1st SEC series thoughts - Alabama

That wasn't pretty. We are so used to better bullpen pitching. Hitting is not that good either. Coaches certainly play a role in both. Everyone needs to do some soul searching this week.

Starting Pitching:

All 3: Preston Brown, Austin Sexton and Moonlight Tatum did a fantastic job. All of them lasted past the 5th inning and were ahead or in the game when they left. Sexton had a complete game win. Tatum may have to be moved back to the bullpen. He is so effective in that role. If Lucas Laster or Jesse McCord can pitch on Sunday, move Tatum to closer.

Bullpen:

Ross Mitchell has done so much for our program on and off the field. But he is mired in the losses that we had. Maybe he has been figured out. Like the saying goes ,"all hands on deck". All pitchers besides the weekend starters are now in line for the bullpen. Whoever is effective will pitch, I think. Cole Gordon and Paul Young come to my mind. Young by what Cohen said a few weeks ago should be healthy and ready to contribute now, why he didn't pitch versus Bama, I don't know. Gordon did very well pitching in preseason scrimmages but has yet to see the field. Dakota Hudson definitely need to pitch a lot more, got to get him going.

Offense:

I just don't get the bunting. When the bases are loaded, there is no bunting. This must be a coaching philosophy that has to stop. We need to swing away and score multiple runs. A leadoff double, then the next guy who is 2-2 on the day, tries to bunt but strikes out. He needs to swing away. The momentum is killed when you bunt, I think. But the great news is we find a way to get runners on base. The hits will come for this club.

Intangibles:

The players have said what great chemistry they have together, well it will come in handy in times like this. Their attitude seems to be fine.

What's next:

Eastern Illinois then at Kentucky. Beat EI like a drum then head to hitter friendly Kentucky. Our first road games this weekend. It will be good to get away. Road trips help relax a team.

Line up:

We have got to get Gavin Collins back, Humphreys should never be taken out of batting order, Michael Smith must play a lot more he is good.