Iowa baseball coach Rick Heller is looking for improved pitching as the Hawkeyes get set to open the season Friday night with the first of a three game series at South Florida. Last season Hawkeye pitchers walked or hit 424 batters and it was a big factor in a disappointing 31-23 record.

Heller says the focus has been on limiting free bases.

Heller believes if the pitching and defense is good the Hawkeyes will score enough runs to be successful.