I haven't seen it posted but I presume Josh gets kudos for calling pitches.
As the analyst stated over and over, Mazz kept the Hoos at bay with her speed variance and placement.
27 Replies
2mo
Said he called the pitches and did a great job
(In response to this post by TomTurkey)
2mo
lot like play-callers in football. Players gotta execute.
(In response to this post by TomTurkey)
2mo
Sometimes, it is the calls are not helping the pitcher get close.
** Edited by VAHokie89 at 5/8/2026, 11:15:44 PM
(In response to this post by King of Hokies)
2mo
throw a pitch that is obviously not a strike.
(In response to this post by VAHokie89)
2mo
the pitching coach can call for a ball outside that the intent is to be close enough to be tempting. But if the pitching is not on, that putch is further outside. and then not "close" . This has been a thing. If Mazzarone, in other games, has not been "on", then the pitching coach has had to adjust the calls to the pitchre closer. This has bene a thing in certain games per coach and player.
(In response to this post by King of Hokies)
2mo
closer"
That's a false narrative. There is coaching that can occur that says "your strike out offerings are too far from the plate, we need to get them closer." But there is no such thing as a pitch call "outside, but not too far outside"
(In response to this post by VAHokie89)
2mo
I didn't say that would come on their wrist. But ok
** Edited by VAHokie89 at 5/8/2026, 11:17:49 PM
(In response to this post by King of Hokies)
G
GBOHokie
2mo
Hitting that spot. The ump was calling strikes. Which I believe many were. With calling them strikes all the right handed batters started reaching. Even reaching up when Mazz was a bit high on that side.
(In response to this post by King of Hokies)
2mo
All the fans in general who want hitting coach X fired or pitching coach Y fired for their team. It’s not all on them, players still have to execute.
Not saying coaches are completely absolved but not all on the coach.
(In response to this post by King of Hokies)
2mo
. . . different last night was her ability to consistently throw her 60 mph change for a strike. It was what was called when she needed one and she threw a number on the first pitch. Many of her 70+ pitches are still "throw it and hope" but that can work out well if the change is there.
** Edited by MidloHokie at 5/8/2026, 1:07:41 PM
(In response to this post by VTsportscaster)
2mo
Kudos for them, leaving her in in the seventh to finish the job.
Candidly, I probably would’ve pulled her, and I probably would’ve been wrong. 😀
(In response to this post by TomTurkey)
2mo
. . . fine and with less drama but all's well that ends well.
(In response to this post by VTChip)
2mo
if she came in with bases loaded with 1 out..... i am not so sure.. Thought, last night aside, Bree is more likely to come in relief and throw strikes!
(In response to this post by MidloHokie)
2mo
. . . the bases are juiced.
(In response to this post by VAHokie89)
2mo
That young lady showed nerves of steel. No way I could have handled that amount of pressure.
(In response to this post by VTChip)
2mo
the hit by pitch was a fluke. They got the single. The two-three walks in the inning hurt, but they were close.
The biggest issue was whether Mazz would get rattled and not settle back down to get the strike. I was afraid they would not attack the last hitter and run the risk of dancing around the strike out and get another walk. To her credit, striking out 14 batters mean so many pitchers that were swung at,...that any of those 14 batters could have made contact and put in play.
(In response to this post by fsghokie)
2mo
(In response to this post by fsghokie)
2mo
(In response to this post by laphroaig)
2mo
to get to the CWS and I think he was looking for it from Mazz. She came through big time, which will help her and the team in the post-season and then again next season. Imagine a Mazz in full control of her adrenaline and emotions.
(In response to this post by fsghokie)
2mo
Can’t say I had considered Pete’s intentions immediately after the game but definitely thought, wow, that’s going to be an experience she can draw from later.
(In response to this post by King of Hokies)
2mo
Mazz's interviews affirmed the confidence he had in her. It's also contagious to the team. IMO, of course.
(In response to this post by fsghokie)
2mo
(In response to this post by fsghokie)
2mo
It’s a new team, you can start who you want and not worry about over exposure. I think Pete trusts Mazz, and he made the comment about all the pressure of the game and how Mazz lives for these moments. It may be a sign that we will revert back to mid season, where Mazz starts and Bre relieves.
I lean towards Bre today, but it’s like 51/49 Bre to Mazz. I definitely won’t be a bit surprised if Mazz starts and Bre relieves. That’s how we dominated teams early on, and it’s a great combo.
(In response to this post by King of Hokies)
2mo
for Pete not to start her.
(In response to this post by vatechcowpatty)
2mo
I also thought to pull her. Many times, switching doesn't go well. Re: Hoo decision last night?
(In response to this post by VTChip)
S
schubee
2mo
(In response to this post by VTChip)
2mo
Its when she gets behind in the counts when I worry. bree has been great this year but that 7th inning was Emma's to finish and kuddos to Pete for showing complete trust in her. She earned that by staying in control the whole night.
Now I did worry though as their top 4 had the table set and Hilton and Eaton both could tied or win it with 1 swing. Cabral didn't worry me as she was intimidated all night with the speed of Emma. I worried a little with Hickory as her plate discipline was not as bad but then at 0-2 she no chance. Now I want to watch the game again as that was great.
(In response to this post by schubee)