Here is the stacked Friday slate!

Tuesday (2/20):

UNC Wilmington (2-1) @ #25 Coastal Carolina (1-2)
Time - 4:00PM

• UNC Wilmington is looking to build off their opening weekend series win against Kent State.
• Coastal Carolina is trying to bounce back from a somewhat disappointing opening weekend. Coastal beat George Mason 26-0 on Friday, then proceeded to only score 5 runs the next two games, losing to Indiana and Duke. 
• Trevor Marsh (5 for 11, HR) and Bryan Arendt (3 for 9, 2 HR) look to keep their bats hot tomorrow for the Seahawks. Stud 3B Jac Croom (2 for 13) is trying to put the opening weekend behind him and get back on track. 
• 3rd Team Preseason All American Cadine Bodine (6 for 11) will try to keep his bat hot tomorrow to power the Chanticleers out of their two-game losing skid. 

Elon (1-2) @ #15 UNC (3-0)
Time - 4:00PM

• Elon is looking for a big upset win to get their 2024 season going. After dominating Navy on Friday in a 10-2 victory, Elon gave up 30 runs combined on Saturday & Sunday, to lose the series against Navy. 
• UNC is looking to keep their offense rolling, after putting up 46 runs in a series sweep against Wagner. 
• Despite Elon's pitching woes, their offense is still dangerous. Charlie Granatell (10 for 15), Ryan Sprock (7 for 13), and Vince Fattore (5 for 11, HR) look to power the Phoenix to an unlikely upset. 
• The Tar Heels offense is even more dangerous. Colby Wilkerson (6 for 10), Casey Cook (8 for 14, HR), Parks Harber (5 for 12), and Alberto Osuna (4 for 11, 2 HR) look to continue their offensive production. Preseason 3rd Team All American Vance Honeycutt went 2 for 12 over the weekend, with both hits being homers. 

#1 Wake Forest (3-0) and UNC Greensboro (3-0)
Time - 4:00PM

• Wake Forest travels to Greensboro for their first road test of the season after going 3-0 on opening weekend.
• UNC Greensboro is looking to upset the #1 team in the country after an opening series sweep against Fairfield. 
• Preseason 1st Team All American Nick Kurtz (4 for 12, HR), Adam Tellier (4 for 9, HR), and Austin Hawke (3 for 10, HR) look to power to Demon Deacons to another win. Preseason 3rd Team All American went 2 for 10 with a HR on opening weekend. 
• Our Week 1 Player of the Week Caleb Cozart looks to stay scorching at the plate after a 6 for 11, 4 HR, 11 RBI opening weekend. The 2-way stud is in his second season at UNC Greensboro, transferring from UNC after two years. Caleb's brother Jacob plays at NC State and is a Preseason 2nd Team All American, along as a potential 1st round draft pick this summer. However, Jacob is not to be overlooked by his brother. 

Winthrop (0-3) @ #21 South Carolina (3-0)
Time - 4:00PM

• Winthrop is looking for a big upset after a disappointing opening weekend, being swept by Rutgers.
• South Carolina will try to stay undefeated, after an opening weekend sweep against Miami (Ohio) which included a combined no-hitter on Sunday. 
• Will Dorrell (3 for 8), Alan Benhardt (3 for 8), and Nate Chronis (2 for 6, HR) look to slug the Eagles for their first win in 2024. 
• Preseason 1st Team All American Cole Messina (3 for 8), Dylan Brewer (3 for 8), Blake Jackson (3 for 9), and Tyler Causey (3 for 9) will try to stay hot at the plate to help the Gamecocks win game number 4 of 2024. Preseason 1st Team All American Ethan Petry went 2 for 10 over the weekend, with both hits being homers.  

The Citadel (2-1) @ Charleston Southern (2-1)
Time - 4:00PM

• Citadel looks to build off their opening weekend series win against St. Bonaventure.
• Charleston Southern is looking for win number 3 of the season after an opening weekend series win against Delaware State. 
• Citadel looks to keep their bats hot. Wells Sykes (5 for 10), Thomas Rollauer (5 for 11), Anthony Hausner (5 for 12, 2 HR), Matthew Lively (4 for 10), Sawyer Reeves (4 for 10, HR), and Javier Crespo (4 for 11) look to stay hot at the plate to beat their crosstown rival. 
• Charleston Southern is trying to get their bats heated up. Even with the series win, the Buccaneers only totaled four hits on Friday and three hits on Sunday. Dakota Miller was the Buccaneers best hitter, going 3 for 11 with a double and a HR. 

North Carolina A&T (3-0) @ Gardner-Webb (1-2)
Time - 4:00PM

• North Carolina A&T looks to stay undefeated after an opening series sweep against UMES. 
• Gardner-Webb is trying to bounce back after a disappointing opening series loss to Appalachian State. 
• Chet Sikes (4 for 6) and TJ Ash (3 for 9) will try to stay hot at the plate for the Aggies. Canyon Brown and Tre Williams went deep for the Aggies on opening weekend. 
• Humberto Torres (4 for 10, 2 HR), Tommy Tavarez (5 for 13, 2 HR) and Mark Black (4 for 13) look to lead the Runnin' Bulldogs to a bounce back win. 

Appalachian State (2-1) @ High Point (1-3)
Time - 4:00PM

• App State is looking to continue the momentum after their opening weekend series win against Gardner-Webb. 
• High Point is trying to get back on track after a disappointing opening weekend 4-game series loss to UMass-Lowell.
• Xavier Moronta (6 for 13) and Joseph Zamora (3 for 9, HR) look to stay hot for the Mountaineers. Adam Quintero, CJ Boyd, and Braxton Church all went deep for the Mountaineers opening weekend. 
• Konni Durschlag (7 for 16), Cael Chatham (5 for 13), and Sam Schner (5 for 16, 2 HR) will try to lead the Panthers to a bounce back win. Dawson Harman, Brayden Simpson, Brett Ahalt, and Eric Grintz all hit homers for the Panthers opening weekend. 

UNC Asheville (0-3) @ #9 Tennessee (2-1)
Time - 4:30PM

• UNC Asheville is facing their second consecutive SEC opponent on the road in Knoxville, after getting swept handedly at UGA on opening weekend. 
• Robbie Burnett carried the Bulldogs offense over the weekend, going 4 for 10 with 2 HR. Corbin Lanowitz hit a HR for the Bulldogs as well during opening weekend. 
• UNC Asheville will have to play a near spotless game to pull off an unlikely upset to pick up their 1st win of the 2024 season. 

#11 East Carolina (3-0) @ Campbell (2-1)
Time - 5:00PM

• This is the best midweek game of the slate as the Pirates travel down to Buies Creek to take on Campbell. 
• Projected Starters: 
  • ECU: Chris Kahler (2024: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K)
  • Campbell: Cole Peschl (Has not pitched)
• ECU is coming off an opening weekend series sweep against Rider. ECU only gave up 2 runs in the three games. 
• Campbell is coming off a very impressive opening weekend series win against #17 UC Santa Barabara. The Camels got punched in the mouth on Friday losing 20-8, but then bounced back with 2 impressive wins on Saturday and Sunday to take the series. 
• Jacob Jenkins-Cowart (6 for 12, 2 HR) and Carter Cunningham (6 for 13, HR) look to stay hot at the plate to keep the Pirates undefeated. Stud 2B Jacob Starling hit 2 homers opening weekend, Cam Clonch added one as well. 
• Stud OF Lawson Harrill went 2 for 14 opening weekend, with both hits being homers. Along with Harrill, Campbell looks to continued getting added production from Grant Knipp (4 for 6, HR) and Reed Stallman (2 for 4, HR) to pick up another massive win. 

Davidson (1-2) @ Charlotte (1-2)
Time - 5:00PM

• Another intriguing matchup takes place Tuesday as rivals Davidson travels to Charlotte to battle for the '704 Cup'.
• Davidson is coming off a disappointing opening weekend series lost to Morehead State. 
• Charlotte salvaged the last game of the opening weekend series against Virginia Tech.
• Michael O'Shaughnessy (6 for 12, HR), Eli Putnam (4 for 10, HR), and Jake Wilhoit (4 for 11) look to lead the Wildcats offense to a bounce back win. 
• Charlotte's offense struggled mightily in their series loss to Virginia Tech. Noah Furcht (5 for 11, HR) and Carson Bayne (3 for 10, HR) were the main everyday contributors. Dante DeFranco played in all 3 games, but just started 1 and went 2 for 4. Thad Ector played in 2 games, started 1 and went 2 for 3. Safe to assume they will get more chances if the everyday players continue to struggle at the plate. 

Wednesday (2/21): 

Western Carolina (3-0) @ USC Upstate (0-3)
Time - 3:00PM

• Western Carolina is looking to stay undefeated after their opening weekend series sweep against Iona. 
• USC Upstate is trying to pick up their 1st win of the season, after getting swept by a very solid Kentucky team. 
• Trent Turner (8 for 16, HR), Nate Stocum (4 for 10, 3 HR), Jack Spyke (4 for 11, HR) look to lead the Catamounts offense to another win. James Hinson and Zach Ketterman went deep as well for the Catamounts opening weekend. 
• Vance Sheahan (5 for 11), Troy Hamilton (4 for 11, 2 HR), and David Pereira (3 for 9) will try to stay hot at the plate for the Spartans looking for their first win. Grant Sherrod and Koby Kopa went deep as well for the Spartans opening weekend. 

Queens (0-3) @ #21 South Carolina (4-0 or 3-1)
Time - 4:00PM

• Queens is looking to pull off a massive upset after an unpleasant opening weekend series against Samford where they got swept and outscored 40-9. 
• South Carolina plays back-to-back days midweek, as they will face Winthrop on Tuesday, and then Queens on Wednesday. (See rest of preview for South Carolina above) 
• Queens team batting average in its first series was .182 (14-77). Queens needs the bats to heat up to even have a fighting chance in this road game in Columbia. JJ Sousa, Will Budnick, and Connor Manco all went deep for Queens opening weekend. 

Liberty (3-0) @ #12 Duke (3-0)
Time - 4:00PM

• After being named our 'Team of the Week', Duke faces another solid team in Liberty as they try to stay undefeated. 
• Duke traveled to Coastal Carolina over the weekend and beat Indiana, George Mason, and #18 Coastal Carolina. 
• Duke looks to keep their bats scorching (.372 team AVG, 16 team HR) as they face another tough test.
  • 3 HR: AJ Gracia, Zac Morris
  • 2 HR: Ben Miller, Alex Stone, Devin Obee 
  • 1 HR: Logan Bravo, Wallace Clark, Tyler Albright, Chase Krewson

The Road to Omaha officially started today and we had a lot of action in the Carolinas. 

NC:

Appalachian State (1-0) defeats Gardner-Webb (0-1) 
Final Score: 9-5

• Appalachian State traveled to Boiling Springs, NC and kicked off their 2024 season with a road win at Gardner-Webb. 
• The Mountaineers jumped on the Runnin' Bulldogs early, getting off to an 8-1 lead after 5 innings. Gardner-Webb battled back and made it 8-5 in the 8th, but it was just too much to overcome as Appalachian State hung on to win 9-5. 
• Appalachian State starter Bradley Wilson went 4 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 4 BB, 8 K
• 2B/1B Joseph Zamora of Appalachian State went 2-4, HR, 5 RBI
• C Humberto Torres and RF Nick Capozzi of Gardner-Webb each went deep in the game today
• Appalachian State and Gardner-Webb face off again tomorrow at 2PM. 

Campbell (0-1) loses to #17 UC Santa Barbara
Final Score: 20-8

• Campbell hosted #17 UC Santa Barbara in Buies Creek and it was not one to remember for the Fighting Camels pitchers. 
• Campbell let up three runs in the 1st, three runs in the 2nd, four runs in 3rd, six runs in the 4th, and one run in the 5th. By the end of the 5th inning, Campbell was down 17-3. 
• UC Santa Barbara is a very good team, so the Fighting Camels need to flush this one and focus on the next 2 games against UCSB. 
• C Grant Knipp of Campbell went 2-2, HR, 2 RBI
• Campbell looks to bounce back against UC Santa Barbara tomorrow at 5PM. 

Charlotte (0-1) loses to Virginia Tech 
Final Score: 10-0 

• Charlotte hosted ACC opponent Virginia Tech and it was not how they wanted to start the 2024 season. 
• Charlotte was dominated all game, losing 10-0 to Virginia Tech. 
• Charlotte only registered 2 hits all game and made 4 errors. 
• C Kaden Hopson and pinch hitter Dante DeFranco had the only two hits for 49ers. 
• A lot of unforced errors caused this score to look as bad as it is. Charlotte needs to clean up the mistakes defensively and the bats need to wake up the rest of the series. 
• Charlotte looks to even the series tomorrow at 2PM. 

Davidson (0-1) loses to Morehead State
Final Score: 7-4

• Davidson hosted Morehead State to begin their 2024 season and lost their season opener. 
• Davidson jumped off to an early 2-0 lead in the 1st inning, but the bats went completely silent until the 9th inning. Morehead State scored one run in the 3rd, two in the 4th, one in the 7th, and three in the 9th to take a 7-2 lead. Davidson scored 2 in the bottom of the 9th but lost 7-4. 
• Michael O'Shaughnessy was Davidson's best hitter today, going 2-4, HR, 3 RBI
• Davidson starting pitcher Wilson Perkins went 3.1 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 6 K
• Davidson looks to rebound tomorrow and pick up their first win of the season against Morehead State at 1:30PM. 

#12 Duke (1-0) defeats Indiana
Final Score: 6-3

• Duke opened their 2024 season in Conway, SC with a win over a solid Indiana team. 
• Preseason 2nd Team All American Jonathan Santucci started for the Blue Devils and collected the W, tossing 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 7 K
• C Alex Stone, 1B Logan Bravo, and LF Tyler Albright all went deep for Duke. 
• Charlie Beilenson picked up the save for the Blue Devils, posting 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
• Duke looks to pick up win number 2 of the season tomorrow versus George Mason at 11AM.

#11 ECU (1-0) defeats Rider
Final Score: 16-2

• ECU kicked off their 2024 season in Greenville with a dominating win over Rider. 
• Preseason 1st Team All American Trey Yesavage showed exactly why he had those honors, picking up the W and posting 4 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 8 K
• ECU scored seven runs in the 1st inning and coasted from there. 
• RF Jacob Jenkins-Cowart went 2-3, HR, 2B, 4 RBI
• LF/CF Bristol Carter went 2-2, 2B, 2 RBI
• 1B/LF Carter Cunningham went 3-5, 2 RBI
• The best story of Day 1 (and the whole year) of the 2024 College Baseball season was Parker Byrd's college debut. Parker was a high rated recruit in the class of 2022. In the summer of 2022, Parker got in a horrific boating accident and had his leg amputated. Byrd went through 22 surgeries in 45 days. Tonight, Byrd became the first player to play in a D1 game with a prosthetic leg. Oh, he drew a walk in his plate appearance. What a special moment for Parker.
• ECU looks to stay undefeated against Rider tomorrow at 2PM. 

Elon (1-0) defeats Navy
Final Score: 10-2

• Elon opened their 2024 season at home with a win against Navy. 
• Elon jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the 1st inning and never looked back. 
• Elon starting pitcher Justin Mitrovich was dominant, collecting the W and posted 7 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 9 K
• CF Vince Fattore went deep for Elon and collected 4 RBI
• LF/RF Charlie Granatell went 3-5
• 3B Ryan Sprock went 3-5, RBI
• Elon faces off against Navy tomorrow at 2PM. 

High Point (0-1) loses to UMass-Lowell
Final Score: 10-6 (11 innings) 

• High Point opened their 2024 season with an extra innings loss at home to UMass-Lowell
• UMass-Lowell jumped out to an early 3-0 1st inning lead, but High Point battled right back with one run in the 2nd, and 4 in the 3rd to take a 5-3 lead. UMass-Lowell scored one in the 6th, and two in the 7th to take a 6-5 lead. Down to their last 2 outs in the 9th, pinch hitter Dawson Harman hit a solo HR to take the game into extra innings. However, UMass-Lowell scored four runs in the top of the 11th, and that was it. 
• LF Sam Schner went 2-5, HR, 3 RBI
• High Point looks to bounce back tomorrow against UMass-Lowell at 12PM. 

North Carolina A&T (1-0) defeats UMES
Final Score: 5-2

• North Carolina A&T opened their 2024 season at home with a win over UMES. 
• The game was tied 2-2 going into the 8th inning, but North Carolina A&T scored three on a 3 RBI Double by CF TJ Ash in the bottom of the 8th and hung on to win 5-2. 
• North Carolina A&T starter Coley Kilpatrick was very good on the mound, posting 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K. 
• 2B JT Taylor went 2-3
• Jake Delisi picked up the W for A&T and posted 2.1 IP, 2, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
• North Carolina A&T looks for win number 2 tomorrow against UMES at 2PM.

#13 NC State (1-0) defeats VCU
Final Score: 6-1

• NC State opened their 2024 season at home with a win over VCU. 
• Wolfpack starter Sam Highfill had a shaky first inning, loading the bases with 0 outs. However, he only gave up 1 run on a sac fly, and from there it was smooth sailing. Highfill's finishing line: 5 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 5 BB, 6 K. Highfill also picked up the W. 
• NC State tied the game in the 3rd inning, after 3 straight two out singles by C Jacob Cozart, 3B Alec Makarewicz, and DH Alex Sosa. 
• The big inning for the Wolfpack came in the 4th. 2B Matt Heavner led off the inning with a solo HR. Some shaky defense from VCU and walks/HBP led the Pack to score 4 total runs in the inning and they never looked back. 
• Preseason 2nd Team All American Jacob Cozart went deep in the 8th to make it a 6-1 Wolfpack lead. Cozart went 2-4, HR, 2 RBI.
• Shane Van Dam relieved Sam Highfill and was on the mound the rest of the game. Van Dam had some control issues his first inning, but after that was solid. Van Dam's finishing line: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K. Van Dam also picked up the save. 
• NC State looks to improve on their opening win tomorrow against VCU at 2PM. 

Queens (0-1) loses at Samford
Final Score: 12-2

• Queens kicked off their 2024 season on the road at Samford and lost. 
• Samford scored six runs in the 2nd inning and didn't look back. 
• Queens only registered 4 hits and committed 3 errors. 
• DH Connor Manco went deep for Queens. 
• Queens looks to bounce back at Samford tomorrow at 3PM. 

UNC Asheville (0-1) loses at Georgia
Final Score: 11-2

• UNC Asheville started their 2024 season on the road at Georgia and lost 11-2. 
• UNC Asheville hung in the game through 3 innings, as it was tied 1-1. The game broke open after that. 
• UNC Asheville only registered 2 hits in the game, and they were both HRs. 
• CF Robbie Burnett and DH Corbin Lanowitz went deep for the Bulldogs. 
• UNC Asheville is looking to even the series tomorrow against Georgia at 3PM. 

#15 UNC (1-0) defeats Wagner
Final Score: 10-3

• UNC opened their 2024 season at home with a win over Wagner. 
• This game was pretty tight through 5 innings, as UNC had a 3-1 lead. UNC then score six runs in the 6th inning, blowing the game open. 
• UNC starter Folger Boaz picked up the W and posted 5 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 5 K
• Preseason 3rd Team All American CF Vance Honeycutt went deep in the game for the Tar Heels. 
• 1B Parks Harber went 3-4, RBI. 
• RF Anthony Donofrio went 2-4, 3B, 2 RBI.
• SS Colby Wilkerson went 2-4, 2B, 2 RBI. 
• UNC looks to build on their season opening win against Wagner at 12PM. 

UNC Greensboro (1-0) defeats Fairfield 
​Final Score: 10-9 (10 innings)

• UNC Greensboro opened their 2024 season at home with a close extra innings win over Fairfield. 
• UNC Greensboro was down 9-5 after 6 innings, but scored two runs in the 7th and two runs in the 9th to force extra innings. UNC Greensboro walked off Fairfield in the 10th by an RBI single from RF Brantley Truitt to win 10-9. 
• CF Zachary Walsh went 3-4, 2B. 
• LF Trey Truitt went 2-3, 2B, HR, 2 RBI. 
• DH Caleb Cozart went deep for the Spartans. 
• UNC Greensboro looks to stay undefeated tomorrow against Fairfield at 2PM.

​
UNC Wilmington (1-0) defeats Kent State
Final Score: 7-2 

• UNC Wilmington opened their 2024 season at home with a win over Kent State.
• UNC Wilmington jumped out to an early 6-0 lead after 3 innings and coasted from there. 
• UNC Wilmington starter RJ Sales was dominant and received the W, posting 5.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 8 K
• 3B Jac Croom went 2-4, 2 2B, 2 RBI
• 1B Tanner Thach went 2-4, 3 RBI
• C Bryan Arendt went deep for the Seahawks. 
• UNC Wilmington looks to build off this win tomorrow against Kent State at 4PM.

#1 Wake Forest (1-0) defeats Fordham
Final Score: 9-3

• Wake Forest opened their 2024 season as the #1 team in the country at home with a win over Fordham. 
• Preseason 1st Team All American Josh Hartle was good and picked up the W, posting 5.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 4 K
• The Demon Deacons were a little quiet today, only totaling 5 hits.
• Wake Forest also committed 2 errors, which is uncommon. 
• 3B Adam Tellier went deep for the Demon Deacons. He went 2-3, HR, RBI. 
• RF Jake Reinisch went 1-3, 2B, 2 RBI
• Wake Forest looks to build off today's win against Illinois at 12PM. 

Western Carolina (1-0) defeats Iona
Final Score: 8-5

• Western Carolina opened up their season at home with a win over Iona. 
• The game was tied 4-4 after 3 innings, but Western Carolina scored three runs in the 4th and didn't look back. Western Carolina had 12 hits. 
• Dylan Wheeler came in as relief in the 4th inning and ended up with the W after a great outing out of the bullpen. Wheeler's final line: 3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
• SS Trent Turner went 2-6, 2B
• 2B Zach Ketterman went 2-4
• LF Nate Stocum went 1-2, 2B, 2 RBI
• 1B Jack Spyke went 2-5, 2B, 2 RBI
• RF Cole Jones went 3-5, 2B, 3 RBI
• Western Carolina looks to stay undefeated tomorrow against Iona at 1PM. 

SC:

Charleston Southern (1-0) defeats Delaware State
Final Score: 8-5

• Charleston Southern opened their 2024 season at home and picked up a win against Delaware State. 
• The game was tied 4-4 through 7 innings, then Charleston Southern scored four 4 runs in the 8th inning and hung on to win 8-5. 
  
• Evan Truitt came in as relief in the 4th inning and picked up the W. He posted 5.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 5 K. Dylan Matsuoka picked up the save. 
• DH Peter Werth went 2-4, 2 RBI
• LF Christian Bauman went 1-3, 2B, RBI
• RF Dakota Miller went 1-3, HR, RBI
• Charleston Southern takes on Delaware State tomorrow at 1:30PM

#10 Clemson (1-0) defeats Xavier
Final Score: 14-3

• Clemson opened their 2024 season at home with a dominating win over Xavier. 
• Clemson starter Billy Barlow earned the W, posting 5 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
• Preseason 1st Team All American CF Cam Cannarella went 3-5, 2B, 3 RBI
• RF/CF Alden Mathes hit a towering grand slam in the 1st inning for the Tigers. 
• DH Cooper Blauser went deep for the Tigers, as did 3B Nolan Nawrocki. 
• Clemson looks to keep their bats on fire tomorrow against Xavier at 2PM. 

#18 Coastal Carolina (1-0) defeats George Mason
Final Score: 26-0

• Coastal Carolina opened their 2024 season at home with an incredible 26-0 (yes, you read that right) win over George Mason. 
• Coastal Carolina scored six runs in the 1st, seven runs in the 3rd, 6 runs in the 4th. After 4 innings, Coastal Carolina was winning 19-0. 
• Riley Eikhoff started for Coastal and was dominate. Eikhoff picked up the W. Final line: 6 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
• 3rd Team All American C Caden Bodine went 3-4, 2 2B, 3 RBI
• Other players to hit doubles: 3B Sam Antonacci, DH Derek Bender, RF Graham Brown
• Players to hit HRs: DH Derek Bender, 1B Zack Beach, LF Jake Brooks
• Coastal faces Indiana at 3PM tomorrow, and if they hit like they did today, watch out. 

College of Charleston (1-0) defeats Marshall
Final Score: 15-3

• College of Charleston opened their 2024 season at home with a dominating win over Marshall. 
• College of Charleston coasted from the 4th inning on, when they scored 6 runs to take a 7-0 lead. The final score was 15-3. College of Charleston had 17 hits in the game.
• College of Charleston starter Jake Brink was solid and picked up the W. Brink's final line: 5 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 5 K
• 3rd Team All American Cole Mathis was a single short of the cycle. He was 3-4 with a 2B, 3B, HR, 3 RBI. 
• College of Charleston looks to keep the momentum going tomorrow against Marshall at 15-3. 

Presbyterian (1-0) defeats Saint Peter's
Final Score: 10-2

• Presbyterian opened their season at home with a win against Saint Peter's. 
• This game was relatively close, as it was a 4-1 lead for Presbyterian after 6 innings. Presbyterian then scored six runs in the 7th to blow it open. They won 10-2. 
• Presbyterian starter Daniel Eagen was dominant and earned the W. Eagen's final line: 5 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 7 K
• SS Brody Fahr went 3-5, 2B. 
• CF Joel Dragoo went 2-4, HR, 4 RBI. 
• C Jackson Hugus went 3-4, RBI.
• 3B Trey Fenderson went 1-2, 3B, 2 RBI. 
• Presbyterian looks to stay undefeated tomorrow against Saint Peter's at 1PM. 

#25 South Carolina (1-0) defeats Miami (Ohio)
Final Score: 5-1

• South Carolina kicked off their 2024 season with a home win against Miami (Ohio). 
• All of the scoring of this game came in the first 2 innings. Miami (Ohio) jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the 1st. South Carolina scored 5 in the bottom of the 2nd. South Carolina would go on to win 5-1. 
• South Carolina starter Eli Jones had a solid outing and earned the W. Jones final line: 6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 5 K. Garrett Gainey earned the save. 
• South Carolina only had 6 hits all game. 
• 1st Team All American RF Ethan Petry went 0-3. 
• 1st Team All American C Cole Messina went 1-2 with 2 walks. 
• South Carolina looks to stay undefeated tomorrow against Miami (Ohio) at 12PM. 

USC Upstate (0-1) loses against Kentucky
Final Score: 11-7

• USC Upstate opened up their 2024 season at home and lost to Kentucky. 
• It wasn't a great day for USC Upstate pitching staff, surrendering 11 runs on 13 hits. 
• C David Pereira went 3-4, 2B, 3 RBI
• SS Troy Hamilton and RF Koby Kropf went deep for USC Upstate. 
• USC Upstate looks to even the series tomorrow against Kentucky at 3PM. 

Winthrop (0-1) loses against Rutgers
Final Score: 14-5

• Winthrop kicked off their 2024 season at home and lost handedly to Rutgers.
• Winthrop jumped to an early 5-0 lead thanks to Rutgers control issues through 2 innings against Rutgers. Rutgers then scored 14 unanswered runs and Winthrop lost 14-5. 
• It wasn't a good day for the Winthrop pitching staff, as they let up 14 runs on 17 hits. 
• Winthrop defensively wasn't sharp either, committing 2 errors. 
• Winthrop looks to rebound tomorrow against Rutgers at 2PM. 

Wofford (1-0) defeats Towson
Final Score: 12-11

• Wofford opened their 2024 season at home and won a thrilling 12-11 game against Towson. 
• After 7 innings, the game was tied 8-8. In the bottom of the 8th, Wofford scored 3 runs to take a 11-8 lead going into the final inning. However, Towson responded with 3 runs of their own in the top of the 9th. Wofford then walked it off thanks to a wild pitch to win 12-11. 
• Morgan Lunceford picked up the W, his final line: 4.2 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 3 K
• CF Marshall Toole went 2-4 with a triple
• 1B Tyler Hare went 3-4, HR, 4 RBI
• 3B Dixon Black went 2-4, 2 RBI
• Wofford looks to build off their thrilling win tomorrow against Bucknell at 4PM. 

We are only 1 day away! The Road to Omaha officially begins tomorrow and we have a loaded first weekend slate. 

#1 Wake Forest vs Fordham/Illinois/Akron

• Wake Forest will open their season in Winston-Salem as the preseason #1 team in the country facing 3 different teams. 
• The Demon Deacons are coming off a dominating 54-12 (22-7 ACC) campaign in 2023, along with an Omaha appearance that ended by falling just short in the semi-finals to eventual National Champion LSU. 
• Wake Forest lost some key players from the 2023 team, with Rhett Lowder and Brock Wilken being selected in the 1st round of the MLB Draft (8 other Wake players were drafted as well). However, Wake returned a lot of talent with players Nick Kurtz, Josh Hartle, and Michael Massey -- who are all preseason All Americans. Along with talent added from the Transfer Portal, Tennessee transfer flamethrower Chase Burns, and Wingate transfer Seaver King -- who are also both preseason All Americans. 
• vs Fordham on Friday. Fordham went 19-36 in 2023 and were picked to finish 9th in the Atlantic 10. 
• vs Illinois on Saturday. Illinois went 25-27 in 2023 and were not included in the Big Ten top 6 preseason poll. 
• vs Akron on Sunday. Akron went 21-34 in 2023 and were picked to finish dead last in the MAC. 

#10 Clemson vs Xavier

• Clemson will begin their season at home facing a good Xavier team. 
• The Tigers are coming off a 44-19 (20-10 ACC) season in 2023, along with winning the ACC Tournament in Durham, NC. Clemson was upset as the host in the regional, losing to Tennessee and Charlote. 
• All eyes will be on Outfielder Cam Cannarella, who is a preseason first team All American. Cannarella is coming off a dominating freshman 2023 season, slashing .388/.462/.560
• Xavier is coming off a good 39-25 season in 2023, with an NCAA Tournament berth to the Oregon regional. Xavier is picked to finish 2nd in the Big East conference. 

#11 ECU vs Rider

• ECU will being their 2024 campaign at home as the preseason #11 team in the country. ECU is still searching for their first College World Series appearance. 
• The Pirates are coming off a 47-19 (18-6 AAC) season that resulted in a regular season AAC title and a berth to the Charlottesville regional. 
• Trey Yesavage will be the Pirates ace, as he is a preseason first team All American after a 7-1 season with a 2.61 ERA. Other players to keep an eye on include outfielder Jacob Jenkins-Cowart and pitcher Zach Root. 
• Rider is coming off a 36-21 season and the MAAC tournament champions, which resulted in an NCAA tournament appearance in the Coastal Carolina regional. Rider is picked to finish 4th in the MAAC in 2024. 

#12 Duke vs Indiana/George Mason/Coastal Carolina

• Duke will begin their 2024 season in Conway, SC playing 3 different very solid teams. This weekend will be a good test for Duke to open the year. 
• Duke is coming off a 39-24 (16-13 ACC) which resulted in a NCAA tournament berth in the Conway regional. Duke won the Conway regional, and advanced to play Virginia in the Super Regional, but fell just short of Omaha losing to UVa. 
• This is a very talented Duke squad, highlighted by their 3 preseason All American pitchers: Fran Oschell III, Jonathan Santucci, and James Tallon. Duke will once again be a dangerous team in the ACC. 
• vs Indiana on Friday. Indiana went 43-20 in 2023, along with an NCAA Tournament berth to the Lexington regional. Indiana is projected to finish 2nd in the Big Ten. 
• vs George Mason on Saturday. George Mason went 36-27 in 2023 and won the Atlantic 10 Tournament, which resulted in a NCAA Tournament berth to the Winson-Salem regional. 
• vs Coastal Carolina on Sunday (Coastal preview down below) 

#13 NC State vs VCU

• NC State will begin their 2024 campaign at home facing a solid VCU team. 
• The Wolfpack is coming off a 36-21 (13-16 ACC) season. NC State received an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament to the Columbia regional but didn't advance further than that. 
• NC State's best player this year will be Jacob Cozart. The 2nd team All American has a real argument to be the best catcher in the country, however it is a tight battle between Cozart and Cole Messina at South Carolina. NC State also has another preseason All American on the team, starting pitcher Dominic Fritton. The southpaw put up a strong freshman campaign in 2023 and is looking to build off that. 
• The Wolfpack received some brutal news in the last week or so, as weekend starter senior Matt Willadsen suffered an elbow injury and is out for the year. Willadsen had a very strong year in 2023, posting a 3.93 ERA in ACC play which was 8th best in the conference. However, NC State has an abundance of good arms. Along with Fritton, Sam Highfill and true freshman Ryan Marohn will fill out the weekend rotation to start the year. Garrett Payne - who was injured in 2023, could help fill in and start some games. Logan Whitaker was the Friday starter for the Wolfpack last year, could also start some games, but sounds like he may be the closer in 2024. Freshman Chance Mako and Jaxon Lucas could also have an impact for the Wolfpack rotation. 
• Eli Serrano is back for the Wolfpack after a solid 2023. He will be moving from 1st base to the outfield, with the addition of Wichita State transfer Garrett Pennington. The Wolfpack will also have a different SS this year, Western Carolina transfer Brandon Butterworth. 
• VCU went 25-30 in 2023 and were picked to finish 2nd in the Atlantic 10 this year. 

#15 UNC vs Wagner

• UNC will begin their 2024 season at home playing Wagner. 
• The Tar Heels are coming off of a 36-24 (14-14 ACC) season in 2023. UNC received an at-large bid to the Terre Haute regional but were quickly eliminated. 
• UNC's lone preseason All American this year is Vance Honeycutt. Honeycutt had a stellar 2022 freshman year but didn't have the year most were expecting in 2023. In 2022, Honeycutt had a very impressive .672 slugging percentage along with 25 HRs. In 2023, his slugging percentage dropped all the way to .492 with only 12 HRs. Still, Honeycutt is regarded as one of the top prospects of the upcoming MLB Draft and of course one of the best players in college baseball. I believe Honeycutt will have a bounce back year and solidify his top 5 draft projection. 
• In late January, UNC received bad news about their projected Friday starter and ace when it was announced senior Jake Knapp will miss the season with a UCL tear in his throwing arm. Just like with NC State losing Willadsen, this no doubt hurts the UNC rotation. However, UNC has some good young arms that can help fill Knapp's role. 
• Wagner went 32-24 in 2023 and finished 2nd in the NEC. They are projected for another 2nd place finish in 2024. 

#18 Coastal Carolina vs George Mason/Indiana/Duke

• Coastal Carolina will begin their 2024 campaign at home facing 3 different good teams. 
• Coastal Carolina went 42-21 (23-7 Sun Belt) in 2023. Coastal won the Sun Belt regular season championship but fell short in the Sun Belt Tournament. However, they were selected as one of the 16 hosts in the NCAA Tournament. They were eventually upset and eliminated on their home field.
• Earlier, I mentioned Cozart and Messina being the best catchers in the country. Caden Bodine says not so fast. Bodine is Coastal Carolina's lone preseason All American selection, making the 3rd team. Bodine is coming off a 2023 season where he slashed .367/.456/.609 with 11 HRs. Bodine is a special player and will star for the Chanticleers once again in 2024. 
• Derek Bender is also back for the Chanticleers and he is also looking to build on a stellar 2023 season where he slashed .341/.399/.635 with 19 HRs. Bender is a player to watch as well. Another player to watch out for is transfer Sam Antonacci. He was named the D2 player of the year last year before transferring to Coastal Carolina. 
• vs George Mason on Friday. George Mason went 36-27 in 2023 and won the Atlantic 10 Tournament, which resulted in a NCAA Tournament berth to the Winson-Salem regional.
• vs Indiana on Saturday. Indiana went 43-20 in 2023, along with an NCAA Tournament berth to the Lexington regional. Indiana is projected to finish 2nd in the Big Ten. 
• vs Duke on Sunday (Duke preview above). 

#25 South Carolina vs Miami (Ohio)

• South Carolina will open their 2024 season at home facing off against Miami (Ohio). 
• The Gamecocks finished 42-21 (16-13 SEC) and hosted the Columbia regional. South Carolina won 3 straight in the regional and advanced to play Florida in Gainesville in the Super Regionals. South Carolina fell just short and lost to Florida one step short of making it to Omaha. 
• South Carolina has two 1st team All Americans. Outfielder Ethan Petry and Catcher Cole Messina. Messina slashed .307/.428/.615 with 17 HR's. Petry slashed a ridiculous .376/.471/.733 with 23 HR's. This team will go as far as these two will take them.
• Looking at this team, I don't know how they are just ranked #25 in the country. South Carolina is well rounded with a lot of star power. This seems like a team that is being severely underrated. I think they should be ranked around the 10-15 range. 
• Miami (Ohio) went 21-35 last season. They are picked to finish 5th in the MAC in 2024. 

1st Team All Americans: 
Trey Yesavage - RHP ECU
Fran Oschell III - RHP Duke
Josh Hartle - LHP Wake Forest
Cole Messina - C South Carolina
Nick Kurtz - 1B Wake Forest
Cam Cannarella - OF Clemson
Ethan Petry - OF/INF South Carolina

2nd Team All Americans: 
Chase Burns - RHP Wake Forest
Michael Massey - RHP Wake Forest
Jonathan Santucci - LHP Duke
Jacob Cozart - C NC State

3rd Team All Americans: 
Cole Mathis - RHP/INF College of Charleston
Dominic Fritton - LHP NC State
James Tallon - LHP Duke
Cade Bodine - C Coastal Carolina
Vance Honeycutt - OF UNC
Seaver King - UTL Wake Forest

Total All Americans by Team: 
Wake Forest - 5
Duke - 3
South Carolina - 2
NC State - 2
Clemson - 1
ECU - 1
UNC - 1
Coastal Carolina - 1
College of Charleston - 1

Below is our staff's conference winner picks for the 2024 season. ​