WSU at Bradley (3 game series)

[Play Angry]

The Shockers (16-16, 2-1) hit the road for their first MVC road series of the year, taking on Bradley (13-17, 0-3). Likely pitching matchups per the Game Notes are posted below:

Friday, 6 PM - Zach Lewis (RHP, 2-2, 2.70) vs Nathan Stong (RHP, 1-2, 4.35)
Saturday, 2 PM - Tommy Barnhouse (RHP, 2-2, 3.58) vs Alex Gray (RHP, 0-1, 6.48)
Easter Sunday, 1 PM - Cody Tyler (LHP, 3-3, 4.41) vs Cole Cook (LHP, 6-2, 3.58)

WSU enters the weekend with an RPI of 139, and Bradley carries an RPI of 84. The Braves were picked 6th in the preseason MVC poll, WSU was picked tied for 4th.

The Braves are the better hitting team (.267 vs. .249 BAVG, .401 vs. .352 SLG%) whereas WSU holds a significant edge in pitching (4.23 vs. 6.93 ERA).

Zach has been on quite a roll the last few weeks - here's hoping he continues the trend this evening.

[shockfan89_]

I know Bradley has an RPI of 84 but they really don't look good at all! I really think we should sweep this series, even on the road!

[1972Shocker]

I know Bradley has an RPI of 84 but they really don't look good at all! I really think we should sweep this series, even on the road!

Yep. Unfortunately what this Shocker team should do and what the actually do don't always align. Maybe this will be our weekend to get a sweep.

[1972Shocker]

WSU enters the weekend with an RPI of 139, and Bradley carries an RPI of 84.

The difference between the RPI and other rating systems with Bradley is pretty significant. WarrenNolan has the Shocks at 176 and Bradley at 189 in his NPI and Boyd's World ISR has the Shocks at 98 and Bradley at 166.

[wyatt]

Rain delay?

https://mobile.twitter.com/BradleyBaseball/status/852996056593952768

[1972Shocker]

Rain delay?

https://mobile.twitter.com/BradleyBa...96056593952768

Most of the heavier rains looked like they have moved off to the NE. Doesn't look too bad right now for getting the game in although it might be delayed a bit especially if there is any lighting in the area.

[wyatt]

Thanks!

[wyatt]

https://mobile.twitter.com/GoShockersBSB/status/853024132484784129

[1972Shocker]

Shocks play solid fundamental small ball to score a run in the 1st. Infield single, stolen base, sac bunt, sac fly.

Willie Schwanke hits the ball right on the nose again also with a 2-out single.

[wyatt]

1-2 Bradley after 2. Lewis struggled that inning, but struck out last two to avoid more damage with runners on 2nd and 1st.

[wyatt]

1-3 bottom of three with one out. Lewis is struggling, wild pitch, two hit batters, and given up two doubles. Error on Boyer on an easy dp, keeps inning alive.

[wyatt]

1-4, two runs on 4 hits, one big error in the inning.

[wyatt]

3-4 bottom of 5. Shocks had a runner on 3rd with no outs in the top of the 5th. Strikeout, foul out, walk, and groundout followed. Geez!

[1972Shocker]

A 1-out double by Alex Jackson and a 2-out throwing error by the Bradley SS scores a run for the Shocks in the 4th. Noah Croft followed with a RBI double to pull the Shocks to within 1 at 4-3.

Noah seems to be getting more comfortable at the plate. Noah has got his average up to .280.

Jacob Katzfey has been MIA for the last 6 games so his back issues must be a lot more than the stiff back it was initially described as by Mike Kennedy.

[1972Shocker]

3-4 bottom of 5. Shocks had a runner on 3rd with no outs in the top of the 5th. Strikeout, foul out, walk, and groundout followed. Geez!

Well at least Alex hit his grounder to 2B sharply. He hit the ball solidly, put it in play and at least gave himself a chance. You can't really complain about that. Now the other AB's with less than 2 outs. Yeah.