MVC: All Eyes on Gene

By Jean Neuberger - May 24, 2007

With one out in the bottom of the third, SIU sent Kevin Koski from first in an attempt to steal on a 3-2 pitch. Koski beat the throw with ease, but the umpire never made a call at home as to whether the pitch was a ball or strike, so Saluki RF Aaron Roberts was still at the plate waiting. The umpire then ruled the last pitch a ball, sending Roberts to first and sending Gene Stephenson out of the dugout.

The moment Stephenson stepped out, the entire press box jumped out of their chairs and on their feet, watching every move. The WSU Coach didn't explode; he merely chatted with the umpire briefly before heading back. However, any move Stephenson makes is big news with the media. I've never covered a game where everyone in the press box rose to their feet on the move of one coach. Because of that drama, I'm guessing everyone except the SIU beat writer sitting next to me is rooting for the Shockers right now.

It's still scoreless though after three, as SIU threatened in the bottom half of the third, putting runners at the corners. However, Rob Musgrave got cleanup hitter Mark Kelly to ground out to short, ending the Saluki threat.

Defense...a new twist to this tournament.