Notre Dame Baseball: Magical 2021 run will continue into CWS
By Brad Weiss
The Notre Dame Baseball team is on a magical run, and the good times will last well into the month of June in the College World Series.
In their opening game of the 2021 ACC Tournament, the Notre Dame Baseball team made quick work of Virginia Tech. The No. 1 team in Pool A, the Irish are expected to take home the tournament championship, after winning the ACC’s regular-season title.
The Irish were a surprising team in 2021, as nobody could have expected the run they went on. All they did was play consistent baseball all season long, and with their win against Virginia Tech in the ACC Tournament opener, they notched their 30th victory of the season.
Notre Dame Baseball is getting a great blend of starting pitching, and timely hitting, which they will need if they hope to make a real run towards the College World Series. They have the depth to do so and will lean on an incredible pitching staff, as well as their excellent defense to continue this magical run.
Notre Dame Baseball in line for title run
Notre Dame Baseball is going to make the College World Series tournament even if they do not win the ACC Tournament. They have been one of the best teams in the country all season long, and will likely host a regional when all is said and done.
John Bertrand is one of the better starters in the country, and he leads a pitching staff that had a 3.82 earned run average as a group. Will Mercer, who struggled to pitch consistently this season, was dominant during the team’s win against Virginia Tech, and the lefty will be leaned of as they continue their run to the CWS.
During the regular season, three members of the Irish hit over .300, including Niko Kadavas, who blasted 16 home runs. They will need a balanced approach at the plate as they navigate the regional and super-regional action, but you have to believe that they should have the swagger, and confidence to do so.
The Irish will most certainly host a Super Regional if they can close out the ACC Tournament with a win, giving them a decided advantage in the opening round of the College World Series. They have the bats and arms to make a serious run, and have proven time and time again they can beat anyone who stands in their way.