Cal Baseball vs. USC Sunday Gamethread
by norcalnick on Apr 3, 2011 12:30 PM PDT
in California Golden Bears Baseball
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Cal successfully bounced back from Friday's defeat with a convincing 9-2 victory yesterday afternoon. After sounding sluggish and falling behind quickly to open the series, it was Cal's turn to jump all over the Trojans early. Six runs scored in the first inning, much of them handed to the Bears by USC's pitching and defense. The rally began with consecutive hit batsmen, and by the time the inning was over USC had walked another batter, committed an error and allowed Darrel Matthews to steal home! Cal 'only' managed four singles in the inning, but it provided more than enough cushion. The Bears would add three more runs for good measure, two from a Devin Rodriguez home run in the 6th inning.
Justin Jones made that margin stand up with another dominating performance. In his first complete game of the season Jones allowed only one earned run, seven hits and a walk across the entire game. Beyond successfully holding on to a big lead, Jones also allowed a bullpen a full day of rest after picking up four innings on Friday.
But the Bears will hope to not need the bullpen again this afternoon as Dixon Anderson (3-1, 2.20 ERA) takes the mound in the series finale. He'll face Logan Odom (2-3, 3.31 ERA), who has been USC's most successful pitcher so far this season. Odom quieted UCLA last Sunday for a critical upset victory and this time will be looking for an upset series victory. Cal, conversely, would love to finish their six game homestand to open conference play on a high note. USC and Washington St. aren't top of the Pac-10 teams this year, but a 5-1 record would still be an excellent record. Go Bears!
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Typical Cal lineup today
Bruno
Semien
Renda
Krist
Rodriguez
Delfino
Matthews
Knapp
Booker
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Dixon Ks the first Trojan
But a double puts a runner on for Oropesa
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
1-0 Trojans
And a bloop hit down the line gives USC first blood
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
1-2-3 in the bottom of the first for Cal
Quick too. Would have liked to see them take more pitches.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Crap
USC immediately gets a single, then perfectly executes a hit and run. First and third, no outs.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
But Cal picks off the runner at 1st! Anderson bluffed to 3rd, then spun around to trick the runner at 1st!
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
After Krist grounds out Rodriguez is hit by a pitch. A baserunner!
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Delfino singles down the line!
First and third, one out. Darrell Matthews is up.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
2-1 USC
Matthews grounds out, but Rodriguez comes in to score on the play!
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
2-2 tie!
ERROR! Knapp sends a tough grounder up the middle and USC throws it away!
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Booker singles with two outs, and now Bruno is on with runners at 1st and 2nd
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Dang, fielder's choice grounder to end the inning
Still, important for Cal to tie things up and almost as importantly run up Odom’s pitch count. It was a stressful inning for him and it sounded like he briefly lost his command before recovering.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Sounds like everybody's mad at the home plate ump's balls and strikes calls.
In any case, two quick outs for Dixon Anderson in the 3rd.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Unintentional intentional walk to Oropesa with two outs. Probably the right move the way he’s been hitting this weekend (6 total RBIs in 2 and a half games, I believe)
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
and given the fact Oropesa is USC's only real hitter.
Adopted Giant: Ryan Verdugo. The next Javier Lopez.
goldenbearlair.com
And Krist smashes one to deep center but the USC centerfielder catches it on the run. BABIP!
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
USC leads off the 4th with a single
gets to 2nd on a ball in the dirt, then 3rd on a grounder. Big spot here for Anderson to get an out without the runner advancing home.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
He gets run down after USC calls for a suicide squeeze and the USC guy wiffs on the bunt!
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
And Cal gets out of the inning.
USC would be winning right now but they’ve had 3 runners thrown out on the bases. Win by the small ball, die by the small ball.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Bottom of the 4th
4 pitch walk to Matthews to start things off. Hopefully Odom is losing his control
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Now it’s Cal’s turn to get thrown out on the bases. Cal has managed to turn a leadoff runner into two outs, damn near intentionally. I don’t like sacrifice bunts, and stealing 3rd is often a bad idea.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Interesting
Kevin Miller would presumably be scheduled to start Tuesday against Pacific, but he’s warming up right now after Dixon Anderson allows a single with one out in the 5th
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Crud.
Anderson hits the USC batter to put 2 on with just 1 out. Oropesa is on deck now, and Cal is making a pitching change.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Porter gets the first out on a grounder that almost got between Renda and Rodriguez between 1st and 2nd. And getting that out allows them to intentionally walk Oropesa to load them up.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
4-2 USC
And USC’s Folk punishes Cal with a grounder through the infield to score 2 runs.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
1-2-3 batters in the 5th
Bruno grounds out, but Semien gets a single and now it’s Renda at the plate – big spot here.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
And Renda beats out a grounder to short after the SS struggles with the glove-to-hand exchange!
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Rodriguez pops out, so it’s up to Mitch Delfino to get Krist home for the lead.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
An error allows Delfino to reach as Krist advances to 3rd. It’s Matthews at the plate now with 2 outs.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
1st and 3rd, 2 outs
Matthews at the plate with Krist on third.
Adopted Giant: Ryan Verdugo. The next Javier Lopez.
goldenbearlair.com
Are you lucky enough to be at the game MadBum, or just listening to KALX?
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Gametracker
Adopted Giant: Ryan Verdugo. The next Javier Lopez.
goldenbearlair.com
MATTHEWS WITH A RBI DOUBLE
Takes third on an error!
Adopted Giant: Ryan Verdugo. The next Javier Lopez.
goldenbearlair.com
Knapp, the freshman, now has a chance to extend the lead
Adopted Giant: Ryan Verdugo. The next Javier Lopez.
goldenbearlair.com
Hooray, we finally got the lead off hitter out!
Damn, the next guy singles.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Houts rakes lefties too
Porter could be in some trouble, although it is the bottom of the order.
Adopted Giant: Ryan Verdugo. The next Javier Lopez.
goldenbearlair.com
Not helping himself by hitting batters. Feels like there’s been a hit batter an inning this weekend.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
1st and 2nd, one out
could really use a double play with the #9 hitter up
Adopted Giant: Ryan Verdugo. The next Javier Lopez.
goldenbearlair.com
Crud, bases loaded.
OK, when you hit two batters in a row with an 0-2 count you need to change pitchers.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
He hit another one?
Darn!
Adopted Giant: Ryan Verdugo. The next Javier Lopez.
goldenbearlair.com
The gametracker animation made it look really good!
that was big.
Adopted Giant: Ryan Verdugo. The next Javier Lopez.
goldenbearlair.com
6-4 Cal, heading into the bottom of the sixth
Adopted Giant: Ryan Verdugo. The next Javier Lopez.
goldenbearlair.com
Sounds like it'll be Kevin Miller in the 7th
Dunno if he’ll just pitch an inning or two before Cal’s closer Flemer or if Esquer wants him to finish the last 3 innings himself.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
In either case some insurance runs would be great
And Bruno starts of the bottom of the 6th off right with a single!
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
I'd guess one inning
Logan Scott has already blown one game this weekend. Probably let Flemer throw the eighth and ninth, Miller in the 7th
Adopted Giant: Ryan Verdugo. The next Javier Lopez.
goldenbearlair.com
Dang, Semien pops up for the 2nd out. Renda up now with Bruno still on 1st. Bruno might try to steal here.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Wow, still Porter in the 7th
Just to face two straight lefties?
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
I'd guess so
although if he gets them out it’d make sense to try to get him to finish the 7th
Adopted Giant: Ryan Verdugo. The next Javier Lopez.
goldenbearlair.com
So they're leaving Porter in for another inning?
Adopted Giant: Ryan Verdugo. The next Javier Lopez.
goldenbearlair.com
Jesus Oropesa is hot. Home Run. 6-5 Bears
Thank goodness he’s not hitting with anybody on base!
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
He's the only big threat in their lineup
This is no surprise. Good thing Bears are still up!
Adopted Giant: Ryan Verdugo. The next Javier Lopez.
goldenbearlair.com
In my dreams Cal would retire every single hitter in order the rest of the way.
And leave Oropesa in the on deck circle to end the 9th.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
or just score a bunch of runs and make him
irrelevant.
But that’s probably not going to happen. DON’T YOU KNOW YOU GUYS ARE SUPPOSED TO SUCK USC?
Adopted Giant: Ryan Verdugo. The next Javier Lopez.
goldenbearlair.com
The KALX color guy has referred to them as a juggernaut a couple times and I keep wondering if he’s talking about the football team or something.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
How?
They have 2 regulars that hit above .300, and one of them isn’t even playing today. They’re 10-17 on the year, and 2-8 on the road. That’s not a juggernaut, that’s a bad team
Adopted Giant: Ryan Verdugo. The next Javier Lopez.
goldenbearlair.com
It's Miller Time
Interesting to see if he still ends up starting on Tuesday.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Depends on how long this outing lasts
Adopted Giant: Ryan Verdugo. The next Javier Lopez.
goldenbearlair.com
He's been the team's best pitcher thus far
Adopted Giant: Ryan Verdugo. The next Javier Lopez.
goldenbearlair.com
Miller Time Great Success!
And a quick flyout to end the top of the 7th!
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Hopefully he hands it off to Flemer for the 8th and 9th
Although I could see Miller going for the 8th and then Flemer throwing just one inning.
Adopted Giant: Ryan Verdugo. The next Javier Lopez.
goldenbearlair.com
KRIST GETS THE RUN BACK!
A huge home run after fouling off 4 straight balls against USC’s closer!
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Hurry up gametracker!
Adopted Giant: Ryan Verdugo. The next Javier Lopez.
goldenbearlair.com
Take that Oropesa!
Adopted Giant: Ryan Verdugo. The next Javier Lopez.
goldenbearlair.com
Must feel nice for Krist after he barked at Oropesa for looking at his home run a bit too long
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
And Rodriguez follows it by flying out
Adopted Giant: Ryan Verdugo. The next Javier Lopez.
goldenbearlair.com
and he singles up the middle
Adopted Giant: Ryan Verdugo. The next Javier Lopez.
goldenbearlair.com
Delfino lines out, Matthews now up
Adopted Giant: Ryan Verdugo. The next Javier Lopez.
goldenbearlair.com
Pitching change for USC in response. Rough outing for Munson
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Smith in
he and Munson are their 2 best relievers
Adopted Giant: Ryan Verdugo. The next Javier Lopez.
goldenbearlair.com
USC’s afraid of Matthews stealing – a bunch of throws to the base, plus a pitch-out.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
FYI – Miller staying warm in the bullpen as the bottom of the inning goes long – he’ll be coming back to start the 8th.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
9-5 Bears!!!!
But maybe we won’t need him! Booker doubles to drive in 2 runs!!!
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
BOOKER!
Adopted Giant: Ryan Verdugo. The next Javier Lopez.
goldenbearlair.com
Lead off single against Miller
Followed by an almost double play broken up at 2nd
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
And now there’s more barking going on in the infield as some Bears didn’t like Garcia’s slide into 2nd to break up the double play
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Leadoff single
Doh
Adopted Giant: Ryan Verdugo. The next Javier Lopez.
goldenbearlair.com
And a grounder ends the top of the 8th!
Still 9-5 Bears, and Flemer is already warming up for the 9th inning.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
K
Adopted Giant: Ryan Verdugo. The next Javier Lopez.
goldenbearlair.com
Semien-Renda-Krist in the 8th
Not the players USC want to see right now – the Krist AB might get interesting . . .
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
krist up
Adopted Giant: Ryan Verdugo. The next Javier Lopez.
goldenbearlair.com
Flemer in
USC leads off with a base hit. Roundtree up with Oropesa on deck.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Oropresa up
Adopted Giant: Ryan Verdugo. The next Javier Lopez.
goldenbearlair.com
Bye bye oropresa!
Adopted Giant: Ryan Verdugo. The next Javier Lopez.
goldenbearlair.com
foat singles
Adopted Giant: Ryan Verdugo. The next Javier Lopez.
goldenbearlair.com
9-6 with the tying run coming up.
Something goofy just happened on defense.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
BEARS WIN!
Semien makes a nice play on a tough grounder to end the game and win the series!
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
So, on to pacific on Tuesday
and then a huge road series in Tucson against #18 Arizona
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
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