McCracken starts the way last night went with a HBP. ND eventually scores, without the benefit of a hit, on a CS at 2B. Owls come back with a Reidel HR and a Garza RBI single. 2-1 gong to T2.

In 4 ABs in the 1st 2 games, Royo has 4 Ks. Ouch.

ND gets the benefit of some generous scoring to log their 1st hit, a slow roller to Royo at SS, which he had trouble transferring from the glove to his throwing hand. BB, of course, followed and then a sac bunt to move up both runners. Sac Fly to LC scores the runner from 3rd. 2-2 going to B3. Sigh.

In his 2nd AB today, Royo walks on 4 pitches. That has to feel like a screaming line drive after 4 Ks to start the season.

ESPN+'s center field camera is going to make me ill, with the bouncing from the wind.

For the 2nd inning in a row, the Owls get 2 on with one out. Gotta get some of these runners across the plate.

McDonald HBP loads the bases. ND going to the bullpen.

Reidel sac fly makes it 3-2. 5U ends the threat. Was hoping for more, but at least the Owls re-take the lead.

(02-17-2024 04:04 PM)Grungy Wrote:  ESPN+'s center field camera is going to make me ill, with the bouncing from the wind.

+1

Doesn’t appear to be limited to the CF camera.

Enrique Cruz doing the color commentary?

After 2 quick outs in T5, McCracken gives up single, walk, HBP. Mound visit, but he stays in.

Another PB ties the game at 3. Grrrr!

McCracken gets the 3rd out on a 3-2 K looking at (or below?) the knees.

With 2 outs nobody on, Owls get a Garza single and then a Cummings rbi triple to RC!

Royo Ks looking, again. 5Ks and a walk on the season. More ouch!

4-3 going to T6.

McCracken done after 5 1/3 inings and 85 pitches. Exits with a chance to win giving up 3 runs (2 earned) on 3 hits, 3 walks and 2 (?) HBPs.

Hamilton on in relief.

Props to Royo gunning down the hitter on a smash to the hole. Nice diving stop, strong throw, and nice stretch by Rank at 1B for the 2nd out. Maybe, hopefully, that can get Royo going at the plate?

4-3 going to B6.

With based loaded and 2 outs in B7, Royo Ks looking … again!!! All 3 Ks today were looking. 7 plate appearances for Royo in the 1st 2 games, 6 Ks and a walk.

How long does Cruz let this go on? Who else can play SS?

1st hitter for ND with 2 strikes, ties it with solo HR into the wind to LF. Makes the 3 LOB in the B7, 7 for the game, all that more painful.

2nd hitter drives it to warning track in CF.

2 run homer. That’s the ballgame.

Left Hamilton in too long. With 2 outs, he surrenders the walk followed by a 2 run HR to CF. 4-6.

No pitching change and Hamilton gives up another hit. Now Cruz makes the pitching change at least 2 hitters too late. With 2 basketball melt downs already on the books, looks to be another stellar day of Rice Athletics. The bright spot of the day? Mens Tennis vs Indiana was cancelled. Sigh.

Stratton in. Walks the 1st guy he faces on 5 pitches.

With 2 on, 2 outs, a 2-2 count and the Owls down by 2, Stratton gets the K to end the T8.

And the Owls response in the B8?

1-3, F8, 4 pitch walk, multiple foul ball on a 3-2 count walk, pitching change (ND closer in), 5U.

Now 9 LOB for the Owls.

(02-17-2024 05:46 PM)Tomball Owl Wrote:  And the Owls response in the B8?

1-3, F8, 4 pitch walk, multiple foul ball on a 3-2 count walk, pitching change (ND closer in), 5U.

Now 9 LOB for the Owls.

To the first 2 Rice batters, ND's Fox threw 9 strikes, no balls. (The F-8 to McDonald was up, though.)

After the 4-pitch walk, then 11 pitches to Rank (6 fouled off) ... ending with a walk.

The closer Hardman then tossed two curve-ball strikes ... then a ball low and a fouled pitch before the outside pitch that was lunged to the 3rd baseman for the inning-ending 5U forceout.

Stratton out, Vincent in after HBP, steal, BB / PB.

Runners on the corners, no outs.

RBI single makes it 4-7.

Now the wheels coming off. Bunt back to Vincent who make wide throw to 3B. Run scores on error. 4-8.

Sac bunt moves 2 runners into scoring position. 1 out.

Sac Fly makes it 4-9. Runner to 3B with 2 outs.

F9 ends the T9.