Shocker SB at Bearkat (Sam Houston State) Softball Classic

[flyingMoose]

An SHU walk is cancelled out by a 5-4-3 DP.

The Shockers score on a infield single by Morgan and a two-out double by Ryleigh.

Shocks now trail 3-1 after three.

[flyingMoose]

The Pirates get a single in the fourth and have a three-up, three-down fifth. Caitlin has settled in and given a credible four innings.

Laurie has an infield single in the fourth to no avail, but the Shockers get unearned runs in the fifth. A walk to Madison, error and infield single by Ryleigh load the bases with two-outs. One run scores on another error, and Laurie drives in two more with a single off the pitcher.

Shockers lead 4-3 after five.

Now let's see if Caitlin can bring this home.

[flyingMoose]

Bailey is on to start the sixth, so we won't find out. She gives up a leadoff triple, but holds off the Pirates with a ground out to third and two strikeouts. Bailey has already shown an amazing ability to pitch herself out of jams.

The Shocks get a runner on another Seton Hall error, but don't score.

To the seventh with a 4-3 Shocker lead.

[flyingMoose]

Two fly outs and a come-backer to Bailey and the Shockers have the win.


Seton Hall 3-4 Shockers

Three unearned runs lead to this win.

Caitlin did a very nice job (three hits, walk, two strikeouts) with her four innings of relief and gets the win to move to 1-1. Hopefully this is a sign of better things to come. Bailey gets her second save.

Ryleigh and Laurie both had two hits including a double by Ryleigh. Laurie's two RBI gave the Shocks the lead.


The Shockers close out their tournament with another game against #4 Washington tomorrow morning.

The Shocker use three unearned runs to take this one.

[1972Shocker]

Agree on Caitlin. Nice outing. Hopefully a sign she is figuring thing out.

[1972Shocker]

Do you think Bailey Lange will go tomorrow against the Huskies?

[ShockTalk]

Take the runs however you can get them.

[flyingMoose]

Other Saturday Games

#4 Washington 10-0 (5) Seton Hall

Northern Colorado 3-1 Sam Houston State

Washington at Sam Houston State - Originally scheduled for Saturday, due to weather concerns this game has been moved to Sunday, replacing UNC at SHS.


Why is Washington, a team with WCWS aspirations, at this tournament (and Peoria last weekend) rather than in the desert playing much better competition? My best guess is a senior from Houston and a junior (Alvelo) from Ohio on the roster.

[1972Shocker]

Taran Alvelo spins a 1-hit shut out in a 7-0 Washington win over the Shocks to close out the Shocks weekend at Sam Houston State.

The Shocks' only hit was a 3rd inning, two-out single by Mackenzie Wright.

Bailey Lange took the loss giving up 5 runs on 4 hits, 2 walks and a hit batter in 3 innings. Freshman Hailey Martinez went the final 4 innings and was reasonably effective giving up 2 runs on 4 htis and 1 walk.

http://goshockers.com/news/2018/2/18/softball-shockers-fall-to-no-4-huskies-7-0.aspx

[flyingMoose]

Rambling thoughts:

Both Caitlin and Hailey gave indications this weekend that they can be a help to the pitching staff this year.

BaileyK? Not last year, not this year. I have been told that Ryne "retrains" his pitchers in doing things his way - no idea about specifics. Never clicked for BaileyK? Just doesn't have the skills?

Last year at Northern Iowa, BaileyL started about one-third of their games, had an ERA of 3.80 and a WHIP of 1.49. After two weekends this year, her ERA is 2.80 and her WHIP is 1.11. This against a couple of really good teams and some pretty average teams. Nonetheless, a marked improvement from last year. Another year to improve and mature? Help from Ryne?

When Hailey did not pitch the opening weekend, I thought she might be headed for a redshirt year, but obviously not. Maybe she was dinged up a little.


The offense needs to start coming around. Last year, there were more threats in the lineup, and it was difficult to pitch around anyone. This year, Ryleigh and Bailee are the offensive threats, and they were not contributors to any extent last year (Bailee, of course, being a freshman this year). The returnees (Mackenzie, Paige, Laurie, Madison) need to pick it up.


Next weekend's tournament in Austin will provide the stiffest overall competition of any of their tournaments this year.

[flyingMoose]

Other Sunday Game

#4 Washington 13-1(5) Sam Houston State


The Shockers are the only team in the tournament to not be run-ruled by Washington.

Sam Houston State scored the only run of the tournament against Washington on a solo home run.

Both of Alvelo's starts were against the Shocks - a compliment of sorts, I suppose.

[flyingMoose]

Ryleigh is on the AAC Honor Roll this week based on her performance at the Bearkat Classic