Cavaliers Set to Take on the Rockets

It was quite an impressive week for the Wahoo baseball team. After sweeping both games against ECU last weekend, they took down St. Peter's and William and Mary in convincing fashion. I was a little concerned about the W&M game on Wed after the Tribe stole a game from Clemson and hung 11 runs on them last weekend. I wasn't too worried after this impressive Cavalier offense ran up 11 runs of their own.

This weekend the Rockets of Toledo come to Charlottesville for what looks to be a terribly cold and miserable February weekend. Speaking of which, can anyone explain to me why a University in OHIO is nicknamed the Rockets? Shouldn't that be reserved for a FL, Houston, or Alabama associated college? (Yes, I know Ohio is considered the birthplace of aviation, but come'on.)

Last year they had a pretty impressive season going 30-27 overall with a great 19-8 record in the MAAC. That wasn't enough to get in the tournament after Kent St. (who ended up going to Omaha) was the lone representative from the conference

Anyways, we still don't know much about this year's Toledo team. They were scheduled to have four games played coming into this weekend but were only able to play two last weekend in North Carolina. On Friday they beat Delaware in their opener then lost to LaSalle in the 2nd game of the day. Baseball America wasn't too impressed with the team as they had them projected to come in 2nd in their division and not make the tournament again this year.

Having only 18 innings under their belt and 12 of those coming from two of the starters, it is going to be interesting who will pitch in what situation for their club. Their Friday night starter pitched against Delaware last weekend. The big righthander went six innings but gave up four runs on six hits and only K'd three. He didn't walk anyone so the Cavaliers need to be ready to go when they step in the box. Their Saturday starter was much more impressive the first weekend. Shaw struck out six in six innings and didn't give up a single run. The rest of the staff is a mystery. Only three other guys pitched more than an inning and none were overly impressive.

No matter who is on the mound for the Rockets isn't going to intimidate the Cavalier lineup. They've proven thus far that they can put up runs in droves and nobody from Toledo is going to overpower them. (Now just hope they don't throw a kid up there who can't break glass. Then I'd be worried)

The Toledo offense looks to have a bit more pop. They put up ten runs on 18 hits in those two games last week, but eight of those did come in their win against LaSalle. Most impressive is that they had five extra base hits in those two games and boast a Soph. who is batting .500 on the young season. To counterbalance those extra base hits are the 18 Ks they have; that my friends, is abysmal.

Similar to the Cavalier position players, the pitching staff is coached far too well and is far too talented to not show up against this Rockets team. Not worried

So, you've made it through all 500 words of my ramblings and you're still reading? You want a prediction for the weekend? If these games get played the Hoos should win handily. All of them. I am willing to go out on limb and say the Hoos average ten runs a game if they are able to play. UVa will be 7-0 and MAYBE knocking on the door of the top 25 next week.