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Perhaps pitching isn’t 75 percent of the game of baseball as Connie Mack once declared.
But that part of the game obviously is important and Missouri Southern coach Bryce Darnell had several positives to say about the Lions’ pitching staff on Monday.
The Lions, 24-26 overall and 20-24 in the MIAA in 2011, open the season on Saturday with a matinee doubleheader in the Minneapolis Metrodome against Concordia-St. Paul.
Darnell said pitching positives start with a solid 1-2 punch in seniors Brett Abell and Cody Griebling. Abell, a left-hander, prepped at Miami (Okla.) and the right-handed Griebling is from Watertown, Wis.
Griebling, 7-5 with a 4.46 ERA, struck out 54 and walked 28 in 702⁄3 innings in 2011. Abell (8-6, 4.52) struck out 74 and walked 22 in 892⁄3 innings.
“They’ll start against Concordia-St. Paul and each could go seven innings,” Darnell said. “We’ve had such nice weather to prepare for the season.”
Next two starting pitchers, Darnell said, are senior right-handers Ethan Stenger and Ryan Wheat (2-4).
Wheat is from Springfield and Stenger, a transfer from Southwest Baptist, is from St. Louis.
“Stenger, who sit out last season, is our hardest thrower,” Darnell said. “Wheat is healthy. It was a struggle last season. We’re looking forward on his part to a healthy season.”
Currently bidding for spots in the starting rotation, Darnell said, are junior right-hander Bubba McGaughy (Conway, Mo.), sophomore right-hander David Reese (Olathe, Kan.) and sophomore right-hander Ryan Taylor (Olathe).
McGaughy missed last season with a shoulder injury after transferring from Crowder College.
Completing the pitchers are junior left-hander Bo Bergen (Anderson, Mo.), senior lefty Grant Conrad (Lafayette, La.), senior lefty Jesse Kinzey (Catoosa, Okla.), junior right-hander Michael McCoy (Mesquite, Texas) and senior lefty Michael Mudd (Silex, Mo.).
Mudd, Bergen and Reese were 2-3, 0-1 and 0-2, respectively, last season. Conrad and Taylor didn’t log decisions.
“I really like our overall experience,” Darnell said of the staff. “Reese had the best fall — the best numbers — among the pitchers. He’s bigger, stronger and more experienced.
“Definitely, we’re confident we have a good starting rotation and an overall good pitching staff if we can stay healthy,” Darnell said.
“Several of our pitchers had solid performances in the fall,” Darnell said. “They need to do it in competition. Bo (Bergen) is an example. He can be tough when he’s throwing strikes. He has to become more consistent.”
Darnell, who’s in his fifth season with the Lions, is assisted by holdovers Jason Immekus, Nick Tuck and Denny Vilela.
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February 13, 2012
MSSU hopeful pitching will shine
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Miners, Carl Junction split American Legion doubleheader
Joplin's Nate Brummer dives back into first base before Carl Junction's Jaron Hulette can apply the tag during their American Legion baseball game at Joe Becker Stadium.
Bryce Ash’s two-run single capped a four-run fourth inning in Joplin’s 8-6 victory against Carl Junction in the second game of an American Legion doubleheader Thursday night at Joe Becker Stadium.
Continued ... - 11th annual Grin Iron Classic set in Springfield
- Outlaws pitching fans 18 in season-opening win over Rossville
- Desiree Felker signs to play volleyball at OCC
- Phil McClintock hired as boys basketball coach at Salem
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- Pittsburg State Sports
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- Vengels sixth in heptathlon; PSU picks up two seventh-place finishes
- Ethan Cordray signs with Pittsburg State
- Lions, Gorillas begin competition in outdoor track and field championship
- Three finalists named for PSU head baseball coach position
- Lions qualify 10, PSU 15 for Division II outdoor track meet
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