First things first, lets see if and when this series actually happens. Not sure how much snow the western part of the state got but I’m pretty sure its safe to say that if nothing else the field will be nothing if not wet tomorrow at noon. But we'll continue as if it will go off as planned.
Last meeting: 4 games May 1-2 2010
Titans went 3-1 (7-6, 5-4, 12-11, 6-9 (10))
This was quite possibly the quirkiest series ever. UWO won the first game on a fielding error and the second on a bases loaded walk, there were several fielding errors for both teams, no surprise. In game 2 all of Stout’s runs were scored without the aid of a hit. Just weird. Not much can be taken from last year’s series; UWO is a much different team. The Titans 2 best pitchers on this year’s team weren’t on the team last year and UWO has new hitters in the 3 and 4 holes, completely changing the line-up. So instead let's look at how these teams have done so far this season and last time out in conference.
UWO Overall
Record: 17-5 (6-4)
ERA: 2.32
RSPG: 6.27
Diff: +3.95
Obviously the Titans are having a pretty good season. They’re currently in 3rd place in the conference and ranked 17th nationally. But a .953 fielding percentage is worrisome, especially considering how much this team relies on pitching. UWO has only scored more than 5 runs once in conference play but has allowed more than 4 only once as well. When the pitching staff is this good you should be better than 6-4 in conference play. This weekend is a big opportunity to jump up in the conference race if they can get a sweep.
Last time out: Split with Stevens Point
Lost game 1: 2-10 Won game 2: 3-1
(We’re going to disregard UWO’s dismantling of Marian because it says nothing about this team we didn’t already know.) A split on the road against a tough opponent is good but not great. Coach Lechnir obviously wanted to give his team the best shot at getting at least one win by not pitching Rubens against Williams. In game one Williams did his thing; Rubens did his in game 2. Just a case of each teams Ace dominating the opposition. UWO actually lead that first game after 6 innings but the wheels just fell off, not a good outing for Mrkvicka. In theory UWO should do better in these 2 game sets because the can pitch both Schrieber and Rubens but that just didn’t happen this time around.
Stout Overall
Record: 9-15 (4-8)
ERA: 7.24
RSPG: 6.3
Diff: -.9
Obviously Stout does not have the strongest pitching staff. Their top guys are OK but a lack of depth is a huge issue. They actually score at a better rate that UWO but really both numbers are likely a little inflated because Stout’s home field is a sandbox. Nelson field is basically the Coors field of the WIAC. They’re also a young team with only 5 seniors on the roster.
Last time Out: Took one of four from UWW (14-8, 8-13, 5-11, 5-9)
I mean is this the Stout Baseball or basketball team. Both love to win by simply outscoring their opponent. The fact that they took one of four doesn’t say too much but it did help the Titans cause. The Blue Devils shelled Riley Tincher who is one of the best pitchers in the WIAC. Jeff Donovan didn’t have much luck either giving up 8 runs in 8 innings but Stout's pitchers did even worse. Game 3 was much better for the UWW staff, only 2 of the 5 runs were earned and Lee came in for game 4 and gave up 5 in 5 but Roberts and Coe shut Stout down. I’m not sure if this says more about Stout’s hitting or UWW’s pitching. Probably neither, it’s probably more about Nelson field. There were 5 home runs in game one alone and 8 in the four game set. For some perspective, UWO has 2 on the season both hit by Alex Mullendore. (possibly more important question- Can Stout do the same thing to UWO's pitchers that they did to UWW's?)
Final Thoughts:
It will be interesting to see what wins out in this series. I talked about the basketball team before and really this is very much like that series. UWO will probably score more than it usually does, which will be nice to see, but will the staff get roughed up a bit, and how will they react if they do? Tincher and Donovan are every bit as good as Rubens and Schrieber if not better but I do think UWO has better depth behind their top 2 guys. (This makes me excited for the UWW series in 2 weeks). The defense will have to be there in this series, the Titans can’t afford to give the Stout offense any extra outs. Oshkosh cannot have this become a slugfest, they just don't have the fire power to play that kind of game. They need to keep the ball in the ball park and not give Stout any extra outs. If the Titans do that they should have success against the Blue Devils. What this series boils down to is, will good pitching beat good hitting? With Point likely to sweep Superior and Whitewater having the week off the answer will have to be yes. A sweep for UWO will get them to 10-4 just one game back of Point and UWW with 6 games left against those teams. If UWO hopes to get back in the chase for the WIAC championship they need nothing less than a sweep this weekend.
Other games in the WIAC:
Lacrosse @ Platteville (Key for both teams trying to steal a spot in the WIAC tourney)
Stevens Point @ Superior (Easy Sweep for the Pointers)
Concordia-Wisconsin @ Whitewater (NC)
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