New softball thread

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j2d2

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We play T.Tech 3 days running beginning the 27th then it's 6 games at home. What does Patty do about Stevens? Run the football stadium steps? Have some sessions with a sports psychologist/psychiatrist? Get some to catch her and have her throw every minute available? Work other pitching candidates she tried in the fall? We need her to recover her form. It's conference time. I'm not worried about Shelby and Lauren getting out of this semi-slump. I'm just glad Kady is getting her hitting eye back.
 
Not this hasn't already happen, but Stevens and the pitching coach need to review past year and todays film to see if there is something different in her delivery. If nothing is wrong with the delivery then check the velocity to see if there is change. Stevens should know if there is a problem mentally, but then another person to talk to isn't a bad idea. Sometimes you get into a funk and it is hard to get out of. I know last year when her control wasn't great she had problems stopping the opposition.
 
I think it is interesting that a few months ago we were talking about how to handle a basketball player who is in a shooting funk. I said I didn't think they should play until they work out their problem on the practice court because it hurts the team. Many disagreed and said you have to let shooters shoot their way out of a funk. Here, no one seems to be saying let Stevens pitch her way out of a pitching funk. What is the difference?
 
One reason might be OU's possible future opponents as a 5-seed...

Stanford (today)
Notre Dame
Baylor
South Carolina
UConn.

Sure, no problem...
 
I think the biggest difference in softball and basketball is in softball if the pitcher can't throw strikes the whole team is in a world of hurt. They have to be able to keep runners off the bases and can't give up the big hits on a consistent basis. That seems to be a problem for Stevens right now. In basketball you have 4 other players on the court that can handle the scoring at any given time. This is just my opinion but having coached both sports it's really hard when your pitcher is struggling. My guess is it's mechanics and I'm sure knowing Melissa they are working hard on that. Fortunately Parker is doing pretty good considering she's a freshman. Watched some of the first game against LSU and I thought she looked good. Worked herself out of some jams. Just didn't get run production. Didn't see the second game so not sure what happened there. But we all know that Parker has to have help. She can't do it all for the rest of the season.
 
I see your point but, if a player had been shooting 10% from the field in recent games, I still don't want that player jacking up 15 shots a game. That can cost the team wins just like a pitcher who walks too many batters.
 
Stevens is going to be benched until she gets it together but she most likely won't be pitching in any conference series. She is going to have to prove herself again in mid-week games. Paige can pitch every game from here on out. Much like Ricketts did when she was a frosh and soph.

There is nothing physically wrong with her. The problem is mental. She got off to a very slow start last year but this year is much worse. A lot may be coming from the fact that she is not the #1 pitcher any more. It is hard so see a frosh come in and be better. She is having trouble dealing with it.
 
Stevens was destined to be a #2. She isn't dominating. She is dependent on doing things right, like making good pitches and keeping runners off base. They will hit her. She can limit how much by having good control. She has completely lost that control. She has nothing else. She can't overpower. Paige can't overpower. Kelsey can pitch, if she just maintains her control.
 
Not sure about softball, but in baseball (the highest levels, at least), it's almost impossible to predict whether a pitcher has regained his form unless he faces hitters in a real game. I would suspect it's the same in baseball.
 
If I remember correctly, Kelsey made it through last year on control and a good change up. She doesnt throw hard, her riseball isnt much and I dont remember if she throws a curve or other pitch. With only two elements to her pitching they both must work really well for her to be effective.
 
Anything new on the Erin Miller wrist injury. Is she going to play this week?
 
Erin had a small brace on her throwing wrist at Baton Rouge. She did not warm up on Friday or Saturday. However, she did not Sunday though she did not play. I did not get the impression that it was serious.

I am not sure about Georgia, she took infield a couple of weeks ago but she did not in Baton Rouge. In fact, it looked like the hard case was back on. She did pinch run in every game. I still think she will be back either for Texas or Baylor.
 
Kelsey can pitch - she showed us that last year. In our finalWWS game vs Alabama she pitched her heart out and did a fine job. She does have a rise ball and a change up that is a killer. I think her problem right now is foot work which can affect rhythm, speed, power and accuracy. The pitching coach needs to work with her - softly and incrementally - anything near a drill sergeant approach could scramble her brain and then we really will have a basket case. With some coaching attention Kelsey will come out of it. They will test her progress in games a couple innings at a time.
 
After one in Lubbock, OU 1-0 on an Erin Miller single. She's back.

In the top of the second, Ellis doubled, and Arnold singled to score her. Lauren and Shelby still without a hit, and Self isn't in the lineup..

A bunt single, wild pitch, sacrifice, bunt single, and Tech brings it to 2-1 after two.

OU scores another run in the third on a walk to Paige, a steal by PR Vest, and another single by Erin. 3-1

#20 Kentucky fell to #2 LSU 3-1. OU is now rated #23.
 
Last edited:
Shelby finally made them pay. After a single to Arnold and yet another walk to Lauren, Shelby hit a three-run shot to right center, her 12th of the year, 72nd of her career, 53rd at OU.
6-1

Paige struck out to end the inning. But, she responds by striking out the side.
 
Last edited:
SoonerNorm said:
I see your point but, if a player had been shooting 10% from the field in recent games, I still don't want that player jacking up 15 shots a game. That can cost the team wins just like a pitcher who walks too many batters.
Click to expand...

Depends on what else the basketball player brings to the table. Is she a good defender, rebounder, passer? If so, you might put up with the shooting slump.

Softball is a completely different situation. If a pitcher is in a slump, she would have to be an awesome hitter to make it worthwhile to keep letting her pitch.
 
sybarite said:
After one in Lubbock, OU 1-0 on an Erin Miller single. She's back.

In the top of the second, Ellis doubled, and Arnold singled to score her. Lauren and Shelby still without a hit, and Self isn't in the lineup..

A bunt single, wild pitch, sacrifice, bunt single, and Tech brings it to 2-1 after two.

OU scores another run in the third on a walk to Paige, a steal by PR Vest, and another single by Erin. 3-1

#20 Kentucky fell to #2 LSU 3-1. OU is now rated #23.
Click to expand...

OU sports page lists OU as ranked #6. How is OU rated #23?
 
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