every game counts

After its crushing, 14-inning loss to Houston that ended early this morning, Southern Miss cannot make the C-USA Tournament championship game. Neither can its opponent at Trustmark Park tonight, East Carolina. But this is hardly a “meaningless” game. USM, at 39-16, would certainly like to add a 40th win to its NCAA Tournament resume. ECU (38-19) is a quality foe, appearing in some national rankings. But tonight’s game will test the Golden Eagles’ resiliency, both the physical and mental varieties. In the 7-6 loss to Houston, which clinched a title game berth, the Eagles blew a save in the eighth inning on a two-out RBI triple. They lost it in the 14th on a two-base throwing error, a one-out single and a squeeze bunt. Hard to figure how USM, such a prolific scoring team, went seven straight innings (the eighth to the 14th) against a suspect Houston bullpen without scratching out a run. Sure, they missed Ferriss Trophy winner Tyler Koelling (hamstring injury), but the Eagles still have plenty of weapons. Plus, they had the crowd on their side. Wonder how many of those fans will be back tonight?