The field of eight for the College World Series is finally set, commencing on Friday. This will be a battle between the Southeastern Conference and the ACC as four teams from each conference secured spots for NCAA baseball's flagship event.
Here's a look at three Atlantic Coast Conference pitchers who are likely to make a major impact in the CoWS.
Three ACC pitchers who can make an impact in the 2024 College World Series
#1, Jamie Arnold, Florida State
Arnold is among the strongest pitchers not just among ACC teams, but the entire field of eight in Omaha. The sophomore has been influential to the Seminoles' success, helping them clinch the Tallahassee Regional and Tallahassee Super Regional in convincing fashion.
He has an 11-3 record, totaling 155 strikeouts with an ERA of just 2.77 in 100.2 innings. Armed with a fastball in the 95 mph range, Arnold will be a major threat to the rest of the field when the Seminoles step onto Charles Schwab Field.
#2, Dalton Pence, North Carolina
While Vance Honeycutt has been the standout for the Tar Heels this season, Pence has quietly been making a name for himself. He has established himself as one of the best bullpen stoppers in college baseball.
The redshirt sophomore has a 4-1 record, totaling 72 strikeouts in 54.0 innings. His stunning 2.00 ERA shows his ability to prevent runs.
This will be crucial to the No. 4 national seed's chances of adding the College World Series to the ACC regular season title, Chapel Hill Regional and Chapel Hill Super Regional victories.
#3, Sam Highfill, NC State
Highfill is among the NC State Wolfpack's most experienced players. The graduate student has made an impact in his final season with the No. 10 national seed.
He has a 7-2 record and struck out 75 batters in 80.0 innings. Although his 5.06 ERA leaves a lot to be desired, his immense experience makes him a legitimate threat to the Wolfpack's opponents in Omaha.
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