BB G3 Final: Louisiana 13 Southern Miss 7

[Swamp]

The awesome Saturday crowd at the T was proof of Cajuns BSBL success reaching the masses. Still kicking myself for not taking a pic from the last beer vendor (3rd baseline). It felt like a “we’re hitting the postseason vibe” The town knows we’re winning, along with the students. Taking Friday night and today were strong signals. Still wish Friday in Conway went different but it is what it is. Going back to Houston and re-visiting our Vandy game, I’d say it’s a pretty good eval of us (who we are) BUT play that game today and I’m not sure it would be a different result but it would be even closer. And it was pretty close.

[GoneGolfin]

I think it is important to note what our pitching depth allowed us to do today in an all-important rubber match game vs. a good Southern Mississippi team.

Southern Miss entered today's game scratching and clawing to put together a pitching plan for the rubber match game. They needed to get as many outs out of Kros Sivley (their closer that pitched Friday night) in a starting role and then hope that power arm JB Middleton had enough command to stay away from the fat part of the plate (he did not) and also not provide free passes (fail again). They also had some middle relief arms to throw, but were hoping they did not need too much from them. And yes ... while losing Will Armistead hurt their depth ... he has had struggles of his own this year and was not going to be the difference today.

Contrast this with the arm talent available in the Louisiana pen on Sunday. The Cajuns were able to allow Fluno to go once through the USM order (great first inning, BTW) ... and when he had some trouble in the 2nd, the Cajuns had the option of putting another arm in there the second time through the lineup (starting in the third inning) after Fluno faced 10 USM hitters.

The Cajuns then go with McGehee who threw a solid 2 innings, facing each USM hitter in the lineup once. Sense a pattern here? Some might have been wondering why go away from McGehee here ... and it is a valid point as he was throwing well. But Deggs was intent on keeping USM off balance and not seeing too much of any Cajun pitcher that was not dominating.

Holzhammer comes on in the 5th and has some early struggles with the fastball location. But he quickly found the slider that quelled the trouble, minimizing the damage in what was an 8-2 Cajun lead entering the 5th. He then stretched into the 6th and was relieved after facing 8 batters. The Cajuns yielded one run and exited the inning with a 10-4 lead.

Enter David Christie, coming off of a wonderful outing last Friday vs. Coastal Carolina. He steadied the ship in the 6th with an excellent change and good movement on his fastball. A different look for USM. The Cajuns let him finish as the game was out of reach ... and yes, USM got a couple of cheap runs in the 9th (after defensive indifference on SBs ... and not holding runners, as defending was the focus). But it does not diminish the job that Christie did today facing 17 batters and bringing home the win. Meanwhile, the Cajuns still had much more in the pen ... notably JT Etheridge, Blake Marshall, and Steven Cash. USM? Not so much available, as we all saw.

Now, next week will be a challenge at Troy as the Cajuns will be facing some very capable hitters in a ballpark where they have had much success. I do not expect the pitching to fare quite so well. But I do think they will give the team a chance to win every game. Also ... hopefully if we utilize Langevin on Friday to secure a win that we also give him a day of rest such that he can influence an important part of the game Sunday ... and we use our depth, if necessary, on Saturday.

Brian

[babysitter]

we have our notes

we scored 13 runs today

maybe Troy should TAKE NOTE

They’ll also take note that we lost to Houston Christian and lost a series to Rice. Two powerhouses. We just need to take one series at a time. Play against “us” not them. Play clean baseball and we’ll be fine.

[BeauCajun]

Just looking over the SBC standings. The top 3 teams are from the West. Checking on softball standings. Guess what? Same results.

[cajundiehard]

I think it....

Brian

Thanks Brian! Always appreciate your analysis and insight!

I'm looking forward to this weekend @ Troy. If the Cajuns can win the series I think it makes a strong statement and pretty much locks up the regular season championship, not to mention RPI help... I think we have a decent shot given their turf field and ballpark which plays bigger than Conway, both factors which made a difference, IMHO, at Coastal.

As far as rankings which don't matter... I'm thinking Coastal drops out of the top 25, Cajuns may drop a couple notches but remain in the top 25 and maybe we see an appearance from Troy after their undefeated week, heading into this weekend?

Geaux Cajuns!

[CajunVic]

They’ll also take note that we lost to Houston Christian and lost a series to Rice. Two powerhouses. We just need to take one series at a time. Play against “us” not them. Play clean baseball and we’ll be fine.

we don’t need any notes to do that

[campo118]

I think the Cajuns will jump up two spots to #15. Seriously doubt they drop.

[campo118]

And I bet Troy gets in between #20-25 setting up another top 25 matchup next weekend. They will be tough. Can’t wait.

[CajunSID]

This team would be perfect for the old school 6-team NCAA regional. Would have the pitching depth to stick around a while, and the bats do a great job once they get into the opponent’s staff.

Still think this offense is better than what it has shown this year against good pitching even though numbers don’t show it. Looking forward to this weekend already!

[Turbine]

This team would be perfect for the old school 6-team NCAA regional.

Talk about!