Lauded by their coach as one of the best around, the Tigers’ pitching staff has set the bar high.
LSU coach Beth Torina said the staff is “extremely talented,” but what makes it even more effective is how different each pitcher is from one another.
“They will really complement each other, and their complement will make the staff so much stronger,” Torina said.
The staff is spearheaded by senior Brittany Mack, who last year compiled a 20-7 record and a 1.74 ERA for the Tigers.
“Brittany Mack is our returning All-American,” Torina said. “She has done so much in her career, and I expect her to have another great year.”
Fellow pitcher Rachele Fico, a junior, said Mack has a visual approach on the mound.
“[Mack] can visualize the pitch breaking exactly how she wants to,” Fico said. “That helps her to be more consistent.”
Fico, an Oxford, Conn., native, contributed 160.2 innings last season and compiled a 2.40 ERA.
“Rachele throws so hard and does so many things well,” Torina said. “She thinks a little differently on the mound than some other competitors I’ve been around, and that helps her to be phenomenal on the mound.”
Fico said her approach on the mound is based more on feel, as opposed to Mack’s visual approach.
“When it all feels right, it makes me more confident that I can throw my pitches and be effective,” Fico said.
Sophomore Meghan Patterson rounds out the pitching trio for the Tigers, returning after a freshman season in which she earned a 3.26 ERA in 53.2 innings of work.
“Meghan Patterson is the future of the program,” Torina said. “She’s our young one that gives us a different look.”
Torina said Patterson has an “unbelievable curveball and a great rise ball,” and will give the Tigers solid innings this season.
“She’s so laid back and easygoing,” Torina said. “Nothing really gets to her.”
Patterson said her even-keeled composure helps her stay focused, no matter how things are going on the mound.
“It helps to just be relaxed,” Patterson said.
Apart from each pitcher’s individual talents on the field, their bond off the field and in the dugout contributes to their overall effectiveness.
“We’re all each other’s biggest cheerleaders,” Fico said. “We have a lot of fun together.”
Mack said her experience as a senior gives her the chance to give pointers about how to face specific hitters.
“I can sometimes tell them that a batter can’t hit the ball well inside or outside,” Mack said.
Torina said the variance between pitchers gives LSU an advantage on the mound because opponents have to be ready to hit against a drastically varied pitching staff.
“The three of them will be very tough for teams to prepare for as we’re going to face them,” Torina said.
 
 
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Contact Scott Branson at [email protected]