Last season wasn’t up to the defensive standard CTW has established over the years and this season idk, it’s just gone off the rails. It’s bonkers and I can’t wrap my head around it. No trust in defense causes pitching to try to be perfect which never goes well and pitching is probably missing their spots often. It’s like a self perpetuating system of not good. I’m just going to stop thinking about it and maybe it’ll go away!
If we substitute AK for Cahalan at 3rd, the team fielding percentage this year would probably be better than last year. And I agree that last year's defense wasn't as good as most other prior Walton teams.
NEW VERSION OF PITCH-OUT WITH GUARANTEED THAT RUNNER OUT? In today's game, we had Comia on 1B. The pitcher did a standard windup, pitching delivery motion, etc., but held on to the ball rather than releasing it. Comia went on the motion to steal second base. Ruling after umpire consultation: pitcher not releasing the ball = illegal pitch, ball added to the batter's count. Comia out at 2B for leaving early, since the ball was never thrown by the pitcher. In the future, if you are confident that the runner at 1B is going to steal, why not do this rather than a traditional pitch-out? The runner leaves on timing/motion. It's not like they look to see the ball leave the pitcher's hand before leaving 1B. If you get this wrong and the runner doesn't have the green light to steal 2B, then you have given up one ball on the batter -- same as if you guessed wrong on a standard pitchout. If you get it right, the runner is automatically out, no having to make a good throw.
Illegal pitch *that isn’t thrown* should be an immediate dead ball. I think they got this wrong. Would also be a balk in baseball, but I guess there’s no similar rule in softball. *added context (and correction) in post 10884
That assumes what they did today is the correct interpretation of the rule. If it is, it shouldn't be.
Will be interesting to see if Keagan or Red gets the ball tomorrow. Red is pitching very well. But...Keagan. If Keagan doesn't get the ball, is it confirmation she is still not right?
It was ruled a dead ball after the pitcher took another step. At that point it was an illegal pitch, not when she didn't release it normally. But the Comia left at the normal release point, prior to the pitcher the extra step that made it an illegal pitch. Yep, no balk in softball Agreed -- but I think there needs to be a rule change. This seems ripe for exploitation.
As it stands, it is grossly absurd to the runner. Should be an illegal pitch, dead ball, runner stays at first and a ball on the batter. That is simply common sense. There is no way a runner can plan for this. Calling her out for leaving early is just flat nuts.
I don’t think there’s any question she’s not right but she’s apparently healthy enough for a Friday start. I don’t think CTW would put her in danger but I think she gets the start tomorrow. She’s got to work off the rust and tomorrow is a great opportunity to continue that process.
And this could really screw Falby and our other speedsters. Agree that it is unfair and flat nuts. But it seems to be correct via the rulebook. I hope that some smart coach isn't putting this in his/her back pocket and waiting for the WCWS to call for a review and screw Falby.
Series won yes but…I think getting the sweep is tremendously important for this team. Baring some other teams completely collapsing forgot about the regular season title. That ships sailed. The team showed life today, an offensive spark, bats coming alive. Ava’s fire in the circle. Momentum is key especially in college sports! We got some I think, gotta keep it going. Time to get hot and make that run! Wins are for seeding, momentum and belief wins championships.
No officiating calls going our way so far. In confusing situations lack of common sense prevails. “The thirty minute debacle “. There’s a reason these people are umpiring games rather than designing spaceships to go to mars.
