BB: WIAC: Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[BigPoppa]

I love the fact that even down by 17 runs late, Wooster still was looking to work on improving its game and did not let the day be a complete waste.

[Dagger]

yeah I think a lot of times people forget that these early games are the D3 world's "spring training" so some of the otherwise questionable coaching decisions are simply a result of coaches maximizing the game time situations that they have.  I doubt they believed that the stolen base was going to get them back into things, and I know you're not implying that, it's just more of a chance for runners to get the feel of reading live pitchers and working on base running.  I don't have any problems with stuff like that taking place in the early games of the season on spring break, that's what those games are for...trying stupid stuff and working out the kinks, sometimes no matter what the score is (within reason).  You only get so many opportunities, and can only come so close to replicating actual game speed in practice once you get home...and unfortunately for many in the state they will be coming home to snow covered fields, so game like situations aren't going to be happening anytime soon for them

on another note, Oshkosh looks to be back on track after some disappointing outcomes the last couple of years.  Wooster is no slouch!  It was also nice to see point rebound after a shaky start, at best, and sweep a legitimate midwest threat in the tommies (with or without a 2-8 record).  WW looks solid as usual...looks like it's back to a legit three horse race in the WIAC where the conference champs will be decided by how those three teams play each other (usually fairly even in terms of wins/losses) and then whomever doesn't blow a game or two to the lesser teams on their schedule.  Who's our favorite at this point to fill the 4 seed in the postseason for the WIAC?   

[MIACLUV]

Is the Stevens Whitewaterkosh (aka. WIAC tourney) using the the three team format again this year?

[Just Bill]

Is the Stevens Whitewaterkosh (aka. WIAC tourney) using the the three team format again this year?

Yes, according to the 2011 sport code: http://www.wiacsports.com/documents/2010/9/10/2011WIACBaseballCode.pdf

[cubs]

Although not exactly pretty, Oshkosh runs its winning streak to five games with a 9-5 victory over Carroll University.

Kyle Van Abel bounces back from an 0'fer against Wooster in the morning and goes 4x5 with a pair of doubles and 4 RBI.  Troy Mrkvicka comes on in relief and pitches 4.2 innings of scoreless baseball to earn the victory.  Starter Sean Grabig was knocked around in 4.1 innngs of work, giving up 5 runs (all earned) on 10 hits.

All in all, it's always nice to get a win, especially when your #6 or #7 starter takes the mound.

Oshkosh will be back in action tomorrow when they take on Western Connecticut State and Otterbein University.  It will be interesting to see who takes the mound for the Titans tomorrow and Friday, as they are tenatively scheduled to have an in-region DH with St. Norbert on Tuesday, before opening up WIAC play against Platteville on Saturday and Sunday.

[cubs]

I get what both of you are saying, but what are you working on when the 1B is playing behind the runner? 

I was always from the school of thought that you don't try to take extra bases when the score is lopsided whether you are up 17-0, or down 17-0.....  I suppose with it being "spring training" though, it makes it more acceptable than if it was a conference rival in the middle of the season.

[Dagger]

I hear you...without being there and seeing it, it's hard to argue either way.  They very well could have been stealing because they are morons!  but for the sake of arguing, the base runner can still work on reading the pitcher and getting his jump, even when the first baseman is playing back...personally if I were coaching that would not have happened.

[Just Bill]

I never begrudge the losing team from doing anything. I think that's one of the silly unwritten baseball rules. If you're behind by 10 runs or 100, I don't care what you do to try to score.  To do anything less says you're done trying, and if you're done trying then you're wasting everyone's time. Just concede the game and shake hands.  If you're leading then it's different.

[cubs]

Oshkosh improves to 6-1, with a 5-0 victory over Western Connecticut State this morning.

Jeremy Rubens appears to have recovered from Tommy John Surgery, as he throws a CG shutout, the fourth of his career.  (It took him just 91 pitches.)  He gave up 6 hits (all singles) and 0 BB, while striking out 8 batters.

JUCO Transfers Kyle Van Abel and Alex Mullendore lead the way offensively, as each recorded three hits, while Doug Beatiie chipped in with two.

The one negative from today?  The Titans were successful just once in four stolen base attempts.

[badgerwarhawk]

The WARHAWKS game with Concordia Morehead yesterday was canceled by the weather.  Likewise the double hitter with Bethel that was to be played today has also been canceled. 

[8404DOC]

Oshkosh completes the 4-game sweep of Wooster today with a 17-1 drubbing, as they pound out 22 hits. 

Matt Wells with the CG victory allowing five hits and striking out five in nine innings of work.  Derek Hiroskey leads the way offensively going 6x6 with 2 doubles and 6 RBI while JUCO transfer Alex Mullendore tallies the first HR of the season for the Titans.  JUCO transfer Kyle Van Abel was the only starter without a hit, as he goes 0x5.  Every other starter had two or more hits.

You gotta love the fact that Wooster was stealing in the 9th inning down 17-0.

This is my first post on this board so be gentle.  I was at 9 of 10 games in FL and was impressed with the improvement from last season.  Pitching and hitting look solid, a few fielding and base running miscues which were quickly addressed in the dugout. I saw the late steal by Wooster, the Oskosh coach made his feelings known, the field ump stepped in and ended it. All in all a succesful trip, we'll see how they perform in the cold spring weather.

[Just Bill]

This is my first post on this board so be gentle.  I was at 9 of 10 games in FL and was impressed with the improvement from last season.  Pitching and hitting look solid, a few fielding and base running miscues which were quickly addressed in the dugout. I saw the late steal by Wooster, the Oskosh coach made his feelings known, the field ump stepped in and ended it. All in all a succesful trip, we'll see how they perform in the cold spring weather.

Gosh, he usually just bottles that all up inside. 

[OshDude]

This is my first post on this board so be gentle.  I was at 9 of 10 games in FL and was impressed with the improvement from last season.  Pitching and hitting look solid, a few fielding and base running miscues which were quickly addressed in the dugout. I saw the late steal by Wooster, the Oskosh coach made his feelings known, the field ump stepped in and ended it. All in all a succesful trip, we'll see how they perform in the cold spring weather.

Gosh, he usually just bottles that all up inside. 

A quote from today's local paper:
"The best line I heard from (Wooster's) coach was after our third, hotly contested game (the Titans won 2-1). I remember he said 'We'll be better on Thursday,'" Lechnir said. "Of course I told him 'We will too,' and that's the game we won 17-1. Believe me, they weren't happy."

The article closes with these two paragraphs:
While it remains to be seen how the conference will play out, with ranked powerhouses like UW-Stevens Point and UW-Whitewater also expecting to be WIAC champions, UWO's confidence, and so far, winning ways, have returned.

"I think you'll see us return to what we consider fairly normal around here," Lechnir said.

To this Oshkosh guy, it's nice to see the swagger back. I hope the good start is indicative of how the season will go.

Read the entire article here.

[BigPoppa]

When Lechnir is chirping, all is right with the world:)

[TitanBystander]

A quote from today's local paper:
"The best line I heard from (Wooster's) coach was after our third, hotly contested game (the Titans won 2-1). I remember he said 'We'll be better on Thursday,'" Lechnir said. "Of course I told him 'We will too,' and that's the game we won 17-1. Believe me, they weren't happy."

The article closes with these two paragraphs:
While it remains to be seen how the conference will play out, with ranked powerhouses like UW-Stevens Point and UW-Whitewater also expecting to be WIAC champions, UWO's confidence, and so far, winning ways, have returned.

"I think you'll see us return to what we consider fairly normal around here," Lechnir said.

To this Oshkosh guy, it's nice to see the swagger back. I hope the good start is indicative of how the season will go.

Classic Lechnir .

Looks like he's picked up a stable full of studs this off season & getting JR back makes ANY team a lot better.  Great to see the 9-1 record coming out of FLA.  Checking back through the archives, this is the best pre-WIAC season since 2005 when UW-O went 13-1.  Ended that year at 29-13 & 2 losses in WIAC tourney.  My guess is that will be unacceptable this year. 

Despite all the (deserved) pre-season hype around Whitewater & Point, this looks like a MUCH improved Oshkosh team this season.  I I don't expect Whitewater & Point to run away & hide.  I also wouldn't be surprised if the WIAC tournament visites Oshkosh this year!