The Fighting Irish went into Birmingham and took two of three from the Blazers, winning Coach Link Jarrett’s first series as manager for Notre Dame. Jarrett must be beaming after returning the South Bend as yesterday the ACC named their players of the week and SP Tommy Sheehan was named conference pitcher of the week.
Congrats to @TommySheehan_ for being named ACC Pitcher of the Week!
📰 https://t.co/pnWzWwiaVT#GoIrish ☘️ pic.twitter.com/oJTZTyURjm
— Notre Dame Baseball (@NDBaseball) February 17, 2020
Sheehan was magnificent in his start against UAB, going 7 strong innings allowing just one hit and walking a batter. Sheehan struck out a career high 9 batters en route to the 4-2 victory. His efforts helped the Irish get the season off to a good start, their first opening day win since the 2016 season.
Tommy Sheehan is the season’s first Pitcher of the Week!
He struck out a career-high nine batters in a seven-inning scoreless stint in @NDBaseball's season opener.
Read more » https://t.co/3Xd9wUB4lb pic.twitter.com/P7PsF9KUma
— ACC Baseball (@ACCBaseball) February 17, 2020
Having an ace start series off is a huge advantage for Jarrett’s team, setting up the bullpen for later in the weekend to be fresh in case other starters aren’t as effective. The junior from New Jersey seems like he has established himself early as that ace for the Irish.
While you are waiting for today’s game to get started, check out all the highlights from Friday’s 4-2 opening day win!#GoIrish ☘️ pic.twitter.com/ycUpqWzeSh
— Notre Dame Baseball (@NDBaseball) February 15, 2020
The Irish and Sheehan return to the field on Thursday in San Antonio, Texas as they will battle Incarnate Word in a pair of games then their first split team double-header. Notre Dame will face Toledo then later in the day University of Texas-San Antonio to round out the Alamo Irish Classic.