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We’re 1/3 of the way home

The Shockers lead Bradley 3-0 after three innings thanks to a two-run homer by shortstop Dusty Coleman.

Coleman tried twice to lay down a bunt with a runner on first but was unsuccessful. But on Rob Scahill’s third pitch, Coleman blasted an opposite-field shot to right-center.

I’m not sure I agreed with the bunt call anyway. You’re in the second inning with an ace-quality pitcher on the hill in Aaron Shafer. Yes, the Shockers have been struggling offensively lately, but I’m not one for taking the bat out of my No. 5 hitter’s hands.

Stephenson called for a bunt two batters later, with Josh Workman on first. Even though Tyler Weber hasn’t been hitting well lately, why not just have Workman steal there? He’s one of the fastest players on the team and chances are he makes it. Then let Weber hit a ball to the right side and get Workman to third, possibly finding a hole and driving in the run. Instead, Weber failed to get two bunts down then struck out looking.

I just don’t really like sacrifice bunting early in a game. That’s just me.

I’m not Paul

It’s Jeffrey Lutz coming to you live from Eck Stadium, where in about 45 minutes the Shockers will look to take the second straight game in their important three-game series with Bradley. I feel honored that Paul, who has been the blog’s only writer since its inception, has allowed me to take the reins for an evening.

 EDIT: The game is now 20 minutes away. I thought I posted this blog, but I only saved it. Keep reading — the rest of the blog has no timeliness issues.

I know how fans are, so let me just say this to all the WSU diehards — I’ve been to quite a few Shocker games this season, taking my usual spot on the hill with some comrades, and WSU has lost just one of them. So take heart, you’re in good hands. That game, though, was against Missouri State, a team the Shockers and their fans have a close eye on this weekend. If WSU can manage to sweep the Braves and SwoMo (without the Swo) loses a game to Northern Iowa, the Shocks can call themselves outright Valley champs.

I didn’t read Paul’s blog from Friday, but I’m assuming he’s already been over all this. Still, I’ll tell those that missed it that if WSU wins three against the Braves, it’s basically a moot point even if SwoMo (old habits die hard) sweeps, because the Shockers will be the No. 1 seed in next week’s Valley tournament. I do my research.

My favorite thing about covering the Shocks is doing the “Shocker Report.” I’m an avid baseball watcher — I’ve been told I see the game differently than most — and I like looking for little things within a game that can go into the Report. Sometimes I panic trying to think of stuff to put in it — let’s face it, some games are just uneventful — but I can usually scrounge up three or four pretty good items.

I’ll try to blog as much as I can during the game. My statkeeping is meticulous and my right eye will occasionally be checking the Cleveland Indians score, but I’m a multi-tasker and a pro, so look for some insightful thoughts as this game progresses. Jason “Hammer” Oldham, formerly of Sports Daily fame says “or not.” So we’re looking to prove him wrong, as well. HA!