Watched our games yesterday. In the past with our top pitcher, Collin Floyd, we were nearly unbeatable, usually in game 1 of a series. Coach decided to go with the number 2 starter in game 1 against UIC, Colin Clark, probably thinking if we win against UIC that Floyd gives us a better chance in game 2 against probably Wright State. I think he knew our pitching after the top three guys, including Jon Snyder, is probably not good enough to beat any of the playoff teams with any regularity. It didn't work out as none of our starters gave us the great starts we needed and we were facing the top starters for the opposition. Things like that happen in baseball.
We also had trouble with the other teams bunting. We were had a few times on bunts and it looked to me like our 3rd and 1st baseman were playing positions they did not grow up playing and couldn't make the tough plays. And I think they stole 4 or 5 bases in each game. Also our 2nd baseman sure looked like he has a sore arm and cost us a play or 2.
All in all we had a much improved season with hope for the future. Our limitations were exposed and luck didn't go our way. Again you need to look at the teams in the tournament. The enrollment at UIC is 29,100, Milwaukee 27,000. Chicago, Milwaukee, and Dayton are much larger cities to get dollars and players for a program and at least Wright State and UIC I think have on campus fields. Eastwood field is great, but far from campus for practice and games. This year attendance at home games was good I thought compared to other years, but it doesn't compare to an on campus venue. So as in all YSU sports recruiting is key. With the current Coach our future is good compared to our past. Recruiting contacts and facilities need to be built and the other top teams have that history and contacts we need to build. Look at Track and Field. We are the top team by far. We have a Coach Gorby who has been here at least 20 years. And we have an excellent indoor and outdoor facilities on campus that exceeds the rest of the league. I think only the new team, IUPUI, has an indoor facility on campus. As for a baseball field on campus, it would sure be great. But the cost would be high. We need President Tressel to stay for a while and maybe we could do it. I recall when I first was on campus in the 70's the facilities master plan had a baseball complex on campus in Smokey Hollow. It hasn't happened yet.