WSU 10, BU 0, a final: WSU starts the series with a run rule. More important, the Shockers gave a solid effort in every aspect. MSU routed UNI 12-2, so the MVC race remains tied.
WSU 6, BU 0, after four: Bret Bascue’s single starts a two-out rally. Jones drives in two with a triple, leaving him a homer short of the cycle.
MSU 7, UNI 0, seventh. No help from the Panthers. UNI starter Guido Fonseca is out.
WSU 3, BU 0, after three: Ryan Jones put down a perfect bunt, maybe WSU’s best or second best (behind Josh Workman’s against Indiana State in the final game) to start a two-run inning. Gillaspie drove him in with a groundout. Coleman, swinging away up 3-0, drove in Jones.
MSU 4, UNI 0, in the fifth.
WSU 1, BU after one: Gillaspie drives in Jones from second base.
MSU 3, UNI 0, in the fourth: Chris Playter with a three-run homer in the first.
Lineups: Only three Shockers are hitting over .309, which is a bad sign. Bret Bascue is in left. Clinton McKeever is hitting cleanup.
First, I made a mistake in today’s paper and I need to wear the badge of shame. Somehow, I’m still not sure how, I miscalculated WSU’s ERA over a 28-game span. Still not sure how, although I did double-check my figures. I guess that means I was smart enough to double check, and stupid enough to make the same mistake twice.
I added a run to WSU’s ERA over the past 28 games, which pitching coach Brent Kemnitz was kind enough to point out is like “saying someone dates Roseanne Barr when they are actually dating Demi Moore.” I offered to attend the next pitcher’s meeting and apologize.
No lineups yet. We will be scoreboard-watching tonight with the MSU-UNI game. You could make a good case the Bears should be favored in the MVC Tournament next week. They are a very good hitting team and their No. 2 and No. 3 pitchers are on a good roll. It will be tough for them to sweep in Waterloo, but the Shockers can’t count on any help.