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No 2020 season gives Arizona Baseball more time to build Pitching

By Eric Townsend

Omaha, NE - JUNE 28: A general view of an Arizona Wildcats glove and cap on the bench in the dugout, prior to game two of the College World Series Championship Series against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers on June 28, 2016 at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
Omaha, NE - JUNE 28: A general view of an Arizona Wildcats glove and cap on the bench in the dugout, prior to game two of the College World Series Championship Series against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers on June 28, 2016 at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /
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With the Arizona Baseball team starting to make preparations for the 2021 season, the Wildcats have had more time to build their pitching.

It has been a long time since the Arizona Baseball team took to the Baseball Diamond, but perhaps that may a good thing for the Wildcats, as they have had more time to develop their pitching staff.

As you may recall, following the 2019 season in which the Wildcats surrendered a 6.21 ERA and 404 runs (338 earned), it was apparent the Wildcats needed desperate help with their pitching.

Arizona Wildcats
Arizona Wildcats /

Arizona Wildcats

Naturally, Arizona head coach Jay Johnson went out and brought in renowned pitching coach Nate Yeskie from Oregon State, which was a huge deal. However, that was just a start, the real work was still ahead.

Arizona then brought in a lot of fresh arms like Wesley Scott, Garrett Irvin, Bryce Collins, Chandler Murphy, Dawson Netz, Hunter Cope and transfer Davis Vainer among others. As a result, the pitching improved almost immediately, improving from a 6.21 ERA to a 3.87 ERA.

Now granted, the season was cut short before the Cats got into the meat of their schedule, however, you could see a major difference.

Well, with the season cut short due to Covid, that has given the Wildcats even more time to build their pitching staff.

There’s no doubt that Coach Yeskie is one of the best in the business, and given him more time to work with his roster is only going to give the Wildcats a major advantage heading into 2021.

Look no further than the development of sophomore Hunter Cope aka “The Slingin’ Saguaro”, who reportedly can throw up to 97 MPH now according to fellow Wildcat Vince Vanelle.

The Cats have also added some solid arms as well that helps bolster the No. 8 overall recruiting class.

With the 2021 season still months away, Arizona could be poised for a big run, which to me is kind of a make or break season for coach Johnson.

More. On Arizona Baseball. light

At Zona Zealots, we are excited to see how the Wildcats play this coming season and can’t wait to see baseball action return! As always, Bear Down, Arizona!

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