Routs show Cats’ pitching not ready to contend for title
Friday was among the most sobering days in Mike Candrea’s long softball coaching career. The Wildcats lost 10-0 to Florida and 20-2 to Auburn, which was a sure sign that Arizona’s pitching won’t be enough to win, or seriously contend for, the 2015 national championship. In its loss to Florida, the Wildcats were hurt by a three-run home run by Lauren Haeger, who was the top Arizona prospect in 2011 at Glendale Deer Valley High School. Haeger didn’t visit Arizona or hometown ASU, and has probably become the No. 1 overall player in college softball. She is 11-0 as a pitcher this year, and already has nine home runs. In the 20-2 loss to Auburn, it was a sting from former ASU coach Clint Myers, who has quickly turned the Tigers into a Women’s College World Series contender. It’s not like the road is going to get any easier. Arizona opens the Pac-12 season Friday at 20-1 Cal — the Bears haven’t even played a home game yet.
