My best guess at the NCAA Baseball Tournament Regional Sites ...

[JMV JustMyView]

Another reason why "it does matter" is that as a "2" we might be able to play a weaker "3" so that we could pitch our #2 or #3 pitcher and save Robicheaux for "you know who" in the second game. We have to stay in the winners bracket as we seem to fall off quickly after our top 3 pitchers.

I have been coaching a long time and when playoff baseball starts you can get burned by saving a pitcher, must win game one before thinking about game two...

[RedBug58]

I have been coaching a long time and when playoff baseball starts you can get burned by saving a pitcher, must win game one before thinking about game two...

If we play a Jackson State or Sam Houston as projected by Baseball America, my money is on Tony throwing Boutte in game one. I think that is why he didn't use him at all yesterday, while FAU used their starter from Thursday.

[GoneGolfin]

I have been coaching a long time and when playoff baseball starts you can get burned by saving a pitcher, must win game one before thinking about game two...

Actually, I disagree with this thinking in the context of the four-team NCAA regional.

In the current regional format, there is absolutely no difference in losing Game #1 vs. Game #2. What you must do to win the regional championship is the same. So what you do is set yourself up with the best possible chance to win both games. That may involve holding your ace back ... it may involve selecting a pitcher based on matchup ... there are several variables involved here.

Sometimes you must take a risk to bring home the trophy. And that may mean going with your #2 (or some other pitcher that matches up better ... other than your #1) in the opener, using your #1 in the next game. Of course, your #2 may match up better against the #1 seed ... thus you go ahead and pitch your #1 in the opener.

There is not a single correct answer here. It depends on the match-ups and the situation.

Brian

[moorecajun]

If we play a Jackson State or Sam Houston as projected by Baseball America, my money is on Tony throwing Boutte in game one. I think that is why he didn't use him at all yesterday, while FAU used their starter from Thursday.

While you could be right that Boutte will pitch our first game, I don't think he pitched any yesterday because he just pitched 7 innings the day before.

[CrazyCajun]

While you could be right that Boutte will pitch our first game, I don't think he pitched any yesterday because he just pitched 7 innings the day before.

Boutte pitched 4 innings on Wednesday night

[GoneGolfin]

While you could be right that Boutte will pitch our first game, I don't think he pitched any yesterday because he just pitched 7 innings the day before.

You are thinking of Wilson. Boutte pitched on Wednesday.

I would be uncomfortable throwing Boutte in the opener. I would be thinking about Wilson.

Given the Cajuns' pitching depth, I think the approach needs to be thinking about winning the regional in three games. I do not think the Cajuns can win a regional in four or more games (certainly not five). As such, you go with your two top starters in the first two games ... Boutte is not one of them.

Brian

[SweetD]

Boutte only threw 53 pitches and it was on Wednesday. 3 days before.

[moorecajun]

Boutte pitched 4 innings on Wednesday night

I'm so confused!

I realized I was thinking the wrong pitcher as soon as I posted ... thanks.

[raginsaints]

I'm with Brian here. I feel better with Wilson as well, but if we can win with Wilson, throw Austin in game 2, I think Boutte is a good option for game 3.

[raginsaints]

LSU didn't get a top-3 seed. That surprised me.

[raginsaints]

FAU sent to UNC

[raginsaints]

Rice to Oregon. UL almost certainly to BR now