Let's go a different direction. After ASU's spanking of the Gators last night, I think it shows why great pitching can trump great hitting. There is no doubt Gators are capable, but last night showed how an ace pitcher can shut you down. Take away that ace, and the tables are turned. No use crying that the ump took the bats away from the Gators in the first inning (which they did), but there was no recovery after that. I think it also showed that hitting requires confidence/competence/stick-to-your game plan. Gators lost TWO of those elements last night - confidence (after the 1st inning) and sticking to the game plan - which HAD to be "LAY OFF THE RISE". At this level, yes - it CAN be done. Granted, a 16u rise ball pitcher can literally own a great hitter, but these are some of the best women hitters in the game today!
Is tonight going to be a repeat of last evening?? It's a given that Gators are going to see more of the same pitching, and Gator pitching will no doubt give up a LOT of hits. IMO, if the Gators MUST:
1) Use better hitting technique, game plan and DISCIPLINE
2) Eliminate senseless fielding errors and miscues.
3) Use change of speed more and keep pitches LOW and moving
4) Do a better job of keeping the ball out of the wheelhouse!
I absolutely believe that (pitching being equal - which it never is) Florida is a much better hitting team than Arizona State. Yeah, they weren't last night, but again-- pitching rules.
It would be nice to see an SEC team start a trend of east coast WCWS champions!