MSU vs USM Game 1 thread

[CadaverDawg]

We need to set the tone for the weekend with a Game 1 victory. Are we in any danger of a rain out today?

[MadDawg]

We need to set the tone for the weekend with a Game 1 victory. Are we in any danger of a rain out today?

Need to get it in before 5pm.

[RocketDawg]

We need to set the tone for the weekend with a Game 1 victory. Are we in any danger of a rain out today?

Starkville is pretty much on the southern edge of all the rain. There is plenty from there to Memphis and a bit beyond, stretching SW and NE all the way through Nashville. If MyRadar is up to date (and sometimes I wonder) it looks like a little rain is starting to fill in around Starkville. I suppose it depends on whether they want to play in light rain with the possiblity of it continuing or even getting heavier as the game goes on. Flood warnings are all over the place from Starkville west and north.

[Homedawg]

It's still raining. Not hard, but raining at present

[HoopsDawg]

going with Hayden Jones as DH. That's saying, at least in part, that Skelton has a better bat than Landon Jordan. I'm not sure about that. I would like Jordan's bat in the lineup.

I get that it could also just mean they are more comfortable with Skelton catching Small than Jones at this point.

[HoopsDawg]

It's still raining. Not hard, but raining at present

I hope we don't burn Small in a rainout.

[HoopsDawg]

Pushed to 2:30. I will be impressed if we get in a full game today.

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

going with Hayden Jones as DH. That's saying, at least in part, that Skelton has a better bat than Landon Jordan. I'm not sure about that. I would like Jordan's bat in the lineup.

I get that it could also just mean they are more comfortable with Skelton catching Small than Jones at this point.

I interpret it as meaning one if 2 things: 1) they think Jones might have a better bat than Jordan so might as well replace Jordan at DH, or 2) Skelton is the better defensive catcher and they want Jones to prove his bat before having him catch. But 3) is possible, which is Skelton is better with Small but Jones can hit better that Jordan or Skelton

[ScoobaDawg]

Rains moving in a NNE motion... will clear out from the SW shortly and be a couple hours before the next line that is Greenwood right now can make it over to Starkville.

[HoopsDawg]

Rains moving in a NNE motion... will clear out from the SW shortly and be a couple hours before the next line that is Greenwood right now can make it over to Starkville.

Hopefully we jump out early and hold on for 5 innings.

[Lord McBuckethead]

Hopefully we jump out early and hold on for 5 innings.

Bingo. We need the bats to light it up for a quick 5-0 lead and hold it, so if the rain comes, boom get the W.

[biggun]

Game started??? WatchEspn - Your event is about to begin. Please stand by.

[biggun]

Never mind, Just saw the 2:30 post

[ScoobaDawg]

Game started??? WatchEspn - Your event is about to begin. Please stand by.

Tarps off

1099036913644814339

[I seen it dawg]

Sweet

[Lord McBuckethead]

Pitches have been thrown. 0-0 with a 2-1 count 0 outs

[PMDawg]

a 4 pitch inning for our batters. smh.

[chef dixon]

That was one of the most pathetic half innings of baseball I can remember

[PMDawg]

meanwhile, Small falling behind in the count on, I believe, 3 out of 4 batters now. That's dangerous.

[PMDawg]

meanwhile, Small falling behind in the count on, I believe, 3 out of 4 batters now. That's dangerous.

Yet, has 3 Ks. lol

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

Holy crap our approach SUCKS. WHY ARE WE SO AGGRESSIVE?? 4 pitch inning. Literally just have the starter a free inning. Jake and Rowdy swing first pitch at balls they couldn't get around on, making weak contact. I get if you're sitting on a certain pitch at a certain spot, but we are clearly just hacking at whatever before we've seen a single pitch of what this guy's got. Why not take it and get better at timing up the FB? Why not find out if he can even locate a 2nd pitch? Why not find out something early and then get more aggressive as we figure him out?

Take a damn pitch guys

[chef dixon]

Did we get new guns? Small really hitting 96?

[PMDawg]

Ks the first 2 batters, then plunks the guy batting .000 for the year on 0-2.

[Cooterpoot]

Go look at first pitch hitting data and you’ll understand why you SHOULD be attacking first pitch.

[ScoobaDawg]

Holy crap our approach SUCKS. WHY ARE WE SO AGGRESSIVE?? 4 pitch inning. Literally just have the starter a free inning. Jake and Rowdy swing first pitch at balls they couldn't get around on, making weak contact. I get if you're sitting on a certain pitch at a certain spot, but we are clearly just hacking at whatever before we've seen a single pitch of what this guy's got. Why not take it and get better at timing up the FB? Why not find out if he can even locate a 2nd pitch? Why not find out something early and then get more aggressive as we figure him out?

Take a damn pitch guys

Meltdown after 4 pitches... OUR GUYS SUCK... LOL.

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

Go look at first pitch hitting data and you’ll understand why you SHOULD be attacking first pitch.

You should be willing to swing first pitch,as I say if he throws what you're sitting on. Swinging at a ball you make weak contact on isn't helping anyone. If you can't make solid contact don't swing unless there's 2 strikes.

Also swinging early in the count makes more sense after you've had an at bat vs a given pitcher. You know what to expect a lot more

[Duckdog]

ole boy is slanging that pill. Because its raining I have my ball team watching the game in my class

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

Meltdown after 4 pitches... OUR GUYS SUCK... LOL.

That isn't what I said at all and you're being disingenuous for suggesting it. Our "guys" don't suck, handing the pitcher 2 outs on 2 pitches sucks. It's a bad strategy, especially before you've seen what he's got today

[Rick Danko]

Who is announcing the game with Jim Ellis, don?t recognize his voice

[Lord McBuckethead]

Hayden jones is about to open this up.

[chef dixon]

This dude is throwing some meat over the plate, getting some good rips

[HoopsDawg]

4 barrels for our first 7 batters.

[jwells]

4 barrels for our first 7 batters.

Yea. We've been putting some good contact on him. Keep it up and we'll be fine.

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

Small is making fools of these guys and I love it

[Scared_Hitless]

Small is dealing.

[I seen it dawg]

These clowns can smell small

[Scared_Hitless]

These clowns can smell small

Did he forget his old spice?

[monroedawg5646]

I don?t do pics so don?t ask, but is no one gonna mention the smoke show blonde behind the plate?

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

Yea. We've been putting some good contact on him. Keep it up and we'll be fine.

Are we watching the same game? Jake flied out to shallow center. Rowdy flied out to the 3B. Westburg lined out to the SS. MacNamee grounded out to SS. Jones grounded out to SS. I'm not seeing this solid contact you speak of, though I'm sure we'll figure it out

[ScoobaDawg]

Ugh yea... the radar gun just said 122.. uhm that things broke.

[Scared_Hitless]

Dang nice catch by the USM SS. THought that was extra bases into the gap off the bat.

[ScoobaDawg]

Damnit Mangum hitting that first pitch... ***

[I seen it dawg]

We are gonna kill this guy soon

[chef dixon]

USM might get lucky and get this guy through 5 and bail on him

[I seen it dawg]

Did he forget his old spice?

Ha! Meant can't smell

[jwells]

Are we watching the same game? Jake flied out to shallow center. Rowdy flied out to the 3B. Westburg lined out to the SS. MacNamee grounded out to SS. Jones grounded out to SS. I'm not seeing this solid contact you speak of, though I'm sure we'll figure it out

Mangum to lead off and Jordan's pop up weren't good but I feel like since then we've hit it solid even tho it hasn't resulted in anything. Mangum and Jordan both hit it solid their 2nd time up too.

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

Damnit Magnum hitting that first pitch... ***

As I've said, it's better to swing early after the 1st inning since you've had time to see what he's got. Also Jake was able to get around on this one, he wasn't able to on the first and he was jammed. If you don't get the difference between swing at a ball you can get around on vs one you can't I can't help you. Even then if the ball was hit 2 ft over it would have been a routine out, it's not like Jake smoked it. Also it should be noted Rowdy swung early in the count and made a routine grounder to end the inning.

Foscue is the only guy to make really solid contact early in the count

[ScoobaDawg]

As I've said, it's better to swing early after the 1st inning since you've had time to see what he's got. Also Jake was able to get around on this one, he wasn't able to on the first and he was jammed. If you don't get the difference between swing at a ball you can get around on vs one you can't I can't help you. Even then if the ball was hit 2 ft over it would have been a routine out, it's not like Jake smoked it. Also it should be noted Rowdy swung early in the count and made a routine grounder to end the inning.

Foscue is the only guy to make really solid contact early in the count

Guys, sounds like we got a professional hitting coach on this board... What was the last ones name?? Is he back?

[Scared_Hitless]

The ball is getting stung, I am struggling with this pitcher with his 3xl jersey geez they look bush league.

[jwells]

The ball is getting stung, I am struggling with this pitcher with his 3xl jersey geez they look bush league.

Was thinking the same thing. Why is it so baggy?

[jwells]

We are all over this guy. Can't find a hole anywhere.

[Scared_Hitless]

We are all over this guy. Can't find a hole anywhere.

Yep with wind blowing out we get 2 HRs that inning. Mac put a charge into it as well. Just keep swinging got a feeling they will leave him in a little to long.

[PMDawg]

10 Ks already. Geez Small!

[ScoobaDawg]

Small with 3 k's in the 5th.. 63 pitches. Time to put a couple on the board

[smootness]

Make it 11.

So, yes, it appears Small has taken that next step and is now looking like a dominant ace.

[smootness]

On the year so far: 10 IP, 3 H, 0 BB, 22 K.

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

Guys, sounds like we got a professional hitting coach on this board... What was the last ones name?? Is he back?

Are you saying you're impressed with that 4 pitch first inning?

[smootness]

The crap was that?

[Lord McBuckethead]

That was a terrible at bat, and a terrible jump on the steal. Didn't even rifle it down to 2nd and had him by 2 steps. Then he 17ed up the slide.

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

The crap was that?

Stealing 2nd with a slow catcher. it's the last thing they'd expect! Give it 2 minutes though and Small will have us back up at bat

[Dawg-gone-dawgs]

Why in the hell is Bart and Charlie so obessessed with talking about USM and MSU player and coach connections..geez enough is enough

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

Small sometimes does this little pause in his delivery and it's absolutely killing their timing. beautiful

[drunkernhelldawg]

Perfect game going? Looks like it from livestats

[CadaverDawg]

Perfect game going? Looks like it from livestats

Kiss of death*

[ScoobaDawg]

Small at 75 pitches after 6. Let him go out 1 more I would guess

[smootness]

Perfect game going? Looks like it from livestats

No, he hit a guy.

[drunkernhelldawg]

and it's going to be my fault. damn am I ever sorry.

[jwells]

Perfect game going? Looks like it from livestats

Come on......

But, he did hit someone so no.

[smootness]

It's not a perfect game, so no worries.

It is, however...well....it's something else

[ScoobaDawg]

Perfect game going? Looks like it from livestats

Nope. 1 hit by pitch.

[mparkerfd20]

Can't be a perfect game. USM had a baserunner on a HBK. So you're good.

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

he looks tired i doubt he makes it out of this inning

[Homedawg]

Guys, sounds like we got a professional hitting coach on this board... What was the last ones name?? Is he back?

Will James is gone but rogue is still here!

[drunkernhelldawg]

Y'all seeing a tough ballgame today. Damn, it's beautiful in my mind from work. Need some baserunners.

[bulldogcountry1]

The plate is 4 feet wide here in the B6.

[ScoobaDawg]

Mangum steals 2nd.. get em in.

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

Well that was disappointing

[HoopsDawg]

The plate is 4 feet wide here in the B6.

No way that was a strike to Gunner.

[ScoobaDawg]

ROWDEEEEYYYY with the diving catch!!!!

[HoopsDawg]

Wow, what a play by Rowdey. Robs him in the gap.

[ScoobaDawg]

Ethan Small back out..

[ScoobaDawg]

playing in the shift again... little dribbler for a hit. should have been a normal 4-3 out. shift happens

[HoopsDawg]

man, that was a routine grounder.

[Scared_Hitless]

If we get this Small all year I like our chances on Friday nights. USM is a decent club.

[afranzo]

Can someone unplug the mic from the visitors dugout...

[mparkerfd20]

Well the No No is gone now too. So whoever mentioned the perfect game. You suck!

[Dawg2003]

Well, at least this is moving along quickly.

[HoopsDawg]

If we get this Small all year I like our chances on Friday nights. USM is a decent club.

Foxall effect. Challenging hitters with the fastball. Not as much nibbling. No wasted pitches. Plan for each batter.

[mparkerfd20]

I'm really concerned with our offense. Since playing Youngtown State we haven't been real good at all. Making contact, but not finding holes. Hopefully we'll come around.

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

playing in the shift again... little dribbler for a hit. should have been a normal 4-3 out. shift happens

Are you implying our coaches were wrong to do the shift? I thought we couldn't question coaches unless we're a coach ourselves...

[ScoobaDawg]

Ethans out. USM pitcher at only 78...
Liebelt in. Hold serve....

[HoopsDawg]

Wow, I didn't not expect Liebelt to come in here.

[ScoobaDawg]

Good start... K's him in a pitch in the dirt.

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

Leibelt has a lot of movement in these pitches. I could see him being effective for quite a while till they get used to it

[HoopsDawg]

I dont know if the gun is accurate, but Liebelt hitting 92-93 with movement.

[HoopsDawg]

I'd love to pinch hit for Skelton here with Landon Jordan.

[ScoobaDawg]

12 pitches... 2 k's and a ground out.
to the btm of the 8th.. not even at 2 hours yet...Rains far away

[HoopsDawg]

WTH, why pinch hit for Hayden Jones here with Skelton on deck.

[ScoobaDawg]

Landon in to PH

[Jack Lambert]

12 pitches... 2 k's and a ground out.
to the btm of the 8th.. not even at 2 hours yet...Rains far away

Five pages and no score mentions. What is the score?

[ScoobaDawg]

2 pitches.. chopper to the pitcher.. USM pitcher at 70 pitches now.

[ScoobaDawg]

Five pages and no score mentions. What is the score?

Sorry... 0-0 in btm 8th... and i think 3 hits between the teams

[HoopsDawg]

Five pages and no score mentions. What is the score?

0-0. Jordan grounds out to the pitcher. I hate that move by Lemonis. Jones had seen this guy twice already.

[ScoobaDawg]

Base hit for Skelton in Cf!!!

[Jack Lambert]

Sorry... 0-0 in btm 8th... and i think 3 hits between the teams

I kind of figure it was a scoreless game.

[HoopsDawg]

Skelton with the blooper. That means Mangum will bat.

[skadoosh14]

Think they'll pitch to Jake?

[HoopsDawg]

Please pitch to Jake here.

[ScoobaDawg]

4-3 ground out.. Skelton to 2nd. meeting at the mound. new pitcher in.
Walker Powell - 7.2 ip 5h 0bb 2k's on 74 pitches.

[ScoobaDawg]

well they aren't walking him... fb in on at eye level ... jake swings through.

[ScoobaDawg]

Damnit... 2b ALMOST didn't get the throw over in time.. to the top of 9th scoreless.

[KOdawg1]

Obviously early but we're really struggling offensively this season against competent teams

[ScoobaDawg]

Skelton with a hell of play with the bounce in front of the plate.. 1 away

[ScoobaDawg]

1 pitch.. ground out to SS..2 away

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

2 pitches.. chopper to the pitcher.. USM pitcher at 70 pitches now.

lol saying we're swinging too early in the count and giving him quick innings was literally what you mocked me for in the first 3 pages of the thread

[ScoobaDawg]

Hell of a job by Barlow.
to the btm of 9th

[mparkerfd20]

Our approach at the plate is pissing me off! Gotta lay off popping up this first and 2nd pitches.

[ScoobaDawg]

Westburg with the base hit ..steals 2nd but damnit Mac K's looking... to the 10th

[mparkerfd20]

That was NOT strike 3 on MacNamee. That was pretty far inside.

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

Our approach at the plate is pissing me off! Gotta lay off popping up this first and 2nd pitches.

that's what I'm saying. Yeah swing early if they throw the pitch you're sitting on, but if you can't make solid contact don't bother till you have to. We've only had like 2-3 ks' but that's because we make weak contact early in the count. Foscue's line drive and Mangums grounder through the infield are the only hits today from swinging early in the count, but we have about 10 terribly weak grounders and popups from 0-1 strike swings.

Of course the Umps wide strike zone isn't helping things

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

We got one hell of an outfield y'all

[I seen it dawg]

Why in the hell is Bart and Charlie so obessessed with talking about USM and MSU player and coach connections..geez enough is enough

Bc it's pertinent to the telecast. And nothing is happening but outs. Just watch the game.

[BeardoMSU]

Jeez, Mac....helluva catch!

[mparkerfd20]

We can't hit for shit lately, but we look very deep with good pitchers.

[mparkerfd20]

that's what I'm saying. Yeah swing early if they throw the pitch you're sitting on, but if you can't make solid contact don't bother till you have to. We've only had like 2-3 ks' but that's because we make weak contact early in the count. Foscue's line drive and Mangums grounder through the infield are the only hits today from swinging early in the count, but we have about 10 terribly weak grounders and popups from 0-1 strike swings.

Of course the Umps wide strike zone isn't helping things

Every game so far this season the Umps have had extra wide strike zones.

[I seen it dawg]

lol saying we're swinging too early in the count and giving him quick innings was literally what you mocked me for in the first 3 pages of the thread

Dude let it go

[Cooterpoot]

Barlow isn't very good.

[mparkerfd20]

We in trouble now. If they get a hit or a double it's probably over.

[ScoobaDawg]

Riley coming in... runners at 1st and 2nd , 2 out.

[I seen it dawg]

Barlow isn't very good.

He's gonna be fine. But he's def not a guy that can go multiple innings. Get the lefty and inning over and get him out.

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

Dude let it go

He's the one who came at me accusing me of melting and thinking I'm smarter than the coaches, he should eat crow for being a hypocrite. I get I'm being annoying but he deserves it. Don't muck people for their opinion if you won't eat crow when it turns out they're right. But I'll stop because I respect you

[I seen it dawg]

We in trouble now. If they get a hit or a double it's probably over.

I Ike the matchup with self. We've got a lot of arms let's use them.

[ScoobaDawg]

He's the one who came at me accusing me of melting and thinking I'm smarter than the coaches, he should eat crow for being a hypocrite. I get I'm being annoying but he deserves it. Don't muck people for their opinion if you won't eat crow when it turns out they're right. But I'll stop because I respect you

Done. eating it. You were right. the approach was bad. We never got it going in the next couple of innings.

Lets just get out of this inning.

[ScoobaDawg]

USM switches to a true fr lefty when Riley settles on the mound. Come on Riley K him

[mparkerfd20]

Ballgame. Single. 1-0 USM

[ScoobaDawg]

Sh!t. base hit through the right side. rbi scores. 1-0 after 10.

[BeardoMSU]

Good job, Riley. Season's over, I guess....**

[KOdawg1]

Absolutely no reason USM should be about to win this ball game. None.

[Cooterpoot]

He's the one who came at me accusing me of melting and thinking I'm smarter than the coaches, he should eat crow for being a hypocrite. I get I'm being annoying but he deserves it. Don't muck people for their opinion if you won't eat crow when it turns out they're right. But I'll stop because I respect you

Their starter got shelled by Purdue. Swinging at pitches early in the count is fine. Get over it. Not hitting early in the season is also the norm. Especially for us.

[HoopsDawg]

That's the issue with Self. He's not a strikeout guy. He's most likely going to give up a grounder and you have to hope it doesn't find a hole.

[BeardoMSU]

It does suck we wasted Ethan's start. He balled out.

[West Tn Dawg]

Ballgame. Single. 1-0 USM

Well, I guess we should just call it now! Damn Yall, have a little faith.

[I seen it dawg]

**** we can't back up cutters with a Riley to LH hitters. It's too easy to see. He has to have another pitch something that moves the other direction. Shit just s traight change. Dammit.

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

Done. eating it. You were right. the approach was bad. We never got it going in the next couple of innings.

Lets just get out of this inning.

Respect for admitting it

[Dawg2003]

Why can't we hit anything?

[BuckyIsAB****]

First decent team we play all year and we aint scored. After that offensive display on wednesday night too bats aint doing shit right now

[99jc]

Sh!t. base hit through the right side. rbi scores. 1-0 after 10.

be tough to waste Smalls pitching performance, hard to watch.

[West Tn Dawg]

Dang that was close to having the tieing run at 2nd!

[dawgday166]

Why can't we hit anything?

That's baseball ** Those days happen here and there.

[Cooterpoot]

We've hit some balls. Just not getting it to fall or dying today.

[ScoobaDawg]

Damnit.. thought that got through... line drive to 3b. 1 away
JT Ginn is picking up a bat..

[I seen it dawg]

Their starter got shelled by Purdue. Swinging at pitches early in the count is fine. Get over it. Not hitting early in the season is also the norm. Especially for us.

Lol hitting them midol early

[MaroonFlounder]

And a former Bulldog scores the winning run. Perfect

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

Just did the math: When swinging before 2 strikes, we are 2 for 20 today. We're batting .100 when swinging early. Time to make a change in approach

[Cooterpoot]

The pitching is ahead of the hitting to start the season. No surprise there. Some of you need to wait til midseason to watch games.

[ScoobaDawg]

2 outs.. ginn hit's it down the 1b line and is smothered. Skelton back up.

[HoopsDawg]

excellent job by our pitching and defense. Just no timely hits. Mangum, Westburg, Mac all stranded guys at 2nd base. Hopefully we can bounce back Sunday.

[ScoobaDawg]

Just did the math: When swinging before 2 strikes, we are 2 for 20 today. We're batting .100 when swinging early. Time to make a change in approach

There's a reason noone bases a trend off 1 game.. wanna check what it is for 5 games?

[KOdawg1]

The pitching is ahead of the hitting to start the season. No surprise there. Some of you need to wait til midseason to watch games.

No one is saying the season is over. Just disappointing to lose to a game to a rival because we can't hit the ball. You have to hit to win games.

[I seen it dawg]

The lefty for usm pretty damn good.

[ScoobaDawg]

Skelton's fighting..that's about the 8th pitch..1-2

[boonedawg]

Annoying

[I seen it dawg]

excellent job by our pitching and defense. Just no timely hits. Mangum, Westburg, Mac all stranded guys at 2nd base. Hopefully we can bounce back Sunday.

Any team will get beat when your 3 of your 4 best leave guys at 2nd. No team gets timely hits all yr. Better now than later.

[ScoobaDawg]

another one in on the hands.. fouled off. 2-2 count now

[I seen it dawg]

Best AB of Skelton's career. Great job getting on.

[ScoobaDawg]

BASE HIT!!!!!! YESSS just past the 2b man

[dawgday166]

Just did the math: When swinging before 2 strikes, we are 2 for 20 today. We're batting .100 when swinging early. Time to make a change in approach

So if it's 3 balls 1 strike and someone swings that's swinging early? I think you meant something different here.

[ScoobaDawg]

Keeping the same pitcher. Bell is PR'ing for Skelton.

[ScoobaDawg]

Halter up to bat... let's do this!!!

[99jc]

damn all I have to say!

[KOdawg1]

What's most frustrating is Southern isn't even that good.

[ScoobaDawg]

shit.. lazy fly out to cf... dawgs lose 1-0 in 10 innings

[Big4Dawg]

#sad

[Coursesuper]

Pissed away a great outing there.

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

So if it's 3 balls 1 strike and someone swings that's swinging early? I think you meant something different here.

Swinging before you have to. When there's 2 strikes you've gotta swing at anything close, but when it's 3-1 yeah you can take a pitch if you can't handle it. I'd rather reset at 3-2 than have a weak grounder on 3-1

[mparkerfd20]

Exponentially disappointed in our team at the plate today.

[CadaverDawg]

A loss isn't the worst thing in the world, but 10 innings vs USM with 0 runs is a bit concerning

[sleepy dawg]

Well that was disappointing to say the least. Amazing job pitching. Small won't be able to pitch every game like that. That was special. Obviously, we're going to have to hit much better if we're going to have a good season.

[CadaverDawg]

How many hitters did our pitchers strike out?

[PMDawg]

Nice way to waste a dominant pitching performance. Our hitters haven't shown much vs decent pitchers yet this year.

[Todd4State]

Lemonis has to learn to not trust Barlow so much.

It seems like we hit hard hit balls right at people. Not sure that being so aggressive on their starter was the right approach- and then again we also hit a lot of hard hit balls right at people.


We're going to have to figure out a way to produce more offense at the moment- maybe shake up the lineup a little bit. Although it doesn't seem like anyone outside of Mangum is hitting right now either.

[bulldogcountry1]

And, of course, USM reacts like they just punched a ticket to Omaha.

[dawgday166]

Swinging before you have to. When there's 2 strikes you've gotta swing at anything close, but when it's 3-1 yeah you can take a pitch if you can't handle it. I'd rather reset at 3-2 than have a weak grounder on 3-1

Not saying you're wrong on that premise but ... I don't think you go into a game with the approach I'm interpreting you to say we should be taking unless you have some wild opposing pitchers.

[Todd4State]

And, of course, USM reacts like they just punched a ticket to Omaha.

They absolutely should- they won a game where they were almost no-hit.

[sleepy dawg]

What's most frustrating is Southern isn't even that good.

They're good, don't be stupid. They'll be top 25 all year.

[dawgday166]

Lemonis has to learn to not trust Barlow so much.

It seems like we hit hard hit balls right at people. Not sure that being so aggressive on their starter was the right approach- and then again we also hit a lot of hard hit balls right at people.


We're going to have to figure out a way to produce more offense at the moment- maybe shake up the lineup a little bit. Although it doesn't seem like anyone outside of Mangum is hitting right now either.

I only watched last 2 inning but from reading here it seems we hit the ball hard but right at fielders? If that's so then there's nothing wrong with the approach at the plate IMO. Balls just didn't fall in today.

[Skydawg1]

When Skelton is one of our better hitters (so far), you're in trouble.

[Dawg2003]

And, of course, USM reacts like they just punched a ticket to Omaha.

I mean, I get it. They are stuck in that crappy conference and get no respect. But they have developed an unhealthy hatred of us ever since we won in the regional they hosted. I don't think they're gonna let that go. Just let them be.

[West Tn Dawg]

We had a bunch of hits that were right at people and several on the track. It ain't like they weren't hitting the ball. Dang you people are sad. Yea, I hate we lost but damn!

[Todd4State]

Just did the math: When swinging before 2 strikes, we are 2 for 20 today. We're batting .100 when swinging early. Time to make a change in approach

Well, there you go. I think we had a bad plan with a little bit of bad luck mixed in.

[MetEdDawg]

Hitting approach was total shit today. Wasted the first 1/3 of the game being entirely too aggressive. Swung at bad pitches on first pitches. Didn't give guys a chance to get any looks. Horrible offensive approach today. We did the same thing in Game 1 against Youngstown State and eventually got it going. Not so much today.

I know it's one game but I felt like we wasted it by having bad approaches early in the game.

[Coursesuper]

We had a bunch of hits that were right at people and several on the track. It ain't like they weren't hitting the ball. Dang you people are sad. Yea, I hate we lost but damn!

Warning track power is absolutely worthless.

[Todd4State]

I only watched last 2 inning but from reading here it seems we hit the ball hard but right at fielders? If that's so then there's nothing wrong with the approach at the plate IMO. Balls just didn't fall in today.

I'm sure we had a good reason for going with that approach. But IMO I would have liked to have seen us been a little more patient the second time through the order maybe. If I was Gautreau/Lemonis I would kind of like to see the spray charts to see if our guys are hitting hard hit balls to the same spot everytime or not. If that's the case it's probably time for some of our hitters to make some adjustments. I have no idea if that really is the case or not though.

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

Hitting approach was total shit today. Wasted the first 1/3 of the game being entirely too aggressive. Swung at bad pitches on first pitches. Didn't give guys a chance to get any looks. Horrible offensive approach today. We did the same thing in Game 1 against Youngstown State and eventually got it going. Not so much today.

I know it's one game but I felt like we wasted it by having bad approaches early in the game.

100% agreed. We finished 2/21 when putting the ball in play before 2 strikes

[I seen it dawg]

At one point in the 9th we had 7 first pitch outs and 12 in first 2 pitches. Horrible approach. Time to reign the hitters back in but Lemonis has a lot to talk to them about.

Have to have 2 lefty out of the pen and Barlow gonna have to be one of them with Eagan. I leave him in as long as he was in today to see if he can get the job done and get the 3rd out there to the LH hitter. He failed. But he can be a quality option out of the pen we just have to remember he's coming off injury. Don't throw him away yet.

We pitched it fantastic, made all the plays with a couple of outstanding ones, we simply hit like we were trying to play in an hour long game. Will see how hitters react next time out. Not end of the world there's a whole lot of these to be played.

[dawgday166]

I'm sure we had a good reason for going with that approach. But IMO I would have liked to have seen us been a little more patient the second time through the order maybe. If I was Gautreau/Lemonis I would kind of like to see the spray charts to see if our guys are hitting hard hit balls to the same spot everytime or not. If that's the case it's probably time for some of our hitters to make some adjustments. I have no idea if that really is the case or not though.

Last 2 innings I didn't think we looked good at the plate and seemed a little anxious. But then reading I see a lot of hard hit balls right at folks for the game. So I might would say it like "make the pitcher give you a good pitch to hit until you get to 2 strikes then swing at anything close. Be patient at the plate". But that is hitting 101 right there.

[Bodawg]

All the batters need to bend over and spread their legs and let Small kick them square in the cods. That goes for Gotrow and Lemons.

[HoopsDawg]

Small gripe, I didn't like Landon Jordan pinch hitting for Hayden Jones. Jones was 1-2 and can hit it out of the ballpark. If you have enough confidence in Jones to start him at DH, don't take away his 3rd AB against the same pitcher. I thought that was questionable.

Not an ideal situation to bring in Self b/c he doesn't miss bats. If this were late in the year, we would probably see Price there.

Other than that, it was just a bad approach and lack of timely hits.

[I seen it dawg]

We will have a little anxious we are an Omaha team we will have to learn to deal with.

[I seen it dawg]

Small gripe, I didn't like Landon Jordan pinch hitting for Hayden Jones. Jones was 1-2 and can hit it out of the ballpark. If you have enough confidence in Jones to start him at DH, don't take away his 3rd AB against the same pitcher. I thought that was questionable.

Not an ideal situation to bring in Self b/c he doesn't miss bats. If this were late in the year, we would probably see Price there.

Other than that, it was just a bad approach and lack of timely hits.

Agree

[Todd4State]

Last 2 innings I didn't think we looked good at the plate and seemed a little anxious. But then reading I see a lot of hard hit balls right at folks for the game. So I might would say it like "make the pitcher give you a good pitch to hit until you get to 2 strikes then swing at anything close. Be patient at the plate". But that is hitting 101 right there.

Well, hitting is not easy.** I think there is a fine line between being too passive and too aggressive. Obviously, you want to get your pitch to hit and crush it. I know I oversimplified because I don't want to get all into situational baseball- getting a fly ball to get a sac fly, hitting the ball to the right side, bunting, and etc.

To me, if our scouting report said to attack him early because he likes to throw fastballs basically over the plate to get strike one- that's fine. But when it doesn't go to plan you have to adapt a little bit. And that's the part I have an issue with- assuming that our plan was to attack early in the count. Which I honestly don't know if that was the plan on offense or not- but even if it wasn't we still didn't adjust so it doesn't really matter. So, I'm giving our coaches some benefit of the doubt there because I don't know- but there is no question the lack of adjustments is why we got shut out.

I guess to answer your question if a guy is getting us out on first and second pitches we need to make an adjustment of some kind whether that is trying to work the count or maybe trying to hit the ball to the opposite field, maybe try a drag bunt when the game was tied if the third baseman is back and it's not one of our power guys.

Here's what Lemonis said:

"Chris Lemonis said this isn't a very good Mississippi State offense right now. He doesn't think the team is working well enough as a nine-man unit. Not making pitchers work hard enough to get a rally going."

[Dawg2003]

I wonder if there is some kind of problem going on because Lemonis and Gautreau both teach hitting. I know Lemonis said he was an offensive guy who was going go teach hitting. Maybe they don't teach the same way, and it's causing a problem.

[AlSwearengen]

I?m not liking our approach at the plate, especially first time thru the order. I think we have been told to be aggressive but the hitters are going a little overboard.

[Todd4State]

I wonder if there is some kind of problem going on because Lemonis and Gautreau both teach hitting. I know Lemonis said he was an offensive guy who was going go teach hitting. Maybe they don't teach the same way, and it's causing a problem.

I don't think so because we only struck out 4 times in 10 innings and we're hitting the ball hard. I think it's more of an overaggressive approach issue and potentially a matter of some guys making some adjustments at the plate.

[KOdawg1]

They're good, don't be stupid. They'll be top 25 all year.
We'll see. They didn't look that talented to me.

[Todd4State]

I?m not liking our approach at the plate, especially first time thru the order. I think we have been told to be aggressive but the hitters are going a little overboard.

We need something in between today and Tommy Raffo.

Except for Jake Mangum.

[dawgday166]

Well, hitting is not easy.** I think there is a fine line between being too passive and too aggressive. Obviously, you want to get your pitch to hit and crush it. I know I oversimplified because I don't want to get all into situational baseball- getting a fly ball to get a sac fly, hitting the ball to the right side, bunting, and etc.

To me, if our scouting report said to attack him early because he likes to throw fastballs basically over the plate to get strike one- that's fine. But when it doesn't go to plan you have to adapt a little bit. And that's the part I have an issue with- assuming that our plan was to attack early in the count. Which I honestly don't know if that was the plan on offense or not- but even if it wasn't we still didn't adjust so it doesn't really matter. So, I'm giving our coaches some benefit of the doubt there because I don't know- but there is no question the lack of adjustments is why we got shut out.

I guess to answer your question if a guy is getting us out on first and second pitches we need to make an adjustment of some kind whether that is trying to work the count or maybe trying to hit the ball to the opposite field, maybe try a drag bunt when the game was tied if the third baseman is back and it's not one of our power guys.

Here's what Lemonis said:

"Chris Lemonis said this isn't a very good Mississippi State offense right now. He doesn't think the team is working well enough as a nine-man unit. Not making pitchers work hard enough to get a rally going."

I was just trying to understand what everyone was getting at. As I said I only watched last 2 innings. I'm with you on the scouting report stuff but if the first 8 innings there were hard hit balls all over, then I would tend to think the approach wasn't way off. But if Lemonis wants to make the pitcher work deep into the count based on what he's saying and the scouting report then maybe they didn't execute the plan.

I also think that days like this happen in baseball. Baseball of all sports is a sport you're gonna lose quite a few games. USM is pretty good team I believe.

[Political Hack]

If we're aggressive we will live by it and die by it. We can't hit the ball a ton if we don't swing the bat early in the count.

[Commercecomet24]

At one point in the 9th we had 7 first pitch outs and 12 in first 2 pitches. Horrible approach. Time to reign the hitters back in but Lemonis has a lot to talk to them about.

Have to have 2 lefty out of the pen and Barlow gonna have to be one of them with Eagan. I leave him in as long as he was in today to see if he can get the job done and get the 3rd out there to the LH hitter. He failed. But he can be a quality option out of the pen we just have to remember he's coming off injury. Don't throw him away yet.

We pitched it fantastic, made all the plays with a couple of outstanding ones, we simply hit like we were trying to play in an hour long game. Will see how hitters react next time out. Not end of the world there's a whole lot of these to be played.

I like aggressive hitting but you can't be undisciplined. We didn't make Powell break a sweat today. After the first time through the order it would've been nice to see us take some pitches instead of making so many first pitch outs. Have to adjust some. Early in the year gonna take some lumps. Our lineup is deep just have to show a little more patience. Our pitching is OUTSTANDING! Southern can hit and we put a cork in em.

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

I wonder if there is some kind of problem going on because Lemonis and Gautreau both teach hitting. I know Lemonis said he was an offensive guy who was going go teach hitting. Maybe they don't teach the same way, and it's causing a problem.

Doubt it. I think it's all in the approach. Nothing to do with form or mechanics, just our standards for when to swing. Be a little more selective early in counts. Our 2 strike approach is fine. Our ability to see and read the pitches seems fine. It's just early in the count we go "Hey a FB inside! it's a strike so I'll swing at it even though I was sitting on something outside and this will jam me".

I've been very vocal in my criticism about this but it's easily fixed

[Todd4State]

I was just trying to understand what everyone was getting at. As I said I only watched last 2 innings. I'm with you on the scouting report stuff but if the first 8 innings there were hard hit balls all over, then I would tend to think the approach wasn't way off. But if Lemonis wants to make the pitcher work deep into the count based on what he's saying and the scouting report then maybe they didn't execute the plan.

I also think that days like this happen in baseball. Baseball of all sports is a sport you're gonna lose quite a few games. USM is pretty good team I believe.

USM is good- but we should have done better on offense and when you shut out someone over 9 IP and strike out a ton of the opposing hitters you should win 10 out of 10 times. What makes it frustrating is approach is something our players have more control of than a lot of things in baseball.

[Todd4State]

Doubt it. I think it's all in the approach. Nothing to do with form or mechanics, just our standards for when to swing. Be a little more selective early in counts. Our 2 strike approach is fine. Our ability to see and read the pitches seems fine. It's just early in the count we go "Hey a FB inside! it's a strike so I'll swing at it even though I was sitting on something outside and this will jam me".

I've been very vocal in my criticism about this but it's easily fixed

Exactly!

[Leeshouldveflanked]

JoeMo say MSU Baseball Offense is worse than his.

[dawgday166]

USM is good- but we should have done better on offense and when you shut out someone over 9 IP and strike out a ton of the opposing hitters you should win 10 out of 10 times. What makes it frustrating is approach is something our players have more control of than a lot of things in baseball.

No argument there. Sounds like we were undisciplined at the plate today. Still early in the year tho IMO. Won't lose too much sleep over it right now.

ETA: It's not quite like when Smoltz pitched lights out against the Twins in Series in '91 and still lost.

[Commercecomet24]

Doubt it. I think it's all in the approach. Nothing to do with form or mechanics, just our standards for when to swing. Be a little more selective early in counts. Our 2 strike approach is fine. Our ability to see and read the pitches seems fine. It's just early in the count we go "Hey a FB inside! it's a strike so I'll swing at it even though I was sitting on something outside and this will jam me".

I've been very vocal in my criticism about this but it's easily fixed

Yep. Exactly.

[Dawg61]

Ugly day when our hitters get owned by a guy throwing 85 mph with 2 k's. Gotta be patient and barrel up the slop. Blue wasn't helping them much either though. His strike zone was gigantic and inconsistent from what I saw.

[CadaverDawg]

Find a way to win the next two, and today will be a minor hiccup

[Cooterpoot]

Some of you need to back away and STFU. It?s week one. Our hitting will be fine once we see game pitching a few weeks. We crushed several balls that didn?t fall. We didn?t stand up there K?ing. If the pitcher is filling up the zone, you?re more aggressive. We shouldn?t need to wear that 85 mph guy down. We should pound him and we will once we get settled in.

[Goldendawg]

A loss isn't the worst thing in the world, but 10 innings vs USM with 0 runs is a bit concerning

Lemonis ran JoMo's offense today.***

[maroonmania]

I also think that days like this happen in baseball. Baseball of all sports is a sport you're gonna lose quite a few games. USM is pretty good team I believe.

The problem is that this essentially happened 2 days ago as well against a very average UAB team. We were lucky as heck to win a 3-2 game that we only managed 3 hits in. Of course then it was just blown off as Ashcraft being 'on'. Apparently every pitcher we face not from YSU is on so far.

[maroonmania]

Find a way to win the next two, and today will be a minor hiccup

We won't be winning the next 2 unless our offense wakes up.

[CadaverDawg]

We won't be winning the next 2 unless our offense wakes up.

Baseball's funny, all it might take is stringing 2 hits together and it can become contagious

[Todd4State]

The problem is that this essentially happened 2 days ago as well against a very average UAB team. We were lucky as heck to win a 3-2 game that we only managed 3 hits in. Of course then it was just blown off as Ashcraft being 'on'. Apparently every pitcher we face not from YSU is on so far.

Not really. Ashcraft struck out more of our hitters (7K's in 5.2 IP compared to 4 today in 10 IP and we only struck one more time the rest of the game against UAB) and he is a legit SEC player and MLB prospect. We outhit USM today whereas against UAB they outhit us. As it has been said repeatedly in this thread the problem with our offense today was approach and that's really what it comes down to. The reality about baseball is if you make hard contact eventually the odds will fall in your favor and some of the balls that are right at someone or someone makes a SC Top 10 highlight will drop in and find grass. Not great results either way- but two totally different ways.


From a baseball standpoint I'm not sure that I would say that we were lucky- UAB made some mistakes in the field and we made them pay. To me, that's playing good baseball and because we were better defensively that was the difference in that particular game.


I'm just not sure if the problem today was because being aggressive was made an emphasis or if we were pressing a little bit.

[Todd4State]

Baseball's funny, all it might take is stringing 2 hits together and it can become contagious

Exactly.

[Homedawg]

Let's watch more than 5 games to make a determination. Baseball isn't football. I said 36-20. But I like our team for the most part. Halter is an out at the plate. Other than that, we don't have a for sure out at this point.

[Cooterpoot]

We won't be winning the next 2 unless our offense wakes up.

Let?s shut down the program. We lost a game.

[dawgday166]

Let?s shut down the program. We lost a game.

Naw man. First you have to fire Lemonis and then Cohen cause he f***ed up the hire and is inept as AD. THEN if that don't work may need to consider shutting down the program.

[I seen it dawg]

Some of you need to back away and STFU. It?s week one. Our hitting will be fine once we see game pitching a few weeks. We crushed several balls that didn?t fall. We didn?t stand up there K?ing. If the pitcher is filling up the zone, you?re more aggressive. We shouldn?t need to wear that 85 mph guy down. We should pound him and we will once we get settled in.

I don't think anyone is melting. Actually one of the best discussion threads on here in a long time. Until you roll in paddling people and putting them in the corner. Simmer down Francis.

[I seen it dawg]

Homedawg said it and it bears repeating. This ain't football. It's a long season and games will be lost. The guys have to learn the coaches and vice versa. Game action is where the exposure happens to determine what players are best suited for which roles. Guys proving what they can and can't do. Staff and players have to learn.

I can see Lemonis giving this veteran lineup some latitude early on esp after the first wkd. Giving them some rope allows him to see how they react. See which guys he can give more rope to and those he has to reign in and control a little more. It's a natural of squad building that new coaches and players go thru.

[dawgday166]

Homedawg said it and it bears repeating. This ain't football. It's a long season and games will be lost. The guys have to learn the coaches and vice versa. Game action is where the exposure happens to determine what players are best suited for which roles. Guys proving what they can and can't do. Staff and players have to learn.

I can see Lemonis giving this veteran lineup some latitude early on esp after the first wkd. Giving them some rope allows him to see how they react. See which guys he can give more rope to and those he has to reign in and control a little more. It's a natural of squad building that new coaches and players go thru.

Good post.

If our O in football hadn't looked so damn pitiful and inept in our losses I would have more confidence in Moorhead. Haven't given up on him yet but no one can argue the point totals in our losses were really bad for such an experienced team. No reason not to score in at least the teens in all of our 4 losses ... including Bama.

[sleepy dawg]

I don't think anyone is melting. Actually one of the best discussion threads on here in a long time. Until you roll in paddling people and putting them in the corner. Simmer down Francis.

I agree... Good solid back and forth going on here to me. It's been mostly constructive discussion. Nobody's happy and nobody should be, but I don't see anyone jumping off a ledge here.

[Cooterpoot]

I don't think anyone is melting. Actually one of the best discussion threads on here in a long time. Until you roll in paddling people and putting them in the corner. Simmer down Francis.

There?s people melting left and right.

[CadaverDawg]

There?s people melting left and right.

Not really.

[HoopsDawg]

Homedawg said it and it bears repeating. This ain't football. It's a long season and games will be lost. The guys have to learn the coaches and vice versa. Game action is where the exposure happens to determine what players are best suited for which roles. Guys proving what they can and can't do. Staff and players have to learn.

I can see Lemonis giving this veteran lineup some latitude early on esp after the first wkd. Giving them some rope allows him to see how they react. See which guys he can give more rope to and those he has to reign in and control a little more. It's a natural of squad building that new coaches and players go thru.

good post.

[maroonmania]

I agree... Good solid back and forth going on here to me. It's been mostly constructive discussion. Nobody's happy and nobody should be, but I don't see anyone jumping off a ledge here.

Exactly, we've only scored in 1 inning out of our last 18 on offense. Nobody should be melting but nobody should be happy about it either.

[KOdawg1]

There?s people melting left and right.
The only melting going on is you melting about people melting.

Showing discontent and concern does not equal melting.

[Cooterpoot]

The only melting going on is you melting about people melting.

Showing discontent and concern does not equal melting.

5 games into the season, it’s melting or stupid if you want to go that route. People act like we don’t do this every year. FL has lost a couple already. Every team loses in baseball. I’ll wait more than the first week to lose it over hitting balls hard at people and not scoring. Some folks don’t get that apparently. We aren’t a bad hitting team. It’s simply early season ball.

[msstate7]

5 games into the season, it’s melting or stupid if you want to go that route. People act like we don’t do this every year. FL has lost a couple already. Every team loses in baseball. I’ll wait more than the first week to lose it over hitting balls hard at people and not scoring. Some folks don’t get that apparently. We aren’t a bad hitting team. It’s simply early season ball.

Could we say you're "melting" on basketball? We're solidly a tourney team, and if you have stopped blasting howland, you just stopped.

[Leeshouldveflanked]

Halter is really struggling both with bat and in field....

[ZedFedder]

Also, it’s not like we didn’t hit some balls well. Two months from now Westburg and Allen may have hit back to back home runs on those two earning track shots. We just were unlucky today with where we hit some of them.

[Todd4State]

Halter is really struggling both with bat and in field....

I'm not surprised. But I don't know that we have a better answer at second base defensively either. A lot of JUCO players take a little while to adjust to the SEC.

[Cooterpoot]

Could we say you're "melting" on basketball? We're solidly a tourney team, and if you have stopped blasting howland, you just stopped.

I haven?t posted about basketball in awhile, but if you do say that, you?d be proving my point wouldn?t you? Early season melting in a long schedule and all.
I mean, we’ve got people saying you shouldn’t swing early in the count, which is flat wrong. We’ve got someone questioning if our staff is in-fighting. Someone stating we don’t hit it we’ll next two games it’s a big deal. Baseball is a marathon season.

[msstate7]

I haven?t posted about basketball in awhile, but if you do say that, you?d be proving my point wouldn?t you? Early season melting in a long schedule and all.

I suppose so. For the record, I don't care who "melts" and what it's over. I haven't said anything good or bad about baseball yet. I usually wait till conference starts to cast my judgements on a team (football, basketball, and baseball).

[ZedFedder]

Halter opens up when he swings with his front foot. Think he would stay on balls a little better if he didn’t do that. I think he will be ok by the end of the year but right now he is struggling for sure.

[Cooterpoot]

I used to melt in baseball. But over the years you see the same thing, especially with hitters. People complaining about our “approach” don’t actually understand what approach is. There’s a little bit of a difference between approach and pitch selection. I went back and looked and we hit at least 8-10 balls that I’d say were stroked pretty well. A couple those leave the park on an average day. When you have 7 hits and another 8 or 10 balls hit well, not much you can do. But, we also chased some balls we shouldnt have (generally trying to pull them) and hit weak balls. We’ll handle those better later in the season. Hitters are generally a little pull heavy early in the season, especially against a soft tosser like yesterday.

[ShotgunDawg]

Halter opens up when he swings with his front foot. Think he would stay on balls a little better if he didn’t do that. I think he will be ok by the end of the year but right now he is struggling for sure.

He's adjusting. He won't be a good hitter but he's better than he has been so far

[ShotgunDawg]

Simmer down fellas.

We have a FANTASTIC baseball team that has the individual components to make a run in Omaha. This is a fantastic team.

I've been super impressed by Foxhall and his intent on pitching off the fastball and up in the zone.

The biggest weakness of this team is that we simply don't have a 1st round caliber hitter that can carry the team when we go through little slumps. Thus there will be little slumps like this.

As for 1st round caliber hitters in our division, here's how they break down by team:

Arkansas- 2
LSU - 1 maybe 2
A&M - 1
Auburn - 1
OM - 0
Alabama- 0
MSU - 0

[maroonmania]

I haven?t posted about basketball in awhile, but if you do say that, you?d be proving my point wouldn?t you? Early season melting in a long schedule and all.
I mean, we’ve got people saying you shouldn’t swing early in the count, which is flat wrong. We’ve got someone questioning if our staff is in-fighting. Someone stating we don’t hit it we’ll next two games it’s a big deal. Baseball is a marathon season.

This is absolutely melting over non-melting which is a new one for this board. When its considered melting that I said we will not be winning the next 2 games against a very solid USM team if our offense doesn't wake up then we have reached an all time low on what the threshold of melting is around here. Here is a news bulletin, if you don't score in any sport, you don't win. I really care much less about the loss than I do the struggles at the plate. And its the fact we've had 2 games in row of struggling at the plate when playing real competition with real pitching. YSU was nothing more than a tune up exhibition series.

[Cooterpoot]

We didn’t struggle at the plate yesterday. We K’d what? 4 times all day? Ashcraft threw it great and we didn’t hit him as well. But yesterday wasn’t struggling to hit the ball.

[KOdawg1]

We hit the ball well. Just right at people