Troy Baseball Season Preview - Pitchers - Troy University Athletics

TROY, Ala – The Troy University baseball team opens its 2014 campaign on Friday at 6 p.m. with the first of a four-game series against Northern Kentucky at Riddle-Pace Field. The series continues with a doubleheader on Saturday beginning at 1 p.m. and concludes with a single-game on Sunday at 1 p.m.

TroyTrojans.com will preview the upcoming season over the next four days with a breakdown of each position followed by a preview of the weekend series with the Norse.

Tuesday – Outfield
Wednesday – Infield/Catchers
Thursday – Weekend Preview
Friday – Pitchers

The Breakdown

The Trojans return several key components from last year's Sun Belt Conference championship pitching staff. Most notably, 2013 Sun Belt Pitcher of the Year Shane McCain. The senior southpaw will look to repeat an extraordinary season in which he finished 9-1 with a 3.48 ERA and struck out 105 batters while incredibly walking just 18. McCain will continue to pitch on Saturday's as the 2014 season begins.

Senior right-hander Tanner Hicks turned in a comparable season to McCain, going 8-4 with a 3.61 ERA. Hicks was a workhorse for the Trojans, pitching a team-high 99.2 innings while striking out 94.

Another senior will make his return to the mound in 2014, Will Starling. The right-handed Troy native had his season cut short with an injury a year ago but is primed to take over the Sunday starting role.

One newcomer, Cody Hughes, is pushing for weekend duties. The older brother of Troy basketball player Hobie Hughes, Cody, a transfer from Sothern Union Community College, has impressed the Troy coaching staff after a solid fall.

Sophomore Levi Tate also returns after seeing adequate time on the hill last season. The Enterprise, Ala., native made four starts for the Trojans as a true freshman including the final game of the season against Florida State in the Tallahassee Regional.

Heading up the Trojans bullpen will be senior Matthew Howard and junior Jeremy McGowan. Howard tied for the team lead last season with five saves, while McGowan will play a key role in bridging the gap between starter and closer. Austin Sullivan returns for his senior season after pitching in relief last year.

A pair of Phenix City, Ala., freshman are expected to make contributions this season. Right-handers Marc Skinner and Jesse Nelson have both impressed coaches this fall. Nelson is projected as a middle reliever while Skinner will likely enter the game in late-inning situations.

Ben Tidwell and Robert Price will serve as the team's left-handed bullpen specialists and righty William Shell looks to see some action as well. Colton Henderson and Chase Davidson are also battling for playing time.

Pierce Says:

"I can't say enough about Tanner Hicks' commitment to improve on what was a very, very good season last year. Throughout the summer and fall, he and Shane (McCain) have exceeded all of my expectations in their desire and determination to reach higher and get better. We look at Tanner and Shane McCain as our 1-2 guys or 1-1 guys. I don't think anyone could ask for a better 1-2 punch that what we're going to throw out there.

"Will Starling is back after taking nine months off with an injury. He's thrown great since coming back. We'll obviously keep his pitch count under control and build innings up slowly.

"Cody Hughes will compete for the No. 4 pitching slot with Levi Tate. I have really like Levi's work lately and has put himself into a position to be considered for a starting spot. Cody has been consistent, he's deceptive on the mound and right-handed hitters have a tough time centering his ball up.

"There are some big shoes to fill replacing Thomas Austin and Nate Hill, but we've got some guys that have done a nice job for us. Right now, Robert Price, William Shell and Austin Sullivan have thrown well and understand the job that we need them to do.

"The most consistent as far as late-game situations has been freshman Marc Skinner and junior Jeremy McGowan. We feel that as they become more comfortable, they will settle into their role."

Troy University Athletics

Troy Baseball Season Preview - Pitchers

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