BB: MWC: Midwest Conference

[ballfan55]

Actually I was talking to the home plate umpire while they took the tarp off BEFORE the game resumed and at that time he told me the coaches had agreed while they were clustered inside during the tornado warning that if they could get through 5 it would be a complete game.

The other difference is that Carroll and SNC weren't scheduled to face each other again and it wouldn't make sense to travel 2 hours just to finish out a few innings.  In fact if after the weekend the game was meaningless (i.e. SNC sweeps Lawrence for instance) then they wouldn't have finished at all. 

[ballfan55]

Ripon took two from Carroll 13-3 and 12-6 to secure a spot in the MWC playoffs with SNC from the North.  Ripon and Carroll conclude the series tomorrow at Ripon.

[BigPoppa]

Ripon took two from Carroll 13-3 and 12-6 to secure a spot in the MWC playoffs with SNC from the North.  Ripon and Carroll conclude the series tomorrow at Ripon.

I assume that Beloit misses the MWC tourney?

[TurtleHead]

Ripon took two from Carroll 13-3 and 12-6 to secure a spot in the MWC playoffs with SNC from the North.  Ripon and Carroll conclude the series tomorrow at Ripon.

I assume that Beloit misses the MWC tourney?

Yep.

[ballfan55]

Carroll and Ripon are rescheduled for Sunday at noon due to weather according to Ripon's website.  Carroll also has graduation at that time but there are only 3 seniors on the squad so it will be interesting to see how that works out.

[golfguywaltham]

What is the format of the MWC Tourney? Any predictions? And where does the winner go to next?

[BigPoppa]

What is the format of the MWC Tourney? Any predictions? And where does the winner go to next?

The top two teams in each division play off in a double-elimination tourney with the winner getting an NCAA bid to the regionals.

[golfguywaltham]

Thanks! Who are the teams and will win this and why?

[ballfan55]

St. Norbert is probably the strongest team, with last years POY in Yost and this year's contender Jandron.  Ripon would probably be right behind.  I haven't seen Grinnell but I don't think IC is much better than a team like Carroll who finished 4th in the North Division.  Grinnell split with North Division Lawrence early in Florida, but the advantage for them is the games look to be played on their home field.

[TheInformant]

I think it's safe to say Jandron has this year's POY locked up.  He's 1st nationally in BA and has been a catalyst on the mound for St. Norberts.

From experience, I would say that St. Norbert is the team to beat.  I don't know much about the South half, but Grinnell is obviously solid to have the record they do.  In the end, I predict (as I usually do) that the championship will come down to the #1 and #2 from the North - with the advantage going to St. Norberts.

When comparing the 2 ballclubs, I would say Ripon is less experienced.  However, it only takes 1 pitcher to step up and shut a team down to change everything.  Anybody from the South half disagree?

I'm taking St. Norberts over Ripon in the championship for the automatic bid...

[TurtleHead]

St Nobert has the advantage in this weekends tourney.  Playing Illinois College may allow them to save a pitcher for the 2nd round. 

Ripon has the players to win but is young on the infield.  Pitching depth seems to be a strength for them.  Looks like they could survive a loss and still make the finals. 

Grinnell has 2 quality starters in Pope and Harris but only 1 other pitcher has more than 30 innings of work.  Not sure even if they win first 2 games that they can close out the tourney.

Illinois College.  Kind of a wild card of the tourney.  Best starting pitcher (Williams) has a 4.85 ERA.  Is 3-7 for last 10 games.  Looks like the best bet for a 2 and out performance. 

I see Norbert finally winning the Tourney this year. 

[TheInformant]

Thanks for the preview/prediction TurtleHead...

Is it too early to start talking about All Conference predictions?  I think Jandron will get POY but it will be interesting to see if they give him the Hitter of the Year or Pitcher of the Year nod, as he probably deserves both.

I'm curious to see how the rest of the selections fall into place...

[Maverick]

I'll take St. Norbert over Grinnell in the championship this weekend.  I think Grinnell has the pitching and defense to get that far, but it seems like the pitching depth of St. Norbert is better and should carry them to the title. 

Good luck to all the teams that made it this far!  How is the weather looking in Grinnell for today and tomorrow?

[TurtleHead]

Ripon Leads Grinnell 11-4 Bottom of 9th. 

Not sure about St Norbert / Illinois College.  No Live Stats just audio and I cannot seem to connect.

[OshDude]

Ripon Leads Grinnell 11-4 Bottom of 9th. 

Not sure about St Norbert / Illinois College.  No Live Stats just audio and I cannot seem to connect.

SNC 7, IC 3