Shocker SB vs Kansas

[1972Shocker]

The Shocks (20-13, 7-2 MVC) host Kansas (27-10, 3-0 Big 12) tonight at Willkins Stadium.

Fr. Katie Malone starting for the Shocks while reigning Big 12 Pitcher of the Week, So. Kesley Wessler is in the circle for the Jayhawks.

Kessler is 16-7 on the year with a 1.38 ERA and a 0.885 WHIP.

Unfortunately, KU jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the top of the 1st aided greatly by 3 Shocker errors as the Jayhawks only had 3 singles, 2 of which did not leave the infield.

In the top of the 2nd KU extended their lead to 7-0 as Katie gave up 3 doubles in the 1st four batters. Sloan came on in relief to record the final 2 outs of the inning but the hole had been dug and dug deep.

Sloan has pitched effectively working through 3.2 innings through the 5th now and having allowed only a 1-out double and a 12-pitch (8 foul balls), 2-out walk in the 5th.

Unfortunately, the Shocks have only managed 2-hits through 4 at-bats against Kessler and trail 7-0 heading into the bottom of the 5th.

[1972Shocker]

The Shocks broke up the shut-out in the bottom of the 5th pushing across a run with a double and 2 singles leading of the inning but could muster no more after that.

KU reached Sloan for 3 runs on 4 hits in the top of the 7th and the Shocks went down in order in the bottom half.

Final Line Score:

Kansas...10R, 11H, 1E, 7LOB
Shocks.....1R, 6H, 3E, 6LOB

[1972Shocker]

I'm not sure I really understand what HCKB has in mind with the way she is handling the pitching this year, although when you are short on a commodity sometimes you are forced to ration it in an out of the ordinary manner.

Hopefully, the Ladies can bounce back and have a strong series in Evansville this weekend.

[flyingMoose]

I'm not sure I really understand what HCKB has in mind with the way she is handling the pitching this year ...

I have wondered the same thing. My best guess is this being Sloan's last year, she is giving more innings to Katie and Jenni than she might otherwise in an effort to build some experience, some learning. BWDIK.

[flyingMoose]

There were pen pals from an elementary school at this game. They were in the dugout before the game and were part of the pre-game introductions with the players. Probably that change in routine was the reason for the bad first inning. Yeah, that's the ticket - blame it on the six-year olds.

[1972Shocker]

I have wondered the same thing. My best guess is this being Sloan's last year, she is giving more innings to Katie and Jenni than she might otherwise in an effort to build some experience, some learning. BWDIK.

That thought crossed my mind as well but I would think you would pick your spots for that and make sure Sloan can help you in the conference race. With that being said so far we have only faced teams expected to finish in the bottom half of the conference and maybe she is seeing if she can get by with the youngsters and keep Sloan fresh for a much bigger workload when we hit back half of the conference schedule against the upper half of the league. BIYDK then IDK either.

[flyingMoose]

... but I would think you would pick your spots for that and make sure Sloan can help you in the conference race. With that being said so far we have only faced teams expected to finish in the bottom half of the conference and maybe she is seeing if she can get by with the youngsters and keep Sloan fresh for a much bigger workload in when we hit back half of the conference schedule against the upper half of the league.

Excellent point!