I got to attend games 1 and 3 of the series, so I missed out on the loss.

Game 1 3/19

Hunter Loyd had a great pitching performance. Acosta and Chavez came through as well. And combined, they did better on giving free bases - six this time, 5 walks and 1 hit batsman.

I am so happy that Sean Kearney belted an opposite-field, 3 RBI homer that gave the Bucs some needed breathing room. I don't know any of these players, but two of the guys that get spot playing time, Sean and Markel Graham, seem to be good guys. I cheer for them every time they get in (not necessarily audibly) and hope they can make a contribution. Don't get me wrong, I want all the guys to do good; I just have a soft spot in my heart for guys that have stuck around.

Game 3 3/20

Hitting-wise, the Bucs kept the Keydets playing from behind all game. They managed to get baserunners on the first 4 innings and managed to get 3 of them home. VMI kept going to the bullpen throughout the game trying to find an answer, but 5 out of 8 innings, ETSU either scored or had a runner in scoring position.

Ethan Cady continues his monster ways at the plate, going 3 for 5 with a double and 2 RBI. One amusing stat he got yesterday was a stolen base. He was on 1st and Kyle was batting with 2 outs and, I think, a 2-2 count. Ethan took off and held up about 15 feet from 2nd, looking somewhat confused. VMI was confused, too, and didn't throw down and let him jog the last 15 feet to 2nd uncontested. I think Ethan thought it was 3-2 and took off at the pitch; happy accident, though, as he got a stolen base (or at least should have - I didn't catch the box score).

Very clean 8 innings of work from Nathanial Tate and Brady Jones. 11 strikeouts and a combined 4 free bases (2 BB, 2 HBP) in 6 innings for Tate.

I wonder if Morris and Tate have some history. Tate hit him twice and picked him off second base.

The VMI hitters were able to see Walker Joyce's pitches and managed 4 hits and 2 runs in their part of the 9th. He got a couple ground balls to get out of the inning. I didn't like the 4 hits, but at least he didn't give anyone a free base.

How are we looking compared to the other teams in the SoCon? Where do you see us finishing?

(03-22-2021 03:34 PM)Buced_Up Wrote:  How are we looking compared to the other teams in the SoCon? Where do you see us finishing?

I wish I had time to be a SoCon baseball reporter and analyst, but I really can't tell you. I like going to games when I have time and usually will catch parts of Red Sox or Braves games during the week on TV, but I'm definitely no expert.