SBC Tournamet update

May 21, 2008

By Drew Champlin

How did this happen?

UNO’s pitching is very, very bad, behind Bryan Cryer, that’s how. South Alabama advances to Round 2 with a 14-2 win.

It makes tonight’s game with ULL that much more important for Troy. If the Trojans lose, they’ll likely face Cryer in an elimination game.

Wednesday links

May 20, 2008

By Drew Champlin

As you know, Troy plays ULL at 7:30 p.m. tonight in the first round of the Sun Belt Tournament.

I’ve got a couple of stories for you. First, a feature on Josh Storm, the closer who set a school record with 12 saves and was named to the first team all-Sun Belt. Next, a tournament preview showing what Troy’s got to go up against.

From The Daily Advertiser, here is a tournament look at ULL plus the other teams.

All-Sun Belt team

By Drew Champlin

1st team

Bryan Miller, OF
Josh Storm, RP

2nd team

Beau Brooks, C
Michael Precise, OF

Here’s a complete list of the all-conference teams.

Troy’s at-large regional chances…

By Drew Champlin

...right now are slim to none, which is why most college baseball experts agree Troy has to win the Sun Belt title to get into a third straight NCAA Regional.

Spoke with Mark Etheridge of sebaseball.com, and here’s what he had to say.

“At 32-24, third in the Sun Belt, and #64 in the RPI, Troy really doesn’t stand out in any one area. If they have a better RPI like last year or were leading the conference like in ‘05 and ‘06 then they would have a better chance to get a bid. I wouldn’t say they absolutely have to win the automatic bid to get in, although that is the most likely way for the Trojans to play after the Sun Belt Tournament. They could also get in by winning the bracket undefeated, losing in the title game, and getting some help around the country.“

Also, on the likelihood of the Sun Belt being a one-bid league.

“If New Orleans wins the tournament, the Sun Belt is looking at just one bid. Louisiana-Monroe, despite winning the conference regular season, doesn’t have the RPI (92) to get a bid. The only chance at an at large is New Orleans, and maybe Troy if the stars align.“

Tuesday links

By Drew Champlin

Told you we’d have some. We’ve got a feature on Michael Precise, who has become one of Troy’s best hitters this year. He’s also from nearby Geneva.

From The Daily Advertiser in Lafayette, Troy’s first round opponent ULL has its swagger back. If you remember, ULL was predicted to dominate the conference. For some reason or another, they didn’t, but now the Cajuns are playing very well.

From some other papers, the Jonesboro Sun looks at why ASU stunk this baseball season. The Daily News Journal in Murfreesboro looks at MTSU’s offensive prowess. From The News-Star in Monroe, they’ve got plenty of coverage on the Warhawks for the SBC Tournament. The Mobile Press-Register reports that USA’s coach feels like the tourament is wide open..