Rake1

[quote name="falconfanatic" post="1226573" timestamp="1338177396"] [quote author=gtsports98 link=topic=100237.msg1226543#msg1226543 date=1338169237]   We should all petition the UIL about one game series!  This team was too good to be put out because of one inning. [/quote] Why do you assume BC would win in a 3 game series? Robinson is the #1 team in the state. The odds were in Robinson's favor to advance either way. [/quote] No scientific explanation here and no way to prove the point but most folks who follow 3A baseball would lean towards BC having a deeper/better staff than Robinson and in a 3 game series it's usually ([i]not all the time[/i]) the better team that wins. For example look at the Robinson vs Bullard series, it was all Robinson could do to get out of that round in a 3 gamer and Bullard's pitching staff isn't even close to BC's. If the odds "were in Robinson's favor" as you stated above why did they opt for a 1 game against BC like the [color=blue][b]Falcons[/b][/color] did? Because they knew, just like [color=blue][b]Huffman[/b][/color] did, that they couldn't beat BC 2 out of 3. The fact that Robinson had just thrown a no hitter and a 1 hitter in the Bullard series and still flipped BC for a 1 game says it all and that is "we want no part of BC in a 3 game series". Regardless of which team you were rooting for the saddest thing about the whole issue is that all the baseball fans who had been waiting for these two teams to meet up were deprived of watching #1 vs #2 slug it out for 3 games. That would have been awesome. BC had a great year for sure and has nothing to be ashamed of. Rake1 

BC won't know who they play until Waco Robinson and Bullard finish their 3 game series which starts tonight and games 2 and 3 (if neccessary) are played Saturday. Last year BC played Robinson at Magnolia West. Rumor is Robinson wants a 1 game and we know BC wants 3. Cardinal coaches are headed to watch Robinson and Bullard now and I would imagine they will be there for the whole series so a coin flip could happen as early as Saturday. Stay tuned..... Rake1

This game was excatly what makes high school playoff baseball special, everything and anything can happen! Had some crazy stuff and amazing individual performances take place last night along with a tremendous team effort by BC to figure out a way to win. Before last nights game BC had not been behind in a game since mid March so nobody really knew how they would respond. A couple of observations from last night.... 1. Hayden Guidry was just aboslutely clutch last night and that's a testament to him for sure. 5 1/3 innings of no hit ball with 4 walks and NO RUNS ALLOWED. Incredible. 2. Austin Listi was as advertised, great athlete with a tremendous upside. Impressive bat speed for sure. 3. Biggest play of the night that nobody will talk about is the 3rd out on Huffman when the ball hit the runner going from 1st to 2nd. BC had just scored 2 runs and was trying to regain momentum when Huffman had another potential rally happening that could have really changed the game. If that ball gets through Huffman probably scores another run and puts more runners in scoring position. Instead BC gets out of the jam and goes in to bat and scores 2 more runs. HUGE, HUGE , HUGE swing right there! 4. Both head coaches played percentage baseball. Coach Deberry chose to play a 1 game instead of a series and Coach Landry decided to keep the ball away from the the most dangerous guy in the Huffman lineup. Smart decisions by both. 5. They say during every great playoff run a team needs a little luck and has a defining moment or win that propels them along, BC got theirs last night. Congrats to Huffman on a great season. Way to go CARDS! Keep it up! Rake1

If you look up the word "mash" or "bang" or "rip" or any other word that describes violent contact with a baseball in the dictionary you will find Hubbard's picture there! This is one guy who never gets cheated at the plate and squares up almost everything. Keep swinging Mitchell!! Great Job! Rake1

Congrats to all on the list. [Hidden Content]

Hope to get there early, expecting a large crowd for both baseball and softball. Each of the teams travel well and bring plenty of fans. Rake1

[quote name="falconfanatic" post="1222640" timestamp="1337139740"] [quote author=jenks link=topic=99992.msg1222637#msg1222637 date=1337139163] [quote author=falconfanatic link=topic=99992.msg1222634#msg1222634 date=1337138080] [quote author=allsportsguy link=topic=99992.msg1222614#msg1222614 date=1337133550] Yeah but those two games are a day apart you better have at least two good pitchers. I really do not think a one game series lets you know who the better team is imo. It seems as though a coach that chooses one game is relying more on the other team to do bad rather than his team to be better than their opponent. Even with that said I still think BC takes this game I think they continue error free ball. GO CARDS!!! [/quote] I disagree. Everyone knows BC is the deeper team, but in 1 game Huffman has the talent to play with and beat BC. In a series the odds are pretty much all in BC's favor. Coach DeBerry isn't counting on BC to do bad, he just knows BC has more depth and his best chance to advance is in a 1 gamer. [/quote] Which goes back to my earlier point.  They are letting a coin flip decide who a better team is instead of a 3 game series. The underdog coach, if he wins the toss, will always pick the one game option. So is that really fair if BC does loose the one game, but probably will win a 3 game series? So, we are sending the less skilled team to the next level to represent our area? The 3 game series should be mandatory to get to state so there is no question the best talent is there. [/quote] So what is BC scared to play Huffman in 1 game series? Yeah it's fair BC gets a chance to play the game don't they? The best team on thursday night will advance. The system is fine the way it is. If BC is really the 2nd best team in the state then they should win easily. [/quote] I guess you can look at both sides of this situation and see positives and negatives for sure. I don't think anyone will dispute that the majority of the time "the best team" wins in a series style format. Yes the deeper teams that are considered to be better overall will always want a series and the ones that aren't as deep but could line up and play competitive for 1 game obviously want just want a 1 game winner take all scenario. The funny thing is how when the shoe is on the other foot.  ::) The majority of those teams that ride 1 guy to the state tourney have a problem winning it all because they have to play those 2 games so close to one another and the pitching just isn't there. On the other hand they are in the state tournament and who knows what happens, maybe they play another team in the same boat and win a 10-9 game instead of a 2-1. If I'm not mistaken, Louisiana is a straight up 1 game playoff system all the way to state, not even an option for a 3 game series so you can build your team a little differently. That's a tough way to win it all right there IMHO. Rake1

What were the pitching match ups for both games? Starters, closers, etc? Rake1

We left the BC game and went over to Kingwood to show some support for the Silsbee folks and wound up watching a very entertaining game. Bottom of the 3rd was the big turning point, Silsbee came out on the bad end of 2 very close and controversial calls. The out at 2nd on the sac bunt was a really bad call as the Bellville SS wasn't even close to being on the base. That call was the difference between runners at 1st and 2nd with no outs and the top of the order up. Then the play at the plate where the Bellville catcher tagged Lightfoot out was another bad one, he got him high on the chest. Also leaves you scratching your head as to why he was even sent home at the time but I understand you have to make them make a play. Those 2 calls were huge momentum and game changers. I'm not taking anything away from Bellville, they played smart, put the ball in play, and executed well the entire game. Silsbee had a great year despite some key injuries and will surely be in the playoff hunt again next year. Congrats on a very nice season Tigers! Rake1

Congrats to the Tigers! Nice job. Way to represent 21-3A! Good luck next round. Rake1

[quote name="chevy" post="1215644" timestamp="1335578125"] You think with all that talent at WOS they could win more games, Is it the kids or the COACH ? [/quote] I can't believe I'm going to fall for this blatantly obvious troll but here goes.... First off let me qualify my statements before I start. Absolutely no disrespect meant in any way,shape, form or fashion to any WOS players. WOS for lack of a better analogy showed up to every game like a guy who brought a spoon to a knife fight. They have some very good "athletes" who have not had the opportunity to play on high end travel teams or have the luxury of training all year like other schools. Most of their players don't train all year like the guys from "baseball schools" such as PNG, LCM, BC etc. When you have to start 4 or sometimes 5 freshmen you know you are outmanned from the word "go". Those freshmen that started on the varsity more than likely never see the field for another team as a varsity player for most of the other schools in the district this season. They went through some serious growing pains and matured rapidly to become competitive and give the WOS faithful something to look forward to.  Coach Landry did an outstanding job getting the most he could with the players he had. Those guys made great strides from where they began the year. Most folks on this board had them picked last in the district. Had anyone made the statement that WOS would be in the hunt for a playoff spot with 2 games left in the district they would have been laughed out of town. To even remotely imply that "coaching" was the problem or the reason they didn't win more games is so delusional it's not even funny. There are a few "professional second guessers" out there spouting non-sense about how "they should be the next coach" or how they "could coach better" but those folks are dumber than the village idiot. If they could coach then they would be coaching somewhere instead of buying a ticket to watch the show. Chevy, if that's you, it may be wise to shut your pie-hole and be thankful you have a coach who does it right. Shae Landry is exactly what that program needs, a guy who teaches and motivates. If your "little johnny" gets his feelings hurt because he can't handle a dose of reality or some discipline you need to head down to the dollar store and pick up a jump rope, some sidewalk chalk, and a hand full of jacks for him and tell him to have fun with that. If he wants to learn the game and learn it right he will be glad he has a coach like Shae Landry because he's certainly one of the good ones. Let all the pot stirring by the haters take place somewhere else because I'm done with this foolishness. Rake 1

[quote name="NHS83LU87" post="1214304" timestamp="1335269120"] You don't bump them up now and expect them to hit....not that they can't hit varsity pitching but it will take several games to adjust and it's the end of the season.  I say this having seen players, including my son, [color=blue][b]hitting .700 at JV[/b][/color] look foolish in their 1st few games when moved up to varsity midway through a season.  If Cody thought undercalassmen were the answer then he would have already moved them up.  Hitting was the one area I thought might hurt them this year after losing most of the offense from the previous 3 years.  They just have to focus on winning with pitching and defense during the playoffs and hope they eke out 1 or 2 run wins. I agree that Ozen was better than their record implies this year.  They were in a lot of games against teams that normally 10-run them. [/quote] Hitting .700 ?????  Wow that's awful impressive. Rake1

[quote name="jenks" post="1214116" timestamp="1335222728"] What a great game. Playoff atmoshere. That softmore Herring for HF looked really good holding the powerehouse BC close until late in the game. Of coarse the Bridge City pitcher senior Lemoine looked good as well. Could have went either way, but the error bug got HF again. [/quote] A little different view on the same game. Certainly agree Herring pitched well but he also got hit hard. 2 fabulous plays by the center fielder with runners in scoring position kept the game in check for sure, both plays were stellar. Not sure about "error bug" comment, the one at 3rd was a tough one because Hubbard scorched that one. A few of the fielders choices left me scratching my head but it eventually worked out. The home run by Williamson was a no doubter, got the pitch he guessed was coming and did not miss it all! The ball hit to deep left by Hicks was also squared up, Langston made a nice play running that missile down for a LONG OUT. BC has to be happy with a few things as well. First their defense looks top notch! Very nice infield play by Guidry, Smith, and Sampere. The double play they rolled was a tough chance and Smith just gobbled everything up in the middle. Guidry's play ranging to his left was a gem as well. Seeing Menard swing the bat with authority is a welcome sight, especially this close to the playoffs. The close game was much needed as BC hasn't really been tested during district and it was good to see how they handled the situation. All in all a good game for this time of the year. Rake1

[quote name="Critter" post="1210149" timestamp="1334338121"] Nobody predicting a score???? I'll start it. BC-8 Silsbee-1 [/quote] Not going to predict a score but IMHO I don't see it being lopsided either way. Look for a well played low scoring game. Manufacturing runs will be important because both starting pitchers do a good job of getting ahead in counts and keeping the ball down. Should be a great atmosphere. Silsbee is always a tough place for out of town teams to play, great fan support over there. Hope its cleanly decided on the field for either team. Rake1

Lemoine threw extermely well tonight and BC got timely hits when needed. Matthew Hartman did a great job for most of the game, one or two pitches were elevated and resulted in hard hits but he certainly kept the bats in check and gave Silsbee a chance. Jenkins showed glimpses of some good stuff and that has to be a positive for Silsbee heading into the playoffs.  Friday will be another good one for sure. Look for Guidry and Simmons to square off and the atmosphere to be like a playoff game. Good luck to both squads, can't wait for round 2! Rake1

When is the last time Jenkins threw? The guy definitely has the talent to beat anyone but unfortunately it seems like he has had a setback or two this year. If Jenkins is healthy then Silsbee has a great opportunity with him, plus Simmons (who is on full rest), and possibly Murray on Friday. If Silsbee has any health issues than it may be a tall task. Regardless of who they throw you can bet they will come to play and they will certainly bring the lumber. BC has Lemoine and Guidry lined up and Smith will be back on full rest Friday. The freshman Shugart has been strong as well as a host of others who have performed extremely well this season. Pitching depth is a strong point for BC no doubt. pitching advantage = BC. Rake1

[quote name="XDOG" post="1209235" timestamp="1334166795"] Dude if it was a track meet BC couldnt keep up.  ;D ;D ;D [/quote] Be careful with statements like the one above..... If we are talking about lining up the baseball guys to run ;D then I can guarantee you BC could keep up! I can certainly agree with you XDOG if we are truly talking track. Looking forward to a good game. Safe travels to all my folks from Silsbee and remember to bring your skeeter spray!!! You can thank me later. Rake1

Who are the projected starting pitchers in this one? Rake1

Dang Radar!!! Not looking real good at this time, big cell around Galveston and tracking this way. Sure hope it either breaks up or goes through here real fast. Rake1

Great effort on the mound by Jacob Lemoine tonight, 17 K's is ridiculous! Certainly gave the scouts in attendance a reason to stay and watch. BC continues to play well and benefit from very solid pitching and timely hitting. HJ has a bright future, they are certainly headed in the right direction and all those involved from coaches to parents should be excited and proud for what's ahead in the near future. Glad to see the district race get under way. Rake1

[quote name="Pocogrande" post="1201588" timestamp="1332561586"] [quote author=Water Boy 21 link=topic=97715.msg1199461#msg1199461 date=1332220195] Ethan Franklin - Buna Chase Shugart - Bridge City these to guys are the 2 best freshmen in the area [/quote] [color=red][b]Yeah, they are good but at 17, can you really call the Buna kid a freshman????[/b][/color] [/quote] This is easily the leader in the "dumbest and least informed" statement of the year award. You really believe the kid is 17? You ever think you may have him mixed up with the older Franklin on the Buna squad? Ethan is a true freshman who played select ball with 14 year olds last year and correct me if I'm wrong, they have to provide age documentation ( birth certificate ) to play. So unless he did some time traveling or skipped a few birthdays he is not 17. Rake1

3-0 WOS wins!

The fact that BC is playing as well as they are and are ranked as high as they says plenty. The fact that they are doing it while missing some very key players is even more impressive. When completely healthy they should be fun to watch. Rake1

Well then it looks like we agree to disagree. No way of knowing at that time a month ago who was on what team, rosters were not even close to being filled. The "assumption" that certain players were on certain teams is something that cannot be controlled. Always remember what happens when a person "assumes". Good luck on a successful season, see ya down the road. Rake1

Thanks for being level headed Bulldogbacker! Good luck to the Dogs!