It’s been a rough start to 2019 for the Arizona Baseball team
Heading into the year with plenty of hype, the Arizona Baseball team (13-14, 2-7) has stumbled out of the gates, facing some serious struggles thus far.
It’s been a tough Spring so far watching the Arizona Baseball team. Those hoping for big things from the Wildcats, must be a little disappointed of late, as the team has struggled mightily so far.
After starting the year out 5-0, the Cats are just 8-14 since, and losers of seven-straight. During that time there have been a few highs and a lot of lows, perhaps the lowest being the loss of junior outfielder Matt Fraizer, over a week ago.
Arizona Wildcats
For those that aren’t aware, Fraizer was having his best season yet, but unfortunately suffered a broken hand, when he was hit by a pitch against Utah. His return in 2019 is unlikely.
While his absence has certainly been detrimental so far, the biggest area where Arizona has struggled is pitching. Offense and hitting surely hasn’t been a problem for the Cats, but unfortunately, all good baseball teams need defense!
Through the first 27 games, the Cats are surrendering over five runs per game – that has them ranked near the bottom in the NCAA currently. It’s also worth noting, that Arizona has just two pitchers with an ERA under 4.00.
Defensively? It’s been just as rough. Through those 27 games, Arizona has a total of 48 errors. That leaves them in the bottom-third of the NCAA in total errors, averaging nearly 1.8 errors per game.
Unfortunately for the Wildcats, while baseball is a game of good hitting, winning takes even better pitching and sound fundamentals. For some reason, the 2019 baseball team just hasn’t been able to put those other parts of the game together.
Does that fall on head coach Jay Johnson? Sure, it usually is on the shoulders of the skipper. Whether that’s recruiting, poor preparation or poor focus, I’m sure there’s a myriad of excuses and plenty of blame to go around for all.
However, in the uber-competitive and tough Pac-12, that just isn’t going to cut it!
Even worse, is that the road doesn’t seemingly get any easier from here on out. Outside of already being swept by No. 1 UCLA and No. 9 ASU, Arizona will soon play Washington, followed by Oregon State and Stanford in just a few weeks. All those teams are in the top half of the conference standings… ouch!
How can Arizona correct? Well in short, I don’t think there’s an answer in 2019, except for not giving up over five runs per game and committing 48 errors through 27 games. The Wildcats have hitters, but the pitching and fundamentals are severely lacking.
Perhaps a bit more focus, and actually playing to a level of their talent would do wonders, but 2019 has been frustrating nonetheless.
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At Zona Zealots, we’re hoping the Cats can turn it around and correct some things before the season is over, because so far, it’s been tough. Bear Down, Arizona!