Shocker SB at Texas Tech Invitational

[flyingMoose]

After Katie retires North Texas in order in the top of the first, the Shocks score two in the bottom half. Walk to Mackenzie, single by Kelli, walk to Madison and a two-out, two-RBI double by Macklin.

Shockers lead 2-0 after one.

[1972Shocker]

Macklin edges ahead of Laura in the 5-way race for team RBI leader.

[flyingMoose]

With two outs, a hit batter and home run get NT on the board. Three consecutive singles score another run before Katie gets a K.

The Shocks battle back to retake the lead. Single by Mauriana, sac bunt, run-scoring double by Mackenzie, walk to Kelli, wild pitch and a two-run double by Laurie.

Shocks lead 5-3 after two.

I must take my leave. I will have to see how this one ends when I get back.

[1972Shocker]

Laurie decides that was long enough for Macklin to have the team RBI lead.

Jenni is in the circle top start the 3rd inning.

A walk, single, sac bunt and another walk load the bases for NT. However, Jenni induces a pop up to 1B and a foul pop to SS to get out of the inning.

In the bottom of the inning a double by Macklin and a homer by Mauriana produced 2 runs.

With 2 outs the Shocks loaded the bases but Paige was unable to deliver the needed 2-out hit.

Shocks lead 7-3 after 3.

[1972Shocker]

Jenni sets down the side in order in the top of the 4th.

Madison leads off the Shocker half of the 4th with a single. Kiersten Otte inserted to pinch run for Madison and she moves to 2nd on a 5-3 ground out.

Morgan Palmer, pinch-hitting, for Asea Webber singled to center advancing Kiersten to 3rd.

Mauriana reached on a fielders choice (not sure where) with Kiersten scoring and Morgan taking second.

Ashley reached on an error by the CF and Mackenzie Wright singled honme Morgan and Maruiana.

Kelly lined out to the SS and Lauire grounded out to the SS to end the inning with the Shocks leading 10-3.

[1972Shocker]

A walk, an error by Mauriana and back-to-back singles to start the 5th inning produces 2 runs for North Texas.

A hit batter then loads the base with no outs. The next batter reached on a throwing error by Jenni to make the score 10-7.

Jenni then walks the next batter to reload the bases still with no one out. Finally, HCTB pulls Jenni and brings Bailey on in relief.

A single to CF scores to more runs with the other runners moving to 2nd and 3rd on a throwing error by Ashley.

Bailey gets a ground out and a line out but then gives up a 2 RBI double and an RBI single before getting a penalty to end the inning but the resulting 9 run outburst gives North Texas a 12-10.

Shocks get a single and a walk in their half of the 5th but fail to score.

[1972Shocker]

Bailey gives up a double and walk to open the top of the 6th and Katie is re-inserted to try to hold the fort which she does getting a pop out, a comeback grounder and another pop up to get out of the inning.

Shocks get a 1-out single from Mackenzie Wright but nothing else in their half of the 6th.

[1972Shocker]

A homer, walk, wild pitch and a single produce 2 more North Texas runs in the top of the 7th giving them a 14-10 lead.

Shocks go down in order in the 7th.

Final Score: North Texas 14 - Wichita State 10

Clearly the Shocks have some issues with their pitching.

[1972Shocker]

I may be totally misreading this but I get the feeling that HCKB's priority this weekend was to try to figure out the pitching with winning these games secondary. She may be learning a lot about her pitching although she may not like what she has learned.

It was good Jenni could go today but she clearly is not ready for primetime. Not sure what to think of Bailey. Katie is going to get a ton of innings this year it would appear.

[flyingMoose]

The Sunday game was

UTEP 6-1 Shockers

with only four hits by the Shocks. Katie pitched the first five innings, giving up four of the runs (three earned), and Jenni had the last two innings with only one of her runs earned. The defense this weekend has to be a little concerning as well as the pitching.

Jenni needs to make progress with her game so that some of the load can be taken off Katie. Perhaps there will be an Oklahoma State game article with some comments by HCKB about Jenni's status after this weekend. Any additional innings from Jenni will, of course, allow the staff to bring Bailey along more slowly. But Bailey does need to show some progress - Katie and Jenni are both seniors.