Pitching thoughts for the Lexington Regional

[Tskware]

Who do you pitch 1-2-3 for the regional?

Here is a random thought. Does it make sense to pitch Machamer-Schaenzer and Thompson on Friday night, with Hjelle and Lewis to follow on Sat and Sun? That is the way we did it in the SEC tourney. I am thinking that you have to win at least three games to win the regional, so the idea is to put together a lineup with the best chance to win all three games, not to just win the Friday night game. Obviously, we will be playing a team ranked >#50 in the country, have to hope we can beat our opening opponent without throwing our best pitchers.

The flaw in that logic is that even the last few teams in the NCAA tournament figure to have at least one pretty darn good pitcher, who will be a lock to be their Friday night starter. And our history in the NCAA openers has been "perfect", we have lost the first game every single time I can remember UK getting to the NCAA.

Thoughts?

 

[Big_Blue_1018]

Honestly, Id start Zach Thompson in game 1. That sets you up really well for the rest of the weekend.

 

[Derek Terry]

I think the only certainty is Sean Hjelle pitches the first game. After that I'm not sure what they'll do. I'd guess Lewis. Reading (or technically listening) between the lines during SEC Network's broadcast against South Carolina the first game, Logue will probably be coming out of the pen. I'd say Thompson will get a start in one game.

 

[Comebakatz3]

Winning the first one is huge. We have never done it. Save pitching and lower the number games we have to play to win the regional

 

[GGCAT]

I'm in agreement on Hjelle starting game 1. You have to make every effort to position yourself in the winners bracket right off the bat. We have all seen the difficulties of coming thru the losers side each time over the last decade that we dropped that first game.

The one day that 4's can truly compete is the first day and whoever the 4 is will most likely have one starting pitcher who has a high caliber arm and you know they will be running him out Friday night to do exactly that...win the first, and help their lack of pitching depth from getting exposed too soon.

Lewis and Thompson in the following games with Logue at the ready to jump in at the ready if things go off the rails with either of them early. If we have to play Monday....anybodys guess who throws.

 

[Oldtrainer]

Spahn and Sain and pray for rain! Anyone on here except me remember this great duo?

My CATS pick for tourney games: game 1 Hjille, game 2 Thompson, game 3 Lewis. Very good chance who ever we play will pitch their #1 ace.
Hope to see Marshall at 3rd base!

 

[Gabewcat]

Marshall at 3B is a must if he is healthy. Hjelle in game 1, you don't want to lose the first or second game, it will stress your pitching staff.

 

[sluggercatfan]

I think the only certainty is Sean Hjelle pitches the first game. After that I'm not sure what they'll do. I'd guess Lewis. Reading (or technically listening) between the lines during SEC Network's broadcast against South Carolina the first game, Logue will probably be coming out of the pen. I'd say Thompson will get a start in one game.

Hjelle against Ohio?

 

[Gabewcat]

1.Hjelle 2. Thompson (beat Indiana earlier) 3. Lewis 4. if necessary Logue, Machemer, Schaenzer.
Bullpen: Salow- Pop

That's the way I would start them.

 

[Comebakatz3]

I think I'd pitch Lewis second. Give Indiana someone they haven't seen.

 

[BluegrassBlake]

Save Thompson for game 3. If Hjelle or Lewis struggle then bring in Machamer. Hopefully Pop will be healthy this weekend.