Diamond Heels carry first 10-game winner across college baseball
Just one game out of first place in the ACC Coastal Division, the UNC baseball team is having a successful start to its 2024 season.
North Carolina (22-4, 7-2) is winners of its last six games, including Tuesday’s come-from behind, 10-5 stomping of North Carolina A&T. Nine regulars in UNC’s starting lineup are hitting at least .300, while the Diamond Heels sport one of the nation’s best young pitching groups.
North Carolina’s bullpen, in particular, is dominant. So dominant that UNC actually carries college baseball’s wins leader, Matthew Matthijs, on its roster.
Matthijs (10-1) just picked up his 10th win against NC A&T on Tuesday, becoming the first pitcher in college baseball to reach that mark.
Congratulations to @MatthewMatthijs on becoming this season’s @NCAABaseball first 10-game winner. #GoHeels pic.twitter.com/YJCmWUFCqY
— Carolina Baseball (@DiamondHeels) March 27, 2024
Matthijs has come out of the bullpen in all 14 of his appearances, striking out 22 batters, allowing just 16 hits and six earned runs across 23 1/3 innings pitched. He has a team-leading .81 WHIP, which means he doesn’t give up lots of hits or walks.
Having a strong pitching group to rely on is super beneficial for the Diamond Heels, as that was a glaring weakness in 2023. Most of UNC’s pitchers are young, such as freshman starter Folger Boaz.
If North Carolina can keep delivering balanced games, there’s no reason to see why it shouldn’t be able to host and win a Regional in this year’s NCAA Tournament.
Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.
