Image courtesy of Redbird Athletics
NORMAL, Ill – As the Illinois State Redbirds approach their season opener in Clarksville, TN against Austin Peay, recently named All-Missouri Valley Conference pitcher Jared Hart is poised to take on a larger role this year.
Taking a look back at Hart’s competitive season on the mound during the 2022 campaign, the Wabash Valley College transfer led the MVC in ERA at 2.45 in 55 innings pitched. Tacking on 50 punchouts with only 16 walks allowed makes Hart one of the veteran players Head Coach Steve Holm will rely on.
In the first pre-season press conference last week, fifth-year Head Coach Steve Holm address his pitching staff.
“On the Pitching side, Holm said, “knowing that you have multiple options, and making sure that bullpen is your strength can really shorten a game.”
The bullpen has been a strength for the Redbirds in past years but with the departure of RHP Colin Wyman and starting pitcher Jordan Lussier recovering from surgery, it will be all hands on deck for the Redbirds’ bullpen.
Sean Sinisko is a starting pitcher that Coach Holm has relied for years. Posting a 4.44 ERA in the 2022 season, starting in all 13 appearances.
“He’s started games for us since 2020,” Holm said about the 6’5 right-hander. “He has always given us a chance to win.”
The season is nearing and the Redbird pitching staff is ready to compete against a difficult schedule. The ‘Birds are no stranger to winning down south and look to showcase the improvements they have made this offseason.