Tulane Baseball Caps Off Fall Season with World Series
Nov 6, 2008 | Baseball
Nov. 6, 2008
NEW ORLEANS-Tulane's baseball team wrapped up the fall baseball season with a four-game intrasquad World Series last weekend. The series was played using a revised format of play, which included three teams of four players each.
"Because of the smaller roster and a few injuries, we were forced to improvise and play a unique world series format," head coach Rick Jones explained. "Position players broke into three teams of four, with two innings on defense and one inning on offense. But because of fewer numbers on each offensive team, each player actually got more at-bats than they would have in a normal squad situation."Jones took advantage of the revised format to continue observing players who could potentially play multiple positions, adding depth to the Green Wave lineup this spring.
"The format also allowed us to see each defensive player in more than one position, which was a positive [of the new format]," Jones said.
Different in-game competitions also took place, with teams picking up points for various offensive and defensive achievements. Offensively, teams were awarded points for scoring runs, winning innings and winning a particular days' game. On the defensive side of the ball, teams accumulated points for stranded runners in scoring position and plays such as pickoffs. Pitchers also had a scoring system of their own, which included points for first-pitch strikes, scoreless innings and less than 12 pitches an inning. Each Green Wave hurler faced all three teams. The composite score for each team was then calculated and determined the winner of the series.
Each team, designated by colors (blue, green and black) had an opportunity to rack up points but it was the effort of the blue team that determined their status as Fall Ball World Series Champions.
"Our blue and green teams were comprised of veteran players and were extremely competitive, with the blue team winning. Their composite score was 23 to the green team's 21," Jones said. "Our black team, made up of freshmen, understandably struggled as they continue to make the adjustment into college baseball. That's no different than any other group of freshmen we've had and they are a very talented group. I have no doubt that the transition will happen."
Several players stood out in the series, including Sam Honeck, who not only hit well over the four games, but also pitched well. Josh Prince also put out an impressive effort during the series, Jones noted. The coaching staff was also pleased with the pitching performance, getting good work from Josh Zeid (RHP, senior), Nick Pepitone (RHP, sophomore), Conrad Flynn (RHP, sophomore) and Preston Claiborne (RHP, junior). Mason Griffin (RHP, senior) came in from the bullpen to throw well for the Green Wave.
"All in all, it was a very productive fall and the new format worked well for us," Jones said.
Tulane's season opens on February 20, 2009 with a four-game series against LeMoyne at home.
