2018 ACC baseball tournament

[jimsumner]

Thought I would start a dedicated thread to this event.

First, a recap on the somewhat confusing format.

Twelve teams, divided into four 3-team pods.

Everyone plays the other two teams in their pods.

Winner of pods advance to semifinals Saturday.

Title game Sunday.

Now, there are only two ways a pod can go.

In Scenario A, one team goes 2-0, one team goes 1-1, one team goes 0-2.

Easy to see who advances here.

Scenario B is the circular-firing squad scenario, in which each team goes 1-1.

No head-to-head advantage for anyone here.

So, the tiebreaker goes to the top seed in the pod, based on regular-season in conference.

Those teams would be North Carolina, Clemson, NC State and Duke.

They are the only four teams that can advance with a loss.

In other words, the three teams that lost yesterday-Georgia Tech, Virginia and Notre Dame-have no chance to advance to the semifinals. And none of these teams has a realistic chance of making the NCAAT.


So, their second games are meaningless. For them. But not necessarily for their opponents.

So, it will be interesting to see how these teams play out their season.


Some words on yesterday's action. A 2-1 game, a 3-2, 11-inning game and a 6-2 game that was 1-2 going into the bottom of the eighth.

So pitching ruled, excluding the Notre Dame bullpen collapse against Miami.


Pitt's win over GT was a big, big upset. They were the `12th seed. They play UNC tonight and would clinch their pod with a win.


A more likely outcome has UNC winning and punching their ticket to Saturday. The Tar Heels absolutely mauled Pitt earlier in the season.

So, count on lots of light blue in the stands Saturday.


Duke doesn't open until tomorrow. But the first game today involves Wake Forest and Louisvile, the other two teams in Duke's pod.


They are scoreless after two.

Should Wake win, Duke could clinch the pod by beating them tomorrow.

Should Louisville win, Duke could clinch the pod by winning over Louisville Friday.

But there's another dynamic at work for Duke.

Duke hopes to host first-round NCAA action next week. Sixteen regionals will need hosts.

By most accounts, Duke is just on the outside looking in. I really think Duke needs to win both pool games to feel good about hosting.

Note also, that Duke's next win will be a school-record 40th.

It's hot and humid in Durham, with rain expected. Could throw a figurative monkey wrench into the proceedings.

More later.

[rasputin]

Thought I would start a dedicated thread to this event.

First, a recap on the somewhat confusing format.

Twelve teams, divided into four 3-team pods.

Everyone plays the other two teams in their pods.

Winner of pods advance to semifinals Saturday.

Title game Sunday.

Now, there are only two ways a pod can go.

In Scenario A, one team goes 2-0, one team goes 1-1, one team goes 0-2.

Easy to see who advances here.

Scenario B is the circular-firing squad scenario, in which each team goes 1-1.

No head-to-head advantage for anyone here.

So, the tiebreaker goes to the top seed in the pod, based on regular-season in conference.

Those teams would be North Carolina, Clemson, NC State and Duke.

They are the only four teams that can advance with a loss.

In other words, the three teams that lost yesterday-Georgia Tech, Virginia and Notre Dame-have no chance to advance to the semifinals. And none of these teams has a realistic chance of making the NCAAT.


So, their second games are meaningless. For them. But not necessarily for their opponents.

So, it will be interesting to see how these teams play out their season.


Some words on yesterday's action. A 2-1 game, a 3-2, 11-inning game and a 6-2 game that was 1-2 going into the bottom of the eighth.

So pitching ruled, excluding the Notre Dame bullpen collapse against Miami.


Pitt's win over GT was a big, big upset. They were the `12th seed. They play UNC tonight and would clinch their pod with a win.


A more likely outcome has UNC winning and punching their ticket to Saturday. The Tar Heels absolutely mauled Pitt earlier in the season.

So, count on lots of light blue in the stands Saturday.


Duke doesn't open until tomorrow. But the first game today involves Wake Forest and Louisvile, the other two teams in Duke's pod.


They are scoreless after two.

Should Wake win, Duke could clinch the pod by beating them tomorrow.

Should Louisville win, Duke could clinch the pod by winning over Louisville Friday.

But there's another dynamic at work for Duke.

Duke hopes to host first-round NCAA action next week. Sixteen regionals will need hosts.

By most accounts, Duke is just on the outside looking in. I really think Duke needs to win both pool games to feel good about hosting.

Note also, that Duke's next win will be a school-record 40th.

It's hot and humid in Durham, with rain expected. Could throw a figurative monkey wrench into the proceedings.

More later.

Thanks for the format explanation, which was illuminating. My attempt to spork it was unsuccessful.

[jimsumner]

A three-run blast by Josh Stowers put Louisville up 3-1, after four.

The Deacs had a chance to blow it open in the third, bases loaded, no outs. But Jake Mueller hit into a DP, scoring a run. No further damage that inning.

[jimsumner]

Wake beginning to unravel. 5-1 Louisville still batting in B6.

[jimsumner]

Josh Stowers clears bases with triple.

Stowers has six RBIs and Louisville goes to the top of the ninth clinging to a tenuous 10-2 lead.

[jimsumner]

And that's our final.

[richardjackson199]

Louisville wins 10-2

The only question for Duke is what to do with starting pitchers. Bullpen pitchers are always ready to go, and our coaches can make those decisions on the fly.

Duke should start their #2 Starting pitcher against Wake and our #1 pitcher vs UL. Our #3 can start on Saturday if we're fortunate enough to get there - and we can pull him quickly if needed to get to DeCaster, Jarvis, Stinson, and Labosky as needed. Duke's bullpen depth is fantastic, and our top 4 relievers could be strung together to get 8 innings.

If Duke can get to Sunday, our #2 pitcher might have enough left to throw a few innings. UL will be very tough, but we have to win that game to host a regional. We should try to beat Wake too - as Jim pointed out - although the game is meaningless for our ACC Tourney advancement, it matters for our chances to host an NCAA regional.

[jimsumner]

Louisville wins 10-2

The only question for Duke is what to do with starting pitchers. Bullpen pitchers are always ready to go, and our coaches can make those decisions on the fly.

Duke should start their #2 Starting pitcher against Wake and our #1 pitcher vs UL. Our #3 can start on Saturday if we're fortunate enough to get there - and we can pull him quickly if needed to get to DeCaster, Jarvis, Stinson, and Labosky as needed. Duke's bullpen depth is fantastic, and our top 4 relievers could be strung together to get 8 innings.

If Duke can get to Sunday, our #2 pitcher might have enough left to throw a few innings. UL will be very tough, but we have to win that game to host a regional. We should try to beat Wake too - as Jim pointed out - although the game is meaningless for our ACC Tourney advancement, it matters for our chances to host an NCAA regional.

I'm not sure Duke has a clear number one starter, especially after last weekend's debacle.

Pollard indicated earlier in the week that his two senior weekend starters would start the pod games. Mitch Stallings and Ryan Day were both roughed up pretty good at GT. But both are seniors and should be able to rebound. Order of use? TBD.

That likely would leave Laskey to start Saturday, should Duke advance that far.

Louisville looked pretty tough today. Wake helped them out a lot, an error, five walks, two wild pitches, three hit batters, a balk, a passed ball and abysmal clutch hitting.


But first things first and Wake is first. Who knows what they'll bring to the table. They could be in off-season mode, or nothing-to-lose, have-fun-and-kick-butt mode. TBD.

[jimsumner]

Lightning delay with Notre Dame up over Clemson 2-0 in second.

This is where the schedule starts to get iffy.

[left_hook_lacey]

Thinking about going to the weekend session. Tickets are only $45 for the semis and championship game. Wish I knew more about the weather is gonna do, and what Duke is gonna do. :) Still, even if Duke doesn't make it, you can find worse places to hang out on a Sunday afternoon than Durham Bull athletic park.

Does anyone know if they serve beer inside the park for this tournament? I know it's a college tournament, but it's a pro park, off-campus. If not, I can always hit up Tobacco Road or something before, during, and after. :cool:

Jut gotta talk the wife into 3 baseball games in 2 days. :)

Update:
Me: Want to go to the ACC baseball tournament this weekend?
Her: When?
Me: Semis are Saturday, championship game is Sunday.
Her: Sure. And you can take me to the Sugarland concert Saturday night afterwards. Thanks for asking.
Me: :mad:

[jimsumner]

Saturday's weather looks great.

Sunday? Not so much.

Keep in mind that UNC only has to beat a 28-25 Pitt team to guarantee a spot in the semis and NC State might be around; FSU is a tough out in their pod.

But tickets could--note the qualifier-be at a premium this weekend. Put all three Triangle schools in and it's going to be crowded.

[Willy2351]

Thanks very much for the helpful explanation, Jim.

Now that Louisville has beat Wake, is it right that Duke's game with Wake is meaningless? Whether we win or lose that game, it seems like if we beat Louisville, we will advance to the semis. Right?

[jimsumner]

Thanks very much for the helpful explanation, Jim.

Now that Louisville has beat Wake, is it right that Duke's game with Wake is meaningless? Whether we win or lose that game, it seems like if we beat Louisville, we will advance to the semis. Right?

Meaningless for the purposes of the ACCT.

Very much meaningful for Duke's chances of hosting the first weekend of the NCAAT.

Duke will go all out to win tomorrow.

[jimsumner]

It took Clemson about three innings to decide if they wanted to bother with this one.

But they've exploded in the top of the 4th, with six runs and counting.

They lead 7-3.

[jimsumner]

And counting. Clemson still batting in T4, 11-3, bases loaded.

If you are in the Durham area and have eligibility remaining, report to the Notre Dame bench.

They need arms.

[jimsumner]

Seriously.

Send help.

Grand slam by Davidson, second home run of inning, 15-3, Clemson ties ACCT record for runs in inning at 14.

They've batted around twice.

And yes, the ACC has a 10-run mercy rule. But the game has to go seven innings and it might be tomorrow before we get there.

Painful to watch. Figuratively and maybe literally.

[jimsumner]

Home run hits the bull.

18-3. 17 runs this inning.

And still batting.

[devildeac]

Home run hits the bull.

18-3. 17 runs this inning.

And still batting.

Could/would the ND coach and his team head to the locker room now and request/call it a forfeit?

Kidding. Mostly.

:rolleyes:

[jimsumner]

Finally over. A called third strike.

[PackMan97]

Meaningless for the purposes of the ACCT.

Very much meaningful for Duke's chances of hosting the first weekend of the NCAAT.

Duke will go all out to win tomorrow.

Just as with State vs UVA, neither team will go "all out". You aren't going to throw your best pitcher. You aren't even going to throw your second or third best. The goal is to win the ACCT, do that and hosting isn't in question.

[jimsumner]

Clemson adds a valuable insurance run in T5.

19-3.

[Indoor66]

Clemson adds a valuable insurance run in T5.

19-3.

That takes out some of the worry....

[jimsumner]

The Irish creeping back.

19-4 after five.

We need at least a 10-run margin after seven or we'll be here all night.

[jimsumner]

Wouldn't be surprised to see another mercy-rule game in the nightcap. UNC jumping all over Pitt early.

But it's hard to top 21-4 for drama.

[burnspbesq]

Home run hits the bull.

Is the steak an extra-benefits NCAA violation?

[jimsumner]

Is the steak an extra-benefits NCAA violation?

I believe that has actually come up in the past. I can't recall the actual decision, however.

[jimsumner]

Wow.

Play of the tournament.

Pitt center fielder Frank Maldonado saves three runs for Pitt with running catch, full-speed into center-field wall, bases loaded, two outs.

Paid the price. Made it off under own power.

Just a great, great play.

Pitt trails 3-1 but their defense has kept them in the game.

[jimsumner]

I could be wrong about that blow-out.

Tied at 3.

[jimsumner]

Upset alert.

The 12th-seeded Pitt Panthers scored twice in the bottom of the seventh to take a 5-4 lead over UNC.

Go-ahead run scores on suicide squeeze.

Tar Heels go down 1-2-3 in 8th.

Remember, a Pitt win eliminates the Tar Heels from title contention.

[jimsumner]

That's a wrap.

5-4 Pitt.

That really opens up the weekend.

[chrishoke]

Wow, what a shocker. Davidson last year in the big tournament and lowly Pitt this year. All week the heels were vowing that it would not happen again this year. And just like that,the favorite is eliminated.

[Indoor66]

That's a wrap.

5-4 Pitt.

That really opens up the weekend.

:):):):)

[jjasper0729]

I'll be walking across the street from my office at lunch to take in a few innings of the Duke game. Let's Go Duke!

[devildeac]

Wow, what a shocker. Davidson last year in the big tournament and lowly Pitt this year. All week the heels were vowing that it would not happen again this year. And just like that,the favorite is eliminated.

No favorite of mine.

(But, I know what you meant ;).)

[jimsumner]

Ryan Day getting the start for Duke today. Senior, right-hander. Finesse guy. Will not blow you away. When he has his command, he's tough. But he has to hit his spots.

[JasonEvans]

So, if we win our bracket, we would get Pitt in the semis... this is a real opportunity!

Here is the bracket if you want to see how the various pods match up: https://s3.amazonaws.com/sidearm.sites/acc.sidearmsports.com/documents/2018/3/19/18ACCBase_Bracket.pdf

[HereBeforeCoachK]

Ryan Day getting the start for Duke today. Senior, right-hander. Finesse guy. Will not blow you away. When he has his command, he's tough. But he has to hit his spots.

..and frankly, I'd rather play Louisville today.....I'm a big believer in law of averages, and the concept of regressing to the mean right after a particularly good or bad performance. This is especially true in baseball. But it is what it is...

[jimsumner]

Day works out of a jam in B1. Allows two singles. Needs to tighten up. [Insert Archie Bell and the Drells reference]

[jimsumner]

Griffin Roberts dominating Duke early. 13 pitches for six easy outs.

[jimsumner]

Duke leads the ACC in turning double plays and they used the pitcher's best friend to get out of the second, with no score.

Day not sharp early. But he's a grinder.

Somebody in blue needs to start swinging the bat with some effectiveness.

[jimsumner]

Two-out, two-run double off left-field wall and Duke trails 2-0 after three.

Duke looking sluggish.

[duketaylor]

Wake up 2-0 in the 3rd, still batting.

[Hingeknocker]

Two-out, two-run double off left-field wall and Duke trails 2-0 after three.

Day really struggled with his control that inning, but I thought his strike zone got squeezed on what could have been a strike-em-out, throw-em-out double play. Instead, it was the second walk in a row to start the inning, which he couldn't quite get out of with 2 outs.

Need the bats to wake up!

[duketaylor]

Duke at-bats lasting only seconds, sheesh.

[Hingeknocker]

Day really struggled with his control that inning, but I thought his strike zone got squeezed on what could have been a strike-em-out, throw-em-out double play. Instead, it was the second walk in a row to start the inning, which he couldn't quite get out of with 2 outs.

Need the bats to wake up!

Update: The bats remain asleep. Wake's starter is dominating.

2-0 Wake as we head to B4.

[Bob Green]

First time ESPN3 has done this to me this year:


This Event has been blacked out in your area.

[richardjackson199]

First time ESPN3 has done this to me this year:

It's on TV Fox Sports South if you can get to it

[Bob Green]

It's on TV Fox Sports South if you can get to it

Thank you! Duke cuts the lead the 2-1 as Labosky singles to score Loperfido.

[killerleft]

It's on TV Fox Sports South if you can get to it

Yep, thanks! Watching now on my phone at work during lunch.

[Hingeknocker]

2-1 Wake, heading to the 6th inning.

If Day's day is done, getting through 5 innings only allowing 2 runs is pretty successful all things considered. He helped himself with another double play in the 5th.

It was nice to see us get some guys on base and scratch out a run in the 5th inning, but we still haven't hit many balls sharply. At least Roberts's pitch count is starting to creep up a little bit.

[Hingeknocker]

Tie game!

2-2 heading to B6.

[Bob Green]

Duke ties it up in the 6th at 2-2.

[jimsumner]

Duke knows how to turn a double play.

2-2, going to the eighth.

[jimsumner]

Duke goes quietly in T8.

Stinson in third inning for Duke.

Still 2-2.

[nocilla]

Duke isn't the home team?

[duketaylor]

Replay will determine if Duke scores go-ahead run in top 9th. Very close play, call was out.

[duketaylor]

Wow, so close, I think he's out. Plz be wrong.

[Bob Green]

That was very close. I'm not sure the catcher tagged Loperfido but with the live action call being "out" there wasn't enough evidence to overturn on replay.

[jimsumner]

Stinson back out for the ninth.

I suspect we won't see Laboksy or DeCaster on the mound except in a save situation.

Stinson could be done for the weekend, certainly for tomorrow.

[jimsumner]

Duke making a change with one out.

DeCaster in.

Shows how much I know.

Shows how much Duke wants this win.

[Bob Green]

Ethan DeCaster coming in to pitch with 1 out in the 9th.

[duketaylor]

Two out, runner on 2nd, 0-2 count, get this out. strike three called.

[jimsumner]

Free baseball.

[jimsumner]

A single and a walk to start off T10.

Top of the order.

[jimsumner]

Bunt single. Bases loaded, no outs.

[duketaylor]

Bases loaded, none out;)

[jimsumner]

Proctor fans.

One out.

Deep, cleansing breath.

[jimsumner]

Kone pops out weakly.

[75Crazie]

That really hurts.

[jimsumner]

Conine fans with bat on shoulder.

Duke certainly has squandered some opportunities.

Five straight Duke batters reached base without Duke scoring a run.

Jarvis out for B10. Saving DeCaster for tomorrow.

[Highlander]

Duke had bases loaded, no outs, top of the 10th in a tie game with the heart of your order up.

No runs scored. That could be the game. Wake just needs a run to pull this out.

[HereBeforeCoachK]

Bases loaded, none out, only needing a single run? No excuse for that.

[Highlander]

Struck out the side. On to the 11th.

[jimsumner]

Jarvis puts up 1-2-3 in B10.

Louisville has to be loving this. They're off today, resting, while Duke is in extra innings.

[richardjackson199]

Louisville should take Wake out to eat after this, regardless of outcome. Wake saved their stud starting pitcher for Duke, costing Wake any chance at their season. And Wake going all out today. I don't blame them for trying to win their last game. But lots of extra innings in day 1 of what should have been a meaningless tourney game is not ideal. At this point, hopefully we can win it and build some character with the tough win.

[devildeac]

Bases loaded, none out, only needing a single run? No excuse for that.

Hell, why not a suicide squeeze like Pitt pulled on the cheats?!?!:confused:

[HereBeforeCoachK]

Louisville should take Wake out to eat after this, regardless of outcome. Wake saved their stud starting pitcher for Duke, costing Wake any chance at their season. And Wake going all out today. I don't blame them for trying to win their last game. But lots of extra innings in day 1 of what should have been a meaningless tourney game is not ideal. At this point, hopefully we can win it and build some character with the tough win.

Wake people sometimes have a severe case of Duke envy.....

[jimsumner]

Hell, why not a suicide squeeze like Pitt pulled on the cheats?!?!:confused:

I was thinking of a safety squeeze when Kone was up with one out.

The problem with a suicide squeeze in that situation is that you greatly increase the risk of taking the bat out of Conine's hands.

I know, I know. But in the aggregate, Duke wants Conine up in that situation.

[jimsumner]

New pitcher for Wake.

Anthony Menendez. Only 22 IP this year. Time to unlimber the bats.

[devildeac]

Wake people sometimes have a severe case of Duke envy...

Only sometimes? :rolleyes:;)

[devildeac]

I was thinking of a safety squeeze when Kone was up with one out.

The problem with a suicide squeeze in that situation is that you greatly increase the risk of taking the bat out of Conine's hands.

I know, I know. But in the aggregate, Duke wants Conine up in that situation.

All reasonable discussion. So many ways to score in that situation. Sad to get nothing. :(

[jimsumner]

So much for the squeeze.

Duke goes scoreless against a freshman with an ERA on the wrong side of 9.00.

My cardiologist would not like this.

Duke's clutch hitting has been abysmal.

Jarvis back out for Duke.

[DukieInKansas]

Maybe I should turn off the game. I'm not bringing them any luck.

[jimsumner]

And we go to the 13th.

Wake keeps giving Duke the game and Duke keeps giving it back.

If Menendez regresses to the mean, Duke should have a big inning.

[devildeac]

Darn shame none of Clemson's extra runs yesterday were available. :rolleyes:

[Highlander]

So much for the squeeze.

Duke goes scoreless against a freshman with an ERA on the wrong side of 9.00.

My cardiologist would not like this.

Duke's clutch hitting has been abysmal.

Jarvis back out for Duke.

My brother in law is the HC at Belmont Abbey, a DII school outside of Charlotte. They made it to the regional finals Monday and got a rematch against a team they beat 7-3 in the semis. They had bases loaded in the 10th or 11th with their best hitter (conference MVP) at the plate and a 3-0 count. You can guess what happened. He struck out after a dubious called second strike (ump didn't want to walk the winning run home IMO). Wheels finally came off in the 12th and they lost. They then dropped the rubber match later that afternoon. This game is like deja-vu.

[jimsumner]

Duke working on their 4th DH.

Can Mann get it done?

[jimsumner]

Hit by an 0-2 pitch.

Bases loaded, two outs.

[Highlander]

So far, our best offense in the 13th has come off of WF pitching plunking our batters.

[Bob Green]

Bases loaded again with the last two batters HBP. Let's get this done!

[jimsumner]

Bases-loaded walk.

[Highlander]

The MVP of this game for Duke? The WF bullpen. 2 HBP and a bases loaded walk.

[jimsumner]

Dockman warming up for Duke.

Labosky is warming up during Wake's pitching change.

After that, he's on first base.

He's pretty adept at waeming up under duress but this might be a new, even for him.

Another wrinkle. Nichols usually goes to third when Labosky closes. But Duke used him as a pinch runner.

We shall see.

[jimsumner]

Witt walks in another.

[chrishoke]

Maybe we won't have to use Jack.

[jimsumner]

That cratered for Wake in a hurry.

Why didn't Proctor do that two hours ago and save us a lot of trouble? :)

[richardjackson199]

I have volunteered to pitch the bottom of 13th for Duke! :cool:

[ChillinDuke]

That cratered for Wake in a hurry.

Why didn't Proctor do that two hours ago and save us a lot of trouble? :)

For those of us that don't have a feed (or are using you as a feed), what exactly did Proctor do?

Please respond: Salami Sandwich.

- Chillin

[Highlander]

On only two base hits in the 13th, Duke bats 9 players, scores 4, runs and left 2 OB. Wake's bullpen is done.

3 outs away from a program record 40th win.

[Bob Green]

Headed to B13: Duke 6, WF 2.

[devildeac]

I have volunteered to pitch the bottom of 13th for Duke! :cool:

I thought you had a day job.

:p

[DukieInKansas]

Turning sound off and ignoring the video seems to have worked.

[Highlander]

For those of us that don't have a feed (or are using you as a feed), what exactly did Proctor do?

Please respond: Salami Sandwich.

- Chillin

I believe Proctor has had RISP once or twice late and failed to deliver. Finally got a single down in the 13th that scored 2.

[jimsumner]

Duke stringing Wake alone.

Time for a 6-4-3.

[jimsumner]

6-2 in the books.

School record for wins. 40-14.

[Bob Green]

That's a winner!

#40 on the season.

[jwillfan]

What a battle! Pitching was outstanding, finally had a breakthrough inning. Now we have to beat Louisville to move on to Saturday. Really impressive outing by Bryce Jarvis

[devildeac]

*sigh of relief*

Thanks for all the updates!

[HereBeforeCoachK]

6-2 in the books.

School record for wins. 40-14.

Blood pressure back down under 150/99........barely! Now time to start worrying about arms.

[ChillinDuke]

Nice win!!!

- Chillin

[chrishoke]

Congrats to the team on 40! We need the bats to wake up tomorrow.

[richardjackson199]

The win came at a cost to available bullpen pitchers, but at least we got win #40. (Stinson and Jarvis are presumably now out tomorrow and not sure either would be sufficiently rested to pitch Saturday either).

Hopefully Stallings has a great start tomorrow, and pitches the whole game. ;) If he falters early, Duke could use Chillari, #4 starter. Ideally we want Stallings to go 6 innings, and hopefully more.
We need to save Laskey, #3 Starter, hopefully for Pitt on Saturday. Duke also has DeCaster (stud), Dockman (good numbers), Mervis (not quite as good), and if Labosky can go tomorrow, he could close. After that it gets very dicey (players who have pitched less than 12 innings this season). We probably could get 3, maybe 4 innings out of Decaster and Labosky combined.

This is actually a great warmup for next week. This is precisely what happens in regionals where you must win 3 games to advance. Gotta show some moxy.

Go Duke!

[buddy]

Congrats to the team on 40! We need the bats to wake up tomorrow.

May need more than the bats to come awake. Louisville could not have asked for a better outcome (except maybe for the game to last even longer)

[jimsumner]

Stallings will start and DeCaster (10 pitches today) and Labosky (24) should be available to finish.

But the bridge between Stallings and the end of the bullpen should involve some decisions.

I would think Jarvis and/or Stinson should be good to go Saturday, should the opportunity arise.

But not likely tomorrow.

Which leaves Matt Dockman, Marr Mervis, maybe Bill Chilliari. But Chilliari has been a frequent midweek starter, so it makes sense to hold him for Sunday.

Duke really needs Stallings to eat some innings. If Duke can get through six with a lead, I feel pretty good, get through seven with a lead, I'll feel real good.

But that's a big if. Louisville is rested and playing really well.

Pollard made it clear in the postgame that Duke went all out in this one because of hosting implications. Duke really wants to open next week at home.

Ryan Day came in for much-deserved praise. Pollard says that Day may have had his worst stuff of the season. But he's a grinder and his ability to work out of jams kept Duke in the game.

Labosky says he needs 10 pitches to warm up. I believe him. I think he could warm up on the way from his couch to his car.

[chrishoke]

The Cavs beat NCS in a meaningless game 4-2.

[richardjackson199]

The Cavs beat NCS in a meaningless game 4-2.

Exactly, meaningless. I'm sure State was saving all their best pitchers or at least limiting their pitch count.

[jimsumner]

Interesting factoid.

Duke is the only North Carolina school with a win so far. State, Carolina and Wake are a combined 0-4.

Who'd a thunk it?

[duke2x]

I tuned in right before the crucial 9th inning out. I didn't expect to have to leave during the 13th once we walked in a run. Congrats on the win. We always have to put forth more effort to beat the Deacons regardless of sport.

Louisville is our last known chance for a quality win. They probably think they have an outside chance to host as well. I'm not sure beating Louisville will be enough--we can't lose to Pitt (29-25) the next day. I cited the reasons on the other thread, but we've got a lot working against us beyond our current #19 RPI on warrennolan.com. I really think we need closer to RPI #12 to be safe.

[jimsumner]

The Cavs beat NCS in a meaningless game 4-2.

Sort of.

State feels like one win guarantees them a host spot.

Duke feels like it needs two.

So, State held Brown out for FSU.

A roll of the dice.

But if they lose that one and a good chunk of the teams clustered around them have better weeks, than it could get dicey. I suspect they would slide in even with a loss to FSU, because FSU's RPI is so high, a loss wouldn't hurt State much.

But they would have liked a win today, without question.

These teams want to win the ACCT, for sure. And Pitt and Miami have a chance to get the automatic bid.

But the teams who are NCAA locks prioritize the NCAAs over the ACCT and by a sizeable margin. They're trying to position themselves for next week.

[jhmoss1812]

The Cavs beat NCS in a meaningless game 4-2.

Second time that Brian O'Connor and the Cavs end their season with a win

[richardjackson199]

I tuned in right before the crucial 9th inning out. I didn't expect to have to leave during the 13th once we walked in a run. Congrats on the win. We always have to put forth more effort to beat the Deacons regardless of sport.

Louisville is our last known chance for a quality win. They probably think they have an outside chance to host as well. I'm not sure beating Louisville will be enough--we can't lose to Pitt (29-25) the next day. I cited the reasons on the other thread, but we've got a lot working against us beyond our current #19 RPI on warrennolan.com. I really think we need closer to RPI #12 to be safe.

One thing is certain - we have to beat Louisville. It's Duke's most important game this season. Beyond that, whether we host totally depends on what the 10-20 ranked teams do in their conference tourneys. But I like having Pitt waiting on Saturday, and if we beat the Cardinals, I like our chances.

Let's go Duke!

[devildeac]

I'm scratching my head/chin on how/why Pitt's W over the cheats eliminates them from the ACC championship picture.

I like it. A lot. But still can't figure it out. Can someone please explain to this old fella? Thanks.

[JasonEvans]

I'm scratching my head/chin on how/why Pitt's W over the cheats eliminates them from the ACC championship picture.

I like it. A lot. But still can't figure it out. Can someone please explain to this old fella? Thanks.

Pitt beat Ga Tech in game one of their pod (2-1 score in the 11am game on Tuesday). When Pitt beat UNC in game two it meant that Pitt was 2-0 and no one else could be better than 1-1. Does that make sense?

[devildeac]

Pitt beat Ga Tech in game one of their pod (2-1 score in the 11am game on Tuesday). When Pitt beat UNC in game two it meant that Pitt was 2-0 and no one else could be better than 1-1. Does that make sense?

Tuesday was sooooo long ago :o. Makes complete sense now. Thank you.

[jimsumner]

Louisville in their Ninja-Warrior all-black for today's game. New Zealand would be impressed.

Duke in sun-deflecting white.


Unfortunately, no sun at the moment.

Duke will be home team.

Cards starting Adam Wolf, a lefty, 6-2, 2.33 ERA.

So, runs might be at a premium. Duke needs to do a better job of turning runners into runs.

[jimsumner]

Stallings getting shellacked. Throwing lots of pitches, most of them ineffective.

[chrishoke]

Disasterous start.

[jimsumner]

This could get away in a hurry.

[jimsumner]

I hope the strike zone is this tight in the bottom of the inning.

[chrishoke]

the eighth hitter with a 2 run single. 4-0 still only 2 outs.

[jimsumner]

Stallings throws 34 pitches in a four-run first.

Sub-optimal.

[CameronBornAndBred]

Stallings throws 34 pitches in a four-run first.

Sub-optimal.

I think I'll hold off a while before tuning in...:eek:

[HereBeforeCoachK]

This could get away in a hurry.

I was not encouraged by Pollards comments post game yesterday - he kept saying over and over again how emotionally tired they were.....

[chrishoke]

Herron singles then gets picked off. Doesn't looik like our guys came ready to play.

[Indoor66]

Doesn't looik like our guys came ready to play.

That seems a rather hasty observation.

[jimsumner]

Going back to the general Duke baseball thread earlier in the week, I expressed my concern for the schedule, which had Duke off until Thursday and then with games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday needed for a Duke title.

Then Duke has to go 13 to win on Thursday. As the visiting team, which adds to the pressure in an extra-inning game.

That took a lot out of Duke.

While Louisville was resting.

No conspiracy here. You can't have six games a day in the same place, although the SEC might give it a shot one day.

But it's a tough task for Duke.

Stallings helped with a 1-2-4 second inning. Stops the bleeding.

But Duke needs to answer and answer soon.

[chrishoke]

That seems a rather hasty observation.

Admittedly small sample size.

[jimsumner]

I wish we had this Mitch Stallings an hour ago.

[chrishoke]

On the board via a Kone rbi two out single.

[jimsumner]

Duke swinging some bats. But a bad at-bat by Conine, ending in a looking K.

4-1 after three.

[jimsumner]

Danger, Will Robinson, danger.

[chrishoke]

bases loaded, one out for the cards.

[CameronBornAndBred]

bases loaded, one out for the cards.

Hard to read that and your sig at the same time. ;)

[chrishoke]

ball game

[jimsumner]

I close my eyes and hear Don Meredith crooning, "turn out the lights, the party's over."

[chrishoke]

Nice play to keep the score in single digits

[jimsumner]

9-2. The rally begins.

[chrishoke]

Need a few long balls.

[jimsumner]

Way too many called third strikes.

If you're going to go down, go down swinging. Literally and figuratively.

[chrishoke]

109 pitches. 8 strikeouts

[richardjackson199]

I think it's safe to say Duke will be a 2 seed. We should hope to get paired up with ECU as our 1. That is much better than other natural options Florida and Georgia.

We also could get paired with UConn or Stetson

[richardjackson199]

This is one of the worst baseball errors you will ever see from Ole Miss Georgia game:

https://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2018/5/24/17391302/sec-tournament-baseball-throw-home-mistake

[HereBeforeCoachK]

Anyone question the choice of starter today? Or did we have no other options?

[jimsumner]

Anyone question the choice of starter today? Or did we have no other options?

Stallings is a senior, a weekend starter for two seasons and had been reasonably effective until recently.

When he's on, he's tough. Eight innings, one earned run against Miami, 6.1 IP, 2 ER against State.

But he has struggled lately. GT lit him up last week.

If Duke is to have any chance of advancing out of next week's regionals, they need to figure out what's wrong with Stallings and get it fixed.

I'll repeat. Duke's bullpen is elite. The starters are pedestrian. If Duke can get to the pen with a tie or a lead, they are a tough out. But Stallings hasn't given them that chance recently.

But I can't second guess the decision to start him today. I think he's earned that opportunity.

[jimsumner]

Georgia Tech thought they were on the NCAA bubble going into today's game against UNC.

If so, they aren't making much of a case.

9-0 Heels, in B4.

And that's with their ace starting.

[chrishoke]

Georgia Tech thought they were on the NCAA bubble going into today's game against UNC.

If so, they aren't making much of a case.

9-0 Heels, in B4.

And that's with their ace starting.

B7 still 9-0. The triangle schools have sucked in the tourney.

[duke2x]

I think it's safe to say Duke will be a 2 seed. We should hope to get paired up with ECU as our 1. That is much better than other natural options Florida and Georgia.

We also could get paired with UConn or Stetson

I still think Duke ranks #17-20 on the NCAA's list despite the ugly loss today. I'm leaning toward @Coastal Carolina as our destination. It makes sense from ranking (hi 2 v. lo 1) and travel (few schools can bus there) perspective. Duke, while still having to fly, is closer to Storrs than most schools. I would probably put that #2 on my list, particularly if NCSU or ECU lose their hosting hopes.

I don't see ECU (already played), FL (#1 should play #30-32), or UGA (top 5 should play #25-30). Even if they don't use a true "S-curve", the NCAA doesn't completely abandon the concept.

The fact that TX Tech is the only guaranteed site in the Lone Star state makes me think Texas A&M (good RPI and run in the SEC tournament) and TX (collapse in Big 12 tournament) could also be in the cards. That is as notable as the lack of venues in Big 10/New England to me.

[devildeac]

B7 still 9-0. The triangle schools have sucked in the tourney.

Go Duke.

Go Pack.

9F.

[HereBeforeCoachK]

Stallings is a senior, a weekend starter for two seasons and had been reasonably effective until recently.

When he's on, he's tough. Eight innings, one earned run against Miami, 6.1 IP, 2 ER against State.

But he has struggled lately. GT lit him up last week.

If Duke is to have any chance of advancing out of next week's regionals, they need to figure out what's wrong with Stallings and get it fixed.

I'll repeat. Duke's bullpen is elite. The starters are pedestrian. If Duke can get to the pen with a tie or a lead, they are a tough out. But Stallings hasn't given them that chance recently.

But I can't second guess the decision to start him today. I think he's earned that opportunity.

Thanks for the insight....and yes, the pen is elite. For most of the year, it seemed the starters were good and the hitting was pedestrian. The bats have warmed some the last month, but starters seem to be struggling. Hard to herd all the cats I guess. And FTR, I think Pollard is awesome....just wondered why he so emphasized WF game over UL game (or so it seemed).

[chrishoke]

B7 still 9-0. The triangle schools have sucked in the tourney.

Ooooops. My bad. I thought the heels were losing. Work sur does get in the way. They still suck. GTHC GTH!

[richardjackson199]

Thanks for the insight...and yes, the pen is elite. For most of the year, it seemed the starters were good and the hitting was pedestrian. The bats have warmed some the last month, but starters seem to be struggling. Hard to herd all the cats I guess. And FTR, I think Pollard is awesome...just wondered why he so emphasized WF game over UL game (or so it seemed).

Pollard is awesome. Duke was in a tough spot. We needed at least 2 wins, and I can't blame him for trying to get 1 vs. Wake. Hindsight is 20/20, and the 13 innings was not ideal. It sure would have been nice to have been safe at home, beating Wake in 9 innings.

But Stallings poor outing should not have been affected by Wake Forest at all. Stallings was our #1 pitcher, and deserved today's start. It will be interesting to see what lineup of pitchers we use next week for regionals, though.

[HereBeforeCoachK]

Pollard is awesome. Duke was in a tough spot. We needed at least 2 wins, and I can't blame him for trying to get 1 vs. Wake. Hindsight is 20/20, and the 13 innings was not ideal. It sure would have been nice to have been safe at home, beating Wake in 9 innings.

But Stallings poor outing should not have been affected by Wake Forest at all. Stallings was our #1 pitcher, and deserved today's start. It will be interesting to see what lineup of pitchers we use next week for regionals, though.

Stallings, at 3-4, was the number one pitcher on a team where the rest of the staff has a combined record of 37-10?

[jimsumner]

Stallings, at 3-4, was the number one pitcher on a team where the rest of the staff has a combined record of 37-10?

A lot of those 37 wins were midweek games against mid-major teams or Sunday starts against the other opponent's third-best starter.

Stallings had neither luxury.

Top starters frequently have deceptive W/L records because they frequently face only other top starters.

Again, no one who closely follows Duke baseball is second-guessing Pollard's decision to start Stallings today.

Meanwhile, back in the Bull City, the Atlantic Coast Conference and the downtown Durham hospitality community are nine outs away from a Saturday semifinal weekend including Pittsburgh, Louisville, Clemson and Florida State.

Much wailing, gnashing of teeth and tearing of garments.

[jimsumner]

Make that six outs.

FSU 5 NCSU 2 after seven.

NCSU started their ace, ACC pitcher of the year Brian Brown.

He did not have his best stuff.

Fortunately, no one in China cares.

[jimsumner]

A 121-pitch, complete game for Drew Parrish.


5-2 Noles.

[CameronBornAndBred]

A 121-pitch, complete game for Drew Parrish.


5-2 Noles.

Thanks much for all of the tourney updates, Jim, including the non-Duke games. Couldn't spork you, but very deserving.

[jimsumner]

Thanks much for all of the tourney updates, Jim, including the non-Duke games. Couldn't spork you, but very deserving.

Thanks.

I don't see how Duke has any realistic chance at hosting.

But there may be one opportunity for staying close to home. That would be placing Duke second in the ECU regional. Lots of talk about that in Durham tonight but I'm not sure any of the speculation was especially informed.

Selection show Monday at noon, ESPNU.

[arnie]

Thanks.

I don't see how Duke has any realistic chance at hosting.

But there may be one opportunity for staying close to home. That would be placing Duke second in the ECU regional. Lots of talk about that in Durham tonight but I'm not sure any of the speculation was especially informed.

Selection show Monday at noon, ESPNU.

I also appreciated the updates throughout. Elliott Avent said he’s certain the Pack will host a sub regional; but the Pack’s RPI has now slipped to about 20. I guess he’s using the power of positive thinking or he likes the “victim” approach if they are snubbed?

[duke2x]

I also appreciated the updates throughout. Elliott Avent said he’s certain the Pack will host a sub regional; but the Pack’s RPI has now slipped to about 20. I guess he’s using the power of positive thinking or he likes the “victim” approach if they are snubbed?

I've helped to hijack this into a bracketology thread, but that's where Duke's season is at right now.

Avent has to say things like that even if he doesn't believe them 100%. They really need TAMU and Louisville to be eliminated today. State fans will go absolutely bonkers if they are the #2 seed @ECU. They didn't play this year.

[jimsumner]

NCSU?

Former Wolfpack coach Ray Tanner is head of the selection committee.

More than a few folks here think that might be enough to move the needle just enough in State's direction.

State would indeed hate to go to Greenville. There is no love lost there.

Quote from a well-placed Wolfpack source and longtime friend.

"No one wants to go to Greenville and get their heads bashed in by a bunch of guys you recruited but couldn't get into school."

[jimsumner]

Louisville ends Pitt's season 5-2.

Plays winner of Clemson-FSU-tomorrow for title.

[jimsumner]

Start of FSU-Clemson game in weather delay.

[CameronBornAndBred]

Louisville ends Pitt's season 5-2.

Plays winner of Clemson-FSU-tomorrow for title.

If we were gonna lose, I'd always rather lose to the guys that move on. (Unless it's the heels, then they can get shellacked their next game.)

[jimsumner]

Wheels up at 6:30, 90 minutes late.

[jimsumner]

Nice game here in Durham.

Clemson up 3-2 after four. Two really good teams, with lots of tradition on their side.

[jimsumner]

Pretty good game here folks.

FSU tied it at 4 in T8, then loaded bases, with no outs. But Clemson worked out of it, with two K's and a groundout.

Still tied, B8.

[jimsumner]

FSU gets run in ninth and wins 5-4.