USM GAME 2 - GAME THREAD

[Bulldog1]

Mangum flies out

[Bulldog1]

Runners on the corners with 2 down

[preachermatt83]

Much better start. Hits by hatcher and macnamee. 1st and 3rd with 2 outs.

[preachermatt83]

Vansua goes from 3-0 to striking out. Stranding two runners.

[Bulldog1]

Leave 2 stranded, headed to bottom of 1st

[preachermatt83]

Small k's the leadoff hitter on 3 pitches.

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

Can't decide what to think about the lineup not really changing from yesterday.

[preachermatt83]

Bloop single

[preachermatt83]

One out one on for Luke Reynolds

[preachermatt83]

Reynolds walks. 2 on with one out

[preachermatt83]

Small gives up a basehit. Bases juiced. 1 out.

[preachermatt83]

Already a mound visit.

[HailState15]

Come on Small. Got to get into a rythem early.

[preachermatt83]

Let's see if small can get out of the jam.

[preachermatt83]

Run scores on a double play ball that Stovall didn't feild cleanly so only got one out. 1-0 southern with 2 outs.

[preachermatt83]

3-0 southern after a basehit. It's great having such great pitching. **

[msstate7]

Looking like a long year

[preachermatt83]

Belmont makes an error

[Leeshouldveflanked]

3-0 southern after a basehit. It's great having such great pitching. **

That was a made to order DP ball to Stovall...

[preachermatt83]

This is just awful

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

Looking like a long year

Its concerning that we were supposed to have a strong pitching staff and so far none* of our pitchers have been good so far

*I quit listening after the 6th yesterday

[Bulldog1]

I’m out. There’s too many good basketball games on to concern myself with this excuse of a baseball game.

[preachermatt83]

Small gets the k.

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

I can't watch, but if Stovall messed up the double play ball all 3 runs are on him. Hard to win when you're handing out 3 runs to start. Will be interesting to see how Small responds going forward- this mess of an inning should tell us something about his mental toughness

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

Its concerning that we were supposed to have a strong pitching staff and so far none* of our pitchers have been good so far

*I quit listening after the 6th yesterday

Though to our pitchers' defense, we seem to be making a ton of mistakes in the field

[Bothrops]

Good Lord

[preachermatt83]

We better hope cann can get the top croots on campus.

[maroonmania]

I will just wait for the 'experts' on the board to let us know when its time to get concerned. In 10 innings so far against our favorite in state CUSA team we've yet to score and have given up 14 runs.

[Activated Alpha]

Never expected to win this series. Not a great matchup right away to start the season.

[preachermatt83]

Alexander grounds out

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

If LA can't be a + defender going forward, whatever small amount of tolerance we have for his sucky hitting will disappear faster than a budget surplus in DC

[preachermatt83]

Never expected to win this series. Not a great matchup right away to start the season.

Lol

[preachermatt83]

Tanner Allen starts the season 0-5.

[Bully13]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qi1LMIUOOAI

[preachermatt83]

Skelton gets a single.

[Activated Alpha]

Lol

Do you disagree?

[Bully13]

Do you disagree?

I do, it's a weak excuse IMO.

[msstate7]

Pitching and defense are supposed to be the strength of this team with our defense up the middle supposed to be the best. It is very concerning when our best arms are getting hit hard and we are not making tough, but makeable plays (Alexander and Stovall). Tighten up, dawgs

[preachermatt83]

Rowdy lines out. We may never score.

[Cooterpoot]

Do you disagree?

I expected to win the series. They have one decent pitcher.

[AlSwearengen]

I wonder if this team has any leaders.

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

I will just wait for the 'experts' on the board to let us know when its time to get concerned. In 10 innings so far against our favorite in state CUSA team we've yet to score and have given up 14 runs.

Its a 56 game regular season and we're playing a top 25 team on the road. Like it or not, we could get swept this weekend and still have a great season. Concern would definitely be warranted, but concluding that the season is already over after one weekend is asinine

[preachermatt83]

I do, it's a weak excuse IMO.

Yup

[msstate7]

Never expected to win this series. Not a great matchup right away to start the season.

Why not? Todd says none of them (save wallner) could play in the sec, yet they putting 10 inches in us

[Activated Alpha]

I do, it's a weak excuse IMO.

What do you disagree with what I said and what's the weak excuse?

[preachermatt83]

Smh. Small gives up a dinger.

[Bully13]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wx_ZNn-_klk

[preachermatt83]

Told y'all last night not to be surprised is small didn't look great. He's looked good in scrimmages bc he's been facing our pitiful bats.

[msstate7]

Usm has scored in 7 straight innings vs us

[preachermatt83]

Another dinger!!!! Good grief. Back to back. Embarrassing

[Activated Alpha]

Told y'all last night not to be surprised is small didn't look great. He's looked good in scrimmages bc he's been facing our pitiful bats.

And yet you laughed at my statement? So which is it? You thought we would win, but with shitty performance on the mound and the bats?

[msstate7]

Told y'all last night not to be surprised is small didn't look great. He's looked good in scrimmages bc he's been facing our pitiful bats.

You were right. On a team with nothing but weaknesses, offense is our biggest weakness

[preachermatt83]

We've gotta find some pitching somewhere. I don't know where but we in trouble.

[msstate7]

Reynolds just took small deep. Reynolds sucks though, right Todd?

[wasabaka]

Good for Luke Reynolds. Glad to see he is doing well.*

[preachermatt83]

Basehit

[Dawg61]

http://www.elitedawgs.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=2968&d=1518894015

Cohen will be our baseball coach again in 2-3 years. He just took the AD job to focus on finishing Dudy. Melt away.

[preachermatt83]

Good for Luke Reynolds. Glad to see he is doing well.*

Glad he wasn't good enough to play for us**

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

Small's getting shelled

[preachermatt83]

What's the score even right now... 6-0?

[Bothrops]

Is this midget ball all over again?

[msstate7]

Small's getting shelled

Our whole staff has been shelled by them. They tattooed some balls off pilk, but they did not find grass

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

http://www.elitedawgs.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=2968&d=1518894015

Cohen will be our baseball coach again in 2-3 years. He just took the AD job to focus on finishing Dudy. Melt away.

Heyyyyyy that's mine.

How'd you make it bigger?

[preachermatt83]

Ok 5-0. We can't score 5 runs.

[KOdawg1]

Is this midget ball all over again?

it feels awfully like 2015 all over again.

[msstate7]

What's the score even right now... 6-0?

If they have 2, the lead is insurmountable lol

[confucius say]

I wonder if this team has any leaders.

The problem is talent. Not leaders.

We are small. No power. Even gap power. And the ball flies out of Pete taylor park. We have several spray guys, but that?s it. Lot of games with 10 hits and two runs.

[preachermatt83]

Legit question... it rally seems like we can't hit at all.. maybe that will improve but what is the problem in your opinion guys.. is it a talent issue? Or a hitting coaching issue? Or just bad luck.

[Bothrops]

Well..i think I'll go vote for Vivians.

[BankerDog]

Yep I would've loved to have Luke over Mike Smith and Trent Waddell.

[msstate7]

Atta boy, Jake. Get this damn run

[preachermatt83]

Mangum singles

[msstate7]

Well..i think I'll go vote for Vivians.

Haha

[preachermatt83]

Well..i think I'll go vote for Vivians.

+1

[BankerDog]

Why not? Todd says none of them (save wallner) could play in the sec, yet they putting 10 inches in us

It's been proven time and time again, Todd doesn't know a damn thing other than what his uncle tells him. I've proven him wrong in football and I'll guess now I'll go baseball since I was around that team

[CJDAWG85]

BOOOOOM

[preachermatt83]

Hatcher hits a dinger. 5-2.

[msstate7]

Hatcher is a stud

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

Hatcher's been a bright spot this weekend

[preachermatt83]

Bright spot in all this awfulness is that hatcher can smash. He is 5-6 so far with a dinger

[Saltydog]

Yeah, it's early but we have some young, inexperience players at critical positions. Yes, they will get better in time but this team is going to take its lumps. Those shouting "regional host" and "Omaha" can swallow your pride now. That kind of talk was just ridiculous, I don't give a damn if Tony LaRussa was coaching.

[Dawg61]

How'd you make it bigger?

Good genetics

[wasabaka]

Hatcher is a stud

It?s easy to look like a stud in a room full of duds.

[msstate7]

Get another one, dawgs! Hopefully Hatcher woke our butts up

[preachermatt83]

We gotta get a pitcher ready to come in and shut them down if we have any chance at all

[confucius say]

Legit question... it rally seems like we can't hit at all.. maybe that will improve but what is the problem in your opinion guys.. is it a talent issue? Or a hitting coaching issue? Or just bad luck.

It?s talent. Our young guys will be fine. But the problem is our veteran guys who we need to provide in middle of lineup are not there yet. Mac, vansau, and Alexander.

[msstate7]

It?s easy to look like a stud in a room full of duds.

He has what 4 hits so far this year?

[Bully13]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYAZCygB8e4

[maroonmania]

Hooray, we are on the board!

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

Mangun and Hatcher have 8 of our 11 hits this weekened

[99jc]

Why don't you all just stick to women's BB until it's done it will save you a lot of frustration.

[Cooterpoot]

We’ve signed a lot of crappy talent.

[preachermatt83]

Mac k's.

[preachermatt83]

Mangun and Hatcher have 8 of our 11 hits this weekened

Wow

[Bully13]

I'm not understanding all of these "lack of talent" quotes. Todd's been breaking down our classes real well for us and they've been ranked high.

[confucius say]

It's been proven time and time again, Todd doesn't know a damn thing other than what his uncle tells him. I've proven him wrong in football and I'll guess now I'll go baseball since I was around that team

Go read the last 4 pages of yesterdays game thread.

[msstate7]

Vansau has been pretty unlucky

[preachermatt83]

Vansau grounds out. Going bottom 3 down 5-2

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

Good genetics

Lolz

[confucius say]

I'm not understanding all of these "lack of talent" quotes. Todd's been breaking down our classes real well for us and they've been ranked high.

Too many Michael smiths. Not enough Luke Reynolds **

[msstate7]

Alexander finally wakes up. Good play

[Cooterpoot]

Just think of how many guys we’ve run off the last couple years and our talent is still this bad.

[msstate7]

Small with a nice shut down inning

[Bully13]

Just think of how many guys we’ve run off the last couple years and our talent is still this bad.

would like to see the list and a "where are they now" on them.

[99jc]

Cann needs to spend more time recruiting better players than playing a game of PIG with Blair Schafer.

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

Cann needs to spend more time recruiting better players than playing a game of PIG with Blair Schafer.

Jesus Christ man the guy's only responsible for 1 class

[Ari Gold]

Cann needs to spend more time recruiting better players than playing a game of PIG with Blair Schafer.

There it is ... I was waiting on this one.
Who proves to be the dumbest mother ****er here.
And here is your winner.

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

ALEXANDER GOT A HIT, I REPEAT, ALEXANDER GOT A HIT

Grab your gun and head for the hills- the apocalypse is upon us

[NCDawg]

Jesus Christ man the guy's only responsible for 1 class

You don't need to be quoting Jesus Christ name in your response. A lot of people, including myself, are offended by taking his name in vain.

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

You don't need to be quoting Jesus Christ name in your response. A lot of people, including myself, are offended by taking his name in vain.

I'm offended by the hot takes that come up in these game threads.

[Bulldog1]

Cohen would’ve called for a bunt right there*

[msstate7]

What a dissapointing inning. When we have first 2 on with no outs for the bottom of our order, we might need to consider bunting as much as I hate it

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

You don't need to be quoting Jesus Christ name in your response. A lot of people, including myself, are offended by taking his name in vain.

Look I don't mean to offend and I get it if you don't personally use that kind of language... but really? Actually commenting on it?

Do you also tell every divorced person that their life offends you? Do you respond to every person who says they're having premarital sex by telling them you're offended?

[CJDAWG85]

Skelton couldn't get it down and grounded into DP.

[MaroonFlounder]

This team can’t buy a clutch hit

[Bulldog1]

What a dissapointing inning. When we have first 2 on with no outs for the bottom of our order, we might need to consider bunting as much as I hate it

Should have. That fly out would’ve brought a run home.

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

What a dissapointing inning. When we have first 2 on with no outs for the bottom of our order, we might need to consider bunting as much as I hate it

And now we've come full circle from the days of bitching out Cohen for bunting all the time

[CJDAWG85]

You don't need to be quoting Jesus Christ name in your response. A lot of people, including myself, are offended by taking his name in vain.

You should quit the internet.

[msstate7]

And now we've come full circle from the days of bitching out Cohen for bunting all the time

Bunting your lead off hitter to 2nd in the first inning is a little different

[Dawg61]

In other more positive news the basketball game tonight is sold out. Wear white to the game or on your couch wear something at least.

[confucius say]

Cann is the best baseball re router we?ve had in my lifetime. This lack of upper class talent ain?t on him.

And damn Skelton. You are competing for playing, get the bunt down.

[confucius say]

In other more positive news the basketball game tonight is sold out. Wear white to the game or on your couch wear something at least.

Melts from your sofa are better nude

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

Bunting your lead off hitter to 2nd in the first inning is a little different

Than being down by 3 runs in the 3rd inning and wanting to bunt over a guy for your 9 hole hitter?

[Homedawg]

Jesus Christ man the guy's only responsible for 1 class

Actually he doesn't have a class on the field. Yes he signed the fr class but that class was recruited by Cohen not cann.

[NCDawg]

Look I don't mean to offend and I get it if you don't personally use that kind of language... but really? Actually commenting on it?

Do you also tell every divorced person that their life offends you? Do you respond to every person who says they're having premarital sex by telling them you're offended?

Like I said, I am offended and would appreciate your refraining from using the Lord's name in your posts. I don't know what significance somebody having premarital sex has do with the subject of discussion.

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

Excelent job by Small there. Leadoff double to start the inning to bring up the top of the order and he never touches 3rd

[confucius say]

Great job competing small. That?s a big positive.

[msstate7]

Than being down by 3 runs in the 3rd inning and wanting to bunt over a guy for your 9 hole hitter?

I said I did not like it; but if you would have done it, you guarantee mangum an AB with at least 2 in scoring position

[msstate7]

In other more positive news the basketball game tonight is sold out. Wear white to the game or on your couch wear something at least.

Great job, fellow dawgs

[confucius say]

Than being down by 3 runs in the 3rd inning and wanting to bunt over a guy for your 9 hole hitter?

Yes. Jordan and Mangum are both better hitters than Skelton.

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

I said I did not like it; but if you would have done it, you guarantee mangum an AB with at least 2 in scoring position

Did we have 1st and 2nd with no outs?

[msstate7]

What is mangum draft status look like? I really like him, but his impatience at the plate will make it very tough for him to ever play mlb

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

Like I said, I am offended and would appreciate your refraining from using the Lord's name in your posts. I don't know what significance somebody having premarital sex has do with the subject of discussion.

I am offended at your offence. Therefore you're a hypocrite if you ask me to stop offending you, as you are just passing off that offence onto me. Doesn't seem very Christian of you...

Really though, who are you to be telling people what to say based on your personal feelings? Who gave you the right to decide the code of conduct for this board? It's really incredibly self centered and arrogant to think others should avoid words solely because you prefer not to read them

[confucius say]

Is it too early to start debating moving Hatcher to the three hole?

[msstate7]

Did we have 1st and 2nd with no outs?

Yes

[msbulldog]

Look I don't mean to offend and I get it if you don't personally use that kind of language... but really? Actually commenting on it?

Do you also tell every divorced person that their life offends you? Do you respond to every person who says they're having premarital sex by telling them you're offended?

Hey man I agree with NC Dawg!

[confucius say]

Did we have 1st and 2nd with no outs?

Yea

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

Is it too early to start debating moving Hatcher to the three hole?

he has the most hits and is the only guy who's shown power so idk why not. It's a small sample size though

[Turfdawg67]

*Running supposedly great players off* is the new *we don't have any WRs*... find something, anything and 17'n run with it until your blue in the face!

[msstate7]

Is it too early to start debating moving Hatcher to the three hole?

2-hole may be best place. Mangum usually gets on, so Hatcher can hit with a runner on. Not sure who you put 2nd if you move Hatcher. Mangum and Stovall would not be good back-to-back imo bc neither take any pitches

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

Yes


Yea

Then I apologize, I thought we just had a man on 1st.

[msbulldog]

You should quit the internet.

Maybe you should.

[msstate7]

Then I apologize, I thought we just had a man on 1st.

No apology needed. Hell, I was indifferent to the bunt... I sided bunt in hindsight haha

[ScoobaDawg]

I am offended at your offence. Therefore you're a hypocrite if you ask me to stop offending you, as you are just passing off that offence onto me. Doesn't seem very Christian of you...

Really though, who are you to be telling people what to say based on your personal feelings? Who gave you the right to decide the code of conduct for this board? It's really incredibly self centered and arrogant to think others should avoid words solely because you prefer not to read them

take it to a PM or stfu.. this is about the game not you two bitching.

[msstate7]

Has stovall or mangum ever saw a pitch they did not swing at? Haha

[BeardoMSU]

Like I said, I am offended and would appreciate your refraining from using the Lord's name in your posts. I don't know what significance somebody having premarital sex has do with the subject of discussion.

Oh boy...

[msbulldog]

I am offended at your offence. Therefore you're a hypocrite if you ask me to stop offending you, as you are just passing off that offence onto me. Doesn't seem very Christian of you...

Really though, who are you to be telling people what to say based on your personal feelings? Who gave you the right to decide the code of conduct for this board? It's really incredibly self centered and arrogant to think others should avoid words solely because you prefer not to read them

Sir I see you have 69 posts. who made you a moderator?

[CJDAWG85]

Nah I'm good. I don't get offended easily.

[confucius say]

2-hole may be best place. Mangum usually gets on, so Hatcher can hit with a runner on. Not sure who you put 2nd if you move Hatcher. Mangum and Stovall would not be good back-to-back imo bc neither take any pitches

Maybe Jordan or Vansau in the two hole? I know that?s not ideal either.

Got to get Stovall out of the three hole though. Put him in the 6 or the 9 maybe and roll the order over. Cann will figure smn our hopefully.

[msstate7]

Maybe Jordan or Vansau in the two hole? I know that?s not ideal either.

Got to get Stovall out of the three hole though. Put him in the 6 or the 9 maybe and roll the order over. Cann will figure smn our hopefully.
Vansau could work.

[preachermatt83]

Mcquary makes me nervous every time he pitches.

[confucius say]

Where all can Jordan Anderson play position wise?

[wasabaka]

Like I said, I am offended and would appreciate your refraining from using the Lord's name in your posts. I don't know what significance somebody having premarital sex has do with the subject of discussion.

Jesus Christ, man, are you really this thin-skinned and legalistic? Just stop reading the board for 17s sake.

To make this baseball related: I can?t remember where I heard this, but I?ve heard that Pete Taylor Park is one of the best in the country and is the envy of many programs in the SEC. LOL

[confucius say]

Mcquary makes me nervous every time he pitches.

Like a cat in room full of rocking chairs.

[confucius say]

Our pitchers are competing. Positive sign.

[msstate7]

McQ!

[CJDAWG85]

Pitching has settled down nicely. Now we need Joboo to wake bats.

[wasabaka]

Like a cat in room full of rocking chairs.

Like an escort in a baptist church when Hugh Freeze is preaching. On second thought, maybe Hugh would be the nervous one in that situation.

[msstate7]

Macnamee has stuck out 5 times in 2 games

[preachermatt83]

We have got to figure out how to score runs. Going for a triple right there is dumb as dirt

[msstate7]

Who the hell is 3b coach? Why do you take that chance down 3? WTF!

[Dawg61]

Vansout

[wasabaka]

Well that was stupid, Vansau.

[msstate7]

We have got to figure out how to score runs. Going for a triple right there is dumb as dirt

That is on 3b coach. He has to be yelling, screaming stop there

[confucius say]

Macnamee has stuck out 5 times in 2 games

I think he and Stovall are a combined 1-13.

[CJDAWG85]

Why try to get 3 there? That's an easy double. You're in scoring position with 1 out.

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

Come on guys- you're down 3 runs. Getting 1 guy to 3rd instead of 2nd is not worth much risk

[wasabaka]

This team can definitely learn a lot from the stupid mistakes we have made so far this series. I hope they do.

[preachermatt83]

Woulda been 2 runners on now with one out of vansau had not tried to be super man.

[maroonmania]

Well that was stupid, Vansau.

Why do we display such stupidity in every sport? I mean you are DOWN 3 runs and get thrown out trying to take an extra base on a double?

[CJDAWG85]

Damn... would've scored had he stayed at 2nd

[preachermatt83]

Well what coulda been a big inning turns into nothing.

[confucius say]

Who the hell is 3b coach? Why do you take that chance down 3? WTF!

Ball was in right center. Some teams let the baserunner make that call. Not sure if third base coach was stopping him or not.

[preachermatt83]

Man this just blows.

[shoeless joe]

Y'all are dumb. At this level it's on the runner there not the coach. With 1 out that is absolutely the time to take that chance. Bein on 3rd with 1 out is a big deal...

Carry on

[confucius say]

Can we bring back lovelady please.

[msstate7]

Y'all are dumb. At this level it's on the runner there not the coach. With 1 out that is absolutely the time to take that chance. Bein on 3rd with 1 out is a big deal...

Carry on

Being in the dugout vs 2b is an even bigger deal

[preachermatt83]

Mcquary just simply doesn't have enough accuracy to pitch

[AlSwearengen]

You take the chance with one out, not two. A sac fly scores the runner. Of course, if it wasn’t close then that is bad.

[maroonmania]

So far we have 2 runs off of 15 hits in the series. USM has 16 runs on 19 hits.

[msstate7]

So far we have 2 runs off of 15 hits in the series. USM has 16 runs on 19 hits.

We have no power. Get used to it

[maroonmania]

You take the chance with one out, not two. A sac fly scores the runner. Of course, if it wasn’t close then that is bad.

When you are down 3 runs in the last half of the ball game there is no reason to risk an out at 3rd when you are already in scoring position. Just plain freakin' stupid, close or not.

[maroonmania]

We have no power. Get used to it

True, though our only runs so far are off a HR.

[maroonmania]

By the way, I'm was gone for a bit, but I thought McCrary was suspended?

[msstate7]

6-2 ballgame

[preachermatt83]

We Have No Pitching! NONE! ZERO!!

[preachermatt83]

Oh, and we have no power either. But to make up for our lack of power we can't hit for average

[maroonmania]

So far its been one of the worst weeks in recent memory for MSU men's sports.

[msstate7]

We are vastly overrated

[confucius say]

So far we have 2 runs off of 15 hits in the series. USM has 16 runs on 19 hits.

Going to be a lot of that. Forget hr power, we do not even have gap guys. That is all on Cohen and our upper class guys who are supposed to fill that role. Mac, Vansau, Luke, any catcher.

[msstate7]

Reynolds with another multi-hit game. Todd right... luke sucks something serious

[Leeshouldveflanked]

Regardless of outcome this weekend... we do not even look like a SEC team...

[confucius say]

Regardless of outcome this weekend... we do not even look like a SEC team...

Baseball better with steroids. Back to the Travis Chapman gain 50 pounds of muscle diet.

[MaroonFlounder]

USM is the better program right now, and you guys are not going to like what the punks from Oxfart are gonna do to us in a couple months

[confucius say]

Reynolds with another multi-hit game. Todd right... luke sucks something serious

Their Luke is a hell of a lot better hitter than our Luke

[confucius say]

USM is the better program right now, and you guys are not going to like what the punks from Oxfart are gonna do to us in a couple months

Better team, not program.

[msstate7]

Better team, not program.

Wrong! Only wallner could play in the sec - todd

[MaroonFlounder]

One can only hope our guys play better than this when they finally get into the new Dude.

[BuckyIsAB****]

USM is the better program right now, and you guys are not going to like what the punks from Oxfart are gonna do to us in a couple months

Yeah this is wrong on so many levels. 2 games into the season and we arent even CUSA level program....year after another super regional and an SEC title.....Lol

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

So Pilk showed 0 improvement in his 2 weakest areas (keeping ABs short and going above 80 pitches before he loses it), and gives up a bunch of runs. We bring in possible Sunday/midweek starter Keegan James, who got hit hard. Then we bring in a counted on JuCo newcommer Leibelt that we're supposedly going to rely on, and he can't throw a strike. Hatcher is used to save the pen. Saturday starter Ethan "will be really good" Small gets hit hard, gives up walks, and even when he settles in he wasn't dominant. He gets replaced by McQuary, who was supposed to be one of the best middle relievers on the team, and he craps the bed with control issues.

Yeah, 0/4 on the unknowns (all of whom we were told would be good), and the one proven guy didn't look improved. And as I type this we go down in order -again- to a team with significantly below SEC average pitching

[Activated Alpha]

So Pilk showed 0 improvement in his 2 weakest areas (keeping ABs short and going above 80 pitches before he loses it), and gives up a bunch of runs. We bring in possible Sunday/midweek starter Keegan James, who got hit hard. Then we bring in a counted on JuCo newcommer Leibelt that we're supposedly going to rely on, and he can't throw a strike. Hatcher is used to save the pen. Saturday starter Ethan "will be really good" Small gets hit hard, gives up walks, and even when he settles in he wasn't dominant. He gets replaced by McQuary, who was supposed to be one of the best middle relievers on the team, and he craps the bed with control issues.

Yeah, 0/4 on the unknowns (all of whom we were told would be good), and the one proven guy didn't look improved. And as I type this we go down in order -again- to a team with significantly below SEC average pitching

And yet when I said this team was a bad match up for us starting the season, some people balked at that notion. People need to temper their aspirations for this team. We aren't terrible, but those that were dreaming of sweeping or winning this series was fool's gold. We are still breaking in too many pieces.

[MaroonFlounder]

The one and only positive is Hatcher to this point.

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

And yet when I said this team was a bad match up for us starting the season, some people balked at that notion

Can I ask what you mean by that? We all knew they can hit, but even then they aren't THIS good. We know we would struggle to hit, but their staff is nowhere near this good. Our staff was supposed to be really good.

What do you mean by "bad match up?" Is our staff supposed to give up 7+ runs to every single good hitting team? Is our O supposed to put up 2 runs on a bad pitching team? How would we be more likely to win if we were playing a more balanced team, or a team with bad hitting and a good staff? Will we win games with even less than 2 runs over 2 games? Of course not.

"Bad match up" doesn't really hold for Baseball like it does the other major 2. And the problems we are seeing are problems that will be exploited by every team, unless we play a hel of a lot better in both areas

[RougeDawg]

And yet when I said this team was a bad match up for us starting the season, some people balked at that notion. People need to temper their aspirations for this team. We aren't terrible, but those that were dreaming of sweeping or winning this series was fool's gold. We are still breaking in too many pieces.

Listen to this guy. This team isn?t used to coming out of the gate against NCAA tournament, potential Super regional teams. Relax. Long season and baseball is a funny game.

One thing I will say after this series. It shows our guys what we really need to work on and improve upon. We should be able to use this series as motivation for remainder of season and fuel improvement. USM is no slouch team or program, the ones we typically open up with. Hopefully they rebound and grow up quickly.

[Bothrops]

Has anybody noticed that were aren't really recruiting coast to coast in baseball? This is the one and only major sport where we can do that, and we aren't doing it. Can anyone explain that? I would rather mix in some south Florida, Rican, and Cali kids. It would make us better!

[preachermatt83]

Well, what's the word boys? We gonna have a big rally here or what?

[msstate7]

Well, what's the word boys? We gonna have a big rally here or what?

Lol

[msstate7]

Atta boy allen

[preachermatt83]

Who did we get the third run. I stepped out

[msstate7]

Who did we get the third run. I stepped out

MDHS stepped in and gave us a welfare run. We are clearly an underadvantaged team in this series

[preachermatt83]

Well crap

[confucius say]

Triple and then sac fly.

[ScoobaDawg]

Final 7-4.

We suck ***...kinda

[maroonmania]

MDHS stepped in and gave us a welfare run. We are clearly an underadvantaged team in this series

Bottom line is coming into the season there are really only 2 high level proven players on the team. That being Pilk and Mangum. And Pilk didn't really have a good outing yesterday but when you don't score it probably would not have mattered. Price and Self are good pitchers but one of those is lost and the other is being brought back slowly. We have talent but its mostly all unproven so who knows if and when it comes around this season. This is probably not our best team to start out on the road with against a Top 25 team.

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

Listen to this guy. This team isn't used to coming out of the gate against NCAA tournament, potential Super regional teams. Relax.


And USM is? It's not a good excuse if it applies evenly to both teams. I'ts like saying you should buy a new Maxima because the new Accord costs a lot. They both are similarly priced

[Todd4State]

Reynolds with another multi-hit game. Todd right... luke sucks something serious

**** you and **** his sorry ass too. I'm glad he figured things out as a 24 year old.

[Dawg61]

**** you and **** his sorry ass too. I'm glad he figured things out as a 24 year old.

I'd take about 15 24 years olds for this team if they can hit.

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

**** you and **** his sorry ass too. I'm glad he figured things out as a 24 year old.

Nobody is saying he didn't improve since we kicked him out, but to say the previous year's leading hitter (who finished the year 20 of 40, mind you), isn't one of the best 35 players you have is insane. We kept plural guys that never hit within .050 points of him, and never had as high of a ceiling either. Why not keep a proven hitter an extra year? Hell I'd rather have a + hitting infielder to sub in late if we're down, than a + running pinch runner that can't do anything else.

It doesn't matter what he did or didn't "figure out" since we kicked him out- he batted over .300 the year before, so had already proven he was worth keeping even if he had flaws. Just admit Cohen ****ed up- it seems like you always pump up everything related to the program and refuse to admit our flaws

[The Federalist Engineer]

I’m going to look at the bright side here, if we had played Holy Cross or Sacred Heart and destroyed them we would not know much about this team and we would be delusionally confident

This weekend should scared this team straight and make them focus harder on the improvement process before Vanderbilt strolls into Starkville. Every starter should be feeling heat and all the kids that didn’t start should feel like there is still a job to win and feel inspired by Hatcher.

This is like Florida Atlantic in 2016. After those games, we thought the season was over. Baseball is a marathon where talent and depth wins in the end. We might be back in Hattiesburg in a regional, this is great experience for our youngish team.

[confucius say]

**** you and **** his sorry ass too. I'm glad he figured things out as a 24 year old.

Come on, Easy on the personal attacks on 7 and Reynolds. Besides unwarranted, That?s how you know you have lost the argument. It is ok to admit Cohen kept the wrong guy.

[confucius say]

I’m going to look at the bright side here, if we had played Holy Cross or Sacred Heart and destroyed them we would not know much about this team and we would be delusionally confident

This weekend should scared this team straight and make them focus harder on the improvement process before Vanderbilt strolls into Starkville. Every starter should be feeling heat and all the kids that didn’t start should feel like there is still a job to win and feel inspired by Hatcher.

This is like Florida Atlantic in 2016. After those games, we thought the season was over. Baseball is a marathon where talent and depth wins in the end. We might be back in Hattiesburg in a regional, this is great experience for our youngish team.

Might be smn to this. Usm likely will be host for the second year in a row. They are good.

[Todd4State]

Come on, Easy on the personal attacks. Besides unwarranted, That?s how you know you have lost the argument.

And who are you again? I'm more frustrated with our baseball team than losing any "argument".

I'll mail you a Luke Reynolds jersey in the mail. Maybe he'll autograph it too.

As far as I'm concerned he's a quitter period. I don't give a shit if he's ****ing Barry Bonds. And I don't give a shit of he hits four home runs tomorrow- he is a quitter. He sucks.

Enjoy your "winning the argument" in your mind.

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

Todd you aren't making sense. Being cut is not "quitting". Was he cut, or did he chose to leave the team?

[The Federalist Engineer]

Reynolds with another multi-hit game. Todd right... luke sucks something serious

Tell you what, your Luke better start hitting or I?m gonna trolling for Westburg as the starting SS. I?m secretly hoping that if I start talking shit about your Luke, he?ll do what Gridley did last year

[confucius say]

Todd you aren't making sense. Being cut is not "quitting". Was he cut, or did he chose to leave the team?

He was told the day before opening day that he did not have a roster spot for 2015 but that he was welcome to try and make the team again in 2016 but no guarantees. He left. Todd considers that quitting on your team.

[confucius say]

Tell you what, your Luke better start hitting or I?m gonna trolling for Westburg as the starting SS. I?m secretly hoping that if I start talking shit about your Luke, he?ll do what Gridley did last year

I like it. Personally, I think we should all blame 7 for Belmonts failures.

[Ari Gold]

USM is the better program right now, and you guys are not going to like what the punks from Oxfart are gonna do to us in a couple months

I thought some of the basketball post were absurd.

[Ari Gold]

Tell you what, your Luke better start hitting or I?m gonna trolling for Westburg as the starting SS. I?m secretly hoping that if I start talking shit about your Luke, he?ll do what Gridley did last year

Difference is Grid hit as a freshman and sophmore.

[Todd4State]

Nobody is saying he didn't improve since we kicked him out, but to say the previous year's leading hitter (who finished the year 20 of 40, mind you), isn't one of the best 35 players you have is insane. We kept plural guys that never hit within .050 points of him, and never had as high of a ceiling either. Why not keep a proven hitter an extra year? Hell I'd rather have a + hitting infielder to sub in late if we're down, than a + running pinch runner that can't do anything else.

It doesn't matter what he did or didn't "figure out" since we kicked him out- he batted over .300 the year before, so had already proven he was worth keeping even if he had flaws. Just admit Cohen ****ed up- it seems like you always pump up everything related to the program and refuse to admit our flaws

Well, maybe because there is a 35 man limit. If that wasn't in place, we're not having this discussion.

But AGAIN- here's the guys that MADE the team where he could have played:

1B- Nate Lowe. Plays for the Rays and a good hitter.
3B- Gavin Collins. Hit close to 10 home runs and is playing for the Indians now.
OF- Robson- One of the Tigers top 40 prospects.
OF- Mangum- Came out of nowhere and a top 100 draft prospect this year.
OF- Reid Humphreys- I guess you could platoon them except for the fact we needed Reid to close and if you take Reid out then you can't use him to pitch. Also hit better and drafted by the Rockies.
OF- Brent Rooker- First round pick. Had to get him in the lineup.
OF- Cody Brown- "But we could have used a LH bat"- that's what Cody Brown WAS for that team. And he brought a lot more to the table than Luke Reynolds at that time. Also plays with the Yankees now.
OF- Mike Smith- OK, maaayyybee. But since we already had a LH pinch hitter with some power it makes more sense to have someone that can defend and run and had a similar slugging percentage. He was also a senior without any options and cutting him would have been pretty shitty.


So, where does Luke Reynolds fit in the lineup? If Cohen ****ed up- then the other two coaches that went on to become SEC head coaches ****ed up too. And then when given the opportunity to take this all world player on their rebuilding SEC team- they PASSED again. What's more ****ed up is the 35 man limit. But it is what it is.

I'm actually not surprised that he has done well against us. I've seen it before- guy get cut, plays over his head to prove a point and then doesn't do much after that. Then our fans act like the guy is all world.

But yeah- all of you are right. Cutting Reynolds cost us the SEC....oh wait.....SR....OK last year it cost us that SR....

And as far as me "seeming like I pump everything up"- well you missed some of my posts yesterday. But that's cool- I tend to be positive in general.

[Todd4State]

Todd you aren't making sense. Being cut is not "quitting". Was he cut, or did he chose to leave the team?

He was cut from the 35 man roster. But like everyone else that gets cut from the 35 man roster they can chose to come back the next season and try to make the team. Instead of trying out for the team the next year he chose to leave.

So, some of both depending on how you look at it.

Personally, I think he probably would have made it had he decided to come back.

[msstate7]

I like it. Personally, I think we should all blame 7 for Belmonts failures.

I probably deserve it

[The Federalist Engineer]

I thought some of the basketball post were absurd.

Bing, our Machiavellian genius coach is using USM as a pre-season development game so this is no big deal. Allen, Hatcher, Small, Keegan and company are playing D1 for first time ever or for the first time in nearly two years.

[Todd4State]

He was told the day before opening day that he did not have a roster spot for 2015 but that he was welcome to try and make the team again in 2016 but no guarantees. He left. Todd considers that quitting on your team.

And what else do you call it? If he really wanted to be at MSU he would have done what he needed to do to make the team. It's not like he wasn't given an option to potentially come back.

[Goldendawg]

We are vastly overrated

We were vastly overrated. We deserve to drop out of the top 25 next week and work to earn it back.

[Todd4State]

Bing, our Machiavellian genius coach is using USM as a pre-season development game so this is no big deal. Allen, Hatcher, Small, Keegan and company are playing D1 for first time ever or for the first time in nearly two years.

We're not playing this series if we have a completed ballpark. At least not where we're playing it.

Cann is very partial to USM because his Dad played baseball there. So, I'm not surprised that a weekend series this year and next year in Starkville is something he wanted to do.

[Bully13]

And what else do you call it? If he really wanted to be at MSU he would have done what he needed to do to make the team. It's not like he wasn't given an option to potentially come back.

If I'm a .300 hitter on a team that struggles offensively and told I'm not good enough to make a 35 man roster, I say "no thanks" to the "come back and try to make the team in a year" offer. No way you call Reynolds a quitter.

[msstate7]

We're not playing this series if we have a completed ballpark. At least not where we're playing it.

Cann is very partial to USM because his Dad played baseball there. So, I'm not surprised that a weekend series this year and next year in Starkville is something he wanted to do.

Even if we get swept, this was a great series to play for SOS purposes. If we win one tomorrow, this could still be a good rpi series for us. No matter what happens tomorrow and how much I melt, this was a good series to schedule

[Bully13]

We were vastly overrated. We deserve to drop out of the top 25 next week and work to earn it back.

yep.

[Commercecomet24]

I thought some of the basketball post were absurd.

+1000

[Todd4State]

Has anybody noticed that were aren't really recruiting coast to coast in baseball? This is the one and only major sport where we can do that, and we aren't doing it. Can anyone explain that? I would rather mix in some south Florida, Rican, and Cali kids. It would make us better!

We have a pitcher from some players from Florida committed- Carter Stewart and Mason Land. Cole Gordon is from Tampa. California we just haven't had a lot of luck getting players from there mainly due to distance- but we do have a commit from there named Cole Winn. Puerto Rican players are even less likely to make it to college because of demographics.

Our plan is to get the best players in Mississippi- see Ron Polk II as far as what happens if you don't, and then go to Memphis, Louisiana, and Alabama, and then the big population states like Georgia, Florida, Texas, and California.

We may see more players from the large population states under Cann but we'll see.

[Dawg61]

Arkansas scored 32 runs today. We might see Dudy before we plate our 32nd run of the season.

[Noxdog]

If I'm a .300 hitter on a team that struggles offensively and told I'm not good enough to make a 35 man roster, I say "no thanks" to the "come back and try to make the team in a year" offer. No way you call Reynolds a quitter.

Tits is on the rag big time.

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

Even if we get swept, this was a great series to play for SOS purposes. If we win one tomorrow, this could still be a good rpi series for us. No matter what happens tomorrow and how much I melt, this was a good series to schedule

Yup, if we can get one tomorrow its a pretty good weekend. Despite how everyone feels or what people expected.

[Goldendawg]

And USM is? It's not a good excuse if it applies evenly to both teams. I'ts like saying you should buy a new Maxima because the new Accord costs a lot. They both are similarly priced

They opened against the #12 team. If this was a bad match-up for us, there are going to be a lot of bad match-ups in a long season.

[Todd4State]

If I'm a .300 hitter on a team that struggles offensively and told I'm not good enough to make a 35 man roster, I say "no thanks" to the "come back and try to make the team in a year" offer. No way you call Reynolds a quitter.

Well, how about a team that won the SEC and was one of the better hitting teams in 2016 that has had off the top of my head nine hitters out of ten hitters drafted in pro baseball?

Baseball at that level as you go on especially in today's game is about the five tools. If you are deficient in four of them and even if you hit .300 it's possible to not make a SEC baseball team. Ask Luke Reynolds. You have to work on your entire game at this level- you can't just be good at one thing usually. Or at the very least- the more things you are good at- the better your odds of making a SEC team are.

My guess is Cohen probably just wanted Reynolds to redshirt and work on the parts of his game that he was deficient in. When Cohen told him he didn't have a guaranteed spot he probably just wanted to give him a kick to the tail to understand that just because he hit .300 he has to work on his entire game. And you know what? By doing that it would help him in pro baseball too- if he ever gets there. That's what part of this is about- understanding what it takes to play at the MLB level and that's what separates the SEC from some other leagues.

But again- instead of doing that he went looking for the easiest opportunity to play. And that's his choice- but his choice was quitting. If he came back out the next year and tried again and didn't make it and left I'd probably have a lot more sympathy for him.

[Goldendawg]

Even if we get swept, this was a great series to play for SOS purposes. If we win one tomorrow, this could still be a good rpi series for us. No matter what happens tomorrow and how much I melt, this was a good series to schedule

I wish we wouldn't play USM in any sport. Everything to gain for them ( including big $ from us), and nothing to gain for us. Their "Superbowl" in every sport and just another scheduled game for us.

[Noxdog]

Well, how about a team that won the SEC and was one of the better hitting teams in 2016 that has had off the top of my head nine hitters out of ten hitters drafted in pro baseball?

Baseball at that level as you go on especially in today's game is about the five tools. If you are deficient in four of them and even if you hit .300 it's possible to not make a SEC baseball team. Ask Luke Reynolds. You have to work on your entire game at this level- you can't just be good at one thing usually. Or at the very least- the more things you are good at- the better your odds of making a SEC team are.

My guess is Cohen probably just wanted Reynolds to redshirt and work on the parts of his game that he was deficient in. When Cohen told him he didn't have a guaranteed spot he probably just wanted to give him a kick to the tail to understand that just because he hit .300 he has to work on his entire game. And you know what? By doing that it would help him in pro baseball too- if he ever gets there. That's what part of this is about- understanding what it takes to play at the MLB level and that's what separates the SEC from some other leagues.

But again- instead of doing that he went looking for the easiest opportunity to play. And that's his choice- but his choice was quitting. If he came back out the next year and tried again and didn't make it and left I'd probably have a lot more sympathy for him.

LOL. Would he or would he not help our team this year if he was on it?? I'm sure he has no sympathy for you or us since he is kicking our ass! Quitting.......yea right.

[maroonmania]

Well, maybe because there is a 35 man limit. If that wasn't in place, we're not having this discussion.

But AGAIN- here's the guys that MADE the team where he could have played:

1B- Nate Lowe. Plays for the Rays and a good hitter.
3B- Gavin Collins. Hit close to 10 home runs and is playing for the Indians now.
OF- Robson- One of the Tigers top 40 prospects.
OF- Mangum- Came out of nowhere and a top 100 draft prospect this year.
OF- Reid Humphreys- I guess you could platoon them except for the fact we needed Reid to close and if you take Reid out then you can't use him to pitch. Also hit better and drafted by the Rockies.
OF- Brent Rooker- First round pick. Had to get him in the lineup.
OF- Cody Brown- "But we could have used a LH bat"- that's what Cody Brown WAS for that team. And he brought a lot more to the table than Luke Reynolds at that time. Also plays with the Yankees now.
OF- Mike Smith- OK, maaayyybee. But since we already had a LH pinch hitter with some power it makes more sense to have someone that can defend and run and had a similar slugging percentage. He was also a senior without any options and cutting him would have been pretty shitty.


So, where does Luke Reynolds fit in the lineup? If Cohen ****ed up- then the other two coaches that went on to become SEC head coaches ****ed up too. And then when given the opportunity to take this all world player on their rebuilding SEC team- they PASSED again. What's more ****ed up is the 35 man limit. But it is what it is.

I'm actually not surprised that he has done well against us. I've seen it before- guy get cut, plays over his head to prove a point and then doesn't do much after that. Then our fans act like the guy is all world.

But yeah- all of you are right. Cutting Reynolds cost us the SEC....oh wait.....SR....OK last year it cost us that SR....

And as far as me "seeming like I pump everything up"- well you missed some of my posts yesterday. But that's cool- I tend to be positive in general.

Todd, not following. Yes, he should have started over Smith, but regardless, I don't see why he had to start just to make the 35 man roster. You only listed 8 starters in the field. I would think there were a number of bench players he also should have been kept over. Bottom line is most of us thought it was a mistake to cut him VERY late in 2015 and it looks like even more of a mistake now. As I said earlier, to not bring back your top hitter from the year before is almost unheard of. Most of us certainly respect your opinions when it comes to baseball but I don't really think the cutting of Reynolds is an issue worth falling on your sword over even if you think it was a justified move.

[Todd4State]

Even if we get swept, this was a great series to play for SOS purposes. If we win one tomorrow, this could still be a good rpi series for us. No matter what happens tomorrow and how much I melt, this was a good series to schedule

Yeah- but it can kind of go both ways. RPI and SOS are important.....but you also have to win. Winning 20 games and having the number one SOS won't get you in the postseason. Not saying that's the case. Personally, to me- when half of your lineup is freshmen and you have a bunch of guys coming off of Tommy John on your staff playing a team that is in state on the road that you just eliminated 8 months before is probably not a recipe for a fast start.

I'm not going to complain about the schedule this year because- I get it- we're building a new stadium. But we shouldn't be playing five SWAC teams and Jackson State on JSU's campus. The biggest thing I don't like about playing this series is because of it we aren't playing them in Jackson.

I don't think Cann has been in Mississippi long enough to understand quite how MSU and USM feel about each other- while his Dad played at USM he coached at Tulane for most of Cann's life. And after we play at JSU I have a feeling that will be a one time deal.


Anyway- what we need to do is get our baseball program to the point where our women's basketball program is where RPI and SOS and who we play doesn't matter because we're loaded with upperclassmen and we're going to kick their ass anyway. And we aren't there yet. But we will get there. I have no doubt about that.

[The Federalist Engineer]

We have a pitcher from some players from Florida committed- Carter Stewart and Mason Land. Cole Gordon is from Tampa. California we just haven't had a lot of luck getting players from there mainly due to distance- but we do have a commit from there named Cole Winn. Puerto Rican players are even less likely to make it to college because of demographics.

Our plan is to get the best players in Mississippi- see Ron Polk II as far as what happens if you don't, and then go to Memphis, Louisiana, and Alabama, and then the big population states like Georgia, Florida, Texas, and California.

We may see more players from the large population states under Cann but we'll see.

Reynaldo Reyes was a recent Puerto Rican signee that went Pro...we had a Cali catcher that flipped to Cal St Fullerton after Cohen took the AD job...many, many other examples