Copperhead Road – Baseball at Louisville

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My apologies to loyal readers (all five of you), but this week’s preview will be sorely lacking.

Due to family and other obligations late this week, I am, for the first time ever, writing this on the fly after having done literally no research beforehand.  Whatever I get done in the next two hours (and whatever order it may come in)….well you’re just gonna have to live with it.

For a couple of weeks now I’ve been saying that Wolfpack Baseball (32-14, 13-9 ACC) really needed to distinguish itself in order to get out of that #6-10 range if they wanted to be seriously considered as a national seed when NCAA Tourney bids go out in a few weeks.  And while they haven’t played badly at all since then, and have managed not to knock themselves out of the national seed discussion (and are currently still safely in the top 16 regional hosts); nor have they done much distinguishing of themselves.  Two straight weekends (vs Duke, at Clemson), the Pack has allowed very winnable game three’s to escape.  The former would have resulted in a home sweep vs a good team, the latter a road series win against a really good team.

So, what’s a guy gotta do to get a little distinguishing?

What I do know without doing any research is that Louisville (39-10, 16-8 ACC) is really damned good.  #5 in the polls this week, #2 in the RPI.  And unfortunately, they’re even better at home where they’ve lost only a single game all season.  That’s right sports fans, only one team (UVa) has gone into Louisville this year and NOT limped back out with a broom stick up their…..bus’ tailpipe.

And I’m not gonna lie to ya folks, statistically speaking, they’ve been better than we have.  I don’t have the numbers in front of me, but I’d bet the farm that (again….statistically speaking) they’re better than us offensively, significantly better on the hill, and probably marginally better defensively as well.

 

I’m not very good at saying things like “Well, everybody gets swept there, so let’s just be happy with one win…..if we can get it.”

That’s defeatist.  More than that it’s loser speak.  It really doesn’t matter what has happened up until now.  Not as far as these games this weekend are concerned at least.

All we have to do is be better than them THIS WEEKEND.  Lotsa almost great teams had great seasons….right up until that one team came to town and dropped the proverbial turd in the home team’s punch bowl.

****This is usually the part where I’d go into my profanity laced tirade/pep talk….but it’s a family site so instead I’ll give you this……

 

What’s the most important game of the season?  Today’s game.  Ask me again tomorrow.

Win today.

–

The Venomous Snake in the Room

As some of you have heard, but no doubt some have not, Head Coach Elliott Avent will not be traveling to Louisville with the team this weekend.  It will be the first road trip he’s missed in his 2o years at NCSU.

It seems Coach Avent (and his little dog too) had a close reptilian encounter on Wednesday.

Avent to Miss Louisville Series (GoPack.com)

NC state baseball coach Elliott Avent will miss the Wolfpack’s ACC series at Louisville this weekend after suffering a bite from a copperhead snake on his right ankle Wednesday evening.

Avent was walking his dog Samantha, who he had just rescued from the Curtis & Jacquelyn Dail SPCA in Garner when he was bit. He and Sammi both spent Wednesday night in the hospital and both were released Thursday morning, and are resting at home.

On a somewhat semi-un-related note, I never thought any set of circumstances anywhere ever would lead me to link a Steve Earl video into a Baseball post.  Life, huh?  You just never, never know.

In all seriousness, as someone who has been bitten by a copperhead and who has witnessed the after effects of plenty of dogs (and a few stupid cats too) getting a little too close, I want to sincerely say that I hope Samantha is recuperating well.  Oh yeah, Coach Avent as well, even though he tried to get his new dog eaten by a giant reptile.

I keed, I keed.

Seriously Coach, get well soon.  And invest in a poke ahead stick.  They’re cheap.

–

at Louisville Games Schedule

  • Friday, May 13, 6pm – ESPN3
  • Saturday, May 14, 1pm – ESPN3
  • Sunday, May 15, 1pm – ESPN3

 

ACC Standings

Atlantic
Schools Conf W-L-T Conf PCT W-L-T PCT
Florida State 14-6-0 .700 32-15-0 .681
Louisville 16-8-0 .667 39-10-0 .796
NC State 13-9-0 .591 32-14-0 .696
Clemson 13-14-0 .481 32-17-0 .653
Wake Forest 11-13-0 .458 29-19-0 .604
Notre Dame 10-12-0 .455 26-22-0 .542
Boston College 11-14-0 .440 27-18-0 .600
Coastal
Schools Conf W-L-T Conf PCT W-L-T PCT
Miami 16-6-0 .727 37-9-0 .804
Virginia 14-10-0 .583 31-17-0 .646
Georgia Tech 11-12-0 .478 32-16-0 .667
Pitt 10-13-0 .435 25-20-0 .556
North Carolina 10-14-0 .417 31-18-0 .633
Duke 10-14-0 .417 28-21-0 .571
Virginia Tech 5-19-0 .208 18-31-0 .367

 

Elsewhere in the ACC this Weekend

  • Wake at VT
  • FSU at Duke
  • GT at UVa
  • Pitt at Miami
  • ND at Carolina
  • Clemson at GaSo
  • Niagara at BC

–

Yep, so that’s all I got.  How ’bout some videos?

–

Go Pack!!!!!

–

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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Home › Forums › Copperhead Road – Baseball at Louisville

Viewing 25 posts - 1 through 25 (of 29 total)
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  • 05/13/2016 at 4:00 PM #103332
    Wufpacker
    Participant

    My apologies to loyal readers (all five of you), but this week’s preview will be sorely lacking. Due to family and other obligations late this week, I
    [See the full post at: Copperhead Road – Baseball at Louisville]

    05/13/2016 at 6:40 PM #103337
    Wufpacker
    Participant

    I literally might have just witnessed the worst pitch ever. 60 feet six inches? Screw that. If that puppy made it 50 feet I’ll eat my shoe.

    You always know its a good pitch when it kicks up green infield clippings as it rolls just off the outside corner.

    05/13/2016 at 6:48 PM #103338
    TheCOWDOG
    Moderator

    So…I just put the radio on, and Steve Earl on Spotify.
    Goes like an olive to a martini.

    (You never saw my forkball…use to make ground squirrels take to the power lines.)

    05/13/2016 at 6:57 PM #103339
    Wufpacker
    Participant

    Are you certain you know what “olive” to “martini” actually means?
    That being said, I have no questions re: your forkball/squirrels/power lines line of reasoning. Screw those varmints.

    Pack down 1-0 after 3, btw.

    05/13/2016 at 7:39 PM #103341
    Adventuroo
    Participant

    Update…..through #6, it is STILL Louisville (home of the Recruiting Mama) ONE and NCSU (we do it by the book) ZERO…..NADA.

    BUT, it could be worse.

    I want to know the Color of the Umbrella (and size) that EA used on the offensive reptile. I also want to know if IT still works.

    Overheard on the watercooler circuit….when the former Mrs. Avent heard about the snake her first words were….”Hows the puppy…?”

    Copperheads are sneaky little snakes….they sun and watch and then get obnoxious for no good reason….or is that the UNC fans?

    Wonder if EA is on the cell and coaching from his recliner?

    05/13/2016 at 8:37 PM #103342
    PackofMac
    Participant

    Chance Shepard K

    05/13/2016 at 8:37 PM #103343
    PackofMac
    Participant

    Chance Shepard K2

    05/13/2016 at 8:37 PM #103344
    PackofMac
    Participant

    Chance Shepard K3

    05/13/2016 at 8:38 PM #103345
    PackofMac
    Participant

    And to end it………………..
    Chance Shepard K4

    Actually laughing my ass off. It’s a shame I watch every game televised or streamed and I bet my wife everytime Chance Shepard will strike out. I’m way up on the house at this point. Sit that kid

    05/14/2016 at 7:01 AM #103349
    PackerInRussia
    Participant

    I consider myself a loyal reader. Still waiting for those loyalty rewards to kick in.
    Are there any rules about a coach needing to be physically present to coach? Can he call up and coach from afar? And of course I mean officially coach. Every team has thousands of unofficial coaches that populate message boards across the world.
    Looks like the Pack is going to have to find a way to just be slightly better than Louisville. Both good teams. Speaking of slightly better. How bout Tillman v. Verlander. Just takes one pitch. Glad to see Mr. Jones hitting better recently. Go O’s! Wait, which forum am I on again?

    05/14/2016 at 11:10 AM #103352
    Wufpacker
    Participant
    PackerInRussia wrote:

    Speaking of slightly better. How bout Tillman v. Verlander. Just takes one pitch. Glad to see Mr. Jones hitting better recently. Go O’s! Wait, which forum am I on again?

    The correct one…six game win streak says so.

    05/14/2016 at 1:14 PM #103357
    Wufpacker
    Participant

    Today’s game is on real TV btw. FoxSportsSouth/FoxSportsCarolinas.
    Apologies as it was apparently my oversight in the entry not to include that.
    Full list of RSN affiliates…
    http://gopack.com/news/2016/5/14/baseball-where-to-watch-pack9-at-louisville-1-pm.aspx

    05/14/2016 at 1:44 PM #103360
    Wufpacker
    Participant

    Game Two scoreless after 3.

    05/14/2016 at 2:42 PM #103361
    Wufpacker
    Participant

    ‘Ville erupts for four (so far) in the bottom 5th. Brown was cruising and then….whammo. Brown out, Brabrand in.

    05/14/2016 at 3:15 PM #103362
    Wufpacker
    Participant

    Pack gets 2 back. 4-2 at the stretch.

    05/14/2016 at 3:44 PM #103363
    Gowolves
    Participant

    Love all the efforts you are able to put together. Also love the bugs bunny reference. Favorite of all time cartoons. Again I thought the game was at 4. Missed most of this game. That sucks.

    Going to the Thursday uncheat game. Who will be in attendance?

    05/14/2016 at 3:50 PM #103364
    Gowolves
    Participant
    TheCOWDOG wrote:

    So…I just put the radio on, and Steve Earl on Spotify.
    Goes like an olive to a martini.

    (You never saw my forkball…use to make ground squirrels take to the power lines.)

    I would love to some evidence of this.

    05/14/2016 at 3:59 PM #103365
    Wufpacker
    Participant

    Lotsa blown opportunities today. Pack falls to ‘Ville in game two, final 4-2.
    Try to salvage tomorrow at 1pm.

    05/14/2016 at 4:34 PM #103367
    TheCOWDOG
    Moderator
    Gowolves wrote:

    I would love to some evidence of this.

    The olives to martini, or my attempts as a frustrated pitcher?

    Pack was not in a good place for this series…first trip to strangers’ territory. They are acclimated, now and should pick up a needed win on gettaway day.

    05/14/2016 at 5:56 PM #103369
    Gowolves
    Participant

    “They are acclimated, now and should pick up a needed win on gettaway day.”

    What he said.

    05/14/2016 at 6:50 PM #103370
    TheCOWDOG
    Moderator

    Your a good sh:t, Gowolves. Did ya ever plant those patio tomatoes, and stuff?

    05/15/2016 at 11:14 AM #103385
    Gowolves
    Participant
    TheCOWDOG wrote:

    Your a good sh:t, Gowolves. Did ya ever plant those patio tomatoes, and stuff?

    I try to balance my own stupidity and faith. Always a challenge. This teams deserves positive vibes.

    I didn’t get a chance. Transistioned back to public accounting and I found a few justifications and rationalizations along the way. Hope to next year..

    05/15/2016 at 12:27 PM #103388
    Wufpacker
    Participant

    Interestingly, losing twice to ‘Ville has not damaged the RPI (still #6) and has upped SOS to #3 (was 7…I think).
    Just imagine if we could actually manage to win a game. Which btw, we really need to do because the voters in the polls won’t be as forgiving as the RPI has been thus far.

    05/15/2016 at 1:59 PM #103390
    Wufpacker
    Participant

    Not a great start. ‘Ville already up 4-0 in the bottom 2nd. Still two on with only one away as the Pack makes its 2nd pitching change. DeJuneas in to try to put out the fire….in the 2nd.

    05/15/2016 at 2:08 PM #103391
    Wufpacker
    Participant

    2nd inning mercifully ends.
    Cards up 6-0 after 2.

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