My DD is 13yo and a control pitcher. Has average velocity for her age but above average control and a change up. Gets outs on a lot of weak contact, relying on her defense. In nearly 55 IP in her Rec League (she also plays travel), she walked a total of 8 batters this spring. Well, last night, in the Rec League semi-final game she walked a total of 6(!), including walking in a run late in the game. Game is still tied in extra innings (9) and will be resumed tonight (called for time last night).
It could be fatigue (she's pitched about 120 innings so far this spring between travel and rec--the most she ever has--though only 5 so far of last night's game) and, of course, anyone can have an off night. That said, she was really struggling at times with the umpire's strike zone (very tight zone) and, in the past, whenever she has walked more than one or two batters in a game it has had something to do with a bad ump/zone and her resulting frustration from that. Last night, there were definitely more than a few pitches called balls where I was like, where did that miss? Was sort of crazy. I guess I am scratching my head because it is so counter to expectations--I would have had an easier time with her giving up a string of hits (though outcome might have been worse. LOL.). Anyway, I'd welcome any perspective and any thoughts about what I can tell her to make sure her confidence stays high because she'll be back out there pitching tonight...
It could be fatigue (she's pitched about 120 innings so far this spring between travel and rec--the most she ever has--though only 5 so far of last night's game) and, of course, anyone can have an off night. That said, she was really struggling at times with the umpire's strike zone (very tight zone) and, in the past, whenever she has walked more than one or two batters in a game it has had something to do with a bad ump/zone and her resulting frustration from that. Last night, there were definitely more than a few pitches called balls where I was like, where did that miss? Was sort of crazy. I guess I am scratching my head because it is so counter to expectations--I would have had an easier time with her giving up a string of hits (though outcome might have been worse. LOL.). Anyway, I'd welcome any perspective and any thoughts about what I can tell her to make sure her confidence stays high because she'll be back out there pitching tonight...