No. 3 Pearl River's pitching 'as talented as ever'

Dylan Dunaway - PRCC Sports Information Director

POPLARVILLE, Miss. — After losing four starters and five of its top relievers, it would normally be safe to assume that No. 3 Pearl River might struggle on the mound in 2024. Ask head coach Michael Avalon about it, and it's quite the opposite. 

"We lost a lot last year, but we brought a lot of impact guys back," he said. "This year's team may be as talented as we have ever been on the mound — and I am saying that after last year's team was first in the country in team ERA. Top to bottom, this team is incredibly talented on the mound."

The Wildcats will get their first test of the 2024 season on Tuesday when the Wildcats host Coastal Alabama South at 2 p.m. in their season opener. Long-time Wildcat supporter Barry Harper will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

STARTING ROTATION

Last season, Pearl River entered the year with its four starting rotation spots locked down. Things are a bit more up in the air this season — not from a lack of talent but because PRCC's talented arms give the Wildcats a ton of options.

There are no question marks by the first two spots in the rotation as they are occupied by a pair of future SEC pitchers in Mississippi State signee JT Schnoor (Pascagoula; Resurrection) and LSU signee Conner Ware (Madison; Germantown).

"What two better to anchor a rotation than Conner Ware and JT Schnoor," Avalon said. "They're both extremely talented with good stuff. They have great character and makeup. We think they can lead the way for us and help bring the other pitchers along with them. If I want to hand the baseball to anyone, it's one of those two guys."