I’m posting about this now while it’s still relevant (i.e before this weekend’s series with #1 LSU).
Note the disparity of team ERAs among the Big Ten teams:
TEAM PITCHING G ERA ------------------------------ Illinois............ 6 2.72 Minnesota........... 7 4.50 Penn State.......... 7 4.89 Indiana............. 5 5.08 Michigan............ 9 5.18 Northwestern........ 8 5.27 Ohio State.......... 7 5.43 Michigan State...... 6 5.72 Purdue.............. 6 7.04 Iowa................ 6 8.25 Totals.............. 33 5.35
Yes, yes, small sample size and all but Illinois’ ERA is almost 2 full points lower than any other team in the conference (okay, 1.78 but close enough). The Illini’s ERA of 2.72 eclipses second place Minnesota’s ERA of 4.50.
With their 5.43 ERA, won’t Ohio State who is 7-0, be relying solely on their pitching? A quick check on the Big Ten stats page says maybe no. They’re second in hitting to Indiana and leading the Big Ten in HR.