/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54883065/geoff_coyle_baseball.0.jpg)
OPENING THOUGHTS
Okay, we’re in the postseason.
The Mountaineers are in just about the same spot they were in last season. Similar record, same Big 12 seed.
To me, that says we’re not a lock yet.
Many people in the college baseball universe predict WVU to finally crack the NCAA curse this year, but it’s not a guarantee and the Mountaineers MUST PLAY THAT WAY.
Last season, 17th-ranked North Carolina finished their regular season with a 34-18 record and MISSED the NCAA Tournament. Nothing is for sure.
As fans, we need to know this going into the Big 12 Tournament and the Mountaineers must do all they can to win this thing. Just like basketball, if they win the conference, they’re in for sure.
WHEN/WHERE
Date: Wednesday, May 24th
First Pitch: 10:00 AM ET
Where: Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, Oklahoma City, OK
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8555129/okc_ballpark.jpg)
Tickets: General Public
WATCH/LISTEN
TV: FCS Central, Fox Sports Southwest+, Fox Sports Midwest+
Streaming Video: Fox Sports GO (or the Fox Sports GO app for smartphones and tablets)
Radio: Mountaineer Sports Network from IMG (Affiliates)
Streaming Audio: Mountaineer Sports Network from IMG on TuneIn Radio (or the TuneIn Radio app for smartphones and tablets)
STARTING PITCHERS
Baylor: TBD
West Virginia: TBD
BIG 12 TOURNAMENT BRACKET
THE ENEMY
Where are they from? Waco, Texas
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8555157/waco_texas.jpg)
Series History: WVU leads the series 8-7
Last Time: #10 Baylor 5, West Virginia 1 on March 19 in Waco
SB Nation Blog: Our Daily Bears
Record: 34-19 (12-12 Big 12)
Head Coach: Steve Rodriguez
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8555197/opposing_coach.jpg)
KEYS TO THE GAME
- Maybe try to avoid allowing a grand slam in the first inning? I don’t know, just a thought.
- Time call to the bullpen a little better. The timing of pitching changes was not optimal in Texas. This is postseason baseball. It the game situation looks bad, maybe grab a reliever.
HOW AFRAID SHOULD WE BE?
Five. I’m as afraid of the Bears as I am of...I don’t know...awkward moments on TV?
PREDICTION THAT WILL HOPEFULLY BE RIGHT
Baylor has been heating up over the past few weeks, so just prepare for a close one.
West Virginia beats Baylor