This week, my writing has had an uncanny knack for shifting the momentum. Moments after writing about Savery turning the corner, the first four runners reach base against him in the fourth to knock him from the game and put the Cougars in control. Only one ball left the infield, but the Owl starter was knocked from the game with an infield hit, hit batter, RBI single up the middle and a bunt single to load the bases with none out. Two more runs scored on a Jake Stewart sacrifice fly that resulted in a double play as the runner from second was thrown out on third on a beautiful play by Owl centerfielder Tyler Henley. Isa Garcia hit a perfect bunt down the third base line, and Travis Cougot scored when Josh Rodriguez threw the ball away. Owl reliever Will McDaniel finally got out of the inning on a pickoff/caught stealing of Garcia.

Joe Savery didn't pitch during the month of April, and this was his fourth start since returning to the mound after finals. He has yet to go longer than the three innings he's pitched today, which has to be a red flag heading into the NCAA Tournament. Fortunately for the Owls, they have four other starters who have pitched well during the season. The defense also takes a hit when Savery is on the mound, especially with catcher Travis Reagan out for the season with an injury. Savery is a Gold Glove caliber first sacker, and when he's on the mound Danny Lehmann moves from behind the plate to first and Adam Zornes takes over behind the plate. Zornes has a potent bat, but doesn't have the experience behind the plate of Lehmann and Reagan.