SB vs LSU in WS Semis: 3:30pm on ESPN

Submitted by MGoSoftball on

I am starting this thread a little early but I wanted to break down our opponent today: LSU.

LSU is 52-13 overall (15-9 SEC).  They were in the top 10 USA Today most of the season; including several weeks at #1 after taking 2 out of 3 at Florida.  LSU took 2 out of 3 from both Kentucky and Tennessee this season.  LSU lost 2 out of 3 to Mizzou and Auburn as well.

LSU is a power hitting team led by Bianka Bell and Bailey Landry.  Bell is hitting .421 with a whopping .802 SLG %.  She has 18 HR and 73 RBIs.   Landry is hitting .429 with a .571 SLG %.  She has 2 HR and 26 RBIs.

LSU will score runs but their weakness is their pitching.  They are led by the duo of Allie Walljasper and Carley Hoover  Walljasper has a season ERA of 1.84.  She has 96Ks and 30 BBs.  Hoover has a season ERA of 1.63.  She has 171 Ks and 69 BB.

The Tigers Pitching will give up some runs but it will not come easy for us.  We need to continue to perform as we have most of the season.  If we get some good and timely hits, the Megan will only need to have a good, not great game to win today.  However, if Megan struggles like she did on Friday, then the offense will need to kick it into the next gear.  My guess is that Megan comes out on fire and the bats keep popping.  

PREDICTION: Michigan 9  LSU 4.

BornSinner

May 31st, 2015 at 6:02 PM ^

Why not just start Wagner from the get go? Betsa hasn't been doing that great lately anyway. 

South Bend Wolverine

May 31st, 2015 at 6:06 PM ^

Folks have short memories ... she shut out Alabama just a couple days ago!  Also, it could be that we were throwing Betsa, hoping to save Wagner for either a potential elimination game or game 1 of the title series.  When you have 2 chances to win 1 game, there's an argument for throwing your weaker pitcher first against their ace.  If you win, great, you save your ace's arm a bit, and if you lose, you bring in your stronger hurler against their 2nd-tier.

Avant's Hands

May 31st, 2015 at 6:04 PM ^

Feels like that was about two innings too late. Betsa hasn't had it for two games in a row now. Good swing by LSU on that last ball, but Betsa just hasn't looked good today.