Georgia’s two-way player Kenny Ishikawa is still struggling to find his pitching rhythm after suffering a foot injury early in the season. Ishikawa was hit by a pitch on his lower leg/foot area in the Bulldogs’ matchup versus South Carolina Upstate on Feb. 18. Georgia removed him from the lineup for just under a month before returning in limited action against Tennessee.
Ishikawa’s pitching has been inconsistent since returning from injury. Before the setback, he had only one outing on the mound. But the outing was strong, as he pitched 4 1/3 innings of one-hit baseball, not surrendering a run and striking out eight.
Since returning from injury, Ishikawa has started three games on the mound. Over the course of those outings, he has combined for 5 1/3 innings pitched, allowing 12 earned runs, 10 hits and five walks. It’s been a struggle for the young two-way star who was a sixth-round pick in the Nippon League’s draft six months ago.
While the return has been a slog, there is hope. In Ishikawa’s latest start versus South Carolina on Sunday, he surrendered just two hits. While the effort only lasted one inning, head coach Wes Johnson seemed happy with his starter’s efforts.
“You watch, and he didn’t have any big misses, right?” said Johnson. “He’s just still a tick off with his command.”
Ishikawa’s offensive production has had ups and downs since he returned from injury. While he has hit .300 since returning to the lineup, he has only collected one RBI and one extra-base hit. In his latest series against the Gamecocks, Ishikawa went just 1 for 7. He does not, however, strike out. In his 26 at-bats on the season, he has only been struck out three times.
“I’m just not doing the things I’m supposed to be doing right now,” said Ishikawa following the team’s loss to Kennesaw State. “[I’m] still getting used to everything with timing, both pitching and hitting.”
Despite the ups and downs he has experienced, Ishikawa’s defense has remained consistent. The outfielder has two outfield assists and a perfect fielding percentage.
While the efforts can be frustrating, Georgia needs Ishikawa in its lineup. The Bulldogs have struggled with their bullpen, relying largely on strong starts from Joey Volchko and Dylan Vigue. This has led to multiple losing efforts in midweek games when both starters are unavailable.
Ishikawa’s return to strength is important for the Dawgs to survive the rough Southeastern Conference schedule that lies ahead, as he will likely be the man they turn to in rubber matches. Johnson believes he is on the verge of turning the corner and returning to star status.
