Written by:
Matthew Giardino (@BasesOnBulls)
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Memphis Preview (by Matt)
The Bulls are set to host a weekend conference series for the first time this season. The games will be played on Thursday, Friday and Saturday to accommodate for the Easter Holiday. The Bulls currently sit at 19-14 (1-5) and are coming off of a mid-week loss to FGCU.
Memphis comes into Thursday’s matchup 13-15 (1-5) on the season. Although somewhat improved from a season ago in which they went 18-39, the Tigers have struggled thus far in conference play, against the same two opponents the Bulls have faced. Memphis opened conference play at home vs. Tulane and were swept by an overall run deficit of 26-8. They followed the Tulane series by dropping 2 of 3 to UCF at home last weekend.
The Offense (by Matt)
Last season, Memphis’ lineup featured, and depended on arguably the most potent power bat in the conference in catcher Hunter Goodman. He is no longer on the team, as he was selected with the 109th pick (4th Rd) in the 2021 MLB Draft.
This season, the lineup is much more balanced with 4 different players carrying an OPS. of .800 or higher. The Tigers offense has been bolstered by two transfers in particular, Logan Kohler (SO. from OU) .988 OPS and Jacob Compton (SO. from JUCO) .904 OPS. The duo combine to lead the team in every significant offensive category and have shown no signs of slowing down in conference play.
Kohler has settled in as Memphis’ everyday 3rd baseman and Compton is usually used as the team’s designated hitter.
Another name to keep an eye out for is Chris Swarnberg (Grad Student), who through 6 conference games is batting .435 with a .940 OPS. Swarnberg is the team’s everyday 1st baseman.
The Rotation (by Matt)
Memphis has been without their ace and opening day starter Connor Shamblin (RHP, TFR, ALA) since 3/18 and has left a void that hasn’t been filled. Without Shamblin, the Memphis weekend rotation will most likely line up as follows:
Thursday – Landon Gartman (RHP, JUCO TFR) (40.1 IP, 6 GS, 4-1, 2.68 ERA, 46 SO, 13 BB)
Friday – Dalton Fowler (LHP, TFR, OU) (33.2 IP, 8 GS, 1-2, 6.95 ERA, 45 SO, 27 BB)
Saturday – TBD – 2 different starters outside of Fowler and Gartman have combined to go 4.1 IP and allowing 16 ER in conference play so far so there is no clear cut option on the final day of the series.
The Bullpen (by Matt)
In the bullpen the Tigers like to go with both Logan Rushing (LHP, Fr.) 12.1 IP, 3 ER. 15 SO,11 BB and Chase Kessinger (RHP, Jr.) 10.2 IP, 5 ER, 13 SO, 14 BB in middle relief as they’ve combined for 24 appearances this season. Their closer, Dalton Kendrick (LHP, So.) has 4 saves on the year, but he has been one of the arms recently trying to crack the rotation.
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