West Virginia baseball has been bashing its way through the early season. They have averaged over 9 runs per game with a .496 slugging percentage. But as conference play starts this weekend against Oklahoma State, the question becomes whether this offensive-driven approach can survive against the deep pitching rosters and tough road environments of the Big 12. Read more: WVU Baseball’s Big 12 Challenge: Will the Pitching Hold Up
Before last week’s series against Kennesaw State, the Mountaineers were a perfect 12-0, backed by a dominant 2.66 team ERA. Redshirt senior Griffin Kirn earned Big 12 Co-Pitcher of the Week honors. The staff dominated opponents like Lipscomb and Queens College. But against the Owls, and in a midweek matchup with Towson, WVU’s pitching showed some cracks. A staff that leaned heavily on the transfer portal this season may now be facing its first real test of adversity.
Fool’s Gold?
The Mountaineers are off to a terrific 15-1 start to the season. But their recent series against Kennesaw State – hardly a powerhouse program – may have exposed some cracks in the pitching staff just as Big 12 play looms. With so much roster turnover, the coaching staff may still be figuring out which arms to trust as the season progresses.
“I think today the goal is obviously you want to win the game, but you want to set your pitching and you position players up to have success long term and going into the weekend,” said coach Steve Sabins following the Towson 16-5 victory this week. “So being able to pitch a lot of different arms is going to be advantageous for us long term.”
This all makes sense when considering that the new NCAA rules require the rosters to be trimmed down to 30 players before each conference series.
“It’s not set for the season,” said Sabins about the rosters, “It’s set before each Big 12 series…so it’s a full team effort of 40 guys. But when you’re a young player and you’re motivated, and you’re driven not making a trip really hurts.”
READ MORE: WVU Baseball: Series Preview vs. Oklahoma State
If West Virginia wants to maintain its early-season success, the pitching staff will need to prove it can withstand the grind of Big 12 competition. The Mountaineers’ offense thrives, but relying on high-scoring performances won’t always sustain them in a conference full of elite arms. The coming weeks will reveal whether WVU’s rotation and bullpen can rise to the challenge – or if Sabins will need to adjust to keep the team in contention.
True Test
With Oklahoma State up first, the Mountaineers have an immediate opportunity to prove that the fast start was no fluke. It may be a blessing that they start against the betting favorites to win the conference.
Strong pitching will be crucial, especially in the tight, low-scoring games ahead. If WVU can find consistency on the pitching side, it could establish itself as a legitimate Big 12 contender. Otherwise, the offensive firepower may not be enough to carry them through conference play.
Author
This all makes sense when considering that the new NCAA rules require the rosters to be trimmed down to 30 players before each conference series.
“It’s not set for the season,” said Sabins about the rosters, “It’s set before each Big 12 series…so it’s a full team effort of 40 guys. But when you’re a young player and you’re motivated, and you’re driven not making a trip really hurts.”
READ MORE: WVU Baseball: Series Preview vs. Oklahoma State
If West Virginia wants to maintain its early-season success, the pitching staff will need to prove it can withstand the grind of Big 12 competition. The Mountaineers’ offense thrives, but relying on high-scoring performances won’t always sustain them in a conference full of elite arms. The coming weeks will reveal whether WVU’s rotation and bullpen can rise to the challenge – or if Sabins will need to adjust to keep the team in contention.
True Test
With Oklahoma State up first, the Mountaineers have an immediate opportunity to prove that the fast start was no fluke. It may be a blessing that they start against the betting favorites to win the conference.
Strong pitching will be crucial, especially in the tight, low-scoring games ahead. If WVU can find consistency on the pitching side, it could establish itself as a legitimate Big 12 contender. Otherwise, the offensive firepower may not be enough to carry them through conference play.