2019 Baseball

[GoMuskies]

Just noticed that Xavier's 2019 schedule is out. The Musketeers open with 21 road games before the home opener on March 22nd. Based on the strength of the schedule, Xavier will have to be pretty darn good to win 5 games in that opening 21 game stretch.

[Muskie]

Is that sort of Road Schedule to start the season common in college baseball?

[GoMuskies]

Is that sort of Road Schedule to start the season common in college baseball?

Not sure, but it is for Xavier. It's a good way to start the season with no hope. Xavier has to get a turf field if they want to even think about being serious about baseball, but baseball is the one sport where the move to the Big East wasn't really an improvement.

Looking back at some old rankings, and I didn't remember just how bad the A-10 was. So, I guess I'll revise to say baseball is the one sport where the move to the Big East wasn't a DRAMATIC improvement.

[Muskie]

Not sure, but it is for Xavier. It's a good way to start the season with no hope. Xavier has to get a turf field if they want to even think about being serious about baseball, but baseball is the one sport where the move to the Big East wasn't really an improvement.

Looking back at some old rankings, and I didn't remember just how bad the A-10 was. So, I guess I'll revise to say baseball is the one sport where the move to the Big East wasn't a DRAMATIC improvement.

I believe the renovation of O’Connor has some improvements for the baseball team. I don’t know if it includes field turf.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[WestToBest]

Baseball will SIGNIFICANTLY improve this year. In the fall, for what it's worth, they blew out an SEC team (Kentucky) 9-2. The question for Xavier baseball since joining the Big East has never really been how many games they can win so they can position themselves for an NCAA bid no matter what, it's about winning the Big East tournament so they can get that automatic bid. They have to go to those warm-weather environments, get better, and let it loose in conference play.

That being said, after losing their ENTIRE pitching staff (not just starters, even the bullpen), to either injury, the draft, or graduation last season, they're back and ready to go for this year. They have a highly-rated recruiting class, a couple of starters who excelled as freshmen that have a year under their belt now as sophomores, and a middle infield that can do some serious damage in the field and at the plate.

This will be a dramatically different Xavier baseball team than last season, at least on paper.

[Muskie]

Baseball will SIGNIFICANTLY improve this year. In the fall, for what it's worth, they blew out an SEC team (Kentucky) 9-2. The question for Xavier baseball since joining the Big East has never really been how many games they can win so they can position themselves for an NCAA bid no matter what, it's about winning the Big East tournament so they can get that automatic bid. They have to go to those warm-weather environments, get better, and let it loose in conference play.

That being said, after losing their ENTIRE pitching staff (not just starters, even the bullpen), to either injury, the draft, or graduation last season, they're back and ready to go for this year. They have a highly-rated recruiting class, a couple of starters who excelled as freshmen that have a year under their belt now as sophomores, and a middle infield that can do some serious damage in the field and at the plate.

This will be a dramatically different Xavier baseball team than last season, at least on paper.

Great update. Thanks so much for posting it. Last year was a rough one due to the coaching transition and injury. Looking forward to see what they do this year.

[GoMuskies]

Hoping to win the auto bid from a mid-major league (which is what the Big East unquestionably is in baseball) is not being "serious" about baseball. The program has definitely improved in the last decade from the trainwreck it mostly was before, but no legitimate program is going on the road for 20+ games to start the season.

Glad to hear that we should have a better team this year, but I wouldn't take much from that win over UK. First, it's fall ball, so team's aren't really playing to win. Second, the Muskies beat UK last year in the regular season, too. And that didn't really turn out.

[paulxu]

8 games in 9 days in Arizona in the winter.

What's not to like?

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I should go see them.

Just looked, with twins in March my wife is going to be huge. I will be at those games solo.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GoMuskies]

It's alma mater vs. alma mater for me this weekend as the Muskies travel to Chapel Hill for a three game series to open the campaign. Getting one win and being competitive in at least one other game would be a huge success this weekend in my book.

UNC is ranked #7 in D1Baseball's preseason top 25, so getting that one win will definitely not be easy.

[GoMuskies]

All games this weekend are available on something called ACC Network Extra which, as best I can figure, means you can watch at WatchESPN.com on on the app.

[X-band '01]

Does that mean it would be ESPN3 or behind the ESPN+ paywall?

[GoMuskies]

Just regular old ESPN3 it appears. 3-0 not us after one inning.

[X-band '01]

Xavier got one back in the top of the 2nd, but could really have used more than 1 run after loading the bases both innings.

[GoMuskies]

3-3 top 3rd. Woo hoo. UNC's starter has thrown about a million pitches through 2.1.

And he won't throw any more today.

[bobbiemcgee]

Dropped the first one 12-3.

[GoMuskies]

After the three-game stomping in Chapel Hill, the baseball teams heads to Birmingham this weekend for a much more reasonable challenge against Samford. Hopefully there will be a series win to get things moving in the right direction. Mid-week game at Louisville follows, and the Cards area bit vulnerable this year. Lost a series to UConn to start the season.

[scoscox]

Chris mack effect

[X-band '01]

After the three-game stomping in Chapel Hill, the baseball teams heads to Birmingham this weekend for a much more reasonable challenge against Samford. Hopefully there will be a series win to get things moving in the right direction. Mid-week game at Louisville follows, and the Cards area bit vulnerable this year. Lost a series to UConn to start the season.

All 3 games against Samford will be streamed on ESPN+ this weekend.

[X-band '01]

So far, Xavier has a split of the first two games - they lost 10-7 last night and get a 7-1 win today. Would be nice to get one more win this weekend.

[GoMuskies]

10-9 loss today. The good news is that this team seems to be pretty capable with the bats. Unfortunately, that pitching...

[GoMuskies]

Muskies are at #8 Louisville right now. Lead 2-1 in the bottom of the first.

[bobbiemcgee]

3-3 top of 7

[GoMuskies]

4-4 t9

5-4 X B10

[bobbiemcgee]

X wins!!! 5-4 in 10.

[GoMuskies]

Muskies win 5-4 in 10. Ridiculously good effort from one of the Xavier relievers whose name I have yet to learn. The off speed pitch he used to finish the game was absolutely filthy. And it was like his 95th pitch close to 6 innings in. Great win!

[X-band '01]

Awesome win for the guys after losing a tough walkoff at Samford on Sunday.

[GoMuskies]

7 spot in the 7th. 7-6 winner over Lipscomb.

[GoMuskies]

Xavier is up 6-0 in the 6th. First of two today in Nashville. Muskies trying to get a streak going.

[GoMuskies]

Sweep! 4 straight wins. 5-5 on the year.

[GoMuskies]

Xavier is #8 in the RPI. Go ahead and book tickets for Xavier as a national seed? Plan for Omaha?

http://warrennolan.com/baseball/2019/rpi-live

[GoMuskies]

So I guess you could say the Muskies are going to be in for a challenge this weekend. The Muskies travel to Tempe to play 12-0 Arizona State three times starting tonight. Somehow Arizona State isn't ranked, even though they opened the season by sweeping three from Notre Dame by a combined 46-13, swept three from UC Davis by a combined 33-7, swept three from Michigan State by a combined 29-7 and have mid-week wins against traditional powers Pepperdine and Cal State Fullerton. Having won 4 in a row (including the top 10 win at Louisville), it will be interesting to see how X matches up against what is apparently a really, really good ASU team.

[GoMuskies]

Well, the good news is that Xavier only got swept by a combined 31-9 by the Sun Devils this past weekend. That puts the Muskies way ahead of Notre Dame and on par with Michigan State.

No rest for the weary. They head to Tuscon for a single game against Arizona and then visit a good Grand Canyon squad for four starting Wednesday. Two wins in the next five would probably qualify as a successful trip.

[Masterofreality]

Well, the good news is that Xavier only got swept by a combined 31-9 by the Sun Devils this past weekend. That puts the Muskies way ahead of Notre Dame and on par with Michigan State.

No rest for the weary. They head to Tuscon for a single game against Arizona and then visit a good Grand Canyon squad for four starting Wednesday. Two wins in the next five would probably qualify as a successful trip.

In truth, this schedule is brutal. There really is no rest, but it will help them. Win the league.

[GoMuskies]

In truth, this schedule is brutal. There really is no rest, but it will help them. Win the league.

Yeah, if you've peered at the schedule, you'd see they still have a three game roadie to Austin, TX in a few weeks. BRUTAL is definitely the right word.

[X-band '01]

Well, the good news is that Xavier only got swept by a combined 31-9 by the Sun Devils this past weekend. That puts the Muskies way ahead of Notre Dame and on par with Michigan State.

No rest for the weary. They head to Tuscon for a single game against Arizona and then visit a good Grand Canyon squad for four starting Wednesday. Two wins in the next five would probably qualify as a successful trip.

Scratch the game against Arizona. They'll go back to Phoenix for four games against Grand Canyon.

[GoMuskies]

Best result of the trip so far!

[Cheesehead]

Season tickets are only $35 and they sell beer. I plan on hitting some games this season.

[GoMuskies]

Season tickets are only $35 and they sell beer. I plan on hitting some games this season.

We go to as many Wichita State games as we can, and the tickets (and beer, I suspect) are a lot more expensive than that. And the Shockers have sucked out loud since I've been here. I just think college baseball is great.

[GoMuskies]

Xavier scored 7 runs in the 9th and 10th innings to rally from 3-0 down to win 7-3 at Grand Canyon yesterday. They MIGHT have benefitted a bit from the fact that the Antelopes committed 5 errors in those two innings, but getting the win is all that matters!

One more win out of the next three, and I think you call it a success.

[GoMuskies]

Apparently Grand Canyon has some pretty salty pitching, because Xavier has hit the ball pretty well this year, and they've now been blanked in 17 of the 19 innings they've played against the Lopes. And the two innings in which Xavier scored, the Muskies were aided by five GCU errors.

Xavier lost 6-0 yesterday. Two more games in Phoenix await.

[GoMuskies]

Xavier is #32 in the current RPI with the #2 strength of schedule in the country. And a trip to Austin to play Texas is still on tap!

Xavier had an interesting game on Saturday. The Muskies took a 10-5 lead to the bottom of the 6th at Grand Canyon. The road trip had apparently taken its toll at that point, as the first three Xavier pitchers of the 6th inning failed to record an out. When all was said and done GCU had scored 16 times to take a 21-10 lead. But Xavier wasn't finished. After a scoreless 7th for both teams (not sure how that's even possible!), the Muskies struck for 8 in the 8th, pulling themselves to within a field goal at 21-18. Unfortunately, the Lopes got 4 more in the bottom of the 8th, and Xavier lost 25-18. That is one baseball game I am glad I did not attend!

[GoMuskies]

I didn't even notice until today that Xavier added a game against New Mexico State to wrap up their West Coast swing. I assume they made the addition because the Arizona game was rained out (and there were a couple of weather cancellations earlier in the year). To add to Xavier's absurd schedule, New Mexico State is 15-4. They beat Xavier 6-4.

The Muskies are in Lexington playing Kentucky tonight. Kentucky may be the worst team Xavier has played in the last two weeks!

[GoMuskies]

The 6-13 Muskies (after a 16-3 loss @ Kentucky last night...almost unfair to ask these guys to go to Lexington last night fresh off 10 days on the road) have likely faced the #1 schedule in college baseball to date. They still have three in Austin against the Longhorns to play in a week and a half. But other than that, there is good news. The home opener (game #20 for the season!) is Friday against Evansville, and the schedule gets significantly more friendly (other than Texas) the rest of the way. So let's hope the brutal schedule toughened the team up for Big East play and didn't simply crush their spirits.

[X-band '01]

Right on cue, the Muskies won their first two games at home against Evansville (who actually beat Creighton two games out of three last week); they'll go for their second 3-game sweep tomorrow afternoon.

[X-band '01]

I looked up Xavier's profile on WarrenNolan.com - their SOS is actually #7 in the country through yesterday's games. As Go noted, they have a weekend series at Texas that will give the Muskies one final test before Big East play begins next week. They ended up splitting with Wright State this week.

As for the rest of the Big East, it looks like St. John's, Creighton and Xavier are all Top 100 RPI teams and are likely to be 3 of the 4 teams that advance to the Big East Tournament at Prasco Park. Butler has a winning record but they've done so against creampuffs. Seton Hall is another likely suspect, but their RPI is still ghastly at this stage. Xavier is also going to make roadies to St. John's and Creighton this year (along with Villanova), but they do host Butler, Georgetown and Seton Hall this season.

They'll actually end the regular season with a 3-game series against UC with a home-and-home and a game at Prasco Park wedged in between.

[SM#24]

If your provider provides, all three games this weekend v Texas are on the Longhorn Network, including right now.

[Masterofreality]

That game last night was a tough one. The HP ump did X zero favors, but they fought back and tied the game 2-2 in the 8th, then had a one run lead with two outs in the 11th before Texas got a hit to tie it, then went up 5-3 in the 13th but gave up 3 in the bottom of the 13th to lose.
Anybody who watches them more, is there just a lack of depth in pitching? Flamm looks like the real deal as a reliever, and too bad he couldn't close out the 11th. Seems like XU has about 4 or 5 quality hurlers, but trash after that.

[X-band '01]

That was a shame because Damien Richard had a quality start for Xavier last night - gave up only 2 runs and 3 hits in 7 innings (along with 2 walks). I can only guess that the bullpen was trying to get a little rest after the two midweek games against Wright State.

[X-band '01]

And Texas ends up getting a 3-game sweep on a walkoff double. That really hurts when you consider Xavier should have had a pair of wins this weekend. Alas, the bullpen...

[Masterofreality]

What a disaterous weekend. Had a lead late in all 3 games, had it down to the final out in two of them with a lead, and wound up blowing all of them.
Wow. That is a slam to the confidence.

[X-band '01]

Big East home opener against Georgetown is live on BEDN this afternoon. Hoyas plated one run in the top of the 1st; X now up to bat.

[GoMuskies]

I predict that Xavier scores a lot of runs today. And all weekend.

[X-band '01]

Right on cue, X takes a 3-1 lead on a 3-run dinger in the bottom of the 2nd.

[GoMuskies]

Winner, winner. First place in the Big East!

[X-band '01]

And as expected, St. John's won their opener as well.

Must be bad weather expected Sunday - tomorrow will now be a DH starting at noon at Hayden Field with the Hoyas.

[GoMuskies]

2-0 in the Big East. Get out the brooms for game 3 in about 30 minutes.

[X-band '01]

Scoreless tie at the 7th inning stretch - Conor Grammes has 16 strikeouts through 7. Unreal.

[X-band '01]

And Allbry Major hit a game-winning RBI double to complete the sweep of Georgetown.

Xavier will be the sole Big East leader after St. John's lost at Butler in the first game of their DH today.

[GoMuskies]

Just need to dominate Villanova, and we're probably good for making the Big East Tournament.

[X-band '01]

Off to a good start with a come-from-behind 11-8 win at St. John's.

[bobbiemcgee]

Off to a good start with a come-from-behind 11-8 win at St. John's.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D3_ZDNfWwAUlXQj.jpg

Billy O'Connor got ahold of one.

[GoMuskies]

Off to a good start with a come-from-behind 11-8 win at St. John's.

That's huge.

[X-band '01]

Johnnies won the 2nd game of the series in the bottom of the 14th yesterday. Rubber game of the series will be at noon on ESPN3.

A Xavier win could put them 2 games ahead of the Johnnies and a game and a half on Creighton.

[GoMuskies]

Up 6-1 bottom 8. Grammes has turned into a stud on the hill on Sundays.

[X-band '01]

8-1 final. Great finish to the weekend.

Next up is a midweek game at Ohio State followed by a league series at home against Butler.

[GoMuskies]

They could fall flat on their faces against Butler and Villanova still, but this weekend's series win means that the Muskies are all but assured of at least making the Big East Tournament.

[WestToBest]

Hey everyone - I posted a brief preview a few months ago and wanted to check back in now that conference play is rolling.

Speaking of rolling, don't want to jinx anything, but that's what the Musketeers are doing. Having an entirely new staff this year, this has been Billy's opportunity to go out and build the program how he envisioned it. What did he do? He scheduled the second-toughest schedule in the country, and it's paying dividends in conference play.

As I pointed out in my initial post, there's no beating around the bush: the Big East is a one-bid league this year, and it's all about positioning yourself for success over Memorial Day weekend. Xavier has done that exceptionally well through six conference games.

The bats have started swinging, and the pitching isn't too shabby either. If you have a chance, make a trip to Hayden Field to watch one of Grammes' starts. It's a sea of radar guns from scouts behind home plate, and now that he's consistently throwing strikes, he's turning into what many were hoping heading into the season.

Still 12 conference games left, but Xavier probably only needs 3-4 more to be assured of a spot in the Big East Tournament. With Villanova still left to play, and six games remaining at home, things are looking good on the diamond for the Musketeers right now.

[X-band '01]

Reminder that today's game at home against Butler will be streamed on the Big East Digital Network (Fox Sports Go) starting at 3 PM.

I suspect they may also try to get 2 games in tomorrow with rain in the forecast all day on Saturday, but no change has been announced yet.

[Muskie]

Awesome. I'm planning on coming to some of the Big East Baseball Tournament at this point.

[Masterofreality]

Yuck. Losing 4-0 in the 6th to Butler.

[GoMuskies]

Buck Futler

[94GRAD]

I don't think anyone has exactly covered themselves in glory in this whole mess.

You said glory hole!

[GoMuskies]

You said glory hole!

In the wrong thread even. But when I put it in the political thread, your response actually makes a LOT of sense.

[GoMuskies]

That's an interesting angle that the BEDN has over at Hayden Field. 5-0 bottom 7. Time to make hay against the Butler bullpen.

[bobbiemcgee]

2 run bomb 5-2

[X-band '01]

Runners at the corners with 2 out - Xavier has done all their damage after Butler pulled their ace after 6.

[X-band '01]

Matt Warkentin added a 2-run single but no further damage. Butler still leads 5-4 through 7.

[BMoreX]

Tie ballgame!

[scoscox]

our baseball uniforms are so cool

[GoMuskies]

Good guys win! Walk-off. Literally.

[Masterofreality]

That was a helluva comeback. Buck Futler

[bobbiemcgee]

X 7 BU 4 B3rd

[bobbiemcgee]

BU took 8-7 lead, X took it back 12-8 top 8th

[X-band '01]

And Xavier wins 13-8.

What was supposed to be the 2nd game of a doubleheader has been pushed back to tomorrow; no game time has been announced yet.

[Masterofreality]

That tough early schedule is paying off.

It's a shame that they couldn't hold the late lead in those games in Texas and the one St. John's game they lost. That would have really set themselves up very well.

[WestToBest]

Game time is set for noon tomorrow, but with the rain in the forecast, who knows what the situation will be. There's a potential that it could be a very good pitching matchup with Grammes for X and reigning BIG EAST Pitcher of the Week Connor Schultz for the Bulldogs.

Either way, at 7-1 right now, with Villanova still on the schedule, the Musketeers have set themselves up very well for the conference tournament. Just a question of how it plays out in late May.

[bobbiemcgee]

Rainout today.

[X-band '01]

Next weekend will more or less determine who's going to be the Big East regular season champion when Xavier goes to Creighton for a 3-game set. The Bluejays are coming off of a 3-game sweep at Seton Hall.

St. John's had a surprising loss at Villanova, but they took 2 of 3 and are well on pace for the 3rd tournament spot. It's anyone's guess as to who gets the 4th spot. Butler hosts Seton Hall at home and finishes their season with the Nova/Georgetown pastry cart.

[WestToBest]

Next weekend will more or less determine who's going to be the Big East regular season champion when Xavier goes to Creighton for a 3-game set. The Bluejays are coming off of a 3-game sweep at Seton Hall.

St. John's had a surprising loss at Villanova, but they took 2 of 3 and are well on pace for the 3rd tournament spot. It's anyone's guess as to who gets the 4th spot. Butler hosts Seton Hall at home and finishes their season with the Nova/Georgetown pastry cart.

Friday's game against Creighton will be on the BEDN, and the next two games will be available via Creighton's own video service.

[GoMuskies]

Xavier is leading 30-9 Miami in Oxford 13-0.

[Masterofreality]

Xavier is leading 30-9 Miami in Oxford 13-0.

Wound up kicking their red asses 13-4.
This team is an enigma. They’ve played a really tough schedule that should have steeled them, but they’ve blown some games that they had in the bag.
It will be interesting to see how it plays out-especially against Creighton.

[scoscox]

8-1 over creighton. big win

[Masterofreality]

Huge Doubleheader today. Creighton won Game 1 5-0

[X-band '01]

Xavier leading 2-1 through 7 innings after a 2-run, 2-out double in the 7th inning. Finish this one, guys.

[Masterofreality]

It’s a Final!! X wins the second game 3-1. Takes 2 out of 3 in Omaha!

[X-band '01]

Two game lead on the Big East pack now with that victory. Next Big East series will be this upcoming weekend when they host Seton Hall. The Pirates took 2 of 3 at home against Butler and are currently in 4th place in the conference.

Big shocker this weekend was Georgetown sweeping St. John's at home. That now puts the Hoyas in 3rd behind Creighton and St. John's all the way down to 5th. The Muskies' sweep of Georgetown suddenly looks even more impressive.

[Masterofreality]

Xavier's RPI is up to 40, which would put them in a position to get an at large bid if they don't win the Big East Championship. IF they can get their overall record over .500. No one gets a bid under .500 and XU is 19-24 right now. Important to sweep 'Nova and The Hall, beat Miami again, and win 2 or 3 vs SucKS in the season ending series.

[GoMuskies]

Xavier's RPI is up to 40, which would put them in a position to get an at large bid if they don't win the Big East Championship. IF they can get their overall record over .500. No one gets a bid under .500 and XU is 19-24 right now. Important to sweep 'Nova and The Hall, beat Miami again, and win 2 or 3 vs SucKS in the season ending series.

That's crazy on the high RPI. I think we're essentially hosed with respect to an at-large given the overall record, but it would certainly be nice to have that Texas series back! Hell, we could have swept them and be 22-21 with a sweep of Texas right now! Some of the mid-week clunkers also hurt. But the schedule the rest of the year also means the RPI is probably not going to rise much more. On the plus side, hopefully it means the record will improve.

In any event, I think we were all pointed towards a Big East tournament championship as the goal, and that is obviously still right there for the having. As a bonus, that RPI means Xavier would likely be a #3 seed instead of a #4 if we get there.

Side note: the Big East ranks as the #17 baseball conference according to the RPI.

[X-band '01]

RPI will sink like a stone with games against bottom feeders like Villanova still to come (as well as an awful NKU team this week). Winning 2 of 3 at Creighton really helped, but the goal at this point is simply to win the Big East regular season crown and tournament.

St. John's also had an RPI similar to Xavier going into the weekend, but they crashed into triple digits after getting swept at Georgetown.

[Masterofreality]

That's crazy on the high RPI. I think we're essentially hosed with respect to an at-large given the overall record, but it would certainly be nice to have that Texas series back! Hell, we could have swept them and be 22-21 with a sweep of Texas right now! Some of the mid-week clunkers also hurt. But the schedule the rest of the year also means the RPI is probably not going to rise much more. On the plus side, hopefully it means the record will improve.

In any event, I think we were all pointed towards a Big East tournament championship as the goal, and that is obviously still right there for the having. As a bonus, that RPI means Xavier would likely be a #3 seed instead of a #4 if we get there.

Side note: the Big East ranks as the #17 baseball conference according to the RPI.

Yeah, that Texas series REALLY hurts. Two of those games were down to the last out with Xavier with the lead. Hell, I think one was down to the last strike.

[WestToBest]

Xavier is in a great position right now, frankly, as good as they could want it. We could argue about the hypotheticals all day, and yes it would be nice to have an overall winning record, but you all are right, it's all about winning the conference tournament.

A sweep of Seton Hall this weekend, and X wins the regular season championship. They also have the tiebreakers over everyone they've played, and still have to go to Villanova.

[GoMuskies]

Xavier got the midweek split, losing to Miami and beating NKU. On to the important games with Seton Hall!

[X-band '01]

Game 1 of the weekend series with Seton Hall has been moved to Miami and will be played at 6 PM tonight. Guessing Prasco Park wasn't available since field conditions at Xavier's Hayden Field aren't conducive to getting in a game today.

[bobbiemcgee]

Dropped the opener 3-1 to SHU.

[bobbiemcgee]

Late rally dooms Muskies 11-3

[bobbiemcgee]

Muskies avoid the sweep with a 7-5 victory on Senior Day (11)

[WestToBest]

One win over Villanova next weekend and the Musketeers are in the Big East tournament. Mathematically, if they lost and *three teams* won out, they could miss it.

[GoMuskies]

On the other hand, with a sweep of Villanova they're likely to be the #1 seed in the Big East Tournament. Creighton would have to sweep St. John's (and Villanova which is more likely) to beat out the Muskies.

[X-band '01]

I wonder if Villanova has a star pitcher on their hands - they're 4-0 in series openers in the Big East but 0-8 in Saturday/Sunday games. Still, it's a series that Xavier ought to sweep but certainly can't take for granted.

Creighton still has to play a struggling St. John's team before closing out the Big East with Villanova themselves. Outside of the Xavier series, Creighton's only other loss in conference play was at Butler earlier this season.

[X-band '01]

On the other hand, with a sweep of Villanova they're likely to be the #1 seed in the Big East Tournament. Creighton would have to sweep St. John's (and Villanova which is more likely) to beat out the Muskies.

Creighton and Xavier are actually tied for first now - that's where having a game cancelled against Butler will hurt the Muskies now. If both X and Creighton sweep Villanova (or even just win 2 of 3 each), all it would take from Creighton to win the regular season would be a series victory against St. John's. If for whatever reason Creighton has a game cancelled and ends the regular season tied with X, Xavier wins the tiebreaker via head-to-head.

[Muskie]

Any projections on what days we will be playing in the BE Tournament?

[WestToBest]

Any projections on what days we will be playing in the BE Tournament?

The Big East Tournament is Thursday-Sunday, and if Xavier plays in it, they're guaranteed to play both Thursday and Friday. On Thursday and Friday there is one game in the afternoon, and one game at night. Which of those games Xavier plays in won't be determined until after the regular season is over.

The Saturday game is an elimination game of the one-loss teams, and the winner of that advances to Sunday, where they would have to win two games to win the tournament.

[Muskie]

The Big East Tournament is Thursday-Sunday, and if Xavier plays in it, they're guaranteed to play both Thursday and Friday. On Thursday and Friday there is one game in the afternoon, and one game at night. Which of those games Xavier plays in won't be determined until after the regular season is over.

The Saturday game is an elimination game of the one-loss teams, and the winner of that advances to Sunday, where they would have to win two games to win the tournament.

Thanks!

[GIMMFD]

On the other hand, with a sweep of Villanova they're likely to be the #1 seed in the Big East Tournament. Creighton would have to sweep St. John's (and Villanova which is more likely) to beat out the Muskies.

Wtf, so technically there's still a chance for the NCAA Tournament??

[X-band '01]

Of course - Xavier would get the auto bid by winning the Big East Tournament. We're just pointing out that there's a one-in-a-million chance that Xavier could still miss the Big East Tournament by getting swept by Villanova this upcoming weekend, but even then a lot more things would have to fall into place.

The more likely outcome is either a #1 or #2 regular season matchup, but the difference would be either a first round matchup with Seton Hall (a team that beat Xavier 2 out of 3 this weekend) or St. John's/Georgetown where Xavier won the head-to-head already.

[noteggs]

Last home against UC will be played GABP after Reds - Dodgers. Pretty cool!

[GoMuskies]

Xavier had a 6-2 lead at Nova but gave it all back in the 6th inning. Now 6-6 in the 7th.

[GoMuskies]

7-6 lead to the 9th. Xavier is three outs a way from clinching a spot in the Big East Tournament (though they're almost certain to get in even if Nova sweeps them).

[X-band '01]

Flamm gets the save and Xavier officially locked into the Big East tournament in 2 weeks.

FWIW, Creighton also hosting St. John's later tonight. Not only are the Bluejays looking to keep pace with Xavier, St. John's is going to be desperate for a series win this weekend because they are by no means guaranteed to finish Top 4 right now.

[X-band '01]

Today's game is scheduled for 1 PM - although I'm surprised they're not trying to get a doubleheader in today with rain in the forecast all day tomorrow in Philly.

[muskiefan82]

X takes game two, 6 - 1.

[scoscox]

it's a shame we have to rely on the big east tournament to get in. i think this is a tournament quality team. if only we could've closed out a few more in the non-conference

[muskiefan82]

A season is a lifetime, except in baseball.

[X-band '01]

With Xavier winning and St. John's beating Creighton, X has a magic number of 2 to clinch the Big East regular season crown.

Creighton and Seton Hall are now locked into the Big East Tournament; St. John's currently sits 4th with a 1-game lead on Butler and a 1.5-game lead on Georgetown.

[X-band '01]

Game canceled today. Xavier will now have to wait and see what Creighton does in their final four games of conference play. The Bluejays have to finish the season either 3-0 or 4-0 to clinch the #1 seed. Xavier needs only one Creighton loss to clinch the #1 seed thanks to their series win at Creighton two weeks ago.

[X-band '01]

While Xavier concludes their regular season with UC (one game at UC, one game at Prasco Park and one game at GABP), the remainder of the Big East is going to be a logjam.

Creighton needs to get a 3-game sweep of Villanova (or 2-0 if there's a cancellation) to clinch the #1 seed and Big East regular season crown. They're also playing to be a potential 1st-round host in the NCAA Tournament should they completely win out the rest of the way. I could point out Villanova is barely alive for an invitation to the Big East tournament, but too many things have to fall into place for them to get in (which I'll explain later).

St. John's-Seton Hall is the other big series. Tonight's game will be on FS1 and Saturday's game will be on CBS Sports Network. The Johnnies must win this weekend series at a minimum - however, if there's a 3-game sweep in the Butler-Georgetown series by either team, then St. John's has to win all 3 against the Hall to get in the field.

Butler-Georgetown is the other series going on - it's already noted that if one team sweeps the other, then St. John's would have to get a sweep themselves just to get in. But if Seton Hall wins at least 2 of 3 this weekend, then the winner of this series gets the fourth and final spot into the Big East field.

SEEDING SCENARIOS

Xavier - #1 seed if Creighton loses any game or Creighton only wins 1 game due to weather. Xavier would be a #2 seed if Creighton goes 2-0 or 3-0 against Villanova.

Creighton - #1 seed with a 2-0 or 3-0 record this weekend. #2 seed if they lose one game or more, but could be #3 in the unlikely event that Villanova sweeps Creighton and Seton Hall sweeps St. John's.

Seton Hall - can finish as high as #2 in the above scenario but could be as low as #4 if St. John's sweeps the Pirates.

St. John's - can finish as high as #3 in the above scenario, but could be eliminated altogether if they go 2-1 this weekend (along with either Butler or Georgetown going 3-0) or if they go 1-2 or worse against the Pirates.

Butler/Georgetown - see above scenario to finish #4.

Villanova - the longest of longshots - needs to go 3-0 against Creighton, needs Seton Hall to go 3-0 against St. John's and needs Georgetown to go 2-1 (or 1-1 in the event of a rainout) against Butler this weekend.

[X-band '01]

Live Stream - Game 1 vs. UC (https://gobearcats.com/watch/?Live=1301&type=Live)

Currently 8-0 Xavier in the top of the 2nd with only one out. 4 in the 1st, 4 in the 2nd and counting.

[GoMuskies]

Xavier is pounding UC 8-1 in the 7th at GABP. This will be a series win for X assuming they hold on.

[X-band '01]

Definitely a nice momentum-builder for the Big East Tournament this upcoming weekend. Creighton did end up winning the regular season title and will play 4th-seeded Seton Hall in the opener at 2:30 on Thursday.

Xavier will play the nightcap at around 6:30 against 3rd-seeded St. John's. Admission, parking and concessions will all be free this weekend at Prasco Park.

[GoMuskies]

Glad to see Xavier get 2 of 3 from UC. How, exactly, did 26-29 UC (have game better than 25-29 Xavier) end up second in the relatively decent AAC?!? The AAC is the #5 RPI baseball conference, while the Big East is the #17 conference. Xavier finished the regular season #72 and UC #113 (one spot in the RPI clear of last place USF). Odd stuff.

In any event, the solid Xavier RPI likely means that Xavier is playing for a three seed in the NCAA Tournament this weekend at Prasco Park. I'll be happy to see Xavier win and get into ANY regional, but it would be kind of nice to see Xavier find their way into a regional with someone towards the back of the top 16 (like an NC State or Baylor) instead of at a national seed like Louisville or Vandy. Geographically, though, we're probably hosed and going to Louisville or Nashville with a Big East Tournament win.

[paulxu]

Maybe they're using the new basketball NET deal to decide.

[X-band '01]

It's also a testament to what two different noncon approaches will do. Xavier played murderer's row by comparison - their nonconference SOS was #16 in the country (and #49 overall); UC had a similar noncon record against a schedule that was #160 in the country out of 299 teams.

Matchup-wise, Xavier got a break by not having to face Seton Hall right off the bat. The Pirates were the only team that beat Xavier in a conference series, but they're the #4 seed against Creighton after getting swept by St. John's. The Johnnies were slow out of the gates after losing their star pitcher to Tommy John surgery mid-season, but they're also hoping to defend their title from last season.

If Creighton ever excersizes their demons against Xavier and St. John's, they also have a shot at being one of 16 first-round hosts in the NCAA Tournament. This weekend won't be easy for Xavier, but this might be their best opportunity for an offensive explosion in a hitter-friendly environment.

[Masterofreality]

Glad to see Xavier get 2 of 3 from UC. How, exactly, did 26-29 UC (have game better than 25-29 Xavier) end up second in the relatively decent AAC?!? The AAC is the #5 RPI baseball conference, while the Big East is the #17 conference. Xavier finished the regular season #72 and UC #113 (one spot in the RPI clear of last place USF). Odd stuff.

In any event, the solid Xavier RPI likely means that Xavier is playing for a three seed in the NCAA Tournament this weekend at Prasco Park. I'll be happy to see Xavier win and get into ANY regional, but it would be kind of nice to see Xavier find their way into a regional with someone towards the back of the top 16 (like an NC State or Baylor) instead of at a national seed like Louisville or Vandy. Geographically, though, we're probably hosed and going to Louisville or Nashville with a Big East Tournament win.

Sooo .... Billy O'Conner > than the old coach guy. Confirmed.

[SM#24]

Or maybe the same. X and UC split, 2-2 this year, although our run differential vs. UC was +10

[X-band '01]

There's also a huge divide for both teams when it comes to conference tournament play. UC won their first American postseason game last night to improve to 1-8 all time in the double-elimination format.

Xavier is 9-1 all time in Big East postseason play - the only loss was their opener against Creighton back in 2014.

[WestToBest]

All of the games leading up to Sunday will be broadcast on Twitter and a new app that the Big East is using called Caffeine. They will not be on Fox Sports Go, but they will still be produced by the Big East Digital Network. I believe the crew of Mike Schmaltz and Paul Fritschner that generally call the Xavier home games will have Xavier's game on Thursday, and John Fanta and Matt Schumacker are the other two members of the crew per a tweet from Fanta.

They're also promoting a preview show that airs tonight (Wednesday) on Twitter at 7:30.

[X-band '01]

Get used to Prasco Park - the Big East has announced that Xavier and the conference will continue to co-host the baseball tournament through 2022. And this is before the X-Men have even played a single postseason game at this facility.

[X-band '01]

Seton Hall pissed away a 4-run lead in the final 2 innings and Creighton comes from behind to win the opener 9-8. Xavier and St. John's will now have first pitch around 7:50 PM, assuming no further weather delays tonight.

EDIT: Xavier now tweeting out Game 2 will begin at 7:53

[GoMuskies]

Need a four game winning streak now.

[X-band '01]

Bit of a hard-luck loss for Damien Richard - he went 8 innings and scattered 10 hits along with an unearned run in the 5th inning. Xavier never got the bats going at all last night - of the three innings that they had a leadoff hit, two of them featured double plays by St. John's. When they finally did look like they might get the tying run in the 8th, the Johnnies went straight to their All-Big East reliever to shut the door.

Great crowd of over 2,900 for the Xavier game - it was just a silent one because of the pitching masterpiece that St. John's threw at Xavier.

[scoscox]

bad time to have your worst offensive game of the year

[X-band '01]

Conor Grammes wasted no time today with a leadoff HR for Xavier. Blond bombers lead 1-0 through the first inning.

[X-band '01]

Chris Givin also added a homer in the 5th inning - Xavier remains alive with a 2-1 victory. They'll play the loser of tonight's Creighton-St. John's game tomorrow at 1 PM.

Should Xavier win that one, their next game would be at 6 PM later tomorrow night. It was originally scheduled for Sunday afternoon but the threat of severe weather on Sunday means that there will only be a game on Sunday at 1 PM should it be needed.

[SkyWalker]

My first trip to Prasco park today. Took 2 of my grandsons and sat in the front row behind home plate. Free parking, free admission, and free concessions. Xavier win. Outstanding afternoon. Encourage everyone to check it out and root for the Muskies.

[X-band '01]

I also made it out last night and this afternoon - I was in the right field section. It's a little quirky in that the section is two-tiered, but they also have some souvenir chairs in that area from four different ballparks with a plaque commemorating each one - Sportsman's Park (STL), Ebbets Field, Crosley Field and the original Comiskey Park.

As for tonight, St. John's and Creighton appear to be on pace to blow through their bullpens early after the Bluejays took a 4-3 lead after the first inning of play. Xavier, by comparison, had a strong 8-inning performance from Richard last night and a 7-inning win by Conor Grammes today to preserve the bullpen for what should be a busy day tomorrow.

[GoMuskies]

Let's hope they play 25 innings tonight, and the final score is 24-23.

[X-band '01]

It's already wild. Johnnies have scored 8 unanswered runs after trailing 9-3 to take an 11-9 lead. They're only in the 5th.

[X-band '01]

Creighton ended up winning 17-13, so Xavier will face St. John's today at 1 PM on the Big East Digital Network. Should Xavier advance to play Creighton, that game at 6 PM is also on BEDN.

[bjf123]

Creighton ended up winning 17-13, so Xavier will face St. John's today at 1 PM on the Big East Digital Network. Should Xavier advance to play Creighton, that game at 6 PM is also on BEDN.

17-13? Did X bring back football?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[WestToBest]

After an 11-3 win over the Johnnies, X needs to beat Creighton twice to take the BIG EAST title. First game at 6:00 tonight (Saturday) at Prasco Park.

[X-band '01]

Bats broke out in a big way this afternoon - Luke Franzoni hit a pair of 2-run homers and Jake Shepski added a grand slam in the 8th to lead Xavier to an 11-3 win over the Johnnies today. Creighton now awaits the Muskies at 6 PM tonight.

EDIT: Game will now start around 6:30 due to a thunderstorm passing in and around Mason.

[GoMuskies]

Nick Zwack does not appear to be the man for the job today.

[GoMuskies]

Our guys are battling. You've got to give them credit for that. Down 7-6 in the 5th. Thought it might get away from them when Creighton grabbed a 4 run lead in the 4th, but not yet at least.

[scoscox]

terrible way to lose. i don't know why altenberger stopped. did the worst possible thing he could've there

[X-band '01]

Looked like a safety squeeze (not a suicide squeeze) was on for the 9th inning.

Nonetheless, helluva an effort by the team this weekend. Just not quite enough against a Creighton team that, to their credit, finally exorcised their Xavier/Big East demons.

[GoMuskies]

UC won the AAC Tournament today (assist to Wichita State for clearing the way by beating top 10 East Carolina twice). UC is going to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1974. Apparently Googs is a wizard.

[scoscox]

UC won the AAC Tournament today (assist to Wichita State for clearing the way by beating top 10 East Carolina twice). UC is going to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1974. Apparently Googs is a wizard.

not retaining googins was a huge loss. i don't know the circumstances of why he left, but not greg christopher's finest work losing him and to the school across town no less.

[SM#24]

2x $$

[X-band '01]

Should I be amused or sad that Scott Googins might make the Sweet 16 in only his 2nd year at UC while Mick Cronin managed only one such appearance in 13 years?

[GoMuskies]

Doesn't look like it's going to happen for Googs this year. Hopefully our friends at Creighton will finish them off shortly.

[bobbiemcgee]

Doesn't look like it's going to happen for Googs this year. Hopefully our friends at Creighton will finish them off shortly.

what could have been....

[GoMuskies]

Creighton has a great shot to win the Corvallis regional. Just have to beat a pretty pedestrian Michigan team twice. Would be great to see the Jays in a Super.

[X-band '01]

Creighton scored 7 in the 9th to force a winner-take-all Regional Final later today.

Texas A&M also had a walk-off grand slam to knock out West Virginia, but A&M lost their regional final to Duke.

Elsewhere, the MLB Draft gets underway tonight - there's a good chance that DH/P Conor Grammes gets selected.