The Drake softball team is off to a 10-1 start in Missouri Valley Conference plays and leads the league race after closing out a series at Wichita State on Sunday with a 6-0 win.
Drake coach Rich Calvert says they’ve had a little bit of everything, good pitching, hitting and good defense. He says to be successful you have to have at least 2 out of 3 of those in each game you play.
The Bulldogs lead the Valley in earned run average and are second in hitting. They also lead the league by a wide margin in stolen bases. Calvert says he is old school and believes if you have the personnel to run, then you should take some chances.
While the Bulldogs have been successful at manufacturing runs they also can strike with the long ball. He says that is nice to have and each game dictates what you might try to do. Drake will play Iowa State at home on Tuesday before visiting the Cyclones on Thursday. Calvert says the midweek games are a good way for the Bulldogs to stay sharp.
Calvert says the instate games are more than just non-conference games, as a lot of the players know each other.
Drake is 24-13 overall and the Bulldogs will return to Missouri Valley Conference action next weekend at home against U.N.I.