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
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
I like that idea also!
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