The sad part is that maybe 25% of the viewership truly appreciated that 17 inning, 5+ hour battle. For many it was too long, with not enough action. One of the best games ever.
Is there anyone in the game, at any level, who throws faster than Lowary? That heat is pretty damned impressive. I was also very impressed with Gourley's change-up. This was the first time I've seen her pitch. Barnhill's leap and re-plant irritates me to the point that my favor is tipped towards OU to win it all.
I strongly dislike the way UF's catcher, Janell Wheaton, pulls her right knee down and in. Very frequently it leaves her in a very awkward mitt position on movement pitches, which leaves her highly vulnerable to passed balls. She's not anywhere near the receiver that Aubree Munro is. OU's catcher, Lea Wodach, over-frames on a lot of pitches near the edge of the zone, and (IMO) is losing strike calls for her pitchers.
All that said, it was a spectacular game with a ton of dramatic moments. I hope we get more of the same tonight.
Even though she could not hit Munro was behind the plate because she could catch. Wheaton is there for her stick, certainly not because she can catch.
The sad part is that maybe 25% of the viewership truly appreciated that 17 inning, 5+ hour battle. For many it was too long, with not enough action. One of the best games ever.
OU's catcher, Lea Wodach, over-frames on a lot of pitches near the edge of the zone, and (IMO) is losing strike calls for her pitchers.
Agreed. Munro's contribution to the team's defense was undeniable. Best defensive catcher of her era, IMO. Wheaton's receiving mechanics make we wonder if anyone is paying attention. Someone please fix her!
Lots of good looking pitches not called as strikes. At several points, I thought the plate umpire's strike zone was the size of a donut hole.
For once, there wasn't a blown call in the field. I've seen clear foul balls called fair at least twice, runners going WAY out of the basepath to avoid a tag and called safe, and a phantom obstruction call. I know the college rules are a bit more permissive, but I've seen other instances where obstruction could (and probably should) have been called and wasn't.
Last night was a great game. The mental strength of the players on both sides is phenomenal.