ECU baseball showcases depth at pitcher as opening day nears

PITT COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT) — Despite the cold and blustery weather, opening day for college baseball is fast approaching, as ECU’s season begins on Feb 13 against Xavier.

The Pirates’ starting pitcher rotation has plenty of competition in it, anchored by preseason American Pitcher of the Year Ethan Norby and talented sophomore Sean Jenkins, but it doesn’t stop there.

The Pirates will get Ryan Towers and Brett Antolick back from injury, with West Virginia transfer Gavin Van Kempen and freshman Colby Weber joining the mix.

Norby is coming off a sophomore campaign where he finished with an 8-5 record, compiling a 3.80 ERA, and led the team with 119 strikeouts. Jenkins went 4-4 last season off of 19 appearances and 12 starts. Van Kempen made 13 starts for the Mountaineers, finishing with 2-0 record and a 6.13 ERA.

Head Coach Cliff Godwin and Pitching Coach Austin Knight said its a crowded race.

“I think we have more guys that are able to start on this year’s team than we’ve ever had before,” Godwin said. “There’s that many guys that you have to go through your rolodex in your head that could start, so that’s a good problem to have.”

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