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Womack, Shockers seek relief

WSU senior is trying to regain his 2007 form and aid an inconsistent bullpen headed into postseason.

BY PAUL SUELLENTROP

The Wichita Eagle

Wichita State senior Andy Womack watches tape of himself last season and sees, for the most part, the same pitcher.

Something is missing, and that is the mystery that begins to illustrate the issues facing the Shocker pitching staff.

"An amazing confidence level," he said. "That's probably the biggest difference between last year and this year. More of a here-it-is type attitude, nothing to lose."

Confidence, as Womack points out, is often dependent on results. This season, confidence and good results come and go in the Shocker bullpen.

It is not as deep and experienced as in past seasons, leading to a nasty habit of blowing late-inning leads. WSU's starters and its top relievers are enough to handle most weekend series, as long as things go to plan. When a starter fades early, or when games pile up in the mid-week, WSU's pitching depth is tested.

"Right now we have seven guys that have been pretty consistent," WSU pitching coach Brent Kemnitz said. "Around here, we're used to nine, 10, 11."

The Shockers are done with Tuesday-Wednesday weeks that exhaust the bullpen, as evidenced by Tuesday's 10-9 loss to Central Arkansas.

Pitching depth may again be crucial during the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament or NCAA regional.

"The message will be, we need two or three more guys to step up," Kemnitz said. "We need two or three difference-makers."

Last season, Womack emerged as one of those difference-makers in a super-regional season. He worked into a primary role over the final month and finished with a 2.54 ERA. He figured to be a key part of this season's relief effort, perhaps as the closer.

It hasn't worked out that way, and WSU enters the final weeks of the season looking for reliable performers in the bullpen. Womack is saddled with a 7.07 ERA. Shortstop Dusty Coleman, also a closer candidate, has thrown only five innings and allowed six runs. Freshmen Grant Muncrief and Justin Kemp are inconsistent.

Womack, a senior from Goddard, struck out 31 and walked eight in 28 1/3 innings last season, his first after walking on from Tabor. His struggles -- 19 strikeouts, 11 walks in 14 innings -- mystify everyone. Opponents are hitting .333 against him, evidence that his fastball and slider aren't moving like they did last season.

"Andy Womack continues to be the biggest mystery to me in years," Kemnitz said. "That one's painful."

Womack, who took off the summer to rest his right arm, said his health is fine and his mechanics look solid.

"It's a shock," Womack said. "Frustrating for sure, at not being able to find my stride like I did last year. I'm kind of a loss for words."

Kemnitz said he tried good cop and bad cop with Womack. They watch film. Kemnitz reminds Womack he called him one of the nation's best before the season.

Womack leans on senior starter Rob Musgrave for advice.

They are still looking for a solution. Womack gave up three runs and walked two in 2/3of an inning against Central Arkansas.

"It's mainly just eliminating mistakes," Womack said. "I've just been one pitch here and there and it's a completely different outcome."

The search for reliable arms continues in the season's final weeks. Womack and the other pitchers realize a few shutdown innings in the postseason will erase many of the regular-season struggles.

"That's what I'm having to hold onto," Womack said. "Hopefully I'll get another chance. Maybe I'll have a successful outing and maybe that carries me into the postseason."

Tuesday's loss to Central Arkansas went badly for Kemp and Womack. Kemnitz watched three other pitchers perform well. Matt Smith held the Bears to one run in three innings. Muncrief and Clinton McKeever both threw two scoreless innings.

"We're going to find those guys," Kemnitz said. "We will find those two, three, four guys that will get us as deep as we're used to being."

Smith, a junior, struck out five and allowed one run in five innings against Kansas State and Central Arkansas.

"He's all of a sudden throwing his breaking ball for a strike," Kemnitz said. "He's hitting his spots. If he's doing that, he's a no-brainer one of those guys."

McKeever, who also plays first base, is mastering his curveball and showing a more deceptive changeup. Muncrief got knocked around early this spring and is working his way back into the mix.

"Being a junior, I feel like it's my turn now to really take over," Smith said. "Early on this year I wasn't getting many opportunities. (Kemnitz) always talks about how later on in the season we're going to need all the guys in the bullpen."

Paul Suellentrop covers Wichita State sports. Reach him at 316-269-6760 or psuellentrop@wichitaeagle.com.