Random thoughts, Feb. 24

Coastal makes some noise
Because of the nature of the sport, a loss by the top-ranked college baseball team doesn't make quite the noise as a loss by a No. 1 in football or basketball. In baseball, a team can lose 10 or 15 games and still be the best in the country.

That being said, Coastal Carolina became the first team this season to beat a team ranked No. 1 in a major poll when it scored four runs in the ninth to beat North Carolina Tuesday.

Those who follow college baseball know the Chanticleers have a good program. Their win Tuesday might educate a few of the casual fans.

Rose blooms
Second baseman Marcus Rose missed Furman's first four games with an ankle sprain. He made his presence felt early in his season debut, though, hitting a solo home run in the first inning Tuesday against UNC Asheville. He also belted a two-run blast in the eighth to lead the Paladins to a 5-3 victory.

At left is is a blurry shot (Hard to believe I've never had a lesson, huh?) of Rose getting ready to round third and head for home on his first homer.

Paladins coach Ron Smith might not be expecting such pop from the senior all season -- Rose hit just three homers as a junior -- but power would be a bonus if Rose doesn't alter his swing to try to become a home run hitter. Furman lost its top four home run hitters from 2008. The quartet combined for 27 of the Paladins' modest team total of 38 homers a year ago.

By the way, Rose hit the most 2008 homers of any Furman returnee.