Andy Lopez will give sophomore James Farris his second postseason start. Photo by Bruce Thorson-US PRESSWIRE
Arizona will use sophomore right-hander James Farris against South Carolina tonight as the Wildcats attempt to clinch the College World Series, according to a school official.
Farris hasn’t pitched since the third game of an NCAA regional on June 3, when he pitched a complete game in a 16-3 win over Louisville. He allowed 12 hits and two earned runs, striking out seven and walking one.
Coach Andy Lopez had also considered bringing back ace Kurt Heyer on three days’ rest, but will hold back Heyer for a decisive third game in the championship series, if necessary.
Arizona won the first game Sunday 5-1 behind the pitching of six-hit pitching of Konner Wade and the play of right fielder Robert Refsnyder (two-run homer, an assist on a key put-out at third base).
Farris is 7-3 with a 4.18 ERA. Although he has been the No. 3 starter all season, he has been needed only once in the postseason, as the Wildcats have gone 9-0, staying in the winners’ brackets and playing a minimal schedule that has allowed Lopez to lean on Heyer and Wade.
Heyer pitched Thursday, getting the win over Florida State. He allowed two runs in 7 1/3 innings.
If Arizona had lost the first game, Heyer almost certainly would have gotten the call tonight. But that is South Carolina’s problem, as the Gamecocks, facing elimination, will go with their ace, senior Michael Roth (9-1, 2.49 ERA) on three days’ rest.