The ball seemed different as well. There was alot of talk around the parks about it sounding dead, or like a mush ball.
I was wondering about the ball they were using as well. I am assuming everyone used the Diamond ball with the PGF branding? I know our #1 pitcher did not like them due to the fact that the laces were pretty flat and they were very slick. They got a little better when they were played with a bit but she struggled with control on her riseball all week and ended up having to use her other pitches a bit more. Don't remember it being a factor at the qualifiers.
I think she was used to pitching with the Dudley or Worth balls with the more raised laces and really had to adjust to the Diamond ball, which is a good thing because the players need to learn how to adapt to any conditions or equipment and not use it as an excuse for playing crappy. Anybody hear of any other pitchers complaining about the balls? Just wondering.