2008 Woodie Awards
'Necks to take on Iowa after four losses at Purdue
Jon Oakley
Issue date: 3/24/08 Section: Sports
The Leathernecks baseball team goes on the road Tuesday to play Iowa in the last game of its 16-game road trip.
Western Illinois (1-13) is coming off a disastrous weekend against Purdue, dropping four games to the Boilermakers. The 'Necks completely fell apart in West Lafayette, Ind., and were outscored 47 runs to 12, getting shutout in both games on Saturday.
Iowa (6-8) has been in multiple high-scoring affairs this year, and it will be up to Western's offense to take advantage and keep the 'Necks in Tuesday's game. The Hawkeye pitchers have surrendered eight or more runs in eight out of their 14 games.
"We've beaten them three straight years," said coach Stan Hyman. "Taking three out of four games, I feel good. It will be a good test before we go home."
The 'Necks' pitchers also need a win to regain their confidence and get back on track before their home opener this weekend. Iowa has not been shut out this season and is averaging 8.4 runs a game in its last five games.
"I think we need to slow them down," Hyman said. "(Offensively,) we're coming out of it. It will be a good match-up, but the key will be defense. It's really going to key on our defense and their defense, whoever can execute out there."
After a poor start to the season, the 'Necks have this last chance to grab a win against the Big Ten and need their offense, defense and pitching to produce in the same game. With three days of rest before their next game, the 'Necks should be able to use any of their pitchers for key match-ups and can focus fully on grabbing a second win.
"It's getting to be an old record, and I'm tired of listening to it; we need to put it all together," Hyman said. "We are going to come ready and prepared, and if we execute, we will win. We need to build some momentum and get our confidence back. I want some momentum, and I want to come home on a winning streak."
Tuesday's game will be a rare night game for Western and is scheduled to start at 6:30.
Western Illinois (1-13) is coming off a disastrous weekend against Purdue, dropping four games to the Boilermakers. The 'Necks completely fell apart in West Lafayette, Ind., and were outscored 47 runs to 12, getting shutout in both games on Saturday.
Iowa (6-8) has been in multiple high-scoring affairs this year, and it will be up to Western's offense to take advantage and keep the 'Necks in Tuesday's game. The Hawkeye pitchers have surrendered eight or more runs in eight out of their 14 games.
"We've beaten them three straight years," said coach Stan Hyman. "Taking three out of four games, I feel good. It will be a good test before we go home."
The 'Necks' pitchers also need a win to regain their confidence and get back on track before their home opener this weekend. Iowa has not been shut out this season and is averaging 8.4 runs a game in its last five games.
"I think we need to slow them down," Hyman said. "(Offensively,) we're coming out of it. It will be a good match-up, but the key will be defense. It's really going to key on our defense and their defense, whoever can execute out there."
After a poor start to the season, the 'Necks have this last chance to grab a win against the Big Ten and need their offense, defense and pitching to produce in the same game. With three days of rest before their next game, the 'Necks should be able to use any of their pitchers for key match-ups and can focus fully on grabbing a second win.
"It's getting to be an old record, and I'm tired of listening to it; we need to put it all together," Hyman said. "We are going to come ready and prepared, and if we execute, we will win. We need to build some momentum and get our confidence back. I want some momentum, and I want to come home on a winning streak."
Tuesday's game will be a rare night game for Western and is scheduled to start at 6:30.
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