Duke Softball 2023

[Phredd3]

So you're saying that Coach Young should not be coach any more? Maybe she was experimenting with different matchups or challenging one of her less experienced players in a big moment. Lots of things can go into a game decision that may not appear to make sense, but please give her the benefit of the doubt.

I would, but I'm not sure there's much doubt there. That's just a bad decision in terms of run expectation in one of the bigger games will play during the regular season. You HAVE to maximize your chances in the big-time games. You have license to experiment against a bottom-feeder, but not against the conference powerhouse. Marissa Young is a great coach, but that was just a bad softball decision. It happens, even to great coaches.

[DoubleBlue]

Today's series opener with Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA is postponed due to weather.
Game 1 will be tomorrow (Saturday) at 12 pm and Games 2 & 3 will be Sunday at 12 & 2 pm.

[DoubleBlue]

Duke leads VT in Game 1, 1-0 after 2. Curd is pitching.

[loran16]

Solo homer doubles the lead for duke. curd is pitching well through 3 innings but is having trouble getting batters out quickly and has thrown a lot of pitches

[loran16]

2-1 after 4. Curd gave up a solo rocket but nothing else.

[DoubleBlue]

Ana Gold with a grand slam in T7 for a 7-1 Duke lead!!

[DoubleBlue]

Duke wins 7-1. A combined 1-hitter for Curd and Walker.

[DoubleBlue]

Game 2 is underway with Jala Wright pitching. The announcer mentioned that VT is especially focused on winning this game since they have not lost 2 in a row since February. Of course, neither has Duke (the first 2 games of the year).

[CameronBornAndBred]

I came in late, the announcer mentioned that Torres isn't behind the plate. Is she injured?

[CameronBornAndBred]

I came in late, the announcer mentioned that Torres isn't behind the plate. Is she injured?

Ouch, and already that shows as Frelick makes a bad throw to second and the base is stolen.

[DoubleBlue]

I came in late, the announcer mentioned that Torres isn't behind the plate. Is she injured?

No, I think its normal for a double-header to use two catchers. Frelick's got a good arm and she made a great throw to first to end the B2.

[CameronBornAndBred]

Gold with the RBI double, Duke leads 1-0

[DoubleBlue]

Back-to-back HR by Gold and Vega give Duke a 5-0 lead in T5.

[loran16]

Vega on fire right now (gold is just on her usual level of dominance). Makes that bunt decision last week more baffling.

Keep it going duke

[DoubleBlue]

Duke's defense has also been very good lately. At the risk of jinxing them, no errors yet this series. Knock on wood.

[DoubleBlue]

VT with a solo HR in B6 to make it 5-1. Jala still looks good and just made a bad pitch.
Maybe Coach Young will bring in Walker to close out in the 7th.

[DoubleBlue]

Duke wins 5-1. Jala with the complete game, 3 hits, 7 Ks.

[loran16]

VT with a solo HR in B6 to make it 5-1. Jala still looks good and just made a bad pitch.
Maybe Coach Young will bring in Walker to close out in the 7th.

If it wasn’t a double header I bet she would have but I think she wants to save Walker for game 2. Guessing SGM Curd and Walker will combine to pitch this game in some order

[DoubleBlue]

If it wasn’t a double header I bet she would have but I think she wants to save Walker for game 2. Guessing SGM Curd and Walker will combine to pitch this game in some order

Probably right. They had Coach Young in a short interview during the game and asked her about changing the pitching rotation. She said they wanted to give Jala a different look, going from Friday-Sunday to the Saturday slot. The games got compressed into two days due to weather, but that's the idea. She didn't say, but I think it also gives a vote of confidence to Curd who is becoming the ace of the staff.

[loran16]

Curd starting game 2. Interesting. Not sure she’s started two games in two days (or in three days?) yet