Coming off a rough defeat in Game 1 of today's doubleheader with Purdue, the Indiana University baseball Hoosiers rebounded with a 7-6 victory in Game 2 to even the series. Although this was by no means his best performance of the season, Eric Arnett threw a complete game to pick up his 10th win of the season. The junior right-hander gave up 6 runs on 10 hits and 4 walks while striking out 9. Arnett really pitched well throughout most of the game, only struggling in the 7th inning. After a 3 pitch 6th for Arnett, the Boilermakers put together 5 hits and 2 walks in the 7th inning alone in route to 5 of their 6 total runs.
At the plate, the Hoosiers racked up 13 hits, led by 1B Jerrud Sabourin who was 4 for 5 with 2 RBI and a run scored. He also hit a huge go ahead solo homer in the top the 8th from which the Hoosiers never looked back. RF Chris Hervey and LF Kipp Schutz both also homered in this one, and Hervey, Schutz and CF Evan Crawford each connected for a pair of hits in the winning effort. It is also noteworthy that leadoff hitter Hervey reached base 4 times (1 walk and 1 HBP in addition to his 2 hits).
Matt Bashore takes the mound for IU in the series rubber match tomorrow afternoon. Let's all hope he puts forth another solid outing in Big Ten play. This is a series the Hoosiers should and, more importantly, need to win. Here's to them getting it done! Game time is set for 1pm. Go Hoosiers!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Even though he has underacheived this year especially compared to last year I think I still like Hervey in the leadoff spot compared to Lambert or Knipp. I would like to see Earley maybe get more at bats as a starter and have Crawford lead off though. Just thought I would comment since the leadoff spot is the subject of the poll.
ReplyDeleteWhere would you play Early?
ReplyDeleteI like Herve better as leadoff as well - Crawford strikes out too much to leadoff for me
I'd play Earley in LF in substitution of the normal leadoff. I agree that Crawford strikes out too much to be a good leadoff though. The problem is that we really don't have a true leadoff batter. I proposed that as just an option because I would still like to see Earley get some more ABs but if Hervey can return to last years form and continue to find a way to get in base no matter what, I think the spot should be his.
ReplyDeleteOn the "who should lead off question"... GameTracker provides interesting stats on every hitter when they come up to bat. Crawford is hitting .480 when leading off an inning (any inning), Hervey .325, and Lambert .389. Rallies get started when the first guy up gets on base in any inning. In addition to the comments about Crawford "striking out too much"...in the last 24 games (since 4 strikeout game at Xavier) his strikeout to walk ratio is 1.1 (13/12), OBP .457, and he has stolen 16 bases with .355 BA.
ReplyDeleteHervey over the same time period strikeout to walk ratio 2.2 (13/6), OBP .405, 5 stolen bases, .292 BA. Crawford and Hervey’s Big Ten only games show similar results.
Lambert has done a good job over the same 24 game time period with limited ABs (46 less than Crawford and 35 less than Hervey). His K/BB ratio is 2.0 (4/2), OBP .457, 5 stolen bases, .433 BA. Lambert’s stats in Big Ten games can’t really be compared due to much fewer ABs.
Sometimes the “what have you done for me lately” stats vs. the overall stats can give a better perspective on “who should be doing what”.
Just the facts/stats man!
Nice STAT MAN. I like the what have you done for me lately idea, but I do think leading off an inning is different than batting in the leadoff spot. Everyone on the field and stands usually knows when the leadoff batter goes up to the plate. Plus, I know the opposing pitcher wants to get the IU leadoff out more than normal so they can avoid pitching to 2, 3, and 4! I still kinda find Crawford in the leadoff intriguing with his ridiculous speed.
ReplyDeleteHum...do you guys like Crawford at leadoff and Earley in the #6-7 hole or Hervey at leadoff and Crawford in the #6-7 hole. If the pitcher is known for throwing mostly offspeed I'd go w/ option #2 but i like option #1 if pitcher throws a lot of fastballs bc Earley can mash.
ReplyDeleteI like Crawford in any scenario. Why try to coach around 6.45 60 speed. Speed never goes into a slump. Obviously, based on the "lately" numbers, he's corrected the strikeout/walk ratio issue. Time to let the young colt go.
ReplyDeleteSTAT MAN - who do like in RF then? Hervey, Lambert, Earley, Lyon, other?
ReplyDeleteI think (and based on the Big Ten only numbers) Hervey in RF unless he just tanks (which I don't think he will do). Defensively, he is the best RF and as I recall, he really got hot (with the bat)around this time last year. He is also quite an inspirational leader for this team...brings that rough and tough NY attitude.
ReplyDeleteAll the other players mentioned are definitely in the RF conversation, and could very get some playing time (contingent on who's swinging the bat well). Just a note about Lyon...He is a beast and his time will come--just not this year.
Gotta agree with STAT MAN on Lyon - an impressive youngster that will get his chance.
ReplyDelete