They wound up failing miserably - they didn't even get a guy to second base. Because they immediately went into "play for the run" mode. It's the baseball equivalent of the proverbial prevent defense.
As a fan, it was tough to watch, and as a coach, I hope Powers recognizes it was a very bad way to try to win a baseball game. Hell, at the time, his pitcher had given up one hit and without two throwing errors by the Pack third baseman in one inning (set your feet before throwing, Bowman, it's getting ridiculous), the game is tied at 0-0 at that point. His pitching was keeping them in it, and they still had half the game to play. Had Nevada gone to the plate after the initial walk and taken a few pitches, they might very easily have gotten to the bullpen in that inning. Instead, the SJSU pitcher went into the eighth before being knocked out.
Far less of the Spartan bullpen was seen, and the result was a loss for Nevada, and a sweep for San Jose.
Article comments
1 - Admit it.
You're just bitter because the Wolfpack suck and that the SJSU has a pretty decent college baseball team. Admit it.
2 - Matthew T. Sussman
Moneyball was a great book and an intersting experiment on winning games. Games, not championships.
But the fundamentals need to be taught at the college level. Obviously if they're bad like "Admit it" says they are (I have no idea) then they'll manufacture a run when given the chance.
3 - mrjerz
Thanks, Admit it. I was really confused until I read that. But honestly, I might be just slightly bitter. I was expecting Nevada to finish first in all three men's sports in the WAC - something San Jose has never even sniffed. Of course, there's also the part where I actually believe what I wrote, and think it makes complete sense. If you don't think so, let's hear why.
Suss, I have to disagree. When you say "fundamentals" I'm hoping you mean things like smart baserunning and defense. If you mean to throw bunting in there, you lose me. Bunting and giving up outs is only a "fundamental" that's adhered to by people who like to bunt and give up outs. I disagree completely with the philosophy, and think more teams should be playing the game the way I see fit. Sure, it's a bit unrealistic and egocentric, but I think it's the way to go. I agree that the team might not be that good, but wouldn't you agree that if you're not that good, the last thing you should be doing is giving the other team an out at any point on purpose?
4 - Matthew T. Sussman
Again, I admit ignorance of the team in question but if they're one that struggles to generate runs and small ball is one of their strengths then I say go for it.
But yes, a five straight balls? Step aside and let the man pitch.
5 - mrjerz
Ignorance to the team shouldn't matter. I was simply using this example as a general case for Moneyball. I'll be the first to admit that one example is not enough to win an argument, but it was all I had. If you generalize about the lineup (leadoff guy can get on, third hitter has power, etc.) then it makes no difference what the strengths of the team are. Plus, it didn't work the way they did it, so I was right, right?
6 - Matthew T. Sussman
"Plus, it didn't work the way they did it, so I was right, right?"
Now that's my kinda logic. You'll fit in round here juuuust fine.