Florida game 1 thread

[KOdawg1]

5:30 start

Lineup: https://twitter.com/HailStateBB/status/1106675186953146369

SECN+: https://t.co/W2DXbLkWS5

[skadoosh14]

Oh cool, we got Florida announcers :rolleyes:

[Choctaw Dawg]

Yep, brace yourselves for a very terrible broadcast

[Drugdog]

Yep. These guys are already terrible

[Drugdog]

Dang. This pitcher looks sharp.

[chef dixon]

I?d love to see what our pitches per inning v our opponents is

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

Small can't locate as good as usual. He's still killing them but his pitch count is going to limit him. Floridas guy is really good, and we're helping by biting on some really off the plate stuff/swinging early as stuff we can't handle

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

Hatcher looked comfortable as heck up there, nice ab

[Choctaw Dawg]

ROWDYS SPECS ARE BACK

[Choctaw Dawg]

Unfortunately for an infield pop up....

[Saltydog]

Rowdey needs to sit. He's pulling off everything and is making extremely weak contact when he does hit it.

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

Mangum sees 3 pitches and has 2 groundouts. I love him to death but really wish he'd stop being so liberal with what he swings at

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

Rowdey needs to sit. He's pulling off everything and is making extremely weak contact when he does hit it.

Yep, he doesn't have good timing and when he does time it up he barely catches the top/bottom of the ball. I don't see much reason for optimism either. If the stayy doesn't think Cumbest is up for it can't we stick Hatcher in lf, and DH Jordon/Jones?

[Saltydog]

AND therein is why he doesn't get drafted high.

[Drugdog]

Looked like he was out at first.

[Spectre]

Oh cool, we got Florida announcers :rolleyes:

Wanna be tony romo’s.

Here’s a bunt, here’s a hit and run.... wrong. shut up and announce.

[TNDawg35]

Of Halter would stay on the ball quit trying to pull off it, he may hit it hard...

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

aaaaaaannnd 2 weak grounders on 1 strike counts. Drives me crazy. If you can't square it up don't swing before 2 strikes. We gift him easy outs by not making him pitch

[Saltydog]

Their pitcher is absolutely carving us up. The balls we do hit are extremely weak. He's only thrown 43 pitches thru 4 innings. Ethan better stay sharp.

[sack07]

Mangum sees 3 pitches and has 2 groundouts. I love him to death but really wish he'd stop being so liberal with what he swings at

Why? I think his approach has proven to be effective consistently.

[KOdawg1]

We may get no-hit

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

Smalls' inconsistent location finally caught up to him. He's on his B+ game today, not his A game

[msstate7]

Absolutely crushed. Small can't get in a predictable fastball count throwing 86-89

[Homedawg]

1-0 fla

[HoopsDawg]

We may get no-hit

Right now we have 4 good hitters in the lineup.

[MaroonFlounder]

That might be all the Gaytorz need.

[Choctaw Dawg]

Small at 70 pitches, Liebelt might get some work tonight

[msstate7]

Small's fastball much tougher to hit 1-2 than 3-1.

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

Why? I think his approach has proven to be effective consistently.

Mangum has quick hands and can put just about anything in play. So what's the point of taking a defensive swing early in the count if you can make just as solid of contact with 2 strikes? Again I'm fine with sitting on a specific pitch in a specific location but with how often Mangum swings early it's clear he goes up there with a 2 strike defensive approach that results in weak contact. Meanwhile if he took the strike, the P would have to throw more and there's a chance he'd throw something Mangun can drive

[magrooder]

That went out quick.

[BuckyIsAB****]

Todd this is why I asked you about the offense

[KOdawg1]

We may get no-hit
nvm

[skadoosh14]

FOSCUEEEEEEE

[msstate7]

Way to answer. Mistakes got punished by both teams

[Saltydog]

We ain't hitting this guy's breaking ball. Better to just lay off of it and hit the fastball.

[Choctaw Dawg]

We ain't hitting this guy's breaking ball. Better to just lay off of it and hit the breaking ball.

That breaking ball to foscue didn’t break though

[sack07]

Mangum has quick hands and can put just about anything in play. So what's the point of taking a defensive swing early in the count if you can make just as solid of contact with 2 strikes? Again I'm fine with sitting on a specific pitch in a specific location but with how often Mangum swings early it's clear he goes up there with a 2 strike defensive approach that results in weak contact. Meanwhile if he took the strike, the P would have to throw more and there's a chance he'd throw something Mangun can drive

I understand what you’re saying. But he has hit .357 over the course of his career. I’m ok with his approach even it might make a pitcher throw a pitch or two less.

[Choctaw Dawg]

Skelton walks and Hatcher groundout and pushes him to second

[msstate7]

Rowdey needs to get going

[Choctaw Dawg]

Rowdy grounds out and pushes Skelton to third, halter to bat

[Choctaw Dawg]

6-3 putout and we’re tied still

[BeardoMSU]

We need to get this guy's pitch count up sharpish.

[Saltydog]

I wish we would start Landon Jordan versus righties and play Halter versus lefties. Halter is pulling off everything right now.

[HoopsDawg]

I think gunner is going to really struggle against SEC pitching.

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

I understand what you’re saying. But he has hit .357 over the course of his career. I’m ok with his approach even it might make a pitcher throw a pitch or two less.

I get your point, what I'm saying is that since he can put just about anything in play, I don't think his average would drop to get into a few more 2 strike counts. At the very least swinging early at any strike isn't any more likely to get a hit than swinging at any strike with 2 strikes, thus why swing early if it's not critical to his style of hitting? A high K rate power hitter I can see needs to swing early to avoid having to shorten his swing with 2 strikes, but Mangum is a contact hitter

[TNDawg35]

This ump is horrible. He has a shitty ass small zone. Small is gettin glossed about it too...

[Choctaw Dawg]

The announcers really want these guys to bunt

[TNDawg35]

The announcers really want these guys to bunt

I really want these announcers to just shut the hell up.

[BeardoMSU]

Shitty zone notwithstanding, Ethan has been filthy.

[Choctaw Dawg]

Mullen’s here, show no mercy

[msstate7]

Shitty zone notwithstanding, Ethan has been filthy.

He has to be extremely deceptive.

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

watchespn messing up for me

[msbulldog]

Me too!

[Choctaw Dawg]

watchespn messing up for me

Mine just went out too

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

oh wow they scored that double, not an E

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

watchespn messing up for me

Came to see if it was just me or not.

[HoopsDawg]

I wish we would start Landon Jordan versus righties and play Halter versus lefties. Halter is pulling off everything right now.

Agree.

[Coldsleeve Jr.]

Came to see if it was just me or not.

Same

[Coldsleeve Jr.]

Those having trouble with ESPN app... I just switched to a different game then back to our game and it's working again

[msstate7]

Awful k

[msstate7]

Gift wrapped a run that inning.

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

lucky to get a run across. Hitting is ugly but i'll take it

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

Bailed out after 2 awful strikeouts. I'll take it.

[Lord McBuckethead]

Small still dealing. Up to 99 pitches. Hope we can pick up two more runs this frame and get their starter out of there.

[msstate7]

Good bunt rowdey

[Duke Silver]

Stop bunting stop bunting stop bunting stop bunting stop bunting stop bunting stop bunting

[msstate7]

Why not PH here?

[Choctaw Dawg]

Bases juiced

[msstate7]

Florida defense not as good as usual

[Choctaw Dawg]

They called that a hit...

[Saltydog]

Westburg is absolutely a HUGE rally killer tonight.

[Saltydog]

Absolutely awful to only score one outta all that...?

[Lord McBuckethead]

Glad we got 1 there, but man a base hit would have been huge.

[MarketingBully]

Westburg needs to be moved down the lineup.

[Political Hack]

Score?

[TNDawg35]

Figures.... Tanner struggling and then gets robbed... Up to the pitchers now. Hold onto this one...

[smootness]

Oh well, a run was big. Keep pitching.

[Lord McBuckethead]

Literally 6 inches closer to the line and the score would be 6-1 with a man on second.

[Lord McBuckethead]

3-1 dawgs. Top 8.

[Duke Silver]

Glad we got 1 there, but man a base hit would have been huge.

The sacrifice bunt typically leads to 0 or at max 1 run innings. Trading 1 of something that you get 3 of in an inning to acquire 1 of something that you need 4 of to score doesn’t make much sense.

[TNDawg35]

I would move Tanner back to the #2 spot and Foscue to the 3 hole. Then have Mac and Westy.

[MaroonFlounder]

Not sure Liebelt is the right guy to send out there.

[Mjoelner34]

For anybody watching, have Westburg's 2 k's swinging been on low outside pitches? Seems like he's been going down on one knee and swinging at outside pitches that bounce with 2 strikes.

[TNDawg35]

The sacrifice bunt typically leads to 0 or at max 1 run innings. Trading 1 of something that you get 3 of in an inning to acquire 1 of something that you need 4 of to score doesn’t make much sense.

What the..... Did anyone else have to read this like 6 times???

[TNDawg35]

For anybody watching, have Westburg's 2 k's swinging been on low outside pitches? Seems like he's been going down on one knee and swinging at outside pitches that bounce with 2 strikes.


Yes. Swing at mostly balls and let strikes go down the middle...

[Saltydog]

3-1, bottom of the 7th.....

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

Not sure Liebelt is the right guy to send out there.

he did a heck of a job

[msstate7]

Very nice inning

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

For anybody watching, have Westburg's 2 k's swinging been on low outside pitches? Seems like he's been going down on one knee and swinging at outside pitches that bounce with 2 strikes.

One K was on a FB inside corner that was the right call, other K was a curve ball over the middle that he didnt' recognize and swing at. Hasn't looked good in any ab

[Lord McBuckethead]

Sorry. Bottom 7

[Lord McBuckethead]

3-1 top 8 now.

[TNDawg35]

Is think about doing something diff tom.

Mangum
L Jordan
Foscue
TA
Mac
Westy
Skelton
Hatcher
Rowdy

[RocketDawg]

I just turned the game on, but the announcers don't seem to be quite the homers that they were last year.

[Lord McBuckethead]

Mac hits a single on a 3-2 pitch to right. Man on 1st, no outs.

[TNDawg35]

Am I drunk or is Matt Damon catching for Florida?

[Saltydog]

Foscue is absolutely mashing the ball. He's so strong in his lower body. He's improved tremendously since last year.

[Lord McBuckethead]

Foscue single to left through the 6 hole. 1st and 2nd 0 outs. FL about to change pitchers.

[sack07]

Is think about doing something diff tom.

Mangum
L Jordan
Foscue
TA
Mac
Westy
Skelton
Hatcher
Rowdy

Tough crowd here. Westburg has a couple of bad ABs on a Friday night in the SEC and we?re bumping him from the top of the order.

[Duke Silver]

https://blogs.fangraphs.com/the-sacrifice-bunt-the-real-rally-killer/

[Jarius]

The sacrifice bunt typically leads to 0 or at max 1 run innings. Trading 1 of something that you get 3 of in an inning to acquire 1 of something that you need 4 of to score doesn?t make much sense.

It does late in games when you only need a run or two cushion because you have the best pitching staff in college baseball. Especially with a hitter batting below .200

[Choctaw Dawg]

These announcers REALLY like bunting, they seem to be experts...

[Choctaw Dawg]

Good job hatcher, 4-1

[Lord McBuckethead]

Hatcher hit a slow roller up the middle. UF had infield in and could handle the dribbler. 1st and 3rd, one out. 4-1 dags.

[smootness]

Don't like the bunt, but it worked there. Come on guys! This would be a huge win, need to close it out.

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

Good 2 strike bunt and good hit

[Spectre]

These announcers REALLY like bunting, they seem to be experts...

Almost every college announcer begs for it when runners are on with no outs.

[chef dixon]

Hatcher hit a slow roller up the middle. UF had infield in and could handle the dribbler. 1st and 3rd, one out. 4-1 dags.

Looked weak, but it definitely got out the infield faster than it appeared off the bat. Nice job

[Duke Silver]

It does late in games when you only need a run or two cushion because you have the best pitching staff in college baseball. Especially with a hitter batting below .200

But it lowers your chances of scoring even 1 run in the inning? I didn?t make this up there?s like research and stuff about it

[Lord McBuckethead]

Tough crowd here. Westburg has a couple of bad ABs on a Friday night in the SEC and we?re bumping him from the top of the order.

Ueah, Westy has been smashing the ball. Give a little time to acclimate. We need that pop in the lineup.

[Lord McBuckethead]

Looked weak, but it definitely got out the infield faster than it appeared off the bat. Nice job

It got out fast because the SS was 25 feet inside his normal spot. That was a slow roller at this level.

[Spectre]

Announcers begging for a squeeze here, see...

[Lord McBuckethead]

But it lowers your chances of scoring even 1 run in the inning? I didn?t make this up there?s like research and stuff about it

It also almost elimates a double play ball, that seems like rears its ugly head quite often. MS state style

[IMissJack]

How long before Rowdy sits?

[Will James.]

But it lowers your chances of scoring even 1 run in the inning? I didn?t make this up there?s like research and stuff about it

☝🏻 He?s right you know.

[Saltydog]

w/o having to move a bunch of folks around?

[Duke Silver]

It also almost elimates a double play ball, that seems like rears its ugly head quite often. MS state style

True dat we are the exception to many rules lolz *starts sobbing*

[Mjoelner34]

Let Ginn hit tomorrow and DH for Rowdy.

[Jarius]

But it lowers your chances of scoring even 1 run in the inning? I didn?t make this up there?s like research and stuff about it

Show me the research that says SAC bunting a guy to third with no outs with a guy batting under .200 lowers your chances of scoring a run. There are no stats that tell you that. That’s the problem with blanket statements.

[Choctaw Dawg]

Hatcher to right, Mac to left, and cumbest dh for tomorrow would be nice

[KOdawg1]

w/o having to move a bunch of folks around?
Brad Cumbest

[Lord McBuckethead]

#41 looks to be missing on his spots by 18-24" right now.

[Duke Silver]

Show me the research that says SAC bunting a guy to third with no outs with a guy batting under .200 lowers your chances of scoring a run. There are no stats that tell you that. That’s the problem with blanket statements.

https://www.danblewett.com/run-expectancy-bunting-bad/

[Jarius]

☝�� He?s right you know.

He is wrong in the case we are talking about

[smootness]

Show me the research that says SAC bunting a guy to third with no outs with a guy batting under .200 lowers your chances of scoring a run. There are no stats that tell you that. That’s the problem with blanket statements.

Skelton isn't hitting under .200.

[maroonmania]

How long before Rowdy sits?

Can we DH for our LF rather than our pitcher??**

Its time to find somebody else to play LF. Geez, we are nearly 1/3 the way through the season at this point.

[IMissJack]

White is not sharp right now.

[Jarius]

https://www.danblewett.com/run-expectancy-bunting-bad/


That is talking about on average. In this case, Rowdey Jordan is batting extremely well below average. Not bunting him in that situation would be extremely ignorant.

[Jarius]

Skelton isn't hitting under .200.


Rowdey Jordan is.

[KOdawg1]

Good scoop by Westy. 2 down.

[IMissJack]

Can we DH for our LF rather than our pitcher??**

Its time to find somebody else to play LF. Geez, we are nearly 1/3 the way through the season at this point.

I like Rowdy, but at this point, he is hurting the lineup badly. He does not look comfortable at the plate at all right now, and is late on most swings.

[Duke Silver]

Skelton isn't hitting under .200.

Well Rowdy was up in the inning before, however a player’s stats this early in the season don’t mean a whole lot, his pop up frequency is concerning right now though, would probably be better to go with someone else until he stops doing that but hard to get him in a rhythm in such a short season

[Will James.]

Show me the research that says SAC bunting a guy to third with no outs with a guy batting under .200 lowers your chances of scoring a run. There are no stats that tell you that. That’s the problem with blanket statements.

http://www.boydsworld.com/data/ert.html

Well here you go. Comparing no out man on 2nd and 1 out man on 3rd... even 71% chance of scoring at least one 05-08. 73-71% in 2011-2012 in favor of man on 3rd 1 out. You may say “golly gee that proves it” but it overwhelmingly does not because you can’t successfully sacrifice at a 95% rate, not even close.

[maroonmania]

I would go ahead and bring in Cole Gordon rather than have White face the tying run.

[Duke Silver]

That is talking about on average. In this case, Rowdey Jordan is batting extremely well below average. Not bunting him in that situation would be extremely ignorant.

Keep in mind that is for MLB, better defensive players and on average worse hitting than college, Rowdy isn’t really a 0.200 hitter, but is obviously struggling right now. Don’t think we should be playing guys on a major college team if we think sac bunting is the best option for them

[magrooder]

Great play by Macnamee

[KOdawg1]

Whew

[HoopsDawg]

What a catch. Love the teammates reaction.

[smootness]

Rowdey Jordan is.

Skelton is the one who bunted.

[Lord McBuckethead]

Dude hit a shot to the right corner. Mac comes down with it after running 50 yards to get it. What a snag. Going into the top of the 9th. 4-2 dawgs.

[RocketDawg]

Great play by Macnamee

Sure was. I didn't think he had a chance to get to that ball.

[msstate7]

Macnamee makes plays in the field, but damn, he makes me nervous. He just doesn't look real fluid out there

[99jc]

http://www.boydsworld.com/data/ert.html

Well here you go. Comparing no out man on 2nd and 1 out man on 3rd... even 71% chance of scoring at least one 05-08. 73-71% in 2011-2012 in favor of man on 3rd 1 out. You may say “golly gee that proves it” but it overwhelmingly does not because you can’t successfully sacrifice at a 95% rate, not even close.

I though we got rid of your ass....go away for good.

[Spectre]

MacNamee!!

This is a special team

[MaroonFlounder]

Yeah, I'd rather see Cole Gordon out there to finish it

[maroonmania]

Whew

We got by with it, barely, but bad coaching decision. White has never been in an SEC game before, Gordon has been through the ringer. Should have switched out the pitcher.

[smootness]

http://www.boydsworld.com/data/ert.html

Well here you go. Comparing no out man on 2nd and 1 out man on 3rd... even 71% chance of scoring at least one 05-08. 73-71% in 2011-2012 in favor of man on 3rd 1 out. You may say “golly gee that proves it” but it overwhelmingly does not because you can’t successfully sacrifice at a 95% rate, not even close.

Son of a

WHY DID SOMEBODY HAVE TO BRING UP BUNTING

[msstate7]

I though we got rid of your ass....go away for good.

Stop it! Will not bothering anyone

[HoopsDawg]

Hatcher to right, Mac to left, and cumbest dh for tomorrow would be nice

No, no. Hatcher to LF. LJ, Gilbert or Jones to DH.

[Lord McBuckethead]

http://www.boydsworld.com/data/ert.html

Well here you go. Comparing no out man on 2nd and 1 out man on 3rd... even 71% chance of scoring at least one 05-08. 73-71% in 2011-2012 in favor of man on 3rd 1 out. You may say “golly gee that proves it” but it overwhelmingly does not because you can’t successfully sacrifice at a 95% rate, not even close.

True, but since the sacrifice was made, it was at a 100% rate. So it kind of does correlate.

[Jarius]

Keep in mind that is for MLB, better defensive players and on average worse hitting than college, Rowdy isn?t really a 0.200 hitter, but is obviously struggling right now. Don?t think we should be playing guys on a major college team if we think sac bunting is the best option for them

Oh I agree. I almost always hate SAC bunting like most everyone else, but Rowdy is in a terrible slump. Skelton bunting was a lot more questionable.

[RocketDawg]

Macnamee coldcocked that one.

[msstate7]

Oh I agree. I almost always hate SAC bunting like most everyone else, but Rowdy is in a terrible slump. Skelton bunting was a lot more questionable.

I absolutely detest early to middle inning bunting. I think it can be smart late

[chef dixon]

Meh, you can say we got lucky on that catch but we should also have 8 runs

[maroonmania]

Great hit Mac!

[Cloak]

I want Mac n Cheese

[BeardoMSU]

We so GD good....

[msstate7]

Meh, you can say we got lucky on that catch but we should also have 8 runs

I don't think that catch was luck at all... he went and got it

[Dawghouse]

Son of a

WHY DID SOMEBODY HAVE TO BRING UP BUNTING

He's like Beetlejuice. Someone mentions bunting 3 times and he's here to stay. Welcome back Will

[IMissJack]

Meh, you can say we got lucky on that catch but we should also have 8 runs

Yep, a couple of good infield plays by them saved about 3 runs tonight.

[Lord McBuckethead]

We score two by Macs big double. 6-2 dawgs heading to the bottom of the 9th. I imagine Gordon will come in.

[ckDOG]

I don't think that catch was luck at all... he went and got it

Damn right he did. What a gamer.

[maroonmania]

Yep, a couple of good infield plays by them saved about 3 runs tonight.

The FL SS is a good one. Made several run saving plays tonight.

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

Meh, you can say we got lucky on that catch but we should also have 8 runs

Nothing lucky about running the ball down and catching it man.

[maroonmania]

This umpire sure doesn't give much of anything to pitchers on the corners.

[maroonmania]

Come on Cole, walks are the only hope FL has. Just pour it in there.

[Ezsoil]

Throw strikes

[magrooder]

Not a good time for old Cole to show up, dang it!!

[maroonmania]

Cole doesn't look like Cole tonight. Better get somebody else warming, Gordon is all over the place.

[Choctaw Dawg]

Cole Gordon has to have bases juiced before he gets anyone out

[Saltydog]

And all of a sudden things could get interesting. Gordon puts the first two on. They've hit 5 grands already this year.

[skadoosh14]

I can't watch

[PMDawg]

I don't understand why we refuse to just throw strikes with big leads. What is wrong with these guys

[PMDawg]

Great time to crap your pants Cole. Thanks.

[Skydawg1]

effing Gordon

[maroonmania]

We about to blow this one.

[Lord McBuckethead]

Got to get a grounder to the ss here. Just serve it up and keep it low.

[MaroonFlounder]

I'm watching basketball. Can't bear to witness a 9th inning collapse.

[maroonmania]

Bring in Barlow if they have 3 lefties coming up!

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

Get Gordon out

[msstate7]

Get cole out

[Choctaw Dawg]

What in the ******* **** is this

[Saltydog]

Cole doesn't look like Cole tonight. Better get somebody else warming, Gordon is all over the place.

NO, he doesn't. He struggled his last outing. I'd get someone up NOW!

[PMDawg]

Cole's head is wrecked. Get him out or we lose.

[Spectre]

Why is he still in?!

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

Why the hell is Gordon still in?

[Dawg2003]

So is Bad Cole officially back?

[HoopsDawg]

Get him out!!!!!

[maroonmania]

Come on Lemonis, don't let him die out there!

[KOdawg1]

Why is Cole our closer? I'm glad he decided to come back, but I saw him more as a long reliever who could eat innings for you. He scares me in pressure situations and this is why

[HoopsDawg]

What the Fck are we doing?!?!?

[Saltydog]

THIS! He's brutal on lefties!

[maroonmania]

Need a stikeout bad!

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

And he gets squeezed.

[maroonmania]

THat was a strike!!!

[Choctaw Dawg]

Tying run at third 2 outs

[Skydawg1]

We won!!

[PMDawg]

Miraculously one pitch away. We need one big pitch

[Choctaw Dawg]

Praise God

[PMDawg]

Wow. Miracle win.

[maroonmania]

I knew Gordon had it all the way.***

[The Federalist Engineer]

A win is a win 6-5 Final

[dantheman4248]

A win is a win is a win is a win.

Especially in baseball. Top 5 on the road. This baseball team is brewing something special.

[The Federalist Engineer]

I knew Gordon had it all the way.***

I was emotionally ready for a strike out, wild pitch and run scores


When Cole is bad, Cole is bad

But thanks Cole

[MarketingBully]

Cole Gordon shouldn’t pitch the rest of the weekend. He almost single handedly lost that game.

[Skydawg1]

Find a closer and this team is extremely special.

[smootness]

MY




GOSH

[maroonmania]

A win is a win 6-5 Final

True, but I no longer feel like we have a closer.

[Cloak]

Almost had a heart attack there. Go Dawgs. Win the series tomorrow

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

Man he really didn't have to do that to me.

[HoopsDawg]

Hey, great win.

[ZedFedder]

Everyone has a down game. If he repeats this another time, then you worry.

[drummerdawg]

FU Mullet

[Saltydog]

He wasn't as sharp tonight but I'd rather he and Colby White swap roles but that's just me.

[msstate7]

Seems we (and maybe the coaching staff) let a really nice hot streak by cole last postseason made us forget about cole's career norms

[LC Dawg]

Damn good win regardless of the finish. This team just wins.

[The Federalist Engineer]

Why is Cole our closer? I'm glad he decided to come back, but I saw him more as a long reliever who could eat innings for you. He scares me in pressure situations and this is why

We need Spencer Price really bad, I can't live with Cole doing this shit to me

[RocketDawg]

A win is a win 6-5 Final

I went to the basketball game when it was 6-4. Good to see that we hung on to win.

[Lord McBuckethead]

Gordon getting it done. Man the guy works to pressure. The ump is the real issue there. His first curve was a strike in every college ball park in the nation, except this one. I mean if you refuse to call that a strike, it would 17 with anyones mojo. Cole, get some rest and know this asshat isn't calling balls and strikes for the rest of the weekend.

Dug deep and finished. Good job dawgs. Now lets see if the men can get a little revenge on UT tonight.

[BuckyIsAB****]

Great win against an Omaha caliber team on the road

[WSOPdawg]

We need Spencer Price really bad, I can't live with Cole doing this shit to me

Yep, and we better re-think the plan for Colby White in the 8th b/c if all he has is a fastball (I don't care how much it usually moves), SEC batter will eat him alive. But still, a great win and a great way to start SEC play. Hail State!

[smootness]

Everyone has a down game. If he repeats this another time, then you worry.

This is two in a row.

[Todd4State]

He wasn't as sharp tonight but I'd rather he and Colby White swap roles but that's just me.

I agree with you. But a lot of that is I prefer my closers to be flamethrowers. Although I liked Eckersley and Mariano Rivera.

[Skydawg1]

This is two in a row.And last time it was Maine.

[Todd4State]

Cole Gordon shouldn?t pitch the rest of the weekend. He almost single handedly lost that game.

He may not be available tomorrow. He threw 28 pitches.

[Saltydog]

White was not his normal self tonight but I think he's more reliable filling up the zone than Cole because he doesn't rely on the breaking ball. Cole's having issues throwing his breaking ball for strikes right now.

[Todd4State]

I guess the good news about Cole is 1. he didn't blow the game and 2. he was getting ahead of the last few hitters.

He needs to understand that at that stage of the game hitters are going to be taking pitches to try to get ahead and do what Florida did and he just needs to attack the zone early because most of the time they are taking.

[Todd4State]

White was not his normal self tonight but I think he's more reliable filling up the zone than Cole because he doesn't rely on the breaking ball. Cole's having issues throwing his breaking ball for strikes right now.

I agree again. I would have liked to have seen White go back out there with a four run lead. But I can also understand why they didn't because I think he has only gone an inning each outing and they probably felt like that was stretching him out some. Cole does have a big breaking ball and sometimes umpires are less likely to call those strikes. If they are calling them it's lights out though.

[Saltydog]

Price is a one trick pony too. He's got nothing but a breaking pitch right now. The injury really took a toll on him. His FB is only 84-85 right now, tops.

[IMissJack]

Although it has worked for us so far, I am not a big fan of bringing in a pitcher for an inning then switch for another inning, so on. If a pitcher is on, leave him in, until he needs to be relieved. When you change pitchers often, for the sake of always pitching that guy only one inning, all it takes is one of the pitchers being "off" to ruin a very good evening.

[Offshore Dawg]

Although it has worked for us so far, I am not a big fan of bringing in a pitcher for an inning then switch for another inning, so on. If a pitcher is on, leave him in, until he needs to be relieved. When you change pitchers often, for the sake of always pitching that guy only one inning, all it takes is one of the pitchers being "off" to ruin a very good evening.

What he said, and that almost happened tonight. Never less good win by the Dawgs.

[Saltydog]

Agree Jack. I would've brought White out for the 9th and gone from there.

[maroonmania]

Everyone has a down game. If he repeats this another time, then you worry.

This is his 3rd very shaky 9th inning in a row. Problem tonight is just point blank you can't be a closer if you can't throw strikes. With a 4 run lead that's really all you have to do and put the first 2 guys on because he couldn't find the strike zone. And then he had to groove pitches to the next 2 batters just to throw strikes. He finally found his stuff late but it can't take you 5 batters to find it as a closer.

[Todd4State]

Although it has worked for us so far, I am not a big fan of bringing in a pitcher for an inning then switch for another inning, so on. If a pitcher is on, leave him in, until he needs to be relieved. When you change pitchers often, for the sake of always pitching that guy only one inning, all it takes is one of the pitchers being "off" to ruin a very good evening.

To be fair- White gave up a run too and I think that may have factored in to the decision. Although as I have said I would have liked to have seen White go back out there for the 9th with a four run lead.

[BuckyIsAB****]

To be fair- White gave up a run too and I think that may have factored in to the decision. Although as I have said I would have liked to have seen White go back out there for the 9th with a four run lead.

I think Brandon Smith should get a look

[IMissJack]

To be fair- White gave up a run too and I think that may have factored in to the decision. Although as I have said I would have liked to have seen White go back out there for the 9th with a four run lead.

That's true, both had trouble locating the fastball early in the count. I hope White develops another pitch to go with the fastball.

[BuckyIsAB****]

And you've still got Self, he has gotten it done before I know he needs another pitch but you cant argue with results

[Todd4State]

I think Brandon Smith should get a look


That's true, both had trouble locating the fastball early in the count. I hope White develops another pitch to go with the fastball.

Smith has pitched well and I bet we see him tomorrow. He may have to close the game out with Gordon throwing 28 tonight.

I agree on White. He needs a curve or slider to go with his fastball.

[Todd4State]

And you've still got Self, he has gotten it done before I know he needs another pitch but you cant argue with results

It looked like Self was making some adjustments against Grambling and I thought that was encouraging. He probably isn't quite ready yet though. And honestly with his injury history resting him some right now may pay off later.

[smootness]

We're deep enough (but lack any dominant guys) that you have to have a committee and a quick hook. Don't look at White as your 8th guy and Gordon as your 9th guy. Just be prepared to use anybody and stick with anybody throwing well.

[Dental Dawg33]

Even up 4 in the 9th, if you get two on nobody out you gotta have someone ready. I would have pulled Cole when he went 2-0 on the third batter. It worked out and a win is a win but that was closer than it should have been. GO DAWGS

[The Federalist Engineer]

Price is a one trick pony too. He's got nothing but a breaking pitch right now. The injury really took a toll on him. His FB is only 84-85 right now, tops.

We know the Achilles heel of this team - until we get a full strength price or develop someone else (Spring or Eagan) this bullpen is scary vs elite teams

We NEED Gordon to deliver

[The Federalist Engineer]

And you've still got Self, he has gotten it done before I know he needs another pitch but you cant argue with results

Self is not healthy and would get mauled by SEC teams. He is BP material for USM.

[Todd4State]

Self is not healthy and would get mauled by SEC teams. He is BP material for USM.

Plus he gave up two hits to Grambling. He looked better to me- but he's still a work in progress at this point.

[Todd4State]

We know the Achilles heel of this team - until we get a full strength price or develop someone else (Spring or Eagan) this bullpen is scary vs elite teams

We NEED Gordon to deliver

I don't know that I would say that it's an Achilles heel or not. Leibelt, White, Barlow, and Smith have all been reliable. Cole needs to understand whether or not an umpire is calling breaking balls strikes or not and adjust- which he will know by the 9th inning. In both the Maine game and tonight the umpires weren't calling it. So he should have relied more on his fastball to get ahead. Or whoever is calling pitches for us needs to understand that. When Gordon made the adjustment he worked his way out of it including with a couple of K's and was getting ahead of hitters.

Also we have some others that haven't pitched a lot like Tyler Spring that may be able to help along with possibly Plumlee at least some weekends. And if he develops a little bit better command maybe even Cerentola. I expect our team to evolve some as the year goes on and the good news is we're pretty solid overall. Which is why we've been able to minimize the losses so far.

[HoopsDawg]

I don't know that I would say that it's an Achilles heel or not. Leibelt, White, Barlow, and Smith have all been reliable. Cole needs to understand whether or not an umpire is calling breaking balls strikes or not and adjust- which he will know by the 9th inning. In both the Maine game and tonight the umpires weren't calling it. So he should have relied more on his fastball to get ahead. Or whoever is calling pitches for us needs to understand that. When Gordon made the adjustment he worked his way out of it including with a couple of K's and was getting ahead of hitters.

Also we have some others that haven't pitched a lot like Tyler Spring that may be able to help along with possibly Plumlee at least some weekends. And if he develops a little bit better command maybe even Cerentola. I expect our team to evolve some as the year goes on and the good news is we're pretty solid overall. Which is why we've been able to minimize the losses so far.

If Cerantola could become a Sunday starter, we could use Keegan James out of the pen. I like Keegan better as a reliever. That may be asking too much of Cerantola though.

[MarketingBully]

Great first night win. Did just enough to win. This team is 17-1 and 1-0. Mac was the MVP of that game with an incredible catch and then a clutch 2-RBI double. Win tomorrow with Ginn and the rest of the weekend is gravy.

[ShotgunDawg]

If Cerantola could become a Sunday starter, we could use Keegan James out of the pen. I like Keegan better as a reliever. That may be asking too much of Cerantola though.

Ding ding ding.

Cerantola becoming an impact starter or even reliever on the weekend will be huge for us.

[Todd4State]

If Cerantola could become a Sunday starter, we could use Keegan James out of the pen. I like Keegan better as a reliever. That may be asking too much of Cerantola though.

I agree. And Cerentola isn't ready yet. But I think we're going to try to progress him into a bigger role for later on potentially. If he can. I'm guessing that we will use Plumlee out of the pen at some point tonight and maybe start Cerentola against UALR on Tuesday with Plumlee going up against Samford on Weds.

[Jarius]

Although it has worked for us so far, I am not a big fan of bringing in a pitcher for an inning then switch for another inning, so on. If a pitcher is on, leave him in, until he needs to be relieved. When you change pitchers often, for the sake of always pitching that guy only one inning, all it takes is one of the pitchers being "off" to ruin a very good evening.

Absolutely. This makes me have a heart attack every time we do it. Liebelt throws 9 pitches and looks totally in control and you pull him. It ended up working but I just hate that strategy. You are depending way too much on someone else not having their stuff, like CG. I am a big fan of pitching people until they give you a reason not to pitch them in games. However, 17-1 speaks for itself.

[WSOPdawg]

To be fair- White gave up a run too and I think that may have factored in to the decision. Although as I have said I would have liked to have seen White go back out there for the 9th with a four run lead.

Liebelt should've been allowed to come back out for the 8th after throwing 9 pitches in a clean 1-2-3 7th inning. That could've really made a difference b/c he was "on."