The idea that BYU was in trouble against Mississippi State struck early Thursday night. When MSU's Tommy Raffo hit a three-run homer before pitcher Mike Switzer had recorded an out, the Cougars may have known they were in for more of the same rough treatment they've received in the NCAA regionals lately.
The Bulldogs coasted to a 16-5 victory, with ace pitcher Bobby Reed working only five innings and leaving with a 15-0 lead.BYU faced Lafayette - a 7-2 loser to Florida State - today in an elimination game in the South II Regional, trying to salvage something from another postseason appearance. "It's all too common," Coach Gary Pullins said after the latest disaster, not terribly unlike last May's 25-4 regional loss to host Texas A&M.
Nothing Pullins tried worked for the Cougars - not even his switching jerseys with Switzer. Pullins wore No. 1, his number when he played for BYU's 1968 College World Series. Switzer switched to Pullins' No. 30, which was roughly his earned-run average for the game.
Switzer, a senior left-hander, lasted only into the second inning. Bad fielding hurt Switzer and reliever Bart Peterson as the Cougars made seven errors. The Bulldogs did plenty of damage, too. Tracy Echols' three-run homer off Peterson gave MSU a 13-0 lead after four innings.
Coming off a second-place finish in the WAC, the Cougars were surprised to receive an NCAA invitation. Thursday's performance did little to support the tournament committee's interest in them.
If the Cougars defeat Lafayette, they'll play again Saturday. Just staying alive one more day would be an achievement for BYU, which last won an NCAA game in 1985.