Pitching change created higher scores, longer games

FORT DODGE -- If you like offense, you're liking softball in Iowa more than ever this summer.About 24 percent better than last year, to be precise.Scoring in regional play was up nearly two runs per game in comparison in 2009, a direct correlation to the 3-foot move-back of the pitching rubber."It's obvious that more runs have been scored this season," said Mike Dick, executive director of the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union. "And it's obvious that games are taking a little longer."In 329 regional games, teams averaged 9.34 runs (combined) per game. That's in contrast to 7.51 runs per game in 2009, when the rubber was 40 feet from home plate.Now it's at 43."Teams are putting the ball in play more. That was the intent, was to put more offense in the game," Dick said. "Obviously, we've accomplished that."Clear Creek Amana Coach Jim White originally opposed the move. But his team has benefitted from it.The Clippers scored 10, 19 and 14 runs in their three regional games and advanced to state easily. They'll make their 31st state-tournament appearance this week at the Rogers Sports Complex."I think the change has helped out program," White said. "We're so aggressive offensively anyway. It has forced us to be a little more patient. The kids have been a little more selective, and so far, we've been a better hitting team."Regional scoring was up in all four classes. The biggest jump, surprisingly, came in Class 4A -- from 6.10 runs per game to 8.38."Batting averages are up. Home runs are up," said Cedar Rapids Xavier Coach Brian Erbe, whose team is a 4A qualifier for the first time. "It's a disadvantage to the pitchers, but I think the pitchers will catch up eventually."Batters can see the spin better and pick the ball up better."A 60-mile-per-hour pitch takes 0.455 seconds to reach 40 feet, 0.489 seconds to travel 43 feet. It's a blink-of-an-eye difference, but it's significant."Personally, I haven't noticed a huge difference," said Kristin Winter, who hit the decisive two-run home run in Xavier's 2-0 win over Iowa City West in the regional final."The scores are higher, but when you're in the batter's box, there's not a huge difference. You see the ball, you hit the ball."Batters are seeing the ball longer, and hitting it with more frequency and for more distance.Just as expected.

2009-vs.-2010 COMPARISON

RUNS/GAME..............................2009.....2010.....+/-Class 4A regionals.....................6.10.....8.38....+37.4%Class 3A regionals.....................6.66.....7.54....+13.2%Class 2A regionals.....................7.21.....9.38....+30.1%Class 1A regionals.....................8.73...10.54....+20.1%All regionals..............................7.51.....9.34....+24.4%

SHUTOUTS...............................2009........2010........+/-Class 4A regionals.....................17 of 40.....17 of 40....(No change)Class 3A regionals.....................22 of 56.....23 of 56....+4.5%Class 2A regionals................... 51 of 120.....37 of 120....-27.5%Class 1A regionals....................41 of 118.....33 of 113....-15.9%All regionals..........................131 of 334.....110 of 329....-14.8%Here is a video on the subject by KCRG-TV9: