Softbullets: Backs Against The Wall Comment Count

Ace



It might be time for Haylie Wagner to start in the circle. [Fuller]

Until the gut punch, that felt familiar.

For the third straight game, Haylie Wagner pitched stellar scoreless ball in relief of a shaky Megan Betsa, and Michigan's powerful offense mounted a comeback. This time, however, the comeback stalled on third base; Sierra Romero didn't advance to home on a double-play attempt, and the final two Wolverine batters couldn't knock her in.

Now Michigan is left in the same position they were in 2005, facing consecutive must-win games against the defending national champs. We know it can be done, and while last night's loss stung, it was readily apparent this squad can hang with the Gators.

What: Michigan vs. Florida, Game 2 of Final Series (UF leads 1-0)
When: Tonight, 8 ET
Where to watch: ESPN or WatchESPN
Line: Chalk

Some scattered thoughts on last night's game and tonight's prospects, which is about the best I can muster at the moment:

ON ROMERO. One can only hope this series isn't defined by Romero's failure to break for home. It'd be a great injustice for a great player, especially because of the way Romero got to third base in the first place; she took a leadoff walk instead of trying to win the game on her own, then advanced to second with her usual heads-up baserunning on a passed ball before Kelly Christner's single.

When Kelsey Susalla hit the potential double-play ball, Romero hesitated, and that split-second of indecision gave her no choice but to stay at third. Yes, it cost Michigan a run on the play, but she still stood on third base with less than two outs. Michigan was still in a good position to tie the game; they just couldn't pull it off, and that's not all on Romero.

IT'S TIME. I'm not sure what else Wagner needs to do to show she deserves the start tonight. This should be enough:

Given the stakes, I don't think Michigan can afford to see if Betsa regains her confidence—and her ability to throw first-pitch strikes—before making a change, and it sounds like Carol Hutchins is thinking along those lines:

Hutchins confirmed what has been obvious, that Betsa is struggling with confidence, but wouldn't clearly indicate who might start Tuesday.

"She appears to have some confidence problems, I would say," Hutchins said. "We need our best confidence on the mound, I can tell you that. It's a long tournament hopefully, so we need to get her confidence back. There's no reason not to have confidence this point in the season. It's been a tough week so far."

I'd be surprised if Wagner isn't in the circle from the beginning tonight. There's little room for error, and even less so if Florida makes a pitching change of their own and starts national player of the year Lauren Haeger.

MICHIGAN ARGUABLY PLAYED BETTER. The Wolverines ended up with 11 baserunners, the Gators with six. Wagner nearly tied the game in the sixth when she cracked a ball just outside the left-field foul pole. Sierra Lawrence nearly did the same later that inning with a long fly that had the trajectory but not the distance, barely. After Betsa's struggles, Wagner shut down the Florida offense, and Michigan put up serious offensive threats in the final two innings.

While Michigan lost, they should still have confidence; this game swung on a few plays, and tonight those could easily go the other way.

THUMBS UP, ESPN. When ESPN announced they were adding Curt Schilling to the broadcast for the final series, I was worried the conversation would get bogged down in Softball 101 and how-can-we-compare-this-to-baseball. While there was a little of that, to be sure, I thought Schilling was a good addition to an already strong announcing crew. He showed a great appreciation for the game—which he's quite familiar with, thanks to his daughter—and his analysis was insightful while leaving room for his more experienced counterparts to lead the discussion and guide him when necessary.

The softball broadcasts have been all-around excellent, and it was nice to see Schilling fit right in. While he rubs some people the wrong way, he worked really well in this role.

I DIDN'T PLAN TO BE THIS EMOTIONALLY INVOLVED. At some point in the later innings last night, I realized I was more emotionally invested in the game than I had been for any Michigan sporting event since the Elite Eight game against Kentucky. It felt great, even without the desireable result. I'm no softball buff—like many of you, I started watching when the games hit national TV—but it's impossible to watch one of these games and not get hooked in by the skill, excitement, and emotion. These are world-class athletes hell-bent on making their games as fun as possible.

If it ends tonight, it's been a wonderful ride. I hope it doesn't end tonight.

Comments

Phillymb

June 2nd, 2015 at 12:26 PM ^

Sat behind home late last night and it was evident that Betsa's "stuff" was working. Rise balls high and low and change up. One waive-off of a called pitch from the bench led to a home run by Haeger but otherwise she seemed ok.

Maybe tonight Wagner starts and Betsa in relief if needed.

My wife and I are in the same boat as you are Ace having just become M Softball followers. Great intensity and fun and skill. Added benefit of filling the gap between basketball/hockey and the start of football.

JonnyHintz

June 2nd, 2015 at 12:33 PM ^

Betsa was better last night than she has been, but Wagner has been lights out. I don't see how you don't go with Wagner, keep your DP, and Betsa can come in relief if needed.

Bob_Timberlake

June 2nd, 2015 at 12:38 PM ^

if Wagner doesn't get the start tonight. So would Betsa. Perhaps tonight Schilling can give us 10 facts you never knew about Salve Regina University (where is daughter is attending).

justingoblue

June 2nd, 2015 at 12:44 PM ^

The writing is obviously on the wall re: Haylie Wagner starting tonight, but with the good bit of negativity in Megan Betsa's direction I hope people are willing to take a step back and have a little perspective about the situation. This isn't directed at Ace's post, but the more vocal Betsa critics should realize she's earned the long leash she's just gotten to the end of and that Hutch wasn't continuing to start her out of charity.

Still, Wagner is pretty damn talented in her own right, and I'm confident she'll put M in a position to win (maybe even do it herself at the plate!).

stephenrjking

June 2nd, 2015 at 12:46 PM ^

I'm with you on this. I watched and enjoyed the Super-Regional last year and tuned in again (vaguely familiar with the players) when national TV did. And it's been a lot of fun to watch; this is a very likable team. I have vague hopes that the pizza meme crosses over to a big-time sport next year, say as part of a team TD celebration.

Hope they win tonight.

gwkrlghl

June 2nd, 2015 at 5:33 PM ^

I realized last week that I just expect Michigan to beat top 10 teams, bludgeon the Big Ten, and do so by deploying whatever pitcher they might find in the dugout. Then I was like, "I wonder what it's like to be a fan of say Indiana or MSU softball" and I re-realized that we should really be enjoying these times with the softball team. It's like Red's teams in the 90's. One day it'll be gone and we'll be sad we didn't appreciate it more

charblue.

June 2nd, 2015 at 1:00 PM ^

of what to look for and anticipate tonight. I thought Michigan was tentative at bat for the first time in their appearance at the CWS. Not to be unexepected at this point. Michigan regained its footing late and had the more dynamic chances to score and win than Florida's first inning salvo blast from national player of the year Haylie Wagner. 

I would have preferred Michigan putting a play on the seventh with none out and runners on the corners. Either a bunt or hit and run early in the count. But the problem with that strategy for Hutch was that you had Michigan's most efficient and timely bats coming up.

Still moving the defense and forcing it to react, gives the hitter a better chance to make something happen without requiring a clean hit. This play can both backfire and/or succeed but  Michigan got what it should have have needed a ball up the middle that the defense sought to turn into two outs and not seek a play at the plate on Romero, who had to go then, if only because you can't count on anything else happening to score -- as things turned out. 

I felt as the play unfolded, Michigan would tie it up, but Romero's failure to start home forced her to stay at third. The only thing that partially saved Michigan was a late relay throw to first. By the way, the shortstop made a great stop on that well-hit ball. 

I have felt watching this tournament that Michigan is the most outstanding team and would only lose if it beat itself, which it did Monday night. Maybe Florida is better because it takes what it gets and makes it stand up. Michigan has one more chance to prove my belief. But even if it falls short, this program has given us a delicious season of passionate play. That's all you can ask. 

MGoBrewMom

June 2nd, 2015 at 1:07 PM ^

ugh.

did not love this.

why? because baseball? because famous+daughter plays? I'm certainly glad he showed appreciation for the sport he was hired to talk about, but I'm not sure that is worthy of praise.

Erik_in_Dayton

June 2nd, 2015 at 2:21 PM ^

He didn't know enough about softball to be an expert but also didn't do a very good job of standing in the shoes of the audience member who is new to softball (a role often played by Olympic announcers for various sports).  Instead we got a guy who didn't understand (what I take to be) basic strategy but who also felt informed enough to second guess how the pitches were relayed in.   

BlueCube

June 2nd, 2015 at 1:10 PM ^

shortstop turned her back. You don't know what the shortstop would have done, but it may have made her hesitate. It may not have made any difference since the runner at first was safe anyway but I would have liked to see her draw a throw even if she went back to third and if the shortstop didn't pay attention to her, she would have had a short run home when the throw went to first.

Easier to think it through when you have all this time to think about it and we wouldn't be here without her. I will not criticize her when she made what she felt was the best decision. Also as Ace noted they had two other chances to get her in and it didn't happen. You don't want to make the first out at home with none out.

I think they will be less nervous and play better tonight. I still like our chances although Florida is a very good team.

GO BLUE!

Real Tackles Wear 77

June 2nd, 2015 at 1:13 PM ^

Are you sure we were watching the same telecast, Ace? I thought Schilling was awful, and showed a lack of understanding of softball which made it clear that he had very little to contribute to the broadcast. Otherwise a great writeup.

MGoBrewMom

June 2nd, 2015 at 3:07 PM ^

Had a mini interaction on Twitter today...civil, but the argument from the other side was that Schilling could bring other fans who wouldn't otherwise watch. To me it is insulting to assume we need an MLB player to make it credible or interesting. Then, his lack of knowledge was annoying to the people who already are softball fans who are watching...especially when there are plenty of people available to provide color commentary, who actually know the nuances of the game.

For now, I need to get over it and just root for this team to find itself. Starting out with a fielding error on the first play, and the lack of ability to capitalize on the bases is NOT like this team. Not at all. They need to be loose and confident, and show that they are a much better team than the one that barely lost last night.

Maize_Blue_Forever

June 2nd, 2015 at 1:17 PM ^

Watching from the stands it was not obvious that Romero would have been safe at home had she gone.  But watching the replays it was obvious.  Why Hutch did not make it clear that she should run on any hit up the middle I don't understand.  In the situation we were in you had to take the chance you might be thrown out at the plate.

Going to the game tonight hopefully we start the game like we ended the first one.  With passion and confidence!

funkywolve

June 2nd, 2015 at 2:37 PM ^

since if they throw home to get Romero, even if she's out you still have 1st and 2nd with only one out.  Now a sac fly, past ball, infield hit deep in a hole doesn't score the runner from second like it would have Romero if she was at 3rd, but a base hit still probably scores from the runner from 2nd.

MMB 82

June 2nd, 2015 at 1:21 PM ^

If Sierra2's long foul ball had been a foot or two to the right, it's a different story. If the next two hitters had moved her along, it's a different story. If Romero had gone to another school, it's a different story....I just hope she doesn't turn pro and skip her senior year /jk!

Tuebor

June 2nd, 2015 at 1:44 PM ^

I don't think it matter's who starts in the circle for Michigan. Lauren Haeger is starting in the circle for Florida and she is lights out.  I expect Florida to win this one late.  Haeger probably has the winning RBI.

Tuebor

June 2nd, 2015 at 5:07 PM ^

I'm not going to sugar coat it.  Michgian is a great team this year.  I just think Florida is even better.  They held us to 2 runs with their #2 and #3 pitcher last night.  We had runners on the corners with no outs and couldn't score.  I'd love to be wrong but Betsa is in a funk right now and Wagner needs to be perfect to beat Florida. Although I like how Wagner has been aggressive in this world series.  She is a senior and is pitching to extend her career.  I hope she starts tonight but I would imagine that Florida will get thier runs no matter who pitches for us.  Aside from Wagner we didn't look aggressive last night and we paid the price.

MGoGrendel

June 2nd, 2015 at 1:59 PM ^

We looked like we were playing not to lose.  We were on our heels trying not to make a mistake, which we did a few too many times.

Kind of like telling a kid "get a hit" vs. "don't strike out".  The end result may be the same (if they get a hit), but the frame of mind in the second case isn't an agressive one.

South Bend Wolverine

June 2nd, 2015 at 2:11 PM ^

Wait, you LIKED Schilling last night?  He spent the whole game going "Wait ... this isn't baseball, I don't understand it, and - as a pitcher - I don't like anything anyone's doing."  I'm just hoping ESPN lifts him after all the negative feedback they got on twitter last night.  Not likely, but hopefully he'll at least be chastened somewhat.

On the content, you're absolutely right - we had a better game overall than Florida, they were just ever so slightly more timely.  Like all sports, it's a game of inches, and last night, the inches broke the wrong way.  When it takes a couple bad breaks to cost you a game against the #1 team when you're not at your best, that's something you can live with.  We just have to come back and BE at our best this time!

Boner Stabone

June 2nd, 2015 at 2:24 PM ^

it was a great game by both teams.  They are obviously evenly matched and look for another tight one tonight. Hopefully the good girls come out on top tonight!!

Mweasel

June 2nd, 2015 at 2:29 PM ^

Hutch is 2 games past making a proactive decision about the pitching.

I'm hopeful, but I'm afraid Hutch screwed the pooch -- and that usually is not overcome...

Amaizin' Blue

June 2nd, 2015 at 2:46 PM ^

I could see sticking with Betsa for the LSU game. Last night didn't make sense.

Anyone else think the girls lost a little mojo last night? Seemed noticeably quieter all game in the dugout? Hutch even said they lacked confidence early but I still noticed it late in the game too.




Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad

AlwaysBlue

June 2nd, 2015 at 3:07 PM ^

Betsa was that bad last night. The HR came off nearly an ankle high pitch. Maybe that's the batter's zone and they didn't want it there...that I don't know. Minus that mistake pitch or great at bat (however you look at it) she gave up 1 run. Wagner just appears dominating though getting more swings and misses and quick innings.

enlightenedbum

June 2nd, 2015 at 6:49 PM ^

She's not getting ahead and so is more consistently getting in trouble.  Though I agree, she really only made one mistake after Haeger had a great AB.  The double was also a superior piece of hitting.

That said, Wagner totally jammed her and has been dominant since she got in on Friday.

Greyhound 96

June 2nd, 2015 at 3:21 PM ^

for a few years now, but the games are hard to catch because very few are on air which makes absolutley no sense.

Romero is a HALL OF FAME, type player, and made one mistake, but i do not think that will stop her from turning up these next TWO games.

Betsa played well, but Wagner is ultimately our best pitcher, and she needs to be in the circle.

M will be fine!

charblue.

June 2nd, 2015 at 3:24 PM ^

why softball fans would hate Schilling as a commentator, but for ESPN I understand why they put him on their flagship broadcast of a game being watched by a broader audience to help both compare the game of baseball and softball and, thus, give its players and execution greater respect than an all-female team of former players can. 

I mean if you didn't know that softball hurlers  throwing the ball 60-plus mph is the equivalent of a baseball pitcher throwing in the high 90's, and that with the kinds of drops and rise balls with spin and movement that deceptively change eye level for any hitter, Schilling gave you that perspective as to how major league pitchers do the same thing throwing sliders, curves and changeups in order to get great hitters out. 

What he didn't get is that in softball, almost all pitches are called from the bench by the pitching coach or head coach, something that is true for lots of baseball teams but not necessarily every battery or elite pitcher. So, whether Haeger took Betsa deep on a pitch that Betsa didn't want to throw or she got overriden by the bench call, the pitch still got hit out. 

Schilling didn't bring anything new to the game for softball fans, he did give the wider audience a  better appreciation of how good these softball athletes and pitchers really are talented and how their performance could be compared to baseball, which is the point of him being there.  

The skills to play softball, eye-hand coordination, bat speed and speedup of reaction and response because of a smaller playing surface than baseball, should only enhance respect for the performers who are so dazzling in making it look easy when it's a difficult game to play, let alone master.

The women's game is such a pleasure to watch when played well by great athletes and so nerve-wracking like any other contest when you are hooked into the moment, that complaining about how it doesn't relate to a different game, seems ludicrous to me. It is a different game and great because of that. And the women who play it are wonderful athletes and should be recognized as such. 

ESPN is simply trying to translate the game for those viewers who need a translator. I'm not supporting his presence on the broadcast, just seeking to explain why he's there. 

bronxblue

June 2nd, 2015 at 3:28 PM ^

Even if they don't take home a championship, this team has been very fun to watch, and it's pretty amazing they have been this consistently good given the limitations and hurdles they face based on geography and weather, to say nothing of the talent concentrations that benefit other squads.

SDCran

June 2nd, 2015 at 3:38 PM ^

It was a very hard hit ball. She probably scores if she runs on contact, but maybe not if the ss comes home with it. With no outs, you have to be a little more careful.



But true enough, their senior #5 hitter had a chance to come through and didn't. That happens. (Reminded me of Maggie V vs Kentucky.)

chatster

June 2nd, 2015 at 4:00 PM ^

Michigan’s OTHER senior pitcher, Sara Driesenga, an All-Big Ten First Team player in 2012 and 2013 (winning 31 games as a sophomore), missed most of the season due to a rib injury. She finished the season with a 4-0 record, a 0.78 ERA and three complete games in seven appearances, holding opponents to a .225 batting average.

Both Megan Betsa (second team All-American) and Haylie Wagner (third team All-American) have been great for Michigan this year. When we see that some of the smiles might be missing from sophomore Megan Betsa during her past three outings, it's easy to forget that Sara Driesenga hasn't been available to pick up some of the slack when either of her All-American teammates hasn't been as sharp as she'd like to be "in the circle."

Regardless of the outcome tonight, Hail and Thank You, Megan Betsa, Haylie Wagner, Sara Driesenga, Sierra Romero and the rest of your Michigan Softball teammates and coaches for making Michigan fans smile and cheer a lot this spring. Go Blue and Beat The Gators!

 

jsimms

June 2nd, 2015 at 4:03 PM ^

i agree with #23 above written by nyquist

michigan had a lot of baserunners against the #2 and the #3 florida pitchers---so game #1 last night was michigan's best chance to win

i am afraid it will be much tougher against all-american haeger

 

 

Ty Butterfield

June 2nd, 2015 at 4:15 PM ^

This is a gut punch loss that you just don't come back from. It gets harder and harder to see Michigan come up just short. No matter what sport Michigan just can't seem to catch a break. Want to see a light at the end of the tunnel but it just isn't there. May just drink whiskey and sit in a dark room the rest of the day.

Mweasel

June 2nd, 2015 at 4:24 PM ^

It's gonna be hard to overcome such a major BRAIN CHOKE by your coach for not pitching Wagner when it's been the obvious play for 3 straight games!!

It makes me sick for a coach to cost a talented and spirited team by being too small for the moment.