Monday Regional Final Game Thread

Well, I raced home, only to find that we’re in yet another rain delay. No one knows when we’re going to start this game, or which network may cover it (originally planned for 3pm CT on ESPNU).

However, we do know two key things.

1. Vanderbilt will start Matthew Ruppenthal (and his Magic Curvenball).
2. Clemson will counter with Alex “Weeb” Eubanks on two days rest.

Eubanks, who started Friday’s 5-4 win over UNC Greensboro, is an odd choice, as he is going on super short rest. On Friday, he threw 7 and ²⁄₃ innings, allowing 7 hits and 3 runs. You have to expect his arm to be tired, and for him not to have much bite on any of his off speed offerings, or anything he wants to move.

Of course, Ruppenthal is an even odder choice, considering he has basically been throwing batting practice since SEC play started. Why is Corbs, like in game 1 of the SEC tourney, choosing Rup over Chandler “Day Man” Day? I have no freaking clue, but I’m not happy about it.

It’s winner take all, so expect both managers to go to the pen as soon as their pitcher starts to look shaky. It should be all hands on deck, so other than Clemson’s Krall and Jackson—and VU’s Fellows and Wright (though it would not shock me if Wright was available for an inning if necessary)—everyone should be ready to hear their name called.

Beyond that, the Vandy lineup—which, until last night, had been red hot—will be the same. Let’s hope last night was an aberration, and we can get back to hitting north of .400 collectively.

Pour Jobu some rum and put hats on bats... winner goes to Corvallis.

See you in the comments.

Hugs and kisses,

Andrew VU ‘04