Two Modesto pitchers among best in California. Here’s how they’re doing it
Central Catholic softball junior pitcher Randi Roelling has respect for Oakdale. She knows that the team is “loaded” and that as the top two teams in the Valley Oak League, games between the Raiders and Mustangs are always competitive.
On May 10, with runners on second and third with one out in the top of the seventh inning and a 2-1 lead, Roelling was facing a pressure situation in the final game of the season against a rival, but she worked out of it. She struck out the game’s final two batters to secure the one-run victory and the VOL’s top spot.
Raiders coach Sam Nichols says Roelling thrives in those situations, and she adamantly agrees. Why?
“The competitiveness,” Roelling said. “I think I just having like my stomach in knots the entire game, knowing a lot of it depends on my pitching. I like proving myself.”
The same can be said for Big Valley Christian sophomore pitcher Ava Hernandez, who has worked her way out of jams this season. Some she enjoyed more than others. Give her one out with the bases loaded and she’s stoked.
“Those are fun,” Hernandez said with a smile. “I think most pitchers are freaked out in that situation, but I like it because it challenges me. I’m definitely going for the strikeout back-to-back. But if I needed them to just get the quick out, then I would probably pitch a rise ball in that situation. Make them pop up.”
For a number of weeks during the season, Roelling and Hernandez sat first and second, respectively, in the state in strikeouts. Heading into the playoffs, both remain in the top 10 in California in strikeouts, according to MaxPreps, leading their teams to second overall seeds in their respective divisions.
Both Modesto pitchers and their teams are two of 15 Stanislaus District teams in the 2022 Sac-Joaquin Section softball playoffs that start on Tuesday, May 17.
Many ways to get it done
Pitching is a unique art that is often different for everyone. Roelling prefers to throw her rise ball — she calls it “stamp.” A rise ball, like many pitches, has a tight spin, but unlike others, it spins up and out of the top of the strike zone.
Hernandez prefers her screwball. She brings her arm inward, closer to her hip, steps out with her front foot and follows through so the ball goes up and into the zone, jamming the hitter and making it hard to extend the bat through the strike zone for a hit.
Two different styles, but when the at bat is done, the result most likely will be the same, a K.
Roelling’s 331 strikeouts in 27 games ranks second in California. Hernandez’s 22 games played is the lowest number in the top 10, but she’s been effective. Fanning 268, she’s good for ninth in the state.
There isn’t a secret formula. The draw for most pitchers is that each at bat is a different obstacle to overcome. They have to stay engaged.
“It’s different for every batter,” Hernandez said. “It’s just preparing for the game mentally. You could be the best athlete ever, but you’re nothing if you don’t have the mental game. So I wouldn’t say there’s a secret formula, but if I knew, I would tell you.”
Said Roelling: “Either you have it or you don’t, I believe. Sometimes I see pitchers throwing 70 miles an hour with no spin and I’m like, ‘You’re gonna get hit,’ but I’m throwing 61-62.”
Mental game
The mound can be a lonely place.
Because the pitcher is involved with every play, the right mentality is the key to success, one that is different than any other position on the field.
“You have to be able to handle the pressure,” Hernandez said. “You have to be able to feel like the game is on the line and then work through it. Say you’re outfield, you probably don’t get the ball as much, but the pitcher is constantly in the game, coming back harder, constantly pitching the next inning. There’s no brakes.”
There are 21 outs in a game, and Roelling’s goal is for all 21 to be strikeouts.
It started in a game last season against Oakdale. Her first win against the Mustangs was a 2-1 dual in which every out by Central Catholic was a strikeout.
“It was my first game ever doing that. I was like, ‘I gotta do that every single day now if I can do it against them.’” Roelling said.
She’s completed the feat once, a 7-0 win against Lodi on March 8, and has had 17 or more strikeouts in eight other games. Hernandez struck out 21 in a 1-0, 10-inning win over Sierra and had 17 just two days prior in a win over Riverbank.
There is a lot going through the mind of a pitcher, but Roelling keeps her approach simple.
“It’s a mental game … I don’t pitch for hits, I pitch for strikeouts.” she said.
