The old saying goes that a double play is a pitcher’s best friend.
For Oregon, it’s been more than a best friend — it has been
a savior.
The Ducks ranked third in the nation
last season in double plays turned per game, and this season they once again sit atop the Pacific-10 Conference in that category.
The bulk of their defensive success can be traced to the continuity of their middle infielders, junior shortstop Breanne Sabol and senior second baseman Erin Goodell.
“It’s the whole reason why we love being out there,” Goodell said about turning a double play. “Each game we try and tell ourselves that we want to turn a couple double plays.”
Sabol said the double play is especially special because of the shorter dimensions in softball (60 feet between bases) compared to baseball (90 feet).
“It’s cool because in softball I guess you don’t get many double plays because you are closer,” the Buena Park, Calif., native said. “Sometimes (baseball players) make it look like it happens all the time and it’s easy. People probably think, ‘Why doesn’t softball turn that many double plays?’
“That’s why I think it’s cool we turn so many double plays and still make them look pretty nice.”
Goodell admits there is a hint of bitterness toward baseball players and the time they have to turn a double play.
“You watch the highlights on SportsCenter and it looks like they are taking it nice and easy,” the Roseburg native said. “They are so nonchalant and casual about it.
“I’m a little jealous about that, I’m not going to lie.”
All jealousy aside, these two have formed a double play combo that defensively is second to none in the conference according to teammate Beth Boskovich.
“On most teams, I don’t think every time a ball is hit up the middle with a runner on first it is common for a double play, but for us it seems automatic,” Boskovich said.
For pitchers and coaches it’s even more of a luxury.
“It’s security,” Oregon softball head coach Kathy Arendsen said. “I have complete confidence in both those players. They read (the situation) well and see what the pitcher is throwing and adjust … It is a great advantage for us.”
While they can read situations well, the two have also become familiar with each other’s playing styles over the past three seasons and trust one another’s instincts.
“We just know each other so well and the chemistry
is there,” Goodell said.
“We know how each other plays and know our strengths
and weaknesses.”
Sabol adds that knowing each other’s tendencies helps with the team’s defense.
“I know what she can get to and I know what I can get to,” she said. “I know that even if a ball is hit to me and I can’t see her or the base I can trust her to be there and just throw it and she feels the same way.
“We have trust in one another.”
That trust is evident in the smooth, effortless way they are able to turn two.
But each has her favorite part of what Goodell calls an “art.”
“My favorite part is turning it when the runner is sliding into you,” Goodell said. “It makes it much more intense.”
Sabol said she would rather make the play and make a good toss
to Goodell.
“I really don’t like it when runners are coming at me too much,” Sabol said with a smile. “When they try to take you out and you still turn it, it is a good feeling too.
“As long as it doesn’t hurt.”
One thing they do agree on is not to take every mistake too seriously.
Last weekend against Oregon State, Sabol fielded a ball in the hole and fired it over the first baseman’s head into the dugout, almost knocking over an Oregon State coach.
“At first (Sabol) looked like she was going to be upset, but I couldn’t help but bust up laughing,” Goodell said. “Then she laughs and it just lightens things up a little bit and helps her out too, so she’s not down on herself.”
But Sabol admits there are times when laughter isn’t the best remedy.
“We know when not to make fun of each other too, because there are times when you are really upset,” she said.
More often then not, the pair are making the plays and have contributed a considerable amount defensively for the Ducks over the past three seasons.
Not to mention they’ve been the pitcher’s best friend.