G2: Louisiana v. Coastal Carolina (Saturday)

[wcd35]

Sorry, was told by someone at the game that number. I guess when you have a sub 1 era last year everything looks much larger.

It's not just the ERA going up that makes a difference. The biggest thing that stands out are the walks. He's falling behind batters at a high rate. He's given up 16 walks this year in 21.0 innings. That ties his career single season high. He gave up 16 as a freshman in 50.2 IP and 15 as a soph in 49.2 IP. So he's walking guys at double the rate as before.

He is still striking guys out at a better clip than any season which is helping to offset the walks somewhat

Only once last year did we lose a game that he had the lead in (Texas Tech game and that was more on the error.) This year we've lost 3 games that we've led with him on the bump at the time. SLU wasn't a blown save because he came in before we were ahead, but he gave up the lead in that one. La Tech and Coastal were blown saves.

In all likelihood he is having a season closer to his freshman campaign than his amazing sophomore year but the walks are the most concerning part for me.

2015 - 50.2 IP, 40 K, 16 BB, 13 R, 9 ER
2016 - 49.2 IP, 59 K, 15 BB, 7 R, 5 ER
2017 - 21.0 IP, 34 K, 16 BB, 9 R, 9 ER

[GoneGolfin]

Because you are trying to win both games and sweep (keeping Marks and Moore available for Sunday, if Moore can close it out with a reasonable 9th inning pitch count). Not that it is the choice I would have made (for several reasons) ... but I understand it. It is a calculated risk with the good guys up by three entering the B9th.

Look, I wanted to see Marks pitch the 9th inning today. Heck, I wanted Marks to relieve Lee in the 5th and take it as far as he could ... finish the game if he could ... and notch the second win of the series. Then have Moore, Huval, Guillory, etc. for tomorrow. But I certainly understand the decision and in no way should anyone be surprised. This is how bullpens are typically used. I also admit that I am a bit of a contrarian in that regard (my take on how bullpens are optimally used ... especially in college ... is a little different than the norm). Not dissimilar to how I think teams should assemble their schedules. :-)

Taking it a step further ... last night I was hoping Marks would close and finish the 9th ... leaving Moore for Saturday ... allowing Marks to come back Sunday. My philosophy is that your relievers are fresher with that kind of strategy ... they are not warming in the pen each day ... and get a day of rest in between. But we certainly understand why Robe brought Moore on in the 9th last night ... and it worked. I do believe that pitches thrown the day before can certainly have an effect on command, control, and the general filthiness of the "stuff". Hence my philosophy on rest. Of course, all pitchers are different and the practice of such a philosophy should/can be adjusted (somewhat) accordingly.

Brian

Might we be seeing a change in how Marks and Moore will be used? I think it would be a good thing. Marks' stuff and command drops off when we stretch him with back to back outings ... as is the case with Moore. I like letting one of the pitchers close with multiple innings on Day 1 and 3 ... and one of the pitchers on Day 2.

Brian

[DannyP]

Might we be seeing a change in how Marks and Moore will be used? I think it would be a good thing. Marks' stuff and command drops off when we stretch him with back to back outings ... as is the case with Moore. I like letting one of the pitchers close with multiple innings on Day 1 and 3 ... and one of the pitchers on Day 2.

Brian

"Like"

[J-Town Cajun]

I like that idea also!