2019 Conference Opener: UConn @ Houston (Fri. 3/22 @7:30p ET, Sat. 3/23 @ 7:30p ET & Sun. 3/24 @ 12:30p ET) | Page 3 | The Boneyard

2019 Conference Opener: UConn @ Houston (Fri. 3/22 @7:30p ET, Sat. 3/23 @ 7:30p ET & Sun. 3/24 @ 12:30p ET)

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Pitching Slows Houston in Series Opener, 2-1

Notes
  • Mason Feole earned his 17th career win as a Husky, moving him into a tie for ninth all-time in program history.
  • Christian Fedko recorded his fifth multi-hit game of the season.
  • UConn is 6-0 on Fridays this season.
  • In all six saves for Jake Wallace, the closer has pitched more than one inning.
  • Feole's eight strikeouts were the most in a game for a UConn pitcher this season.
  • The Huskies 2-1 win was the first one-run win for the Huskies since Opening Night (Feb. 15) vs. No. 4 Louisville, 3-2.
 


Follow-up story ($): UConn's Feole Looks Brilliant Against Houston (quite extensive - just a snap shot)

>>“We’ve been really cautious and smart about bringing him back [from the shoulder strain],” Penders continued. “And in between these starts, until now, we weren’t doing what he normally does. I mean, when he pitches during the week, he’s out there blasting away. He lets it rip between outings. He’s gotten over the hump the last week and a half and he’s now letting it rip, you’re seeing the result of that.”

It’s not hard to see why Feole relies on a specific approach when it comes to preparation. When he’s on the mound, he’s always locked in and works with a fast and deliberate tempo. Hitters constantly are out of sync against him, and part of that buildup is going all out in the week leading up to his next start. So, when he was working back from that injury and not going all out in his training, Penders summed up his situation pretty well with a car reference.

“It’s hard to command the fastball on Friday night if you’re not letting the Ferrari out of the garage during the week,” Penders said about Feole. “He’s a putting the gas pedal all the way down kind of guy, and if he’s going 50 percent on Wednesday, it’s not going to work out for him on Friday in most instances.”<<

>>As for Feole, he continues to be one of the more unique pitchers in college baseball. He works incredibly fast and has interesting arm action. And there are times when his command can be a little erratic. But on times like Friday night, where he’s, for the most part, hitting on all cylinders, he’s one of the best in the business.

He’s UConn’s Ferrari, and he’s finally out of the garage for good.<<
 
huskymedic said:
Pitching Slows Houston in Series Opener, 2-1

Notes
  • Mason Feole earned his 17th career win as a Husky, moving him into a tie for ninth all-time in program history.
  • Christian Fedko recorded his fifth multi-hit game of the season.
  • UConn is 6-0 on Fridays this season.
  • In all six saves for Jake Wallace, the closer has pitched more than one inning.
  • Feole's eight strikeouts were the most in a game for a UConn pitcher this season.
  • The Huskies 2-1 win was the first one-run win for the Huskies since Opening Night (Feb. 15) vs. No. 4 Louisville, 3-2.
Expand ...

UConn bats in a slump, I believe that is two 4 hit games in a row for them. Makes getting this win even a bit better, especially considering the problems they have had in playing in Houston in the past.

Toppa having problems fielding in left when the wind is blowing. Happened in Charleston, and it happened last night as well.
 
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kris1 said:
Toppa worked on his swing during the off-season if I recall. He wanted to show that he could hit for power. I’m sure that was the feedback he got from MLB scouts. They’ll trade the strikeouts, if you can hit for power in the OF.
Expand ...

Yes, Toppa skipped playing in the Cape league this past summer to work on his swing. The strikeouts have gone up, but Toppa so far has added about 30 points to his batting average to go along with the increase in his power. Walks are about the same. Even with the added strikeouts, the average and power increase certainly make him a better offensive player. Before, he was nothing special to the MLB scouts, a .280 hitter with no power. If he keeps this up, he has a shot at being drafted.
 
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I wanted a 3-1 week given both UVA and Houston are more flawed than we are, but would not put up a stomping tantrum if we went 2-2. Winning a road series to start off conference play would be significant.
 
uconnbaseball said:
I wanted a 3-1 week given both UVA and Houston are more flawed than we are, but would not put up a stomping tantrum if we went 2-2. Winning a road series to start off conference play would be significant.
Expand ...

Especially against Houston. While the Cougars may not be the same caliber of team that they normally are, UConn has always had all sorts of problems when playing them.
 
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By the way Houston seems to use the same streaming system for their sporting events as Husky All Access. I believe if you are a subscriber to Husky All Access you can sign in and watch the baseball games on the Houston Cougars website and not pay any extra.
 
huskymedic said:


Follow-up story ($): UConn's Feole Looks Brilliant Against Houston (quite extensive - just a snap shot)

>>“We’ve been really cautious and smart about bringing him back [from the shoulder strain],” Penders continued. “And in between these starts, until now, we weren’t doing what he normally does. I mean, when he pitches during the week, he’s out there blasting away. He lets it rip between outings. He’s gotten over the hump the last week and a half and he’s now letting it rip, you’re seeing the result of that.”

It’s not hard to see why Feole relies on a specific approach when it comes to preparation. When he’s on the mound, he’s always locked in and works with a fast and deliberate tempo. Hitters constantly are out of sync against him, and part of that buildup is going all out in the week leading up to his next start. So, when he was working back from that injury and not going all out in his training, Penders summed up his situation pretty well with a car reference.

“It’s hard to command the fastball on Friday night if you’re not letting the Ferrari out of the garage during the week,” Penders said about Feole. “He’s a putting the gas pedal all the way down kind of guy, and if he’s going 50 percent on Wednesday, it’s not going to work out for him on Friday in most instances.”<<

>>As for Feole, he continues to be one of the more unique pitchers in college baseball. He works incredibly fast and has interesting arm action. And there are times when his command can be a little erratic. But on times like Friday night, where he’s, for the most part, hitting on all cylinders, he’s one of the best in the business.

He’s UConn’s Ferrari, and he’s finally out of the garage for good.<<
Expand ...


Excellent article. UConn's starting pitching looks a tad bit better with Feole back to more or less normal.
 
Kersten is more hittable than Feole, so I wonder if they will cut down on the bunts.
 
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My God Feole was awesome last night - what a welcome sight
Would love a 3-0 weekend but 2-1 is nice
 
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