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Carolina Baseball: Josh Hiatt named to NCBWA preseason All-American team

By Bryson Gordon

FORT BRAGG, NC - JULY 03: A detailed view of baseballs prior to the game between the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves on July 3, 2016 in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The Fort Bragg Game marks the first regular season MLB game ever to be played on an active military base. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
FORT BRAGG, NC - JULY 03: A detailed view of baseballs prior to the game between the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves on July 3, 2016 in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The Fort Bragg Game marks the first regular season MLB game ever to be played on an active military base. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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Baseball season is just around the corner for the Diamond Heels, and their closer is already receiving big accolades

If you are a Carolina baseball fan, Josh Hiatt is a near household name for you. But now it’s time for him to get some national recognition.

During his freshman season, Hiatt was the Tar Heels’ best reliever, and maybe the best reliever in the ACC. He was lights-out all year, tallying a 4-2 record with a 1.90 record and a team-high 13 saves. And he did it in 52 innings of work.

Hiatt split the teams’ Pitcher of the Year Award honors with JB Bukauskas, who is now one of the top prospects in the Houston Astros’ farm system.

In doing all of that, he racked up plenty of award last year, including a consensus freshman All-American nod from nearly every major baseball publication.

On Monday, the awards continued to roll in. This time, though, it was in the form of preseason awards.

The NCBWA named Hiatt to the pre-season first team all-American roster, in just his second season in Chapel Hill.

Before Hiatt arrived on campus, the closer role was a problem for the Diamond Heels. Now, it seems that he has a grip on that role for at least this season. Some people believe he is the best reliever in college baseball, and this accolade validates that to an extent.

Hiatt is one of the main reasons that the Diamond Heels are ranked so high in the pre-season rankings. 

He is part of a pitching staff that has the opportunity to be the best in the ACC, and maybe even the country, led by Gianluca Dalatri. With strong production from the offense, they might have a good chance to get back to Omaha.

Related Story: Two former Diamond Heels are looking for a fresh start in 2018.

It’s been five years since the Diamond Heels made the College World Series. Here’s to hoping we can see Hiatt on the mound closing out the championship series for the Tar Heels this year.

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