Baseball: Preview #1

Well it's almost that time of year where we start to talk college baseball. The first preseason rankings came out this week and handed the Shox a very respectable #36 ranking. After losing 7 of 8 starters in the field and all the 3 weekend starters, the Shox will have to play with a very inexperienced lineup. In the outfield the Shox will return Kevin Hall and Ryan Jones, along with Clint McKeever who will most likely cover first base. On the mound Tim Kelley and Tyler Fleming will have to lead the pitching staff. Nevertheless in the second baseball preview I will breaking down the team, this preview is mainly to break down the early schedule and such. (hears a quick peak at the first poll)



- GAME 1 - The Shox will open the season up in Fort Myers, Florida against the Temple Owls of the A-10 conference. The Owls finished the season last year 27-29 with what looked like a very easy schedule. Yet for a young and inexperienced Shocker team they could prove to be difficult to beat. Nevertheless I think the Shox start off with a win.
Chance at winning: Wichita State 85% Temple 15%
- GAME 2 - In game 2 of the Gulf Coast Tournament the Shox will face the host Eagles. FGCU is coming off a successful 38-15 season and was one of the last teams left out of the tournament. This game will definitely be a huge test for the Shox and I would be very surprised if they win by more than a few runs. This game should tell us a lot about a young team.
Chance at winning: Wichita State 50% Florida Gulf-Coast 50%
- GAME 3 - Central Michigan looks like a team very similar to Temple in talent. The Chippewas posted a 29-27 record in the MAC last year. This is another game the Shox should win and hopefully will be 2-0 at this point and will be ready to bring home the Gulf Coast Tourney trophy.
Chance at winning: Wichita State 85% Central Michigan 15%
- GAMES 4-6 - North Dakota State is coming off a 15-30 season and shouldn't prove as much of a challenge for the Shox. This was the same team that the Shox took 4 from last year at Eck. I would be suprised to not see a sweep in this one.
Chance at winning: Wichita State 95% North Dakota State 5%
- GAMES 7-8 - BYU is coming off a lackluster season where they posted a 22-36 record overall. The Cougars of the Mountain West Conference though won't be an easy task for the Shockers. At the most BYU maybe takes a game from the Shox but there is also a chance we may get a sweep.
Chance at winning: Wichita State 75% BYU 25%

Next week's preview will include: TCU, Kansas, Pepperdine, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, and Long Beach State.

Thanks for reading and Merry Christmas!
-shockers02