DURHAM, N.C. — As the Carolina Blaze (5-3) and Utah Talons (8-3) meet for the AUSL Signature Series, two of the game’s best pitchers of this era will face off at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. On Thursday, June 25, Georgina Corrick will take the start for the Talons and square off with Blaze ace Karlyn Pickens.
Corrick, the 2025 AUSL Pitcher of the Year, just returned from her season in the Japanese Diamond League and tossed two innings of relief Tuesday night vs. the Oklahoma City Spark. Last season, Corrick went a perfect 6-0 during the Talons’ championship season and held a 2.24 ERA.
Karlyn Pickens has jumped out to a blazing start in her professional career. Pickens currently stands at 4-0 with a 1.47 ERA, as she leads the Carolina Blaze’s staff and is one of the top pitchers in the league.
“I’m just so proud to watch her independence and her maturity and how she’s conducting herself as a pro,” Tennessee softball head coach Karen Weekly said during a recent interview. “I would have expected nothing less after watching how she managed herself four years here.”
Pickens has recorded 18 strikeouts to eight walks in 19.0 innings pitched. In each of her starts, she has yet to throw a seven-inning complete game, due to the run support provided by the Blaze offense that ended each of those starts in run-rule fashion.
Game one of this series looks to be a must-see event. With two dominant pitchers squaring off, this could turn into a classic pitcher’s duel. Game time is set for 7 p.m. EDT and will be broadcast on ESPN.
