One of the best things about college baseball, and really the game of baseball in general, is that every game, series and week bring new surprises. Last week was no different as there was a no-hitter thrown, a 17-strikeout performance, four home runs hit in a game by a single player and plenty more.
Thatcher Hurd, RHP, LSU
Hurd was one of the more sought-after transfers after entering his name into the transfer portal following an outstanding true freshman season at UCLA in which he pitched his way to a minuscule ERA of 1.06 while striking out 48 across 34 innings pitched. He ended up in Baton Rouge, and since giving up four earned runs in two innings in his first start for LSU, Hurd has thrown 15.2 straight scoreless innings. He got the ball twice for LSU last week: first on Monday against Butler and then again on Sunday in the team’s series finale against Samford. On the week alone he tossed 11.2 scoreless innings, notching 18 strikeouts in the process. Hurd’s fastball has consistently been his best pitch, sitting 94-96 deep into outings with great shape and carry when it is elevated. Hurd also mixed in a shorter, harder slider that also got some swing and miss. To supplement his fastball and slider, Hurd will also mix in a curveball that has good depth to it and it is a pitch he can land for strikes.
Wyatt Hudepohl, RHP, Charlotte
Hudepohl entered Friday’s matchup against Old Dominion with an ERA of 8.16 and just 12 strikeouts across 14.1 innings pitched. He then proceeded to toss a complete game against one of the most prolific offenses in the country, logging 17 strikeouts all while allowing just five hits, two earned runs and no walks. The righthander ran his fastball up to 95 mph from an over-the-top slot, which allowed him to create ample back spin on the pitch, making hitters constantly swing under it—especially when elevated up in the zone. Hudepohl’s best secondary pitch is his sharp, downward curveball. In his complete game effort, he threw his curveball 51% of the time and got 19 swings and misses with it (73% miss rate).
Devyn Terbrak, LHP, Western Kentucky
Entering Sunday’s contest against South Dakota State, Terbrak had a modest 3.86 ERA with 15 strikeouts across 14 innings pitched. Although the lefthander averages just 86.9 mph on his fastball, his above-average pitchability allows him to avoid hard contact and consistently miss barrels. He throws from a three-quarter slot and pounds the strike zone with his five-pitch arsenal…
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