Arizona State 2012 Softball World Series Capsule

Arizona State Sun Devils
Pac-12 (46-7, 18-4)

 
Arizona State came into the 2012 season as favorites to defend their 2011 title. Through the regular season there is little reason to believe that Coach Clint Myers and the Sun Devils will stumble during the College World Series. Arizona State has stumbled a few times during the regular season, including a baffling loss to McNeese State. But that was way back in February. The rest of Arizona State’s losses were to very good teams.

Big Wins: 3/25 vs Arizona (7-6), 4/7 vs UCLA (4-2), 4/27 vs Washington (18-1)
Bad Losses: 2/10 vs McNeese State (1-3), 3/31 vs Oregon (0-3), 4/10 vs Oregon State (2-4)
Coach: Clint Myers (7 seasons at Arizona State)

Why They Can Surprise:
Even in a conference that is full of superb pitchers, Arizona State scores over seven runs per game. They bat nearly .350. Those are some very, very impressive numbers. It all starts with senior shortstop Katelyn Boyd. She is among the nation’s leaders in batting average and home runs. Boyd is a team leader on defense as well, but that is often overlooked due to her magnificent hitting. But this team is about more than just Boyd. Freshman centerfielder Elizabeth Caporuscio has nearly as much power as Boyd and has been a very pleasant surprise for ASU. When talking about the power in the Wildcats lineup, Amber Freeman and Annie Lockwood must be mentioned. Lockwood has not been as dominating as she was in 2011, but she is always a dangerous hitter. What makes Arizona State so special is that they do not just hit for power. Alix Johnson and Bailey Wigness both have joined Boyd in the .400 batting average club. With three players batting over .400, it is extremely difficult for any opposing pitcher to shut down the offense entirely.

Why They Can Disappoint:
The pitching has not been bad by any means in 2012. In fact, most of the losses suffered by Coach Myers and company come because the offense fails to score. However, sophomore Dallas Escobedo has had a little bit of a letdown season. Escobedo is still averaging over one strike out per inning and has a healthy ERA, but compared to her 2011 campaign, Escobedo has been struggling a little bit. Fortunately, senior Hillary Bach has had a great year. She may not strike out as many players as Escobedo, but Bach has been the more consistent pitcher. And that led to Bach being drafted seventh overall in the 2012 NPF Draft. Between Escobedo and Bach, Arizona State does not have too much to worry about in the circle, but getting more consistent play from Escobedo would be very helpful when the going gets tough.

Key Field Players:
Katelyn Boyd, Senior, SS, .457 BA, 19 HR, 60 RBI, 19 SB
Alix Johnson, Sophomore, OF, .442 BA, 10 HR, 46 RBI
Elizabeth Caporuscio, Freshman, CF, .353 BA, 15 HR, 46 RBI
Amber Freeman, Freshman, C, .341 BA, 10 HR, 35 RBI
Annie Lockwood, Senior, RF/1B, .331 BA, 9 HR, 49 RBI
Talor Haro, Senior, OF, .356 BA, 14 RBI

Key Pitchers:
Hillary Bach, Senior, Pitcher, 1.68 ERA, 19-1 W/L, 12 CG, 124.2 IP, 83 SO
Dallas Escobedo, Sophomore, Pitcher, 2.48 ERA, 20-4 W/L, 20 CG, 158.1 IP, 179 SO

By the Numbers:
Batting Average: .346 (4th in nation, 2nd in conference)
Earned Run Average: 2.09 (33, 2)
Fielding Percentage: .976 (6, 3)
Scoring Offense: 7.58 (2, 1)
Home Runs per Game: 1.52 (5, 2)
Doubles per Game: 1.50 (13, 2)
Triples per Game: 0.10 (179, 6)
Stolen Bases per Game: 1.02 (99, 6)
Slugging Percentage: .591 (2, 2)
Double Plays per Game: 0.34 (57, 4)

 
Recent Postseason Appearances:

*all team stats through 5/6

 
See All Softball Postseason Capsules