BB: WIAC: Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[ShineTime]

I think the biggest thing that crushed point was losing thomka he was undoubtedly their number 2 and would've put kawleski as a 3 meaning come conference tournament or regionals they would've had a legit shot to make noise if they played like they did this weekend I have heard good and bad about jirschele but would have to agree that his baseball knowledge is unreal as well as relating to the players I know at least a few guys have said he's an awesome and fun coach to play for. Only knock I heard from someone I consider credible is his style in recruiting but don't know exactly what. One person told me he's not into begging guys to come to point which I can understand but some guys like that feeling of being wanted so perhaps if it's true maybe he can work on it. I think when you get a new coach at a d3 school you have to wait at least 3 full seasons to determine success. All I can say about game 4 right now is holy crap. Also not to mention losing ray Greco really hurt he was an all region type of player imo

[cubs]

WIAC Standings
Whitewater 10-2
Oshkosh 8-4
Stevens Point 7-5
La Crosse 5-7
Stout 4-8
Platteville 2-10

Stout ambushed La Crosse in the opener today 18-2,while La Crosse needs a rally in the middle/late innings to salvage a split, winning the nightcap 7-4.

Point uses a big inning to rally in Game #1 today to knock off Whitewater 6-3 and after Point had another big inning rally in Game #2, Whitewater has one of their own as Chamberlain hits a grand slam on an 0-2 pitch with 2 outs in the 8th inning to turn a 7-6 deficit into a 10-7 victory.

UWO buries Platteville twice to stay within striking distance of Whitewater.

[cubs]

Kawlewski is not the answer...struggles to throw strikes and when he does, gets hit around the park.  I haven't seen one reason why Jirschele feels he's the number 2 starter right now.

Kawlewski with a complete game shutout as Stevens Point defeats UWO 4-0 in Game #1 of a DH today.  Kawlewski gave up just four hits and struck out six while walking three in the 116 pitch outing.

Just in case this was missed the first time.... 

Kawlewski holds Whitewater to two runs on eight hits over seven innings while striking out eight and walking three in Point's 6-3 victory over the Warhawks.

So does beating the #3 team in the nation according to d3baseball.com justify Jirschele having Kawlewski as a weekend starter?

I didn't know anyone needed justification from me over their decisions.  Kawlewski has definitely figured it out lately but his stats still aren't impressive and I still don't have much confidence in consistency from him.  As far as Jirchele goes, I was in the camp that he would be a phenomenal recruiter from the start giving his family background.  I haven't seen that yet, the top D3 guys in the state are all going to Whitewater and La Crosse.  Oshkosh has seemed to pick it up the past 2 years as well.  What I thought would be a deep pitching staff hasn't materialized from UWSP, Jirshele needs to get some help there for future seasons.  Not making the postseason isn't a good season at UWSP, and this season looks that way unless they have a great run at the conference tourney.

Nobody (especially someone who has accomplished as much in the game of baseball as Jirschele) needs justification from you, but when you are quick to criticize something, don't be surprised when someone points out that your criticism might be flawed.

In a short season like D3 baseball, one or two outings can make it so your overall stats aren't impressive regardless of what you do the rest of the season.  With that said, I'm guessing Kawlewski is still in the Top 10 in the WIAC in ERA at the end of the weekend despite his rough start.  That seems to be pretty respectable for your #2 starter (unless you are Whitewater!!!)  Take a look at his stats once Point returned from Florida.  Three starts, 22 IP, 5 runs (all earned,) 17 K's/8 BB's.  Maybe not "ace" material, but far from "getting hit around the park."

As far as the rest of your post, I'm not going to comment on it for the simple fact that that he's in his second year at the helm.  I'm the type that tries not to make "knee-jerk" reactions.

Knee jerk reaction you say....almost 2 full recruiting classes isn't a knee jerk reaction to me. 

I'm not impressed with Jirschele, it's an opinion.  I had high hopes when he got the job, he hasn't improved the program.  Pretty simple thought process there.

As far as Kawlewski goes, he struggled mightily in beginning of the season.  I don't have confidence in his consistency.

Look at last year's All WIAC team.....  The 20 member squad was comprised of 16 upperclassmen, with Erickson being one of only four underclassmen selected.  Those two full recruiting classes you speak of are now freshmen and sophomores, and as you should be able to figure out, it usually takes quality upperclassmen to succeed in the WIAC.   (Just look at the dropoff from La Crosse this year with all the seniors they graduated.)  I will wait until they are juniors and seniors to form an opinion on the success/failure of the program.

As far as "improving the program," guess you would have been disappointed unless they made it to the Best-of-3 National Championship under Jirschele then considering Coach Bloom had won multiple Regional Championships and made the World Series on three different occasions finishing as high as 3rd Place.  That would be the only thing Point could do to "improve" correct? 

Finally, Point has now beaten arguably two of the Top 3 offenses in the WIAC with Kawlewski on the mound.  Even 2015 WIAC Pitcher of the Year Mitch Beau didn't throw well down on Florida, but once the team returned to Wisconsin he was a different pitcher (except for an April start against Whitewater where he gave up 13 runs.)

[tomt4525]

I think the biggest thing that crushed point was losing thomka he was undoubtedly their number 2 and would've put kawleski as a 3 meaning come conference tournament or regionals they would've had a legit shot to make noise if they played like they did this weekend I have heard good and bad about jirschele but would have to agree that his baseball knowledge is unreal as well as relating to the players I know at least a few guys have said he's an awesome and fun coach to play for. Only knock I heard from someone I consider credible is his style in recruiting but don't know exactly what. One person told me he's not into begging guys to come to point which I can understand but some guys like that feeling of being wanted so perhaps if it's true maybe he can work on it. I think when you get a new coach at a d3 school you have to wait at least 3 full seasons to determine success. All I can say about game 4 right now is holy crap. Also not to mention losing ray Greco really hurt he was an all region type of player imo

Probably won't happen again, but I completely agree on losing Thomka.  That was a huge loss for this season.  I have heard he is still planning on playing for Point in the future but don't know the exact specifics with his situation.

[tomt4525]

My expectation for a UWSP baseball team, is to make the Regionals.  I don't think that is far fetched to have as an expectation considering their tradition and past success.  Unless UWSP puts together a great run at the Conference Tourney, which I don't see happening with the lack of pitching depth, Jirschele will fail to do that in his 2 years.  I think anybody associated with the team can be disappointed with that.  NOT ONCE did I say I expected them to make the National Championship series, so maybe stop throwing words in my mouth.

That is a fair statement about upperclassmen needed to be successful, and I agree with that.  But, don't act like Jirschele's recruiting classes were filled with just incoming freshman.  The transfers he has brought in have been less than stellar.  That's a nice way of putting it when we are talking about Mulzer and Zeihen.  So, Jirschele needs to evaluate the recruits a little better in my eyes.  I couldn't care less if you have a different opinion.

I don't know why this Kawlewski conversation keeps going on and on with you.  I've stated my opinion.  He has had 2 great starts mixed with average to below average starts.  I have zero confidence in his consistency.

[cubs]

My expectation for a UWSP baseball team, is to make the Regionals.  I don't think that is far fetched to have as an expectation considering their tradition and past success.  Unless UWSP puts together a great run at the Conference Tourney, which I don't see happening with the lack of pitching depth, Jirschele will fail to do that in his 2 years.  I think anybody associated with the team can be disappointed with that.  NOT ONCE did I say I expected them to make the National Championship series, so maybe stop throwing words in my mouth.

That is a fair statement about upperclassmen needed to be successful, and I agree with that.  But, don't act like Jirschele's recruiting classes were filled with just incoming freshman.  The transfers he has brought in have been less than stellar.  That's a nice way of putting it when we are talking about Mulzer and Zeihen.  So, Jirschele needs to evaluate the recruits a little better in my eyes.  I couldn't care less if you have a different opinion.

I don't know why this Kawlewski conversation keeps going on and on with you.  I've stated my opinion.  He has had 2 great starts mixed with average to below average starts.  I have zero confidence in his consistency.

Not throwing words in your mouth, just trying to interpret what you stated....

You stated that Jirschele "hasn't improved the program."  Well since they were qualifying for Regionals on a regular basis under Bloom and made multiple appearances at the World Series, how else could Jirschele improve upon what Point was already doing other than qualifying for the National Championship series?  That would seem to be about only way to improve on Point's previous success. No?

[BigPoppa]

Anyone remember when the talk on here was that UWSP might finish last in the WIAC? 

[cubs]

Anyone remember when the talk on here was the UWSP might finish last in the WIAC? 

One also has to remember who the source was!!!! 

[tomt4525]

My expectation for a UWSP baseball team, is to make the Regionals.  I don't think that is far fetched to have as an expectation considering their tradition and past success.  Unless UWSP puts together a great run at the Conference Tourney, which I don't see happening with the lack of pitching depth, Jirschele will fail to do that in his 2 years.  I think anybody associated with the team can be disappointed with that.  NOT ONCE did I say I expected them to make the National Championship series, so maybe stop throwing words in my mouth.

That is a fair statement about upperclassmen needed to be successful, and I agree with that.  But, don't act like Jirschele's recruiting classes were filled with just incoming freshman.  The transfers he has brought in have been less than stellar.  That's a nice way of putting it when we are talking about Mulzer and Zeihen.  So, Jirschele needs to evaluate the recruits a little better in my eyes.  I couldn't care less if you have a different opinion.

I don't know why this Kawlewski conversation keeps going on and on with you.  I've stated my opinion.  He has had 2 great starts mixed with average to below average starts.  I have zero confidence in his consistency.

Not throwing words in your mouth, just trying to interpret what you stated....

You stated that Jirschele "hasn't improved the program."  Well since they were qualifying for Regionals on a regular basis under Bloom and made multiple appearances at the World Series, how else could Jirschele improve upon what Point was already doing other than qualifying for the National Championship series?  That would seem to be about only way to improve on Point's previous success. No?

Yes, I stated he hasn't improved the program.  Bloom regularly had the team in Regionals...and beyond....Jirschele hasn't sniffed Regionals yet.  So yes, he hasn't improved the program...he hasn't even kept up the program.  Saying he hasn't improved the program was a nicer way of me putting the program has declined with him at the helm.  Whitewater, La Crosse and Oshkosh have been able to out-recruit Point the last couple years.  It will be tough sledding for Jirschele to have a team regularly making the Regionals the way things are going now.

[cubs]

My expectation for a UWSP baseball team, is to make the Regionals.  I don't think that is far fetched to have as an expectation considering their tradition and past success.  Unless UWSP puts together a great run at the Conference Tourney, which I don't see happening with the lack of pitching depth, Jirschele will fail to do that in his 2 years.  I think anybody associated with the team can be disappointed with that.  NOT ONCE did I say I expected them to make the National Championship series, so maybe stop throwing words in my mouth.

That is a fair statement about upperclassmen needed to be successful, and I agree with that.  But, don't act like Jirschele's recruiting classes were filled with just incoming freshman.  The transfers he has brought in have been less than stellar.  That's a nice way of putting it when we are talking about Mulzer and Zeihen.  So, Jirschele needs to evaluate the recruits a little better in my eyes.  I couldn't care less if you have a different opinion.

I don't know why this Kawlewski conversation keeps going on and on with you.  I've stated my opinion.  He has had 2 great starts mixed with average to below average starts.  I have zero confidence in his consistency.

Not throwing words in your mouth, just trying to interpret what you stated....

You stated that Jirschele "hasn't improved the program."  Well since they were qualifying for Regionals on a regular basis under Bloom and made multiple appearances at the World Series, how else could Jirschele improve upon what Point was already doing other than qualifying for the National Championship series?  That would seem to be about only way to improve on Point's previous success. No?

Yes, I stated he hasn't improved the program.  Bloom regularly had the team in Regionals...and beyond....Jirschele hasn't sniffed Regionals yet.  So yes, he hasn't improved the program...he hasn't even kept up the program.  Saying he hasn't improved the program was a nicer way of me putting the program has declined with him at the helm.  Whitewater, La Crosse and Oshkosh have been able to out-recruit Point the last couple years.  It will be tough sledding for Jirschele to have a team regularly making the Regionals the way things are going now.

Just something to keep in mind.... 

Point had made Regionals five times in a six year period (1997, 1998, 1999, 2001 and 2002) under then coach Brian Nelson.  Bloom then took over and missed Regionals in his first season before making it seven straight times with three World Series appearances. 

I'm guessing there were some questioning Coach Bloom back then just like you are Coach Jirschele right now.  It seemed to work out for Coach Bloom, so why not give Coach Jirschele the same patience Coach Bloom was afforded? 

Who knows, maybe it will work out similarly?  (Or maybe it won't and you can continue to criticize him!!!)

[badgerwarhawk]

WARHAWKS: 3, 10
Stevens Point: 6, 7

The Pointers took the early lead with a third inning run on a lead off walk and single in game one.  The WARHAWKS answered that run in the fifth with a single followed by a Fleischman double and  Krause's sacrifice fly.  However the Pointers regained the lead 2-1 when a lead off single was followed by a hit by pitch and a pair of infield ground outs in the bottom of the inning.  A solo home run by Bryden in the seventh inning knotted the score 2-2 and Aldridge's solo home run in the eighth gave the WARHAWKS their first lead 3-2.  But the Pointers capitalized on a WARHAWKS error, followed by a wild pitch and a pair of singles to load the bases in the bottom of the inning.   A infield single (bunt) brought in the first run and a bases clearing double brought in three more for the 6-3 lead.  Fleischman (4x4) was the only WARHAWK with multiple hits.  Bryden, Krause and Aldridge each had an RBI.  The WARHAWKS stranded 11 runners on base.  Weuthrich (3-1) took the loss allowing 4 earned runs on 5 hits with 3 walks and 10 strikeouts in 7.2 innings.  Kaska allowed three hits and two earned runs with a strikeout in 0.2 inning of relief. 

The WARHAWKS scored a pair of runs in their first at bat in game two.  After the inning started with a single and double Chamberlain's single drove in the first run and a sacrifice fly by Helbing brought in run number two.  The Pointers tied the game when they strung together a pair of hits, a walk and two hit by pitch batters in the second.  The WARHAWKS answered those two run with two of their own in the third when Kuczynski's RBI single brought a runner home and a Pointer error plated a second run.  After neither team could score in both the fourth and fifth innings the Pointers exploded for five runs in the cursed sixth when they coupled four hits with an error and a hit by pitch batter to go on top 7-4.  The Pointers threatened again in the seventh but stranded a pair of runners.  The WARHAWKS opened the eighth with singles by Aldridge and Aiello.  Aiello was forced at second on Bryden's fielders choice ground ball but after Fleischman was struck out for out number two Krause was walked on four consecutive pitches loading the bases for Chamberlain who drove an 0-2 pitch over the right field fence for a grand slam and a 10-7 WARHAWKS lead.  The Pointers put a single runner on base in both the eighth and ninth innings but Nompleggi was up to the task striking out three for the win.  Fleischman (3x5, 1 RS, 2B),  Chamberlain (3x5, 2 RS, 5 RBI, HR), White (3x5, 1 RS, RBI) and Aldridge (2X3, 1 RS) all had multiple hits in the 16 hit WARHAWKS offense.  Bryden (1), Kuczynski (1) and Helbing (1) had an RBI.  Fleischman finished the day 7x9.  Shah started and went 5 innings giving up 6 runs (5 earned) on 5 hits with a pair of strikeouts, 3 walks and 4 hit batters.  Kaska surrendered an unearned run allowing 1 hit with a strike out in 0.1 inning.  Nompleggi (3-0) got the win pitching 3.2 shutout innings while striking out 5 and allowing 3 hits.   

Records just don't seem to matter when these two programs meet.  The rivalry just seems to over ride that.  While I was hoping we'd take 3 of 4 after Saturday's loss a split is a hell of a lot better than 1-3 so I can't really complain.  We still control our own destiny.   

[cubs]

Now that teams have close to 30 games in and we are over half way through the WIAC regular season, who does everyone think is the favorite for the WIAC Pitcher and Position Player of the Year awards?

Does Caleb Boushley make it back-to-back seasons winning the Pitcher of the Year award, or do Austin Jones, Heath Renz or Colan Treml prevent it from happening?

With Johnny Eagan leading the WIAC in hits, runs scored  and OBP%, is he in the running for the Position Player of the Year, or do the power numbers of Steve Chamberlain or Blake Fleischman trump him?

Gotta believe unlike last season, both of the winners might not be decided until the final WIAC game of the season....  Should be interesting!!!

[badgerwarhawk]

For what I believe to be the first time this season a WIAC athlete has been selected to the D3baseball.com Team of the Week.  Actually it's two WIAC athletes and making it even more unusual they are both Titans.  Senior third baseman Tyler Kozlowski has been selected as a position player and sophomore Colan Treml one of the starting pitchers.  Congrats to both.

For further details: http://www.d3baseball.com/awards/team-of-the-week/2017/week11

[Baseball Geek]

Gotta believe unlike last season, both of the winners might not be decided until the final WIAC game of the season....  Should be interesting!!!

I believe you may be absolutely correct on that.

[Baseball Geek]

Does anyone happen to know if UWSP archives the games that they provide live video, or if they are available online even for a period of time after the conclusion of the game?