No Score in the Bottom of the 2nd... Some Early Thoughts

By Adam Aizer - February 11, 2007

Both UM's Manny Miguelez and UCLA's Gavin Brooks pitched scoreless first innings, but Miguelez only required nine pitches. Brooks threw 21. He allowed a walk and hit a batter, but also fell into the trap of throwing over to first base too much.

UM has great team speed, and when Jemile Weeks reached first base to start the inning, he was clearly getting in Brooks' head. Weeks drew several throws and took Brooks out of his rhythm. Eventually, Weeks stole second base but was left stranded.

Brooks needs to stay focused on the hitters. I've seen a lot of games at Mark Light Field, and I've seen a lot of pitchers pay too much attention to runners on base only to leave a juicy pitch right over the middle of the plate. Brooks is just lucky it isn't a hot day today, or the long innings would be much worse. It's only 78 degrees today.