The #17 ranked prospect on our Top 300, Brendan Summerhill, has been a difference maker since coming back from injury, as he’s been able to slot into the leadoff spot to really lengthen the lineup, slashing .370/.492/.610 with 11 doubles, six triples, and 33 RBI this year.
The supporting cast of Aaron Walton, Adonys Guzman, Maddox Mihalikis, and more is relentless, and this is a true one-through-nine lineup that can be a nightmare.
North Carolina Tar Heels
The only problem this Tar Heel team faced this season was the lack of slug through their lineup, but as of late, they’ve been able to break through. Gavin Gallaher has come on strong now, offering additional power to Luke Stevenson and Hunter Stokely.
The real strength of this team lies on the mound. Jake Knapp has every argument to be the National Pitcher of the Year, pitching to a 1.98 ERA with a 13-0 record over 95 ⅓ innings pitched, surrendering just 16 walks to his 85 strikeouts and holding opposing hitters to a .189 average.
Former ACC Freshman Pitcher of the Year Jason DeCaro, while having a down year, certainly has the ability to dominate any team in the country, and Aidan Haugh rounds out the rotation, giving 71 innings this year while holding opposing hitters to a .230 batting average, which is higher than the team (.225).
It’s hard to ignore what this team has been able to do this season, pitching-wise. They are a top-10 staff in the country in terms of ERA (3.39) and WHIP (1.23), and the different looks through the staff should give Arizona fits.
