Happy Valley Hardball with a sabermetrics twist

Don’t be fooled by Wake’s 2-3 record going into this afternoon’s doubleheader with Troy. Wake was an NCAA tournament team last year and a runner-up in the ACC tournament. Plus they have virtually everyone back.

How does this sound for a solid bunch of returnees?

• starters at all nine positions
• the top six starters
• 95% of their at bats
• 96% of their hits
• 100% of their home runs
• 87% of their starts
• 72% of their innings

Who wouldn’t love that?

If there’s a question mark anywhere, it’s their relief pitching. Their top two relievers signed with the Mets and Diamondbacks so there’s a potential hole there.

So far this season, the Deacons are led by 1st Allan Dykstra who was a 2nd team All ACC selection last year. As of this morning, Dykstra was hitting .412 with a couple of home runs in the first five games. He’s scored nine runs in just 17 official at bats.

Look for fifth year senior Charlie Mellies to possibly get the start tomorrow. He was Wake’s Sunday starter last week against Pepperdine but got pounded for nine hits and seven runs in just three innings so it is possible that he pitched himself out of a starting role.

No matter what Wake’s record is, the Lions will have their hands full Sunday.

Here’s Wake’s preseason preview from their SID.

Note: Wake won game one over Troy 8-3.   Game two is in progress.