Historically, Walton builds his staff over the course of the year and it usually peaks during the Big 12 tourney and the Regionals. Unfortunately, it appears with this staff, he doesn't trust their ability to throw strikes with any consistency. Look at his move in the 6th inning. He brings in an infielder to pitch, who he trusts can throw strikes . Razorbacks put the ball in play and we made two big outs. If the right fielder makes a "we're going to Omaha" play, we get the 3rd out and only give up one run. Pokes lead 10-6. Much different than 10-8. Walton's choice of "strike thrower" almost pays off.
Then in the bottom of the 7th, he goes back to his " Big 12 First Team middle reliever, who hits two batters and walks another...3 on nobody out. Is that on Walton? I say NO. Some will say, he should have gone out to talk to him after the first or second batter. We don't know the personalities of these kids and talking to this particular pitcher might not have helped...Who knows?
I think Walton is a master at working with the staff that he has. So, ultimately, if there are no "gamers" in this staff who can step up in big games that get you to Omaha, probably best to reevaluate your recruiting...that's on Holliday.
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