BB: SCIAC: Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[Teddy_Ballgame]

Tough day for Pomona-Pitzer. Lost a pitcher's duel in the first game, 3-0. Bright spot was freshman Lane Miles who went the distance, giving up two earned for PP. Looks like they've found their #2.
Side note: Though striking me out in the alumni game required no more than the ability to throw three pitches over the plate, I did think he looked pretty strong against the good players and when I saw him throw against CMS.

In the two other losses this weekend, the Hens gave up a total of 34 runs on 37 hits and committed 9 errors. Ouch. I do think the Sagehens' pitching and defense are better than they've performed, but they've gotta show it.
While the timing of the scoring wasn't ideal, putting up 20 runs in three games against those arms is impressive. Nishioka is now hitting .400 with 3 HR's, 12 Runs, 8 RBI's. Looks like Coach P moved him to the three hole today, will be interesting to see if that's permanent. Rosenbaum's return has been nice too, he's hitting .409 with a .586 OBP.


It looks like CLU is going to be fine on offense this year, and they have to be the favorites in SCIAC. The offense is still anchored by Dellavalle and Petersen, but they've had some young guys step up too. Freshman Gabe Gunters had a ridiculous game this afternoon (4 for 5 with a bomb and 5 RBIS) and Sophomores Ramsey Abushahla and Dave Casciola have swung it well. Petersen did get roughed up in game one, but we know he'll be one of the top pitchers in SCIAC and Hebda and Peters should be too. Oh and there's that Roth guy coming out of the pen, who looks to be just as dominant as last year.

Chapman is poised to be right there with them. They beat up a La Verne team that looked like it could be strong. Laverty's doing something right with the offense- 39 runs in the three games this weekend. And everything I've seen on the boards about their pitching makes them even scarier. I don't think we should look too much into those Texas games (and also remember that Trinity is one of the best teams in the country).

Mildly surprised that Whittier handled CMS so easily (though I can't find stats/updates/results for game three).

Oxy has played GFU pretty tough, though it looks like they may not come away with any wins. Currently tied up in the 11th inning after two close losses.

GFU will be traveling to Claremont tomorrow for a game against my Hens before heading back up. Should be an interesting test for the PP pitchers, and hopefully an opportunity for some guys who haven't thrown much to get innings and show their stuff. Not sure who's starting.

Finally Redlands beat up Cal Tech. Yawn.

[Jack Parkman]

I would say my biggest question mark regarding Chapman is if Laverty will get the same out of the players that Tereshuck (no clue how to spell it) did.  It seems like most of his teams at Redlands were pretty average.  Maybe that is too harsh but we will see.

Shows you what I know

[dahlby]

D O.C. came by Chapman-ULV double hitter today...in Linfield attire...have to  get the Orange County Dude some Chapman gear to wear to our games (when Linfield is not playing us, of course!). Good to see him again.

[Colorado]

Laverty's doing a good  job of keeping players' heads  in the game by weaving so many guys in and out of the line-up, using 2-4 spots to give as many as 7 guys some at bats and starts.  Its a nice way to get guys involved and get them to feel like they had a hand in the winning. Gandy got a start today, and immediately singled to drive in a run; Demarest came off the bench and homered. They've gotten 4 HR's from guys coming off the bench. 8 different guys threw last week and 9 guys this weekend. No one feels like the train left without them. Next weekend weather permitting, Chapman's #1 pitching versus Cal Lutheran#1 hitting.  The irresistible force about to collide with the immovable object.

[108 Stitches]

This weekend will be a big one for determining what is going to happen in the SCIAC. Chapman vs CLU.

I predict Chapman 2 of 3. They have played a tough preseason schedule and should be ready for CLU. I don't think CLU has seen a team like them yet, and Chapman has played on the road vs some good teams so they should be ready. While CLU has scored some runs they have not faced top notch pitching yet IMO and CU pitching should be rounding into shape about now.

Should be a very competitive series.

[Colorado]

I like your prediction. How's your record been on picks? Good I hope. My take:  If CLU can get to or get past CU's starters, CU's pitching edge might be blunted. Against 2 teams so far that struggled, CU's pen hasn't been tested yet in the SCIAC. None of the starters have gone 7 yet (maybe once), and 2 pitchers will be on pitch count restrictions for awhile.  The series could hinge on whether CU's pen can contain that gaudy CLU lineup, and either hold a lead or keep it close.  Here's hoping it doesn't rain.

[SoCalSoxFan]

This weekend will be a big one for determining what is going to happen in the SCIAC. Chapman vs CLU.

I predict Chapman 2 of 3. They have played a tough preseason schedule and should be ready for CLU. I don't think CLU has seen a team like them yet, and Chapman has played on the road vs some good teams so they should be ready. While CLU has scored some runs they have not faced top notch pitching yet IMO and CU pitching should be rounding into shape about now.

Should be a very competitive series.

Likely matchups are:
Osaki (1.06) vs Petersen (5.14)
Riddle (4.11) vs Hebda (1.00)
Smith (1.32) vs Peters (3.27)
I agree with 108Stitches that the key will probably be CLU getting into CU's bullpen; although we saw with game 2 against Pomona that they can win a pitchers dual (1-0 going into bottom of the 8th).

Osaki held Trinity to 1 run in 4 innings.  He'll need to have similar success against what has been a much deeper than expected CLU lineup (.404 Batting, .440 OBP, .559 Slugging).  Petersen should bounce back after a rough PP start; and CLU needs that as they can't expect to get 19runs against Osaki/CU

As noted in an earlier post, Abushala and Casciola did hit well last year in limited at bats, so it's not too surprising that they are doing the same to start this year.  The unknowns going in would be results of Transfers and Freshmen.   The transfers Crowl and Cana are both hitting over .450, which has lengthened the lineup; and Freshmen Gunter (.857) and Key (.353) are off to great starts.   After his 4-5 with walkoff 3R HR, I would think Gunter will get the start this weekend.

Looking forward to a great series between these two.

[108 Stitches]

Looking forward to a great series between these two.

Just saw the long term weather forecast and they are expecting (finally!) a big rain storm to hit next week late. Might end up being a "fit it in" series. Not sure who that helps, but we will have to see. Will be great whenever they get it in.

[Jack Parkman]

Kind of a crazy weekend in the SCIAC!

I picked Chapman to take 2 of 3 from La Verne but never expected them to do what they did.  Scoring 9 in the 9th on Friday and coming back with 2 games with 10+ runs really caught my eye.  La Verne must be hurting real bad right now.

I really thought Claremont showed something last week against Pomona but then they go get thrashed by Whittier   I really don't know what to make of that series.

Pomona and Cal Lu played a typical "3rd game of the series" game on Friday, then an absolute pitchers duel on Saturday.  I don't think Peterson was himself but Pomona can surely swing it.  Peterson dominated Emory a few weeks ago but then CLU's#2 Hebda absolutely dealt and Miles looked pretty dominant for Pomona.  Game 3 was a blowout.

Oxy hung pretty tight with George Fox on Saturday after getting dominated Friday.  I don't know what to make of Oxy but they are not going to win if they can't hit.  Having a batting average 34 points below Cal Tech's is not a great sign.  They have played some tight games but if they want to get back to the SCIAC Tourney they have to start hitting.

I love the new SCIAC tourney because it gives teams another chance.  I think the series of the year is with CLU/Chapman (but Mother Nature might win this one) but it won't end either ones season.  I dont think either team sweeps but I really don't know who wins.  Chapman's arms have been damn good but CLU's bats have been too.  Chapman hit ULV all over the place so I really just don't know.

My 4 for the SCIAC Tourney...

1. Cal Lu
2. Chapman
3. Oxy- I know, I sound like I bash them but if they start hitting they will be in business
4. Pomona

[CrashDavisD3]

CHAPMAN VS CAL LUTHERAN

PITCHING
Chapman 2.79 ERA  .180 OPP BA
Cal Lu 4.19 ERA .247 OPP BA

HITTING
Cal Lu .404 BA .559 SLG % 11 runs scored per game 7 stolen bases  5 home runs
Chapman .301 BA .435 SLG% 7 runs scored per game 8 stolen bases 10 home runs

DEFENSE
Chapman .966 Fielding %  9 stolen bases against 4 caught stealing 10 double plays
Cal Lu .952 Fielding % 5 stolen bases against 2 caught 9 double plays


Will be a great series........Great Pitching/Defense vs Great Hitting. One of these teams will end up in the West Regional IMO.

[Gray Fox]

Does anyone know what happened to the Oxy pitcher from last year named Lalli?
He was a tall lefty freshman pitcher that looked like he was making good progress.
He is not on a roster this year.

[Lets Play Two]

Fox,

I believe he is on a 2-year Mormon mission

[D O.C.]

At least that's what I tell my wife when I stay out until 4 AM.

[108 Stitches]

Will be a great series........Great Pitching/Defense vs Great Hitting. One of these teams will end up in the West Regional IMO.

Great pitching usually wins.....usually.

Look what happened to the top offense in D3 baseball in the West Regional. Will be a spirited series and in the end will probably have something to do with seeding for the tournament. BTW I agree with Jack I just love league tournaments!

[SoCalSoxFan]

I only love League tournaments when my team doesn't win the Regular season!