BB: CCIW: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Gregory Sager]

Steve Kuligowski was lights-out today for NPU for eight innings, but ran out of gas in the ninth with the Park up, 4-0. He gave up two runs and left with two outs and the bases loaded, and Nick Soldano came into the game. After walking in a run, Soldano induced a groundout to second and NPU escaped with the 4-3 win.

Mike Trotta looked pretty ordinary for Augie today, but NPU did not do a good job of converting opportunities against him, especially early on when he was most vulnerable. The first four North Park batters got hits today to start off the game, and yet NPU only came away with one run in the inning. Situational hitting as well as the defense are going to have to improve some tomorrow. Still, a win's a win -- especially come tournament time.

Great to see CCIW batting champion Joel Bonnett go yard today for his first homer of his college career.

The Park squeaks one out. I think they have lost faith in the bull pen. Hopefully Nick Soldano can throw another gem tomorrow. 4 more errors doesn't help either.

FWIW, there should only be three errors on NPU when the box is posted.

I don't think it's a matter of Luke Johnson losing faith in his bullpen. I think it was more a matter of this being too important a win not to use your best available pitcher to get one out.

[Mr. Ypsi]

With IWU and NPU both winning, I think they are both in the national tourney, though I'll be more confident if the loser tomorrow makes it back to the final game.  (And if either Augie or Elmhurst wins it all, either or both of IWU and NPU are probably toast.)

How do others see it?

[BigPoppa]

With IWU and NPU both winning, I think they are both in the national tourney, though I'll be more confident if the loser tomorrow makes it back to the final game.  (And if either Augie or Elmhurst wins it all, either or both of IWU and NPU are probably toast.)

How do others see it?

I think each needs one more win to secure a Pool C. Hard to disagree with you, Ypsi.

[BBFan62]

I am guessing BBFAN62 either is AJ Nathan or related to him. Why else would an IWU guy point out the flaws of another IWU guy if it was not for personal gain? Makes no sense to me.

Sorry Big Poppa, as knowledable as you are a big wrongo here! My son plays out east; I have no involvement with IWU other than I've had the pleasure of seeing AJ, Kopp, Sullivan ( a year ahead) and Evans (Elmhurst) play since they were 9.  Not dissing any other player, teammate of AJ's or not, Just stating facts. AJ is as solid as they come. He has always been a winner, along with his former temmates and will help his team succeed. How many catchers get intentionally walked??? That's peer recognition at it's best.  I'm hoping we meet them in Appleton!

[D3Vike11]

With IWU and NPU both winning, I think they are both in the national tourney, though I'll be more confident if the loser tomorrow makes it back to the final game.  (And if either Augie or Elmhurst wins it all, either or both of IWU and NPU are probably toast.)

How do others see it?

I think each needs one more win to secure a Pool C. Hard to disagree with you, Ypsi.

Tomorrow's matchup should be a good one (Nick Soldano vs. Chris Bobo). Winner puts themselves in a good position for getting a bid.

[Viking Blue]

Any North Park faithful/former players from back in my time zone or before:

I drove through nasty traffic and ran down Foster from the parking lot at Foster and Kedzie to catch the top of the 9th today at Holmgren (which, by the way, took way longer to complete than I needed to endure).

Just wanted to share how awesome it was to see the CCIW tournament at OUR place.  Some nice upgrades put into place to spruce the joint up.

All North Parkers should be as lucky as I was to experience the strong sense of pride I did in seeing that sight...and get out there to support your Vikings!

[D3Vike11]

At work watching the games on Live Stats in my down time

Mike Barker hits his 2nd home run of the day in the bottom of the 5th, Augie goes up 4-3.

Elmhurst comes back with a home run in the 7th and 3 runs in the 8th to take a 7-4 lead over Augie. Josiah Martin did not have his stuff today.

Augustana's comeback falls short in the bottom of the 9th as Elmhurst escapes elimination 7-6. Elmhurst will play the loser of the North Park and Wesleyan game which is about to start.

[Viking Blue]

I'm very interested to hear how pre-game infield went before the NP-IWU game today....anyone there for it, please feel free to chime in.

[BigPoppa]

I'm very interested to hear how pre-game infield went before the NP-IWU game today....anyone there for it, please feel free to chime in.

Why? Am I missing something?

[D3Vike11]

I'm very interested to hear how pre-game infield went before the NP-IWU game today....anyone there for it, please feel free to chime in.

I wasn't there, but I heard Dennis Martel wouldn't let his catchers "throw down" to second. He wanted to save them for later.

[BigPoppa]

I'm very interested to hear how pre-game infield went before the NP-IWU game today....anyone there for it, please feel free to chime in.

I wasn't there, but I heard Dennis Martel wouldn't let his catchers "throw down" to second. He wanted to save them for later.

I don't see that as odd... it's not like NPU hasn't seen their catchers throw this year.

[Viking Blue]

Poppa-the cryptic discussions regarding the NP-IWU series earlier this year revolved around an incident that took place PRIOR to the actual game, and involved pre-game infield.  That's why I'm wondering if there were any incidents today.

[BigPoppa]

Poppa-the cryptic discussions regarding the NP-IWU series earlier this year revolved around an incident that took place PRIOR to the actual game, and involved pre-game infield.  That's why I'm wondering if there were any incidents today.

Gotcha... I must be out of the loop on that one. Feel free to fill me in.

[Mr. Ypsi]

In the bottom of the third NPU has tied it at 2 apiece.  Jeff Johnson has been replaced on the mound - he gave up only 2 hits, but walked 3 and the Vikings runs came on a WP and a HBP with the bases full.

Reliever Matt Conrad gets a foul out to end the third, tied at 2-2.

[D3Vike11]

Not sure why yet, but Luke Johnson got thrown out of the game. Could be crucial.

IWU up 4-2, but North Park has bases loaded, no outs, and Tony Sanchez up to the plate in the bottom of the 5th.


****GRAND SLAM!!!!! 6-4 VIKINGS!!!