PITTSBURGH — Eight games into his college career, Pitt freshman right-handed pitcher Billy Corcoran hasn’t exactly had a steady role.
He’s pitched twice as a starter, six times out of the bullpen, and last weekend against Virginia Tech, did both, starting on Friday and pitching in relief on Sunday.
There must be a method to the madness of Pitt coach Mike Bell and pitching coach Jerry Oakes, though, because it’s been working for Corcoran.
He pitched 5 1/3 scoreless innings on Sunday to pick up his first career win and is currently tops on the team with a 0.99 WHIP. His 2.49 ERA trails just that of closer Chase Smith.
Corcoran credited his ability to throw strikes as what’s been the key to his early success, and his 3.33 strikeouts to walk ratio is a big reason for that. He’s trying to get better, too, working with Oakes on his curveball and a slider to add to his arsenal.