The University of Memphis (16-5) will take on No. 21 Mississippi State (23-3) Wednesday at Tiger Softball Complex. This will be the first time the two teams have faced each other since 2014.
Memphis is playing well right now and is one of the top teams in the NCAA in several categories. Memphis is fourth in batting average at .357. They are eighth in ERA at 1.06. They are tied for 10th with Tennessee and Arizona with a .422 on base percentage.
They are ninth in the nation in scoring at 6.63 runs per game and 24th in slugging percentage at .492. They have 44 stolen bases this season and are 18th for stolen bases per game at 2.10. They also are second in the nation with triples per game at 0.67.
A look at the opponent
Although the Bulldogs have gone 3-2 in neutral sites, this will be their second true away game after a road win against Samford on Tuesday.
Memphis and the Bulldogs have had wins over two common opponents, Mississippi Valley State and Southeastern Louisiana. The Bulldogs’ game against Southeastern Louisiana was forced into eight innings, but Mississippi State won 3-2. The Bulldogs also defeated Mississippi Valley 8-0 in six innings.
The Tigers beat Southeastern Louisiana 12-1 and sealed the win in five innings Friday. They also defeated Southeastern Louisiana 8-2.
Mississippi State’s ERA is seventh in the NCAA at 0.94. The Bulldogs also are the second best team in the nation hitting doubles. They have the 11th best batting average in the nation at .339.
The team also plays well on defense with a fielding percentage at .951.
Areas of improvement
The Tigers have been playing aggressively. Not only are they on a nine game win streak, winning 12 of their last 13, but three of their games at home last weekend were stolen by the Tigers on the eight-run mercy rule.
In the Blue City Classic, the Tigers struggled to see pitching consistency, and four different pitchers were in the games that weekend. Three were played in the 7-5 win over UL Monroe.
“I think that they would tell you (they lacked consistency),” head coach Natalie Poole said. “Not everyday is going to be their day on the mound. In moments like that, what we have to do is be able to transition to give someone else an opportunity, and then in the same breath, we have to have offense to back it up.”
Last weekend in the U of M softball tournament, the Tigers relied on Molly Smith and Mariah Nichols to earn the victories.
Players to watch
Memphis outfielder Baylee Smith
Baylee Smith earned American Athletic Conference player of the week after her performance last weekend where she had nine RBIs, two doubles and four stolen bases. A strong performance at the plate from Baylee Smith could help the Tigers get the win over the top-25 opponent.
Kyler Trosclair Klatt was named AAC player of the week last week, and this is the first time in Tiger history that Memphis has had two different players named player of the week.
Memphis pitcher Molly Smith
Molly Smith pitched her second no-hitter of the season Friday against Butler. She had 29 strikeouts and four walks. In 21 innings, her ERA for the week was 0.67. She finished the week with 29 strikeouts.
Mississippi State utility player Emily Heimberger
Heimberger has a .377 batting average and scored 19 runs this season. The junior has had 26 hits this season with five doubles and three triples. She has successfully stolen each of her 10 attempted bases this season. The Tigers will want to keep her off the bases if they want to win Wednesday.
Memphis Head Coach Natalie Poole gives instructions to her team in a game. Poole is having her best season as the Tigers' head coach leading the Tigers to a historic 23-8 start.
Molly Smith winds up and starts her delivery to the plate. The senior pitcher has 1.49 ERA this season and has pitched 169 strikeouts.
