ASU beats u of AZ. in 5

[Amy in AZ.]

Read about the IPs and a "balk". ??


TEMPE, Ariz. -- Seventh-ranked Arizona State lit up the scoreboard early and never looked back in run-ruling the Arizona Wildcats for the first time in team history, 11-1 in five innings, Friday evening.

ASU (32-5, 1-1 Pac-10) put up four runs in the first and two in the second to open up a 6-0 lead before Stacie Chambers doubled home Lauren Schutzler in the third to get UA on the board.

Sam Parlich (6-2) got the surprise start for the Sun Devils, allowing only four hits to the nation's top scoring offense while striking out five. She also helped her own cause offensively when she tallied a two-RBI triple after Kaylyn Castillo hit an RBI single in the first.

Sarah Akamine (10-2) was chased after allowing a two doubles and a single in the fourth. The senior matched a career-high with 10 runs allowed, but walked only one. She was called for five illegal pitches, with a balk resulting in a run scored.

All 11 ASU runs were scored with two outs.

Annie Lockwood hit a three-run home run off UA (29-4, 1-1 Pac-10) reliever Ashley Ralston-Alvarez in the five-run fourth to cap the scoring.

 

[sluggers]

Hmmm...surprising.

 

[Amy in AZ.]

AZ. Daily Star


"Akamine was called for two illegal pitches before most of the sold-out crowd could settle into their seats. First base umpire Bobby Shelton ruled her foot lost contact with the rubber before she released screwball pitches.
With two outs and two on, ASU's Sam Parlich sliced a line drive down the right field line. Karissa Buchanan dived face-first for it, but the ball kicked off her glove and into the corner. Parlich wound up on third, and two runs scored.
Akamine then balked Parlich in from third, continuing a maddening trend.
She was called for four illegal pitches Saturday at New Mexico; Candrea was so furious that day he was ejected."

 

[shockcoach]

Sounds like T. Wilson better start working with her pitcher's IP's. These girls have gotten away with it for so long, it's now catching up with them. Too bad they didn't call them back when the queen of leaping, Cat Osterman, was pitching.

I am surprised about the run rule, though. With UW's loss Thursday and AZ's loss last night, it will be interesting to see what the top 25 looks like. However, it's normal for those of us who follow Pac-10 softball. They beat the tar out of each other during the regular season. AZ better bring their jackets next week. All of our nice weather from late winter is gone and we're paying for it this spring. Poor Kerr (UCLA) looked like she was going to freeze in the circle last night.

 

[WiZ]

I was at the Michigan game today and the run ruled Wisconsin 15-0. They look tough. They were ranked #2 coming into this week.

 

[Goobie]

Is there actually a "balk" in softball?

 

[BretMan]

Is there actually a "balk" in softball?

No.

Just like "there's no crying in baseball", there's no such thing as a "balk" in softball. Balks are a different rule, with a different penalty, reserved for a different game.

The "near equivilant" to a balk in baseball is the illegal pitch in softball. But the term "balk" simply doesn't appear in any of the standard softball rule books. And, the penalty for these infractions are not exactly the same.