This one's for you, Rocks...

In the 5 innings we did not score, our hitters saw only 50 total pitches (10 per inning.)

In the 4 innings we did score, our hitters saw 82 pitches (20.5 per inning.)

But...all's well that ends well!!! Bring on Santa Clara.

Although I agree that patience is good when no ones on base, I would much rather have a first pitch drive to the warning track allowing a runner to tag then a 3-2 10 pitch at bat strikeout.

Agreed.

My idea on hitting is that if you're going to swing at the first pitch, the 2-0 pitch or the 3-1 pitch...you damn well better get something to drive. Otherwise, leave the bat on your shoulder and take a look at that one.

But, what do I know...other than the fact that we're 15-2!!!

3rd Inning We did not score

The count on wolf was 0-1, he then grounded out.
The count on Pennington was 1-1, he then grounded out
The count on Patton was 2-1, he then flew out

You want these guys to take strike two?

In the 5th Inning
Infante grounded out on the first pitch
Baldwin grounded out with a full count
Stinson grounded out with an 0-1 count

Should Baldwin and Stinson have taken pitches?

In the 7th Inning
Baldwin walked than was thrown out stealing
Stinson singled on a 1-1 count
Wolf grounded out on a 1-2 count
Pennington grounded out on a 0-1 count

Who should have taken a pitch?

In the 9th
Wolf walked
Pennington grounded into Double Play with an 0-1 count
Patton Struck Out on (1st of the game for the Ags) to make last out for the Ags.

Where should we have had the patience at the plate?

I agree in theory it is good to work the count, but you cannot take strikes when the pitcher is pitching well

The Infante first pitch swinging in the fifth was the place where patience would have helped.

I'm more than satisfied with the patience this team has shown overall this year. I suspect if you compared it with 2000-2002 you would find major differences. We were better at it last year and far better this year so far.

I just wanted to prove a point that it was not a matter a patience in those innings but rather a pitcher that was throwing strikes early in the count.

Rocks -

I'm with ya...I think we're trying to get at the same end result. I've only been able to see the Ags play in person 3 times this year (W over UNM, L vs. Ark. and W over Ark.) We seemed to pop the ball up a lot in those 3 games, hence my thought on us needing to be more patient. Granted, if the pitcher grooves a strike on the first pitch and every batter is falling behind in the count, what are you gonna do? Eventually you have to take a hack at that pitch or he's going to one-up every one of your hitters (which ain't good.)

Again, all's well that ends well. We won, UH lost and all is right with the world!

agreed

After seeing the ball well, the key to hitting is getting a good pitch to hit. Usually a hitter only gets 1 good pitch to drive in an at bat, and sometimes none. So it does not really matter what the count is in my opinion, you have to be ready to hit your pitch when you get it, and don't miss it because you probably will not get a second chance in that at bat. It is another story if you are in a take situation, but it sucks when you are taking and the pitcher pipes one.