Xavier@IU, Game 2: Xavier wins 12-10...

[ptrich]

Like in the first game, IU has been hitless in the first three innings while Xavier has built up a lead with Braydon Tucker on the mound. In the 1st, a couple of doubles gave Xavier a 1-0 lead. In the 4th, two singles sandwiched around a walk loaded the bases and a SF scored a run, and a double scored two more runs to give XU a 4-0 lead. IU went down in order in their half of the 4th. Bothwell replaced Tucker on the mound in the 5th. Tucker numbers were 4 IP, 4 runs all earned, 1BB, and 7 Ks.

 

[ptrich]

In the 5th, Bothwell, who has been off to a really bad start to the season, immediately gave up a homer and then walked the next batter. He got two Ks with the runner on 1st stealing 2nd. A two-out double scored the runner on 2nd to make it 6-0, and a ground out ended XU's half of the inning.

In IU's 5th, Colopy struck out, and Mathison singled for IU's first hit. A flyout sent the runner to 2nd with two outs, and Doanes struck out to end the inning. The Xavier pitcher came into this game not having great numbers, but we have made him look like Sandy Koufax in his prime so far.

 

[ptrich]

In the 6th, Joe Moran replaced Bothwell in the 6th, and Moran in his limited time on the mound (1.2 IP) got hit hard in his last appearance. After getting the first out, Moran gave up a double and two singles which scored another run to make it 7-0. A successful double steal put runners on 2nd and 3rd with one out, and a 3-run homer made it 10-0. Moran then walked a batter, got a flyout for the 2nd out, and then gave up two singles to load the bases with two outs. Another single scored two to make it 12-0 with two outs. Jack Walker replaced Moran. Moran in 0.2 IP gave up 7 hits and 1 BB and was charged with 6 ERs and saw his ERA balloon to 38.57. Walker advanced the runners to 2nd and 3rd on a WP, but finally ended the inning with a line out. In an understatement, none of our first three pitchers used so far have been effective today so far, and Walker got off to a bad start with a WP before ending the inning.

 

[mk24]

Boy. This squad is becoming hard to watch.

 

[ptrich]

In XU's 7th, Walker put them down in order.

In IU 7th, a ground out, a single, a walk, a WP, and another single scored a run to make it 12-6. XU went to their bullpen with runners on 1st and 2nd and one out. A flyout and a Mathison double scored two more runs. A K ended the inning for IU with the score 12-8.

 

[ptrich]

In the 8th, after giving up a walk to the leadoff batter, Walker was relieved by Stahl. A ground out and K got the first two outs with a runner on 2nd and a K ended it for XU.

In IU's 8th, Doanes and Glasser led off by striking out with Whalen reaching after being hit with a pitch. Ellis then homered to right field to make it 12-10 with two outs. Tibbetts then grounded out to end the inning.

 

[ptrich]

In XU's 9th, two singles sandwiched around a fielder's choice, put runners on 1st and 2nd with one out. Two Ks ended XUs half of the inning with IU up to their last three outs needing two runs to tie it.

In IU's 9th, Pyne flied out, Jessee grounded out, and Mathison struck out to end the game.

 

[ptrich]

IU was outhit 17-9 today and didn't get their first hit until the 5th against a pitcher that did not have great numbers coming into the game. IU's bats came alive when XU went to their bullpen, but IU just dug themselves in too big of a hole to come back. Tucker was ineffective as the starter and Bothwell and Moran were horrendous coming out of the bullpen and they gave up 8 ERs in a combined 1.2 IP. Ellis was 3 for 4 for IU with a homer and 3 RBIs, while Mathison was 2 for 4. We gave up four walks which isn't all that bad, and had one WP and didn't hit anyone. It was a case of our first three pitchers not fooling anyone and getting hit hard.

 

[mk24]

Pitching. Woof.

 

[ptrich]

Pitching. Woof.

Yes. It was really brutal for much of the game. Here's the game recap with a link to the box score.

Rally Falls Short for Baseball versus Xavier - Indiana University Athletics

Ten unanswered runs were not enough, as the Indiana baseball program dropped a 12-10 decision on Saturday (March 19) to Xavier at Bart Kaufman Field.

iuhoosiers.com

 

[Orbit7958]

This travel ball coach experiment should soon be over

 

[Dude Where Is My Car]

I repeat Glant has to be fired. You cannot have every pitcher being worse from last year and not blame the new pitching coach.

 

[mk24]

Ptrich, I appreciate your inning by inning recap, because it’s a little easier to read than watch it unfold. I’d really like your take on the current state of the state. Anything you’d like to share? Seems you watch this as close as anyone I know.