WSU @ SIU-Edwardsville

[flyingMoose]

And then Bobo makes her second error of the game and fifth for the team and Pooch subs her out in the middle of the inning!

Cold ... but she has done that before and he has done that to her before.

[flyingMoose]

What kind of base running blunder was that in the top of the fourth? Did Kersti run up the back of Lindsie?

Five unearned runs as we go to the bottom of the fourth trailing, 8-3.

[flyingMoose]

#6, this one by Holly.

Clearly, this is Breezy's fault - with better pitch location, she would never allow a ground ball to short. :(

[flyingMoose]

#7 in the bottom of the fifth and another unearned run. One more run and we are out of our misery.

[Quick Pitch]

Why not try Caley Roberts in the infield? I don't know if she can hit but she was a great defensive shortstop at Butler. I think she even played shortstop for the Great Brittain olympic team in Bejing. Give that kid a chance, she can't do any worse that what we are seeing now.

[flyingMoose]

Caley Roberts ... I don't know if she can hit

I think she is a really nice kid, showing a lot of maturity to come to the States from South Africa to play softball, but ... she can't hit her backside - she was 1 for 22 (.045) last year. When she first came from Butler, she had this horrible upper cut swing. In the fall, they had her slapping because the swing was so bad? uncorrectable in the time remaining? Who knows. Last year she played some outfield, but I do not think she has ever been in the infield for the Shocks.

[Quick Pitch]

At this point I don't think it would matter if she doesn't hit, we just need someone who can field a freakin ball! :-x

[shoxsoftball]

Rowan was a heck of a shortstop in summer ball at the gold level. why not give her a shot?

[flyingMoose]

Kersti was getting reps at 2B behind Kara in the fall. Bobo and Holly were the only SS that I remember seeing. Jamie played a handful of games at SS earlier this year. I am sure possibilities are being considered as we speak.

But we need to put today behind us quickly. Our weekend opponent, Bradley, is not expected to be a factor in the Valley (9th preseason) and neither is Indiana State, last weekend's foe. We need to start showing up, or we will not be a factor either.

[1972Shocker]

Kersti was getting reps at 2B behind Kara in the fall. Bobo and Holly were the only SS that I remember seeing. Jamie played a handful of games at SS earlier this year. I am sure possibilities are being considered as we speak.

But we need to put today behind us quickly. Our weekend opponent, Bradley, is not expected to be a factor in the Valley (9th preseason) and neither is Indiana State, last weekend's foe. We need to start showing up, or we will not be a factor either.

I hate to say it, but I don't think we are a factor this year, irrespective of how we do vs Bradley.

At this point, we need to look at this season as trying to develop our players for next year and beyond and, hopefully, we will be able to add a few key pieces next year that will allow us to be a little more competitive.

8)

[Quick Pitch]

1972, I tend to agree however, if next years class does not include a big time pitcher, then we are looking forward to more of the same.

[1972Shocker]

1972, I tend to agree however, if next years class does not include a big time pitcher, then we are looking forward to more of the same.

I agree and almost was going to say that, but thought I would just leave it at "key pieces". No doubt quality pitching is a big part of the "key pieces" we need to add.

[flyingMoose]

I hate to say it, but I don't think we are a factor this year, irrespective of how we do vs Bradley.

I was defining (in my own mind) being a factor as avoiding the first round of games in the Valley tournament - being one of the top four seeds. With the predictable drop off in pitching (Ashley), I knew it would not be easy, but we were a preseason pick for fifth, so I thought, "Maybe". But I suspect you are right regarding being a factor - going 1-2 against Indiana State at home, especially how we did it, along with this past week's results does not engender confidence.

1972, I tend to agree however, if next years class does not include a big time pitcher, then we are looking forward to more of the same.

http://www.goshockers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=61321&SPID=2845&DB_OEM_ID=7500&ATCLID=1627054

The announced 2010 signings are an outfielder and two infielders. They may wind up at other positions, but I doubt pitching is one of them. But if QP knows of an awesome juco pitcher somewhere ... ;-)

[1972Shocker]

I think the challenge this year will be finishing in the top 8 and just making the Tournament.

[Quick Pitch]

I think Shook actually pitches some in high school but definitely not a D1 level pitcher.
As for a juco pitcher, Jacey Juden is at Cowely. She signed with Arkansas out of high school but left after just 2 weeks.