When Madi Liimatainen finally got her shot in the circle at Saint Michael’s College, she took full advantage. The Turners Falls native pitched a complete game in a 6-2 win over American International College on April 3 in Colchester, Vt.
Liimatainen gave up two hits with five strikeouts and two walks. AIC’s runs in the fourth inning were unearned at Doc Jacobs Field. Prior to the start, Liimatainen had three appearances in relief.
“I was really happy with myself,” Liimatainen said. “I felt like myself. I was like “this is me’. I went up to my coach told him ‘this is how I play’. This is actually me pitching. In the beginning of the season I wasn’t doing very well. I didn’t get a ton of time practicing. I wasn’t sure if I was going to pitch. Against AIC it was really nice.”
As the season progresses, Liimatainen would love more opportunities to start for the Purple Knights. It appears that after her first start she is hoping to stay in the circle as a starter.
“I want the ball,” Liimatainen said. “I love being in control of the game. I like being there in the circle. In the start I was more efficient. It was better than my relief appearances.”
With an injury on the pitching staff, Liimatainen could be set up for more starts. She’s played first base and shortstop in between relief appearances for the Purple Knights.
“She is progressing well,” Saint Michael’s coach Nick Goodreau said. “It’s definitely been an adjustment for her coming from Turners Falls. Competitive wise…She’s a great ballplayer. But it doesn’t matter how good you are it’s going to be an adjustment at this level.”
Saint Michael’s finds itself in a bit of a development season this year, using Liimatainen in an assortment of locations in an attempt to see where she is the best fit in her college career.
“Let’s get her the time in the circle that she needs to get used to this level,” Goodreau said. “Not worry about the scoreboard. Let’s get her time at first base. Get her comfortable there. Let’s move her to shortstop. Get her comfortable there. See what her biggest strengths are… I love the idea of having utility players.”
In 54 at bats, she has 11 hits including five doubles and two home runs. The righty has 12 RBI as well. In five appearances in the circle, she’s given up 11 earned runs with 11 walks and nine strikeouts. Seven innings came in the one start against AIC.
With the injury, Goodreau said there will be more starts for the freshman.
“She started out with a little bit of relief to her first start that went well,” Goodreau said. “I definitely see her starting some more games. Hopefully continuing to show the progression we’ve seen the first half of the season.”
The Purple Knights (5-19, 3-11 Northeast-10) also lost their starting catcher this season. Liimatainen is majoring in health science at Saint Michael’s.
