Washington head coach Jason Kelly says Huskies acknowledge, need to navigate pressure early in Stillwater Regional

With a new coaching staff and a largely remade roster, Washington doesn’t have a ton of postseason experience up and down the lineup. But head coach Jason Kelly, who spent time at Arizona State and LSU before returning to Washington as head coach this year, knows settling in is critical.

It was solid returns for the Huskies early as they faced Dallas Baptist in the opening game, holding the Patriots scoreless through three innings. Not bad for a team with a dearth of postseason experience.

“The conversation the last couple days has been acknowledge it, understand there’s going to be some nerves and you’re going to feel things a little different than a normal home or away game. Acknowledge it, find somewhere to put it, and then get back to competing. Get back to that positive self talk. So far, guys have done a really good job,” Kelly said during the bottom of the third inning as Washington was in the field.

Shortly after Kelly got off the broadcast with the announcers, DBU hit three-straight one-out singles to load the bases. But Washington pitcher Stu Flesland III punched out back-to-back hitters to end the inning and the scoring threat.

In the first tense situation of the game, the Huskies passed with flying colors.

The Huskies ability to start loose and handle the bases-loaded jam is some credit to the coaching staff keeping the routine constant, something Kelly discussed.

“Nothing, actually, but something. We just kept it the same. Every routine was the same. Everything we did in batting practice was the same. We just kind of took the pressure off them as far as how we prepare and then just acknowledging that, like I said, there’s going to be some stress. So go out and play hard and do the things that you’ve done all year,” Kelly said.

In the top of the fourth inning, after a single and a passed ball advanced a runner to second, a double to the left field corner gave the Huskies a 1-0 lead through three and a half innings of play.

It was a big breakthrough to apply some pressure on the hosts after the Huskies hadn’t advanced a runner into scoring position prior to that point. In the span of six outs, the Washington defense and offense both found themselves in leverage situations and both times, the Huskies came out ahead of Dallas Baptist.

Unfortunately for the Huskies, in the bottom of the fourth, DBU knotted the game at one run a piece.