Who's left to pitch? Potentially everyone but Zack Thompson
LEXINGTON, Ky. — After four games in three days, UK's pitching staff would seem to be in shambles. Every pitcher who has started a game for the Wildcats this season has already been used in the tournament, but some seem to be in better shape than others.
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Zach Logue, who threw 58 pitches in relief on Saturday night against NC State, is the only regular starter who hasn't started a game yet. He seems like the most likely candidate to start in Game 7 of the Lexington Regional on Monday night, but head coach Nick Mingione said nearly everyone besides Zack Thompson, who threw over 100 pitches in UK's win on Sunday, could be available.
"Everyone else, guys this group is amazing, they’ve all come up to me and told me they can pitch," Mingione said. "(Sean) Hjelle wants to throw, (Logan) Salow wants to throw, Brad (Schaenzer) wants to throw, the second (Chris) Machamer got out of the game he said ‘coach, I’ll be ready tomorrow,’ Pop hasn’t thrown. Justin Lewis came up to me in between games and said ‘coach, I’m ready. Coach (Jimmy) Belanger ain’t biting tonight but I’m just telling you. I want you to know I’m ready.’
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Logue would likely be in the best shape to start. He's only been used once so far and started 15 games for the Wildcats this season. The situation is more dire after that. Sean Hjelle threw 107 pitches against Ohio on Friday, so he'd be pitching on two day's rest and likely wouldn't be able to pitch more than an inning or two. Salow threw 20 pitches on Friday but got a day off on Saturday. He used 32 pitches to retire eight N.C. State batters on Sunday night.
When asked if he'd be available, Salow simply said yes.
Sources told Catsillustrated.com that Pop would be available at the SEC Tournament, but he's yet to pitch after injuring his forearm in late April against South Carolina. If he's healthy, odds are he'll see action tomorrow.
First pitch between UK and N.C. State is set for 7 p.m. at Cliff Hagan Stadium.