Iowa City, IA -- Expectations are running high once again for the Hawkeyes as the Rick Heller era continues to build. Last spring, the Hawkeyes won seven of their final 10 series to finish the regular season with a 26-18 record in Big Ten-only competition. They tied for fourth in the league standings and went to Regional selection day as a bubble club. Although they would go no further in 2021 than their regular season-ending sweep at Michigan State, the Hawkeyes should once again contend for a Big Ten championship, as well as a Regional bid in 2022.

In order to achieve such lofty predictions, last season’s staff ace Trenton Wallace must be replaced, as well as Saturday starter Drew Irvine. Wallace, an ABCA/Rawlings All-American, was the first Hawkeye to be named the Big Ten Pitcher of the Year. The southpaw finished 7-1 with a 2.34 ERA. He led the Big Ten in ERA (2.34) and wins (7), while ranking third in strikeouts (106). He was selected in the 11th round and signed with Toronto. Irvine was also drafted and signed in the 19th round to the Pirates.

PITCHERS

No worries Hawkeye fans, reinforcements are already on campus, and it all starts...