Shocker SB at Littlewood Classic (Arizona State)

[1972Shocker]

Not a good start for the Lady Shocks against the Sun She Devils.

Katie started in the circle and walked the lead off batter. However, her defenses turned a 4-6-3 double play so things seemed okay.

A hit batter and 2 walks loaded the bases. That was followed by a 2-run double and a 3-run home run. 5 earned runs on 2 hits. Thank goodness for the DP.

Bailey came on in relief of Katie and picked up a strike out to end the inning. But the damage was done.

ASU 5 - Shocks 0 after 1.

[1972Shocker]

The Shocks got 3 hits in the 2nd but failed to score as they had a runner thrown out at home.

ASU put toghether 3 consecutive singles in the 2nd to score but Bailey got a ground out to 3B and two strike outs to avoid any futher damage. But ASU leads 6-0 after 2.

[1972Shocker]

Shocks put up 4 in the top of the 3rd to get back into the game.

Ashley led off with an infield single and scored on a double by Mackenzie Wright. Kelli folowed with a single to drive in Mackenzie. Macklin then homered to left field.

After Paige popped out and Madison struck out Laurie doubled to RF. McKenzie Adams fouled out to 3B to end the inning.

ASU 6 - Shocks 4 middle of 3rd.

Update: Still 6-4 after 6 innings. Bailey has done a really nice job in relief.

Final: ASU 6 - Shocks 4. Shocks did not go down easily. Kelli beat out bunt single with 2 outs in the 6th. Macklin followed with a sharp single through the hole on the left side to give the Shocks a chance. Unfortunately, Paige strruck out to end the game.

Shocks outhit ASU 11-7. Too bad Katie had her 1st inning meltdown. The bright spot had to be Bailey's 5.1 innings of relief where she allowed only 1 run on 5 hits and struck out 5.

[flyingMoose]

Other Friday Games (collected)

Missouri 11-7 South Dakota
The Tigers trailed 3-4 at one point but were able to pick on the non-aces of the Coyotes.

Illinois State 7-3 Missouri
The Redbirds had two homers and Sarah Finck shut out the Tigers until the seventh.

Arizona State 7-1 Illinois State
The Sun Devils had twelve hits including two homers by Fa Leilua while the Redbirds were held to three hits.

[flyingMoose]

It will be interesting to see who gets which start today. Has Bailey earned the start against Missouri? With Bailey pitching eleven innings yesterday and only two for Katie, does the "quick" turnaround of an early start come into play for Bailey?

Or does Katie need the start against Missouri to get her mojo back?

Or does the staff create a plan going into a weekend, and it doesn't change?

I would give Bailey the Missouri start just as a show of confidence, even if she does wind up getting rocked a bit.

[flyingMoose]

Game Three - Shockers v South Dakota

Tournament Central has this game Rained Out after a game-opening walk to Mackenzie. Katie was the starter.

No word on the rest of the day's schedule, although Tempe is expecting periods of moderate to heavy rainfall today and tomorrow.

[flyingMoose]

Now all of Saturday is Rained Out according to Tournament Central. With the Shockers flying to Arizona, I doubt there will be any attempt to schedule something for Sunday due to flight complications.

[1972Shocker]

Now all of Saturday is Rained Out according to Tournament Central. With the Shockers flying to Arizona, I doubt there will be any attempt to schedule something for Sunday due to flight complications.

Especially, if there is rain in the forecast.

[flyingMoose]

We picked the wrong Arizona tournament. UA continues to play all be it with some delay.

[flyingMoose]

Especially, if their is rain in the forecast.

The Shocker site says the team's weekend is over.

[flyingMoose]

Of interest,

Drake 0-21(5) 11/12 Arizona
Newman did not pitch.

Drake 3-1 Boston College
Newman pitched.

[flyingMoose]

Arizona State played none of their games on Saturday or Sunday, and Arizona played all of theirs. Only 110 miles or so apart, but I guess there are enough mountains to affect the rain patterns.

[flyingMoose]

Missouri dropped to 20/23 in the polls released on 21 February, and Arizona State moved up to 21/19.