tlo2485

April 5th, 2016 at 1:06 PM ^

they've been good for a few years, I believe making it to super regionals last season? they have a really good pitcher, Sara Groenewegen.. (spelling?) one of their assistants is jessica merchant, the SS from our NC team

tlo2485

April 5th, 2016 at 1:08 PM ^

Michigan is leading the country with over 9 runs per game, but the pitching is nowhere close to elite levels we are used to. It's going to be tough to go on a deep world series run without way more consistency from the circle. Florida has 3 pitchers I believe with sub 1.00 ERA... we won't be able to outslug teams like that in OKC.

tlo2485

April 5th, 2016 at 4:39 PM ^

They are both giving up a lot of hits, walks, and runs compared to anything we've seen recently. Both have ERA around 2.5. Dreisenga is undefeated, but Betsa has had the tougher starts mostly. Our offense has rescued us, besides being shut out by Florida 8-0, and losing two 1-run slugfests to Washington and a not-very-good Northwestern. Teams without a bonified shutdown ace rarely succeed in the world series. Without comparing exact details, I would say our pitching is probably the poorest out of the top 10 right now. Betsa has a lot of strike outs, but also way too many walks and meltdowns. With that being said, we still find ourselves ranked #1 with all of our tough games behind us, and a lot of quality wins racked up. I'll trust Hutch to pull it together, but I will still be nervous to face a likely field of Florida, Alabama, LSU, Auburn, Oregon, etc.....

Eyzwidopn

April 5th, 2016 at 1:09 PM ^

As expected after the dominating performances the team has shown following the Northwestern lost coupled with Florida losing 2 of 3 to Alabama.

This team is strong from the top of the order to the bottom.  Pitching seems to be the only weakness if you can call a couple of fluke outings that.  If Betsa, Driesenga and Blanco can continue to put up consistent strong showings then this team will be back in the WCWS as the favorite to win it all.  Go Blue!  

 

tlo2485

April 5th, 2016 at 4:28 PM ^

They go with the preseason poll and adjust it almost entirely up and down based on the previous weeks results. Prior results are basically forgotten when these pollsters update their polls. Florida run ruled us, and beat Auburn 2/3...so there's no denying they're the team to beat, but they're punished for dropping 2 to a top 10 Alabama. Finishing in top 8 is the main objective. We really should be able to finish with 5 or less losses, but who knows. That's definitely a top 3 seed, though.

Ty Butterfield

April 5th, 2016 at 7:28 PM ^

Last year was the year. Damn fucking Florida. I see this ending just like the hockey season. Amazing offense but pitching will most likely do this team in at some point in the tournament. I hope I am wrong and Hutch can get the pitching back on track.

Wolvie3758

April 6th, 2016 at 11:46 AM ^

we will have to out slug teams once we get thru to the super regionals and beyond if we get there. Which, we are perfectly capable and SHOULD do...we might not need a Haylie Wagner shut out type performance this year..Betsa has been somewhat of a dissapointment so far  but then I never thought she was a Dominant pitcher consistently, sure shes dominant against Western etc but when she goes up against the top schools she struggles...Sarah Driesbach has had a great year so far but shs been giving up 3 or so runs a game as well...We will  have to out hit the Floridas, Bama and Auburns of the world but I think we have the team to do it...MICH VS florida for th title again this year...Michigan wins