Shocker SB at USF

[ShockTalk]

There are certain sports (football which we don't have, men's basketball which is on a downward trend, and to a lesser degree baseball which has been underperforming for some time now) that can make all or at least some of the other sports better due to the notoriety. A "minor" sport can do well, from time to time, if it has an outstanding coach and/or facilities, but it will not rise all ships so to speak.

This is why men's basketball is very important for WSU athletics. The athletic department cannot afford to let it slip to far or make missteps. Taking a risk with an unproven head coach or worse, strapping an already financially challenged athletic department with unwarranted contracts can throw everything into a tailspin that could take years to get out of.

I believe that WSU has several quality coaches in other sports. I hope that WSU can hang on to them, but they may move on more quickly if they feel it becomes harder and harder to recruit to WSU. The school has improved many of these sports facilities, so that should help.

[1972Shocker]

This is why men's basketball is very important for WSU athletics.

Probably an understatment. Men's basketball is the WSU athletic department.

[shocks02]

I’m shocked Corrick isn’t starting again today.

[flyingMoose]

Saturday Game

Lineup adjustments: Sydney, Addison, Lauren, Zoe, Neleigh, Lolo, Krystin, Lainee, Wylie with Caitlin in the circle. Poepping is pitching for the Bulls.


The Shockers load the bases in the first on two walks and a hit batter but cannot score. USF gets a single and a stolen base but cannot score either.

A two-out double in the second by Wylie brings on Kopko in relief for the Bulls. Kiopko is 3.87 and 1.82 over 12.2 innings. Caitlin has a 1-2-3 bottom of the second. No score after two innings.

In the Shocker third, Addison reaches on catcher's interference and steals second. No outs. Zoe drives Addison home with a one-out single.

In the bottom of the third, a double, run-scoring single, and home run give USF the lead. 3-1 Bulls after three.

Krystin and Lainee single to start the fourth for the Shocks, but no runs score, even with the help of a later error. A double but no runs for the Bulls in the bottom half. Remains 3-1.

Zoe homers to lead off the Shocker fifth. Neleigh walks and Hill (3.88 and 1.34 over 21.2 innings) is on in relief. It appears that Corrick is being rested today no matter what happens. Jessica, pinch hitting for Lolo, is hit by the first pitch. Neleigh advances on a groundout, and Lainee singles her home to tie the game. 3-3 in the middle of the fifth.

An infield single, error, and walk load the bases for USF in the fifth, but Caitlin gets a strikeout and fly out ot escape the jam. 3-3 after five.

Lauren singles in the sixth, but Zoe grounds into a 4-6-3 DP to end the Shocker half.

Single, single, and two-run double give the Bulls the lead. Kenzie is in to pitch with one out and gets the next two outs with no further damage. USF 5-3 after six.

1-2-3 in the top of the seventh.


Shockers 3-5 USF

With no Corrick in the circle, one would hope the Shocks would have scored more. Perhaps USF have a good book on the hitters. Zoe and Lainee each had two of the seven hits for the Shockers. Zoe had a homer. Caitlin was serviceable in the circle until late. All five runs were earned on nine hits and a walk. She struckout seven.

[1972Shocker]

I expect to see Corrick back in the circle form the get go in Sunday's series finale.

[WuDrWu]

I expect to see Corrick back in the circle form the get go in Sunday's series finale.

She is and cruising as usual so far. 1-2-3 first.

When Syd and Addie are a combined 1-14 (so far) with the 1 being a single, we're likely not going to be successful. Regardless of our pitching, or lack thereof.

[flyingMoose]

A different lineup again in the Sunday Game: Sydney, Addison, Lauren, Zoe, Neleigh, Jessica DP, Krystin, Lainee C, Wylie with Alison in the circle.


In the bottom of the first, a walk, steal, and double and the Bulls are on the board. 1-0 after one.

Neleigh singles and Krtstin walks in the second but no runs for the Shocks. A leadoff double for USF goes nowhere. 1-0 after two.

[WuDrWu]

In the 3rd, Glover is HBP, Syd lines out then Addie reaches on an error. Lauren scorches one that ties the game (at least) if it's anywhere but right at the glove of the 3B for USF.

Zoe grounds out and it's still 1-0 USF.

[1972Shocker]

Sydney hasn't hit in this series but she has made a couple of dazzling defensive plays.

An even better defensive play by Lauren Lucas in center to end the 5th inning with a diving catch that probably would have been a triple (at least) with Alexis Johns running.

[flyingMoose]

Jessica homers in the fourth to tie the game. In the bottom half after a hit batter and an infield single, a bunt is popped up and Sydney catches the line drive to start a 6-4 DP. 1-1 after four.

In the fifth, Addison singles with one out but is caught stealing. 1-2-3 in the bottom half. I have to assume that Alison is doing a really nice job of hitting her spots. Still 1-1.

Zoe homers to lead off the sixth. 2-1 Shockers in the middle of the sixth.

The Bulls reach on an error to leadoff their sixth but are immediately caught stealing. A double follows. Fly out and ground out and Alison is out of the inning. 2-1 after six.

Cassie, pinch-hitting for Lainee, is the first out of a 1-2-3 Shocker seventh.

Strikeout, ground out, fly out and the Shockers have a win over Corrick on the arm of a freshman and two long balls!


Shockers 2-1 USF

Clearly the story of this game is Alison. This is the pitcher that her teammates warned us about early in the season. She gave up four hits (three of them doubles) and one walk with two strikeouts, giving up a run in the first. She also had some outstanding defense behind her.

Solo homers by Jessica and Zoe were the runs needed. Corrick gave up only five hits and two walks with seven strikeouts.

[shocks02]

Alison Cooper getting the complete game win over Corrick is fantastic.

[1972Shocker]

What a terrific and encouraging effort in the circle by Freshman Alison Cooper. One of the best, if not the best pitched games for the Shockers this year with every inning being a high leverage situation. Hopefully, this will be a big confidence builder for Alison as well as a great learning experience. Not very many pitchers around who can say they went head-thead against the great Georgina Corrick and came out ahead.

Huge home runs from Jessica Garcia and Zoe Jones were just enough. Plus a couple of stellar defensive plays by Sydney and Lauren.

This will make the trip home much more pleasant for the Ladies.

[flyingMoose]

Other Conference Series

Memphis 0-3 UCF
All shutouts

Houston 3-0 East Carolina
Two shutouts

Tulsa has the conference bye

[shocktown]

It can be said with Allison Cooper, ‘School Out’.

[1972Shocker]

It can be said with Allison Cooper, ‘School Out’.

One thing Allison has in common with Alice is that, like Alice, her style is bit unconventional and unorthodox. See image in the following post.