Diamond Heels: Carolina looks to return to postseason dominance

While the Diamond Heels finish off their regular season, it’s hard not to think of the possibilities for this team

When the teams were announced for the NCAA Tournament on Memorial Day last season, it almost felt like a mistake. For a second straight season, the Diamond Heels were going to find themselves at home during the tournament.

And this time, it was an extreme disappointment.

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Carolina hopped off to a scorching start last season, before faltering in ACC play. In non-conference play, they looked like a real championship contender.

Maybe that is why it took some people so long to trust this year’s team.

Just like last year’s team, this version got off to a red-hot start. They wrecked everybody in their way, and quickly surged up the national polls. But there was still a stigma to this team that made people worry.

Then came conference play.

This team exorcised their demons, rolling through the ACC. They even clinched the ACC Coastal Division with a week left in the regular season.

Currently, they’re playing with a guarantee of a No. 2 seed in the ACC tournament, with a chance at earning the top seed. They need to win, and get a loss from Louisville.

Also, this team is sitting at No. 3 in the RPI rankings. And this time around, they did not wait until the final weekend to try to sneak into the tournament.

They left no doubt.

They are likely in line for a top-8 seed nationally, which allows them to host games all the way through the Super Regional.

After being away for two years, this Diamond Heels team is ready to make its mark.

But after a two-year hiatus, what is different this time around?

Well, first things first; this team is magnificent in the bullpen. Closer Josh Hiatt and set-up man Rodney Hutchison Jr. have been the backbone of the bullpen this season. Hutchison is used in several roles himself, making him likely to appear at any time.

Their pitching staff is also one of the best in America. JB Bukauskas heads up that dominant rotation.

Bukauskas is one of the top pitching prospects in college, and will likely be a top-15 pick in June’s MLB Draft. Luca Dalatri is the second man in the rotation, who is a strikeout master. Dalatri can miss bats as well as any pitcher in college baseball.

And then there is the offense.

When this offense is hot, it is arguably one of the best offenses in the country. Logan Warmoth is having a spectacular season, with a .338 batting average. The Heels have four different players with 40+ RBI’s, and six guys with 35 or more.

Ashton McGee is also having a spectacular season in the DH spot, hitting .335 with 37 RBI’s, and a .430 OBP. He has filled in the DH spot well with Brian Miller’s move to center field.

All in all, there is no reason this Diamond Heels team cannot win it all.

They have all three aspects we mentioned, plus they are really sharp on the defensive end. The front end of their rotation should be able to carry them through the first two weekends of the tournament, with their incredible bullpen being able to keep them afloat later on in the tournament.

Do not be surprised if the Diamond Heels add to the 2017 trophy collection for UNC!

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