There is no way Amherst or Williams deserves an at-large. After an LEC team takes one of the Pool C bids, the next would be either Suffolk, and if not them, most likely Roger Williams. If neither of those two, I would take Babson over any other NESCAC team. Even after losing 5 of their last 6, Babson still has 25 in region wins and beat both Suffolk and Amherst. If Roger Williams got snubbed, you can still make a case for Babson over the NESCAC 2nd place team.

I feel as though Babson still has a shot at a Pool C bid. With four huge games remaining, as well as currently have a very solid in region record (25-9), they certainly still can get an at large.

Dubbc,
Simply because Babson was eliminated in the semi's of their conference tourney after dominating the regular season, doesn't mean you can write them off. It will be interesting to see how they do in their final four games, but if they do win out it would be a crime if they didn't get a Pool C bid.

To all,

I attended the Babson vs Clark game yesterday and it certainly was a wild one. Babson started out dominting by hitting 4 home runs (one to lead off their half of the first) then adding another in the fourth, and going back to back in the 6th to make the lead 11-2, which held until the 8th. The way Clark came back was unreal. They kept hitting ground ball singles that made it through the holes in the infield. The one crushing blow was a 3 run homer to cut the lead to 5, which made the comeback reasonable for them. Babson pulled it's ace who was cruising through 6th, and that's when the unthinkable happened. There were 4 HBP's in the inning, half were skimmed jersey shots that proved costly. Babson only made one error, which is quite amazing because usually in double digit innings at any level there would be more than one error, especially if all the hits other than the homer are ground ball singles.

Babson will have to battle their way to the championship and likely have to take on Wheaton twice to grab the title. They are an explosive and team that proved they can put together streaks, as that loss snapped an 11 game win streak. Should be interesting to see how they bounce back today.

In regards to the at large, I think it is a little to early to speculate because of conference tourney's, but I think 2-3 of the 14 national at large bids will be given to the New England Region, which is very strong this year. Stump, I certainly wouldn't say Babson has a poor chance at an at large simply because of one fluke bad inning in the first round of their conference tourney. Remember, they were 11-1 in regular season play including TWO wins over Wheaton.

Dubbc,

I was actually at the Babson game and I can tell you that Babson came out dominating the game hitting 4 home runs including back to back jacks that made it 11-2. Their ace dominated 6 strong, and then the normally very good bullpen struggled in the 8th. All of Clark's hits were singles, with the majority of them coming on ground balls through holes. Four HBP's in the inning didn't help either, but half were on skimmed jersey balls. But, that's baseball and Babson will have to battle now in the remainder of the tourney. I'm also interested to see how they bounce back vs WPI today, because again Babson is the stronger team, but Clark proved that anyone can get lucky.

It will also be interesting to see if these pesky lower level NEWMAC teams can upset Wheaton for once, seems like in years past they just roll over vs them. I wonder if Clark will ride their momentum for a few games or prove yesterday was only a fluke. Also, I agree about Fahey, its a shame he has been overused because he has a lot of talent for sure. Looking forward to the weekend games.

Thanks to all for the replies.

Just to clarify, I wasn't questioning the knowledge of the coaches voting on the polls, I was just wondering the differences in the groups of coaches from the two different polls.

ECSU, I know EConn didn't throw their front end pitching, but that was still a huge statement made by Trinity. I guess Trinity will have to earn their respect if they did make the World Series, similar to the way Wheaton earned that respect to years ago when they made the final game of the Series.

Also, I think the D3baseball poll is even more accurate than the ABCA. It's great that it comes out weekly too.

Dubbc, how do you know so much about Babson's line-up and pitching...just curious. Thanks.

Rick, I agree with your at-large predictions, and it should be interesting to see how the Little East plays out. Personally I think Keene St. will take it, and they will be the only team from the conference to make the N.E. tourney.

Kscer, I am also looking forward to seeing how these tournaments play out. A lot of teams are going into the postseason hot (Trinity, Babson, EConn, Amherst etc.) The NEWMAC tourney starts tomorrow and it will be interesting to see how Wheaton and Babson do.

Lastly, EConn just got worked by Trinity 17-2. I think it is a joke that Trinity isn't number 1 in the land. They are undefeated and beating up on powerhouses. And, EConn being a 20-11 now, should NOT be in the top 30, and currently they were according to the ABCA. Anyone know the difference between the 25 coaches in the D3baseball poll and the ABCA coaches? Let me know.

ECSU,

The award recognizes the quality of the field, and obviously if the field is nice, it must have been well maintained. That is why it is noted as the best maintained field. This is the only award given each year to recognize the NICEST field, so I'm not sure what your're trying to clarify. It doesn't have anything to do with seating or facilities, so if that's what you mean then I understand you're point. Babson does not have a row of box seats behind home plate like ECSU, nor does it have stadium style seating. The award is recognizing the playing surface only. Clemson University's field won the award 2 years ago. Legitimate award.

dubbc,

Just wondering why you are so convinced that Babson would not earn an at large bid this year if they were upset in their conference tournament? They won the regular season title by going 11-1 in conference and sweeping Wheaton. They also have 25 wins with four regular season games remaining plus the tournament games. If they do reach 30 wins and don't win the NEWMAC tourney, how could the committee snub them? If you remember, last year Trinity recieved an at-large bid without even making their conference tournament, with VERY few quality wins. I have followed the NEWMAC for many years, and this is the first year I've witnessed Babson being the more talented team over Wheaton. It should be a great tourney.