a brief update on injuries as well.
Bedlam baseball could become a Tuesday tradition
STILLWATER — With the reshaping of the Big 12, the future of Bedlam baseball — if continued — is likely bound for a series throughout the spring. That means a whole lot of Tuesday matchups between Oklahoma State and OU. “I think with the way weekends stack up and when the weekends begin for both conferences — both the one we’ll be in and the one they’re moving to — weekend baseball doesn’t line up,” OSU coach Josh Holliday told The Oklahoman. “It doesn’t line up really because the conferences run straight through.”
But nothing has been decided. Holliday said he has yet to discuss the scheduling scenario with OU coach Skip Johnson, who was unavailable for comment Monday.
The Bedlam rivals meet for the first time this season at 6 p.m. Tuesday in O’Brate Stadium in Stillwater, knowing this could be the blueprint for the future.
A non-conference mid-week matchup. The programs are separated by 87 miles. Combine the travel expenses saved with the rich history and possibility of a big mid-week win, and it seems obvious to continue the series in some capacity. “It makes a lot of sense for a lot of reasons,” Holliday said.
With the restructuring of the Big 12 following the departure of OU and Texas to the SEC, it’s not necessarily that easy. Both conferences have a large number of teams that play baseball. The SEC will have 16, likely split into two divisions. The Big 12 will have 11 teams and it’s unclear how the schedule will be structured.
And Bedlam teams generally play Oral Roberts, Wichita State and Dallas Baptist throughout the season on Tuesdays. That leaves few options available.
“I don’t think Bedlam baseball nonconference in late February or early March is really a great idea, quite honestly,” Holliday said. “But maybe midweek baseball could be something that could be spoken about, considered. “Never going to close the door to any potential if it’s good for the program, good for baseball and good for what both teams are trying to do. Obviously, those conversations will happen and there needs to be input from both sides, but it’s certainly something I would think would be on the table.” For now, each team knows Tuesday is here and a Big 12 weekend awaits in Norman to end the regular season.
Top Oklahoma State player last week
Chase Adkison, C: Adkison’s offensive numbers from the week don’t necessarily jump off the page: 5 for 17, a homer, a double, two RBI, a walk and three runs scored. But he’s coming up clutch — his solo homer Sunday was crucial — and he’s won over his coaches and teammates with his iron-man ability behind the plate. Adkison has been behind the plate for nearly every inning and pitch since sophomore Ian Daugherty, who caught late in Sunday’s game for the first time since Feb. 25, went down with an injury. Yet, Adkison is having the best offensive season of his short OSU career and showing no signs of slowing down.
Oklahoma State player on the rise
Ryan Bogusz, RHP: A steady presence in the Big 12 Tournament a year ago, Bogusz underwent arm surgery in the fall and is just now working his way back into the mix. And for a team that has struggled on the mound, he’s a welcome sight. Last week, he made two relief appearances, striking out three and allowing five hits in five innings.
Stat to know
2013: The last season Bedlam rivals OSU and OU met at a later date than April 18 for the first time in a season. That year, OSU beat OU 4-3 at Tulsa’s ONEOK Field on May 10 to kick off a three-game series.
Injury report
The Cowboys remain banged up, but there is perhaps good news on the horizon. Two-way superstar Nolan McLean was available to pinch hit this weekend. He has not played since running into the outfield wall on March 24 against Baylor, injuring his knee. His loss has been felt in the heart of OSU’s order. It’s also been felt at the back-end of the bullpen, even with the success of Isaac Stebens.
But the Cowboys are still without third baseman Aidan Meola, who remains more than a month away from a possible return.
Cowboys fail at hidden-ball trick
OSU quickly lost a 2-0 lead Saturday when starter Ben Abram was called for a balk without even possessing the baseball, the result of a rule to aid baserunners against the hidden-ball trick.
Moments after a sacrifice fly cut the lead to a run, Abram stepped onto the dirt of the mound as third baseman Tyler Wulfert held onto the baseball, drawing the balk to score the run.
“That’s a play that quite honestly had not seen Tyler try to pull that one out before,” Holliday said. “It’s something that we have not worked on extensively.” Though Wulfert acted on his own, Holliday praised the thought process. “It’s a play that when kids are in that mindset that’s a good thing because they’re playing baseball, they’re looking for things going on in the field,” he said. “So much of what’s gone on nowadays is looking at cards and wristwatches and things where kids are not as engaged in the creativity of the game.
“That’s something that if they’re going to do that, they have to be in direct communication about what’s going on.”
Bedlam baseball could become a Tuesday tradition
STILLWATER — With the reshaping of the Big 12, the future of Bedlam baseball — if continued — is likely bound for a series throughout the spring. That means a whole lot of Tuesday matchups between Oklahoma State and OU. “I think with the way weekends stack up and when the weekends begin for both conferences — both the one we’ll be in and the one they’re moving to — weekend baseball doesn’t line up,” OSU coach Josh Holliday told The Oklahoman. “It doesn’t line up really because the conferences run straight through.”
But nothing has been decided. Holliday said he has yet to discuss the scheduling scenario with OU coach Skip Johnson, who was unavailable for comment Monday.
The Bedlam rivals meet for the first time this season at 6 p.m. Tuesday in O’Brate Stadium in Stillwater, knowing this could be the blueprint for the future.
A non-conference mid-week matchup. The programs are separated by 87 miles. Combine the travel expenses saved with the rich history and possibility of a big mid-week win, and it seems obvious to continue the series in some capacity. “It makes a lot of sense for a lot of reasons,” Holliday said.
With the restructuring of the Big 12 following the departure of OU and Texas to the SEC, it’s not necessarily that easy. Both conferences have a large number of teams that play baseball. The SEC will have 16, likely split into two divisions. The Big 12 will have 11 teams and it’s unclear how the schedule will be structured.
And Bedlam teams generally play Oral Roberts, Wichita State and Dallas Baptist throughout the season on Tuesdays. That leaves few options available.
“I don’t think Bedlam baseball nonconference in late February or early March is really a great idea, quite honestly,” Holliday said. “But maybe midweek baseball could be something that could be spoken about, considered. “Never going to close the door to any potential if it’s good for the program, good for baseball and good for what both teams are trying to do. Obviously, those conversations will happen and there needs to be input from both sides, but it’s certainly something I would think would be on the table.” For now, each team knows Tuesday is here and a Big 12 weekend awaits in Norman to end the regular season.
Top Oklahoma State player last week
Chase Adkison, C: Adkison’s offensive numbers from the week don’t necessarily jump off the page: 5 for 17, a homer, a double, two RBI, a walk and three runs scored. But he’s coming up clutch — his solo homer Sunday was crucial — and he’s won over his coaches and teammates with his iron-man ability behind the plate. Adkison has been behind the plate for nearly every inning and pitch since sophomore Ian Daugherty, who caught late in Sunday’s game for the first time since Feb. 25, went down with an injury. Yet, Adkison is having the best offensive season of his short OSU career and showing no signs of slowing down.
Oklahoma State player on the rise
Ryan Bogusz, RHP: A steady presence in the Big 12 Tournament a year ago, Bogusz underwent arm surgery in the fall and is just now working his way back into the mix. And for a team that has struggled on the mound, he’s a welcome sight. Last week, he made two relief appearances, striking out three and allowing five hits in five innings.
Stat to know
2013: The last season Bedlam rivals OSU and OU met at a later date than April 18 for the first time in a season. That year, OSU beat OU 4-3 at Tulsa’s ONEOK Field on May 10 to kick off a three-game series.
Injury report
The Cowboys remain banged up, but there is perhaps good news on the horizon. Two-way superstar Nolan McLean was available to pinch hit this weekend. He has not played since running into the outfield wall on March 24 against Baylor, injuring his knee. His loss has been felt in the heart of OSU’s order. It’s also been felt at the back-end of the bullpen, even with the success of Isaac Stebens.
But the Cowboys are still without third baseman Aidan Meola, who remains more than a month away from a possible return.
Cowboys fail at hidden-ball trick
OSU quickly lost a 2-0 lead Saturday when starter Ben Abram was called for a balk without even possessing the baseball, the result of a rule to aid baserunners against the hidden-ball trick.
Moments after a sacrifice fly cut the lead to a run, Abram stepped onto the dirt of the mound as third baseman Tyler Wulfert held onto the baseball, drawing the balk to score the run.
“That’s a play that quite honestly had not seen Tyler try to pull that one out before,” Holliday said. “It’s something that we have not worked on extensively.” Though Wulfert acted on his own, Holliday praised the thought process. “It’s a play that when kids are in that mindset that’s a good thing because they’re playing baseball, they’re looking for things going on in the field,” he said. “So much of what’s gone on nowadays is looking at cards and wristwatches and things where kids are not as engaged in the creativity of the game.
“That’s something that if they’re going to do that, they have to be in direct communication about what’s going on.”
