Freshman Jason DeCaro is set to join exclusive UNC Baseball company

It's safe to say that Scott Forbes and the UNC baseball program have a lot of faith in freshman right-hander Jason DeCaro.

After two key starting pitchers go down with season-ending injuries, the Diamond Heels were in need of someone to step up as the ace of the rotation. With his team in need of a boost, DeCaro was more than ready for the challenge, as he quickly developed into the team's most reliable starting pitcher.

Having led the Diamond Heels to an ACC regular season title, DeCaro has pitched in some big moments. However, his start on Friday night in the Tar Heels' NCAA Tournament opener against LIU will be his biggest start of his young collegiate career.

When he takes the mound on Friday night, DeCaro will also join some rather exclusive UNC baseball company in the process.

DeCaro will become just the third UNC baseball true freshman to start an NCAA Tournament regional opener since the super regional era began back in 1999.

The other two: none other than Matt Harvey (2008) and Kent Emanuel (2011).

Over his 15 starts this season, the North Point, New York native posted a 5-1 record with a 3.62 ERA. He allowed just 32 earned runs over 79.2 innings of work, as he struck out more batters (69) than he allowed hits (68).

Although he's only a freshman, DeCaro isn't afraid of the spotlight, as the lights will be shining bright at Boshamer Stadium on Friday night. As has been the case throughout the majority of the regular season, the Diamond Heels have a tremendous amount of faith in the young right-hander, as they know he'll do everything he can to help the UNC baseball program pick up a victory in their NCAA Tournament regional opener.