Softball Day 2 Plainsman Invite 2/25/23

[slot canyon 1,341]

Games now listed as TV on SECN+.  At 3 PM North Dakota State with record 4 - 6.  I give 'em credit for their schedule which includes losses to Oregon, Ole Miss and Tennessee.  The 5:30 game is vs Merrimack.  

[LPTiger 5,167]

4 games and 4 shutouts, 6 hits total given up!!!  That's pretty good.

[slot canyon 1,341]

The suicide squeeze bunt by Tresvik in the bottom of 3rd that scored Garcia was a thing of beauty.

Squeeze Bunt (Suicide Squeeze)

One of our favorite plays is the squeeze bunt, or suicide squeeze. This play is a good option when the team has a fast runner on third base and a good bunter at the plate. Some of our best bunters have also been power hitters, and the defense is usually caught off guard when a power hitter executes a squeeze bunt. Running a squeeze play certainly involves an element of risk, because the runner on third is heading home on the pitch; the batter must get the bunt down or foul it off in order to avoid forcing the runner at third into an easy out. A coach has to be willing to take that risk, and knowing the team and their ability to execute the play will minimize the risk.

 

Technique

The suicide squeeze technique is the same as that for a sacrifice bunt. The only difference is that the batter may need to wait a little longer to show bunt in order to deceive the infield defense. However, the batter must not wait so long that she is unable to get the barrel on the ball and get the bunt down. Timing is critical on this play. Batters will need a lot of practice to get the timing perfected to where they have confidence in their ability to successfully execute the squeeze bunt.

Remember, the batter does not have the option of bunting or not bunting the ball as she does in a sacrifice situation. She must attempt to bunt the ball no matter where the pitch is located. Even if the pitch is over her head or rolling on the ground, she must at least foul it off. The runner is leaving third without hesitation when the pitch is released and will run into a catcher's tag if the batter doesn't make contact with the ball.

 

[Mikey 16,638]

28 minutes ago, slot canyon said:

a good bunter at the plate.

This is more important than many people realize. Not every player is a good bunter. Fans tend to yell "bunt" or criticize the coach for not bunting no matter who is at bat. Most teams will have two or at most three players who are talented bunters and it's hit and miss with the rest. Nothing kills a rally faster than the attempted bunt being popped up or softly lined out for the start of a double play.