There is a lot to like so far this season for WVU baseball. With a 37-6 (16-3 in the Big 12) record, the Mountaineers are one of the best top-to-bottom rosters in the country, currently ranked No. 16 in the nation.
Jack Kartsonas has been a huge reason for a lot of these Mountaineers’ victories. While beginning the year as a reliever, he was one of the best pitchers in the Mountaineers’ lineup. Almost a month ago, head coach Steve Sabins made the decision to insert Kartsonas into the starting pitching rotation. Since then, he has not only been one of the best pitchers on the team, but one of the best in the entire conference.
So far this season, Kartsonas is 5-1 with a 2.19 ERA. He has struck out 44 batters while only giving up 12 total runs. If these stats remain, Kartsonas could see himself in contention for Big 12 pitcher of the year.
The incredible year is not completely a surprise for the fifth-year pitcher, but he is coming off a sub-par 5.85 ERA season for Kent State last season. He came into this year with something to prove, and showed his potential from the first game.
Kartsonas did this the hard way, working his way up the Mountaineer pitching order until he was given his opportunity to shine. He has been a great model for D1 transfer pitchers who know their worth, and with the right situation, know they can succeed.
The Mountaineers will look to continue their series sweep streak alive this weekend at home against Texas Tech. A streak that started when Kartsonas was inserted into the starting rotation. The first pitch will be on Friday at 6:30 p.m. ET.
