What Does the Pitching Staff Need to Do to Take the Next Step for Mississippi State Baseball?

MSU's pitching staff has been solid, but what needs to happen for them to take a step forward?

Mississippi State's Karson Ligon (31) throws against Southern Miss during the game at Trustmark Park / Lauren Witte/Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY

STARKVILLE, Miss. — The Mississippi State Bulldogs  are heading to Gainesville this week for their third consecutive weekend series against a top-ten team. MSU currently sits at 3-3 in conference play, which is not a bad mark considering their stiff competition. 

However, this team has greater aspirations than just making a regional, and if they want to host a regional in June, they will need to take a series like this one. The staff under new pitching coach Justin Parker has pitched well in SEC play thus far, but they still lack depth. 

MSU had been starting sophomore Evan Siary on Friday, and he would relieved by freshman Nolan Stevens. The two split the game in half, but there are changes to the rotation this week. 

Parker decided to move Khal Stephen and Jurrangelo Cijntje up a day and have left Sunday vacant. While unlikely, Nate Dohm could return on Sunday and throw just a few innings. 

This staff is starting to define some roles, as Cam Schuelke is their matchup guy. He is good for one or two outs every game on the weekend. Brooks Auger has been the Bulldogs' closer, holding a couple of saves. 

The Louisiana native has pitched well in that role, allowing only two runs in his 11 innings of work and racking up a dozen strikeouts to only three walks. He and Tyler Davis have firmly established themselves as the backend of the bullpen for Parker. 

Davis has been the poster child for Parker's excellent coaching job, as the left-hander has done a complete 180 in a season. Last year, the VCU transfer was knocked around the yard and struggled mightily with his control. 

However, he has been dominant this year in his 13.1 innings of work, as he has only allowed two runs while striking out 19. 

Colby Holcombe is another arm that has pitched well at times and could be a big piece of the Bulldog bullpen. Holcombe is perhaps the most talented guy on this staff. His fastball is in the mid-to-high 90s, and he has a wipeout slider. 

The problem with the former JUCO player has been controlling his stuff and being able to work through trouble. The Alabama native seems to crumble when he faces trouble, and it has prevented him from pitching on the weekend this year, but if this team wants to reach its ceiling, he will need to figure it out. 

This staff has flaws, but the toughness and strike-throwing give the offense a chance in every game. Right now, they have to scratch and claw for every out, and they have done an excellent job, but if guys like Holcombe, Bradley Loftin, Pico Kohn, and Karson Ligon can elevate their game, this staff has a chance to be good. 

This pitching staff has been a breath of fresh air for this program after the last two years, but they have yet to reach their ceiling. If a few guys can step up, it will take a lot of pressure off Auger and Davis and give them extra rest, which will be valuable late into SEC play. 

The Bulldogs are back in action tonight at 5:30 p.m. CT on SEC Network+ as they take on the Gators.