I wanted to post this before the world series, but, this Cortland team to me just might be a team of destiny.  I was at the regional, they easily could have/should have been two and out.  Teams imploded, pitchers lost command, etc...but they always found a way to win.  And, I just thought this may carry over to this week.  Great start today!

All in all a good day for the NY region.  Cortland, RPI and Old Westbury win (Old Westbury was a big surprise over Baldwin Wallace).  Oswego certainly had their chances to make it a NY sweep but with that said the Cortland game could/should have gone the other way.  3-1 isn't bad though!

Solid, minus Amherst....I just don't get that one at all...I didn't even think they would get in.

Nothing for nothing, with all of this at large talk, Clarkson has quietly had a great season.  They haven't played as many games as some of the other teams but 24-7 is 24-7.  And they just absolutely hammered Rochester today.  The Liberty is traditionally a one bid league but Clarkson would at worst end up 24-9 and most of that in the region.  Nice season for that team.  Stevens and Fisher tomorrow...if either team has designs on an at large they must win that one.

I am certainly no expert on this situation!!  It is certainly possible that no Empire 8 team gets in.  I thought Stevens was pretty good for a bit but not sure....

I think why they are in the discussion is because of their overall schedule strength.  Kind of like the Baldwin Wallace situation last season.  The schedule they played certainly is among the best in the country and the region.  It gets confusing to me as well.  I coached a kid that played there and they are under the belief that they have a top 10-20 schedule strength, the D3 SOS is not the same...I have no idea what the formula is.  Obviously after last season and a few other 30 win seasons that didn't get that program in, they took the schedule up.  They also popped into the last region ranking with just an 18-16 record.  If they run the table it puts them at 26-17 and in the discussion one would think.  They are 17-3 in the last 20 games, another important stat.  Question is would New York get two at large teams with Oswego looking at a bid as well.  I would think not, but, who knows what the actual committee comes up with. 

Thanks JDEX.  Fisher making a case it seems.  Dangerous team, for some reason has struggled at times but this little stretch of games and the results could be a real testament to pitching depth.  I looked at the box scores, they have their better starters still in the tank for the conference tournament. 

The SOS that is listed on the D3baseball page from what I understand is not the same one/formula that is used to determine final schedule strength.  I want to say we went around on this on here in the past in regards to a possible Ithaca bid.  Maybe John McGraw knows more on this? 

Interesting.. but that clears it up.  Thanks Jdex.

Well, Fisher beats Brockport 18-4.  Moves them to 22-17.  So I am checking the E8 website for tournament information and they have the seeds listed.  How is Ithaca number 1?  I checked the league standings and unless I am reading it wrong, Stevens had the best record with only 4 losses and Fisher and Ithaca had 5 with a Fisher sweep of Ithaca.  Stevens draws Houghton who has a really good pitcher.  Strange but I am sure I am missing something.  Was Utica also predetermined for a site?  If Ithaca is number one, why wouldn't they host? 

Hard to say.  Brockport I believe is done after today so who knows how they will play.  In Cortland's case they are already in, nothing to gain or lose, it would be interesting to see what they do from a pitching standpoint.  Stevens wins the tourney, that gets them 30 wins, have to be considered.  After watching Ithaca and SJFC that last couple of years get passed by, the lack of bids always an issue, I don't know about any at large chances...including Oswego.  But, both Fisher and Stevens have stepped up their SOS and should get some recognition for that.

I saw Fisher last weekend at Ithaca.  They can really pitch.  Best I have seen.  Would be dangerous team if entered.  Record isn't great but after looking at their schedule (Heldelberg, Marietta, Cortland, Concordia Chicago, Suffolk, Keystone, etc..) you would think that schedule would merit some respect.  They have to run the table one would think but them, Oswego and Stevens have gone out and played some good teams.  I don't see Ithaca obviously, not enough games (sigh).  Stevens better win that tournament if they want to get in but have to beat Ithaca and Fisher...on natural grass.  I believe Stevens has the best home field advantage in the league.  I don't know much about the liberty although Clarkson looks legit and played what appeared the best schedule (no Bard, no Skidmore) in league.  I don't see Rochester but they did beat my Bombers twice...although this is not a typical Ithaca club.