*So, after coming out on top with a Gute 2 run game winner in the 13th on Saturday afternoon, I fully expected the Red Raiders to come out swinging on Sunday afternoon in the super regional finale. Why? They had every ounce of momentum. That ended up holding true, as Tech played arguably their best game of the year as a team in a game that was a win-or-go-home.
*But, I'd be a total fool to not mention Erikson Lanning's performance on the mound. I figured Tadlock and the staff were hoping to get like 3-4 innings out of him before moving on to a more proven arm. Welp, that ain't what happened. Instead, Lanninh had maybe the best day on the mound of any Red Raider pitcher this season, as he was absolutely DEALING from the 2nd inning on. In fact, I think he could've finished out the complete game had Tadlock decided to go that way. Just an absolutely remarkable pitching performance, one where he made some good batters look totally lost and silly. So, Lanning gets a major attaboy from me.
*In fact, let's just talk about the pitching as a whole. You can talk about how good this lineup is, but what got this team to Omaha is the pitching. The motto lives on: If you pitch well consistently, you can get to the CWS. Tech has done that.
*The more incredible thing is just how many different arms have had outstanding performances this postseason for Tech. Martin, Shetter, Moseley, Howard, Dugger, Gingery, Patterson, Lanning. They all stepped up with at least one nails outing on the mound. That kind of depth doing that well will win you a title.
*So, Gute? Has been on base his last 6 at-bats, including three hits with 5 RBIs. He found himself in the biggest moment of Tech's season, and I think the whole lineup looks to have followed suit and relaxed behind their leader. That was the best day at the plate Tech's had since before the finals break. My guess is they're back on track.
*And if the pitching staff and the lineup can be as good as they were on Sunday in Omaha, this team will be HARD to beat, that simple, but it's also hard to play that well consistently.
*Garcia in the two hole? Count me as a big fan. Leave the lineup as is from here on out, IMO.
*So, now it's about TCU. The Frogs have been one of the hottest teams in the country since you played them, winning 15 of 17 here down the stretch. I'm sure Tech will see Traver on the mound, as he's the only weekend starter Tech didn't see in Fort Worth because he was still coming back from injury. I'm guessing this will be a wild contest. Both teams know each other well.
*The other teams on Tech's side of the bracket are Coastal Carolina and the winner of the Florida-Florida State super. Coastal has the most dangerous lineup in the postseason, as they can go yard at just about any time and make you pay for bad pitches. Florida, on the other hand, likely has the best pitching staff in the country. So, if you're Tech, I think you'd love to see the Seminoles again. It's the much tougher half of the CWS bracket either way, IMO.
*So, here we are. I'll be totally honest and won't hold it back: I think this team can win the whole thing. As I said all weekend, this team has responded with grit and heart in every pressure situation so far this year. Every single one. If they continue to do that in Omaha, they'll make a real run at this thing. We're about to find out.
*But, I'd be a total fool to not mention Erikson Lanning's performance on the mound. I figured Tadlock and the staff were hoping to get like 3-4 innings out of him before moving on to a more proven arm. Welp, that ain't what happened. Instead, Lanninh had maybe the best day on the mound of any Red Raider pitcher this season, as he was absolutely DEALING from the 2nd inning on. In fact, I think he could've finished out the complete game had Tadlock decided to go that way. Just an absolutely remarkable pitching performance, one where he made some good batters look totally lost and silly. So, Lanning gets a major attaboy from me.
*In fact, let's just talk about the pitching as a whole. You can talk about how good this lineup is, but what got this team to Omaha is the pitching. The motto lives on: If you pitch well consistently, you can get to the CWS. Tech has done that.
*The more incredible thing is just how many different arms have had outstanding performances this postseason for Tech. Martin, Shetter, Moseley, Howard, Dugger, Gingery, Patterson, Lanning. They all stepped up with at least one nails outing on the mound. That kind of depth doing that well will win you a title.
*So, Gute? Has been on base his last 6 at-bats, including three hits with 5 RBIs. He found himself in the biggest moment of Tech's season, and I think the whole lineup looks to have followed suit and relaxed behind their leader. That was the best day at the plate Tech's had since before the finals break. My guess is they're back on track.
*And if the pitching staff and the lineup can be as good as they were on Sunday in Omaha, this team will be HARD to beat, that simple, but it's also hard to play that well consistently.
*Garcia in the two hole? Count me as a big fan. Leave the lineup as is from here on out, IMO.
*So, now it's about TCU. The Frogs have been one of the hottest teams in the country since you played them, winning 15 of 17 here down the stretch. I'm sure Tech will see Traver on the mound, as he's the only weekend starter Tech didn't see in Fort Worth because he was still coming back from injury. I'm guessing this will be a wild contest. Both teams know each other well.
*The other teams on Tech's side of the bracket are Coastal Carolina and the winner of the Florida-Florida State super. Coastal has the most dangerous lineup in the postseason, as they can go yard at just about any time and make you pay for bad pitches. Florida, on the other hand, likely has the best pitching staff in the country. So, if you're Tech, I think you'd love to see the Seminoles again. It's the much tougher half of the CWS bracket either way, IMO.
*So, here we are. I'll be totally honest and won't hold it back: I think this team can win the whole thing. As I said all weekend, this team has responded with grit and heart in every pressure situation so far this year. Every single one. If they continue to do that in Omaha, they'll make a real run at this thing. We're about to find out.
