tomorrow is their 4th game in 5 days.
They've used up their top 3 starters. Their two aces, Elliott and Maddus, both threw right at 100 pitches on Wed and Fri. Neither will pitch again (unless Bianco is crazy.)
They've used the same relievers multiple times. Their closer, in fact, has been used in all 3 games so far, throwing 16, 15, and 20 pitches. Either he has a rubber arm or he won't pitch tomorrow. Taking a risk on hurting their good closer 5 days before the regional starts would be suicidal on Bianco's part. But maybe he's desperate and thinks tomorrow matters (hint: it doesn't)
Other relievers:
Morris -- used twice, Wed and Fri, over 4 combined innings and 51 total pitches. Might be able to go sunday but doubtful.
Mccausland -- used Fri and Sat and threw 49 pitches. Likely can't go tomorrow.
Dennis -- used today 1.2 innings and 30 pitches. That's iffy about tomorrow.
Top 3 starters -- gone
Top 4 relievers -- might could use 2 of them but for very limited pitches. Not sure if they could use their closer yet again.
Other relievers not yet used:
They have 5 more, all of whom only averaged 1 inning per appearance this year. Their ERAS range from 4 to 5 1/2. Good but not outstanding.
The only remaining starter is Mason Nichols, likely a mid-week guy.
5.51 ERA, 4.3 BB9, 9 K/9, OBA .281
Those are not very good numbers especially if it's midweek work. (Idk, that's too much work to look up)
He only averages 3.2 innings per game.
My guess is that start Nichols, stretch him as far as they can, then go a succession of 1 inning relievers in some order, and save their closer to see if he's needed or if they've already lost the game by the 9th.
Nichols 4 innings
5 different relievers go 1 inning
And hope for the best.
We have the pitching avantage, just need the guys to come through like they usually do.
They've only scored 10 runs in 3 games. We scored 16 runs in 2 games (10 in one truncated game.)
I think our offense is more productive than theirs, plus they rely on HRs and we don't.
Keep them in the yard and they are very vulnerable.
We could do everybody a favor and just run rule them. The game means nothing other than who gets the trophy and title and interviewed on the SEC Network. I think the players would prefer to just get on the plane/bus and go home.
They've used up their top 3 starters. Their two aces, Elliott and Maddus, both threw right at 100 pitches on Wed and Fri. Neither will pitch again (unless Bianco is crazy.)
They've used the same relievers multiple times. Their closer, in fact, has been used in all 3 games so far, throwing 16, 15, and 20 pitches. Either he has a rubber arm or he won't pitch tomorrow. Taking a risk on hurting their good closer 5 days before the regional starts would be suicidal on Bianco's part. But maybe he's desperate and thinks tomorrow matters (hint: it doesn't)
Other relievers:
Morris -- used twice, Wed and Fri, over 4 combined innings and 51 total pitches. Might be able to go sunday but doubtful.
Mccausland -- used Fri and Sat and threw 49 pitches. Likely can't go tomorrow.
Dennis -- used today 1.2 innings and 30 pitches. That's iffy about tomorrow.
Top 3 starters -- gone
Top 4 relievers -- might could use 2 of them but for very limited pitches. Not sure if they could use their closer yet again.
Other relievers not yet used:
They have 5 more, all of whom only averaged 1 inning per appearance this year. Their ERAS range from 4 to 5 1/2. Good but not outstanding.
The only remaining starter is Mason Nichols, likely a mid-week guy.
5.51 ERA, 4.3 BB9, 9 K/9, OBA .281
Those are not very good numbers especially if it's midweek work. (Idk, that's too much work to look up)
He only averages 3.2 innings per game.
My guess is that start Nichols, stretch him as far as they can, then go a succession of 1 inning relievers in some order, and save their closer to see if he's needed or if they've already lost the game by the 9th.
Nichols 4 innings
5 different relievers go 1 inning
And hope for the best.
We have the pitching avantage, just need the guys to come through like they usually do.
They've only scored 10 runs in 3 games. We scored 16 runs in 2 games (10 in one truncated game.)
I think our offense is more productive than theirs, plus they rely on HRs and we don't.
Keep them in the yard and they are very vulnerable.
We could do everybody a favor and just run rule them. The game means nothing other than who gets the trophy and title and interviewed on the SEC Network. I think the players would prefer to just get on the plane/bus and go home.
