Pitching depth carries ‘Bows

Freshmen get teased. That’s just the way it is.

But what you get ragged for makes a big difference.

Like University of Hawaii starting pitcher Scott Squier. With a 3-1 record and a 2.72 ERA, there’s not much to pick on him about — except that lately he hasn’t left a lot of innings for the relievers.

"A couple of guys give us a hard time about that, but they’re just joking around," Squier said.

Since the Rainbows play four games this weekend against Saint Mary’s, starting tonight and closing with Sunday’s doubleheader, coach Mike Trapasso will have more chances to feed the hungry bullpen arms, including three other freshmen. In fact, Lawrence Chew, Kyle Dowdy or David Longville might start Sunday, after Squier.

When the young arms have been needed, they’ve responded. The four freshmen have combined for a 7-4 record with three saves and a 2.47 ERA.

Squier said he isn’t surprised that he and his classmates are off to such a good start.

"From what we did in the fall I knew we’d be successful. I knew that we’d go out there and compete."

Trapasso wasn’t sold as early.

"My biggest concern going in was that some weren’t throwing strikes like I would like in our early practices. But I’m proud how they’ve embraced pitching to contact."

A key to the starters’ longevity and the confidence of the freshmen: pitch to contact.

"The three-pitch rule. We want the batter out or on base in three pitches," Trapasso said. "You don’t give up any freebies, in this ballpark in particular."

It’s no secret that spacious Les Murakami Stadium is a pitcher’s stadium — assuming he doesn’t walk guys.

Despite the coach’s preseason concern, the Rainbows are tied with Cal State Fullerton for first in the nation in fewest walks allowed, a measly 1.92 free passes per nine innings.

Fewer walks means fewer pitches and fewer opposing baserunners. Starters remain effective longer. Not as many relief innings are required early in a series, meaning Trapasso is left with more options come Saturday or Sunday.

It’s hard to remember UH with this many effective freshman pitchers. It helps that the Rainbows have so much veteran depth, including starters Matt Sisto and Jarrett Arakawa and back-end bullpen seniors Brent Harrison and Jesse Moore, that the young arms aren’t overexposed. "There’s a lot (of advantage) to a hitter seeing you a second time," Trapasso said. "We’ve got to win while we’re developing guys."

Sisto (2.78) and Arakawa (1.81) have also contributed mightily to UH’s team ERA of 2.64 that is sixth in the nation. And they’ve combined for 1092⁄3 innings in eight starts each, averaging nearly seven innings per outing.

Also, the composite bats mandated by the NCAA last year enhance UH’s strengths, as expected. Pitchers are more willing to throw strikes when a well-hit ball is less likely to leave the park. It also helps that the Rainbows have played solid defense.

Saint Mary’s also brings a pitching-rich team to Manoa tonight.

"Low-scoring games and every run’s crucial," Trapasso said. "What’s new?"