Post #8 You Win Some, You Lose Some

After three wins against Northwest Missouri this weekend, our streak came to an end today at Falley Field. With a final score of 7-4, it was safe to say the coaching staff was anything but pleased. Our defense hit a low point, as well as our team’s positive attitude. As one would assume winning the majority of the games at home with ease followed by a sudden loss would come as a shock, but welcome to the game of baseball. For an individual, you can go from a high to a low in a matter of minutes, of course practice helps prevent these but this game is incredibly unpredictable and quite difficult to prepare for in all circumstances. I am not saying this as an excuse to our team loss today which could have been caused by a great mixture of things, but I wish I could fully express to you the patience and dedication this game takes. “More than meets the eye” is truly a spot on phrase to describe the game. Although we did not make a full sweep this weekend, there are many other weekends we will have to prove ourselves. As for now, it is nice to take a breath, step back, and appreciate the game for what it really is. Lose or win, baseball is a fantastically detailed sport, American past time, and brings people together no matter what the outcome.

Post #7 Support

The Ichabods shut out Northwest Missouri so far this weekend at Falley Field. Pitching was phenomenal between pitcher Brett Ash, Mark Biesma, and Drew Ridley on Friday with a final score of 7-0. The Bods play a double header consisting of a seven inning and a nine inning game. As the games are underway as I am typing, it is looking like its going to be another solid win! Taking another perspective, I have become friends with many of the player's parents over the past few years and I love seeing them reach out to each other and to their team in support during the good days and the bad. When a person approaches Falley Field on a game day, they should not be surprised to see most of the adults outside of the fence tailgating. Every one of them, decked out in Washburn gear and usually grilling something for the team to munch on after their long days of playing. It has been this way for as long as I have been an Ichabod, and most likely well before that. It is great to see people coming together on weekends like these to support their team. I don't think the guys mind having some delicious, free food available after all is said and done either! Stay tuned to see if the Bods can pull out one more win tomorrow to end another home series.

Post #6 Focus

Spring break is a time to relax, take a break from studying, or go on vacation. Unless, you happen to play baseball! The Bods were busy with practices and games during spring break. In the weight room in the morning, practice in the afternoon, followed by some extra batting practice for those who choose to stay. The Ichabods traveled for their away series to face the Pittsburg State Gorillas. The team ended the series on a sour note going out at 1-4. Our hitting suffered tremendously and it is difficult to see the talent that we have not to truly shine on the field. On a side note, it was advised by the coaches before they left the bus that weekend that the players should groom their long locks or beards to a length more suitable for a baseball player by the next practice! Reluctantly, the boys showed up to practice, short hair groomed and all leaving the coaches much more satisfied with appearance. As for play, we will see if the Ichabods can bring the hammer down this coming weekend at our second home series!

Post #5 Home Series vs. Fort Hays

The first home series was this weekend at Falley Field! It was a gorgeous weekend for some baseball. The weekend rival was Fort Hays State.  The Bods fell in the home opener at 7-5 but came back in the second game with a total of 13 hits making Friday’s double header a split with the second game’s score being  8-3. Saturday’s festivities began with Corey Gragg hitting a walk off RBI in extra innings to win the game 7-6, but came up short in the second game losing 5-4. The Ichabods are currently 9-8 overall and 9-7 in the MIAA. Although one would say these were not the prettiest wins that could have possibly happened,  a win is still a win. Pitching was fairly solid but our hitting had room for improvement this weekend. For the first home series, I would conclude that our level of play will only continue to improve throughout the season. As for this coming week, spring break has given the Ichabods an opportunity to put all of their focus on the next away series at Pittsburgh State.

Post #4 Preparation

The Ichabods had the entire week off from games due to weather conditions but are currently on their way to Missouri Western State University as I am writing this. This week was not as beneficial as hoped due to the weather as most days were spent practicing indoors, but they were able to get some decent practice time in on the field towards the end of the week. The coaches are wanting to see some improvement in a select number of our hitters, and this weekend would be the time to show what they have worked all season on improving. We will see if their preparation will be enough as they go up against the defending MIAA champions in this short Sunday Monday series followed by a non-conference game against Emporia State on Tuesday. Check out my blog next week for the results of these games, as well as our first home series against Fort Hayes!

Post #3: Washburn vs. University of Central Oklahoma

The Washburn Ichabods traveled to Edmond, Oklahoma this weekend  to face off against the UCO Bronchos in a four game series. It was a beautiful weekend for baseball with temperatures reaching around 60 degrees!
The Bods walked away from this team defeated last season and were determined to come back strong. They ended up splitting the double-header on Thursday by winning in extra innings. It was a great day for the Bods and a big confidence boost for the players at that. Friday and Saturday however were a different story. The Broncos did some damage by earning nine runs in the final four innings bringing a final score of 12-2 on Friday. Saturday the bods gave up six runs in the last two innings bringing the game to an end at 11-2. After talking to the assistant coaches, it was clear that not only did our hitting suffer this weekend, but it appeared that the team was playing more to avoid mistakes than to be the game changer. It was stated that in order for this team to not have a repeat of last season, more preparation is needed before the Bods face their next opponent this coming week. Although it is still early in the season, there could not be a better time for these boys to crack down and make adjustments in order to have a succesful season. It's time for the Ichabods to come together not only in good times, but to help each other through the rough patches and recover quickly.
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