Washington continues to add pitching staff reinforcements with All-Big West First Teamer

The Washington Huskies are building a strong pitching staff for their first year in the Big Ten.

Heather Tarr has done an impressive job stockpiling pitchers for Washington’s first season in the Big Ten and added another in Cal Poly product Sophia Ramuno, who announced her intentions to join the Huskies on Friday night.

Originally from San Diego, California, Ramuno spent two years with the Mustangs and had a strong career. During her first season, she was given a heavy workload and finished with a 12-11 record and 142 strikeouts on the season, and a 2.21 ERA over 20 appearances in conference play.

Those numbers earned her an All-Big West honorable mention and a spot on the All-Big West Freshman Team. She made a significant jump during her sophomore season, where she acted as the ace of the pitching staff, working 160 1/3 innings and striking out 160 batters.

Ramuno accrued a 13-10 record on the season with a 2.31 ERA and 1.20 WHIP while holding opponents to a .229 batting average, which elevated her to a spot on the All-Big West First Team during her second season on campus before she opted to enter the transfer portal.

She gives Tarr a strong, veteran option either in the starting rotation or out of the bullpen and adds some stability to Washington’s inexperienced staff.

While it still feels like a longshot, if the coaching staff can secure an upset in the recruitment of NiJaree Canady, Ramuno’s addition shouldn’t discount that possibility either. Pitching coach Brad Kilpatrick may need some time to help develop transfers Madi Balk and Rylee Rehbein as strong bullpen options, but that would also give the Huskies five pitchers on the roster.

Nevertheless, with or without Canady on staff, Ramuno is a promising addition who has the potential to be a reliable member of the pitching staff in the Big Ten.