Wolfpack vs Terps – Weekend Baseball Preview

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I spent too much time watching basketball tonight, so sorry in advance but this one’s probably gonna be a semi-halfassed effort from yours truly.  We’ll see how it goes.

The Pack welcomes the Maryland Terrapins (14-10, 3-6 ACC) to town this weekend for a three game conference slate at the Doak.  With Trea Turner’s bat back in the lineup, State really needs to get things moving in the right direction this weekend vs the Terps if at all possible.

Both teams have had similar seasons to date.  After getting swept by LSU in Baton Rouge to open their season, the Terps got things on track and had it rolling with a nine game winning streak  Then they hit conference play and have sputtered losing all three conference series they’ve played.  That being said, they haven’t been swept in conference and have managed to take one game each vs Wake, vs FSU and @UVa (which the Pack wasn’t able to do if you recall, and I’m sure you do).

The net result is that their conference record is an identical 3-6 to that of the Pack, which has them (and Wake too) tied with the Pack for third place in the Atlantic Division, four games back of 1st place FSU and two games back of 2nd place Clemson.

Incidentally, BC is already all but out of the race, 6.5 back and winless in conference…but God did smile down on them and allowed them to avoid an 11th straight defeat this past Sunday vs the heels when he rained ’em out.  Of course they got the 11th straight loss anyway, two days later vs Northeastern.  And a 12th the next day vs Bryant University.

Having won only three games all season, I fully expect even Duke to pound the crap out of BC this weekend.

But I digress…

This is about Maryland.  So let’s see about them, shall we? (BC really sucks)

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MFlagMaryland Terrapins

14-10 (3-6 ACC, t3rd ACC Atlantic)
2012: 32-24 (10-20 ACC, 5th ACC Atlantic)

 

At The Plate

The Terps are solid at the plate, batting .293 as a team for the season thus far (as compared to .282 for the Pack) and scoring 6.25 runs per game (6.88 for the Pack).  They don’t generally hit for power much however (8 HRs all season) but they do like to run and play “small ball”.  Once they get on base, they’re very willing and able to cause problems for opposing pitchers, having stolen 60 bases on the year on 74 attempts.

Charlie White (#4, Soph, CF) is their big biggest basestealing threat (22/26) and is also solid at the plate at .333.  He’s also got 6 doubles on the year and leads the team in runs scored (22).

Kyle Convissar (#22, Jr, 2B) is their RBI leader (25) and he also leads the team in BA (.352) and scored 18 times.  He too has 6 doubles on the year, and has stolen 5 bags in 8 tries, but he is susceptible to the strikeout (17).

Their other .300+ guys are Jordan Hagel (#34, Sr, CF/RF) – (.344, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 16 rs, 9/9 sb); and Kevin Martir (#32, Frosh, C) – (.338, 9 RBI, 7 rs).  Martir is their only everyday guy to not have attempted to swipe a base all year.

LaMonte Wade (#6, Frosh, LF) also deserves a mention here.   He’s batting .272 currently with no HRs, but has still managed to knock in 17 runs, score 19 times and steal 8 bases in 9 attempts.  He draws a LOT of walks (20), but also strikes out more than average (17).  No word on whether his nickname is “Big Dummy” (That’s a “Sanford and Son” reference btw…I’m sure Mr. Wade is a very intelligent human being and I am not attempting to besmirch him).

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In The Field

Maryland’s pitching staff is very solid, having posted a staff ERA of 3.64 to date in 2013 (3.79 for the Pack) and having only given up an average of 4.38 runs per game (4.73 for the Pack).  The guys that Wolfpack hitters will likely be facing this weekend are:

Jimmy Reed (#11, Sr, LHP) – 4-1, 1.96 ERA, 0 HRs, 31 Ks, 13 BBs.

Brady Kirkpatrick (#3, Jr, RHP) – 2-3, 3.16 ERA, 2 HRs, 28 Ks, 19 BBs.

Jake Stinnett (#7, Jr, RHP) – 1-3, 8.10 ERA, 0 HRs, 11 Ks, 11 BBs

(UMd has not officially listed their starter for Sunday, but Stinnett is my best guess)

The Terps bullpen is solid as well, and they are very good defensively with the possible exception of 3rd baseman KJ Hockaday (#8, Soph, 3B) with 7 errors in 62 chances, for a .887 fldpct.

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Links:

Rodon and Reed Duel Friday, Open Maryland Series (GoPack.com)

Maryland Baseball (UMTerps.com)

Weekend Notes

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Games Schedule – Probable Starters

  • 3/29 Friday 6:30pm – Jimmy Reed vs Carlos Rodon
  • 3/30 Saturday 6:30pm – Brady Kirkpatrick vs Ethan Ogburn
  • 3/31 Sunday 1pm – Jake Stinnett vs Brad Stone

***All three games vs the Terps are scheduled to be streamed live via ESPN3***

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ACC Standings

(As Of March 28)
ATLANTIC DIVISION
School Conference Pct. Overall Pct.
Florida State 7-2 .778 23-2-0 .920
Clemson 5-4 .556 16-9-0 .640
NC State 3-6 .333 17-9-0 .654
Maryland 3-6 .333 14-10-0 .583
Wake Forest 3-6 .333 15-12-0 .556
Boston College 0-8 .000 3-19-0 .136
COASTAL DIVISION
School Conference Pct. Overall Pct.
North Carolina 7-1 .875 23-1-0 .958
Virginia 7-2 .778 23-2-0 .920
Georgia Tech 6-3 .667 19-5-0 .792
Virginia Tech 5-4 .556 18-8-0 .692
Miami 4-5 .444 19-9-0 .679
Duke 3-6 .333 13-13-0 .500

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About Wufpacker

A 2nd generation alumnus and raised since birth to be irrationally dedicated to all things NC State. Class of '88 and '92.

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27 Responses to Wolfpack vs Terps – Weekend Baseball Preview

  1. vtpackfan 03/29/2013 at 10:22 AM #

    Great write up-as usual.

    Didn’t this used to be the Weekend we always played Wake Forrest? The ACC pisses on anything of historical significance unless it has to do with the shades of Blue in basketball.

    What’s ironic is that Maryland is looking forward and getting out of this Conference, and justifiably so. The Big10 takes tradition seriously-I bet if you went to their commish, told them of a great traditional sporting rivalry on a specific date, no matter the date, it would be made done matter what.

    We can take three games by only winning one game at a time. That means the complete Rodon with no occasionally batting practice pitches that have turned into round trippers. He and Austin need to commit to that. I still suspect that battery is still getting comfortable together because Camela caught each of Rodons games his freshman campaign.

  2. vtpackfan 03/29/2013 at 2:24 PM #

    Wufpacker,

    Any insights on who might transfer after season end? Would probably drive up conversation here 😉

  3. Wufpacker 03/29/2013 at 2:52 PM #

    Only thing that seems to drive up the chatter on the baseball threads is if we lose. It is what it is. For most fans baseball is one of those throwaway non-rev ordeals that they just don’t want to be embarrassed by but really couldn’t care less about otherwise.

    Or maybe it’s just more fun to complain.

    Agree that we miss Canela as a backstop, particularly for Rodon.

    I completely forgot to originally include in the preview that all three games this weekend are scheduled to stream on ESPN3. It’s been added, but figured I’d stick it in here too.

  4. vtpackfan 03/29/2013 at 3:51 PM #

    I’ll complain some, but even if it’s a non-rev sport, it is just too cool to make a trip to Omaha to discount whole heartedly the Baseball program.

  5. Wufpacker 03/29/2013 at 4:04 PM #

    Noting at all wrong with complaining, it’s part of fandom.

    Only thing that bothers me is that aside from a handful of regulars, other folks seem to show up to complain (often quickly after a loss) but don’t bother to talk up the good stuff.

    Meh, what can ya do?

  6. Dr. BadgerPack 03/29/2013 at 5:10 PM #

    ^Wufpacker, that’s why the first couple of years I did this I did weekly summaries, and not game-by-game. It cuts down on the bitching somewhat.

    Although it is fun when the complaints illustrate a complete lack of baseball knowledge. 🙂

  7. Pack78 03/29/2013 at 7:03 PM #

    Pack hits the Twerps with a 3-spot in the first…3-0 Pack in the top of the 2nd.

  8. vtpackfan 03/29/2013 at 7:12 PM #

    Yea, super Sophs off to a great start.
    Rodon 3 K’s no runs
    Austin a lead off HR
    Turner single than came around to score

  9. vtpackfan 03/29/2013 at 9:04 PM #

    Sasser in with no outs, runner on 1st in the 9th. Looks like Md starter settled it down into a pitchers duel with Rodon. Still 3-1 good guys.

  10. vtpackfan 03/29/2013 at 9:33 PM #

    Maryland shows again why the sac bunt is a dogma of baseball that managers never give up on. Nobody out, runners on first and second and they give up an out to move runners over. Grounder to third and fly out, game over, Pack wins 3-2.

    Giving away outs is statistically a bone headed strategy. Along those lines, we’ve seen it far too often by Avent. Make teams have to earn getting you out 27 times and you’ll come out better in the long run.

  11. highstick 03/29/2013 at 10:47 PM #

    Sounds like a better game than the hockey game I saw in Charlotte tonight…Good win, but gotta keep doing it to be on a roll by tournament time..

  12. Wufpacker 03/29/2013 at 11:06 PM #

    Fortunate to get that 3 in the first against Reed. Am hugely happy Rodon and Co. were able to make it stand for 9 innings.

    Great win. Wish Reed belonged to us.

  13. Dr. BadgerPack 03/30/2013 at 6:36 AM #

    vtpackfan- Of course, were it not for a great backhanded play by Clyde, the basehit after the “sacrifice”- more on that later- would have plated both of those runners.

    White appeared to be bunting for a hit there, and almost beat it out. He pushed it to the third base side of the mound so Sasser would have to turn and throw to first. It actually would have been an easier play for Sasser to go to third; the camera angle didn’t indicate whether the wheel play was on or Clyde stayed at home.

    With nobody out, I generally like a sacrifice in that situation as it eliminates the double play, puts the tying run in scoring position and forces a great defensive play to get the “free out.” With the sacrifice, it’s all about personnel. Bunting with the 3 hitter = stupid. Bunting with #9 or #1, not so much. Shoe on the other foot, State fans would have called for Avents head if 1) he did not bunt with Clyde up and runners on 1st and 2nd- putting two in scoring position for Austin/Turner or 2) he DID bunt Turner in the same scenario.

    It’s all about situation. Mind you I’m certainly not saying you’re wrong- some guy named Earl Weaver hated the sacrifice bunt too. (Fun fact- he still was around league average in sacrifices in his only WS championship season, and the previous year was one behind the league leader- After Ron Blomberg, peronnel changed and the sac numbers dropped precipitously).

    Generally, you will find even managers who despise giving away outs, will bunt in close and late games after the 7th inning. That’s usually where I operate- I certainly don’t bunt early in the game, where the value of two runs isn’t a certain as the value down by 2 in the 9th.

    Going back to last nights situation, preventing a 9th inning meltdown required a great play to get White (may have been safe anyway), and great play by Clyde.

    You bring up one of the longest running baseball debates though on when to bunt or whether to at all. I think the always bunt versus the hate bunting sides need to meet in the middle and let the personnel and game situation dictate the strategy.

    Hope that did not come off pompous or condescending! I do enjoy a good bunt discussion.

  14. Wufpacker 03/30/2013 at 10:12 AM #

    Well said DBP. Like any other decision, personnel and situation dictates.

    Oh and this….

    Duke 13
    BC 0

    I’m sure I’ll get my comeuppance for giving them a hard time when we head to Chestnut Hill in two weeks and drop 2/3 though.

  15. highstick 03/30/2013 at 8:19 PM #

    Without any apologies, I closely follow both State and the Gamecocks…Game One with the Aggies, the Cocks struck out 17, Game Two was 9 or 10.

    Here’s hoping that the trip to Chestnut “HOLE” produces as many K’s for the Pack..

    I saw the “hole in the ground” for the new baseball stadium last night…Hadn’t really paid attention before.

  16. Wufpacker 03/30/2013 at 8:37 PM #

    LOL ‘stick. BC dropped two to Duke today but at least they did score in game one. Still got their asses swept by Duke tho.

    And hell man, no need to apologize for following the ‘Cocks even if you weren’t a genuine fan of theirs already. Helluva program, I’d be worried about ya if you weren’t a fan of theirs. I would be too if I was close enough to follow ’em.

    Soon.

  17. vtpackfan 03/30/2013 at 9:10 PM #

    3-2 Twerps. Top 8th. Lets just blow it open and drop any sac bunt talk 😉

  18. vtpackfan 03/30/2013 at 9:13 PM #

    Make that 3 outs. UMd pitching has been the story so far this weekend. Thank you Carlos Rodon.

  19. vtpackfan 03/30/2013 at 9:17 PM #

    One bright spot is that we’ve found a great, reliable arm in Andrew Woek. The Jr JuCo transfer has really impressed so far this season. You can never have enough great pitching at this level.

  20. john of sparta 03/30/2013 at 9:20 PM #

    give BC some slack.
    it’s still Winter there.
    “unplayable conditions”.
    will Punxsutawney Phil survive
    another Ground Hog Day?
    will we?

  21. Wufpacker 03/30/2013 at 9:21 PM #

    Yep, Terps pitching has definitely shown up so far this weekend. And thus small ball takes this one tonight for ’em. Even our 2 in the first were semi-manufactured.

    Gotta figure out how to push a few across in innings not beginning with a 1 tomorrow.

  22. Wufpacker 03/30/2013 at 9:24 PM #

    “give BC some slack.”

    LOL…can’t help it, they’re such an easy target so far. All in good fun tho.

    I lived thru late 80s Orioles travesty so I feel their pain.

  23. vtpackfan 03/30/2013 at 10:01 PM #

    I know-5 combined runs for us in the first innings. 0 in the other 18. Today we had three singles, and that’s it. Sometimes you just run into the buzz saw of some masterful pitching and move on. We need to bust out the wood tomorrow and get hungry or it can become a “manufacture runs” type mentality.

  24. Wufpacker 03/31/2013 at 3:33 PM #

    Well, at least we kept putting runs on the board today after the 1st.

    9-4 Pack at the stretch.

    And Maryland sporting the camo jerseys for Easter. They must be hunting wabbits.

  25. Wufpacker 03/31/2013 at 4:08 PM #

    Wolfpack wins….theeeeeeee, Wolfpack wins! (‘Dog…how’s that for channeling my John Sterling?)

    Pack tops Terps 9-4 final, take series 2-1.

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