Baseball Season Begins This Week For Real

The Big East kicks off conference play this week weather permitting with baseball games on Tuesday and Friday.  The overall records of every team so far are not impressive but like every teams non conference record we will not know the quality of the team's until the playoffs begin.  You can bet the race will be wide open probably right down to the last game.  Let's take a look at the conference as we know it right now.

Fike:  5-2 so far.  Many teams in Big East have played many of the same teams that others in the conference have played.  Fike so far has the best overall record.  They are averaging 7.5 runs per game and their pitching and defense has held their seven foes to 4.5 runs.  Might have best pitching staff in league.

Southern Nash:  5-4 thus far.  For several years Southern has not been a factor in baseball but starting last year were trouble for everyone.  Scoring seven runs a game and giving up nearly seven a game.  Can the Firebirds improve on the most improved team last year?

Rocky Mount:  4-3 to date.  Their hitting over the past few years is improved as they are scoring right  at eight and  a half runs per game.  What was thought in the preseason as the best parts was the pitching but as a team not showing it so far.  Despite only giving up four point five runs per game.  Could be dangerous if the expected pitching comes around.

Northern Nash:  3-3 early on.  The defense is giving up less than five runs per game but to this point scoring at a three and a half runs per game.  Their problem last year was scoring runs.  Looks as though  pitching is again strong point  and if hitting comes around could be a contender.

Nash Central:  3-6 right now.  Biggest changes in the conference with Tony Guzzo retiring at Christmas.  Struggling to score just a tad over three runs per game while the defense and pitching allowing over five a game which is not bad.  Need a good start to get momentum.

Hunt:  2-7 at this point and time.  So far has played the toughest schedule of any team in the league.  Will this pay off against other members of the league.  Not quite scoring four runs per game and giving up just over four.  To me this indicates their record means nothing.  Will be a player in the run for the conference title.

Schedule this week Tuesday:

Rocky Mount @ Nash Central
Fike @ Southern Nash
Northern Nash @ Hunt

Friday

Rocky Mount @ Hunt
Nash Central  @ Fike
Southern Nash @ Northern Nash

Let the games begin,