Wichita at UAB (Mar 22-24)

[WuDrWu]

A catcher's balk. You learn something new every day.


We didn't learn much from the last 2 days, or at least didn't apply much in the 1st inning today. Shocks down with 2 strikeouts in about 2 minutes total in the top of the 1st. UAB working incredibly fast, sometimes releasing the pitch with 15-13 seconds on the pitch clock.

Slow it down guys.

UAB is going to be sitting fastball on Tommy early. He's going to need to be tough early and then I think IF he gets through the early part he'll be in good shape.

[WuDrWu]

Tommy isn't necessarily throwing bad, but he looks really uncomfortable to me. His ball has movement today, but he's not fooling anyone so far. He's also getting squeezed a bit (but not bad) but he's caused his own problems with a walk and a 2 base error on a pickoff attempt. But UAB has fouled off a ton and are competing.

Tommy's pitch count is also going to be ridiculous in an inning where he gives up 1 run on one unrelated single. 31 in the first will mean the bullpen should start stretching soon. 1-0 top 2nd.

[Cdizzle]

They called that a swing? Wtf.

[Cdizzle]

Probably score 2 on that error if the umpire opts to not be a 10th defender for UAB.

[Cdizzle]

What's the deal with 1B/C? Millan hurt? Callahan hurt? No one else that can play either position? Cuz Birge is a black hole at the plate.

[WuDrWu]

They called that a swing? Wtf.

I didn't see a replay, but I'm with you, that didn't look very close to a swing at all.

It's as if we are purposefully ignoring the scouting report. Letting this guy pitch as fast as he wants (not even sure the pitch clock is working) and expecting nothing but 1s when he throws at least 40% off speed.

At least we managed a couple of baserunners on a bloop double and HBP.

Birge needs to adjust his plate set up. Far too often he's getting out of the way of inside strikes.


Birge gets a good bounce then a horrible bounce....1B kicks a grounder that likely means 2 runs but the Ump gets in the way of it and keeps it close and it's 1st and 3rd with 2 out instead of 2nd only and 2 in. Durnin grounds out to end the inning. 1-1.

[Cdizzle]

Home plate ump was giving a reset signal a bunch of times in the first inning but appears to have given up. Seems like they are playing without a pitch clock today.

[Cdizzle]

Are there not restrictions on danglies on a pitchers glove?

[WuDrWu]

What's the deal with 1B/C? Millan hurt? Callahan hurt? No one else that can play either position? Cuz Birge is a black hole at the plate.

Cally has been struggling at the plate big time and they've liked Birge's potential since day 1 so I guess they're going keep giving him chances.

[Cdizzle]

Cally has been struggling at the plate big time and they've liked Birge's potential since day 1 so I guess they're going keep giving him chances.

I noticed. Yet his big time plate struggles are still better than .095. So I'm not sure I get that math.

[WuDrWu]

At least we've made Colin Daniel work a bit the last 2 innings.

The UAB pitcher is 4-0 with a 2.50 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and a 4/1 K/BB ratio. Now at 50 pitches, if we can keep battling, we should be into the pen before too long.

But man, this guy's zone is odd. Tommy in a pickle with 2 on and 1 out now.

[Cdizzle]

I would like to thank dum-dum for swinging at that and popping out. LaPour had lost control.

[WuDrWu]

Boom! Tommy gets a foul out, K to end the threat. 1-1 top 4.

Let's get some runs!

[WuDrWu]

I noticed. Yet his big time plate struggles are still better than .095. So I'm not sure I get that math.

I'm right there with you. Frankly, I am a little surprised we aren't seeing more of Gannon Snyder.

[WuDrWu]

That'll work.