Even in a 14-11 loss at UVA Thursday night, the UNC baseball team has been amongst the country’s best programs to kick off 2024.
North Carolina (25-5, 10-3 ACC) is tied atop the conference with Clemson in overall win total. The Tar Heels have largely performed better on the mound, even with a younger pitching staff, but it’s their bats turning heads.
UNC carries a .315 team batting average, which ranks 24th in the nation. Seven starters, led by a scorching .400 mark from infielder Gavin Gallagher, are hitting at least .300.
The most productive hitter, however, has been starting left fielder Casey Cook. He sports a .375 average, leads the Diamond Heels in hits (45, T-ninth in the nation) and RBIs (43, T-sixth in nation).
As the catalyst of North Carolina’s high-flying offense, Cook was named to the Golden Spikes Award Midseason Watch List.
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The Golden Spikes Award is given annually to the top player in college baseball. Cook has been on the list since Feb. 9, when the preseason list was announced.
Cook’s latest big game came on Friday, March 29, when he mashed two home runs and drove in four runners, during the first of UNC’s three straight wins against Wake Forest. Cook also produced during the Diamond Heels’ 14-11 loss to UVA on Thursday night, driving in two runs on two hits, while also scoring two runs.
Just how much further can Cook elevate his game? Will he be able to bring North Carolina back to the College World Series?
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