In the first of three straight series versus Coastal Division opponents, the Diamond Heels take on Miami in a battle for first place in the division. UNC comes into Friday's game protecting a one game lead over the Hurricanes.
Schedule and Rotation(via Tar Heel Blue)
Friday at 7:00 PM: Kent Emanuel(5-1, 1.59 ERA) vs Eric Erickson(4-3, 3.40 ERA)
Saturday at 7:00 PM: Chris Munnelly(2-0 3.38 ERA) vs Eric Whaley(3-2, 2.28 ERA)
Sunday at 1:00 PM: Benton Moss(2-1, 1.93 ERA) vs Steven Ewing(3-0, 2.35 ERA)
The Friday and Saturday games will be available on either ESPN3 and the Tar Heel Sports Network. The Sunday finale will only be available on THSN.
Colin Moran is still out with a broken hand. In his stead the Heels have gotten consistent hitting from catcher Jacob Stalling who is batting .327 and has 14 doubles which is tied for 2nd in the ACC with teammate Cody Stubbs. Tom Zengel is batting .324 and Tommy Coyle is one of three Tar Heels with 20 or more RBIs. Offensively the Heels and Hurricanes are similar running in the middle of the ACC pack in hitting and RBIs. However both teams sport solid pitching which will likely decide this series. UNC is first in the ACC in team ERA and Miami is third. Also of note UNC is fourth in strikeouts whereas Miami is 11th. Couple the latter stat with the Heels being second in walks drawn it stands to reason Tar Heel batters will be able to get runners on and put the ball in play.
UNC has won its first four ACC series for the first time since 1990. A series win this weekend would give the Heels at least a two game lead heading to Charlottesville next weekend.