With last night's win, UConn went 4-0 versus St. Johns this year, outscoring the Johnnies 57-20. Different story against Xavier, however, dropping three of four, but with a run differential of just -3.
While not exactly a "band box" (slightly shorter dimensions than Elliott), I was concerned that the games at Prasco would be slugfests. Well, the LOSING team has scored 8 runs in three of the four games, and the average score has been 11 1/2 - 6 3/4 (or 12-7, if you will).
"Free 90's" update - Wednesday - 5 walks + 1 HBP in 11-8 loss
Thursday - 1 walk + 1 HBP in 13-3 win.
In 21 previous appearances, Brady Afthim had allowed just 5 earned runs all year. He gave up 5 in the loss Wednesday night. Not sure if he (or Cooke) would be available this afternoon after throwing 50 +/- pitches each on Wednesday night.
If West starts, UConn would be throwing a sophomore who was little-used last year into an elimination game. However, he is (statistically) the best starter on the squad - in 14 games (7 starts), he is 5-0 with the second leading ERA on the team (2.54). If he can avoid the "free 90's (averaging almost 6 walks per nine inning, plus 5 HBP on the year), you have to like UConn's chances today. He has only allowed 27 hits in 46 IP (versus 30 walks & 5 HBP). As DBMill is fond of saying, "We'll see what happens."
