(06-02-2013 10:32 PM)Baconator Wrote: So who will start for us tomorrow? Apparently neither coach would say during postgame interviews.
It's going to be a VERY interesting decision for both coaches. Very strange that Horton pulled Gold so early, given how effective he was (or _____ we were) and how big a lead he had. He also showed us and used Hunter, who was the next logical option for tomorrow. I'd be surprised if he goes back to either of them after we had a chance to see them both tonight. My guess is he starts with Reed, if only for the first 2 - 3 innings, and then tries to ride LHP Cleavinger and RHP Sherfy to the finish. The problem there, as Tiki pointed out, though they're both well rested and used to pitching virtually every game, they've been used all season as strictly one inning pitchers per outing. Cleavinger has thrown 40.1 innings in 36 appearances, and Sherfy 38.2 inning in 37 appearances. Both are big, durable guys, but to ask them to suddenly go 3 - 5 innings, and expect them to retain their lights out effectiveness, is asking alot. The only other guy they can turn to is yet another one-inning middle reliever, LHP Christian Jones (20 app, 1 start, 23.1 IP, 2.74 ERA, .205 BAA, 7 BBs, 20 Ks)-- great stats, but never in any pressure situation. Then again, remember what the Oregon State #5 starter did against us in Omaha back in 2007.
As for us, I'd personally go with McDowell and then ride Lemond, and hold out Kubitza for a 1 - 2 inning closer role....but, knowing The OG, I wouldn't be at all surprised if he starts either Zech or AK. As he's fond of saying, you don't want to risk going home without using up all your bullets. And while we've seen both Cleavinger and Sherfy, albeit briefly on Saturday, they've yet to see either Zech or Austin. BTW, from what I've heard, this is precisely the reason Wayne's game plan for the USM championship game last Sunday was to stretch Zech 4+ innings-- to get him ready for such a need in the post-season. (Of course, he never thought that game was going to go 12 innings, but...)
