Momentum on the Line as Volts and Talons Collide on Day Two
Spotlight Matchup: Volts and Talons
Heading into day two of the series here in Rosemont, my spotlight game is the Volts and Talons. Both teams are coming off dominant performances last night, but tonight someone has to take the loss. The last time the Talons and Volts got together, it ended in the Talons sweeping the Volts at Love’s Field in Norman, Oklahoma. Will tonight be a different outcome?
Volts Found Their Groove?
The Volts returned from break with an aggressive approach at the plate, swinging early and applying pressure. After a couple of innings to settle in, they forced every pitcher the Bandits threw at them to work.
The bats were passed around and paired with Rachel Garcia’s strong outing in the circle that went, the Volts built a five-run cushion before a late Bandits push. Coach Kelly Kretschman spoke on how playing free and like you have nothing to lose makes a difference. When teams are not pressing, they tend to play their best softball. I will be watching closely to see if the Volts continue that energy tonight.
Amanda Lorenz Keeps the Engine Running
Amanda Lorenz continues to be the tone-setter. She is the only player in the AUSL to reach base safely in all 13 games this season. Lorenz brings one of the most consistent and patient approaches at the plate, tied for third in the league with 17 hits and ranking second with nine walks.
It is clear that she has been playing loose and confident all season, and the rest of the Volts lineup looked like they joined that mindset last night.
Corrick Returns to the Circle
Tonight, the Volts will be facing Talons ace Georgina Corrick. The veteran right-hander comes in with a 3-0 record, a 1.62 ERA, and a stingy .159 opponent batting average. Corrick has faced this Volts team three times already and picked up two wins in Norman back in June. One of those wins was historic, the first complete game shutout in AUSL history.
Corrick and the Talons are riding momentum and look like a team dialed in for the long haul.
Landry Looks to Challenge Talons Lineup
On the other side, rookie Sam Landry will get the ball for the Volts. Landry, out of Oklahoma, is 1-2 with a 4.50 ERA and looking for a breakthrough outing. If she wants to tame the Talons bats, she will need to work low in the zone and avoid falling behind in counts.
The Talons are a patient group and wait for mistakes to pounce on. As Talons head coach Howard Dobson said after last night’s win, “these are professional hitters.”
Talons Red Hot
The Talons have won nine of their last ten and outscored opponents 72 to 50 in that stretch. Jadelyn Allchin and Hannah Flippen have been leading the charge with strong offensive showings, and I have my eye on rookie Bri Ellis to find her rhythm as well.
Ellis, the Arkansas product, has yet to break through the way she is used to. The pro level brings a learning curve, but she is in good hands. I spoke with Coach Dobson about her last night and he was nothing but encouraging. He believes in what Ellis brings and knows it is only a matter of time before it all clicks.
Final Thought
Tonight has all the ingredients for another statement game. Two teams on a high, a nice starting pitching matchup, and lineups that can light it up. I will be locked in to see who continues to rise.
Find tonight’s game at 7:00 PM EDT/6:00 PM CT and will be televised on ESPN2.
