ISU's Birch Ready for MVC Tournament
By: Michael Klos - WMBD/WYZZ-TV
Updated: May 9, 2012
WMBD/WYZZ-TV - NORMAL, Ill.-- Jordan Birch doesn't want this year to end and why would she?
The Redbird senior leads the team in wins this season with 20 while posting an earned run average of 1.61.
"I hate talking about my senior year. I don't want it to be over," said Birch. "I'm just staying in the moment, every pitch by pitch is important."
Birch leads second-seeded Illinois State into this weekend's Missouri Valley Tournament.
"It's important for her to make sure her offense is doing what they need to behind her, so she is constantly cheering for them, constantly encouraging them," said ISU softball coach Melinda Fischer.
Birch's flexibility and unique windup has helped her mow down over 186 batters this year.
"I definitely am more of a strikeout pitcher. I can throw all pitches up, down, in and out," said Birch. "Favorite pitch is up ball pitch. Getting batters to swing and miss is one of my favorite things to do."
Added Fischer: "I think she has really stepped it up in the circle and in leadership role in the circle. That is huge to have a pitcher like that at this point in the season."
