UNC Baseball: Looking Ahead!

Well folks, another long, but quite successful season of baseball has begun to wind down. You want to talk about a drama full season! This was one for the books for sure. From losing our starting third baseman to fighting some crazy umpires, we’ve seen it all at the Bosh this year! Two three game ACC series against Duke and Virginia Tech with a one game series against UNC-Asheville all that is remaining on our schedule before the ACC and NCAA Tournaments.

We’ve had some disappointing loses, but don’t count those as the death of this team…we’ve had some big wins too this season! We proved successful against NC State and the always tough USC. When we didn’t play our best it was a combination of poor defense, pitching and not being able to get the offense going. I admit, I’d like to use losing Colin Moran as an excuse, but I can’t. When you lose a teammate it is up to the team to rally together and play harder and make up for his absence. At times, the Tar Heels did not do just that. It is that simple.

However because of his injuries we did get to see some new players shine. We saw many great offensive showings from Tommy Coyle and Mike Zolk get a lot more playing time. Both proved a lot to Coach Fox and to the fans. Tommy Coyle hit his first grandslam for the Tar Heels against the Wolfpack just days after Moran was injured proving that he could fill the void left by Moran’s injuries. Since them, Moran has returned to the lineup and really been explosive. Since his return the offense has just improved again and our Tar Heels are looking real strong.

One of my favorite memories of this season is more of a personal one! I was visiting family who lives an hour out of Chapel Hill and we decided to go see Carolina play Georgia Tech. It was the first game of the series, but it was full of action. The umpire was rather ridiculous, the strike zone for GT’s hitters was bigger than a Boeing 747 and for Carolina smaller than a chicken wing. Fans let him know we didn’t like him, and so did Coach Scott Jackson. Just thought I’d share a fun story from my experience.

Moving on, let’s get back to business. Carolina has a rather pathetic Blue Devils team coming up next. I’d be shocked if Duke is actually able to win even just a game in that series. Then we have a good challenging coming from Virginia Tech, but I think the Heels can hold them off as long as Moran stays healthy. Then it is time for the ACC Tournament. The Tar Heels may not have the best record in the ACC, but this is a team that can win the ACC. Currently we’re sitting on top of the Coastal Division with a close, but rather comfortable lead ahead of Virginia with just a few games remaining. If the Tar Heels don’t win the ACC Championship, they will go deep in the tournament. Our biggest challengers for the title will be Florida State and NC State. FSU is 21-3 in ACC play and 40-8 overall. NC State is 16-8 in ACC play (as is UNC) and 34-12 overall. We dominated the Wolfpack without Moran and now that he is back, I’m confident we have their number. However, it is going to take some work to defeat Florida State, but I believe this team is strong enough to do that.

After all the ACC craziness we begin the NCAA tournament and the Road to Omaha. I can’t say much for this besides Carolina has a strong team and can definetely make it to the World Series, but they have to play smart and don’t let little things bother them. Show up offensively, pitch smart, and the boys could very well bring back a Championship to The Bosh. However, don’t forget there are many tough teams that will be in our way and could stop us, but I doubt it!

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