BB: CCIW: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Gregory Sager]

Augie is the undisputed CCIW champ. The Doggies skunked Millikin for the second time today with a 12-2 win in seven.

[Gregory Sager]

Illinois Wesleyan skunks Elmhurst in eight, 10-0. It was an unusual win in that it was pitched by committee -- a situation that usually doesn't lend itself well to holding down an opponent. But Elmhurst only had one hit, so kudos to the Titans for making that work.

Man, Elmhurst really can't pitch. It's a wonder that their games with Millikin ever ended.

[Gregory Sager]

Aargh! Another one-run loss! Wheaton wins, 5-4. NPU outhits the Wheaties -- the Vikings even had five doubles in this game -- but Wheaton got the crucial out every time that it was necessary. The Vikings left the tying run stranded in scoring position in the top of the ninth.

This was not a good weekend at all for North Park. But the Vikings are in the tourney, and, at the end of the day, that's all that matters.

[Mr. Ypsi]

With one out in the bottom of the 8th, IWU mercied Elmhurst again, 10-0.  The Titans went pitching by committee, but it worked beautifully: usual closer Jon Munyon started (his first start of the season) and gave up a lead-off double (a no-no for a closer!), then no-hit the Jays the rest of a four inning start; 4 relievers hurled a hitless inning each.

For those bad at math, 5 Titan hurlers combined for a one-hit shutout.

[Gregory Sager]

Carthage completes the sweep in Kenosha with a 7-3 victory over North Central.

Next weekend's first round matchups in Moline are set:

North Park vs. Illinois Wesleyan
North Central vs. Augustana

[Chantastic]

Carthage completes the sweep in Kenosha with a 7-3 victory over North Central.

Next weekend's first round matchups in Moline are set:

North Park vs. Illinois Wesleyan
North Central vs. Augustana

I like North Park to win the tournament but I will like them a lot more if Soldano is healthy.

[Mr. Ypsi]

I can't find the info on either cciw.org or the host Augie website - are the game times and schedule for the tourney really not yet announced?

[jester13]

I found the schedule in the story about Augie winning conference. Looks like Augie plays NCC at 3:30 Thursday.

[Chantastic]

A little prediction for how this tourney will roll out.

NCC upsets Augustana behind Krusen.

North Park outslugs IWU.

Augustana's superior pitching eliminates IWU on Friday.

In the winner's bracket, North Park defeats NCC behind Silverthorne.

NCC will have used the best part of their staff and will fall to Augie.

North Park defeats Augustana to win the conference.

Basically, I like NPU's lineup to more than anyone other team and I think this condensed format is advantageous to the team that is strongest 1-9.

[BigPoppa]

I'll take NPU to win the CCIW's bid. I think their style of play is best suited for post-season baseball.

[Gregory Sager]

I sure hope that neither of you two are the d3boards.com equivalent to the Sports Illustrated cover jinx.

[jester13]

Can't win with shaky defense. Augie beats NCC. 6 - 3

[Mr. Ypsi]

Two innings in the books in the nightcap in Moline.  So far, Jeff Johnson has been perfect; Alex Silverthorne most definitely has not: four hits, two walks, three wild pitches, and an error by the pitcher have resulted in a 4-0 lead for the Titans.

[Mr. Ypsi]

After five, IWU 5, NPU 1.  Johnson has now given up two hits; Czarnowski has a solo homer.  Silverthorne has definitely settled in, but still can't get them consistently out.

[Mr. Ypsi]

An error by Mr. Y on the last post: the solo homer was by Frericks, not Czarnowski.

The Titans get 3 more in the bottom of the sixth (including a 2-run double by Czarnowski), and now lead 8-1.  I suspect this one is effectively over.  Silverthorne got knocked out that inning; Johnson is still going.