Brad Austin
2,500+ Posts
I'm wondering if Chad Hollingsworth's dominant starting performance to close out the Houston Regional hasn't earned him the #3 spot in the starting rotation (if needed on Sunday). Sure some might say it was just an extraordinary effort by a solid reliever in an unfamiliar role. In Chad's time here that's just not the case. So far this year he's proven masterful in both roles, albeit Monday was his first start. How can you downgrade a guy's starting potential just because he's only been asked to fill that role once and came through like a gem?
In 2013, he started 5 games as a Freshman. His record was 2-1 in those games. Over 18 2/3 innings he compiled a 3.92 ERA. What Chad did Monday to help his team wasn't a new role for his time here. His total starting career now at UT has a 3-1 starting record in 27 2/3 innings... approx. 2.60 ERA.
I appreciate the production of Schiraldi in his 1st season in Austin (he will be a solid weekend starter for us next year), yet I'm not confident in his facing off against a strong pitching team like UH when every run counts dearly. Over his last 33 innings (6 starts), Luke has a 4.91 ERA, allowing 18 runs. He also struggles mightily with control, walking far more batters (39) than any Texas pitcher the last 2 years. Not to mention the 8 wild pitches tops anyone the last 2 years.
Not trying to stir up anything or reduce our relief staff by a solid option, just saying this is the Super Regional. 2 masterful pitching teams are going at it to see who blinks first in each game. Runs will no doubt come at a premium. We should feature our 3 best starting options without hesitation. To date, Hollingsworth is simply a much better starting option than Schiraldi for a premiere pitching match-up like this. Cooper, Culbreth, Curtis, and Duke should be able to hold down the bullpen as is.
In 2013, he started 5 games as a Freshman. His record was 2-1 in those games. Over 18 2/3 innings he compiled a 3.92 ERA. What Chad did Monday to help his team wasn't a new role for his time here. His total starting career now at UT has a 3-1 starting record in 27 2/3 innings... approx. 2.60 ERA.
I appreciate the production of Schiraldi in his 1st season in Austin (he will be a solid weekend starter for us next year), yet I'm not confident in his facing off against a strong pitching team like UH when every run counts dearly. Over his last 33 innings (6 starts), Luke has a 4.91 ERA, allowing 18 runs. He also struggles mightily with control, walking far more batters (39) than any Texas pitcher the last 2 years. Not to mention the 8 wild pitches tops anyone the last 2 years.
Not trying to stir up anything or reduce our relief staff by a solid option, just saying this is the Super Regional. 2 masterful pitching teams are going at it to see who blinks first in each game. Runs will no doubt come at a premium. We should feature our 3 best starting options without hesitation. To date, Hollingsworth is simply a much better starting option than Schiraldi for a premiere pitching match-up like this. Cooper, Culbreth, Curtis, and Duke should be able to hold down the bullpen as is.
