[Gm 3] WSU vs Hawaii

[SB Shock]

5 game losing streak. Will Coy be benched for a 2nd day in a row?

Could the bad baseball program keep WSU from getting into the MWC (or other conference)?

[1972Shocker]

Could the bad baseball program keep WSU from getting into the MWC (or other conference)?

I doubt it. I don't see it as a significant factor one way or the other. I don't think Baseball is that important for the MWC. The have 6 members now who play baseball and that will grow to 7 when San Jose State (who has baseball) and Utah State (who doesn't).

In any case, I don't see WSU being invited into the Mountain West. If the Moutain West wants to add a non-football playing member I would think Gonzaga would be their #1 target and right in there wheelhouse in terms of geography.

[1979Shocker]

How has Coy done in the first two games? Someone said in another thread earlier in the season that he would do better in warmer weather.

[SB Shock]

How has Coy done in the first two games? Someone said in another thread earlier in the season that he would do better in warmer weather.

LBS 1 - DNP
LBS 2 - 1 for 4, 2K's
LBS 3 - 1 for 4, 1K's, 1 RBI
Haw 1 - 1 for 4,
Haw 2 - DNP

[Rookie WuShock]

I want to know when HCGS started the righty/left platoon? Has he always done it? I profess that I don't completely understand it. I don't think it's like the big leagues and they have a binder in the dugout with a history of pitcher/hitter matchups--that at least would make sense. How many other teams flip flop their middle infielders practically every game? Hawaii game 1: Bobbit/Parker. Hawaii game 2: Parker/Dearman. My guess for Hawaii game 3: Kirk/Parker--because Hawaii is starting a lefty. In game 2 at Long Beach, Kihle was 2 for 3 (WSU only had 6 hits for the game and he was the only one with multiple hits), and he was lifted for a pinch hitter leading off the 8th because of a pitching change. I guess I'm just not a fan of the constant platooning. You remove a hot bat because of a pitching change or don't start a hot hitter the next game because of the righty/lefty matchup. If they have a poor history, that's one thing, but to do it just to do it doesn't make much sense to me. Also, in the game last night, WSU had 2 on and 2 out in the 7th bringing the tying run to the plate. Coy was available but Bobbit was called upon. I know Coy has been slumping but he has the ability to tie the game with one swing. Nothing against Bobbit, but he doesn't have an extra base hit all year. As I said, Hawaii is starting a lefty in game 3. Will Baker sit? He has been the hottest hitter the last 2 games. Gene stated in the pregame yesterday that they needed to get guys on base in front of the 3 and 4 hitters. So, you move Harbutz who was in the middle of an 0 for 12 to the 2 spot? He did end up getting 2 hits though. My lineup projection for tonight: Kihle, Doggett, Gillaspie, Coy, Harbutz, pick your outfielder, Baker, Parker, Kirk. In other words, I have no idea because it changes every game.

[SB Shock]

I want to know when HCGS started the righty/left platoon? Has he always done it?

about the time he was not able to recruit complete players like Magness, Sorenson(s), Hooper, Blazi(s), Hibbs, Carter, O'Brien, Gillaspie, Standiford, Forbes, Raley, Young, Meares, Blake, Dreifort(s), Wedge, Moffitt, Preston, McDonald, ....

He grasping at straws because he just doesn't have the talent to play the game like he would want.

[Rookie WuShock]

I guess I just think the hot bat should stay in the lineup regardless of the pitcher. I believe the constant lineup changes do more harm than good....just my opinion. If he is not recruiting the "complete player" as you say, then why recruit 3 left-handed hitting middle infielders? He is more apt to leave a RH hitting batter in against a RH pitcher then he is lefty on lefty. Also, we have a LH hitting catcher. Throw in a LH hitting centerfielder and then we can completely change our up the middle defense when a left handed pitcher is on the mound.

[Shocker85]

Stephenson does a lot of things that are not textbook baseball. Always has. It worked for WSU when there was superior talent on the roster that could make up for coaching mistakes. He is also too stubborn to adapt his coaching style to the players on the roster. He platoons and he plays favorites. There are many examples of players who never got a real shot in a Shox uniform that withered on the roster. There are also examples of players who played nearly every day despite glaring inability and poor baseball IQ.

Prime example - the NCAA has dumbed-down the bats greatly over time. Stephenson can't get it into his brain that playing for 1 run (i.e. sacrifice bunt, hitting behind runners, etc.) is better than always being too aggressive (i.e. bunt for hit, hit-and-run, stolen bases) and getting 0 runs. He then blames it on the players' inability to adjust. It is Gene Stephenson BS, folks. He is not a baseball genius.

--'85.

[SB Shock]

Elam on the mound for the start. Shox are looking for a spark - lets hear what HCGS has to say

[SB Shock]

Coach HCGS - we were just a triple play away from winning last night, we were robbed by the umpire.

This team is just not quite there...

Team needs to be more relaxed, we will be stopping over in Denver on the way back home.

This team needs relaxed intensity, relaxed poise, relaxed at-bats, relaxed prescence on the mound

Bayliff made the greatest catch ever in Shocker history. He hoping he can get video of it as a momento of their trip to Hawaii.

[shoxlax]

Coach HCGS - we were just a triple play away from winning last night, we were robbed by the umpire.

You're kidding right SB?

[SB Shock]

You're kidding right SB?

not really unfortunately.

[SB Shock]

Gillaspie hits a monster HR to give the Shox a 1-0 lead.

Coy is back in the lineup and singles.

[SB Shock]

Elam gives it right back with a lead-off walk. Hawaii takes a 2-1 lead and still threatening in the first.

[rrshock]

I'm sure it will end badly. GS is on vacation. Not working.