Shocker SB v Nebraska

[flyingMoose]

The Shockers turn right around after a conference weekend and four games in four days including LSU to host Nebraska in a single game on Monday at 5pm.

Nebraska started the season as one of five Big Ten teams at least Receiving Votes in the polls. That is no longer the case as their record is 7-16. They do play a very aggressive schedule - it was the fourth weekend before they played a team that was not at least Receiving Votes. They have losses to Oklahoma, Cal, Arizona State (three, two by runs-ahead) and a win over Missouri.

With the schedule the Huskers play, it is not surprising that the stats are not very pretty. The only players with an OPS at .800 or better are MJ Knighten (.846), Alyvia Simmons (.811), Cassie McClure (.801) and Gina Metzler (.800). The primary pitchers by innings are Kaylan Jablonski (ERA of 5.42 and WHIP of 1.85) and Cassie McClure (3.81 and 1.89).

The Shockers now stand at 15-10. Offensive leaders are Laurie (1.124 and six homers), Paige (.983 and six homers), Madison (.945 and four homers) and Mackenzie (.924). Two others are above .800. Katie, of course, is the leader in the circle. Her ERA is 2.46 with a WHIP of 1.33. Jenni has the issue of being behind due to recovering from surgery, and Bailey is battling inexperience.

The decision on the pitching will be interesting. A win would be nice for RPI and indicates starting Katie, but Jenni needs the innings. She is a spot pitcher and simply needs the repetitions to find that groove.

[1972Shocker]

At this point I think HCKB's priority is developing more depth in the pitching staff over and above building the team's RPI. My guess is Jenni or Bailey will start this game. My guess would be Jenni. Whichever of the two doesn't start would be 1st up in relief. Might see Katie late if the game is tight.

[flyingMoose]

At this point I think HCKB's priority is developing more depth in the pitching staff over and above building the team's RPI. My guess is Jenni or Bailey will start this game. My guess would be Jenni.

I agree. I doubt at this point that the Shocks can build an RPI that qualifies them for the NCAA Tournament if they do not win the Conference Tournament. The RPI will soon be published by the NCAA for the first time this year, so we will get a reading on that. So getting Jenni (and Bailey) in a position to make contributions during Conference play would seem to be a priority.

[wsunet]

First RPI of the season posted:

http://web1.ncaa.org/app_data/weeklyrpi/2017WSBrpi1.html

[1972Shocker]

Wichita State at #74.

[1972Shocker]

As anticipated Jenni Brooks starting in the circle for the Shocks.

Errors by Macklin Hitz at 1B and Mackenzie Wright at 3B put Nebraska runners on the corners with no outs and the Cornhuskers promptly executed a double steal to plate a run. The remaining baserunner then advanced to 3rd on passed ball.

Jenni induced a comeback grounder for out #1 with the runner holding at 3rd. Madison then made up for the passed pall with a pick off of the Nebraskas runner at 3rd and Jenni got the final out on a 6-3 ground out.

Nebraska scores without the benefit of a hit. One place the Shocks do need to tighten up is their defense. Need to play cleaner.

[1972Shocker]

Looks like one of Nebraska's offensive lineman is pitching for the Cornhuskers. Whoa Nellie as Keith Jackson might say.

[1972Shocker]

Another Shocker error on a routine grounder to Kelli Spring at 2B to lead off the 3rd inning.

A sac bunt and an infield single puts runners at the corners with 1 out. A sharply hit grounder just to the left of 2B deflects off Laurie Derrico's glove for an RBI single. I thought it was a ball Laurie could have fielded and if she had she might have had a DP.

Nebraska 2 - Shockers 0 heading to the bottom of the 3rd. Jenni has not looked too bad so far. Her defense has let her down as both runs are unearned.

[1972Shocker]

A bunt single by Mckenzie Adams and a line drive single to left put Shocker runners on 1st and 2nd with no outs in the bottom half of the 3rd inning.

Kelli Spring followed with a really poor AB failing to get a bunt down and then popping meekly to the the Husker 3B in foul territory. Two ground outs later and the inning is over. Probably cost the Shockers a run as I think Derrico's grounder would have scored a runner from 3rd if Kelli had been able to move the runners over.

[1972Shocker]

Macklin Hitz pulls the Shocks to within 1 run leading off the 4th with a no doubter to left center.

[1972Shocker]

Shocks give up 3 runs in the 5th of which only 1 was earned. Jenni is done but deserved a much better fate. Katie came on in relief of Jenni with the bases loaded an no outs.

A grounder that Mackenzie probably should have had at 3rd rolled up her arm to Lauri who got the runner at first but the runner on 3rd scored.

Then Madison made a throwing error to 1B on a bunt that allowed 2 more runs to score.

Nebraska 5 - Shocks 1 heading to the bottom of the 5th.

[1972Shocker]

Nebraska returns some charity in the Shocker 6th walking the bases loaded with outs. A grounder off the end of the bat up the middle by Ashley Johnson eluded the Husker SS and scored two runs to make it 5-4.

Mckenzie Adams, like Kelli Spring earlier in the game, could not get a sac bunt down but on a 3-2 pitch she sent a liner to the wall in right center for a 2-run triple giving the Shockers a 6-5 lead.

Macknzie Wright followed with a sac fly to RF to score Mckenzie Adams putting the Shocks up 7-5 heading into the 7th inning.

[1972Shocker]

Katie got the 1st two batters in the 7th before giving up a well struck single off the glove of Macklin Hitz at 1B. Katie then got the final out on a hard hit line drive snared by Mackenzie Wright at 3B. Katie picks up her 4th win in the past 4 games.

Final: Resilient Shockers 7 - Cornhuskers 5

Shocks overcame their defensive mistakes tonight but they could make things a lot easier on themselves if they can cut down on those fieldign and throwing mistakes.

[flyingMoose]

Wichita State at #74.

Illinois State has the highest RPI in the Valley at 62. Evansville is 73 and Drake is 81.

LSU is 13. Ouch!

[flyingMoose]

... the Cornhuskers promptly executed a double steal to plate a run.

Nebraska ran a pickle play, getting the girl on first in a rundown, hoping to score the girl from third - trade an out for a run. The Shockers managed to get neither runner, the double steal resulting. No error can be given, but it is bad defense nonetheless.

Madison then made up for the passed pall with a pick off of the Nebraska runner at 3rd

The Huskers had a squeeze play on, the batter missed the bunt and Madison got the out with the help of a nice tag by Mackenzie.

One place the Shocks do need to tighten up is their defense. Need to play cleaner.

If the Shocks could catch and throw, they might be dangerous. Another game with four unearned runs.