embarrassing championship game

Yes I was rooting for Michigan, but that was an ugly game. 9 batters hit by pitch, a misplayed bunt, a couple of soft little flares, a bizarre strike zone, and horrible at bats all over the place. Disappointing on many levels.

I thought that a couple of the hit batters were "in the river" when contact with the ball was made. Still, a couple were legit. Also, the comment was made that the NCAA is going to review hit batters. In doing so, I wonder if the "armor" that hitters are now using will be discussed. A couple of elbow pads looked innocent enough but some hitters I saw this year are in full armor. Misplaying bunts is a part of the game. Still, at the highest level, this was surprising. The soft flares are hits and they balance out. There were a few line drives during the championship series that were caught. The strike zone was bizarre. Jessica Mendoza commented tonight that a call significantly off of the plate really messes with a hitter's mind. That is the truth. Per the horrible at bats, I wonder what some hitters were thinking. Still, it is hard to channel emotions when the game is this important. A part of the beauty of the Women's College World Series is that these are young ladies giving it their all and so, they did their best. All in all, I am not disappointed at all with the tournament. In fact, I think that it was exciting and the numbers viewing demonstrated that.

I concur that the strike zone was all over the place. The only comment Schilling made during his broadcasting fiasco that resonated with me was when he asked how umpires were chosen for the WCWS.

I was wondering if Haeger's last ab, knowing they would walk her, be them plunking her. Sort of a pitchers eye for an eye.

Yeah, I think a couple of hit batters were definately on purpose... for both teams.

I might have been tempted to put the game 1 starter in for a bit if I was Florida... but she held on.

I didn't think either defense played well... especially the Fla SS. I felt she could have made a couple more plays.

Really like both teams catchers.

Heck of a year for Michigan. Nice repeat for Florida.

29dad said:

Yes I was rooting for Michigan, but that was an ugly game. 9 batters hit by pitch, a misplayed bunt, a couple of soft little flares, a bizarre strike zone, and horrible at bats all over the place. Disappointing on many levels.

Click to expand...

I think we will continue to see the number of batters HBP continue to rise as more players wear elbow guards and hang out in the "river". Both pitchers were determined to pitch inside, and the batters continued to crowd the plate trying trying to cover the outside corner of the plate. Umpires need to start calling some of those pitches strikes and putting the batters back in the box before it will end. I bet Florida does drills where they teach their players to deflect balls with their elbow guards. Maybe they stick them in front of a pitching machine with nothing but an elbow guard and get them to deflect balls like a superhero deflecting bullets.....

I will also say that after watching the WCWS and some of the HORRIBLE calls and strike zones by the officials, I have a new appreciation for my weekend warrior umpires at our local tournaments.

JAD said:

I think we will continue to see the number of batters HBP continue to rise as more players wear elbow guards and hang out in the "river". Both pitchers were determined to pitch inside, and the batters continued to crowd the plate trying trying to cover the outside corner of the plate. Umpires need to start calling some of those pitches strikes and putting the batters back in the box before it will end. I bet Florida does drills where they teach their players to deflect balls with their elbow guards. Maybe they stick them in front of a pitching machine with nothing but an elbow guard and get them to deflect balls like a superhero deflecting bullets.....

Click to expand...

I think it is more trying to get hit than trying to reach the outside pitches... but you are right.

That Michigan catcher (Lauren Sweet) wanted no part of Haegar sliding in. She muffed a well thrown ball. She was worried more about Haegar than she was catching the ball.

JAD said:

I think we will continue to see the number of batters HBP continue to rise as more players wear elbow guards and hang out in the "river". Both pitchers were determined to pitch inside, and the batters continued to crowd the plate trying trying to cover the outside corner of the plate. Umpires need to start calling some of those pitches strikes and putting the batters back in the box before it will end. I bet Florida does drills where they teach their players to deflect balls with their elbow guards. Maybe they stick them in front of a pitching machine with nothing but an elbow guard and get them to deflect balls like a superhero deflecting bullets.....

Click to expand...

This is the other problem with the smaller strike zone, batters can have their arms more in the zone and when they get hit its not a strike but HBP. The pendulum has swung way too much for the offense unless you are an elite pitcher like we saw in the super regionals and WCWS. The very good pitcher (but not elite) can pretty much expect to have a higher ERA than just 5 years ago as technology and smaller strike zones continue to be the trend.