AT HOME, against weaker squads will never help. If they duplicate this season next year, they must build their SOS so they are not in the same position. For a school that is sending their football team to Hawaii to play a non-conference game, you would think the baseball team could bus over to AZ for 4+ games.
+1!
Play more Regionally Ranked teams. Trinity played 5. ( DeSales, Denison; BSC; TLU and Concordia TX).
CalLu played BVC, Whitworth Webster and Oxy.
Oxy only played CLU (2-2).
If you want to make the playoffs, then the AD and Coach need to read the Handbook to find the criteria that are used.
http://www.ncaa.org/sites/default/files/2016DIIIMBAPreChampsManual_20150203.pdf
Getting more games among the West Region teams, and hopefully pulling some good teams from the Midwest and Central Regions to Arizona or SoCal is the key to raising the SOS above .500. Another thing that would help would be to go north and play two or three NWC teams during the 3-game road trip.
Add to that Whitworth who travelled to CA and TX to get games against, Cal lu, Whittier, Southwestern, UMHB, Concordia (TX) and an out of region SOS boost in Emory...
Whitworth learned the perils of not scheduling in-region games against d3 opponents long ago (albeit in a different sport) and have adjusted schedules and spent the necessary money across all sports accordingly. Oxy will learn, though how any program in the west is oblivious to selection processes at this point is beyond me. Something about the definition of insanity...
Quote from: (509)Rat on May 16, 2016, 11:14:51 PM
Add to that Whitworth who travelled to CA and TX to get games against, Cal lu, Whittier, Southwestern, UMHB, Concordia (TX) and an out of region SOS boost in Emory...
Whitworth learned the perils of not scheduling in-region games against d3 opponents long ago (albeit in a different sport) and have adjusted schedules and spent the necessary money across all sports accordingly. Oxy will learn, though how any program in the west is oblivious to selection processes at this point is beyond me. Something about the definition of insanity...
Yep, Whitworth has always traveled and that has really helped them with SOS and I'm sure recruiting. I would rather them play a series with Cal Lu than Whittier (sorry Heys) but one game is better than none.
After winning 32 last year, but being left at home, Cal Lu decided to take TWO trips -- one to Texas and one to Arizona -- just to increase their SOS in case they had to compete for a pool C bid. The motto this year was 4 trips. 3 down, 1 to go.
Quote from: Sluggerdad on May 17, 2016, 04:17:43 AM
After winning 32 last year, but being left at home, Cal Lu decided to take TWO trips -- one to Texas and one to Arizona -- just to increase their SOS in case they had to compete for a pool C bid. The motto this year was 4 trips. 3 down, 1 to go.
+1! I like the motto!
I believe that the travel helps the team grow as a unit, too.
Thanks for coming to Texas.
Uh from the Spokane Regional posting.
Cinderella
"Pacific Lutheran was regular season runner-up and swept the NWC tourney to earn the pool A bid. In his first year as Lute head coach, PLU alum Nolan Soete has the Lutes in their first regional since 2007, Soete's first year as an assistant. After the long rest, Pacific Lutheran is ready to step into the under dog role."
http://www.d3baseball.com/playoffs/2016/previews/west-regional-playoff-preview
Did they not go to the South Region last year?
just saying.
Quote from: 108 Stitches on May 17, 2016, 02:02:22 PM
Uh from the Spokane Regional posting.
Cinderella
"Pacific Lutheran was regular season runner-up and swept the NWC tourney to earn the pool A bid. In his first year as Lute head coach, PLU alum Nolan Soete has the Lutes in their first regional since 2007, Soete's first year as an assistant. After the long rest, Pacific Lutheran is ready to step into the under dog role."
http://www.d3baseball.com/playoffs/2016/previews/west-regional-playoff-preview
Did they not go to the South Region last year?
just saying.
My bad! Thanks.
Avista Stadium appears to be a pretty HR friendly ballpark. 335 to left, 398 to center, and a very short porch in right at 296. This slightly dated ballpark factors analysis (see link) also shows the park to play HR friendly.
http://www.sportsmogul.com/files/2013_milb_park_factors.pdf
Pitchers that give up a lot of flyballs might experience some whiplash...
The ball does travel fairly well in Spokane. I have posted this before, but here are the dimensions. Right field is super short, but it juts out quickly.
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.milb.com%2Fimages%2F2012%2F02%2F13%2FG8RMGeJM.jpg&hash=88f957328c3a6f9bab67f295f5368c52f730b60c)
One thing I thought of that probably doesn't mean a whole lot is that Trinity and UT Tyler are the only ones who regularly play night games. I know Cal Lu only played 1 this year and I'm not sure about the others. Again, not a huge deal but something to think about.
Quote from: Westside on May 17, 2016, 06:39:58 PM
The ball does travel fairly well in Spokane. I have posted this before, but here are the dimensions. Right field is super short, but it juts out quickly.
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.milb.com%2Fimages%2F2012%2F02%2F13%2FG8RMGeJM.jpg&hash=88f957328c3a6f9bab67f295f5368c52f730b60c)
Yeah, but a right handed batter coming around late on a fast ball might pull it down the line.
Quote from: Westside on May 17, 2016, 06:39:58 PM
The ball does travel fairly well in Spokane. I have posted this before, but here are the dimensions. Right field is super short, but it juts out quickly.
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.milb.com%2Fimages%2F2012%2F02%2F13%2FG8RMGeJM.jpg&hash=88f957328c3a6f9bab67f295f5368c52f730b60c)
That's a bandbox. Under 400 to dead center, 355-365 to power alleys. At almost 2000 feet elevation, that's really small.
It's been a while, but I'm showing up just in time for the party this weekend. Excited to see what and who comes out of this year's West Regional.
My predictions heading into today's first slate of games:
Trinity over PLU - Trinity is deep, experienced, and quite frankly (really) talented. For each regional that I've witnessed in-person, I've been impressed with their physicality and moxie. I'm not convinced that PLU's #1, Nelson, has the stuff nor command to get by TU's lineup (he also hasn't been very impressive over his last few starts).
CLU over TT - I watched every SCIAC team play this season (including CLU 4 times) and they easily boasted the most potential to make a run in the postseason. Offensively, there are no "holes" 1-9 and their guys do a nice job of being selective and balanced at the plate. Their ace, Saito, is what I describe as the "lull you to sleep" type on the mound. He mixes well and keeps the ball down (decent velo), but he's the one where hitters will think they got him and 2,3,4 innings later he is still in the game tossing 0's. My main concern for CLU is that the SCIAC's pitching talent is abysmal (sorry not going to sugarcoat it for any other SCIAC followers) so if TT's ace is on then it might give their lineup fits.
Whitworth over CWRU - I know nothing about Case Western, but I do know that I'm biased toward the NW ;D. It will be interesting to see how the Pirates' freshman ace handles CWRU. The Spartans SoS could pay dividends this weekend as well. Sticking with my NW roots on this one.
Let the fun begin :)
I will post my picks for the bracket. Game by game
1) TU
2) CLU
3) Whit
4) PLU over UTT; UTT out
5) TU over CWRU; CWRU out
6) CLU
7) TU
8) Whit over PLU; PLU out
9) CLU over Whit; Whit out
10) TU over CLU; CLU out; TU champ
As long as CWRU goes 2 and a BBQ, I am happy.
West Region does not get respect - sending a 26-11 team out here (SoS yada yada yada) and leaving West Region 30 win teams out. Save the explanation/justification, I've heard it. The only reason that makes sense to me is that CWRU has the word "Western" in their name.
Now watch...I've given CWRU billboard material and they run the table.
Hell with that! The West Region all sucks and the NCAA says so!!!
There. Now we are winning it all. You're welcome. ;D
Quote from: Purple Heys on May 18, 2016, 12:55:55 PM
As long as CWRU goes 2 and a BBQ, I am happy.
Amen to that 8-)
Having been to 4 previous Regionals I can attest to how much luck, or a bad hop, or a pitcher having a great game, or some other strange baseball happening can play in closely matched games to predict the final outcome so I am just going to make my predictions one game at a time. Clearly Trinity is experienced and deep and I expect them to be in the championship game.
I happen to think having a number 2 SoS in the country says a lot about a team so I would not discount them at all. Not really knowing Whitworth this year other than they are young leads me to think CWRU will win the first game, but Whitworth will be home in front of their own fans and CWRU had to fly across the country and is playing a late game so they will be jet lagged and tired.
My predictions for game 1.
Trinty vs PLU: Very tight game with Trinity on top
CLU vs UTT: CLU should win this game as UTT is not that strong of a team compared to previous years.
CWRU vs Whitworth: CWRU due to their SoS experience you have to respect who they have played and to have a couple of pitchers with mid 3 ERA says something.
Lt's hope the webcast quality is there.
I don't know much about CWRU other than their strong SOS and what can be gleaned from their stats. They should be a pretty quality ball club given who they have competed against day in and day out this season.
One thing that is interesting is they have a .972 fielding percentage in their wins, and a .939 fielding percentage in their losses. Other thing to note is that they have the most "Ring Rust" of any team in the regional having last played on April 27th. Seems like you will be able to tell pretty early how they will perform by how they are fielding. If they start kicking it around early, it might be a pretty short trip to Spokane.
Well PLU came to play...BB, K, 2B, 1B to start and take a 2-0 lead on Gray and the Tigers. Well if TU was gonna be hungover from the layoff/flight I'm sure this got their attention. We will see how this plays out but maybe the West will be a more offensive region this year with the field dimensions and the lack of many dominating pitchers that we have seen in the past.
And just like that a Wolf RBI double and a Butler 2 Run HR puts Trinity up 3-2 in the bottom of the 1st. For a West regional I did not know that games could feature more than 4 or 5 runs. Its a pleasant surprise to see.
Gray will settle in, he is historically shaky in the first inning. As others have posted earlier this is a small park. Video feed is poor but the kids announcing are doing a decent job.
Trinity went on to win game 1, 7-3. It was 4-3 until bottom of 6th when Trinity added a couple of insurance runs. Gray was shaky in the first giving up 2 and then settled in nicely. PLU went with Nelson who looked a bit shaky also and was replaced by Larson after 2.1 innings, who did a good job for 3 and Gleichman finished off. Nelson took loss. Troy Nelson from Trinity came in (9th) and they said he hit 94, Gray was 87-90 the whole game, which is back where he was last year, but for some reason was down earlier in the season. Solid start for the Tigers.
PLU 3 - 7 - 1
Trinity 7 - 12 - 1
The ball does seem to carry, but there was only 1 HR and 3 doubles total.
There seems to be some technical difficulties for the CLU/UTT webcast at the moment. Video is back on but sound is scratchy.
Quote from: NWBaseballFan10 on May 18, 2016, 11:25:00 AM
My predictions heading into today's first slate of games:
Trinity over PLU - I'm not convinced that PLU's #1, Nelson, has the stuff nor command to get by TU's lineup (he also hasn't been very impressive over his last few starts).
Ahh yes! 1 for 1 so far on my predictions! That must move my career accuracy percentage up to about 25%. Trying to get it above .300 so I can earn a spot in the D3 Message Boards HOF ;D
Just got a chance to check out the video feed for the CLU/TT game. I hope nobody suffers from acrophobia! I feel like we are watching this one from the rooftoop of the stadium. :-\
Quote from: NWBaseballFan10 on May 18, 2016, 07:27:39 PM
Quote from: NWBaseballFan10 on May 18, 2016, 11:25:00 AM
My predictions heading into today's first slate of games:
Trinity over PLU - I'm not convinced that PLU's #1, Nelson, has the stuff nor command to get by TU's lineup (he also hasn't been very impressive over his last few starts).
Ahh yes! 1 for 1 so far on my predictions! That must move my career accuracy percentage up to about 25%. Trying to get it above .300 so I can earn a spot in the D3 Message Boards HOF ;D
Just got a chance to check out the video feed for the CLU/TT game. I hope nobody suffers from acrophobia! I feel like we are watching this one from the rooftoop of the stadium. :-\
Just stay above the Mendoza line! ;)
UT-Tyler 4, Cal Lu 2.
Patriots to play the winner of the CWRU Whitworth game which follows.
Cal-Lu will play Pac Lu
I thought it said UT-Tyler won 4-3, and Cal Lu had the tying run thrown out at home from left field!
Classic one run game in the West. 8-)
Quote from: Ralph Turner on May 18, 2016, 09:27:45 PM
UT-Tyler 4, Cal Lu 2.
Patriots to play the winner of the CWRU Whitworth game which follows.
Cal-Lu will play Pac Lu
Quote from: Westside on May 18, 2016, 09:35:57 PM
I thought it said UT-Tyler won 4-3, and Cal Lu had the tying run thrown out at home from left field!
Classic one run game in the West. 8-)
You are right about a classic 1-run West Region game!
Thanks. I just missed that play. I saw UTT empty the dugout and file to the pitcher's mound then towards 2B to congratulate the team members.
I may have misread the line score on the screen or something.
The good thing is that it is not 2 and BBQ for the ASC's representative who finished 4th in conference.
That being said, I think that it speaks to the parity in the ASC and not a down year in the conference.
Rain delay with Whitworth up 6 - 1 top 5.
Whitworth wins the last game 8-5. CWRU scored late to make the game closer. I think that shows Whitworth's, potential, weakness being the bullpen.
Day One:
#1 Trinity (TX) vs. #6 Pacific Lutheran
Trinity wins 7-3.
#2 Cal Lutheran vs. #5 Texas-Tyler
Texas-Tyler wins 4-3.
#3 Case Western Reserve vs. #4 Whitworth
Whitworth wins 8-5.
Day Two:
#2 Cal Lutheran vs. #6 Pacific Lutheran
#1 Trinity (TX) vs. #3 Case Western Reserve
#4 Whitworth vs. #5 Texas-Tyler
UTT has the play that saved the game for them up on their website. Really exciting and worth a look. Would you have sent the runner with less than 2 outs?
http://www.uttylerpatriots.com/
I had the game going while working and the audio was messed up for at least half of the game but the UTT outfield made two plays that saved the game for them. One the CF made a great running catch that the announcers thought was going to fall and the RFer made a diving catch that saved at least one run.
CLU out hit UTT 7-12 but left 10 stranded. Best game of day 1.
CLU made a mistake sending the runner IMO. They would have had runners on the corners with only one out. So they were overly aggressive on a line drive that was not hit deep. The next batter hit a fly ball to the outfield that would have scored the tying run.
But I will take it!!
It's crazy to think that yesterday was the most "lopsided" opening day in the West Regional since 2012.
2013 - Linfield 2, TLU 0. Trinity 1, CLU 0. Texas-Tyler 4, Pomona-Pitzer 3 (11 innings). Net difference of 4 runs.
2014 - Linfield 1, LeTorneau 0. CLU 2, Illinois-Wesleyan 1. UW-Stevens Point 3, Trinity 2. Net difference of 3 runs.
2015 - LaVerne 2, Texas-Tyler 0. Trinity 5, Linfield 1. Millsaps 7, Whitworth 6. Net difference of 7 runs.
Hoping for more good ones today.
All the games yesterday were very competitive. The Trinity game was a 1 run game up until the bottom of the 6th. You just don't see blow outs in the West like you get in other Regions. I have been wrong in 2 of the 3 first games, but here goes.
#2 Cal Lutheran vs. #6 Pacific Lutheran: Another close one but I think CLU breaks out on top.
#1 Trinity (TX) vs. #3 Case Western Reserve CWRU will not be flat to start this game, but TU's offense will be too much for them.
#4 Whitworth vs. #5 Texas-Tyler Which UTT team will show up? If the one from yesterday does they will win. Another close one with UTT on top.
Quote from: Westside on May 19, 2016, 11:49:25 AM
It's crazy to think that yesterday was the most "lopsided" opening day in the West Regional since 2012.
2013 - Linfield 2, TLU 0. Trinity 1, CLU 0. Texas-Tyler 4, Pomona-Pitzer 3 (11 innings). Net difference of 4 runs.
2014 - Linfield 1, LeTorneau 0. CLU 2, Illinois-Wesleyan 1. UW-Stevens Point 3, Trinity 2. Net difference of 3 runs.
2015 - LaVerne 2, Texas-Tyler 0. Trinity 5, Linfield 1. Millsaps 7, Whitworth 6. Net difference of 7 runs.
Hoping for more good ones today.
Only 8 runs total difference!
Thanks Westside for reminding the rest of D3 who may read today's regional that the West Region is the MOST BALANCED region in the country.
2/3 right on the 1st day isn't too shabby for me. At this rate I'll be a 1st ballot Hall of Famer for the D3 Messaage Boards. :P
Day 2 Predictions:
CLU over PLU - I wanted to stick with the NW on this one, but the Lutes' pitching depth is a concern here. CLU swung it well yesterday, but were unable to capitalize with runners on and I'm guessing that today will be a different story.
Trinity over CWRU - Crossing my fingers that the team shipped in is the first team eliminated this weekend.
TT over Whitworth - I'm going to try a little reverse psychology on this one. I give TT the nod simply because they are facing a freshman lefty and as a team they are hitting .333 against LHP this season...but technically I'm rooting for WU in this one ::)
I have been thinking of WHY the west is balanced every year... my thoughts.... there are no weak conferences in the west so in general the Pool A teams are pretty darn good (We all know that there are some regions with very weak conferences that send a rep to the dance every season). Traditionally the west doesn't get those "weaker conference" reps in the west region because of high costs to fly them in. Instead, they get 4-5 quality west reps from good conferences as well as an occasional above average midwest/central rep tossed in.
+1 BigPoppa spot on.
The teams that I saw flown in to the West the past 4 years were all solid. Some not great, but solid competitors. The Wisconsin teams could flat out play. The Point team from a couple of years ago was the most physically impressive team I have ever seen in D3 baseball. I watched Coach Scannel's (all of them actually) interview from yesterday and he was very complementary to the NWC, saying he thought it might be the best conference top to bottom in the country. The SCAC was pretty impressive this year with 3 top 25 teams at one point. The SCIAC always has strong teams as they have a huge advantage in their recruiting base in SoCal. The ASC is a large conference with a lot of very very good teams. We're going to get some more great games today.
Quote from: NWBaseballFan10 on May 19, 2016, 02:49:26 PM
2/3 right on the 1st day isn't too shabby for me. At this rate I'll be a 1st ballot Hall of Famer for the D3 Messaage Boards. :P
Day 2 Predictions:
CLU over PLU - I wanted to stick with the NW on this one, but the Lutes' pitching depth is a concern here. CLU swung it well yesterday, but were unable to capitalize with runners on and I'm guessing that today will be a different story.
Trinity over CWRU - Crossing my fingers that the team shipped in is the first team eliminated this weekend.
TT over Whitworth - I'm going to try a little reverse psychology on this one. I give TT the nod simply because they are facing a freshman lefty and as a team they are hitting .333 against LHP this season...but technically I'm rooting for WU in this one ::)
NW, good call re: CLU offense.
After 1/2 an inning CLU was able to capitalize with runners on and scored an early 3 runs.
Earlier this year they beat PLU 14-6; I'll be very pleased if they win again!
Quote from: Westside on May 17, 2016, 06:39:58 PM
The ball does travel fairly well in Spokane. I have posted this before, but here are the dimensions. Right field is super short, but it juts out quickly.
(https://www.d3boards.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.milb.com%2Fimages%2F2012%2F02%2F13%2FG8RMGeJM.jpg&hash=88f957328c3a6f9bab67f295f5368c52f730b60c)
Lefties like Drew Hedman (Pomona), David White (CTX), and Jason Mooneyham (Chapman) are somewhere salivating that they could've played 4 years at this park.
Actually, if you spent 4 years playing at Avista, then you might want to think about hanging it up. That would mean that you've spent 4 years at the Ranger's short season A ball affiliate.. ;D I think they have an age limit in the Northwest League as well.
Game 4: PLU 8, CLU 6 (Net difference of 2 runs)
Quote from: Ralph Turner on May 19, 2016, 05:44:43 PM
Game 4: PLU 8, CLU 6 (Net difference of 2 runs)
CLU lost after taking a 6-1 lead in the top of the 5th...
Bittersweet conclusions in the past 4 seasons for Cal Lutheran after losing a 5-run lead this afternoon to PLU.
Keep in mind they have now won 4 straight "regular season" SCIAC titles...
2016: 0-2 (run differential = 3)
2015: No appearance (dropped 2 games to LV in SCIAC tourney)
2014: 2-2 (both losses to UWSP who was a very talented ball club that year)
2013: 1-2 (lost both games by 1 run)
They might be taking over the "Can't get over the hump" role that Trinity left vacant after finally punching a ticket to Appleton last season.
So much for close games in the West. Trinity just beat CWRU 10-0.
Teddy Turner went 8 for Trinity giving up only 4 hits with 10K's. On top of the offense he was picked up by some great defensive plays and Trinity really dominated in all aspects of this game.
So much for SoS.
Quote from: 108 Stitches on May 19, 2016, 09:07:23 PM
So much for close games in the West. Trinity just beat CRWU 10-0.
Teddy Turner went 8 for Trinity giving up only 4 hits with 10K's. On top of the offense he was picked up by some great defensive plays and Trinity really dominated in all aspects of this game.
So much for SoS.
We still have had close games among the West Region teams. ;D (I say this as UTT comes up next.)
Whitworth and UT-Tyler scoreless after three.
Quote from: Ron Boerger on May 19, 2016, 10:45:23 PM
Whitworth and UT-Tyler scoreless after three.
And now scoreless after four. ::)
Back to West Region Tourney play...
It was 2-2 through 7 and then Whitworth picked up 2 in top of 8. Really good pitching performance from both starters. Again more Western Regional baseball.
I stepped away from the computer to do some stuff after Whitworth went up 4-2 in the top of the 8th and thought they had this game under control....wrong. UTT comes back in the bottom of the frame and scores 4 to take the win 6-4.
So tomorrow we have two Texas teams facing each other at noon and in the afternoon two PNW teams facing each other. Interesting story line. (are you listening D3 baseball.com)
CWR gets to take their SoS back to wherever it is they come from. 2 and a BBQ.
#westerndoesnotmeanwestregion
Quote from: Purple Heys on May 20, 2016, 01:42:06 AM
CWR gets to take their SoS back to wherever it is they come from. 2 and a BBQ.
#westerndoesnotmeanwestregion
Makes taking CLU's 2 and BBQ "performance" a bit more tolerable...
Quote from: Purple Heys on May 20, 2016, 01:44:24 AM
Quote from: Purple Heys on May 20, 2016, 01:42:06 AM
CWR gets to take their SoS back to wherever it is they come from. 2 and a BBQ.
#westerndoesnotmeanwestregion
Makes taking CLU's 2 and BBQ "performance" a bit more tolerable...
CLU lost in classical West Region Tourney style.
The following statement is Blatant West Region Tourney provincialism:
Consolation to the Kingsmen in that, CWRU would have been "run-ruled" in some conference tournaments!
Quote from: 108 Stitches on May 20, 2016, 12:35:36 AM
I stepped away from the computer to do some stuff after Whitworth went up 4-2 in the top of the 8th and thought they had this game under control....wrong. UTT comes back in the bottom of the frame and scores 4 to take the win 6-4.
So tomorrow we have two Texas teams facing each other at noon and in the afternoon two PNW teams facing each other. Interesting story line. (are you listening D3 baseball.com)
And UTTyler was the #4 regular season finisher in the ASC.
TU was only SCAC co-champs.
PLU won the tourney and sent Whit to Pool C.
CLU was only SCIAC co-champion.
The West Region is tough and balanced. The teams are battle-hardened to get to this point.
IMHO, the numbers are stacked against this isolated, numerically tiny region. Concordia TX, TLU and/or Oxy would have made fine Pool C bids.
Predictions for today's games
UTT vs Trinity: UTT will not be able to hold back the TU offense, and the Trinity bullpen is fresh. Trinity wins
PLU vs Whitworth: PLU's pitching depth carries them through in a close but higher scoring game.
PLU vs UTT in afternoon game. The battle of depleted bullpens. Not sure will go look at pitching stats and come back later with prediction.
BTW I heard from someone there who thought CWRU would not have made some of the conference tournaments in the West. You listening NCAA selection committee? #makethewestthewest
And here is the example of why SOS is a good but misleading stat....if anything its shows a flaw in system which have have a negative result for the West every year...do you think the committee acknowledges this in the selection progress or just kinda sweeps it under the rug and pretends its not there?
Watched the streaming video of the UTT - Whitworth game last night.
In the bottom of the 8th UTT had plated one run and Whitworth made a pitching change. They pulled their starter after he surrendered one run on two singles and a stolen base. The reliever entered with a runner on first with one out and leading by a score of 4-3. The relief pitcher walked the first batter and gave up an infield single to load the bases. The next batter hit what amounted to a swinging bunt to first base side of the mound. The pitcher made a nice play fielding the ball then spinning and throwing out the runner at the plate. So now there were 2 outs and the bases were still loaded. The next batter hit double and cleared the bases. That was a big clutch hit. Earlier in the game Whitworth had the bases loaded and could not score. Whitworth left a lot of stranded runners through the course of the game much like CLU did the day before against UTT.
Quote from: CAK72B on May 20, 2016, 09:46:33 AM
And here is the example of why SOS is a good but misleading stat....if anything its shows a flaw in system which have have a negative result for the West every year...do you think the committee acknowledges this in the selection progress or just kinda sweeps it under the rug and pretends its not there?
CAK, this is a hard area.
You have to have some criteria or it just becomes "subjective" that "West/East/Central/South Region teams are better".
CWRU played a bunch of Regionally ranked teams this year, including UAA schools Emory and WashUStL.
You see a lot of snow bird teams holding spring training in the FL and they will play 8 games against some slightly better-than-average teams from several conferences. That boosts the SOS to some degree which relates to the criteria in the Handbook.
I will root for UTT (ASC) against bid bad Trinity tonight, but we need the West to win another Championship to help the reputation
My hope would be that as many teams as possible in the conferences get to tournaments in Feb (Arizona) (Even a Sul Ross going to Arizona helps the region.) Then get good teams to come south to SoCal and Texas and get the exposure. Denison and DeSales came to San Antonio this year. Castleton State used to come to Tyler.
D3 is a hybrid system at best. Every year readers raise the same questions; mostly because they don't understand a system which for many doesn't make sense.
What we have is:
Regional Rankings (which ultimately mean nothing)
Pool C - National Rankings based upon Regional results.
Pool B – National Ranking based upon Regional results.
All of this which is built on SOS which is a National formula, that does not take into consideration the mathematical differences which result from either the "isolation" of the west or the "concentration" in the east.
Then you overlay it all with the "political" strength which results from the concentration of teams in the eastern portion of the country.
The result is you get a hybrid system for picking teams to play for a national championship. It took me 10-years to truly understand how it is likely to work (you never know because those that make the selections do it behind "closed" doors).
Quote from: 108 Stitches on May 20, 2016, 09:41:18 AM
Predictions for today's games
PLU vs Whitworth: PLU's pitching depth carries them through in a close but higher scoring game.
If anything, PLU's lack of pitching depth should make this a high scoring game! I mean... PLU literally brought their closer in in the 3rd inning yesterday, he threw seven innings! I think Whitworth's starter is better than PLU's, but, on paper, this will be a slugfest.
Updated Schedule:
http://whitworthpirates.com/sports/bsb/2015-16/2016ncaatournament
Round One:
#1 Trinity (TX) vs. #6 Pacific Lutheran
Trinity wins 7-3.
#2 Cal Lutheran vs. #5 Texas-Tyler
Texas-Tyler wins 4-3.
#3 Case Western Reserve vs. #4 Whitworth
Whitworth wins 8-5.
Round Two:
#2 Cal Lutheran vs. #6 Pacific Lutheran
Pacific Lutheran wins 8-6.
Cal Lutheran eliminated.
#1 Trinity (TX) vs. #3 Case Western Reserve
Trinity wins 10-0.
Case Western Reserve eliminated.
#4 Whitworth vs. #5 Texas-Tyler
Texas-Tyler wins 6-4.
Round Three:
#1 Trinity (TX) vs. #5 Texas-Tyler
#4 Whitworth vs. #6 Pacific Lutheran
Loser of Game One vs. Winners of Game Two
Interestingly, UT-T and Trinity have faced off once this season in a similar situation (third game in a weekend tournament) with Trinity taking an 11-6 win in Tyler (http://trinitytigers.com/sports/bsb/2015-16/boxscores/20160214_msgu.xml). One difference is that Trinity won't face Cason Adams, who went five innings, allowing 5 ER. Michael Walker started for Trinity and could again today; in his shortest stint of the season he allowed 6 runs (4 earned) in 3.2 IP.
Possible starters today:
UT-Tyler: Max Page (3-2, 12 App/3 GS, 31.2 IP, 3.41 ERA, .281 OBA) or Tyler Stallings (5-1, 17 App/7 GS, 44.0 IP, 4.09 ERA, .285 OBA). Page last started against HSU last week, allowing 1 ER in 7 IP. Stallings hasn't started a game in over a month, when he gave up 1 ER in 6 IP versus Centenary. He's had 5 appearances of an inning or two since.
Trinity: Walker (8-0, 10 App/9 GS, 59.2 IP, 3.02 ERA, .264 OBA) or Troy Nelson (5-1, 12 App/8 GS, 46.2 IP, 3.28 ERA, .240 OBA)
Quote from: ILVBB on May 20, 2016, 12:11:13 PM
D3 is a hybrid system at best. Every year readers raise the same questions; mostly because they don't understand a system which for many doesn't make sense.
What we have is:
Regional Rankings (which ultimately mean nothing)
Pool C - National Rankings based upon Regional results.
Pool B – National Ranking based upon Regional results.
All of this which is built on SOS which is a National formula, that does not take into consideration the mathematical differences which result from either the "isolation" of the west or the "concentration" in the east.
Then you overlay it all with the "political" strength which results from the concentration of teams in the eastern portion of the country.
The result is you get a hybrid system for picking teams to play for a national championship. It took me 10-years to truly understand how it is likely to work (you never know because those that make the selections do it behind "closed" doors).
Great info...SoS is crutch (IMHO) to help justify an assertion that "political" strength has nothing to do with the process, when quite obviously it does; as SoS skews East. CSW and their 13 losses to questionably "strong" teams had no business being added to the West Region playoff over Oxy for sure and CTX, or TLU from a competitive, not formulaic point of view. Although I will stipulate CTX and TLU's 15 losses are not very becoming.
West Region jingoism rocks! 8-)
Great stuff Ron! In his interview from the last game Scannell said they were going with Walker. He has the experience and has pitched in many big games so it makes sense. That said any pitcher will likely have a short leash as they have a pen full of guys who are fresh can get it done. The PLU/Whitworth game could be a slugfest. There is no question in my mind that TLU was a better team than CWRU, I did not see Oxy or CTX, but I am sure both were likely better teams also.
Three losses in their last six games to sub-.500 Southwestern didn't help TLU. Win one or two of those - especially the last tourney game where they were instead run-ruled 16-2 - and TLU probably would have been in.
Quote from: Westside on May 20, 2016, 12:28:51 PM
Quote from: 108 Stitches on May 20, 2016, 09:41:18 AM
Predictions for today's games
PLU vs Whitworth: PLU's pitching depth carries them through in a close but higher scoring game.
If anything, PLU's lack of pitching depth should make this a high scoring game! I mean... PLU literally brought their closer in in the 3rd inning yesterday, he threw seven innings! I think Whitworth's starter is better than PLU's, but, on paper, this will be a slugfest.
PLU's staff is looking pretty depleted after 2 games of starters failing to get through the 3rd inning. Originally, I thought WU would throw Kingma yesterday against TT so I'm guessing he gets the nod today and the Lutes throw Donahou. PLU doesn't have much else to offer with Rossman injured unless Nelson pitches off a day's rest since he only lasted 2 1/3 on Wednesday.
Tale of the tape for both guys:
Kingma (8-3, 4.39 ERA, 69.2 IP, 27 K's, 17 BB's)
Donahou (5-3, 4.14 ERA, 50 IP, 32 K's, 19 BB's)
Stat lines for each guy when teams faced off head to head this season:
Kingma - 1st Game (7 1/3 IP, 3 R, 2 ER, 6 hits, 4 K's, 7-3 win for WU), 2nd Game (3 2/3 IP, 5 ER, 11 hits, 2 K's, 7-3 win for PLU)
Donahou - 1st Game (6 IP, 2 ER, 10 hits, 5 K's, 3-1 win for WU), 2nd Game (7 IP, 5 R, 4 ER, 6 Hits, 2 K's, 6-5 win for PLU)
I went back and forth on this one, but the lucky coin I flipped gave the nod to PLU.
In other action today, I'm going with Trinity over TT. CWRU got ran out of the ballpark yesterday against TU, which I think is more of a result of TU's depth/skill than it is CWRU's lack thereof.
UTT will likely go with the Freshman - Page. He has pitched well his last two appearances in must win situations. First against UTD in the first round of the ASC tournament and then against HSU. In both of those games the pressure was on as a loss and UTT was finished. It will be interesting to see if he pitches well again. UTT still has arms in the bullpen so if Page can go 7, UTT has a chance.
Trinity is up 5-0 through 2 innings. Vs Page they have 7 hits w/ all earned. I doubt they will not bring him out as he is getting hammered and not fooling anyone.
Late add: Yep they brought in Brunnemann.
Later add: That was better. He only gave up 2 runs on 1 hit. Trinity up 7-0 through 2 1/2. You just can not give free bases to this offense or they will make you pay.
UTT brings in short reliever Hunter Palmer (4 App. 4.2 IP, 1.93 ERA, .300 OBA) who gets through the inning unscathed, stranding runners at 2nd/3rd. Still 7-0 going to B4.
After giving up a run in the top of the fifth, UTT opens their half of the inning with three straight singles. A sac fly from Hollenshead plates the Patriots' first run. 8-1 after five. Palmer still pitching in the sixth for UTT.
Palmer's longest stint of the year had been 2.1 innings; he goes 2.2 today but can't get the third out of the inning and is pulled after allowing three straight hits resulting in four unearned runs after an error by the UTT 3B to open the inning. 12-1 Trinity with a runner still on second.
Turner Givens in to pitch (3 App, 5.2 IP, 4.09 ERA, .391 OBA) promptly gives up a single to Butler to make it 13-1.
The Trinity lineup is 9 tough outs for any opposing pitcher. At least 4 and possibly 6 of those guys are quality D1 hitters and the rest through #9 in the order are darn good. In the modern vernacular, I think it can safely be said they have "length" in their line up.
TU is now up 12-1 in the top of the 6th.
Waters homers to open the 7th. 14-1 now.
These are remarkable numbers for the Trinity line up:
8 - 14 ( .571 ) with two outs
14 - 26 ( .538 ) with runners on
11 - 21 ( .524 ) with runners in scoring position
Infieldad. When the team went up to OU two years ago the best position player on the field (as acknowledged by both coaches) was Waters who normally hits in the 9 hole. (with a 0.419BA) As a tournament moves along they will brutalize pitchers. Great pitchers can hold them to 3 runs, good ones to 5 and everyone else, well your watching what can happen. 1-9 this is the best hitting Trinity team ever.
Quote from: 108 Stitches on May 20, 2016, 05:10:30 PM
Infieldad. When the team went up to OU two years ago the best position player on the field (as acknowledged by both coaches) was Waters who normally hits in the 9 hole. (with a 0.419BA) As a tournament moves along they will brutalize pitchers. Great pitchers can hold them to 3 runs, good ones to 5 and everyone else, well your watching what can happen. 1-9 this is the best hitting Trinity team ever.
Waters is a great story, especially how he came back this year. Coach Scannell told us about it when we were there in February. 108, I think you are absolutely right about 1-9, with one addition: This is probably the best hitting team 1-15. Its just that only 9 get to play.
So much for the stretch of no blowouts to Western teams...
Trinity beats UTT 14-2, Walker goes 8 for Trinity and UTT used 5 pitchers with Page taking the loss.
Trinity: 14-19-1
UTT: 2-9-3
Trinity goes to the championship game with a fresh bullpen and hot bats.
Winner of PLU vs Whitworth will play UTT this evening.
Third straight game the Tigers have gotten 8 quality innings from their starters.
Gray vs PLU: 8.0 IP, 7H, 2BB, 8K, 3 ER; one extra base hit allowed, a double
Turner vs CWRU: 8.0 IP, 4H, 5BB, 10K, 0 ER; two extra base hits, both doubles
Walker vs UTT: 8.0 IP, 9H, 1BB, 6K, 2 ER; one extra base hit allowed, a double
TU runs rampant in the regional. If we are seeing a National semi-finalist, then excellent! I want another Western Regional team winning the Championship.
Well, whomever makes it to the championship round from the West will get the opportunity to go through most likely #4 UW Lacrosse to get to #1 Cortland in Pool A play. The Pool A winner should be battle tested, to say the least.
First-round matchups for the championship site will be as follows:
Pool A: South vs. New York and West vs. Midwest
Pool B: Mid-Atlantic vs. New England and Central vs. Mideast
Yea, Trinity and UW-LaCrosse look like they are on a collision course. Easily the two best offense in the country, in my opinion. Of course there could still be upsets...
PLU has 3 runs on 6 hits in the first inning against Whitworth... Here we go.
Quote from: Bmo on May 20, 2016, 06:44:12 PM
Well, whomever makes it to the championship round from the West will get the opportunity to go through most likely #4 UW Lacrosse to get to #1 Cortland in Pool A play. The Pool A winner should be battle tested, to say the least.
First-round matchups for the championship site will be as follows:
Pool A: South vs. New York and West vs. Midwest
Pool B: Mid-Atlantic vs. New England and Central vs. Mideast
You have to beat the best to be the best. IMO the two best teams in Appleton last year were Cortland and Trinity by a good margin. Weather and a bit of bad luck prevented the meeting, so hopefully there will be that opportunity to have those games this year....but let's not get ahead of ourselves, there are a lot of very talented and capable teams ahead of all of them for that to happen.
I agree that anything can happen in the west, where all teams left are more than capable of getting hot. But let's be honest, UW Lacrosse and Cortland have been provided nothing more than a couple sessions of organized batting practice in their respective regionals..
Thanks BMO I really have not been following the other regions to much. That is OK with us out here in the West as whoever emerges from Spokane will be battle tested and ready for what comes next. There are a few teams sitting at home who would have done better than CWRU, but of course the NCAA does not pay attention to message boards. ::)
Quote from: Bmo on May 20, 2016, 06:44:12 PM
Well, whomever makes it to the championship round from the West will get the opportunity to go through most likely #4 UW Lacrosse to get to #1 Cortland in Pool A play. The Pool A winner should be battle tested, to say the least.
First-round matchups for the championship site will be as follows:
Pool A: South vs. New York and West vs. Midwest
Pool B: Mid-Atlantic vs. New England and Central vs. Mideast
Does that mean that Trinity's #1 and #2 pitchers most likely face the two best opponents with Trinity's best arms?
PLU 8 Whitworth 5.
Another game with the margin of 3 runs or less that did not involve Trinity.
One thing I have kinda noticed compared to previous regionals which I think kinda shows these past couple years...before there were stud pitchers like Klimesh/Haddeland/Lucero/Peterson (CLU)/Schebe (Whitworh in 2012)/etc...maybe that has led to these more high scoring games where their are a bunch of above average pitching but their aren't those horses that teams send out knowing it's a guaranteed 7 innings 2 runs or less...anybody else notice that or am I missing something?
Quote from: Ralph Turner on May 20, 2016, 09:06:03 PM
Quote from: Bmo on May 20, 2016, 06:44:12 PM
Well, whomever makes it to the championship round from the West will get the opportunity to go through most likely #4 UW Lacrosse to get to #1 Cortland in Pool A play. The Pool A winner should be battle tested, to say the least.
First-round matchups for the championship site will be as follows:
Pool A: South vs. New York and West vs. Midwest
Pool B: Mid-Atlantic vs. New England and Central vs. Mideast
Does that mean that Trinity's #1 and #2 pitchers most likely face the two best opponents with Trinity's best arms?
No, nothing about Trinity, but the arguement could be made that this year's 4 strongest regions all got grouped into the same WS pool somehow someway. I realize some teams like Randolph Macon and Oswego got drawn into other regionals, but if you look at the top 14 d3 ranked teams, only Ramapo and La Roche are not in pool a regions. The path of least resistance is most certainly pool b..
Trinity or Cortland will win the National Championship in 2016. CrashDavis D3 OUT.
Surprisingly a pitcher's battle so far between UT-T (Stallings, see p. 10) and PLU (Cole Johnson, 5-4, 14 GS, 80.1 IP, 4.93 ERA, .316 OBA). Lutes up 1-0 after 4.
Tied at 2 after 6 1/2 as UT-T finally chases Johnson with a two-RBI triple with two outs in the inning. Jacob Clark relived Stallings in the fifth.
Edit: PLU gets a two-out single from Johnson to regain the lead, 3-2.
Edit 2: PLU gets two more walks to load the bases, chasing Clark, but Belcher comes in for the Patriots and gets a fly out to stop the bleeding.
It'll be a rematch of Game 1 tomorrow as PLU holds on to defeat UT-Tyler, 3-2.
Another close game in the West Region not involving Trinity.
Did I count 3 HIDP for Tyler? Ouch
UTT is eliminated but did better than expected. The western regional teams, with the exception of standout Trinity, were all evenly matched. Trinity is just much better than the rest of the field this year. However CLU, Whitworth, PLU and UTT all appear to be on the same level with any of those teams being capable of winning against the others. I could not get a feel for CWR. From what I saw of them they appeared to be a half step below the west regional based teams. I agree with everyone else who said that Oxy or TLU or CTX were probably deserving of a bid and would have been as good or better than CWR. I fully expect Trinity to win against PLU which has depleted its pitching. I hope that Trinity can win the College World Series and put a spotlight on our region.
Round One:
#1 Trinity (TX) vs. #6 Pacific Lutheran
Trinity wins 7-3.
#2 Cal Lutheran vs. #5 Texas-Tyler
Texas-Tyler wins 4-3.
#3 Case Western Reserve vs. #4 Whitworth
Whitworth wins 8-5.
Round Two:
#2 Cal Lutheran vs. #6 Pacific Lutheran
Pacific Lutheran wins 8-6.
Cal Lutheran eliminated.
#1 Trinity (TX) vs. #3 Case Western Reserve
Trinity wins 10-0.
Case Western Reserve eliminated.
#4 Whitworth vs. #5 Texas-Tyler
Texas-Tyler wins 6-4.
Round Three:
#1 Trinity (TX) vs. #5 Texas-Tyler
Trinity wins 14-2.
#4 Whitworth vs. #6 Pacific Lutheran
Pacific Lutheran wins 8-5.
Whitworth eliminated.
#5 Texas-Tyler vs. #6 Pacific Lutheran
Pacific Lutheran wins 3-2.
Texas-Tyler eliminated.
Final Round:
#1 Trinity (TX) vs. #6 Pacific Lutheran
After watching Trinity for better than 10-years, I generally try not to get excited about the prospects of a "2-game series." For me it is has been easier to say "its kids playing baseball" and let it go at that.
However, when you look at the pitching that they have available, you have to get a little "excited."
Troy Nelson (era 3.28, 63 K's in 46 innings)
Chris Tate (era 1.41, 47 K's in 32 innings)
Kevin Flores (era 0.00, 13 k's in 8 innings)
Plus 5-other pitchers that have yet to pitch at the regional with ERA's of less than 1.50.
I can not remember any team going into the finals with as much fresh, good pitchers available. Tim has done a great job of building a very deep team that is well prepared for tournament ball.
PLU is going to be a force in the NWest next year and West as they are very young and capable and I think they only lose one significant Sr. Congrats to UTT it just shows it's not how you play during the season, what matters is how you are playing in your conference and NCAA tournaments.
I think Tyler was really helped by the ASC conference championship format which gave them the opportunity to experience win or go home baseball up until last week. They had no down period leading up to the regional, and I think they carried some of that momentum into the first couple games of the regional.
As for Trinity, yes they have a number of arms available, but many of those arms haven't had significant action in over a month. They will need to shake off the rust against a pretty capable offensive threat in PLU. I expect a dog fight to the end today; PLU is more than capable of taking a doubleheader, especially if Trinity doesn't come out executing.
Quote from: 108 Stitches on May 21, 2016, 11:47:02 AM
PLU is going to be a force in the NWest next year and West as they are very young and capable and I think they only lose one significant Sr. Congrats to UTT it just shows it's not how you play during the season, what matters is how you are playing in your conference and NCAA tournaments.
PLU should be really good, but they do lose their top two hitters from this year, and 3 of their top 4 pitchers from this season. It should be another dog fight, as Whitworth, Pacific, and Linfield return a huge amount of their teams as well.
Whitworth returns 7 starters and their entire pitching staff next season. They will likely be the favorite again going in to next NWC season.
Will be interesting to see who starts for PLU today. Game 1 starter Cory Nelson would have been a possibility after only 2.1 IP but he saw action in relief against UTT yesterday; only 1.2 IP, so maybe they'll give it a go. Game 2 starter Cole Johnson similarly only saw limited action (2.0 IP) but started one of the games yesterday and pitched 6.2 strong innings. Ty Donahoe (5-3, 4.61 ERA, 15 app/8 starts, 52.2 IP, .275 OBA) pitched 2.2 innings yesterday. Kyle Rossman (1-2, 5.14 ERA, 8 app/6 starts, 35.0 IP, .270 OBA) hasn't had a start since being pulled after 2 innings vs CLU on March 31 - also his last appearance. The only other pitcher to have started a game for PLU this season is Jacob Gleichman, who has an 8.51 ERA and pitched a couple of innings in Game 1.
Quote from: Bmo on May 21, 2016, 12:16:24 PM
I think Tyler was really helped by the ASC conference championship format which gave them the opportunity to experience win or go home baseball up until last week. They had no down period leading up to the regional, and I think they carried some of that momentum into the first couple games of the regional.
As for Trinity, yes they have a number of arms available, but many of those arms haven't had significant action in over a month. They will need to shake off the rust against a pretty capable offensive threat in PLU. I expect a dog fight to the end today; PLU is more than capable of taking a doubleheader, especially if Trinity doesn't come out executing.
I agree with all of the above. However the Trinity pitchers have all been getting lot's of work in their scrimmages and should be fresh and sharp as they have been pitching against one of the best hitting teams in the country. Themselves. Trinity better come on strong out of the gate as PLU is not going to just lay down because it is "Trinity". Scannell knows that PLU will be coming in with momentum from yesterday so it will be up to the Trinity starting pitcher to take back the momentum. Should be a good hard fought game 1.
UTT will likely by the favorite to win the ASC next year and could be a regional power. They return 8 out of 9 starters including 3 freshman Welch, Wilson and Burns and a sophomore Bishop. The only senior they loose is Sam Lane their Center Fielder who batted 5th. On the pitching side they return 2 of the regional starters Adam Cason and Max Page. The also return their closer Reese Read and their set up man Chris Stodolka. This was a very young team that got better the last 1/4 of the season and into the ASC and Regionals.
PLU jumps out to an early lead. It's 4-2 after two innings.
Yea, Trinity offense won't be denied.
Leading 8-4 in the 5th. 13 hits already.
Stringing hits together over and over again...it's very impressive with 1-9 in the lineup contributing once again...PLU needs to put up a 0 in the 6th or this game could start getting away from them
Just FYI, Cortland lost this morning and is currently playing the winner-take-all final game, up early, but potential upset alert......
Rain delay at the West Regional....10-4 Trinity going into the bottom of the 7th...fwiw Trinity has scored in all 7 innings today
What has impressed me about the Trinity offense is that even when they were down 4-0 in the first their at bats were very disciplined and not swinging at pitches outside the zone and even better taking strikes on balls that were not driveable waiting for their pitch. This is the same offense as last years team but they are much more disciplined in their approach.
Will be interesting to see how long this delay is.
Game resuming at 6:00PM at Whitworth.
While I think Coach Scannell and Coach Bunch will love the AB's by all 9 hitters, I would guess Coach Scannell will rave about the job done by Chris Tate. If I remember right, he came in with the bases loaded in the 1st. After 6 full, he gave up 2 hits and no runs.
Holding PLU with nada when TU was down 4-1 was huge...so far.
TU still has really good arms to finish. Tate did his job and did it so well.
Quote from: Whatagame on May 21, 2016, 05:14:51 PM
Just FYI, Cortland lost this morning and is currently playing the winner-take-all final game, up early, but potential upset alert......
Won the second game 10-9.
PLU comes out firing puts up 2 quickly to make it 10-6 chasing Flores...2nd and 3rd no outs B7 with Hoffman coming in for the Tigers
For all the haterade thrown at Case Western, it's interesting that a #6 seed that wouldn't have gotten a Pool C beat all the other supposedly great teams in the regional.
The reality is that if you lose the 3/4 game in a 6 team regional, you're up against it because you usually are going to play the #1 seed coming off a win. Case drawing the host team was just more bad luck.
I imagine not many teams win the regional from the 3/4 spot if the 1 seed wins its first game.
Mideast got 2 teams sent out of region and into the 3/4 round of a 6 team regional. Something I don't imagine West teams have to deal with too often.
Only one team in the tournament ends the season happy.
Quote from: TexasBB on May 21, 2016, 09:32:56 AM
I agree with everyone else who said that Oxy or TLU or CTX were probably deserving of a bid and would have been as good or better than CWR.
Trinity beat Tyler worse than they beat Case. I thought TLU could have gotten in, but it wouldn't have been over Case.
They probably should have shipped a 2 seed into this region rather than 3/4. But then they got most of those wrong too. The whole bracket was a mess aside from the 1 seeds.
Most of the low SOS teams they put in as Pool C's didn't do very well.
Quote from: ElRetornodelEspencio on May 21, 2016, 09:15:13 PM
For all the haterade thrown at Case Western, it's interesting that a #6 seed that wouldn't have gotten a Pool C beat all the other supposedly great teams in the regional.
The reality is that if you lose the 3/4 game in a 6 team regional, you're up against it because you usually are going to play the #1 seed coming off a win. Case drawing the host team was just more bad luck.
I imagine not many teams win the regional from the 3/4 spot if the 1 seed wins its first game.
Mideast got 2 teams sent out of region and into the 3/4 round of a 6 team regional. Something I don't imagine West teams have to deal with too often.
Only one team in the tournament ends the season happy.
If I remember correctly I think the last time that happened in the West was 2012 when the loser came back to beat the 1 seed
Quote from: ElRetornodelEspencio on May 21, 2016, 09:15:13 PM
For all the haterade thrown at Case Western, it's interesting that a #6 seed that wouldn't have gotten a Pool C beat all the other supposedly great teams in the regional.
The reality is that if you lose the 3/4 game in a 6 team regional, you're up against it because you usually are going to play the #1 seed coming off a win. Case drawing the host team was just more bad luck.
I imagine not many teams win the regional from the 3/4 spot if the 1 seed wins its first game.
Mideast got 2 teams sent out of region and into the 3/4 round of a 6 team regional. Something I don't imagine West teams have to deal with too often.
Only one team in the tournament ends the season happy.
Thanks for the comment ElRotorno.
I prefaced one of my comments with "blatant West Region provincialism".
CWRU gets to boost its SOS with the cumulative effect that the UAA schools can build SOS's
in every sport. UAA schools can "cherry pick" their non-conference opponents with quality winnable games.
The numerically-tiny isolated West Region has a paucity of outside-the-region opponents so the SOS hovers around .500.
The only team that has even been close to Trinity has been PLU, 7-3 and now 12-7 losses.
We expect to see the occasional first round upset by a mid-level conference Pool A who has real ace.
By the second round, I expect almost every team of better-than-average quality to have a strong #2. But, TU definitely got to CWRU.
The loss by UTTyler (the #4 ASC regular season finisher) in the third game was what I feared. Fortunately game #4 by UTT was a respectable showing.
#Tigerpile. Going back to Appleton and finish what the weather and NCAA prevented them from finishing last year.
Congrats to a gritty PLU team in a strong performance loosing the first game and coming back through the loser bracket. Wow is all I can say.
Quote from: CAK72B on May 21, 2016, 09:31:58 PM
Quote from: ElRetornodelEspencio on May 21, 2016, 09:15:13 PM
For all the haterade thrown at Case Western, it's interesting that a #6 seed that wouldn't have gotten a Pool C beat all the other supposedly great teams in the regional.
The reality is that if you lose the 3/4 game in a 6 team regional, you're up against it because you usually are going to play the #1 seed coming off a win. Case drawing the host team was just more bad luck.
I imagine not many teams win the regional from the 3/4 spot if the 1 seed wins its first game.
Mideast got 2 teams sent out of region and into the 3/4 round of a 6 team regional. Something I don't imagine West teams have to deal with too often.
Only one team in the tournament ends the season happy.
If I remember correctly I think the last time that happened in the West was 2012 when the loser came back to beat the 1 seed
Yes, Round 1 loser #4 seed LaVerne beat #1 seed CTX in second round game.
ElRetornodelEspencio: I was not at the Regional, but those who I know were there said that CWRU was a good team but not up to the level of the other Western teams. I think someone said they were "a step behind" which is a pretty descriptive visual.
Great experience for them but I think if you put TLU against them in a three game series TLU would come out on top.
All conjecture at this point. Congrats to Trinity now go finish the job!
The A side of the World Series is going to be stacked. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers (Cortland/Lacrosse/Trinity) are all in it and Trinity opens up with UWL in a rematch/vengeance game from last year. I have to think that will be the most looked forwarded to game of Day 1 in Wisconsin
Quote from: Ralph Turner on May 21, 2016, 09:51:14 PM
Quote from: ElRetornodelEspencio on May 21, 2016, 09:15:13 PM
For all the haterade thrown at Case Western, it's interesting that a #6 seed that wouldn't have gotten a Pool C beat all the other supposedly great teams in the regional.
The reality is that if you lose the 3/4 game in a 6 team regional, you're up against it because you usually are going to play the #1 seed coming off a win. Case drawing the host team was just more bad luck.
I imagine not many teams win the regional from the 3/4 spot if the 1 seed wins its first game.
Mideast got 2 teams sent out of region and into the 3/4 round of a 6 team regional. Something I don't imagine West teams have to deal with too often.
Only one team in the tournament ends the season happy.
Thanks for the comment ElRotorno.
I prefaced one of my comments with "blatant West Region provincialism".
CWRU gets to boost its SOS with the cumulative effect that the UAA schools can build SOS's in every sport. UAA schools can "cherry pick" their non-conference opponents with quality winnable games.
The numerically-tiny isolated West Region has a paucity of outside-the-region opponents so the SOS hovers around .500.
Well Case plays a really good schedule, obviously. They're not cherry picking anything. But what they do get to do that is an advantage is use their whole staff against teams that have conference schedules.
But TX Lu had I think the best SOS in the region or the best among the good teams, and I thought they should have gotten in based on that and they didn't. So I dunno. I was pretty confident of Whitworth because they hit the bullseye with the 3 darts they had.
But I mean Case lost to a home team in a very atypical ballpark dimensions and altitude-wise (major hitters park even for minor leagues, let alone metal bats and D3 pitching), and then got to play the #1 seed. That's gonna be tough for a lot of teams to handle. It's not as tough as what Marietta got (a probable first-team AA and possible national pitcher of the year on a quality team in the first round) for their move out of region, but it's still pretty tough. It's too bad they couldn't have moved one of the South teams like Birmingham or Shenandoah into the West -- that probably would have given a lot more balanced bracket in both regionals.
I've wondered before if as a 3/4 seed you shouldn't just give away the game and throw your ace against the #1 seed's presumably #2 option, because if you do happen to win, you're in really good shape at that point -- but winning that game if you go after the first one with your ace and lose is really tough.
The West being an 8 team regional would be something that would change the dynamic greatly as well, because most of the West teams don't usually have the pitching depth that eastern and northern teams do. And this year, like someone else said, there don't appear to be the all-american caliber aces this year out there either like there have been a lot of years.
For the record, I've had Cortland, LaCrosse and Emory the top 3 teams all year in my completely unofficial and unwritten rankings. After that it could go a lot of ways. Those 3 have all won a bunch of games and played good teams to do it.
It does look like we're going to get a lot of #1 seeds through the regionals, which should make for a good series, even if most of the regionals have been pretty blah because of some mistakes in the 2-3 seeds (including at least one 2 seed I wouldn't hvae even had in the tournament).
Quote from: 108 Stitches on May 21, 2016, 10:17:47 PM
ElRetornodelEspencio: I was not at the Regional, but those who I know were there said that CWRU was a good team but not up to the level of the other Western teams. I think someone said they were "a step behind" which is a pretty descriptive visual.
Great experience for them but I think if you put TLU against them in a three game series TLU would come out on top.
All conjecture at this point. Congrats to Trinity now go finish the job!
Did they say the same thing about Tyler that got splatted by even more against Trinity? Case just had the misfortune of facing them earlier.
Doesn't seem like much of anyone in this regional had anything for Trinity.
I'm sure any of you all are more than welcome to schedule with Coach Englander at Progressive Field where they play a couple games every year.
Sorry, but your Case was dismissed. The "if my cow had horns it'd be a bull," argument is not persuasive; but it does feature some bull. Moving on. :D
Quote from: Purple Heys on May 22, 2016, 02:04:37 PM
Sorry, but your Case was dismissed. The "if my cow had horns it'd be a bull," argument is not persuasive; but it does feature some bull. Moving on. :D
Great, classy stuff.
Just to circle back to something I said earlier because while it was accurate this year, it will not be accurate going forward -- Case and the entire UAA will be playing a proper conference schedule (sort of) next year. 3-game, Fri-Sun series. That means Case is traveling to Atlanta, Chicago and New York City in late March and April for *conference* series next year, and schools from St. Louis and Boston are visiting Cleveland. So no more UAA tournament in Florida and then playing all non-conference the rest of the year.
That's only going to strengthen the schedules of the UAA teams further.
Quote from: CAK72B on May 21, 2016, 10:22:04 PM
The A side of the World Series is going to be stacked. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers (Cortland/Lacrosse/Trinity) are all in it and Trinity opens up with UWL in a rematch/vengeance game from last year. I have to think that will be the most looked forwarded to game of Day 1 in Wisconsin
There are 6 #1 seeds that won regionals. It should be a great tournament.
I'm not sure if there was an injury issue or what, But LaRoche's best pitcher (and a probable All-American) only threw 3 innings in the regional and they still came back through the loser's bracket.
ElRetornodelEspencio
Case and the other teams in the UAA must have a great endowment for their sports teams. What you describe is a lot of travel expense to play in conference games. I know that UTT has a very limited travel budget. They stay in Texas for the most part and hope to lure teams from outside the region to travel to Texas during spring break. Denison did that this year as the Big Red played several Texas based teams instead of going to Florida which they had previously done. The ASC is spread out with teams in Louisiana to far West Texas. So playing conference games means a lot of travel but it is long bus rides not airfare.
Quote from: ElRetornodelEspencio on May 22, 2016, 03:21:51 PM
Quote from: CAK72B on May 21, 2016, 10:22:04 PM
The A side of the World Series is going to be stacked. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers (Cortland/Lacrosse/Trinity) are all in it and Trinity opens up with UWL in a rematch/vengeance game from last year. I have to think that will be the most looked forwarded to game of Day 1 in Wisconsin
There are 6 #1 seeds that won regionals. It should be a great tournament.
I'm not sure if there was an injury issue or what, But LaRoche's best pitcher (and a probable All-American) only threw 3 innings in the regional and they still came back through the loser's bracket.
I watched the last few innings and they mentioned he was suspended for a few games due to "actions during game 1". It showed he threw 1 inning and was replaced in the 2nd inning. That was all I heard.
Quote from: TexasBB on May 22, 2016, 05:18:30 PM
ElRetornodelEspencio
Case and the other teams in the UAA must have a great endowment for their sports teams. What you describe is a lot of travel expense to play in conference games. I know that UTT has a very limited travel budget. They stay in Texas for the most part and hope to lure teams from outside the region to travel to Texas during spring break. Denison did that this year as the Big Red played several Texas based teams instead of going to Florida which they had previously done. The ASC is spread out with teams in Louisiana to far West Texas. So playing conference games means a lot of travel but it is long bus rides not airfare.
I am sure that UTT is like McMurry. Most of the travel budget is spent traveling 200 or even 600 miles for a series and then spending at least 6-8 nights in a motel.
Quote from: ElRetornodelEspencio on May 22, 2016, 03:13:48 PM
Quote from: Purple Heys on May 22, 2016, 02:04:37 PM
Sorry, but your Case was dismissed. The "if my cow had horns it'd be a bull," argument is not persuasive; but it does feature some bull. Moving on. :D
Great, classy stuff.
Just to circle back to something I said earlier because while it was accurate this year, it will not be accurate going forward -- Case and the entire UAA will be playing a proper conference schedule (sort of) next year. 3-game, Fri-Sun series. That means Case is traveling to Atlanta, Chicago and New York City in late March and April for *conference* series next year, and schools from St. Louis and Boston are visiting Cleveland. So no more UAA tournament in Florida and then playing all non-conference the rest of the year.
That's only going to strengthen the schedules of the UAA teams further.
+1! Thanks for the update.
Quote from: ElRetornodelEspencio on May 22, 2016, 03:13:48 PM
Quote from: Purple Heys on May 22, 2016, 02:04:37 PM
Sorry, but your Case was dismissed. The "if my cow had horns it'd be a bull," argument is not persuasive; but it does feature some bull. Moving on. :D
Great, classy stuff.
Just to circle back to something I said earlier because while it was accurate this year, it will not be accurate going forward -- Case and the entire UAA will be playing a proper conference schedule (sort of) next year. 3-game, Fri-Sun series. That means Case is traveling to Atlanta, Chicago and New York City in late March and April for *conference* series next year, and schools from St. Louis and Boston are visiting Cleveland. So no more UAA tournament in Florida and then playing all non-conference the rest of the year.
That's only going to strengthen the schedules of the UAA teams further.
Yawn...
Actually though...a D3 having that kind of travel schedule is pretty cool. It ought to be a nice selling point to recruits. That these schools put that kind of backing to their program is a point of envy.
I'd like to get a peek at their anticipated operating budget for next season.
My first take on the WS.. Pool A will have a lot of familiarity from last year. Trinity went 1-1 vs both Emory and UW lacrosse in 2015. UW lacrosse played everybody in the pool last year, going 1-0 vs Emory and 0-2 vs Cortland.
First round pitching match ups will most likely be Gray vs Boushley and Lamando vs Weeg.
Both Trinity and UW lacrosse have improved substantially this year on the offensive front, with many of the same faces returning. The biggest difference on the Trinity side is the emergence of Waters from last season.
A UW lacrosse is strong defensively except on the left side of the infield, where the vast majority of their errors have come from. One surprising stat is that ace Boushley has given up a ton of homeruns (9) this year, but they seem to have limited to solos for the most part.
Quote from: Bmo on May 22, 2016, 08:03:35 PM
My first take on the WS.. Pool A will have a lot of familiarity from last year. Trinity went 1-1 vs both Emory and UW lacrosse in 2015. UW lacrosse played everybody in the pool last year, going 1-0 vs Emory and 0-2 vs Cortland.
Actually Trinity went 2-2 vs Emory and La Crosse. They lost their first WS game (ever) to Emory in a close 9-7 game, which forced them into the loser bracket. They came back and crushed them in the second game they played them. (after crushing Salsbury) They Crushed LaCrosse in their first game 16-6 and lost their last game 10-7 in a sloppy mess where the game was pulled in early in the morning to try to get it in, after Trinity's evening game the night before was pushed back late due to weather. The NCAA more or less forced the game in and it was particularly bad for Trinity as a downpour happened when they were cruising 3-0 in the 5th and routine fly ball to RF dropped in because the fielder slipped in the sloppy conditions. If it was a D1 game it would have never been played.
Now to the team. The team on the field is the same exact same with the addition of Waters, but they are all one year more experienced and much much more disciplined at the plate. They also have more power, and 1-9 they are solid with only one player hitting below 0.300 , several over 0.400.
Comparing the number
BA OB SLG
2015 0.328 0.311 0.455
2016 0.353 0.429 0.544
They lost a lot of Sr pitching last year but they have three legit Sr starters, with a bunch of Jr's and younger guys who have developed and actually have the second best ERA in the country right now. I have not had the time to look through the other team rosters but I can not imagine that Trinity and Cortland should be the two favorites going in the CWS this year. (but of course I am not biased ;) ) W'll see what D3 baseball comes up with their CWS preview.
Looking forward to it!
"Trinity went 1-1 vs both Emory and UW lacrosse" = "Trinity went 2-2 vs Emory and La Crosse." You say tomato.. ;D
And also slight correction on the 2015 obp.
Comparing the number
BA OB SLG
2015 0.328 0.406 0.455
2016 0.353 0.429 0.544
Quote from: Bmo on May 22, 2016, 09:49:01 PM
"Trinity went 1-1 vs both Emory and UW lacrosse" = "Trinity went 2-2 vs Emory and La Crosse." You say tomato.. ;D
But Ginger Rogers did everything that Fred Astaire did, except backwards and in high heels!
;D
Quote from: TexasBB on May 22, 2016, 05:18:30 PM
ElRetornodelEspencio
Case and the other teams in the UAA must have a great endowment for their sports teams. What you describe is a lot of travel expense to play in conference games. I know that UTT has a very limited travel budget. They stay in Texas for the most part and hope to lure teams from outside the region to travel to Texas during spring break. Denison did that this year as the Big Red played several Texas based teams instead of going to Florida which they had previously done. The ASC is spread out with teams in Louisiana to far West Texas. So playing conference games means a lot of travel but it is long bus rides not airfare.
No schools in the UAA are poor. That is absolutely true. They're excellent schools and their quality has brought them financial success.
Denison is similar in both regards.
The UAA sort-of round robin I assume means that those schools will be scheduling others for spring break. We know they have money and don't mind traveling, maybe some of you western programs can put together something to bring them out your way, since we know no West team is ever playing in Cleveland in the regular season.
It's not the West region, but I think it would be interesting to have some kind of early-season megatournament in the new indoor stadium in Minneapolis.
Quote from: Ralph Turner on May 22, 2016, 06:05:54 PM
Quote from: TexasBB on May 22, 2016, 05:18:30 PM
ElRetornodelEspencio
Case and the other teams in the UAA must have a great endowment for their sports teams. What you describe is a lot of travel expense to play in conference games. I know that UTT has a very limited travel budget. They stay in Texas for the most part and hope to lure teams from outside the region to travel to Texas during spring break. Denison did that this year as the Big Red played several Texas based teams instead of going to Florida which they had previously done. The ASC is spread out with teams in Louisiana to far West Texas. So playing conference games means a lot of travel but it is long bus rides not airfare.
I am sure that UTT is like McMurry. Most of the travel budget is spent traveling 200 or even 600 miles for a series and then spending at least 6-8 nights in a motel.
So like a spring trip in terms of night spent away from home, then.
I imagine these UAA schools will be lapping the field in terms of long in-conference trips.
We all have our crosses to bear. I think the Oregon and Washington schools have a lot tougher than anyone from Texas in terms of being welded into a schedule. They truly don't have many choices.
Quote from: Purple Heys on May 22, 2016, 06:39:11 PM
Actually though...a D3 having that kind of travel schedule is pretty cool. It ought to be a nice selling point to recruits. That these schools put that kind of backing to their program is a point of envy.
I'd like to get a peek at their anticipated operating budget for next season.
I don't know what it would be for all of them, but Wash U hired Stevens Point's coach and Marietta's top assistant when they reshuffled the deck last year. I wouldn't be surprised if they're close to the national leaders in budget -- would just make sense to be if you spend all that money on personnel.
Quote from: ElRetornodelEspencio on May 23, 2016, 01:32:05 AM
Quote from: Ralph Turner on May 22, 2016, 06:05:54 PM
Quote from: TexasBB on May 22, 2016, 05:18:30 PM
ElRetornodelEspencio
Case and the other teams in the UAA must have a great endowment for their sports teams. What you describe is a lot of travel expense to play in conference games. I know that UTT has a very limited travel budget. They stay in Texas for the most part and hope to lure teams from outside the region to travel to Texas during spring break. Denison did that this year as the Big Red played several Texas based teams instead of going to Florida which they had previously done. The ASC is spread out with teams in Louisiana to far West Texas. So playing conference games means a lot of travel but it is long bus rides not airfare.
I am sure that UTT is like McMurry. Most of the travel budget is spent traveling 200 or even 600 miles for a series and then spending at least 6-8 nights in a motel.
So like a spring trip in terms of night spent away from home, then.
I imagine these UAA schools will be lapping the field in terms of long in-conference trips.
We all have our crosses to bear. I think the Oregon and Washington schools have a lot tougher than anyone from Texas in terms of being welded into a schedule. They truly don't have many choices.
Yes, like a spring trip but with no big boost to the schools that make up the SOS.
You are right about the OR and WA schools. I really look forward to the tourneys in AZ in February when we get to see the inter-conference play among West Region teams.
I wish that the NCAA would use a statistical tool that would show the Standard Deviation (SD) of a school's SOS above the mean for a Region.
A .550 for a New England school might be 1.8 SD's above the mean for the New England Region.
A .535 for a West Region school might be the same 1.8 SD's above the mean for the West Region.
Congratulations to Trinity for carrying the West Region Banner all the way!
#yeswestisbest