In the game of baseball, getting a lead can be tough and sometimes, holding onto it can be even tougher. Entering the 2015 season, Florida State had a number of questions surrounding the pitching staff with several coming in the bullpen.
Florida State not only lost two-sport star and closer Jameis Winston, but the Seminoles were also having to replace innings-eater Gage Smith as well as long relief guy, Peter Miller. Despite three huge holes in the pen, it’s beginning to seem plausible that FSU relievers could have an even better season.
This past week, closer Billy Strode was named ACC Pitcher of the Week after recording saves in four straight games. Over that 3 2/3 inning stretch, Strode didn’t yield a run and struck out 10 of the 11 batters he retired.
During Florida State’s recent 2-game sweep of South Florida, the Seminole bullpen allowed just a single run in 11 2/3 innings of relief. Alec Byrd picked up the victory for FSU on Wednesday to improve to 2-0 for the season. In Byrd’s two wins this season, the sophomore has allowed just four hits and a walk while striking out 14 in a combined 10 innings of scoreless relief. Despite not making a single start, Byrd is tied for the team-lead in wins and ranks second on the team in innings pitched, strikeouts and opponents’ batting average.
As good as Strode and Byrd have been out of the pen, youngsters have made their presence felt as well. Sophomore Taylor Folsom is also 2-0 in relief and has yet to allow an earned run in six appearances this season. Freshman Drew Carlton shined in his first start on Tuesday, but in 8 1/3 innings out of the bullpen this season, Carlton has recorded 8 strikeouts and boasts a solid 2.16 ERA.
Making the Seminoles’ accomplishments out of the bullpen even more impressive is that they’ve done it with youth. Strode is the lone senior to regularly come out of the pen and the only juniors that regularly come in relief are Dylan Silva and Derek Vail.
With a young roster made up of just five total seniors, it’s no secret that Florida State is a work in progress. The starting pitching has been inconsistent and the offense has come on of late, but as long as the bullpen can keep opponents off the scoreboard, the Seminoles have an opportunity to be in a lot of games in what looks to be a very competitive ACC.
