The Road to Omaha: Go WOLFPACK!

[TonyR]

The University of Nevada Athletic Director Christopher Bailey walked into the press-filled auditorium and stepped up to the podium.

“First off, I want to welcome you here today. As you know, the University of Nevada baseball program has been left in disarray since Coach Johnson won the lottery and quit the program. With only two days before the season starts, I have decided to name Fresno State batting coach Victor Rodriguez as the new Head Coach. He will lead the Wolf Pack this season, and I expect he will build our team prestige as well as have the ultimate goal of going to Omaha. He is here and will answer a few questions.”

“Coach Rodriguez, how do you expect the team to respond to your leadership after most players were recruited by Coach Johnson?” Kyle Lambert of the Nevada Sports Monthly Report asked.

“I’ve already met with the team, and we’ve talked about Coach Johnson. We are changing our focus for this season. Our main goal is to give these young players a chance to excel at the sport they love. That is the only way we will succeed on the field.”

“Coach, the Wolf Pack is expected to finish 4th in the Western Athletic Conference,” Steven Jackson of The College Baseball Report asked. “What are your expectations for this season?”

“This team has a lot of promise and is also very young. I believe this team can vie not only for the WAC championship, but can also have a solid run at Omaha. That is unfortunately all the time I have for today. I have a lot to prepare. Thank you all for coming, and GO WOLF PACK!”

The students and baseball players who managed to make the assembly cheered and applauded. This season was surely going to be an interesting one.

[TonyR]

As Coach Rodriguez arrived at his office the next morning, he found this:

MEMORANDUM
February 5, 2006
From: AD Christopher Bailey
To: Coach Rodriguez
Subject: Team Outlook and Team Goals

We are currently ranked 94th in the country and our prestige is almost 1 star. Improve both so that we can land some good recruits.
You have twenty-five players on the team. Currently you have given out 11.6 scholarships. You stand to lose 2.6 scholarships due to graduation.

Here are your team goals for this year:

• Have one pitcher have 8 season wins.

• Have at least one player be 3rd team All Conference.

• Win 25 games this season.

• Hit 50 career homeruns.

If you meet these team goals, the Alumni have promised to help purchase new equipment or help improve the training facilities and stadium.

The coach’s office was in complete chaos. There were multiple unpacked boxes piled up in corners and a big desk with lots of papers in one corner. He tossed the memo on top.

[Wolfpack]

I'll nitpick slightly. The only "Wolfpack" in the NCAA is NC State. Nevada's is the "Wolf Pack" officially. (And here I thought someone was going to do a write-up on my dear alma mater... )

[TonyR]

Originally Posted by Wolfpack

I'll nitpick slightly. The only "Wolfpack" in the NCAA is NC State. Nevada's is the "Wolf Pack" officially. (And here I thought someone was going to do a write-up on my dear alma mater... )

Well, maybe in a few seasons I may end up at NC State.

[TonyR]

His wife had raised an eyebrow the previous evening when Coach Rodriguez said he was “working late,” but everything really was on the up and up. He was able to arrive to a slightly better organized office the next day.

“Coach Kline is the new batting coach while Coach Sanchez will continue to be the pitching coach. Looks like they each sent me their scouting reports.”

MEMORANDUM
February 6, 2006
From: Pitching Coach Sanchez
To: Head Coach Rodriguez
Subject: Pitching outlook

Starting Pitchers

1. #34 Junior Seymour Bigbie 6'3" 215 lbs. A righty with good stamina who relies on his four-seam fastball, splitter, and circle changeup. He is on 80% scholarship. He should be our number one starter.
2. #23 Sophomore Jimmy Renfree 6'0" 200 lbs. A righty with good stamina who relies on his slider and four-seam fastball. He is on 60% scholarship. He should be our number two starter.
3. #15 Junior Mike Khoury 6'1" 190 lbs. A righty with decent stamina who relies on his four-seam fastball and curveball. He is a walk-on. He should be our number three starter.

Bullpen

1. #25 Junior Jesse Stull 6'2" 190 lbs. A righty best suited for long relief who relies on his changeup and four-seam fastball. He is a walk-on. He should see a lot of action this season.
2. #36 Freshman Cole Frazee 6'3" 215 lbs. A righty best suited for long relief who relies on his cutter and four-seam fastball. He is a walk-on. With good development he could eventually start or take a spot start.
3. #31 Sophomore Ronnie Nady 6'3" 225 lbs. A lefty best suited for middle relief who relies on his circle changeup, curveball, and four-seam fastball. He is on 50% scholarship. Could become a good setup man.
4. #33 Sophomore Chuck Stephen 6'6" 220 lbs. A righty best suited for middle relief who relies on his four-seam fastball. He is on 40% scholarship. Needs to improve more to get quality time on the mound.
5. #16 Sophomore Kyle Bard 6'4" 210 lbs. A lefty best suited as a setup man who relies on his four-seam fastball, palmball, and curveball. If he continues to improve, he will be a great closer. He is on 80% scholarship.
6. #24 Junior Ben Pachot 6'1" 185 lbs. A righty best suited as our closer who relies on his changeup, slider, and curveball. He is a walk-on. Should get plenty of save opportunities this season.

I suggest that you should give the majority of the starts to Bigbie. Make sure that Renfree and Khoury get some starts so they don’t get discouraged. If you get a chance, try and recruit a top-notch starter.

[TonyR]

MEMORANDUM
February 6, 2006
From: Batting Coach Kline
To: Head Coach Rodriguez
Subject: Fielders report

Fielders

1. #12 Junior David Cordova 6'1" 190 lbs. He bats and throws right. A speedy catcher who has good contact and decent power. He fairs better against lefties. He is on 50% scholarship. He is our starting catcher and bats leadoff.
2. #22 Junior Eli Donnelly 6'3" 205 lbs. He bats and throws right. A power hitter who has good contact ability. Not the fastest and he fairs better against lefties. He is on 70% scholarship. He is our starting first baseman, can also play the infield and bats second.
3. #21 Senior Nick Paterson 6'0" 170lbs. He bats and throws right. He's fast and has decent contact. He fairs better versus lefties. He is on 70% scholarship. He is our starting second baseman, can also play the infield and bats sixth.
4. #1 Junior Dave Molinardo 5'10" 170 lbs. He bats and throws right. He is fast and has good contact. He fairs better versus lefties. He is a walk-on. He is our starting shortstop, can also play the infield and bats eighth.
5. #3 Senior Johnny Friday 5'11" 160 lbs. He bats and throws right. He is a good contact hitter. He fairs better versus lefties. He is on 60% scholarship. He is our starting third baseman, can also play the infield and bats seventh.
6. #13 Freshman Matt Sandberg 5'7" 175 lbs. He bats and throws right. He is a good contact hitter with good power. He fairs better versus lefties. He is on 80% scholarship. He is our starting leftfielder, can play the infield, and bats fifth. Hopefully he can stick around a few years and help this program improve.
7. #8 Senior Mitch Pfinsgraff 6'1" 200 lbs. He bats and throws right. He has great power, contact, and good speed. He fairs slightly better versus lefties. He is on 80% scholarship. He is our starting centerfielder, can play outfield and bats third.
8. #9 Junior Orlando Pond 6'1" 205 lbs. He bats and throws right. He has great power, decent contact and speed. He fairs better versus lefties. He is on 60% scholarship. He is our starting rightfielder, can play the outfield and bats fourth.
9. #18 Sophomore Elliot Cales 5'11" 200 lbs. He bats switch and throws right. He has very good contact and decent power. He is the designated hitter, can also play catcher and bats ninth.

Bench

1. #6 Freshman Bryan McDill 5'9" 165 lbs. He bats and throws right. He is a decent power hitter that needs to improve his contact ability. He fairs better verses lefties. He is on 70% scholarship. He can play second base and the infield.
2. #20 Freshman Bobby Emmonds 5'11" 185 lbs. He bats and throws right. He needs to improve his contact and power hitting. He fairs better versus lefties. He is on 60% scholarship. He can play third base and the infield.
3. #5 Senior Ryan Bonnell 5'10" 175 lbs. He bats left and throws right. He has below average contact and power. He fairs better versus righties. He is on 50% scholarship. He can play the outfield or is a designated hitter.
4. #14 Freshman Franklin Joseph 5'10" 175 lbs. He bats and throws left. He needs to improve his contact and power hitting. He is a walk-on. He can play leftfield or outfield.
5. #40 Junior Ben Fleener 6'2" 215 lbs. He bats and throws right. He has good power and contact hitting. He fairs much better versus lefties. He is on 40% scholarship. He can play centerfield and outfield.
6. #4 Freshman Nate Sinacori 6'3" 185 lbs. He bats and throws right. He needs to improve his contact and power hitting. He is on 40% scholarship. He can play rightfield and outfield.
7. #11 Freshman Loren Thomas 6'1" 200 lbs. He bats and throws right. He has decent contact and speed. He is on 50% scholarship. He can play rightfield or outfield.

Note: Try to get JR Fleener some playing time in the outfield or at bat as designated hitter. Recommend FR Sinacori gets red-shirted. For recruiting, target a catcher, first baseman, and possibly second baseman.

Among with the scouting reports was the team schedule. “Our schedule is going to be rough. First up is Missouri for a two game series and they are ranked 21st in the country.”

[terpkristin]

Looks like you have a bunch of upperclassmen starters!
How will you be rotating in the younger guys to give them the much-needed experience to fill the leadership roles when your older kids leave?

/tk

[TonyR]

Originally Posted by terpkristin

Looks like you have a bunch of upperclassmen starters!
How will you be rotating in the younger guys to give them the much-needed experience to fill the leadership roles when your older kids leave?

/tk

Pitching shouldn't be an issue. They should all get some pitching time.
As far as batting, when some of the upperclassmen get tired (or injured) the youngsters should get to play more. They need to if I am going to rely on them next season.

[TonyR]

February 6, 2006
Email
From: AD Bailey
To: Coach Rodriguez
Subject: Recruiting Week 1
With only a limited amount of recruiting points, use them wisely.
AD Bailey

Email Response
To: AD Bailey
From Coach Rodriguez
Subject: RE: Recruiting Week 1
I’ve decided to focus on two players first. Here are my current targets.

• HS SR Stephen Greer California 5’9” 197 lbs. He bats and throws right. He is ranked 69th overall. He is a 3B by nature, but is also a utility player. I am hoping the prospect of being close to home can sway him our way.
• HS SR Bobby Omura Connecticut 6'5" 217 lbs. He bats and throws right. He is ranked 80th overall. He is a pure catcher that can be used to back up Cordova. I am hoping he considers us an up and coming program.

Coach Rod

[TonyR]

February 7, 2006
#21 Missouri (0-0) @ Nevada (0-0)

Pre-game
Starters:
RHP N.Horrick (0-0) vs. RHP S.Bigbie (0-0)
Missouri comes from the Big 12 with a much better program and a rating of A, while our Nevada club is only rated a D+. Expect Missouri to get some big hits.
Expectation for game: Keep it close and try to get some good innings from SP Bigbie.

1st Inning
Missouri starts off like I expected them to. They manage 4 hits and score twice. Meanwhile, we go 1-2-3.
Missouri 2 – Nevada 0
2nd Inning
Missouri is contained and go 1-2-3. We get our first hit of the season! Paterson gets the single.
3rd Inning
Missouri adds a hit but fails to score. We get a run back. Molinardo gets a double, Cales strikes out, and Cordova singles (Molinardo to third). Donnelly grounds into fielder’s choice, Molinardo scores and Cordova is out at second.
Missouri 2 – Nevada 1
4th Inning
Missouri gets a hit but leave him stranded. We score two and take the lead. Pond singles, Sandberg singles (Pond to second), Paterson singles (bases loaded), and Friday hits into a fielder’s choice. Pond scores (Sandberg to 3rd, Friday on 1st). Two batters later, Bonnell gets an RBI single.
Missouri 2 – Nevada 3
5th Inning
Missouri gets two hits but fail to score. We get two hits but fail to score.
6th Inning
Missouri and Nevada both get hits, but no one scores. Freshman RHP Frazee starts warming up in bullpen.
7th Inning
Freshman RHP Frazee comes into the game for a tired Bigbie. Both teams with a hit, but none score.
8th Inning
Missouri goes 1-2-3. Nevada gets a hit, but fails to score.
9th Inning
Junior RHP B.Pachot starts warming up in bullpen. Frazee gives up hit. Frazee gets an out. Frazee gives up 2nd hit. A visit to the mound does nothing to calm him down. RHP Pachot comes in, gets final 2 outs, and his first save of the season.
Final: Missouri 2 – Nevada 3
WP S.Bigbie (1-0) LP N.Horrick (0-1) SV B.Pachot (1)
Box Score R H E
Missouri 2 13 0
Nevada 3 12 1
Post game thought “Nice to see a rally to pull out an opening day win!”

[terpkristin]

w00t great first game!!!

/tk

[ibnsgirl]

Keep up the good work, Coach!

[TonyR]

February 8, 2006

#21 Missouri (0-1) @ Nevada (1-0)
Game 2 of 2-game series
Pre-game
Starters
LHP A. Musslewhite (0-0) vs. RHP J.Renfree (0-0)
Expectations: Pretty much the same, but want Sophomore Renfree to keep his composure and pitch some quality innings.

1st Inning
We both go 1-2-3.
Missouri 0 – Nevada 0
2nd Inning
Missouri gets 2 hits, but Renfree works out of the jam. We go 1-2-3.
3rd Inning
We both go 1-2-3.
4th Inning
Missouri goes down 1-2-3. CF Pfinsgraff hits Nevada’s 1st HR of the Season!!!
Missouri 0 – Nevada 1
5th Inning
Missouri goes down 1-2-3. We get 2 hits, but fail to score.
6th Inning
Missouri gets a hit and a run. C Cordova gets his 1st HR of the season! CF Pfinsgraff shows some more power for his 2nd HR of the game! Friday and Molinaro get RBI singles.
Missouri 1 – Nevada 5
7th Inning
Start warming up LHP Nady. Missouri goes down 1-2-3. CF Pfinsgraff continues to impress with his 3rd HR of the game!
Missouri 1 – Nevada 6
8th Inning
LHP Nady becomes our new pitcher. Missouri with a hit but leave him stranded. We get 3 hits and leave all base runners stranded on a questionable call.
9th Inning
Missouri gets another hit but does nothing.
Final Missouri 1 – Nevada 6
WP J.Renfree (1-0) LP A.Musslewhite(0-1)
Box Score R H E
Missouri 1 6 1
Nevada 6 12 0
Post game thought “Nice to see Renfree pitch well against this tough team. Pfinsgraff has the potential to be a monster at the plate.”

[TonyR]

Post Series Notes
AD Christopher Bailey Notes – Good job on getting those two big wins. There is nothing like starting the season off with a W. Don’t forget to contact your potential recruits and let them know about the victories.

Batting Coach Kilne – Mitch Pfinsgraff performed very well with 3 HRs in the second game. The team is doing a good job of playing small ball and getting hits. All players just need to work on consistency.

Pitching Coach Sanchez – Both starters were exceptional with Bigsbie going 6 innings and Renfree going for 7 innings. The bullpen stepped up and did not allow any runs. All pitchers need to work on getting their out pitch down to get more strikeouts.

[TonyR]

February 10, 2006
Email
From: AD Bailey
To: Coach Rodriguez
Subject: Potential Sponsor
Nevada alumni that work at Louisville Slugger have approached me and stated they would like us to use their bats. They requested that your team hit at least .280 for your series against Portland starting February 14. If you do so, they will give the team new bats! Good luck Coach.
AD Bailey

[TonyR]

February 11, 2006


University of Pacific (0-2) @ Nevada (2-0)
Game 1 of 2 game series
Pre-game
RHP G.Nordquist (0-0) vs. RHP M.Khoury (0-0)
Both programs are pretty even (both rated D+). Pacific comes in ranked 82, while we are still 94. We do, however, have a better bat rating.
Expectation: Make our batting rating pay off. Have Junior RHP Khoury (walk-on) throw some quality innings and have the bullpen keep up good work.

1st Inning
Pacific gets a hit and fails to score. CF Pfinsgraff’s power continues with a 2R HR followed by RF Pond’s 1st HR of the season!
Pacific 0 – Nevada 3
2nd Inning
Pacific goes down 1-2-3. 2 hits for Nevada, but 2 left on base.
3rd Inning
Pacific goes down 1-2-3. CF Pfinsgraff has his 5th HR of the season.
Pacific 0 – Nevada 4
4th Inning
Pacific goes down 1-2-3. Pfinsgraff has 2run RBI double.
Pacific 0 – Nevada 6
5th Inning
Pacific goes down 1-2-3. LF Sanberg hits his 1st HR of the season!
Pacific 0 – Nevada 7
6th Inning
Pacific goes down 1-2-3. DH Cales has his 1st HR of the season!
Pacific 0 – Nevada 8
7th Inning
Pacific gets a hit, but leaves the batter stranded. Molinar and Cales get RBI singles. Game called due to runs.
Final Pacific 0 – Nevada 10

WP M.Khoury (1-0) LP G.Nordquist (0-1)

BOXSCORE R H E
U of Pacific 0 2 0
Nevada 10 15 0

Post-game thought “Wow, these guys exploded thanks to Pfinsgraff’s example. Our bats just outmatched their pitching. Hope to see more of the same in tomorrow’s game. Knoury was magnificent giving up only 2 hits!”

[terpkristin]

Wow, you creamed 'em.
Keep it up, great start to the season!!!

/tk

[TonyR]

Sports journalists were rolling over in their respective graves over Nevada’s latest front-page article. Ms. Griffin, normally assigned to formatting the food court’s menu, found herself at her first baseball game. How or why the paper’s editor allowed its publication had less to do with the columnist, but more to due with a stomach virus that hit the paper’s sports staff like Pfinsgraff popped off home runs. At least her article was printed below the fold…

The Wolf Pack Times

School Baseball Team Wins Big!
By Lisa Griffin

RENO, NV – Our own Wolf Pack baseball team is garnering attention for three straight wins under new Coach Victor Rodriguez. With a 2-3 victory over their first meeting with Missouri, a 1-6 triumph in their second encounter, and that the officials just stopped out of sheer pity after 10 runs in their game with University of Pacific, the Wolf Pack is making short work of their opponents.

Many claim that this is due, in large part, to new Head Coach Victor Rodriguez’s leadership and style of management. Rodriguez’s understated approach in handling the team may be just what was needed for the athletes to focus on the sport.

With former Coach Johnson’s winning the Mega Millions Jackpot last month and leaving on the same day as the Athletic Department’s secretary quit, the locker room definitely needed someone to redirect the team’s efforts and concentrate on what wins games: touchdowns!!

Speaking of touchdowns, the Campus has been abuzz with talk of the team all week, as this winning streak continues on the diamond. As for yesterday’s game against University of Pacific, this reporter didn’t have to know the nuances of baseball to recognize an amazing game. While it is true that University of Pacific is ranked only slightly better than our Wolf Pack, a 0-10 game called in the 7th inning had fans nearly beside themselves with joy. That the referees felt sorry for the opposing team was obvious, though a higher score for the Wolf Pack would have been nice. It was too bad that they stopped the game early.

Around Campus, students echo similar sentiments. “I’ve been here for five years,” said Senior Sociology major Thomas Katt, “and I’ve never seen the school so pumped about its baseball program. It would be great to have something to do on the weekends, and watching a game where we actually win would be great!”

A complete lineup on the schedule is located on page D1 in the Sports section. Also, watch for an exclusive interview with Coach Rodriguez in coming issues!

[Piece contributed by ibnsgirl]

[terpkristin]

touchdowns, eh?

well, they do win SOME games...

/tk

[TonyR]

February 12, 2006
Email
From: AD Bailey
To: Coach Rodriguez
Subject: Recruiting Week 2
New week Coach, get cracking on recruiting! Good choices for the first week.
AD Bailey


Email Response
To: AD Bailey
From: Coach Rodriguez
Subject: RE: Recruiting Week 2
I’m continuing to recruit 3B/UT Stephen Greer and C Bobby Omura. One new target.
HS SR LHP Anthony Eldred Ohio 6’3” 221 lbs. He is a starting pitcher that should see some time as a starter or at least in long relief.
Coach Rod

[jcclark02]

What game is this?

[TonyR]

Originally Posted by jcclark02

What game is this?

MVP 06 NCAA Baseball. Awesome game, but I wish it had more teams.
And what do you know? Next year's version should have a lot more.

[MacroGuru]

Originally Posted by TonyR

MVP 06 NCAA Baseball. Awesome game, but I wish it had more teams.
And what do you know? Next year's version should have a lot more.

How many teams are in there?

I am looking to get a baseball game for the xbox, and this one has my curiousity..

[TonyR]

Originally Posted by MacroGuru

How many teams are in there?

I am looking to get a baseball game for the xbox, and this one has my curiousity..

There are only 128 teams. Still a lot to choose from, but was planning on starting with a much smaller school.

[TonyR]

February 12, 2006

University of Pacific (0-3) @ Nevada (3-0)
Game 2 of 2 game series
Pre-game
RHP M.Kommerstad (0-0) vs. RHP S.Bigbie(1-0)
Expectation: We want to see some more bat action and some domination by Bigbie.

1st Inning
Pacific gets a hit, leaves him stranded. CF Pfinsgraff gets HR #6 of the season.
Pacific 0 – Nevada 1
2nd Inning
Pacific gets 2 hits, scores 1. We get 2 hits leave both base runners stranded.
Pacific 1 – Nevada 1
3rd Inning
Pacific goes down 1-2-3. We get a hit, and leave him stranded. 3B Friday is injured on a diving play.
4th Inning
Pacific gets a HR (our first given up of the season). We get 2 hits and leave them stranded.
Pacific 2 – Nevada 1
5th Inning
Pacific goes down 1-2-3. We get 2 hits, and leave them stranded.
6th Inning
Pacific goes down 1-2-3. We get a hit and leave him stranded.
7th Inning
Pacific goes down 1-2-3. 1B Donnelly gets his 1st HR of the season!
Pacific 2 – Nevada 2
8th Inning
Both teams get a hit and leave them stranded.
9th Inning
Pacific gets 2 hits and scores a run. We get a hit, but leave no one on base.
Final: Pacific3 – Nevada 2
WP M.Kommerstand (1-0) LP S.Bigbie (1-1) SV B.Bacsik (1)
Box Score R H E
U of Pacific 3 8 0
Nevada 2 12 0
Post game thought: “What a difference a pitcher makes. We could not get anything started. Initial reports show Friday out for 1 to 2 weeks with a strained left shoulder.”

[TonyR]

Post Series Notes
AD Bailey – “Good split with this team. We can’t win them all.”

Batting Coach Kline – “Mitch Pfinsgraff is a great source of power. Keep him in the lineup as much as possible. Hope you are prepared to have Freshman Bobby Edmonds at 3B for a while.”

Pitching Coach Sanchez – “Great win by Khoury allowing only 2 hits. Tough one by Bigbie, maybe you should’ve thought about pulling him out sooner in his 2nd start. He was laboring pretty hard from the 7th inning on.”

[terpkristin]

Bummer about the loss, but you guys are still off to a GREAT start!!!
Hopefully you'll hit .280 in your upcoming set with Portland and get those new bats!

/tk

[ibnsgirl]

The Wolf Pack Times

Wolf Pack Streak Stumbles

By Lisa Griffin

RENO, NV – After an incredible opening week of baseball, the Wolf Pack’s loss this past week was a major disappointment. With such a promising start to the season, the entire school is hoping that this is merely a bump on the road to Lincoln, Nebraska.

When asked how this loss will affect how he handles the team, Coach Victor Rodriguez anticipates few changes. “Losses are a part of baseball, and an undefeated season would be unrealistic. What we are going for right now is to exceed expectations set for us by the experts.” For the season as a whole, Coach Rodriguez expressed his desire to “do well in conference play to get the team experience in post season play.” As things stand, the Wolf Pack seem well on their way to that goal, as the team is 3rd in conference with no conference games played.

To get a better idea of where Coach Rod intends to take the team, it might help to see from whence he hails. For those not already familiar with the Wolf Pack’s new Head Coach, Victor Rodriguez comes across as a mild-mannered Midwesterner, but his sharp intellect and keen sense of humor are evidenced quickly. When asked about the ultimate championship title that the team could garner, Coach Rod, as he’s come to be called, deadpanned, “What’s in Lincoln?” The look of confusion on his face was particularly convincing.

Before coming to Nevada, Coach Rod was an assistant batting coach for Fresno State University. Fresno State is well known for its baseball program, and the school gathers some of the best talent both on the field and in coaching prospects. “I learned a lot from my time with the Bulldogs,” stated Rodriguez, “but I really felt that I wanted to be more of an integral part of player development, and when the opportunity came, I could do that better here at Nevada.”

As we are all aware, the opportunity of which Coach Rod speaks is that of Coach Johnson’s departure from the campus. After winning $100 million in the Mega Millions jackpot in January and then blasting the school for its lack of dedication to the baseball program, Johnson left the Wolf Pack without a leader. With such controversy, the administration felt that a calmer, more focused presence was needed in the new Head Coach.

Coach Rod has graciously allowed access to players, so expect interviews with team members as well as more comments from Rodriguez. Additionally, Ryan Billiam, Head Sports Columnist is suspended from his duties at The Wolf Pack Times for plagiarism on his article, NCAA Hopefuls, until further notice.

[TonyR]

February 14, 2006

Portland (2-0) @ Nevada (3-1)
Game 1 of 2 game series
Pre-game
RHP R.Gaynor (0-0) vs. RHP J.Renfree (1-0)
Portland comes in rated D- and ranked 120. With the recent injury to 3B Friday, our program is rated D, but we do climb 3 spots to 91 in the rankings.
Expectation: As the first game of our challenge for new bats, we need to get some hits and get back on track to win. Renfree needs to show his first start wasn’t a fluke.

1st Inning
Portland with 2 hits and 1 left on base. CF Pfinsgraff gets a 2 run HR (7).
Portland 0 – Nevada 2
2nd Inning
Portland 2 hits, both left on base. We go 1-2-3.
3rd Inning
Portland goes 1-2-3. 1B Donnelly gets HR number 2 of the season. 2 other hits and both left on base.
Portland 0 – Nevada 3
4th Inning
Portland with 2 hits and 1 run scored. We get 1 hit and leave him stranded.
Portland 1 – Nevada 3
5th Inning
Portland 2 hits, both stranded. Pond has an RBI FC.
Portland 1 – Nevada 4
6th Inning
Portland gets a hit and strands him. 1B Donnelly gets a sacrifice fly.
Portland 1 – Nevada 5
7th Inning
Portland goes down 1-2-3. We get a hit, but leave no one stranded.
8th Inning
We start warming up Sophomore RHP C.Joseph (0-0).
Portland gets 2 hits. RHP Joseph enters the game. He gets out of the jam. We get 1 hit and leave him stranded.
9th Inning
Portland goes down 1-2-3. Game over.
Final Portland 1 – Nevada 5
WP J.Renfree (2-0) LP R.Gayner (0-1)
Box Score R H E
Portland 1 11 1
Nevada 5 13 0
Post-game thought “Good to get back to winning. We batted .361 in the first leg of our challenge series. Hopefully the game tomorrow is just as good.”

[TonyR]

February 15, 2006

Portland (2-1) @ Nevada (4-1)
Game 2 of 2 game series
Pre-game
RHP S.Ramos (1-0) vs. RHP M.Khoury (1-0)
Expectation: Want to see if Khoury’s can continue to pitch like his first outing. I also want to see my guy’s bats come alive.

1st Inning
Portland gets 2 hits and 2 LOB. We do the same.
2nd Inning
Portland knocks in two runs off a 2R HR. We get a hit, but leave him stranded.
Portland 2 – Nevada 0
3rd Inning
Portland gets 1 hit and 1 LOB. Pfinsgraff has HR #8 on the season. We get 2 other hits, but 2 LOB.
Portland 2 – Nevada 1
4th Inning
Portland knocks in 2 runs off 5 hits. We get 1 hit, but leave him stranded.
Portland 4 – Nevada 1
5th Inning
We get JR RHP J.Stull throwing in the bullpen. Portland gets 3 hits, but leave all stranded. Donnelly has HR #3 on the season. We get 1 other hit, but leave him stranded.
Portland 4 – Nevada 2
6th Inning
JR RHP Stull gets subbed in. Portland gets 1 run of 2 hits. We go down 1-2-3.
Portland 5 – Nevada 2
7th Inning
We start warming up SO LHP K.Bard. Portland gets 2 hits, but leave both runners stranded. Donnelly has a 2 run HR (4). Sandberg gets an RBI single.
Portland 5 – Nevada 5
8th Inning
We sub in LHP Bard. Portland goes down 1-2-3. Pond gets and RBI single. Sandberg gets an RBI fielder’s choice.
Portland 5 – Nevada 7
9th Inning
We get JR RHP B.Pachot throwing. Portland gets 1 hit, and gets him to 2nd base on two outs. RHP Pachot comes in the game. He gets the last batter to pop up. Game Over.
Final Portland 5 – Nevada 7
WP K.Bard (1-0) LP C.Mahan (0-1) S B.Pachot (2)
BOXSCORE R H E
Portland 5 18 0
Nevada 7 17 0
Post-game thought: “Good come from behind victory. Nice to see the team did not give up. We batted .415 in the second game of the series. Hope the guys like their reward.”

[terpkristin]

w00t congrats on the new bats!!!

/tk

[TonyR]

Port Series Notes
AD Bailey – “Good job at the plate. Try to calm your pitches down better.”

Batting Coach Kline – “The guys are responding to your motivation. Make sure you keep the team leaders eligible to play.”

Pitching Coach Sanchez – “Renfree is continuing to pitch well. Khoury may need some encouragement after that tough outing. The bullpen seems happy that you are spreading out the relief work.”

[TonyR]

February 16, 2006
Email
From: AD Bailey
To: Coach Rodriguez
Subject: RE: Potential Sponsor
Our alumni from Louisville Slugger were impressed with the way the team performed against Portland. They convinced Louisville Slugger to give us the new Louisville Slugger TPX OMAHA bat. They should give our guys a bit more confidence at the plate. Congrats on the good job thus far, Coach. Keep it up!
AD Bailey

[TonyR]

February 18, 2006
Email
From: NCAA Officials
To: Coach Rodriguez
Subject: Nevada @ New Orleans
Today’s game has been postponed due to rain. It has been rescheduled for tomorrow, making the series a doubleheader.


*Side Note: First time I see one of my games postponed. It has sprinkled in a few games. Looking forward to see how the double header works.

[TonyR]

February 19, 2006

Nevada (5-1) @ U of New Orleans (2-2)
Game 1 of 2 game series (Top of doubleheader)
Pre-game
RHP S.Bigbie (1-1) vs. RHP M.Taborelli (0-1)
New Orleans is rated as a C- program, yet is ranked 119th. The have a few big batters and good fielding. Their pitching could use some help.
Expectation: Want to get Bigbie back on the winning track. Hope to see the bats come out again.

1st Inning
Donnelly gets and RBI double, Pond has an RBI out, and we leave a runner stranded. The Privateers get a hit and leave him stranded.
Nevada 2 – New Orleans 0
2nd Inning
Donnelly gets an RBI off a sacrifice fly. We leave two others stranded. Privateers go down 1-2-3.
Nevada 3 – New Orleans 0
3rd Inning
Pond hits a HR (2). We leave one other stranded. Privateers go down 1-2-3.
Nevada 4 – New Orleans 0
4th Inning
We go down 1-2-3. Privateers get a hit and leave him stranded.
5th Inning
We get a hit, but leave none stranded. Privateers get a hit and leave him stranded.
6th Inning
We get 2 hits and leave both stranded. Privateers go down 1-2-3.
7th Inning
We get 2 hits and leave both stranded. We start warming up FR RHP C.Frazee. Privateers get 2 hits, and leave both stranded.
8th Inning
We get 2 hits and leave both stranded. Bigbie gets two outs, and we bring in RHP Frazee. He finishes off the 8th.
9th Inning
Pond hits a HR (3), Fleener gets and RBI single, and McDill gets and RBI single. We leave two others stranded. The Privateers get two runners on, then hit a 3R HR. Frazee settles down and finishes off the inning.
Final Nevada 7 – New Orleans 3
WP S.Bigbie (2-1) LP M.Taborelli (0-2)
Box Score R H E
Nevada 7 21 1
New Orleans 3 7 0
Post-game thought: “Bigbie was big today as was Pond. Frazee did well to calm himself after the HR.”


February 19, 2006
Nevada (6-1) @ New Orleans (2-3)
Game 2 of 2 game series (Bottom of Doubleheader)
RHP J. Renfree (2-0) vs. LHP G.Graham (1-0)
Expectation: We do better versus left-handed pitchers; I want to see he bats come alive.

1st Inning
Pond gets a RBI double. We leave one stranded. Privateers get a hit and leave him stranded.
Nevada 1 – New Orleans 0
2nd Inning
We go down 1-2-3. Privateers get a hit, but leave none stranded.
3rd Inning
Pfinsgraff gets a 2 RBI triple, Sandberg gets a RBI single, and we leave one stranded. Privateers get a hit and leave him stranded.
Nevada 4 – New Orleans 0
4th Inning
We both go down 1-2-3.
5th Inning
We go down 1-2-3. Privateers get a hit and leave him stranded.
6th Inning
We get a hit and leave him stranded. Privateers go down 1-2-3.
7th Inning
Cordova gets and RBI single and we leave three others stranded. We start warming up LHP R.Nady. Privateers score one off an RBI single with 2 outs. Nady comes in to shut down the inning.
Nevada 5 – New Orleans 1
8th Inning
We go down 1-2-3. Privateers get a hit and leave him stranded.
9th Inning
We get two hits and leave them stranded. Privateers go down 1-2-3.
Final Nevada 5 – New Orleans 1
WP J.Renfree (3-0) LP G.Graham (1-1)
Box Score R H E
Nevada 5 12 0
New Orleans 1 8 2
Post-game thought: “Well, the bats didn’t come alive, but the pitching held. At least we have a nice time off as out next game isn’t until the 25th versus USC.”

[TonyR]

Port Series Notes
AD Bailey – “Good job getting the big wins. Make sure all your players get some playing time.”

Batting Coach Kline – “The guys like the new bats, but are taking some time getting used to them. The hits will come.”

Pitching Coach Sanchez – “Bigbie did well to earn his 2nd win. Renfree is doing well winning his first three starts. The bullpen is doing well despite Frazee giving up a 3 run homer.”

[TonyR]

February 20, 2006
Email
From: AD Bailey
To: Coach Rodriguez
Subject: Recruiting Week 3
Week 3 coach, time to see how the recruits are taking to your efforts.
AD Bailey

Email Response
To: AD Bailey
From: Coach Rodriguez
Subject: RE: Recruiting Week 3
We are giving up on Greer and Omura since their interest hasn’t risen at all.
SP Eldred however has shown plenty of interest, so we are going after him heavy. We were also able to scout the fact that he can also play third base.
We do have one new target:
HS SR C/OF Nick Dirr Texas 6’2” 220 lbs. He bats and throws right. He is ranked 234. He could possibly take over in CF, be a good backup behind Cordova, or get in some time at DH.
Coach Rod

[TonyR]

February 24, 2006
Email
From: AD Bailey
To: Coach Rodriguez
Subject: Potential Sponsor
Several Apparel companies have expressed interest in sponsoring us. They request that your pitchers get 10 strikeouts in the upcoming February 28th series versus Air Force. If you accomplish this, they will sponsor us. Good luck Coach.
AD Bailey


Email
From: Batting Coach Kline
To: Coach Rodriguez
Subject: 3B Johnny Friday
Johnny is back at 100% and ready to play. Just make sure he doesn’t re-injure that shoulder.
BC Kline

[TonyR]

February 25, 2006
@
Nevada (7-1) @ USC (4-6)
Game 1 of 2 game series
Pre-game
RHP M.Khoury (1-0) vs. LHP T.Wayt (0-1)
USC comes in ranked 32nd overall. They have a great program rated B+, and have top quality fielding and batting. Our team has risen in the rankings to 76.
Expectation: We get to face another lefty, so hopefully the power will come back out. I want Khoury to have a better outing this time. He looks calm and hopefully will do well.

1st Inning
Pond gets an RBI single. USC goes down 1-2-3.
Nevada 1 – USC 0
2nd Inning
We get a hit and leave him stranded. USC goes down 1-2-3.
3rd Inning
We go down 1-2-3. USC knocks in a run off a single.
Nevada 1 – USC 1
4th Inning
Sandberg gets an RBI double, Cales gets an RBI double, Patterson gets an RBI off a sacrifice fly, and Cordova gets an RBI double. USC goes down 1-2-3.
Nevada 5 – USC 1
5th Inning
Pond gets a 2R HR (4). USC goes down 1-2-3.
Nevada 7 – USC 1
6th Inning
We get 2 hits and leave both stranded. We get Sophomore RHP C.Stephen throwing in the bullpen. USC gets a hit and leaves him stranded.
7th Inning
Cales gets a 2R HR (2). USC goes down 1-2-3.
Nevada 9 – USC 1
8th Inning
Pfinsgraff gets a solo HR (9). We bring in RHP Stephen. USC gets a hit and laves him stranded.
Nevada 10 – USC 1
9th Inning
We score a runner off an error, Cordova gets an RBI off a sacrifice fly and Pfinsgraff gets a 2R HR (10). USC gets 2 hits with 1 out. We warm up Sophomore LHP K.Bard. Stephen closes off the game.
Final Nevada 14 – USC 1
WP M.Khoury (2-0) LP T.Wayt (0-2)
BOXSCORE R H E
Nevada 14 20 0
USC 1 7 4
Post-game thought: “Nice to see the bats come back out. I expected USC to give us a much bigger challenge. This is what happens when you underestimate your opponent. They won’t take us this lightly tomorrow.”

[TonyR]

To anyone reading this dynasty, are there any suggestions?
More in depth game play? Too much game info?

[TonyR]

February 26, 2006
Nevada (8-1) @ USC (4-7)
Game 2 of 2 game series
Pre-game
RHP S.Bigbie (2-1) 1.99 ERA vs. RHP G.Miller (0-1) 6.23 ERA
Expectation: Try to keep the retaliation from USC under control. Try and get some quality innings from Bigbie.
1st Inning
Pfinsgraff hits a HR (11). We leave a runner stranded. USC gets a hit and leaves him stranded.
Nevada 1 – USC 0
2nd Inning
McDill gets an RBI single and we leave another runner stranded. USC goes down 1-2-3.
Nevada 2 – USC 0
3rd Inning
We go down 1-2-3. USC gets a hit and leaves him stranded.
4th Inning
We get 2 hits, but only leave one person stranded. USC goes down 1-2-3.
5th Inning
We get a hit and leave him stranded. USC goes down 1-2-3.
6th Inning
We get a hit and leave him stranded. USC goes down 1-2-3.
7th Inning
We go down 1-2-3. With 2 outs, Bigbie starts to struggle and gives up a double. We get RHP J. Stull throwing in the bullpen. Bigbie gets the final out.
8th Inning
Pfinsgraff gets a HR (12), Pond gets a HR (5), and we leave one runner stranded. Bigbie gets 1 out, then we bring in RHP Stull. He gets the final 2 outs.
Nevada 4 – USC 0
9th Inning
We leave a runner stranded off a walk. We get RHP B.Pachot throwing in the bullpen, but USC goes down 1-2-3.
Final Nevada 4 – USC 0
WP S.Bigbie (3-1) LP G.Miller (0-2)
BOXSCORE R H E
Nevada 4 13 0
USC 0 3 0
Post-game thought: “Nice to see Bigbie control the game, and Pfinsgraff get a couple big HRs.

[MacroGuru]

Originally Posted by TonyR

To anyone reading this dynasty, are there any suggestions?
More in depth game play? Too much game info?

I am loving it....are the blurbs you are saying from the coachings (Pitching and batting) made up, or are they in the game, if so....where?

[TonyR]

Originally Posted by MacroGuru

I am loving it....are the blurbs you are saying from the coachings (Pitching and batting) made up, or are they in the game, if so....where?

A bit of creative writing on my part to help the flow of the game.

[TonyR]

Post Series Notes
AD Bailey – “Make sure you pass out the box scores to your recruits. They may like what they see.”

Batting Coach Kline – “Good job rotating players, but OF Thomas, OF Joseph, and DH Bonnell want some more playing time.”

Pitching Coach Sanchez – “Khoury and Bigbie were huge in this two game series. The season is still early, but big wins like these will carry over into conference play.”

[TonyR]

February 27, 2006
Email
From: AD Bailey
To: Coach Rodriguez
Subject: Recruiting Week 4
Any progress so far?
AD Bailey

Email Response
To: AD Bailey
From: Coach Rodriguez
Subject: RE: Recruiting Week 4
SP Eldred continues to show interest. We are continuing to go after him heavily.
We do have one new target:
C/OF Nick Dirr Texas has responded well, so we are throwing all we can at him.
Coach Rod