Take Me To Post Comment Form Sure, Georgia Southern’s pitching hasn’t lived up to expectations this season, but don’t hit the panic button just yet.

While the Eagles would love to win their final three regular-season games at Furman beginning Thursday, what’s really important is whether or not they can capture next week’s Southern Conference tournament, thus locking up the league’s automatic bid to an NCAA Regional.

Hitting will be crucial during the double-elimination tourney, but nothing is as valuable as pitching, particularly if the Eagles drop into the loser’s bracket. Pitching has been problematic all year, and fans at J.I. Clements Stadium haven’t been able to relax unless the home team is up by 10. You just never know with GSU’s bullpen.

Whether or not their pitching will be strong enough pull the Eagles through the tournament is anyone’s guess, but here are a few reasons to be encouraged:

- I’ve heard nothing but positive comments about first-year pitching coach Jason Beverlin. Based on statistics and production, it’s been a tough inaugural year for him, but the players are open and responsive to his style of teaching and communicating. A few weeks ago he started calling pitches from the dugout, and results have improved.

- Kyle Kamppi. In preparation for the tournament, GSU moved him into the Friday-night role for the first time all year last weekend, and the junior delivered. He tossed eight innings – the longest outing by an Eagle this season – and struck out six, allowing just two runs.

- Weekend starter Drew Murray was also solid during GSU’s weekend sweep of UNC Greensboro, picking up his eighth win and allowing two runs over seven innings. Sunday starter Andy Moye, a redshirt freshman, has also shown flashes of reliability, and reliever Blake Nation is in the midst of his best season to date.

So don’t give up on the Eagle pitching just yet. You never know when it might surprise you.