Karnos pitching like a winner despite back-to-back no-decisions
Max Karnos
The Sacramento State right-hander has a sparkling 1.29 ERA over his last 21 innings of work, although his record is just 1-0 during that stretch.
He threw seven strong innings in consecutive starts against Cal Poly and North Dakota – both 3-2 wins, but he didn’t factor in the decision.
“What has improved most is my strike percentage and also I’m throwing a lot more first-pitch strikes, which is helping me get ahead of batters early,” he told me.
Karnos, of South High fame, had a career-high 5 Ks against North Dakota and said he uses his slider more than ever to help get routine outs.
“Lately our defense has been awesome,” he said, “so my confidence that almost anything put into play will be an out has boosted my confidence to throw strikes in any count.”
In six games, including five starts, the 6-foot-4 junior has a 1-1 record and 3.86 ERA in 28 innings.
“I love being a starter because I know what my job is, which is to get to the eighth inning and then hand it off to our bullpen,” Karnos said. “A lot of innings shows that I’m doing my job.”