King, Parr, Gold
http://www.ramblinwreck.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/050715aaa.html
After our last game with all the pitchers, I don't know that I can argue any more about Parr over Pitt. But for next year, I'm glad we have Parr getting the ACC experience this year. No matter who we put out there we need a bunch of runs (most likely).
Finally, the runs we score in the 8th is an anomaly. 50 runs in the eighth. If you take the 295 total runs this year, and back out 8th inning (50), ninth inning (25) and extra innings (5), you get 30.7 average runs for innings 1 to 7. So we score a lot more in the 8th on average than other innings. Page 3 of the media guide shows that after the first inning (38 runs), the 2nd & third are at an average of 27, 4 &5 @ 31, 6&7 @ 30.5. So we kind of build up as we get to the opposing team relievers. Getting the other teams pitcher's count up seems to really help. We are so much more patient at the plate this year than last.
From the link, it what I call it's great to be lucky for Zac Attack. Most relievers don't come in and give up a grand slam and still win. His ERA used to be a lot better than 2.86. Regardless, he is a great reliever; just lucky too.
" Only four pitchers nationally have more wins than sophomore closer Zac Ryan, who is 9-1 with seven saves and a 2.86 ERA. Ryan has logged a win or a save in 16 of his team-leading 25 pitching appearances. He and Ohio State's Trace Dempsey (9-1, 7 saves, 1.88) are the two relief pitchers in the NCAA with eight or more wins. Ryan leads the ACC leads in wins and is fifth in saves. Ryan has been credited with four of Tech's last six wins."
Pabst deserves to be considered for the Johnny Bench award. The guy has ice water in his veins.
"Sophomore C Arden Pabst is among the NCAA leaders in runners caught stealing and caught-stealing percentage. Pabst, who is on the watch list for the Johnny Bench Award, has thrown out 22 would-be base stealers this season, which are tied for ninth-most nationally. His caught-stealing percentage of .468 ranks in the top 10th in the NCAA."
Coupled with our double plays, we have a damn good defense statistically. And that doesn't even count the plays Justus and Bailey make which most players can't.
Go Jackets!