5-13 regional projections

[KC Shox]

So what is the most games that a team can play in a regional? 4? If that is indeed the case, if WSU loses one game in a regional, they aren't coming out of it. The pitching staff would never allow it to happen.

I'm not sure you can categorically say that. Nearly all top teams have 2 or 3 quality starters and then things drop off quick. There have been a ton of so-called upsets in mid-week all over the country this season which bears this out. If WSU's "big three" can chew innings in 3 games, Hoch, Fleming, and Nanney have been serviceable and can should be able to keep the Shox in a 4th game. Kelley has pitched against the toughest teams on the Shox schedule, so nerves shouldn't be a problem, however, I wonder if he's experiencing some sort of arm problems we don't know about. He wasn't fooling any of the ORU hitters.

On the other hand, if Musgrave, Shafer, and/or Capra struggle and the relievers have to pitch 3 or 4 innings in their starts, the Shox are indeed doomed.

The MVC tournament should be a pretty good test of the pitching staff. They will have to go at least as deep in that tournament as any NCAA rounds.

--'85.

You're right in regard to good teams pitching drops off after the 3rd guy, but this poses a problem for the Shox. The Shox have proven over and over again this season that facing a good teams number 4 guy still presents problems for them offensively. We have a solid number 4 guy in Kelley, but if he isn't getting any run support, the Shox are not going to advance through the loser's bracket.

I'm not concerned with the pitching, it is the offense and defense on this team that will make or break this team. Will we score enough runs? I'm afraid this year's regional may resemble what happened at last year's super regional when the Shox had great pitching but could not score any runs to win the game(s).

[Shocker85]

I'm not concerned with the pitching, it is the offense and defense on this team that will make or break this team. Will we score enough runs? I'm afraid this year's regional may resemble what happened at last year's super regional when the Shox had great pitching but could not score any runs to win the game(s).

You're right about that, and the Shox have not been able to string several consistent games together once they've gotten into the meat of the schedule.

I'll be there in support and it looks like we'll finally be getting some nice weather, so why not go out and soak up some sunshine at the yard?

--'85.