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Baseball: Oregon State vs Belmont

By
angry
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229

Game time: Friday at 12pm Pacific.

I've heard some rumblings that Belmont is a dangerous team. I'm simply not buying it. Full disclosure: I've never seen them play.

But the numbers just don't back up the claim that they're a threat. With an RPI of 63 and a SOS of 131, they probably shouldn't even be in the tournament, and definitely would not have made it in as an at-large. Belmont's pitching staff has put up good numbers, when you consider the RPI and SOS I just mentioned it's clear why. They have above average arms in a poor conference. Meanwhile, the Beavers have above average arms (and Fry is an elite arm) in a power conference, and they've only give up .40 more runs per game.Given that Belmont hits .266 as a team with a .378 slugging %… Advantage: Beavers.

Obviously baseball is a tricky game with bad bounces, bad umpires, etc. But assuming those things remain within the norm, I think the Beavs win this game 9 out of 10 times. The one worry is that the offense has been inconsistent, and they might press/struggle in a big spot. The weather (heat and humidity) could be a neutralizing factor, too. Still, I love the Beavs in this game.

Prediction: 8-2, Beavs.

What do Oregon State, Indiana, and Iowa State Have in Common?

By
angry
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126

They're the only three major conference schools without a verbal commitment.

It's refreshing to see the sense of urgency on the recruiting trail.

/sarc

Baseball: Oregon @ Oregon State

By
angry
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283

Something tells me more Beaver fans will be interested in this weekend's games. ;)

Projected match ups:

  • Friday: Wetzler (6-2, 3.30) vs Keudell (10-3, 1.80) 5:35 pm
  • Saturday: Fry (5-3, 2.47) vs. Reed (6-3, 3.06) 1:05 pm
  • Sunday: Child (6-3, 2.80) vs. Gold (8-3, 3.26) 1:05 pm

Saturday's game will be on Root.

The Ducks have won 9 straight, and their pitching has dominated during that stretch. Their team ERA is 2.89 (3.00 in Pac-12 play). That's about 3/4 of a run better than the Beavers. However, the Beavers score about a run more than the Ducks per game. Ducks have a stronger SOS, but since the Ducks resurrected baseball, the Beavers are 6-1 versus them at home. The adage says pitching beats hitting, so Oregon has a small advantage. I don't see either team sweeping, and I expect close games. Because the Beavers still have the better national reputation and the pride that comes with that, I think they'll play their best baseball this weekend and gut out 2 of 3.

Players Leaving the Program

By
angry
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85

Rivals is confirming a rumor that's been floating around that "several" 3 deep players will be leaving the football program next week. Apparently nobody from the 2 deep, though that isn't confirmed. The reasons for the partings vary from mutual breakups to the coaches' leveling with these guys. A few might be academic casualties as well.

The good:

  • Riley finally acknowledges he lays ostrich sized eggs in recruiting.
  • This frees up scholarships for more talented players.

The bad:

  • The staff wasted time and effort–they should have recognized P-12 talent earlier.
  • The program and university invested resources (money, food, equipment, etc) with no return.
  • Roster just got younger and less experienced, which could provide excuses down the line.

I'm a big believer in trimming fat, but I'd like to see an official list of names before deciding. Some young guys on the three deep were solid prospects who I wouldn't want to see leave (e.g. Trosin, who I fear is one of them).

Oregon State @ Washington State

By
angry
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187

Match ups and game times:

  • Friday: Wetzler (4-1, 2.98) vs Chleborad (4-2, 3.57) 5:30pm
  • Saturday: Fry (5-2, 2.19) vs Leckenby (4-6, 4.37) 4:30pm
  • Sunday: Child ( 5-3, 2.55) vs Swannack (3-4, 5.65) 12pm

Go Beavs.

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