Game time is 7pm.
I can't believe I'm excited about the CBI, and Washington State for a 4th time, but I am. The boys are playing that well. Really hope they win this one and get a shot at the intriguing opponents on the other side of the bracket.
CBI resumes tonight. Game time is 7pm.
Not much to say about this game since I didn't read up much on it. I do know TCU has good shooters, so I'd urge CR to ditch the 1-3-1 zone tonight. If they win, it looks as if they'll get the victor of the Washington State/Wyoming game. I'd like to see them face Pitt or Butler from the other bracket in the finals. It's interesting that this tournament uses a "best of three" for the finals. That's actually a pretty cool format.
First pitch is 12pm today.
The matchup is Jace Fry (0-0, 2.08) vs Kyle Porter (2-0, 0.00). OSU has pitched to a 1.73 ERA over the past 6 games, so it's no wonder they're 5-1 over that stretch. This is the pitching we've all expected. If the defense can sure up, this team will go from good (picked them 35th) to great (top 20 and in Omaha).
The two obvious reasons to watch today's game:
I also enjoy watching the position battles play out. I felt Tyler Smith should be a starter all along, and that's finally coming to fruition. It'll be interesting to see who sits. Based on performance, it should be Keyes. But based on talent, I'd like to see Keyes in the lineup with Smith, which would put Tommassini on the bench. Interesting conundrum for Casey, and a nice subplot moving forward.
The game has been moved to noon (from 2:30) due to inclement weather.
The matchup is Ben Wetzler (3-0, 4.70) vs Justin Jones (2-1, 4.05).
Beavs are 26-31 all-time at Cal. They swept there last year, but only 7 guys remain on the roster. Cal is 11-4 so far this year and have a good team. This will be a tough series if the pitching doesn't show up.
Can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm actually looking forward to the CBI. Mainly because there are some good teams who've had recent NCAA success playing in it, and I'd like to see the Beavs advance tonight and get a shot at them. Beating a Butler or Pitt, even if they're down, would be something to build off going into next season.
I hope the Beavers take this tournament seriously. There might be a tendency to say, "Oh, it's just the CBI, who cares?", and it's easy to understand the mentality. But, it's games like this that don't really matter where teams build character and learn how to "get up" (that's what she said?) for every opponent.
Check out CR's press conference here.
Gametime is 7pm.