It was just another blowout for Coastal Carolina, but I wonder if nights like Friday, when the Chanticleers hammered UNC Asheville 18-2, won't play a large role in determining if Coastal will make its first appearance in the College World Series.
Games like this one drive media types crazy. They drag on, seemingly for days, and the final out always seems to push our deadlines. In fact, nobody in the press box ever really enjoys games like this.
I wonder sometimes if the players enjoy them. I'm sure there are plenty of other things they'd rather be doing than battering bad pitching and running up the score. Still, I think such games might be the key to a good season.
When the Chants are handily blowing an opponent out, coach Gary Gilmore gets the chance to substitute liberally. Guys that wouldn't normally see the field get a chance to shine under the lights. That's great for team chemistry and morale, and that certainly plays a significant role in a team's success.
"I love when those guys get a chance to get in the game," Coastal catcher Jose Iglesias said. "They bust their butts in practice all week, all month and all season. For them this is their chance to shine, and their chance to show how much their hard work has paid off. I'm glad these guys get a chance to show up and get an opportunity."
What a month
Coastal just wrapped up what has to be one of the most impressive months in school history. The Chants were 17-1 in April, losing only to the top-ranked team in the nation.
Here are some stats that stand out from the month:
* Coastal batted .347 and held its opponents to .222.
* Coastal had an ERA of 2.52 compared to a 10.0 ERA for its opponents.
* Coastal outscored its opponents 204-56.
* Coastal had 38 home runs compared to six for its opponents.
* Coastal had 56 steals compared to 13 for its opponents.
* Coastal had an on-base percentage of .443 compared to .291 for its opponents.
* Coastal pitcher Anthony Meo had an ERA of 0.96 with a 5-0 record in 28 innings.
* One Chanticleer batted better than .400. Scott Woodward finished the month with a .412 average.
* Five other Coastal players were above .350: Tommy La Stella (.387), Daniel Bowman (.382), Adam Rice (.377), Taylor Motter (.357) and Iglesias (.355).
Games like this one drive media types crazy. They drag on, seemingly for days, and the final out always seems to push our deadlines. In fact, nobody in the press box ever really enjoys games like this.
I wonder sometimes if the players enjoy them. I'm sure there are plenty of other things they'd rather be doing than battering bad pitching and running up the score. Still, I think such games might be the key to a good season.
When the Chants are handily blowing an opponent out, coach Gary Gilmore gets the chance to substitute liberally. Guys that wouldn't normally see the field get a chance to shine under the lights. That's great for team chemistry and morale, and that certainly plays a significant role in a team's success.
"I love when those guys get a chance to get in the game," Coastal catcher Jose Iglesias said. "They bust their butts in practice all week, all month and all season. For them this is their chance to shine, and their chance to show how much their hard work has paid off. I'm glad these guys get a chance to show up and get an opportunity."
What a month
Coastal just wrapped up what has to be one of the most impressive months in school history. The Chants were 17-1 in April, losing only to the top-ranked team in the nation.
Here are some stats that stand out from the month:
* Coastal batted .347 and held its opponents to .222.
* Coastal had an ERA of 2.52 compared to a 10.0 ERA for its opponents.
* Coastal outscored its opponents 204-56.
* Coastal had 38 home runs compared to six for its opponents.
* Coastal had 56 steals compared to 13 for its opponents.
* Coastal had an on-base percentage of .443 compared to .291 for its opponents.
* Coastal pitcher Anthony Meo had an ERA of 0.96 with a 5-0 record in 28 innings.
* One Chanticleer batted better than .400. Scott Woodward finished the month with a .412 average.
* Five other Coastal players were above .350: Tommy La Stella (.387), Daniel Bowman (.382), Adam Rice (.377), Taylor Motter (.357) and Iglesias (.355).
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