Battery mates Russ Anderson and Tod Meisner of the Conference USA Media Relations staff plan to provide insight and information from New Orleans in the Second Annual C-USA Baseball Championship Blog.
May 25, 2008
So Long From New Orleans
Posted at 5:30 p.m. CT
It as finally happened. There is no more Conference USA Baseball to be played at Greer Park at Turchin Field, Jeff Conrad's name for Tulane's new stadium. Fittingly, Jeff Conrad walks away as the SID of the 2008 C-USA Tournament Champions. Rayner Noble's crew did a great job here this week and will represent the league well next week at the NCAA regionals. They should be joined by four other teams in the field, which will match the laegue's record for bids in one season.
Kudos to the job that the Marshall coaches and players did here in New Orleans. That program has made dramatic strides in a very short time under Jeff Waggoner. Few, if anyone, not wearing a Thundering Herd jersey would have expected them to be playing for an NCAA bid this afternoon. The type of improvement that they have shown speaks volumes to how good of a baseball league this is and shows how much of a factor the Herd will be for years to come.
It was quite a week. A week filled with great baseball, long hours, terrific camaradarie, plenty of laughs, one helluva rainstorm, close games, long games, walk-off home runs and a partridge in a pear tree.
Thanks to all who followed the blog this week. We are officially signing off for 2008.
-RDA
Championship History
Posted at 4:50 p.m. CT
Today's 3-2 Championship Game final was the first ever championship game decided by one run.
-TM
Congrats to Jeff and the Cougars
Posted at 4:35 p.m. CT
A special Congratulations goes out to Houston SID and two-time special guest blogger Jeff Conrad. Not sure if he mentioned this last time, but this will be Jeff's last season as the regular baseball SID for Houston. Their office is going through some changes and Mr. Conrad will be getting a well deserved promotion next season and move on to become the Houston Basketball SID. I can not think of a better way to send Jeff off after seven years as the Houston Baseball SID than to have him share in the winning of a C-USA title! As we have told you, he loves this event and this title means a lot to him. even if he won't admit it publicly.
We all know that Jeff will be a regular at future tournaments, but from all of the C-USA Championship baseball crew I wanted to take this time to tell him congrats and that we are all happy for him.
-TM
Houston Wins!
Posted at 4:30 p.m. CT
An angel cried, a trumpet sounded and a voice from up on high said "IT IS DONE!"......Again! The tournament we all thought would never come to an end, finally has.
Cougar left fielder Blake Stewart scored on a one-out fielder's choice ground ball off the bat of second baseman Ryan Lormand as the fourth-seeded University of Houston baseball team won the 2008 Entergy Conference USA Championship with a 3-2 win over sixth-seeded Marshall Sunday afternoon at the new Greer Field at Turchin Stadium.
With the score knotted at 2-all after seven innings, Stewart opened the bottom of the eighth by hitting what appeared to be a routine ground ball to shortstop, but Marshall's Adam Yeager's throw to first was off line and Stewart reached via error. Third baseman Bryan Pounds followed with a walk, and Stewart was able to advance to third on a deep fly ball to right by Jimmy Cesario to set up the game-winning play.
From there Cougar reliever Chase Dempsay sat the Thundering Herd down in order in the ninth to spark the Houston celebration. With the win, the Cougars (39-22) earn the league's automatic berth to the NCAA Regionals, which begin on Friday, May 30, at sites which will be announced later today. Marshall, meanwhile, concludes its season 30-30-1.
The league title was the Cougars third championship as a member of C-USA, its first since 2000 (1997, 2000).
2008 Entergy C-USA Baseball Championship All-Tourament Team
C - Allen Aubin, UAB
IF - Jimmy Cesario, Houston
IF - Ryan Keedy, UAB
IF - Adam Yeager, MAR
OF - Drew Carson, Southern Miss
OF - Zak Presly, Houston
OF - Nate Lape, Marshall
DH - Kyle Roller, East Carololina
P - Steve Blevins, Marshall
P - Jared Ray, Houston
P - Kyle Roberson, UAB
P - Dan Straily, Marshall
MVP - Bryan Pounds, Houston
Back with a bit more and a sign off here in a while when we are done finishing our post game duties...
-TM
2-All After Six
Posted at 3:15 p.m. CT
We have just completed six innings and it is now tied 2-2. The Herd scored on an Kurt Lipton RBI single and proceeded to rap out five consecutive hits, but two outfield assists from (who else) right fielder Bryan Pounds, kept the damage to just one run.
Let me tell you, if you are following along on game tracker or on the radio, or (hopefully) on here as well, you are in a better position that a lot of the fans. It is sweltering outside right now. Not much of a breeze and as humid as it has been all week.
I have now moved back into the nice AC of the pressbox and Jeff Conrad is staring over my shoulder reading my tired work. $Being the great guy that he is, he is checking for typos. At the stage we have all hit, those can become more common than you think.
Houston scored its run after Ryan Lormand was hit by a pitch and then stole both second and third to move 90 feet away from the dish. Zak Presley then stepped in and singled him home with two outs.
In Game Box Score Alert:Zak Presley continues to have a good tournament for UH. He is now 3-for-3 on the day and delivered another two out RBI to tie the game at two.
The whole pressbox is as quiet as it has been all week and maybe it is because Richie is nowhere to be found, hah. Actually there are less people milling around up here than there have been all week and the main press area is filled with SIDs, Jack Duggan the official scorere, MK Bower from the Houston Chronice, an AP writer and Nakia Hogan of the Times Pic and they are all intently watching the game.
I have to get going, the balloting for the All-Tournament team has begun and I need to work on collecting and tabulating those. I'll try to keep up with the scoring and give a few more updates before we wrap things up and sign off. As always....thanks for reading.
-TM
Knotted at One
Posted at 2:05 p.m. CT
Bryan Pounds continues to have a stellar tournament and collected his 11th base hit of the tournament in the bottom of the third to drive in his fifth RBI and tie the game. Pounds is now 11-for-20 in the tournament with one double, three runs scored and the before mentioned five RBI.
-TM
Marshall Scores First
Posted at 2:05 p.m. CT
The Herd jumped on the board first scoring a run in the top of the third of this slow moving C-USA Championship game. Marshall loaded the bases with one out and Nape Lape proceeded to hit a sacrifice fly to bring in the game's first run. So we head to the bottom of the third, with Houston trailing, 1-0.
The Cougars have just managed one hit and the Herd only has two.
I apologize for the gaps in blogging, but to be honest we are all worn down and with the limited space today, I am not always by my computer. The final updates today may just be to keep you up with the score. Running on fumes is a good way to describe the press box right now. Not a whole of interesting facts to pass along so far. Thanks for reading again and don't forget you can purchase C-USA Baseball Championship Photos here.
-TM
More On Marshall
Posted at 1:00 p.m. CT
Marshall trailed 3-2 after seven and a half innings, but designated hitter Kurt Lipton got things going in the bottom of the eighth with a leadoff walk and was lifted in favor of pinch runner Matt Helm. Helm stole second on the very next pitch and catcher Tommy Johnson followed with a single up the middle to tie the game at 3-all.
With one away, shortstop Adam Yeager hit a two-hopper back to the mound for an apparent groundout. Golden Eagles reliever Wade Weathers, however, could not field the ball cleanly and Marshall had runners on the corners with only one out. Weathers got a fly ball to center for the second out of the stanza, and following a passed ball which allowed Yeager to move to second, Southern Miss decided to intentionally walk three-hole hitter Nate Lape to load the bases.
The move backfired, however, as Gomez ripped a sinking line drive to center to plate a pair and send the Herd (30-29-1) to the C-USA Championship Game, which is slated to begin today at 1:06 p.m. Southern Miss (40-20), meanwhile, is eliminated from tournament play.
The two teams traded runs in the opening stanza as Southern Miss centerfielder Bo Davis hit a leadoff homer before Yeager scored on a sacrifice fly by Gomez to make it a 1-1 ballgame.
The Golden Eagles reclaimed the lead in the third on a sacrifice fly by second baseman James Ewing, and pushed the lead to two an inning later on a leadoff homer by left fielder Drew Carson. Marshall made it a one-run ballgame in the home half of the fourth when third baseman Brandon Casamissima belted a home run of his own.
Dan Strailey (5-4) earned the victory after tossing 2.0 perfect innings out of the bullpen. Collin Cargill (5-1) was tagged with the loss after allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits and three walks while fanning three in 3.1 innings of relief.
Marshall Rallies, Will Play Houston for the C-USA Crown
Posted at 12:01 p.m. CT
Marshall's bats are just as hot as the New Orleans sun right now as the Herd rallied for three runs in the bottom of the eighth to take a 5-3 lead and held on with 1-2-3 ninth to advance to its first ever C-USA Baseball Championship Game.
MU loaded the bases in the eighth before C-USA All-Freshman Team member Victor Gomez hit a two-out, two-run single to center field to score the game winning RBIs.
Expect Southern Miss to get one of the league's at-large NCAA Tournament bids despite the loss, so their season will continue. They do take with them a loud and strong contingent of fans that will not be staying for the championship game, which is disappointing.
Marshall meanwhile is trying to win its first conference title since 1981 when it was a member of the Southern Conference. The Herd has won nine conference championships overall. They are also trying to make their first NCAA appearance since 1978 and just their third in program history.
More to come......first pitch of the championship game will be at 1:00 p.m.
-TM
Southern Miss Up by a Run
Posted at 10:12 a.m. CT
It's a steamy Sunday morning in New Orleans for the first-ever Sunday morning game at the C-USA Baseball Championship and we've already seen several home runs.
Bo Davis led the game off with a home run to left field for the Golden Eagles. Marshall answered with a run in the bottom of the first as Adam Yeager singled, stole his eighth base of the tournament and was driven in by Victor Gomez.
After Southern Miss scratched a run across in the third, Drew Carson hit his third home run of the tournament in the fourth to make it 3-1.
But, Marshall answered in the bottom of the fourth when Brandon Casamassima homered to right field, cutting the lead to 3-2.
-RDA
Long Time No Blog
Posted at 8:10 a.m. CT
Well after a quick nap, the crew is back with you for one final day of blogging. We come to you today from the temporary media overflow seating just at the top of the stands behind home plate. Tulane's press box is not quite big enough to hold everyone since CBS College Sports is in the house to do the championship game, so Russ and I set up shop out here. Marshall and Tulane are both out on the field stretching and first pitch of their elimination game is scheduled for 9 a.m. The C-USA Championship game will take place approximately 45 minutes after the first game.
Don't Forget.....Today's championship game will be televised same-day, tape delayed at 9 p.m. (CDT) on the CBS College Sports Network.
-TM
Cougars Win 3-1
Posted at 12:45 a.m. CT
Houston advanced to Sunday's (today's) championship game with their 3-1 win over UAB. Jared Ray improved to 3-2 with the win after tossing 6.1 innings of two-hit ball, while fanning six. Chris Wright came on late for UH to pick up his second save. The win sends the Cougars to the title game for the sixth time in the 13-year history of C-USA.
Brian Pounds had another solid game at the plate for UH going 2-for-3 with two walks and Zak Presley went 2-for-4 and scored all three Cougar runs. Blake Kelso was also solid and went 3-for-5.
The Blazers managed just five hits, led by Brint Hardy who went 1-for-3 with a run scored.
We were officially the last NCAA game being played today and could have been one of the last games to finish at any level in the country. So....wow, what can I say. This long grind is not over as we still only have one championship team determined.
Southern Miss and Marshall will play at 9 a.m. with the winner to play Houston for the C-USA crown. TThanks for reading all day and all week and we will be back within a matter of hours to keep you up to date on the final games.
Don't Forget.....Sunday's championship game will be televised same-day, tape delayed at 9 p.m. (CDT) on the CBS College Sports Network.
-TM
All Is Well, Houston Leads 3-0
Posted at 12:10 a.m. CT
Just to let you all know that you are still here, I figured I better post an update. Also, as the clock has just struck midnight, I would like to officially welcome you to Championship Sunday. The Cougars have scored lone runs in the second, fourth and eighth and lead 3-0 in the top of the ninth. Jared Ray and Wes Musick have combined to toss a three-hitter and have silenced the UAB bats for the first time all week.
Something brief to come after a bit beore we all pass out from exhaustion or sleep deprivation. Whichever comes first.
-TM
May 24, 2008
The Rice Super Fan
Posted at 9:47 p.m. CT
About two weeks ago (or so it seems) Rice was the first team eliminated from the 2008 Entergy Conference USA Baseball Championship brought to you by Murphy's Law. Well, the fact that the Owls are no longer around didn't stop Bob Schlanger from attending. Bob wasn't able to arrive until Friday and may have passed the Owls team bus on Interstate 10. But, he still came to New Orleans to support C-USA Baseball.
A proud Rice alum and regular at all 16 sports on South Main, Bob travels around the country attending Rice athletic events. He has only missed one football game since 1981, has been in Omaha for all six College World Series appearances and, of course lists the 2003 National Championship as his proudest moment as an Owl.
In addition to being an all-around good guy, Bob also has some strong press box skills, include reading the speed of the first pitch of the game and deflecting phone calls that are from wrong numbers.
Bob Schlanger...Rice Super Fan. Thanks for attending, Bob.
RDA
USM/MAR Recap
Posted at 8:45 p.m. CT
Marshall's top three hitters combined to go 6-for-12 with five RBI and nine pitchers combined to limit the Golden Eagles to six hits as the Thundering Herd defeated Southern Miss, 6-2, in day four of the 2008 Entergy Conference USA Baseball Championship at the new Greer Field at Turchin Stadium.
Ryan Keil (3-1) - the fourth pitcher to take the mound for the Herd - earned the win after allowing just a hit and two walks while striking out three in 3.0 scoreless innings. Arik Sikula, who earned the win against Tulane earlier in the day, picked up his eighth save of the year after getting the final two outs of the ballgame.
-TM
2008 C-USA Tournament Brought To You By Murphy's Law
Posted at 8:35 p.m. CT
Marshall has just forced an elimination game with Southern Miss after taking out the Golden Eagles, 6-3, this afternoon. That game will be played at 9 a.m. tomorrow morning, before the scheduled championship game.
So that means for just the fourth time ever and the first time since 2004, we will play the maximum number of tournament games.
I swear, whatever could happen in this event, almost has happened by this point. Between playing the max number of games, raining out almost a whole day of games, Rice being the first team to go 0-2 and still having the chance of a No. 6 vs. No. 8 final. I tell you what, I don't know of anyone who would have predicted all of this to go on.
More recap to come soon....
-TM
Score Update
Posted at 7:25 p.m. CT
Marshall pushed their lead back to four runs at 6-2 in the fifth inning after Josh Valle smashed an RBI-single to center field and Nate Lape's RBI-double to the wall in right center plated Valle.
We've had a little bit of a food shortage up here in the press box, and frankly, things are getting a little ornery. The last thing that we as SIDs need to deal with are hungry members of the media. I swear I just saw Al Jones with the Southern Miss media group take apart a Tulane media guide and salt and pepper the pages.
Fortunately, Tulane SID extraordinaire Richie Weaver has come to the rescue, thanks to his girlfriend Meghan who picked up the food at McDonald's. No one at Tulane has worked harder this week than Richie, and he deserves a lot of credit.
Southern Miss just went 1-2-3 in the bottom of the fifth inning, so we are heading to the sixth with the Thundering Herd still ahead 6-2.
-TM
Time For More Richie
Posted at 6:25 p.m. CT
Well boys and girls, it's officially that time of day here at Greer Field at Turchin Stadium. The sun is blaring in from the area just to the left of the left field foul pole and we can barely see the field. We've got another good one going as Marshall and Southern Miss are squaring off for the right to play in the C-USA Championship Game...excuse me, make that the Entergy C-USA Championship Game.
The Herd just took the early lead in the second on a sacrifice fy by Tommy Johnson, but I wanted to take a moment to thank Jack Duggan for taking time away from his family this week to be our official scorer. Jack and I go way back to my days as a student at Nicholls State, and I had a chance to work with him both as the sports editor of the student newspaper and as an intern in the SID office. Jack has since gotten married, had twins (well, not him personally, but you know what I'm talking about) and is the Assistant AD for Media Relations at his alma mater, Southern Miss. It's a real pleasure to be working along side him again, even if it is for just week.
Oh, by the way, Nate Lape just dropped a three-run bomb on Southern Miss and the Herd now lead, 4-0 in the top of the third. Don't go anywhere folks. This tournament is far from over!!!
Richie
And We Will Play Again Tonight
Posted at 5:18 p.m. CT
Houston just forced an elimination game with UAB after a 10-5 victory. The Coogs got one run on two hits in the bottom of the 8th. Blake Kelso singled to begin the inning but was thrown out on a steal attempt. Jake Stewart then walked and stole second, before he was singled home by Brian Pounds for UH's 10th run.
UAB's fifth runs came in the top of the 8th with two outs. Allen Aubin singled to the right side before Jonathan Merritt hit a home run to left field to make the score 9-5.
Both teams pounded out double-digit hits as the Cougars tallied 10 and the Blazers notched 11. Jake Stewart, Ryan Lormand and Bryan Pounds all had multi-hit efforts for UH. Pounds led the way with a 3-for-4 day and four RBI, while Stewart and Lormand both had two knocks.
Allen Aubin led the way for UAB with a 4-for-4 performance and two RBI, while Phil Bell went 3-for-5.
First pitch for the Southern Miss/Marshall contest is set for 5:40 with the UAB/Houston rematch to take place 45 minutes afterwards.
-TM8
Remote Blogging from the ATL
Posted at 4:27 p.m. CT
And now, oour first entry from a remote blogger...Chris Pika, legendary former UAB Baseball SID, sent this in from metro Atlanta after my last post:
"The 1997 tournament was the one that UAB had to beat UH twice ... UAB won in extra innings to force the second game and UH bled us out with a bunch of single-run innings in the late game if I remember correctly ... We threw a reliever, I think Scott Beyer, in the late game and he just couldn't get out of innings without 1 run coming across."
But, 11 years later, he's not bitter...
BTW, it is now Houston 9, UAB 3 going into the eighth.
-RDA
Coogs Extend Lead
Posted at 3:46 p.m. CT
Houston has extended its lead to 7-2. Bryan Pounds hit a towering home run to dead center field that was estimated by Tulane's Eric Hollier to have gone "a long, long way." It was probably in the 430 foot area, clearing the 30-foot screen in dead center and landing in the palm trees behind the screen.
Jimmy Cesario walked and scored on a triple by Ryan Lormand to right center. After the Blazers changed pitchers, opting for Johnny Volk, Lormand scored on a sacrifice bunt by Bryan Tully.
UAB and Houston are charter members of Conference USA, but, surprisingly this is only the third year that they have faced each other in the Conference USA Championship. The teams split games in 1997 and Houston won a matchup in 2005. The Cougars could be on their way to a win in this one and forcing a second UAB-UH matchup later, later, later tonight and maybe into Sunday at the rate today's games are moving.
-RDA
UH 4, UAB 2
Posted at 3:18 p.m. CT
Through three innings it is Houston 4, UAB 2. The Coogs scored three in the first on a Jake Stewart two-run home run and a Zak Presley sacrifice fly. They got their fourth run in the second on a Bryan Pounds single through the left side of the infield that scored Stewart after he hit a two-out double.
UAB has just reponded in the top of the fourth with two runs. Cody McMurry reached on an error to begin the inning and adanced to second. Phil Bell flied out to advance McMurry to third. After Brint Hardy strike out, Luke Stewart was hit by a pitch to put two men on. Austin Taylor drew a walk to load the bases and Allen Aubin followed with a two-run single to left field.
We head to the bottom of the fourth with the Coogs up 2.
And in other C-USA News, Houston Softball won their Super Regional game against La-Lafayette in Houston earlier this afternoon and has forced an elimination game. The winner will advance to the Women's College World Series. That game just began at 3 pm.
-TM
PS -- The Cougars are in their Atlanta Brave look alike home unis for today's game and all starters are high cuffed once again in a show of solidarity.
More Recap
Posted at 2:21 p.m. CT
Marshall left fielder Jeff Rowley scored from third on a two-out wild pitch in the bottom of the ninth inning as sixth-seeded Marshall defeated host and third-seeded Tulane, 7-6, during day four of the 2008 Entergy Conference USA Baseball Championship Saturday at the new Greer Field at Turchin Stadium.
The two teams traded momentum swings throughout the ballgame, but the final blow came in the ninth when Rowley singled, and advanced to third on a hit-and-run single by designated hitter Kurt Lipton. Tulane reliever Rob Segedin struck out third baseman Brandon Casamassima for the second out of the inning, but his throw to nine-hole hitter Ben Jurevicius was behind the batter and that allowed the winning run to touch the home for the win.
Lape finished the game 3-for-4 with three RBI, three stolen bases and two runs scored. Rowley was 2-for-3 with two runs scored for the winners. Arik Skula grabbed the win, fanning four and walking one in 2.1 innings of work.
This was just the second game in tournament history to end on a walk off wild pitch. In 2004 UAB defeated Memphis, 8-7 also on a wild pitch to the screen.
With the win, Marshall (28-29-1) advances to play second-seeded Southern Miss today at 4:30 p.m. Tulane (37-20-1), meanwhile, is eliminated from tournament play.
-TM
Walk Off Wild Pitch!
Posted at 1:26 p.m. CT
Marshall wins 8-7 on a walk off wild pitch from reliever Rob Segedin. Jeff Rowley led of the bottom of the ninth with with a single to right field and after a Tommy Johnson pop out, Kurt Lipton lined a single to center to put runners on first and third with one out. Brandon Casamassima stepped in next and had a great at-bat, but ended up striking out. However, a few pitches later, Segedin's pitch got away from him and went behind Jurevicius and Towley was able to score the winning run.
WOW..the last few days' games have been really exciting.
A note to pass along....that was the second game in tournament history to end on a walk off wild pitch. In 2004 UAB defeated Memphis 8-7 also on a wild pitch to the screen.
Back with some more in a bit...
-TM
And We Are Tied
Posted at 12:58 p.m. CT
With two outs in the bottom of the 8th, Josh Valle singled to center to keep the inning alive. Matt Helm came in to pinch run for Valle and proceeded to steal second. Nate Lape (who is having a helluva day by the way) collected his third hit of the day to bring home Helm tie the game. Lape then stole his third base of the day to get in to scroring position, but was stranded as VIctor Gomez struck out swinging.
Top of the ninth....7-7.
-TM
Scelfo Puts Wave on Top
Posted at 12:31 p.m. CT
The lead has changed hands once again. In a dramatic top of the eighth inning, Anthony Scelfo hit a two-out, two-RBI single to centerfield, scoring Sam Honeck and Drew Allain to give Tulane a 7-6 lead.
This one is not exactly moving swiftly (we're at 3:29 in the bottom of the eighth inning), but is exciting and full of drama.
-RDA
Marshall, Marshall, Marshall
Posted at 11:11 a.m. CT
Tulane's lead was short-lived. Marshall answered the Green Wave's four runs in the top of the fifth inning with a four spot of its own. Adam Yeager doubled to lead off the inning and scored on Nate Lape's second home run of the toournament. Victor Gomez singled and Jeff Rowley walked. Both runners advanced on a fielders choice and then Kurt Lipton hit a single to center that fell just in front of Anthony Scelfo's glove, scoring both runners and giving Marshall a 6-4 lead.
Up here in the press box, the first member of the CBS College Sports crew that will be announcing Sunday's Championship game has arrived. Tom Hart, a familiar voice of Conference USA the past three years on CBS C, is in the house and preparing to call tomorrow's action. I am going to spend some time visiting with him, so we will check back in with you later on.
-RDA
Back to Back Jacks
Posted at 10:42 a.m. CT
Marshall starter Andrew Blain was cruising along, allowing just one hit into the fifth inning. But, after Aja Barto beat the throw the first on a potential double play ball, Tulane's rally pressed into full gear. Anthony Scelfo crushed a ball high on the screen behind the left field fence to give the Green Wave a 3-2 lead. Then, Seth Henry went deep to right field, making it a four-run inning. Going to the bottom of the fifth it's Tulane 4, Marshall 2.
-RDA
Broken Record
Posted at 10:00 a.m. CT
Well not only does this day feel like a broken record right now, we just witnessed one. Marshall leadoff hitter Adan Yeager just stole his 7th base of the tourament to set the record for steals in a tournament. Folks, that is seven steals in just over two games, as we are only in the third inning this morning.
Quick update.....it is Marshall 2, Tulane 0. The Herd scored on a two-out RBI single from Victor Gomez in the bottom of the first and then added another run in the second on a home run by third baseman and 2008 All-Name Team member, Brandon Casamassima.
-TM
Inside the Numbers
Posted at 9:15 a.m. CT
Glancing at the tournament stats, a couple of things stand out. The two teams that have yet to lose each have one player putting up dynamic numbers.
Southern Miss outfielder Drew Carson is slugging an eye-popping 1.857, thanks to two doubles and two home runs, including a moon shot against Marshall that brought rain with it. He is hitting .714 (5-for-7) and also has four RBI in the two games.
UAB's Ryan Keedy continues to prove how valuable he was to his team this season. After hitting a couple of doubles and driving in three runs in the win over Rice on Wednesday, Keedy injured his hamstring late in the game. After a day off thanks to mother nature, he was able to return to the lineup on Friday, limping a little, but ready to play. Keedy then pulled a page out of the Kirk Gibson playbook, playing through pain and hitting a monster game-winning home run off the light pole behind left centerfield. The blast brought his tournament totals to this: .625 batting average, 1.250 slugging percentage, two doubles, a one home run and four RBI.
Other notables at this point in the tournament: Houston's Jimmy Cesario has six hits, while Cougar teammate Bryan Pounds has five. Marshall's Adam Yeager has stolen six bases in two games. Herd teammate Steve Blevins has thrown the only complete game and Southern Miss reliever Wade Weathers has thrown 4.2 scoreless innings in a pair of relief appearances.
Looking at the team stats, it's no surprise that the two undefeated teams, UAB and Southern Miss are leading in both hitting and pitching. The Blazers are batting .356, while the Golden Eagles are hitting .282. Both clubs have team ERA's of 3.00.
-RDA
Good Morning?
Posted at 8:45 a.m. CT
We all feel like Bill Murray in Groundhog Day at this point that is for sure. Another day, another 7 a.m. wakeup call to be here at the ballyard by 8. I just inhaled a plate of mini pastries and am trying to "sugar up" for the day. Looks like Russ wants to share his perspective now, so I will turn things over to him.
-TM
May 23, 2008
Where Are We Playing Again.....Long Day Is Over
Posted at 12:10 a.m. CT
The Houston combination of Bryan Tully and Chase Dempsay fanned six and allowed just one run on four hits, and the offense plated a pair of runs in the sixth inning, as the fourth-seeded Cougars defeated No. 5 seed East Carolina, 2-1, in day three of the 2008 Entergy Conference USA Baseball Championship Friday evening at the new Greer Field at Turchin Stadium.
Cesario was 2-for-3 with double and a run scored, while Bryan Pounds had a pair of hits. The Cougars had eight hits and stranded 12 runners on base.
Tully (5-3) earned his fifth victory of the season, allowing just three hits and fanning three in 5.1 innings of work. Dempsay went 3.2 innings, allowing only one hit and striking out three.
Sthil Sowers (4-4) took the loss, giving up two earned runs on six hits over 5.1 innings. He fanned seven and walked two.
With the win, Houston (36-22) advances to take on UAB on Saturday at 12:30 p.m.
Houston advances to a rematch with UAB game at 12:30 p.m. CT on Friday. East Carolina (40-19), meanwhile, was eliminated from tournament play.
And on a lighter note....You know it has been a long week at the ball park when even guest blogger Jeff Conrad is making mistakes in his work. I hate to tear down such a good guy, but when it is after midnight and you get a release that basically renames the ballpark we have been at all week, it just has to be written about.
Maybe this is funny because we are all so tired but here is what Jeff called the Tulane facility in his HOU/ECU postgame release: Greer Park at Turchin Field.
Good night for now....we will talk to you all again in oh, 8 or so hours.
-TM
Coogs Still Alive
Posted at 11:20 p.m. CT
Houston hung on for the 2-1 win. Bryan Tully picked up his fifth win of the season and Chase Dempsay notched his 11th save. We will have a more detailed wrap up later, but here are some notes.
Friday's four games were decided by seven total runs, which matches the tournament single day record for smallest total victory margin (2005 in Hattiesburg).
Houston became the first team in tournament history to lose a one-run game and win a one-run game in the same day.
Another long day of baseball, but very exciting action once again.
-TM
UH 2, ECU 1
Posted at 10:00 p.m. CT
UH was finally able to break through in the top of the sixth and grabbed two runs on two hits. Jimmy Cesario drew a leadoff walk and then advanced to second second on a grounout. Zak Presley followed with a triple to center to score Cesario. Tully was up next and drew a walk from Seth Simmons. Chris Wallace came up and hit a dribbler and Presley was thrown out at the plate, but the play moved Tully to second and Wallace was safe at first.
Caleb Ramsey followed with a single to center to give his team the lead when Tully scored.
And I have to apologize for leaving this great factoid out for the first six innings, but in a sign of solidarity, the UH starters all went high cuffed in this elimination game.
The Coogs are sporting red alternate jerseys with white pants (high cuffed) and blue socks. I have only noticed one player with stirrup socks.
I feel like I have let so many Uni Watchers down. Sorry for this terrible, terrible oversight. Now, back to watching the action through our fogged up windows. And no, it is not because we are talking too much.
-TM
Two Good Notes/Score Update
Posted at 8:20 p.m. CT
Southern Miss improved to 34-0 on the season when leading after six innings with its win over the Herd. How impressive is that?
Also a tied record from the last game: Adam Yeager stole his sixth base of the tournament in just two games to tie the Championship record.
ECU's Harrison Eldridge, a 2007 All-Name Team member, led off the bottom of the first with a 400-foot home run to center field to give the Pirates a 1-0 lead. Just began the top of the second and the score is still 1-0.
2008 All-Name Team MVP Sthil Sowers is on the bump for ECU. His counterpart is Bryan Tully.
-TM
More USM/MAR Recap
Posted at 8:10 p.m. CT
Southern Miss left fielder Drew Carson went 4-for-4 with a double and a home run, and closer Tyler Conn pitched his way out of a bases-loaded jam in the ninth inning as the second-seeded Southern Miss baseball team defeated sixth-seeded Marshall, 5-3, in day three of the 2008 Entergy Conference USA Baseball Championship Friday evening at the new Greer Field at Turchin Stadium.
Barry Bowden (8-3) earned the victory after fanning six and allowing two runs (one earned) on four hits in a 6.0-inning start and Wade Weathers allowed a pair of hits in 1.1 innings out of the bullpen. Conn, meanwhile, entered the ballgame with one out in the eighth and retired the only two batters he faced in the inning.
Marshall trailed 5-2 going into the final stanza, but got a walk, and a hit-and-run single to put runners on the corners with nobody out. Herd third baseman Ben Jurevicius cut the lead to two with a sacrifice fly to right and Marshall followed with a single by Adam Yeager before Josh Valle was hit by a pitch to load the bases with only one away. Conn, however, bounced back to strike out Nate Lape and get Victor Gomez to fly out deep to left to pick up his 18th save of the year.
With the win, Southern Miss (40-18) moves on in the winner's bracket and will take on the winner of tomorrow's Tulane/Marshall game at 4:30 p.m. Marshall (27-29-1), meanwhile, will take on host Green Wave at 9 a.m. tomorrow.
East Carolina/Houston is just underway....
-TM
FINAL Southern Miss 5, Marshall 3
Posted at 7:36 p.m. CT
After we last checked in, USM had just taken a 3-2 lead. The Golden Eagles added another run in the sixth on a Corey Stevens ground out that scored Chris Matesich. Southern Miss then pushed its lead to 5-2 when Drew Carson doubled to lead off the ninth, was advanced to third on a sac fly from Matesich and then stole home.
Marshall had a chance to win after loading the bases when Brandon Casamassima drew a leadoff walk, Kurt Lipton singled through the left side and then had a sacrifice fly from Ben Jurevicius to score Casamassima to make it 5-3.
The Herd then filled the bases up again, but Victor Gomez flied out to the wall to end the threat and the game.
Barry Bowden notched his eighth win of the season against three losses and Tyler Conn earned his league leading 18th save.
More to come....the final game is set to begin at 8:05.
-TM
And Now.....Jeff Conrad
Posted at 6:20 p.m. CT
Good evening everyone, Jeff Conrad from the University of Houston Sports Information Office here with your latest scoring update. Marshall's Ben Jurevicius smashed a solo home run down the left-field line that managed to stay fair in the fifth inning, but Southern Miss' Brian Dozier just blasted a long ball to lead off the sixth inning and give the Golden Eagles the lead again at 3-2.
This is my seventh year working with C-USA Baseball, and it is one of the best events hosted by the league every year. While the games themselves are fun, it is the people in the press box, working behind the scenes to provide the best atmosphere for fans, players, coaches and members of the media, that makes this event special.
For the last several years, I am a constant in the press box, whether my beloved Cougars are playing are not, sometimes to the chagrin of the working staff. And the reason for that is simple. It is the people working the event who make the Championship fun for me. There is noting better than getting to the park for the first game and closing the gates after the final game.
Russ Anderson and Tod Meisner from Conference USA and all of the SIDs in the league are a lot of fun and a pleasure to work with.
John Sullivan from Rice is always a gentleman -- not to mention the 2008 Ball of Shame winner !! -- while you never really know what you are going to get from Tulane's Richie Weaver. But what you do get is usually a little colorful to say the least. East Carolina's Malcolm Gray works hard and does good work and though he wasn't here this season, Memphis' Jason Redd is a first-class SID and was with all of us in spirit . UCF's Brian Ormiston is a talented young SID for the Knights. I really don't have anything nice to say about UAB's Mark Vellek, especially after his Blazers knocked my Cougars out of the winner's bracket earlier today, hah.
This is the first year that I have worked with Jason Kirksey from Southern Miss and Chris Atwood from Marshall but they will fit in very well with this group in future years.
You don't hear about these guys very often, as they work out of the spotlight to make their respective programs successful, but you would know all about it if they stopped doing all the good work that they do.
Thanks for reading......Jeff
The Carson Show
Posted at 5:06 p.m. CT
We have a score in the third game of the day. Southern Miss leftfielder Drew Carson hit a towering...and I mean towering home run to left field. The shot cleared the top of the right side of the great new video scoreboard in left-center field. The ball travel an estimated 410 feet, but was so impressive in clearing the 40-foot high scoreboard on its way out of the yard. Eagles 1, Herd 0...
-RDA
Blazin'
Posted at 4:31 p.m. CT
What in the name of Slade Blackwell and Blake Mayo is going on here? This is just the second time in the 13-year history of C-USA Championship that charter member UAB has won its first two games to advance directly to the semifinals. In 2004, the Blazers downed Tulane in the opening round and won its second game in dramatic fashion over Memphis on a wild pitch (sorry, Ryan Powell) to move directly to Saturday. Somewhere in metro Atlanta, Chris Pika must be very proud.
-RDA
Another Eight-Seed Tidbit
Posted at 4:11 p.m. CT
This was just the second time in tournament history that a No. 8 seed has won its first two games. In the tournaments first year in 1996, No. 8 Louisville won its play-in game against No. 9 Cincinnati, 4-2, and then went on to upset No. 1 USF, 13-9. The Cardinals then went on to lose their next two games by scores of 23-3 and 14-11.
-TM
And Keedy Ends It
Posted at 3:55 p.m. CT
WOW....Richie Weaver just called that. UAB failed to score in the bottom of the eighth and likewise for Houston in the top of the ninth. Ryan Keedy, who some feel should have won C-USA Player of the Year honors, was due to lead off the ninth. As he strode to the plate, Richie said to me, here is your headline "And Keedy Ends It" and BANG.....on the next pitch he hit a walk-off bomb to left center field that bonced off the light pole. It was a no-doubter and I am still stunned that Richie called it just before it happend. His predictions have been dead on almost all tournament.
More to come...
-TM
Coogs Even Things Up
Posted at 3:35 p.m. CT
Houson started a one-out rally in the top of the eighth and scored four runs on four hits to tie the game at 4-all.
It all began with a Chris Wallace walk. Caleb Ramsey was up next and singled through the right side. Lead off hitter Blake Kelso followed with another single to load the bases. Jake Stewart then drew a bases loaded walk to makethe score 4-1.
UAB brought in Billy Lichtner in place of starter Mitch Kloskowski who promptly gave up back-to-back singles to Bryan Pounds and Jimmy Cesario that tied things up.
So, we head to the bottom of the eighth all knotted up.
-TM
Uni Watch Installment No. 2
Posted at 2:25 p.m. CT
I would say that all of our teams have solid uniform combinations, so I will not attempt to rank then 1-8. I will, however, give you some team highlights from today's teams. Houston and UAB both sport solid unis that are similar to some MLB duds. Houston's all white home unis look strikingly similar to Atlanta's and UAB's home whites are similar to Oakland's. Both teams wear the white shoes to boot!
The Coogs are sporting an alternate away jersyey today. It is blue with red down the sleeves and complemented with their road gray pants.
Don't foget to check out the greatness that is the Uni Watch Blog here. Also, go check out and purchase photos from the 2008 Baseball Championship here.
UAB Up 3-0
Posted at 1:58 p.m. CT
The Blazers have jumped out to the early lead here in game seven. UAB got two runs on two hits in the first and added another run in the second. Jonathan Merritt hit a triple to the gap in the first frame and has scored two of his teams three runs. Nick Crawford, Luke Stewart and Phill Bell have driven in the team's runs. Crawford has also scored a run.
Things are a bit more quiet up here in our booth as Jeff Conrad has left to go score his game and is in the main press box. In his place we have the Times-Picayune's own Nakia Hogan, the Tulane beat writer, who is putting the finishing touches on his post game story about the Green Wave.
Russ or myself will be back with more as the game progresses. Depending on the outcome of this game, we are trying to get Conrad to come on to do a guest blog. I know you are all excited....
-TM
More Tulane Wrap
Posted at 1:48 p.m. CT
Tulane Freshman Rob Segedin tossed 2.1 innings of scoreless relief and junior second baseman Seth Henry broke open a close game with a two-run homer in the ninth as the third-seeded Tulane defeated No. 7 seed UCF, 5-2, in day three of the 2008 Entergy Conference USA Baseball Championship at the new Greer Field at Turchin Stadium.
Trailing 2-0 after five innings, Tulane plated two in the sixth, one in the eight and two more in the ninth to rally for the win. Segedin allowed just one hit, and the Green Wave were turned a season-high four double plays.
With the win, Tulane (37-19-1) advances to play the loser of today's Southern Miss/Marshall contest on Saturday at 9 a.m. UCF, meanwhile, is eliminated from tournament play and concludes its season at 31-27.
Wave Win, 5-2
Posted at 12:15 p.m. CT
Seth Henry blasted his sixth home run of the season, a two-run blast to left center field, that extended the Green Wave lead to 5-2 and Rob Segedin made quick work of UCF in the ninth, to help Tulane advance to play tomorrow. With the win, TU will now play the loser of Game 8 at 9 a.m. tomorrow. More to come....
-TM
Tulane Takes The Lead
Posted at 11:55 a.m. CT
Tulane now leads 3-2 as we head to the ninth inning.
In the bottom of the 8th inning, Rob Segedin singled to center to begin the frame and Jared Dyer sacrificed him to second. Sam Honeck was then intentionally walked and Drew Allain stepped in next and singled to short, loading the bases. Scott Powell then hit into a fielder's choice for an RBI and the second out of the inning. Josh Prince then grounded to the second baseman who flipped to short to force out Powell to end the inning and send TU to the bottom of the inning with the lead.
UCF went 1-2-3 in the bottom half of the inning and the Wave need to get three more outs to advance and eliminate the Knights .
-TM
Wave Rolls To Tie It
Posted at 11:10 a.m. CT
The Green Wave were helped by three walks and used a Jared Dyer single to left field to tie the game 2-2 in the top of the sixth. The RBI were Dyer's 34th and 35th on the season. It could have been worse, but Austin Hudson came on in relief for the Knights and induced an Andrew Rodgers line out that stranded the bases loaded.
-TM
Brown Goes Downtown
Posted at 10:20 a.m. CT
For the first time in 23 hours a run was scored at Greer Field at Turchin Stadium. Actually, it was two runs. After all-name team member Kiko Vazquez was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning, Shane Brown hit a towering two-run home run to centerfield to give UCF a 2-0 lead.
-RDA
Web Gem
Posted at 9:25 a.m. CT
Tulane right fielder Drew Allain just made an Awesome diving catch that saved a run and ended the bottom of the first. The drive by Shane brown may have been a triple had it got down, but Allain tracked it down in the right centerfield gap and made the full extention grab about 380 feet from home plate. This explanation doesn't do it justice of course, but lets just say our booth erupted when he made the play. Well done son!
No score in the top of the second.
-TM
Pitching Matchups
Posted at 9:10 a.m. CT
First pitch was at 9:02 and here are game one's pitching matchups that I failed to provide earlier.
For Tulane, Matt Petiton a left-handed freshman with a 2.83 ERA and a 6-1 record.
For UCF, Mitch Herold a left-handed junior with a 3.01 ERA and a 4-4 record.
-TM
Breakfast at Turchin Part III, Unfortunately
Posted at 8:55 a.m. CT
Hey, who is ready to play some baseball? Skies have cleared (Finally!) and we are about to get the Tulane/UCF game underway, just a shade under 21 hours late.
The reason for the title of this blog, well the unfortunately part, is becuase we were supposed to get to sleep in today as the first game was originally not supposed to begin until 3 p.m. We did get to go home before midnight last night, so we got more sleep than expected, but still nobody honestly wanted to be here at 8 a.m. again.
But, we are here and ready to go. The schedule of today's games is still listed below and we will be along all day with updates. Thanks to those who hung in there yesterday to read our "Rain Delay News" and hopefully we can bring you more fun facts and stories today.
Oh, and if anyone can make sure the rain stays away again today, that would be greatly appreciated.
-TM
May 22, 2008
Revised Schedule for C-USA Baseball Championship
Posted at 9:10 p.m. CT
Due to heavy rains all day in the New Orleans area, the final three games from Thursday have all been postponed. The schedule of games for Friday and Saturday at the 2008 Entergy Conference USA Baseball Championship has been revised and is listed below.
FRIDAY
9 a.m. CDT - No. 3 Tulane vs. No. 7 UCF
12:30 p.m. CDT - No. 4 Houston vs. No. 8 UAB
4 p.m. CDT - No. 6 Marshall vs. No. 2 Southern Miss
7:30 p.m. CDT - No. 5 East Carolina vs. Houston/UAB loser
SATURDAY
9 a.m. CDT - Tulane/UCF winnner vs. Marshall/Southern Miss loser
12:30 p.m. CDT - Houston/UAB winner vs. East Carolina/UAB/Houston
4 p.m. CDT - Game 12
7:30 p.m. CDT - Game 13 (if necessary)
SUNDAY
TBA - Game 14 (if necessary)
1:00 p.m. CDT - Championship Game (CBS C)
This marks just the second time in the 13-year history of the C-USA Championship that a game was not able to be completed on its scheduled day. In 2005, the championship game was not able to be played due to torrential storms and lightning in the Hattiesburg, Mississippi area.
The 2008 C-USA Baseball All-Name Team
Posted at 8:20 p.m. CT
Still raining and still haven't played a lick of the second game.....and on with the awards as promised.
Ladies and Gentlemen....it is time to present to the world the 2008 Conference USA All-Name Team as chosen by myself, Russ, Houston SID Jeff Conrad, and Tulane SIDs Richie Weaver and Eric Hollier. Fourteen uniquely named individuals made the second annual squad.
While the team is now a staple for the C-USA Baseball Championship, I used to come up with teams like this all the time when I worked for the Missouri Valley Conference and have begun doing it at other C-USA Championships. However, at those events, I usually don't have an outlet like this to actually publish my team.
We had originally settled on 13 players to try and match the number of members on the first and second All-Conference teams. But, this season we amended the rules because we could not trim it from the 14 good names we had this season. Oh, and also we made his team up and make the rules on this blog so deal with it. East Carolina and Tulane led the way this season with three members, while Marshall and UCF both had two members. Ok...without further adieu...
*Brett Butts - ECU
T. J. Hose - ECU
Sthil Sowers - ECU
*Felix Fanaselle - HOU
Brandon Casamassima - MAR
Arik Sikula - MAR
*Diego Seastrunk - Rice
*Trey Cuevas - USM
*Aja Barto - TLN
*Grayden Griener - TLN
*Shooter Hunt - TLN
Digger Towe - UAB
*Jaager Good - UCF
*Kiko Vasquez - UCF
* - Repeat Selections
More Rain Delay Trivia
Posted at 7:20 p.m. CT
Another great nugget from Russ. This is only the second time in the 13-year history of the C-USA Baseball Championship that a game was not able to be completed on its scheduled day. In 2005, the championship game was cancelled due to torrential storms and lightning in the Hattiesburg area. Still no first pitch time, but I promise that is coming soon as the field is about dry and the tournament officials are down on the field trying to figure out the last details as I type.
-TM
Update Again, I Hope
Posted at 6:40 p.m. CT
Ok....here is the latest and I'm not even sure if this will hold up. Just as soon as things appeared to clear up and teams were on the field stretching and throwing, the skies opened up again. But here is the tentive plan as it stands now.
Once this cell moves through, the Tulane/UCF game will be played.
Play will resume tomorow with the Houston/UAB game at 9 a.m., followed by the Marshall/Southern Miss game at 12:30 p.m.
East Carolina will then play at 4 p.m. against the Houston/UAB loser. In the nightcap, The Tulane/UCF winner will play the Marshall/Southern Miss loser in an elimination game at 7:30 p.m. Saturday's and Sunday's games will then continue as scheduled.
It has honestly rained all afternoon since just about the end of the ECU/Rice game. This delay is officially the longest in C-USA Baseball Championship history, in case you were wondering.
Check the front page of the website for the official release on the revised bracket and check back for any updates on when the Tuane/UCF first pitch will officially be announced.
-TM
Update and a Movie
Posted at 4:40 p.m. CT
I wish I had something new to report but I don't. It is still raining buckets here in NOLA. It looks more like Greer Lake at Turchin Stadium and no end is in sight. All the important officials (which obviously doesn't include me) have been meeting for a while now to get a plan ready for what games will be played if/when it begins to stop raining. That is all I can pass on. You just have to sit here and wait with the rest of us.
Oh wait, what is this, a movie? Yes it is.....the kind folks here at Tulane have just put on "A Night At The Museum" on the jumbo tron. Good flick I might add. So I am going to settle in and watch this and if anything changes as far as what games we are or are not going to play today, I will let it be known on here.
The All-Name Teams is still coming at some point too, so there is your tease again to keep you checking back.
-TM
We Welcome With Love, Richie Weaver
Posted at 3:10 p.m. CT
Hey guys, Richie Weaver of the Tulane Athletic Communications Office here, and first off, let me say what a pleasure it is to be the first guest blgger in Conference USA Baseball Championship history. With the rain and lightning in the New Orleans area, we've had a little down time here at Greer Field at Turchin Stadium. While I obviously can't speak for the teams, I can tell you that everyone here in the press box remain in high spirits and can't wait to get this thing going again just as soon as Mother Nature cuts us a little slack.
I don't know how many of you have ever attended any of the previous 12 C-USA Baseball Tournaments, but in my seven years working at a league affiliate, I can tell you they're always a great time. The teams in C-USA are among the best in the country, and it's always fun to watch the teams do battle on the field. From a personal standpoint, it's also a lot of fun in the press box as guys like Russ and Tod (or "The Toad" as we call him) as well as the school SIDs are all great guys. There is a good deal of ribbing going on usually, and there's not a soul up here who isn't pretty quick to throw a jab at someone else. Guys always get on Houston's Jeff Conrad for being short, Rice's John Sullivan for winning the annual Steve Martin Look-Alike Contest, and everyone is always on my butt about just being your Grade A goofball.
I've been working in the SID world for going on a decade now, and I can honestly say that there is not another time of year I look forward to more than the C-USA Baseball Tournament. If you can make it out here later on today or any time before Sunday's Championship Game, I encourage you to come on down to The Big Easy. You won't be disappointed.
And as an aside, if you do plan on coming down this way, maybe you can help us out. We are putting together a collection to try and buy Tod an extra "d" to complete the correct spelling of his name. Rumors abound as to the origin of the odd speling, but no one is really sure whey Tod only has one "d" in his name. As a result, however, the poor guy has to put up with us calling him "The Toad". For his sanity, please give generously.
-RW
PS -- I'm sorry folks, I forgot to mention that this last guest entry was brought to you by Entergy.
More Notes, More Rain and Lightning
Posted at 2:00 p.m. CT
Since 2000, there have been five teams that ended the regular season in the same city as the C-USA Baseball Tournament and they have won a grand total of one game. So, there is proof in the numbers that there is a bit of a correlation between staying in the host city for an extended period of time.
I guess things like this do even affect more tested teams like the Owls. We all have been joking since they joined the league that they would probably be the only team to never go 2 and Q.
One more note to pass along from RDA, this is the first time that the Owls have ever lost two consecutive C-USA games. It was only their 10th loss against a league team since joining C-USA in 2005-06. Their overall record is now 65-10 against C-USA teams.
PS....still raining and there is now more lightning. Don't look for the first pitch from game two anytime soon. But, keep checking the blog for some more useless (I mean highly useful) facts.
-TM
Rain, Rain, Go Away
Posted at 1:40 p.m. CT
It is raining and we are not playing anytime soon. That is all I can say. Even though the field can hold up, it is just raining too hard to make the student-athletes play baseball. Again, I know I am sounding like a broken record, but stay tuned....
-TM
No. 1 Goes Down
Posted at 1:15 p.m. CT
Sorry for the delay as I just got back up from the field. As you may or may not know, East Carolina stunned top-seeded Rice, 4-3, in today's first weather plagued game. Pirate reliever T.J. Hose struck out five in 4.1 scoreless innings and Josh Ruhlman retired the final two batters of the ballgame to eliminate the No. 1 seed.
T.J. Hose (6-4) walked four during his time on the hill, but did not allow a hit to the 13 Rice players who drew an official at-bat. Ruhlman, meanwhile, picked up his second save of the 2008 season. The Professor (7-4) was tagged with the loss after allowing four runs on six hits and three walks while striking out four in 5.1 frames.
With the win, East Carolina (40-18) advances to play the loser of tonight's Houston/UAB matchup on Friday at 3 p.m. Rice (42-13) is eliminated from the tournament, becoming the first No. 1 seed to go 0-2 in the C-USA tournament in the 13-year history of C-USA.
This was also Rice' first 0-2 showing in a league championship since the 1995 Southwest Conference Tournament.
More rain is threatening the area and first pitch for the UCF/Tulane game is now scheduled for about 1:30 p.m. Stay tuned for more weather updates. \
-TM
Play Ball!
Posted at 12:15 p.m. CT
After a 48 minute rain/lightning delay, we are back to playing baseball. Adam Zornes ended up reaching on a fielder's choice and Aaron Luna was forced out a second. Rick Hague was walked and then Chad Mozingo struck out to end the inning.
We head to the bottom of the eighth and the Pirates still lead, 4-3.
UPDATE: Raining Now Too
Posted at 11:40 a.m. CT
The rains have came and went. Not sure if they will pass back through again. Right after the lightning was spotted and play was halted, a nice 10 minute downpur ensued. But, it has now passed and we are getting word that with this awesome field and with no more lightning, we may be back in action by 11:45.
<>-TM
Lightning Delay
Posted at 11:25 a.m. CT
Well with one on and one out in the top of the 8th, we are now in a lightning delay. Adam Zornes was at the plate with one ball and two strikes when time was called. Fans are taking cover and we are now left so sit and tell even more bad jokes and inside jokes.
Per conference guru Russ, the last time we had any sort of weather dealy in the C-USA Championship was when the 2005 championship game was cancelled due to weather. Stay tuned for an update on when play resumes....
-TM
Bucco's Back In This
Posted at 11:00 a.m. CT
Folks, we have a whole new ballgame here in rainy New Orleans. ECU climbed within 3-1 on Kyle Roller's second blast in a many days in the fifth, his 11th of the season. To begin the bottom of the sixth, C-USA Player of the Year Corey Kemp crushed his 16th home run to center field, followed by a Stephen Batts single. Ryan Wood then sacrificed Batts to second. Dustin Harrington came up next and singled up the middle to score Batts to pull things even at 3-3.
The Professor was pulled after these events in favor of Rice stud reliever Cole St. Clair. St. Clair was greeted by a Kyle Roller single to put runners on first on third with one out. Drew Schieber struck out looking for out number two, but the Pirates jumped ahead when Harrrison Eldridge singled through the right side for the go-ahead RBI. Jamie Ray flied out to end the inning and as we head to the seventh, the score is ECU 4, Rice 3.
Which nationally-ranked team will be the first to go 2 and Q?
-TM
I Feel 'LOST'
Posted at 10:35 a.m. CT
While it may not rank up there with Cal Ripken, Lou Gehrig and Joe DiMaggio's famous streaks, one of mine just came to an end. With the spring television season always coming to a close in the spring, I thought that for the third consecutive season I would be watching the 'LOST' finale during a baseball championship. I watched the season two finale in Wichita Kansas at the 2006 MVC Baseball Championship with former Valley employee Erica "don't call me Fricke" Stelling. Then, last season in Greenville I streamed the season three finale in the pressbox from Greenville on ABC.com. I was expecting to do the same this season, but ABC has graciously held off on showing the season four finale until next week.
Two good things come from this decision. One, I get to watch it at my new home next week in glorious HD with my beautiful wife and two, I get to keep my focus on baseball where it shoud probably be in the first place.
For all you LOST fanatics out there and for those of you not so familiar with the show, I will follow with a few LOST website links that can help aid in your viewing of one of the greatest shows on television.
Lost Theories and Recaps from EW.com.
More Good Theories.
LOST Screencaps and Eastereggs.
-TM
We Weren't Kdding
Posted at 10:00 a.m. CT
Quick little stat for you from game one and it helps further the nickname of Ryan Berry. Of ECU's nine outs they have made so far through three innings, six of them have been made on the first pitch, including the bottom of the second which was just a three-pitch inning for The Professor. Rice is up 3-0 in the fourth.
-TM
Slow-Moving Morning
Posted at 9:44 a.m. CT
The usually lively press box is much more quiet and subdued this morning...even Richie Weaver. Five hours of sleep will do that to people. The C-USA SIDs are instituting a new award this year - the Mike Montoro Award, given to the crankiest person in the press box during the 9 am game. Mike was the longtime standout Baseball SID at Southern Miss who was legendary for absolutely hating the early-morning games...and questioning scoring calls. Several people are in the running for this distinctive award here today, including Houston Chronicle scribe MK Bower and our very own blogger, Tod Meisner.
Meanwhile, on the field, the Pirates may be getting a little cranky after Adam Zornes launched a two-run bomb over the wall in left-center field to give Rice a 2-0 lead in the second inning.
-RDA
"The Professor"
Posted at 9:00 a.m. CT
The pitching matchup for today's first game features Ryan Berry for the Owls and Justin Bristow for the Pirates. Berry, as some of you remember from last year, has been dubbed "The Professor" by Russ and I. Partly because he wears glasses on the mound and partly because he is a really smart and efficient pitcher.
Stay tuned later today for the second edition of the 2008 C-USA Baseball All-Name team. We are all a litle tired this morning, so my blogging may be sparce early on so I had to throw a tease in there somewhere so you would keep checking back. Thanks for reading.
-TM
Breakfast at Turchin
Posted at 8:20 a.m. CT
Good Morning world, welcome to another day of baseball, blogging and well....more baseball. The gang is back again and I thought I would update you on things this morning. Cooler and cloudy today in the Crescent City, rain could possibly be in the forecast. With this great FieldTurf surface here, rain shouldn't effect things too much. The only thing that could stop us today would be lightning.
We are all still getting used to the idea of watching East Carolina and Rice play in the first elimination game. As you remember, these two teams battled for the league title in last year's championship in Greenville. We all thought we would see this game, just not at 9 a.m.
That is all for now. After my brief nap last night that I was forced to use as a night's sleep, I am going to get caught up on today's headlines. Don't forget that photos from the 2008 Baseball Championship can be purchased here.
-TM
May 21, 2008
Odd Is Out
Posted at 12:00 p.m. CT
Well, after a day of great C-USA Baseball action, day one has come to a close. In an interesting turn of events, seeds 1, 3, 5, and 7 all lost on day one, while the even numbered seeds all find themselves in the winner's bracket. That is the first time in C-USA Tournament history that that event has happened.
Official scorer Jack Duggan of Southern Miss is in the booth now with us as we all are trying to update the website and distribute quotes. Jack did a great job today and even though he is dead tired after being here with us all for 17 hours, he just said that there is no place he would rather be and will be ready to go tomorrow.
Adam Yeager ended up with five stolen bases in the game, to set the tournament record. The five swipes are now tied with one other individual for the second-most steals in any game. There has only been one C-USA player in league history to ever steal six bases.
Marshall pitcher Steve Blevins struck out five in a complete game effort and Yeager went 2-for-3 at the plate. Blevins scattered eight hits and five walks during his time on the hill, and allowed just three earned runs (five total) to send Marshall (27-28-1) to Thursday's winner's bracket game against Southern Miss. Tulane (36-19-1), meanwhile, will have to battle its way out of the loser's bracket starting with a 12:30 p.m. contest vs. UCF tomorrow.
For all of here at Turchin.....we say goodnight and have a pleasant tomorrow!
-TM
Tulane Chips Away, then Marshall Pulls Away
Posted at 11:05 p.m. CT
A whole bunch of runs in the last inning and a half. Trailing 6-1, Tulane pushed across a pair of runs in the bottom of the sixth. But, Marshall would answer in a big way in the seventh, scoring four runs, including a home run by Nate Lape, to make it 10-3. Also in that inning, Adam Yeager stole two more bases to set a new C-USA Championship single-game record with four stolen bases. Only two players in league history have ever stole more than four bases in any C-USA baseball game.
RDA
Herd Up 6-1
Posted at 10:26 p.m. CT
Marshall is now up 4-1. Since you last heard from Russ, Marshall tacked on another run in the fourth as Adam Yeager rached on a fielder's choice and then stole second. Josh Valle then singled to left field to score Yeager.
Tulane got its run with two outs in its half of the fourth when Aja Barto reached on a throwing error and Sam Honeck scored for the Wave after he was walked earlier in the inning.
The mood is very tense here at Greer Field at Turchin Stadium as the home team and third-seeded Green Wave are staring at this five-run deficit. Ace Shooter Hunt has not looked like his normal self at all this season and I would venture to guess that this would have to be his last inning of work. He is approaching 120 pitches, which is the most he has thrown all season.
For the second blog in a row, an update with an update. As I was finishing the last paragraph Nate Lape hit a bomb to right center field that plated both he and Yeager and the Herd now lead, 6-1. So, as you can now tell, I went back and edited what I had previously written.
Things are even more quiet in the ballyard now, but all the Green Wave faithful are sticking around to hopefully help their team rally.
TM
Herd Charging in Nightcap
Posted at 9:32 p.m. CT
Marshall is off to a good start in the final game of the day and Adam Yeager is a big reason why. The speedy junior has walked to lead off the first and third innings (on eight total pitches), stolen a base in each and scored both of the Thundering Herd's runs in a 2-0 ballgame as we head to the fourth inning with Marshall surprising Shooter Hunt and the home-standing Tulane Green Wave.
The steals were the 39th and 40th for Yeager, moving him within one theft of the top five in C-USA single-season history.
Oh, and here's an update within an update, Brandon Casamassima has just launched his seventh home run of the season to lead off the fourth inning and we may have our second upset of the day baking in the Crescent City.
-RDA
USM Takes Game Three
Posted at 8:45 p.m. CT
Southern Miss ended up holding on and winning game three, 8-5. Golden Eagle centerfielder Bo Davis went 3-for-5 and the duo of left fielder Drew Carson and third baseman Chris Matesich combined for six RBI.
With the win, Southern Miss (39-18) advances to play the winner of tonight's Tulane/Marshall matchup on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. UCF (39-18), meanwhile, falls into the loser's bracket and will take on loser of tonight's Green Wave/Thundering Herd contest tomorrow at 12:30 p.m.
Tulane and Marshall are now underway. The Herd scored a run on an error in the top of the first and lead 1-0. The pitching matchup is Shooter Hunt for Tulane against Steve Blevins for Marshall.
Russ and I will keep you posted throughout this contest and try to keep things lively on here.
-TM
Southern Miss Extends Its Lead
Posted at 7:03 p.m. CT
Updating from the TV booth in the press box where we're listening to veteran Southern Miss radio announcer John Cox in the booth next door. John is calling his 13th consecutive Conference USA Baseball Championship. Last inning, he called another run for the Golden Eagles, who have extended their lead to 8-5 in the bottom of the seventh inning.
RDA
Knights Fight Back
Posted at 6:00 p.m. CT
UCF just cut the deficit to two as they plated three in the top of the fourth. The Golden Eagles racked up four hits and were helped by a USM error. The Knights big hit came from Chris Duffy as he laced a ball to right center field that one hopped the wall for a ground rule double.
TM
Golden Eagles Out in Front
Posted at 5:30 p.m. CT
Photo galleries are now up for the first two games today and don't forget they can be purchased here
Southern Miss has jumped out to an early 5-0 lead in the first evening game. The Golden Eagles got five runs in the first on six hits. The big blast came from Drew Carson who smashed a three-run homer off the camera stand in center field. It was a no-doubter.
We have just began the third inning. Time for me to trade a few barbs with the contingent that is in our booth right now that includes Richie Weaver and Houston SID Jeff Conrad, as well as RDA.
Be back soon....
-TM
Do You Believe It
Posted at 4:20 p.m. CT
The Blazers have done it. UAB upended top-seeded Rice, 8-2. I just returned form being down on the field taking care of the post game interviews and man it is hot out there. Not much you can say about that game other than wow. Rice had its chances and hit the ball well, but UAB made all the right plays and got an outstanding eight inning effort from Kyle Robeson. The junior scattered seven hits and struck out three to improve to 6-6 on the season.
Ryan Keedy and Cody McMurry led the Blazers offensively. Keedy was 3-for-4 with two doubles and three RBI. McMurry drove in two RBI in the win.
Much more to come all through the evening here on the blog. UCF and Southern Miss are up next at approximately 4:35 p.m. CT.
We Head to the Ninth
Posted at 3:30 p.m. CT
Rice is down 8-2 heading to the 9th. Rice's last loss was April 25th against UCF and this would only be their second loss since April 2nd. With the bases loaded, UAB escaped the patented Rice rally in the bottom of the 8th as Rick Hague smacked a liner to third base that was stopped by Blazer third baseman Andrew Manning, who beat the sliding Adam Zornes to the bag to endthe inning.
-TM
Upset Brewing?
Posted at 3:30 p.m. CT
Sorry for the delay, was enjoying some of the nice weather outside today. Game two may feature the first upset of the day and quite an upset it would be. Top-seeded Rice is now trailing UAB 7-2 in the 8th inning. UAB jumped out to a 4-2 lead after three innings and then tacked on three more in the sixth to make it 7-2. UAB has smacked five doubles on the day.
The loss would be the first non-semifinal loss for Rice in the C-USA Championship and only its second loss ever in its three tournament appearances. Also for the record, Tulane SID Richie Weaver wants everyone to know that if this lead holds, he called it before hand. He thought the way that UAB was hitting, combined with Rice not throwing their top guy, may provide some extra motivation or the Blazers. He may be right and I will let everyone know how this ends.
The Dugout Report
Posted at 1:40 p.m. CT
Just got back in the press box after spending some quality time in the dugouts. First, I was in the Houston dugout to watch the bottom of the tenth inning. I can assure you that was the place to be in this stadium at 12:14. Zak Pressley's game-winning, two-RBI single sent the Cougar players into euphoria. It was a huge win for Houston, not only for advancing in this tournament, but for building up their resume' for an NCAA Tournament at-large bid.
In-between games and during the top of the first inning of our second game, I was in the UAB dugout, chatting with Blazers coaches and personnel. As lineups were introduced and the game got underway, I slipped into the back corner of the dugout and observed. It was pretty apparent who the Blazer players think should have been named C-USA Player of the Year.
"C'mon, Keeds", several players shouted as senior 1B Ryan Keedy strolled to the plate with two outs. "He's our Conference Player of the Year," shouted another Blazer. Keedy responded the way he has for much of the season, smacking a double to the right-center gap, padding his school-record for two-baggers withy his 28th of the year.
Player of the Year awards make for great arguments. What stats are more important than others? How do you weigh conference games vs. non-conference games? How much of a factor is a team's won-loss record? There are all sorts of variables. The bad thing about Player of the Year awards is that people always feel left out.
The Blazers certainly fell that way about Keedy. I know this much...he's had as good of a year as any UAB player has had in a long, long time and he's been responsible for a lot of great moments for Blazer baseball fans this season. Maybe he can put a wrap on a great year by leading UAB deep into the tournament. He's off to a good start...it's UAB 4, Rice 1 in the third.
-RDA
Ten to Win
Posted at 1:05 p.m. CT
Houston's 10 inning win was the seventh extra-inning contest in C-USA Championship history. The interesting thing to note is that all seven games have finished in exactly 10 innings.
-TM
Cougar Comeback
Posted at 12:25 p.m. CT
Game one is in the books as the Houston Cougars rallied again to steal a 5-4 extra-inning win in game one. Zak "Elvis" Presley shook up the Pirates with his bases loaded single with nobody out in the tenth inning. Bryan Pounds walked and Jimmy Cesario singled through the right side to put runners at first and third. Ryan Lormand was then hit by a pitch to load the bases. Presley stepped in next and singled to center to end the game. More updates to follow after I finish all of my postgame duties. Oh and first pitch for game two is set for 1 p.m. CT.
-TM
Free Baseball
Posted at 12:00 p.m. CT
Well, for the third year in a row, ECU will be playing in an extra inning contest in the C-USA Baseball Championship. The Cougars led off the bottom of the ninth with a single from Chris Wallace. 2007 All-Name team member Felix Fanaselle came in to pinch run for Wallace an advancned to second on a wild pitch. After a Caleb Ramsey strikeout, Blake Kelso walked to give the Cougars two on with one out. Jake Stewart then stepped in and worked a full count and with the runners moving on the next pitch, Fanaselle was picked off as he left for third for the second out. Stewart proceeded to strike out swinging to end the threat and we head to extra innings, all tied at 3-3.
Lead Changes Twice
Posted at 10:55 a.m. CT
The Coogs took the lead in the bottom of the sixth inning, but their lead was short-lived.
Again, Houston's runs came after two were out. Bryan Pounds doubled, setting the stage for Jimmy Cesario, former star at nearby Delgado Community College. Playing in front of Joe Scheuermann, his former coach at Delgado who is in attendance this morning, Cesario singled, scoring Pounds and giving the Cougars the lead.
The 2-1 UH lead held for a matter of minutes, as Drew Schieber hit a one-out single for the Pirates and then imposing ECU DH Kyle Roller stepped in to the batter's box. Roller rocked a Wes Musick pitch high over the 25-foot screen and into the new parking lot behind right field. The ball travelled an estimated 415 feet and brought with it a 3-2 Pirate lead.
RDA
All Tied Through Four
Posted at 10:20 a.m. CT
Well, we are now through four innings in game one today and the score is tied at, 1-1. The Purple and Gold had back-to-back one out singles by Brandon Henderson and Jamie Ray to put two on with one out in the top of the second. After a strikeout by Drew Schieber, Kyle Roller singled through the left side to give his team the early advantage.
In the bottom of the fourh, with two out and nobody on, UH's Jimmy Cesario and Ryan Lormand pounded out back-to-back doubles to to even things up at one all.
There have been four defensive gems from the Pirates so far in the game to keep the Cougars from taking the lead. Stephen Batts had a great running cath in left field to take an extra base hit away in the second inning, while Pirate third baseman Drew Schieber has had two leaping catches to snag screming line drives, the last one saving a potential go-ahead run from the Cougars last inning. ECU second baseman Ryan Wood also had a web gem when he scooped up a hot shot up the middle and spun off his back leg in short center field to throw out the UH runner at first. Each play has drawn a few ooohs and ahhh from the crowd.
Uni Watch Installment No. 1
Posted at 9:25 a.m. CT
Houston starter Wes Musick is sporting some old school stirrups on the bump this morning. Not only does the whole Cougar squad wear white shoes, but Musick takes it to another level with the stirrups. By old school stirrups I mean navy blue stirrup socks over white sanitary socks. A few other Cougars also go high cuffed which is also a plus, but with all blue socks. I give Musick an A+ for his attire and the other high-cuffers A's.
Just so that you all know, I do have the proper credentials to critique these types of things as I am an official Level Two Uni Watch member on the official site for all things uniform related, Uni Watch
-TM
Breakfast Baseball
Posted at 8:50 a.m. CT
Tod is still wiping the sleep out of his eyes, so I will make my tournament blogging debut. A couple of familiar things are taking place in the opening game of the tournament. For the sixth time in seven years, Houston and East Carolina are facing each other in the C-USA Championship and for the third time in four years, UH is playing in the 9 am game. Must be something about the 7 am batting practice that appeals to Rayner Noble's club.
We have a great pitching matchup set for this one. East Carolina will throw Seth Maness, the C-USA Freshman of the Year after tying for the league leading wins with nine. Houston counters with All-Conference hurler Wes Musick.
The teams have finished infield and we're about to start lineups. The 2008 Entergy Conference USA Baseball Championship is almost underway...
-RDA
May 20, 2008
Practice Almost Done
Posted at 4:30 p.m. CT
The top-seeded Rice Owls are taking their hacks right now as the practice day is about to conclude. Each team (sans Southern Miss who opted out of its practice) was able to take infield, hit in the cage and do whatever other drills they wanted on the new FieldTurf surface here at the new Greer Field at Turchin Stadium.
Let's just hope this beautiful weather will keep up the remainder of the week. The forecast does not show mch rain, a very welcome site to tournament administrators. However, as can be expected in the Gulf Coast, it will be humid and muggy all week.
Following the practices there will be a meeting for the coaches and administrators at the Double Tree Hotel, the New Orleans hotel that will be the host for each team this week. Tournament logistics will be discussed at the meeting, credentials distributed and tournament questions answered.
From there people will grab dinner and enjoy some social time (ie: the New Orelans' night life) before the competition begins at 9 a.m. CT. Fourth-seeded Houston and No. 5 East Carolina will battle in the early game. As my cohort Russ Anderson just said "Baseball and Breakfast with the Cougars for the second year in a row"
Thanks for reading and stay tuned for lots of game updates and plenty of other trivial facts throughout the week.
-TM
C-USA Photos
Posted at 3:03 p.m. CT
Photos of the 2008 C-USA Baseball Tournament are available at www.c-usaphotos.com. For more information call 404-259-9716 or e-mail cservce1@comcast.net.
C-USA Baseball Championship Photos
-TM
Baseball All-Conference Teams
Posted at 2:10 p.m. CT
East Carolina headlined the league's top individual awards, winning three of the five major awards as announced on Tuesday in New Orleans, the site of the 2008 Conference USA Baseball Championship. Senior C Corey Kemp was named Player of the Year, right-handed pitcher Seth Maness grabbed Freshman of the Year honors and junior righthander Justin Bristow earned Newcomer of the Year recognition. Tulane right-hander Shooter Hunt was named Pitcher of the Year and Rice skipper Wayne Graham took home his third consecutive Keith LeClair Conference USA Coach of the Year award. Voting was done by a panel consisting of each head coach, each team's sports information director and a media representative from each city.
2008 CONFERENCE USA BASEBALL AWARDS
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Corey Kemp, C, East Carolina
PITCHER OF THE YEAR
Shooter Hunt, RHP, Tulane
FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR
Seth Maness, RHP, East Carolina
NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR
Justin Bristow, RHP, East Carolina
KEITH LECLAIR COACH OF THE YEAR
Wayne Graham, Rice
FIRST TEAM ALL-CONFERENCE
IF James Ewing, Jr., Southern Miss
IF Ryan Keedy, Sr., UAB
IF Bryan Pounds, Sr., Houston
IF Diego Seastrunk, So., Rice
OF Harrison Eldridge, Sr., East Carolina
OF Nate Lape, Jr., Marshall
OF Jake Stewart, Sr., Houston
C Corey Kemp, Sr., East Carolina
DH/UT Anthony Scelfo, Jr., Tulane
P Ryan Berry, So., Rice
P Barry Bowden, Sr., Southern Miss
P Shooter Hunt, Jr., Tulane
P Seth Maness, Fr., East Carolina
RP Tyler Conn, Sr., Southern Miss
SECOND TEAM ALL-CONFERENCE
IF Stephen Batts, Jr., East Carolina
IF Brian Dozier, Jr., Southern Miss
IF Seth Henry, Jr., Tulane
IF Rob Segedin, Fr., Tulane
OF Colin Arnold, Jr., UCF
OF Phil Bell, Sr., UAB
OF Jared Gayheart, Jr., Rice
OF Aaron Luna, Jr., Rice
C Adam Zornes, Jr., Rice
DH/UT Victor Gomez, Fr., Marshall
P Steve Blevins, Jr., Marshall
P Justin Bristow, Jr., East Carolina
P Chris Kelley, Sr., Rice
P Wes Musick, So., Houston
RP Cole St.Clair, Sr., Rice
ALL-FRESHMAN TEAM
Nick Crawford, 2B, UAB
Chase Dempsay, RHP, Houston
Matt Evers, LHP, Rice
Victor Gomez, DH, Marshall
Rick Hague, SS, Rice
Dustin Harrington, SS, East Carolina
Blake Kelso, SS, Houston
Seth Maness, RHP, East Carolina
Todd McInnis, RHP, Southern Miss
Nick Pepitone, RHP, Tulane
Rob Segedin, 3B/RHP, Tulane
Greetings From New Orleans
Posted at 2:00 p.m. CT
Russ Anderson, Emily Agler, Alfred White and myself (Tod Meisner) all made it to New Orleans safe and sound last night and are here at the stadium today for team practices. Check back today and throughout the tournament for insight and updates from Russ and I.
-TM