Rager's Stretch Strategy: Pitcher or Pitcher?

There is a notable disagreement among coaches regarding Oklahoma Sooners pitcher Cord Rager's effectiveness when pitching from the stretch, a stance that involves runners on base.

Two opposing coaches suggested Rager, a left-handed pitcher, is not as dominant with runners on base compared to his windup. This perspective aligns with traditional baseball wisdom. However, Rager himself and OU coach Skip Johnson hold a different view.

Rager stated he actually feels more comfortable and effective pitching from the stretch, describing it as simpler with fewer moving parts. This sentiment was echoed by Johnson, who noted that pitching from the stretch can make a player more athletic.

Despite a challenging first inning where Rager allowed three runs on four hits and a walk, he quickly recovered. He retired the leadoff batter in the subsequent four innings, allowing only one more hit and striking out 10 of the final 13 batters he faced. This resilience highlighted his grit and dedication to his team.

Rager's performance in the College World Series has been strong, with two wins and a low number of runs allowed over 12 innings. He has 13 strikeouts, two walks, and three hit batters, demonstrating his capability under pressure.