Shocker SB at Bradley

[flyingMoose]

Conference play continues for the Shockers with a weekend series on the road at Bradley. At this writing, the chances for precipitation in Peoria are 40% on Saturday and 80% on Sunday.

The Braves have an overall record of 14-28 with a conference mark of 8-9, putting them in a three-way tie with the Shockers and Southern Illinois for sixth place.

The leading hitters for Bradley are Erika Hansen (OPS of 1.075 with sixteen doubles and four HR - almost half of her hits are for extra bases) and Maria Schroeder (.884). In the circle, the Braves are led by Alyson Spinas-Valainis (ERA of 3.89 and WHIP of 1.57) and Jaelen Hull (5.27 and 2.08). The team OPS is .764, and the opponents' OPS is .856.

The Shocker offense is led by the usual suspects - Brittany (1.253 and eight HR), Cacy (.962 and eight HR), Liz (.909) and Mackenzie (.901). Katie (3.50 and 1.47) and Jenni (3.83 and 1.76) get the starts for the Shocks, but Kelsey (5.81 and 1.55) has been effective in a relief role recently. The team OPS is .824, and the opponents' OPS is .827.

[1972Shocker]

Conference play continues for the Shockers with a weekend series on the road at Bradley. At this writing, the chances for precipitation in Peoria are 40% on Saturday and 80% on Sunday.

Mr. Cub would say let's play 3 on Saturday.

[flyingMoose]

Mr. Cub would say let's play 3 on Saturday.

The numbers are now 0% and 90% chances of rain on Saturday and Sunday. I have no idea what the Valley Softball Handbook (or whatever it is called) says about staying over until Monday to complete a series.

[flyingMoose]

This is from a 2010 version of the Softball Procedures, but I doubt it has changed.

Rainout and Rain Day Policies. The following policies and procedures shall be implemented in the event of inclement weather and/or poor field conditions:

(4) It is not permissible to play three games in one day. It is permissible to complete a halted game and play two additional games in one day.


Rescheduling Games.

(1) The provision for the Monday rain date was eliminated.

(2) Interpretation for Rescheduled Games. Games may be rescheduled only if the rescheduling occurs prior to the visiting team’s travel to play on the scheduled date due to anticipated weather or field conditions and the visiting team does not incur additional travel expenses or missed class time.


Another note. When the Shockers got off to such an atrocious start to their conference season, we speculated they would qualify for the Conference in any case since they are the host site. Apparently no such guarantee exists.

Team Selection. The results of round robin regular-season competition shall determine the eight teams which advance to the Conference tournament.

[flyingMoose]

Game One

As you would expect, Katie and the Bradley #1 get the starts in this one. The Shockers have shuffled the lineup some. With Layne sitting this one out, Macklin is the DP and McKenzie is in right. (This is not Mackenzie, the third baseman.) Cacy and Brittany are hitting back-to-back in the two and three holes, perhaps to minimize the chances of issuing an IBB.

[flyingMoose]

Brittany has a solo homer in the first, and Katie has a 1-2-3 inning with a strikeout.

Shocks lead 1-0 after one complete.

[1972Shocker]

Cacy and Brittany are hitting back-to-back in the two and three holes, perhaps to minimize the chances of issuing an IBB.

That definitely helps Cacy but not so much Brittany. Whoever is hitting behind Brittany is the key for her and as hot as she has been it may not matter who is hitting behind her.

[flyingMoose]

Two singles and a HBP load the bases in the Bradley second. Another single and a ground out score two runs for the Braves.

Bradley leads 2-1 after two complete.

[1972Shocker]

Mackenzie Wright makes Bradley pay for hitting Brittany to load the base as she delivered a 2-run single. Great job.

[flyingMoose]

The Shockers retake the lead in the top of the third. A single by McKenzie, sac bunt and infield single by Kelli put runners at the corners. On a steal of second, McKenzie scores on a throwing error by the catcher, and Kelli advances to third. A double off the third baseman by Cacy and a Brittany being hit by a pitch load the bases. Mackenzie follows with a two-run single up the middle, scoring Kelli and Cacy.

Shocks lead 4-2 after two and one-half.

[flyingMoose]

In the bottom of the third, Bradley strings together three singles after two are out to score a run. At this point, I wondered if Katie was back in her funk and would she be able to finish this game. Well, she can't even finish the inning. A double scored two more runs and after another single (five consecutive hits), Kelsey comes on to get the last out.

Braves lead 5-4 after three innings.

[1972Shocker]

Last at bat may prove to be an advantage in today's game.

[1972Shocker]

Got a couple of counter-punchers squaring off today.

[flyingMoose]

The Shockers respond in the top of the fourth. Melanie leads off with a homer to left, and after two are out, Kelli is hit by a pitch and steals second. Cacy and Brittany follow with back-to-back doubles to score two more.

Shocks lead 7-5 after three and one-half.

[1972Shocker]

Ya think Brittany is seeing the ball good?