Quote from: Gregory Sager on May 12, 2012, 11:39:53 PM
Nope. Sanchez beat Nathan in almost every non-counting-stat hitting category, and he beat him in most counting-stat categories as well -- in spite of the fact that the Titans have played three more games to date than the Vikings. And are you really serious about Sanchez and CCIW baserunners, or is the smiley indicating that you're not? 'cause only seven CCIW baserunners even tried to run on Sanchez (and, thus, NPU). That's less than half of what each other team in the league had to face in terms of attempted steals.

I realize that Sanchez and Nathan are different types of hitters; Nathan's a table-setter, while Sanchez is a run-producer. But Sanchez basically had to function as NPU's only legitimate power threat this year due to Brad Medina's struggles at the plate. For him to thrive in a situation in which he hardly ever got to see a serious fastball due to the lack of protection behind him in the lineup is a testament to his ability as a hitter.

Sanchez did indeed have a good year and was certainly a force for NPU. You're right about the roles each played in the lineup. Nathan is a great contact hitter. Nathan only struck out 3 times in 164 AB while Sanchez K'd 15 times in 177.
However, when it comes to base running, Nathan threw out 21 of 35 runners versus Sanchez throwing out only 6 of 30 runners.
Nathan is a fast runner, his job was to be on base for the thumpers. Sanchez was a thumper.
The bottom line is both played giant roles for their teams and perhaps IWU will get the call and they can meet again in the regionals.

North Park continues to stroke the ball as they score 4 runs in the 2nd. 7 of the 9 starters are in the game for North Park (No Rice or Sanchez). UPDATE: North Park scored 8 runs in the top of the 9th, getting 11 consecutive batters on base before North Central could record an out.

UPDATE: North Park beats North Central with a final score of 16-9. The Vikings pounded out 21 hits and recorded their 32nd win of the season. It was a long day for North Central pitchers as they used 6 different pitchers in the game, 3 of which were used in the top half of the 9th inning. Joel Bonnet stayed hot with a 4-5 day, 2 rbi's, 1hr. Mike Coduto recorded 5 rbi's on 3 hits as well.

**I would not want to face this North Park team in the Regionals as they are really heating up at the right time.

NPU beats NCC in the league's meaningless regular-season finale, 16-9. As usual for such a game, there was a lot of roster craziness and substitutions for both sides.

One notable matter is that Joel Bonnett, who came into the game leading the league in batting average, secured the batting title by going 4-5 to finish with a .458 batting average in CCIW play. He had a big day today, with a homer, a steal, four runs, and a pair of RBI. Although he only became NPU's starting first baseman about halfway through the CCIW season, he had more than enough AB to qualify for the title. He is the first North Park batting champion since Dan Casas led the CCIW at a .539 clip all the way back in 1993. Congrats to Joel on that accomplishment!

Now it's on to bigger and better things for NPU (and, most likely, IWU).

Got to watch some of this game. North Park looked very good. Good Luck to them in the post season.

Does anyone know exactly when the announcements come out regarding regionals, and where that information can be found?

Quote from: Viking Blue on May 13, 2012, 08:37:26 PM
Does anyone know exactly when the announcements come out regarding regionals, and where that information can be found?

Supposed to be Midnight, but last year they didn't come out until about 5:30 am :/

Quote from: D3Vike11 on May 13, 2012, 08:47:00 PM

Quote from: Viking Blue on May 13, 2012, 08:37:26 PM
Does anyone know exactly when the announcements come out regarding regionals, and where that information can be found?

Supposed to be Midnight, but last year they didn't come out until about 5:30 am :/

Why such odd hours? Does it have to do with late Sunday games?

Each regional committee meets tonight and then sends a final list to the national selection committee afterwards. Then the real game begins... Not only are teams selected, but placed into a region and then seeded... It's a looooooong process full of debate and justification of seeds.

I heard talk that NPU could get sent out West. Any chance that happens?

Now that they won the Pool A bid I think they stay in the central. I could see IWU going to west or Midwest

Who foots the bill for travel? If NPU gets sent to Tennessee do they fly or bus it?

Quote from: jester13 on May 13, 2012, 10:09:47 PM
Who foots the bill for travel? If NPU gets sent to Tennessee do they fly or bus it?

NCAA pays the bill... Anything over 500 miles is flown, bussed under 500 miles. If NPU goes to TN, they will likely fly.

Quote from: BigPoppa on May 13, 2012, 10:12:21 PM

Quote from: jester13 on May 13, 2012, 10:09:47 PM
Who foots the bill for travel? If NPU gets sent to Tennessee do they fly or bus it?

NCAA pays the bill... Anything over 500 miles is flown, bussed under 500 miles. If NPU goes to TN, they will likely fly.

Not sure of the 'official' mileage, but if NPU would have to be flown, my guess would be IWU to TN, NPU to Whitewater.

Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on May 13, 2012, 10:15:33 PM

Quote from: BigPoppa on May 13, 2012, 10:12:21 PM

Quote from: jester13 on May 13, 2012, 10:09:47 PM
Who foots the bill for travel? If NPU gets sent to Tennessee do they fly or bus it?

NCAA pays the bill... Anything over 500 miles is flown, bussed under 500 miles. If NPU goes to TN, they will likely fly.

Not sure of the 'official' mileage, but if NPU would have to be flown, my guess would be IWU to TN, NPU to Whitewater.

I believe North Park is 535 miles away from Tennessee.

Wow.  Lots of questions answered there!  Thanks to all of you guys.  And based on everything I read, I would have to agree with Ypsi that the NCAA would not want to foot an unnecessary bill and the Vikings will be heading north.