Pearson (a freshman) hits a solo in the bottom of 4 to make it 2-1 CSS. Looks like this will be a close one. I'm guessing this will be coming down to which team executes out of the bullpen.

CSS has always had a solid 1-2 starters that could compete with anyone but became apparent that the rest of their staff needed to be tested more against better competition. When they were a pool B team they couldn't slip up so made it difficult to throw anyone on the mound. With having the auto qualifier the last handful of years they can schedule a very difficult schedule and run out 7-8 guys against WIAC and MIAC teams ( current SOS is 4). Also the UMAC adding north central and uws allowed them to go from 21 conference games to 16 thus allowing a harder schedule.
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Yes, couldn't agree with you more. Also, gotta give CSS credit for going out and getting quality recruits, especially a few JR.'s that come in and contribute right away. The 16 conference helps as they can schedule their non-conference to be one of the toughest in the country.

CSS seems to be deeper on the mound than ever before. In previous years I feel that they were not able to compete with the depth that the WIAC teams possessed on the mound. This year, however, it appears they are comfortable in trotting out about 7-8 different guys to pitch against a quality team. This has (in my opinion) been the reason they could not beat a WIAC team when it came down to the regional finals.

Well, doesn't look like the Tommies figured it out. They have now lost five in a row. Could St. Mary's still get a pool C if they don't win the tournament? They have consistently been in the regional rankings and I'm wondering if there is any chance for two MIAC teams to get in?

St. Scholastica faces Northwestern this weekend in a battle of 10-0 UMAC teams. Should CSS stumble, they could fall out entirely, and I am not certain that UNW would be strong enough slide into the #6 spot.
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Well BP, you called it! Did not see that one coming!
http://www.csssaints.com/news/2016/4/30/baseball-saints-split-doubleheader-with-northwestern.aspx
I also heard that the UMAC has now switched up the format for the conference tournament? Not sure if it is true, but heard that there is a chance Northwestern could now host the UMAC tourney even if they both win out!

No surprise at all with the top four spots. I think St. Johns will probably take over that 5 spot instead of St. Mary's next week (They swept St. Thomas last weekend).

I have to agree with St. Thomas and Bethel being the teams to beat. I know Concordia can swing it, but do they really have the pitching depth to win the MIAC this year?

Quote from: cubs on May 14, 2015, 11:02:20 AM

Quote from: BigPoppa on May 14, 2015, 10:48:40 AM
One advantage is that now teams that lost have their "aces" to use in elimination games.

And they also have to win six straight correct?

I'll take my chances throwing my "ace" and improving my chances to stay in Winner's Bracket.  Easier to win four straight instead of six straight after losing the first game!!! 

That's a good point cubs. Also, the ace is usually going to be a guy that is going to want the ball again on Saturday to give his team a chance at winning a regional on short rest. If I'm coaching in a regional I want to give my ace the chance to throw as many innings as possible. Throwing them on the first day is, in my opinion, the easiest way to do that.

Quote from: cubs on May 13, 2015, 03:41:00 PM

Quote from: cubs on May 13, 2015, 02:05:37 PM
Whitewater marching out their #4 to start against Ripon....    WOW!!!!

Exhibit A of why you throw your ace...

Ripon 7
Whitewater 2

Bottom 5th

Whitewater already on their third pitcher of the day...

WOW! I can't believe Whitewater didn't start Grove, especially against a lineup with a player like Polcyn in it! I agree with you 100% cubs, throw your ace in the 1st game!

Quote from: BaseballFan on May 12, 2015, 08:06:50 PM

Quote from: ShineTime on May 12, 2015, 09:08:59 AM
I just don't see St Scholastica being able to muster enough runs against cejka although lacrosse has been inconsistent as of late offensively I would guess a low scoring game.

I agree will be tough for CSS, but CSS won the game he started and CSS had one more hit in those 2 games.

Yes, La Crosse also had 4 errors in the game that CSS won. I think if CSS can cut down on the strikeouts tonight they have a good chance (Cejka had 13 k's last time). Still, this is the game I am most looking forward too, I think it's going to be a great night cap on the first day of the regional!

Quote from: BaseballFan on May 11, 2015, 09:57:16 PM

Quote from: BigPoppa on May 11, 2015, 10:22:49 AM
Game 1- SJU over Coe
Game 2- UWW over Ripon
Game 3- CUC over WashU
Game 4- UW Lax over SSC

The LAX vs CSS is an interesting matchup with them splitting earlier in the year. LAX threw their top 2 and CSS didn't, without much offense on either side.

CSS played 9 games this year against UWW, USP, LAX, St. Thomas, and St. Johns but only scored more than 3 runs 2x.

Yes, should definitely be an interesting game. CSS faced Cejka for 9 innings in one of those games, who I am assuming they will see again Wed. night.
I'm also looking forward to the St. John's game. They are a team that caught fire as of late and could be a sleeper in this regional. Janstcher for St. Johns is very good in the closer role, and he can swing it as well.

Was Bryce Marquart hurt during the MIAC tournament? I was looking at the box scores and didn't see his name in any of Bethel's games.

Quote from: biggio34 on May 09, 2015, 12:43:51 AM

Quote from: therocket21 on May 08, 2015, 02:40:21 PM

Quote from: NuckBall on May 08, 2015, 12:59:09 PM
Any idea how UWS will fit in the grand scheme of things moving forward? Is their program strong enough to compete with the top teams in this conference?

I am guessing they will be the 2nd best team in the conference next year. But, that is just my opinion. They will add three more competitive games to the Saints' conference schedule, which I think CSS will look forward to.

Wow, I didn't know they were dropping the conference games to 2 per series.
I'm sure CSS is going to be loving the fact that they will only have 18 conference games as opposed to 21. With their strength of  non-conference games, this will probably lead to another 3 games against ranked teams on next years schedule.

Two games actually, the conference is switching to 2 game series instead of 3 with the addition of another team.  Not only will UWS compete but they will be contenders for the conference and tournament championships in my opinion.

Quote from: NuckBall on May 08, 2015, 12:59:09 PM
Any idea how UWS will fit in the grand scheme of things moving forward? Is their program strong enough to compete with the top teams in this conference?

I am guessing they will be the 2nd best team in the conference next year. But, that is just my opinion. They will add three more competitive games to the Saints' conference schedule, which I think CSS will look forward to.

Quote from: Westside on April 28, 2015, 12:42:13 PM
First look, their 5.87 ERA definitely isn't helping.

It looks like their top two pitchers from last year have taken a huge step back this season. Not sure if that is the other teams improving or if they are fatigued or coming off injuries.

2014: Wendinger - 11 starts, 71 IP, 2.79 ERA
2015: Wendinger - 6 starts, 25.2 IP, 8.42 ERA

2014: Veglahn - 10 starts, 69.2 IP, 1.55 ERA
2015: Veglahn - 6 starts, 41.1 IP, 4.14 ERA

I'm not sure what is going on with them as well. It's not a matter of talent, because it was evident last year that both of them have extremely good stuff.It was shown when Veglahn shut out Linfield in the first round World Series last year.