Our pitching was absolutely lights out. We allowed just 23 hits in four CWS games. That's incredible. On the other hand, we *HAVE* to fix our approach at the plate and stop swinging for the fences every pitch. Outside of Cags we were... (are you sitting down?)... 23 for 119 (.193) with 57 strikeouts. 23 hits to 57 strikeouts, I can't wrap my head aroused that. All in all, I'm proud of the team for peaking at the right time and for the remarkable improvement our pitchers made during the postseason. It's weird. Next year *should* be better than a 28-27 regular season, but would it be considered a better year if we don't make the last four like this year?
While it's hard to argue after finishing in the 'Final 4' of the CWS, we must figure out a way to cut down on K's. It just seemed like we are striking out at higher rates than most teams we compete against. It certainly didn't help to lose Prevask that transferred to UCF and then have the injury to Evans. However Kurland, Heyman, Shelton, Donay and Shelnut swung and missed a lot this season. That certainly has to improve.
In a game where we outscored UK 15-4 we had 15ks and they had 16ks. It's ugly ball to watch guys K that much, yet somehow we scored 15 runs with 4 players striking out twice and 1 player striking out 4 times. You can have a couple guys in the lineup who are feast or famine types, but far too often this year we had 5-6 guys who were that type. Robertson came on late, and looked like he had found something in his approach. I think best case scenario would be him getting 10-15% better at the plate and being a really good lead off. Move Kurland back to the 2 hole, and hope his hand is fully healed and his approach is better as well.
Outside of Cags, we don't have ONE player bat over .300 this season. Think about that one. This team over achieved this year based on that alone.
Bullpen was outstanding. Starting pitching was definitely not: Liam 2.1 innings vs. A &M Jac 1.0 innings vs. NC State PC excellent start against UK 5.0 innings Liam .1 innings vs. A & M Starters went 8.2 innings total over 4 CWS games.
Actually, Ty Evans hit .316 but your point is well taken. Only two hitting over .300 and then the next highest was Shelnut at .261 followed by a bunch of guys hovering around .250. Based on that along with the fact we struggled to have a starting pitcher last more than four innings, it is amazing we were able to go on the run we did.
Sorry meant in our CWS lineup. Evans was our one that batter over .300. Take a look at the other lineups and you will see a big difference in hitters. We need hitters this off-season. I think we will be fine with the pitching we have returning. It’s the hitting that worries me.
What are the tourney ba’s and K numbers for the other 8 teams that made the tourney? What are our stats with the best parts of the data included? It seems like the numbers would still look plenty bad if you included Cags, but you needed to make them look even worse for some reason.
We come in 4th. That is still great. Proud of the team. But we swung at anything. If I was a pitching coach for the opposition I would say with 2 strikes just throw the ball anywhere and Florida will swing at it. But a month ago we were hoping to just get in the touranment. If Texas A&M right fielder was only 6 5 we be in the championship game.