Pitching staff looks to reload this season

Dima Mixon 4th Street Sports Reporter

Last season, the Southern Miss pitching staff was one of the best in the history of USM baseball, ranking second in the country in ERA to end the season, just behind the baseball juggernaut Tennessee Volunteers.

"Last year was the best staff in 38 years that I've ever been a part of as an assistant, as a head coach, I don't care. That was the most quality and the most depth of quality of staff that I've ever seen in my tenure of coaching at this level. So, you know, it's going to be hard to duplicate that in all honesty." Southern Miss baseball head coach Scott Berry said at media day

"But certainly, we're not saying we can't. That's what we're trying to do." Berry added.

Last season, there were predominantly eight pitchers who pitched the most innings for Southern Miss; seven of those are not on the roster this season. It comes as no surprise that the stellar arm talent of last season’s squad caught the eye of pro scouts, as five pitchers were selected in the 2022 MLB Draft. In the starting rotation, Hunter Riggins graduated while Hurston Waldrep left for Florida via the transfer portal, leaving two starting spots in the 2023 rotation.

The only one of those eight to return is preseason All-American right-hander Tanner Hall. Last season, Hall posted an impressive 146 strikeouts last season, with just 14 walks allowed. Hall spent this past summer with Team USA playing in the Netherlands.

The rest of the room is full of talent but very inexperienced in playing at this level. RHP Nikko Mazza is one name that comes to mind. He came on last season as a freshman in the loaded pitching staff and did not see much playing time (only five innings pitched). At baseball media day, Berry and company frequently mentioned Mazza's name. Expect him to take a giant leap this season. His fastball ranges from a 92-96 range and an 80-mph slider.

Matthew Adams, a familiar name who saw a good bit of action last season, is looking to make huge strides this season.

"I've always been confident in my ability, but I have just been taking that to the next level and believing in myself and believing that my stuff is good enough," Adams said when asked how his game has developed in the offseason.

Last season Adams pitched 23.1 innings with a 32 to 6 SO to BB ratio. Many Southern Miss fans expect Adams to be a weekend starter this season with much more playing time. Adams gives you your typical 90-93 mph fastball, along with a mixed changeup occasionally.

Another familiar name for Southern Miss fans is LHP Justin Storm. Storm was inserted into the biggest stage last season against LSU in a must-win game for the Eagles, and he delivered a performance of the ages. Over five innings, he struck out seven with just one walk. He arguably saved the season for the Eagles, giving them a chance at a Super Regional Berth.

Storm was named a co-captain of the team along with third baseman Danny Lynch. Storm, like the others, has big expectations for the season.

"In my freshman year we fell short in the regional. Last year, we fell short in the super regional. Everyone knows what the goal is here.

To make it to Omaha and not just make it, but to win the whole thing." Storm said.

The pitching staff also added several players via the transfer portal. Will Armistead and Holland Townes, who could be your weekday starters, are two JuCo transfers. Southern Miss also lost Chandler Best for the season due to a season-ending surgery. That loss leaves the bullpen low on left-handers. Nebraska transfer LHP Tyler Martin will have to be ready.

Of course, all this talent is being coached by one of the best to do it in pitching coaches, Christian Ostrander. Some call him the 'wizard' and he will need to conjure something up if he wants this group to be at the level the staff was at last season. Ostrander has proven before that he can develop talent in this room, so anything is on the table. This pitching staff is still well-tooled and well-rounded to keep Southern Miss in games. It will not be able to save the lineup like it did several times last season, but it will hold off other offenses long enough for the lineup to get going.

Projected Weekend Rotation

Friday: Tanner Hall: There is not much I need to explain here. Preseason All-American, he has an insane strikeout-to-walk ratio and menacing mound presence. He will be your Friday guy.

Saturday: Matthew Adams: I think Matthew gets the start on Saturday, at least to start the season. It will be a battle, but he has the experience, and his development will be essential for the Golden Eagles' pitching staff this season.

Sunday: Nikko Mazza: Mazza was being named repeatedly at baseball media day, he has made significant strides under Ostrander, and he will be their first Sunday starter guy. He might be a force to be reckoned with this season, not the weight of a Hurston Waldrep but close to a Hunter Riggins.

The pitching staff must answer its questions, but it has the tools and the talent to do so. Oh, and they have one of the best assistant coaches in baseball with the keys. They will be just fine.