Crimson Red Sports

You asked for it; you got it. Our very own baseball thread.  :lol2:

Bama beat UAB in B'ham last night, 3-2. That puts us at 24-14 for the year, but with a 4-11 record in the brutal SEC conference.

We have Vandy to beat up on us this weekend.

How many teams out of the 14 make it to the SEC tourney?  10 or so?

12 make it. I doubt we are one of them.

It looks like we're in a battle with South Carolina and Kentucky for last 2 out.  All three teams have 4-11 records in conference play currently.  If it comes down to overall record, we do have the advantage there.

We have Vandy, LSU, Auburn, A&M, and Ga left to play. I don't think our chances are very good.

Did we get a new BB coach who was suppose to turn things around? RTR!

Believe it or not, we are still better than the last 2 years, Preacher. Nothing wrong with the coach. He's doing the best he can with what he can get with the scholarship limitations.

OK thanks 2. I just didn't know we had the limitations. Maybe he can recoup some better players next year. RTR!

Overall record does not help the conference standings unless it goes very deep into a tie breaker. We do have the head to head tie breaker over USCe since we won 2 games in that series. We do not play UK.

The SEC Tournament standings are based on SEC record regardless of Division. The schedule is different. USCe and UK have to play all 6 East teams and 4 West teams. We have to play 6 West and 3 East. The West is by far the toughest division. We caught a break getting USCe at home but our other two East series are Vandy and Florida which are the two best teams in the East.

I had forgotten about this, but Mizzou will not be allowed to play in the SEC tournament, so we just don't have to be the very worst to get in.  :unsure:

Boy, we have hit the bottom if that's the standard.   :lol2: :lol2:

Sometimes, you just gotta take what you can.  :lol2:

I'm having trouble getting excited about our chances.  Seeing them in person during that early season series was disheartening.  
 :unsure:

At least we beat the barn in Montgomery.  :dunno:

Yeah, my sister couldn't throw a baseball either! 
 :lol2:

 :lol3: :lol3: well done if we beat the barn. RTR!

Bama trails Vandy 5-2 in the bottom of the 5th.

Bama gets 2 in the bottom of the 5th. 5-4 Vandy.

... and downhill from there.

 :(

True. Vandy wins 7-4.  :facepalm:

If it makes you feel any better, Ole Miss beat the Boogs in Boogerland 5-3 yesterday.
 :dunno:

It helps. Just wish our baseball team could win a few more SEC games. We're getting killed.

Was that an unclick I unheard?  :unsure:

My buckle is sat Rhoads Stadium.  :lol2:

Then you'll really freeze.  Today's game isn't until 8pm tonight (in the cold and wind).
 :dunno:

And in Gainesville.  :lol2:

Do we still have a chance at the playoffs? RTR!

Vandy takes Game Two 13-5. Vandy is ranked #5.

(https://assets.courtauld.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/31133756/CHARLIE-BROWN-1024x944.jpg)

Good grief indeed.   :lol2:

I had to unbuckle and turn it off after Vandy went up 5-0.  Wasn't competitive.
 :(

Ranked #5 that ain't to bad. RTR!

That's the women's softball team -- and it will probably go up after sweeping Florida.   ;)

And we lose the series finally to Vandy, 2-0.

Consistency is our strength.   :tinfoil:

Over the years people have mentioned that it is hard for the baseball team to compete because of the number of scholarships.  Apparently lottery states have a big advantage since a lot of their kids don't need a full scholarship, which allows their baseball team to make the limited number of scholarships go further by dividing them up.

A thought just occurred to me.  Why doesn't the softball team have this problem?  Unless the scholarship situation is much different for softball, this excuse is no longer acceptable.

I'm not sure how valid the excuse is, but I think it's ridiculous that the NCAA doesn't raise the limit.  11.7 scholarships for a sport that starts 9 players and commonly plays 12-15 players per game.  Hockey is allowed 18 scholarships!

Looks like softball is allowed 12 scholarships.  It is a stupid rule.

Baseball has a 35 man roster with 17 pitchers. They get 11.7 scholarships. Softball has a 20 man roster with 5 pitchers. They have 12 scholarships.

Baseball requires a bigger roster mainly due to pitching. Teams routinely use 9-12 pitchers in a three game series and that does not include the mid-week game. Softball has the re-enter rule. You pinch hit, pinch run or substitute a pitcher/position player and have them re-enter the game.

Lottery money does help but Auburn seems to be doing OK. Gaspard was a good guy but after Wells players left he was a sub-par coach and poor recruiter. Then we made a terrible hire that only lasted one year before he was run off. Coach Bo appears to be a good coach and recruiter. Only time will time but I expect him to get things turned around. The SEC record does not reflect it but the non-conference record does show we are much improved over last year. We have 22 new players on the team this year with most being JUCO players. Bad hires hurt this program. It will take Coach Bo a few years to get it turned around.

Good insight pmull.

:clap:

Bama needs to field a hockey team with guys who are pretty good at baseball too.   ???

Well let's give coach BO some time and see. RTR!

Bama scores 3 in the 9th to break a 3-3 tie and beats Jax St on the road, 6-3.

woot?   ???

A win anyhow.   :-[

Wow, beating JSU ain't real big, BUT it is better than losing I guess. RTR!

Bama beats LSU 6-1 in series opener.

 :o :o :o

(https://media.giphy.com/media/oLfFPxGAjyctG/giphy.gif)

Mercy Sakes Alive we must have us a convoy. RTR!

Back to reality, they lost 5-2 today.

Guess that's okay.  I can't take too many shocks.

LF and I went to the baseball game in Oxford.  Ole Miss finished the sweep of A&M with a "9th inning walk-off passed ball". 
 :dunno: :dunno:

The difference in the game was a three run home run in the 4th. It was called foul on the field and over turned to a HR by the B'ham SEC office. Bama out hit LSU 10 to 9 and had 10 runners left on base.

Leaving men on base will lose every time. RTR!

Bama/LSU getting started and LSU takes a 1-0 lead in top of first.  Runner on 2nd with 2 outs.  Had a 1-2 count on the hitter and didn't go up an in enough so the batter pulls it down the line for a double to score the run.  Shouldn't give them a pitch that good to hit with a 1-2 count.

Bama's first 2 hitter gets a hit, then the 3rd walks to load the bases.  After two strikeouts, the next batter walks to tie the game.  1-1, going into the 2nd.

Top of 2nd, LSU goes 3 up 3 down, Bama coming to bat,

Bama gets runners on 1st and 3rd, with 1 out, but hits into a double play. 1-1 going into 3rd.

LSU scores 3 in the top of the 3rd to take a 4-1 lead.  LSU has already stolen at least 3 bases. 

Bama goes 3 up and 3 down in the bottom of the 3rd.

Bama gives up the 2nd consecutive lead off home run to start an inning.  Now down 5-1 going into the bottom of the 4th.

Bama goes 3 up 3 sown again, same score going into the 5th.

LSU goes 3 up 3 down, Bama coming to bat in bottom of 5th.

Bama scores 1 to make it 5-2 going into the 6th.

LSU again goes 3 up and 3 down.  Bama coming to bat in the bottom of the 6th.

Lordy, I just believe we are better than this but come on boys we proud of you. RTR!

Bama gets runners to 2nd and 3rd with 1 out and fail to score.  Still 5-2 going into the 7th.

LSU fails to score, Bama coming to bat.

Missed a little, Bama scores 1 in bottom of the 8th and now it is 5-3 going into the 9th.

LSU goes 3 up and 3 down.  Bama coming to bat in the bottom of 9th down 2 runs.

Bama loads the bases with one out and scores a run on a fielders choice.  Hit the next batter to load the bases again with 2 outs and Holcombe strikes out to end the game.  5-4 LSU.

Bama out hit LSU again but could not get the timely hits. We left 10 runners on base to only 5 for LSU. We played well this series against a very good LSU team. We are getting better it is just going to take time.

You are correct, Bama missed big opportunities, especially in the first with bases loaded and no out.  They only scored 1 run. 

Bama pitcher gives up 3 hits and a walk in the bottom of the first.  AU up 2-0.

Bama loads the bases, but doesn't score, still 2-0, AU.

Bama starting pitcher doesn't come out for 2nd inning, has an undisclosed injury, and the reliever gives up a leadoff double but leaves him there.  AU 2-0.

Bama gets the leadoff runner on, but doesn't score.  Going into the bottom of the 3rd, 2-0 AU.

AU goes 3 up and 3 down, Bama coming to bat in the top of the 4th, 2-0 AU.

Bama gets a lead off infield single then a double to put runners on 2nd and 3rd.  The next batter singles to right to score 1 run.  Bama down 2-1 going to the bottom of the 4th.

AU gets the first 2 batters on with hits, one called an error, but the Tigers fail to score.  Still 2-1 with Bama coming to bat in the top of the 5th.

Bama out quickly in the top of the 5th, still 2-1 AU.

AU scores 2 on a ball I thought should have been caught, now 4-1 going into the top of the 6th.

Bama gets a runner to 2nd with 2 outs and can't score.  4-1 AU going into bottom of the inning.

AU threatens but doesn't score, 4-1 going into top of the 7th.

Bama doesn't score.  They have had the lead off hitter on in 5 of the 7 innings.  Three of those lead off batters were part of 3 of the double plays AU has turned.  Still 4-1 going into the bottom of the 7th.

AU gets a hit, but doesn't score, Bama coming to bat in the top of the 8th, down 4-1.

Bama gets 1 hit but no one crosses the plate.  Going into the bottom of 8th, 4-1 AU.

AU gets a double and triple to score 1, going into the 9th, 5-1 AU.

AU's closer comes in and strikes out 2 of 3 to end the game, 5-1 AU.

Bama loads the bases with 1 out and the AU pitcher walks a run in.  Next two batters get out.  Bama up 1-0 in the top of the  first.

AU gets a lead off walk, then a double play and then the 3rd batter goes down swinging.  1-0 Bama  going into the 2nd.

Bama scores another run on a lead off double and 2 errors.  If not for a great catch by the centerfielder Bama would have scored more.  2-0 Bama.

AU's first 2 batters gets hit, but are left on base.  Great play by 2nd baseman saved a run.

Bama goes 3 up and 3 down on 7 pitches but lead 2-0 going into the bottom of the 3rd.

AU scores 1 on a double, a sacrifice which had a throwing error. But Bama gets out without any more damage.  Bama up 2-1 going  into the 4th.

Bama fails to score in the inning after getting runners in scoring position.  They are already 0-8 with runners in scoring position.  If I heard correctly, Bama has left over 400 runners on base in scoring position.

AU goes 3 up and 3 down, going into the 5th Bama still up 2-1.

Bama finally gets a hit with runners in scoring position.  They add another run on a ground out to 2nd.  Bama now up 4-1 going into the bottom of the 5th.

Au goes 3 up and 3 down.  Heading into the top of the 6th Bama up 4-1.

Bama scores again with a run scoring single, another base hit with a runner in scoring position.  They have had a runner on base every inning.  Going to the bottom of the 6th, Bama up 5-1.

Long inning because of some challenges.  AU scores a run.  Bama brings in a reliever and the score is now 5-2 going into the 7th.

Bama leaves another runner on in scoring position.  Still leading 5-2 going into the bottom of the 7th.

AU lead off walk then a double play.  This is followed by 3 straight hits to load the bases.  Hitter bounces to 2nd for the 3rd out.  Going to the 8th Bama still up 5-2.

Bama doesn't score in the top of the  inning.  AU has used 6 pitchers tonight.  Bama still leads 5-2 going into the bottom of the  8th.

Bama brings in their closer.  Walks the first batter.  Second batter pops out.  Hits the third batter and walks the next.  Bases are loaded and he strikes out the pinch hitter.  Next batter gets a single to score 2 runs.   Batter doubles on an 0-2 count with the runner on 1st base running on the pitch, 2 runs score and there is a man on 2nd with 2 outs.  Finally strikes the batter out.  AU up 6-5 with the AU closer coming in. 

AU brings in their closer who gives up 2 runs.  Bama takes the lead going into the bottom of the 9th, 7-6.

Medders comes in and gets AU 3 up and 3 down for the Bama win.  Bama could have put this game away early with a couple of hits with runners in scoring position.

Thanks for putting the work in, Coach. Great night on the diamonds for Bama.  #+

Well done guys. Keep up the good work. Right now would be a good time to come together and play your best ball. RTR!

A much needed win for the team. I think Coach Bo is getting about as much out of this team as he can.

A look back at how we got from an elite program to where are are now.

Coach Jim Wells took over a good but not elite program in 1995 from Shollenberger. Wells coached for 15 years with a record of 625-322 (.659 %). He won 5 SEC Championships. We made 12 Regionals, 5 Super Regionals and 3 World Series appearances. The program was beginning to slip in 2008 when he announced his retirement. Mal Moore talked him in to staying and that only lasted one year. Wells retired in 2009 as the winningest coach in Alabama Baseball history.

Coach Wells lobbied for and helped get his former top assistant Mitch Gaspard the job. Gaspard was a good man that was liked by everyone. He started out good winning the Georgia Tech Regional and Advancing to the Super Regional where we were 1 out away from the World Series. Gaspard coached 7 season with a record of 234-193. He earned 4 Regional berths and one Super Regional. The program was consistently middle of the pack SEC and had become stagnant. we did not make a Regional his last two years. Gaspard resigned at the end of the 2016 season.

Greg Goff was hired by Bill Battle and it turned out to be one of the worst hires for any sport in the school's history. He went 19-34-1 and lost the team in the process. Players were quitting the team and transferring just trying to get out. New AD Greg Byrne fired him after one season. In one season the team went from Mid- SEC to dead last. The RPI fell to 175 and 19 wins. Both worst in modern school history.

Coach Bo was hired to re-built and start the 2018 season. He inherited a mess. He was hired after the recruiting season and was only able to add a few players, mostly JUCO transfers. The team went 27-29 (8-22 SEC) and finished with a RPI of 82. This was his first season to recruit. He has a reputation of being a top recruiter. He brought in 22 new players being freshmen and JUCO transfers. He recruited nation wide bringing kids in from as far away as California. The team is currently 27-20 (6-17 SEC) with an RPI of 43. They are much improved from last year. It also needs to be pointed out that the SEC is the strongest top to bottom I have ever seen. Nine SEC teams are in the Top 25.

We need to give Coach Bo time. He has a Top 20 recruiting class committed for next year. The team is playing hard. This is not a quick fix project. 

Last night they were talking about Bama and AU being at a disadvantage because the state doesn't have a lottery.  I don't know, maybe you can tell me, how this effects scholarship money?  I think it had something to do with money available for athletes.  What I mean they insinuated the other programs were able to give more money for better scholarships.

Ok here comes that dumb old preacher. Are paying these players to come to our program? RTR!

If you are going off my post above, no.  I think what it means is those states that have lottery's are able to keep the tuition down.  This enables these teams to cut their scholarships up more and it doesn't cost the players as much to go to these schools.  I am not sure if this is a correct assumption on my part.

NCAA rules allow Division I schools to give 11.7 scholarships. Most teams carry a 35 man roster. Scholarships are divided up and given out in 1/4, 1/3 and 1/2. Rarely is a full scholarship given. States with lottery money have Hope Scholarship money available to all (not just athletes) in state students. Hope Scholly's pay for tuition and books. Room and board is not covered. A school can allow a student to use the Hope scholarship and offer them 1/4 athletic and the kid has most of his education paid for. Alabama and Auburn does not have this option. It is a very unfair advantage.

Thanks for the clarification.  I had no idea about this.

OK so now here I come again. So if we vote a lottery in there is money that goes to our education departments or maybe I should say sports departments? RTR!

Reeves hits a solo home run in the first.  Bama up 1-0 going into the bottom of the 1st.

AU gets a couple on but fail to score.  1-0 Bama going to the 2nd.

Bama goes 3 up 3 down taking a 1-0 lead into the bottom of the 2nd.

AU scores 3 in the bottom of the 2nd.  Bama has already changed pitchers.  After all the pitchers use by both teams last night, it will be a battle of the bullpen.  3-1 AU.

Bama scores 2 in the top of the 3rd to tie the game at 3.  AU coming to bat.

 :popcorn2:

AU doesn't score in the bottom of the third, 3-3.

Bama fails to score, going into the bottom of the 4th, still 3-3.

AU fails to score in the bottom of the 4th.  Most interesting thing I saw was, it looked like the Bama coach said something back to a fan that must have been given him some grief after the AU hitter was hit by a pitch.

Bama gets a couple of runners on, but can't score.  Still 3-3 going into the bottom of the 5th.

AU gets a 2 out double but is stranded there.  Going into the 6th, 3-3.

Bama doesn't score, now going into the bottom of the 6th, 3-3,

AU scores one in the bottom of the 6th to take a 4-3 lead.  Could have gotten him at home with a good throw.

Bama gets a lead of single, but has one left on base when they fail to score.  4-3 AU going into the bottom of the 7th.

AU scores 4 in the bottom of the inning.  One could have, again, been out at home with a good throw.  The shift Bama was using hurt them,  8-3 AU going into the top of the 8th.

Bama does some damage and scores 3 runs to make the score 8-6 going into the bottom of the 8th. 

AU has already scored 4 in the inning with nobody out and a runner on second.  The first hit was a high bouncer that the 3rd baseman lost in the sun.  The second hit was a high slow bouncer to short that the  shortstop couldn't field quick enough to make a play at first.  The 3rd hit was supposed to be a sacrifice bunt, and it turned into a hit.  Downhill from there.  12-6 at this point.

AU ends up scoring 9 in the inning to go up 17-6.  Top of the 9th coming up.

Bama does score one on a home run, but lose 17-7.

Thanks for doing the work again, Coach. I don't guess we should expect more than one win on a road trip to Auburn.

Timely hits and depth in pitching seem to be a problem.  I give the coach a chance, since they have, I think, 22 new players this year. 

Yeah, I think we have the right coach. I'm certainly willing to give him time.

I hope so.  It's no fun losing this much, even with a young team.
 :(

Great post!

:clap:

I second that!  :clap:

I don't think coach likes losing either. He will build a contender in time. RTR!

Alabama plays Troy tonight at 6pm -- ESPN.

Troy beat Bama earlier in the year. Maybe they can avenge that loss tonight.

BTW, the game appears to be at Troy.
Troy's record is ~ 25-23.

Troy used to have a darn good baseball program. Looks like they've slipped some over the last few years.

Well we will see how much they slipped tonight? RTR!

Bama 7
Troy 3

woot?

Better than the last meeting.

I was still somewhat buckled back then.   :unsure:

Bama is 22-3 against non conference teams. 28-21 overall.

According to Warren Nolan our RPI is 42. Our record is 28-21. The 28 wins passed the number of 27 we won last year. We host A&M this weekend, host Samford next Tuesday and close out the regular season at UGA. As it stands right now we are tied with UK and one game ahead of USCe for the final two SEC Tournament slots. We hold the tie breaker over USCe. We did not play UK. 

Wow this cutting it close with our records we can't afford to lose. RTR!

Friday:

Bama vs A&M in rain delay.  No score.

Bama loses to A&M 3-2. We out hit A&M 6-5. The difference in the game was an unearned run.

We play again today at 3:00 weather permitting.

 :lol3:

Bama's baseball team is VERY frustrating.  They lead A&M 2-1 in the 9th, so at least they're ahead.
But both of their runs were via homers.  They've gotten a pile of walks, thanks to A&M, but have had 3 men picked off in base-running errors.
 :dunno:

Bama needs to win this game to get into the tournament.  I need a new buckle before next year!

 :unsure:

BAMA WINS 2-1.

 :toast2: :toast1: :joker1:

Wow! They needed that. One step closer to the SEC tourney. Woot?  :dunno:

Very good win over a quality team. A&M rated #18. Brock Love pitched a nice game going 7 innings and only allowed 1 run to pick up the win. Bama got home runs from TJ Reeves and Tyler Ras.

Bama improves to 29-22 (7-19).

Well at least one team did what was good in the round ball game. RTR!

Bama down 5-4 going into the 8th.  I just started watching and it seems that Bama was down 5-0.  So they have come back and they announced Bama scored runs when they had 2 outs.  A&M's shortstop made a great play to keep the tying run from scoring.  Bama probably should have scored on that play.

A&M adds one in the top of the 8th to go up 6-4.

Bama goes 3 up and 3 down going into the 9th, 6-4.

A&M doesn't score in the 9th, Bama coming to bat down 2.

Bottom of the 9th, Bama has scored 1 and has one out.  There are runners on first and 2nd and the tarp is going on the field.

After a 48 minute delay, 2 batter strike out and leave the tying and winning run on base.  I guess if there is any good news they outhit A&M 13 to 8.  Also, A&M is ranked 18 and they play three 1 run games.

You just knew that all the momentum would disappear after a 48 minute rain delay.

Right now, Alabama is tied with Kentucky and South Carolina for the final spot in the SEC tournament. All 3 are at 7-20. Bama has the advantage over SC due to head to head competition with them. Unfortunately, we end the season with a 3 game series with #8 Georgia in Athens.

Final series for the three teams trying to get to B'ham:

UK hosts Vandy
UT hosts Ole Miss
Bama @ UGA

I think both UT and Ole Miss are in the tourney. SC plays 3 at Starkville against Miss St.

It is certain everybody has an easier schedule than Bama to get there. RTR!

Bama comes from behind to beat Samford, 4-2. Samford is a decent team. That gives Bama a 30-23 record. Better than last year.

Bama beats Samford 4-2. Record goes to 30-23. On the road at UGA this weekend to end the regular season.

Bama lost to Ga last night, 9-4. Luckily, SC and Ky lost also. All 3 teams sit at 7-21. Only 2 of them can make the SEC tourney. We have the head-to-head edge over SC. 2 more games to play.

 :popcorn2:

Winning a game would help.

 :popcorn2:

 :lol: You're a funny guy!

 8)  Thank you; thank you very much.

Bama got hammered by Ga 12-2. Ky got hammered by Vandy 12-4 and MSU  hammered SC 11-2. And here we sit hoping we make the SEC tourney.  :facepalm:

The SEC Commish might simply eliminate all 3 teams.   :lol2: :lol2:

That would be the merciful thing to do.

I believe in shooting a lame horse or rabid dog.  Put this team out of its misery.   :wave:

Bama lost 9-1. Bama gets swept by the Dogs. The season is over at 30-26. We do not make it to B’ham for the third year in a row. We made some progress this year but we have a long way to go.

Very disappointing. Not sure how we can play so well with the OOC schedule and tank so bad against the SEC. I understand that the SEC teams we played were all ranked teams, but we got the crap beat out of us in most those games. Another sucky year for baseball.

What's next best to winning the SEC baseball tournament?
AUBURN GIVING AWAY A GAME AND GOING HOME.   :lol2: :lol2:

No. 5 seed LSU beat No. 8 seed Auburn in a 4-3 come-from-behind victory that ended on a wild play that scored two LSU runs from an Auburn wild pitch and eventual throwing error.

LSU had runners on second and third with one out and was down 3-2 in the bottom of the ninth. With pinch hitter Chris Reid at the plate and reliever Brooks Fuller fresh from the bullpen, Fuller hurled his first pitch short and in the dirt.

Auburn catcher Matt Scheffler blocked the wild pitch, but as he tossed his catcher's mask and searched the ground for the ball he accidentally kicked it towards the first base dugout.

LSU's Giovanni DiGiacomo scored the tying run from third while Auburn first baseman Rankin Woley scrambled to the ball. Woley grabbed the ball, slid and errantly threw the ball over Scheffler's head and towards the third base dugout.

Auburn third baseman Edouard Julien sprinted to the ball but LSU's Drew Bianco was in full sprint and well on his way to crossing home for the winning run.

Video here:  https://www.nola.com/lsu/2019/05/watch-lsu-baseball-beats-auburn-on-wild-walk-off.html

This year did not go the way any of us wanted. Coach Bo is having to rebuild the program. IMO he is making progress. The SEC win/loss total of 7-23 is terrible but the non-conference record of 23-3 is outstanding. The SEC is as strong top to bottom as I have ever seen it. The SEC is by far the premier baseball conference in the NCAA. According to Warren Nolan we played the 14th SOS and had an RPI of 40. A big improvement from last year even though the conference win total does not reflect.

Coach Bo is know as a top recruiter. Last November in the early period he signed 14 new players for next season. The signing class is rated #10 by Baseball America. The SEC has 7 teams in the top 12 recruiting rankings.

I am optimistic that we will see improvement again next year. Coach Bo is slowly getting his players in place.



https://rolltide.com/news/2018/11/15/crimson-tide-baseball-inks-14-to-2019-20-signing-class.aspx

Well done Coach Bo. Next year will be more fun even though very competitive. RTR!