It was kind of neat when the Big Ten Network showed the teams' combined runs, hits, and errors over the first two games in the series: Minnesota 16-19-1, and Northwestern 0-6-3.
Northwestern has played both games looking tired. They started 2019 & 2021 very hot also but cooled off those years too, near the end of their schedule.
There was less than 2 outs and a fly to deep right field. The ball was dropped and the run would have scored anyway. If I was scoring, I would have scored it SF-E9 RBI (earned run), since SF-9 would have been the result without the drop.
Agree that comfortable lock status might require two wins, but the two dominating wins this weekend have greatly improved our resume, to the point where it would be a surprise if we were overlooked, even if we were to lose our first tournament game to Wisconsin.
I was also there and just finished watching the replay. They were pretty complimentary of our defense, particularly Dowell and Strelow.
DenHartog stayed back on that changeup and hit it off her back foot moving forward. It surprises me that more hitters don't do that on her changeups when they know so many are coming. I agree the Gophers have a fighting chance, if they get in, but considering all the talent on the team it's bit melancholy feeling that this seems a lost season, considering what might have been from the start... (Btw are Pease & DenHartog returning for a 5th season in 2023?)
I did not see Natalie in the Senior day picture. So, maybe.
Has anybody else noticed that Autumn's delivery is different this year? Previously, she raised her arms high above her head, This year she has kept them down during her motion. Perhaps, this is an adjustment to her shoulder problem.
I stayed for the senior day ceremony, and neither Pease nor DenHartog took part. Expect both back next year, and hope Pease’s shoulder issues will be a distant memory in 2023.
Congratulations to Emily! Despite some ups and downs, she never stopped competing and working on her craft. So nice to see it all coming together for her now.
Hopefully they'll get some good innings from Hollifield in 2023 and Schwartz proves to be really good, in addition to returning Pease and Leavitt. Regardless of how the rest of 2022 turns out, the way the Gophers have got things together this spring is impressive. A lot of ink has been spilled in our various posts here in 2022 about all that was lost when Allister left, but Ritter has put together a defensive unit I've not seen the equal to in years of Gopher softball. Gophers Softball should put together an online review of outstanding putouts in one weeked v. Northwestern.
This is exactly correct. When push comes to shove, sports is about entertainment. I have been entertained by this Gopher team - especially these past 7 days. I know I will be entertained in the days ahead. The couple/three weeks that close out the conference season over the past 8 years have proven to be the best entertainment, all in hopes of making a run at the Big Ten title game!
I am one of those who have been advocating for Cox getting more at bats… but her getting more than one a game will probably have to wait till next year. It’s tournament time and I think they need Jensen’s leadership in the game and on the field.
I agree. Also, I feel more at bats need to be given to Valencia and Hansen. Hansen has been crushing the ball lately and Valencia is a sleeper for sure, those that saw her in the fall and this season, taking Texas closer 250ft into the parking lot would agree.
The RPI on NCAA.com has Illinois at 34 and Minnesota at 35, with Wisconsin at 38. This is adjusted RPI, which includes bonus points for beating high-RPI non-conference opponents.
