Road to Omaha - Special Open Thread

by Nestor on Jun 9, 2007 8:00 AM PDT in Baseball

Here we go. If you are logging on here today for last min info. on our team, here is the google map directions to Goodwin Field. Again for a refresher on today's matchups make sure to read Rye's primer.

We have been excited about this game ever since the boys recorded their last out against the Dirtbags last Sunday.

Time for some Bruin baseball:

Photo credit/source: BigWillieStyles' photostream

The official site has set up a special page for today's game which includes among other things links to stats, rosters for both teams.

Again the game is going to be on national television - ESPN - with first pitch scheduled for 4 pm PST. If you are one of the unlucky ones stuck at a library, office, airport or whereever without a TV, you can listen/follow the game online by going here. And of course those of you who have both post away in the open game thread here.

GO BRUINS.

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Television coverage map

If you have cable, you are only guaranteed to see tonight's game on ESPN if you live in California (North Carolina-South Carolina is on at the same time). The rest of the country, outside of the Carolinas, will see ESPN's Whiparound coverage.

ESPN Coverage Map

If you have DirecTV or Dish, it looks like they have two different channels set up for each game, so you'll probably get it regardless of where you are.

Luckily for us, all of California is considered UCLA's home market. I'm watching ESPN's super regional coverage right now in LA, and LA isn't a part of UC Irvine's home market (we're getting mostly the MSU-Clemson game).

by gilbert on Jun 9, 2007 11:17 AM PDT reply actions

Game 2 is national

Tomorrow's game is the only game in its timeslot, so everyone everywhere gets it.

by gilbert on Jun 9, 2007 11:18 AM PDT up reply actions

Thanks for the info gilbert

by Nestor on Jun 9, 2007 2:49 PM PDT up reply actions

Not to put you on the spot Gilbert

but since your name is Gilbert Quinonez (which you disclose in the email address to sign up for your account) is this you lecturing UCLA fans to stop criticizing Lavin in 2002?

Many, including me have made fun of Steve Lavin's inconsistent basketball team. It's hard not to make fun of a team that has lost to Cal State Northridge, Washington, Ball State and Arizona State, yet has beaten so many great teams over the last few years. However, never once have I said that the team "sucks" or said that Lavin should be fired, like so many other stat geek wannabes have.

As an Angel fan since 1994 (all of you have either lost respect for me or are feeling sorry for me right now), I have learned that good teams don't grow on trees and should be respected.

In Lavin's six seasons as head coach, the team has gone 135-59, with a winning percentage of .696. Wow. Still, many fans are not happy with this. Ever since the great John Wooden was head coach at UCLA, Bruin fans have never been happy with the team's performance, no matter how good it was. What was Wooden's winning percentage after his first six seasons? .698.

I'm not saying that Lavin will win 10 national championships here at UCLA, or that Lavin is as great as a coach as Wooden. It just won't happen again in college basketball with so many dominant programs.

If it is ... no worries. I am not going to ask you to get lost.

It is amusing to say the least. May be this means it will mean we are not going to see articles in the Daily Bruin next year, in which writers/columnists like you are criticizing UCLA fans for attempting to hold Dorrell accountable (apologizing for underachievements of our head coaches).

But still ... a warm welcome to BN. You graduated from UCLA. So you are always welcome here. Just hope you appreciate what we are trying do here on BN. Back to baseball ...

GO BRUINS.

by Nestor on Jun 9, 2007 3:02 PM PDT up reply actions

Being on the Spot

Being on the spot is part of being in the BN. It has been my experience that anyone is given free rein to say just about anything on any subject. But you have to be able to defend your position. Or if you are going to take a shot at someone's position, you either must be reasonable, factual and (hopefully) insightful, or you have to be prepared to take some heat for that, too.

So to Gilbert, I say if you want to defend Coach Howland's predecessor or Mr. Dorrell, by all means try to do so. My request is that you back it up with facts. One fact about Coach Howland's predecessor is the winning percentage. There are plenty of other facts that suggest going essentially 23-10 is not a particularly good performance with the athletes we had on hand. I suppose it's a mark of insight to realize you don't know how to coach so just get out of the way and let your players do their best without a coach.

Anyway, let's get back to baseball. I don't think any of these games are going to be walkovers.

by Fox 71 on Jun 9, 2007 4:07 PM PDT up reply actions

Its all good ...

No need for Gilbert to defend his Lavin takes from 2002. He really can't. I am more than willing to forgive him.

But I will certainly keep that article and Gilbert posting here in mind, if I see any writer/columnist from the Daily Bruin bashing "angry" bloggers ala Dump Dorrell or BN, crticizing Dorrell this upcoming season.

Back to baseball (I can't get this game on TV at home in DC). So we will have to head out to watch it at some bar.

Enjoy the games guys.

by Nestor on Jun 9, 2007 4:10 PM PDT up reply actions

That was the worst thing I ever wrote

I was just a naive freshman back then. I didn't know any better. I didn't know about the UCLA tradition. Or how horrible the Lavin era really was.

I can't apologize enough for writing that column.

Nestor, I fully appreciate what you are trying to do here at Bruins Nation. This is one of the blogs I visit the most on the Internet.

To prove that I really do agree with you on the issue at hand (Dorrell), I did write this not too long ago:

Dorrell would do well in NFL

You readers might be laughing at me, considering Dorrell has had three mediocre seasons at UCLA and only one good one, finishing 6-7, 6-6, 10-2 and 7-6. But in the NFL, all you need to be is mediocre to get into the playoffs sometimes, as 8-8 teams make the playoffs regularly (like the New York Giants did this season). While Dorrell is criticized in Westwood for underachieving and going 7-6, he could be celebrated in the NFL for going 9-7.

Nestor, I love your work here at Bruins Nation. You and your contributors do a great job. I was just trying to add one bit of information your readers might want to see.

by gilbert on Jun 9, 2007 4:13 PM PDT up reply actions

seriously it is all good now

We've got Howland.

Now next year if Dorrell falls short of the expectations we have set here on BN, we need you to relay to the DB writers they need to hold Dorrell accountable just the way we do here on BN.

Now I am really going to get out of here with my rally cap on.

GO BRUINS.

by Nestor on Jun 9, 2007 4:25 PM PDT up reply actions

No need to apologize

Once a Bruin, always a Bruin. Bruins tend to keep thinking, and sometimes opinions change. I look forward to arguing with you and agreeing with you and supporting you and telling you you're flat wrong. Just like guys do with me. (But when they disagree with me they're wrong by definition, but we'll get to that later.)

by Fox 71 on Jun 9, 2007 6:19 PM PDT up reply actions

WTF?

Last time I looked, Encino was in CA -- actually not far from Westwood. So why is espn giving me a North Carolina game?

Anyone getting our game on espn?

sjh

by Class of 66 on Jun 9, 2007 4:09 PM PDT reply actions

Bay area

its on ESPN here

by bruinhoo on Jun 9, 2007 4:10 PM PDT up reply actions

Its on

UCLA the "home team" today, first CSUF hitter grounded to 1st, second hitter struck out.

by bruinhoo on Jun 9, 2007 4:10 PM PDT reply actions

Hoo

Please keep us updates ... so I can at least check the score on my phone ... while I am out. Thanks!

by Nestor on Jun 9, 2007 4:11 PM PDT up reply actions

Ill try

I have to leave in a while myself.

by bruinhoo on Jun 9, 2007 4:28 PM PDT up reply actions

Dish Network

My Mom has Dish Network. We are getting NC v. SC.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Jun 9, 2007 4:13 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm in the dorms at UCLA

And we're getting UNC vs S. Car ... =/

It might have something to do with the way the hill gets cable which I think is satellite, but still crappy nonetheless

by tsunugundam on Jun 9, 2007 4:24 PM PDT up reply actions

1-0 Fullerton

After retiring the first 2 runners, 4 straight have reached in the top of the 1st, including an RBI single, and now an HBP.

by bruinhoo on Jun 9, 2007 4:19 PM PDT reply actions

3-0

Two out, runners on first and second.

by SuperBruinMan on Jun 9, 2007 4:25 PM PDT reply actions

3-0 - Mid 1st

2-run single by McArthur for Fullerton. 5 straight batters reached base with 2 outs in this inning - 3 hits, 1 BB, 1 HBP.

BTW, Brummett pitching.

by bruinhoo on Jun 9, 2007 4:26 PM PDT reply actions

NorCal has UNC-USC on DirecTV

by charnaw on Jun 9, 2007 4:30 PM PDT reply actions

3-1 Bottom 1, update

Roemer pitching for CSUF

Curtis reached on a single, advanced to third on a base hit by ... , who later stole 2nd.
Crawford with an RBI single, scoring Curtis from 3rd
Cody Decker hitting, no outs, runners on the corners. Popped out to SS
Crawford picked off 1st

by bruinhoo on Jun 9, 2007 4:35 PM PDT reply actions

3-1 Fullerton, end 1st

Cohen struck out swinging (?) to end the inning.

by bruinhoo on Jun 9, 2007 4:38 PM PDT reply actions

4-1, Top 2nd

Brummett pitching

(CSUF #9 hitter) Flyball out to RF
Hardman: Flyball out to CF
Fellhauer: single up the middle (another 2 out hit off Brummett). Brummett, 37 pitches through 1 2/3IP
Mahin: infield single - SS.
Curtis: RBI single to RF.

by bruinhoo on Jun 9, 2007 4:49 PM PDT reply actions

, Mid 2nd

Jones: RBI single up the middle. UCLA bullpen is becoming active (Brewer and Lafferty starting to warm up).
Wallach: groundout to 1B, Brummett covering.

7 hits, 9 baserunners in all for Fullerton. All with 2 outs.
Brummett - 51 pitches through 2 IP

by bruinhoo on Jun 9, 2007 4:56 PM PDT up reply actions

5-1 Fullerton, end 2nd

Roemer pitching

(UCLA #6 hitter): Flyball out to RF
Uribe: Double to RF
Stewart: Flyball out to LF
Babineau: Groundout to 2B

by bruinhoo on Jun 9, 2007 5:03 PM PDT reply actions

The guys . . .

don't seem to be on their game. The pickoff really killed the 1st inning and Brummett is struggling. Lets hope that bats awaken soon!

by charnaw on Jun 9, 2007 5:11 PM PDT reply actions

Tyson just not getting it done today

Hopefully the bats get going soon, going to need it to have any chance today.

by bruinhoo on Jun 9, 2007 5:17 PM PDT up reply actions

6-1 Fullerton, Mid 3rd

Brummett pitching

McArthur: Walked
Jones: HBP (while trying to bunt)
Scott: Sacrifice bunt. Runners advanced to 2nd and 3rd.
Hardman: Sacrifice fly - LF, McArthur scores.
Feldhauer: Flyball out to LF

by bruinhoo on Jun 9, 2007 5:13 PM PDT reply actions

6-1 Fullerton, End 3rd

Roemer pitching

Curtis: Struckout looking
Carrithers: Double to LF
Crawford: Groundout to 3B
Decker: Fouled out

by bruinhoo on Jun 9, 2007 5:23 PM PDT reply actions

6-1 Fullerton, Mid 4th

Brummett pitching

Mahin: Strikeout looking
Curtis: Groundout to 2B (nice stop by Carrithers preventing a hit!)
Jones: Groundout to 2B

First 1-2-3 inning of the game.

by bruinhoo on Jun 9, 2007 5:31 PM PDT reply actions

6-1 Fullerton, End 4th

Roemer pitching

Cohen: Fouled out
Penniall: Flyball out to CF
Uribe: Flyball out to 2B

by bruinhoo on Jun 9, 2007 5:40 PM PDT reply actions

Something wrong with the Game Tracker

Both times that Penniall has been up to bat it shows him at first base with nobody at home. I have only noticed this when Penniall is hitting.

by SuperBruinMan on Jun 9, 2007 5:40 PM PDT reply actions

Must be a Penniall implant

by charnaw on Jun 9, 2007 5:41 PM PDT up reply actions

This one is in the refridgerator!!!

No, I really dont belive that . . . just using reverse psychology to try and jinx them. Must be the beer kicking in. :)

by charnaw on Jun 9, 2007 5:41 PM PDT reply actions

Pitching Change

Brendan Lafferty in for Tyson Brummett

by SuperBruinMan on Jun 9, 2007 5:55 PM PDT reply actions

7-1 Fullerton, top 5th

Brummett pitching

Wallach: Reached base
McArthur: RBI Double - CF
Jones: Groundout to 2B, McArthur advanced to 3B
Scott: Walked

Lafferty relieves Brummett
Brummett: 4 1/3IP, 7ER, 8H, 4BB, 2K's.

by bruinhoo on Jun 9, 2007 5:58 PM PDT reply actions

9-1 Fullerton, Top 5th (Still)

Lafferty pitching

Hardman: Fouled out
Fellhauer: 2-Run Triple (Both charged to Brummett). This ain't looking good.

by bruinhoo on Jun 9, 2007 6:02 PM PDT reply actions

Decker needs to deliver here

by SuperBruinMan on Jun 9, 2007 6:18 PM PDT reply actions

And he grounds out...

4 innings left, down 9-2

by SuperBruinMan on Jun 9, 2007 6:20 PM PDT up reply actions

Bottom of the 6th now

10-2 Fullerton after a leadoff HR in the top of the 6th.

Cohen, Penniall, and Uribe due up for UCLA.

by SuperBruinMan on Jun 9, 2007 6:31 PM PDT reply actions

Top of the 7th

still 10-2 Fullerton

Jason Novak replaces Lafferty on the mound.

by SuperBruinMan on Jun 9, 2007 6:39 PM PDT reply actions

What is that guy yelling?

Gotta be a Fullerturd.

by Ajax on Jun 9, 2007 6:56 PM PDT reply actions

Top of the 8th

Still 10-2 Fullerton with Novak still pitching.

Both teams have the 3, 4, and 5 hitters due up in the 8th.

by SuperBruinMan on Jun 9, 2007 6:57 PM PDT reply actions

Bottom of 8th

With only 6 outs left, we need runs now.

by SuperBruinMan on Jun 9, 2007 7:04 PM PDT reply actions

Pitching Change

Kevin Brophy in for Jason Novak

by SuperBruinMan on Jun 9, 2007 7:13 PM PDT reply actions

Top of the 9th

So far Fullerton has runners on first and second with nobody out. This is not looking good.

by SuperBruinMan on Jun 9, 2007 7:17 PM PDT reply actions

Wild pitch and a single score two

12-2 Fullerton, Top of the 9th

by SuperBruinMan on Jun 9, 2007 7:23 PM PDT up reply actions

Another wild pitch

but the inning finally ends.

by SuperBruinMan on Jun 9, 2007 7:26 PM PDT up reply actions

Once again

Penniall is already at first base

by SuperBruinMan on Jun 9, 2007 7:27 PM PDT reply actions

And for the first time he gets a hit

a 10 run rally would be nice

by SuperBruinMan on Jun 9, 2007 7:31 PM PDT up reply actions

One on, one out

Uribe hits into a fielder's choice. Mickey Weisser is pinch-hitting for Tim Stewart.

by SuperBruinMan on Jun 9, 2007 7:33 PM PDT reply actions

Game over

Weisser strikes out and Babineau hits into another force play.

Final Score: Fullerton 12-2 UCLA

by SuperBruinMan on Jun 9, 2007 7:37 PM PDT up reply actions

One encouraging statistic

Before this loss, the Bruins had lost four times by 8 runs or more. Here's how they responded in the next game.

Bad loss: Feb. 20 @ Long Beach, 14-1 loss
Next game: Feb. 23 v Fullerton, 6-2 WIN

Bad loss: Mar. 9 @ Ole Miss, 8-0 loss
Next game: Mar. 10 @ Ole Miss, 7-6 WIN

Bad loss: May 6 v Cal, 16-0 loss
Next game: May 8 v Pepperdine, 4-1 WIN

Bad loss: May 26 v OSU, 13-5 loss
Next game: May 27 v OSU, 5-2 WIN

I know it's a small sample size, but the Bruins are 4-0 this season in a game following a really bad loss. I know all of BN hopes this continues tomorrow.

by gilbert on Jun 9, 2007 7:41 PM PDT reply actions

Baaaaaaaaaaaaaad game

we got beat in just about every facet of the game. I don't really think there is a need for me to write a recap. Hopefully we can pull out a win tomorrow and force a 3rd game.

by Ryan Rosenblatt on Jun 10, 2007 12:31 AM PDT reply actions