re: Starting Poche was the correct decision, even in hindsight

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The only reason it is preferable to win game 1 vs game 2 is that, if you win game 1, you don't have the added pressure in game 2 of elimination. However, at this point in the season, the pressure is insane anyways, and either this team has the makeup to handle it, or not.

Based on recent performance, and the first three innings of game 1, we had every reason to believe Poche would go at least 6-7 innings of great baseball.

You need to place the blame where it belongs. The players didn't perform. 4 errors in a game at this level is nuts (not to mention hitting a batter with bases loaded, which is essentially a 5th error).

Plus, let's also remember Lange has had fatigue problems this year. The idea of starting him in game 1 with the thought he could pitch again (assuming he throws 80 or more pitches in game 1, i.e. a success) before the champ round is not feasible. You don't throw a true frosh arm on short rest especially when he has had fatigue issues this season.

Anyone who follows baseball will agree that there was no issue starting Poche.

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