The short answer is no. If they need 27 innings they will get 27 innings, but it’s going to require Penders to leave guys like Ellison and Correa (not necessarily them but other lesser used pitchers) longer leashes than he gave them today. But let’s try it game by game, and assume all 3 games are close where we can’t let a second tier pitcher go a few innings even if they get pushed around.
Game 1 tomorrow: we’re fine. Coe for 6, Afthim for 2, Willis to finish. No excuses at noon.
Game 2 tomorrow: this is the big issue, because some arms who pitched yesterday or today will be able to throw again on Monday night. I’m almost certain Sullivan will start, but Penders is going to have to let him go 4 or 5 innings even if he’s struggling. We will need a lot of runs. Let’s say he goes 4. Novak for 2 gets you to six. Then, say, 1 inning each from Quinn, Correa and Abbadessa.
Monday night: If somehow we get to here, I expect Quigley, Fogell , Ellison and rubber armed Kirby to be back, although limited. So let’s say Ellison and Quigley get you 2 each. And then, coming from the back end, Willis has the 9th, Afthim the 8th, Fogell the 6th and 7th and Kirby the 5th. Something like that. Obviously, innings that anyone can go depends on pitch count as well. While everyone will be tired, you can do it with first tier pitching. Which means it’s the second game tomorrow that may take a dozen runs or more.
The good news is that Texas Tech beat Florida, so we only have to deal with the better team once, and with a staff that can get it done. And then the bats and the staff are going to have to get us through the Red Raiders.
