Thursday, April 8, 2010

Game Day: MU @ Oklahoma Sooners

■ Oklahoma by the numbers:
TV Schedule: Friday game on Sooner Sports Network, Saturday on Fox Sports Network

■ Find good summaries of Sooner Baseball to date at CrimsonAndCreamMachine.com

2010 Newcomer Video Spotlights (SoonerSports.com) I like this feature for two reasons: (1) It's fantastic that they are not only releasing the details about their recruiting class, but actual video interviews! Great! (2) The videos and accompanying text are just chock full of interesting informations (aka heckling material)

■ What do MU and OU have in common? Both made that same Ouch List on CollegeBaseballToday.com this past weekend
OU This Weekend: Lost all three games vs. Texas.

Why It Hurts: Because OU has betrayed me. Big time. When I saw them play down in San Diego in the first weekend of the season, I thought they were really the bees knees. Now, with this stunning three game sweep at the hands of Texas, in chich they only managed 11 hits and three runs in the three losses. The true definition of “ouch” if I’ve ever seen it.
Oklahoma Sooners too much for TCU baseball team (Examiner.com)
TCU found themselves behind the eight ball from the start thanks to a two out rally in the first from the Sooners and the genes of former Major League Baseball players. Tyler Ogle hit a two-out single and then Cameron Seitzer (son of former Kansas City Royal Kevin Seitzer) doubled to make the game 1-0. Oklahoma extended the lead on a single from Garret Buechele (son of former Texas Ranger Steve Buechele) to put OU out to an early 2-0 lead.
■ Last weekend: Sooners suffer sweep at hands of Longhorns (Sooners Illustrated) have hands?]
A) Texas’ pitching was better than advertised and the Sooners’ hitters just didn’t have an answer for anyone Texas head coach Augie Garrido sent to the mound.

B) The Sooners (22-6, 3-4) were exposed for who they really are, overachievers who looked good all season because of a very weak schedule.

Both theories are legitimate ones and both had their moments during the series at L. Dale Mitchell Park. OU looked overpowered and at times played with little heart.
Baseball America had a good scouting report on the Oklahoma Sooners last week, prior to their series with Texas
"The strength of our team is our pitching, absolutely, there's no question," Golloway said. "I like the fact that we're rolling out three former junior college All-Americans on the weekend. We thought we had recruited well, but we didn't know for sure. The way they've come out and competed has been excellent.
“[The Arkansas-Pine Bluff series] is getting us ready,” sophomore first baseman Cameron Seitzer said. “Texas is a great team, so we’re going to need everybody to be ready to go.”

The Sooners (22-3, 3-1) defeated the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions on Tuesday and Wednesday 26-3 and 16-1, respectively
Getting to know . . . Oklahoma third baseman Garrett Buechele (NewsOK.com)
Bucket List: 1. Going to Australia would be kind of cool. I’ve always wanted to go to Australia. 2. Go into a shark cage and meet some sharks. 3. Be a certified sky diver.
Cameron Seitzer bashing away again for OU (NewsOK.com)
Cameron Seitzer’s life had always featured baseball.

The son of former big-leaguer and current Kansas City Royals hitting coach Kevin Seitzer, the game stood centrally focused.

In the Big 12, he currently ranks in the top 10 in batting average (.404), home runs (6), total bases (2.52 per game), on-base percentage (.506) and slugging percentage (.784).

At first base, Seitzer might have no peer, named the best defensive player at the position by Baseball America.
Oklahoma student-athlete spotlight: Jeremy Erben (Big12Sports.com)
Erben, in his third year as a Sooner, was excited yet humbled about being named a team captain. The fact that his teammates voted for him, Erben said, was an honor because it showed the respect and trust they have in him to the lead the team.

The most visible form of leadership has been his performance this season. Erben entered April leading the nation in ERA and has not allowed a run in 10 of his 12 outings, including a 22- inning scoreless streak. The way he competes on the field sets the tone for the team, as does his dedication.
Up: Garrett Buechele, OU: After a breakout season a year ago, Buechele is back bashing baseballs again, leading Sooner regulars with a .403 batting average. He’s tied for the club-high with five homers and leads the team with 22 RBIs.

Down: P Michael Rocha, OU: Once projected as a future ace of the staff, Rocha continues to search for a consistent role. While 3-0 thus far, his 5.29 ERA is second worst among Sooner pitchers. Rocha has made just two starts on a staff looking for a reliable No. 3 man.
It might be a down season for Big 12 Baseball (NewsOK.com)
The Sooners are hitting and pitching. And if they can just get a lead to the back end of the bullpen, it’s all but over. Setup man Jeremy Erben is 5-0 with one save and a 0.39 ERA, while closer Ryan Duke has seven saves in eight appearances with a 1.08 ERA.

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