PHOENIX – Two seasons ago, the Arizona State pitching had a 6.53 ERA. Pitching coach Jeremy Accardo was brought in last year, and the ERA fell to 5.38. The pitching still needs to take a step up, considering the Sun Devils lost Friday and Saturday starters Ben Jacobs and Jack Martinez to the MLB draft.
There are signs that pitching will make that step up. The Sun Devils brought in several transfers, and the staff posted a combined 3.55 ERA in summer ball. Granted, it will be hard to bring that ERA into the hitter’s park that is Phoenix Municipal Stadium, but the number still can easily improve.