University of North Carolina Athletics

Photo by: Rebecca Lawson
O'Brien Named Freshman All-America
July 5, 2018 | Baseball
CHAPEL HILL—Caden O'Brien was named to the D1Baseball Freshman All-America second-team, the publication announced Thursday. The left-handed pitcher from Maiden, N.C., served in a key role for the Heels in 2018, entering primarily out of the bullpen in his 48 innings of work.
Baffling offenses throughout the season with his unique delivery, O'Brien held opposing batters to a .185 average over the course of 2018. He allowed just 30 hits in his 48 innings and struck out 52 batters with a 2.62 ERA.
He tossed more than two innings six times on the season, including a brilliant performance in North Carolina's second game against Oregon State at the 2018 College World Series. In that outing he worked 4.1 innings – tying his season high – and allowed just two hits, one earned run and struck out five. His other 4.1-inning outing was on February 20 against UNCW, another one-run performance in which he struck out seven opposing batters.
O'Brien joins Patrick Bailey of N.C. State (first-team catcher), Bobby Miller of Louisville (second-team starting pitcher) and CJ Van Eyk of Florida State (second-team relief pitcher) as ACC representatives on the list of standout freshmen.
Baffling offenses throughout the season with his unique delivery, O'Brien held opposing batters to a .185 average over the course of 2018. He allowed just 30 hits in his 48 innings and struck out 52 batters with a 2.62 ERA.
He tossed more than two innings six times on the season, including a brilliant performance in North Carolina's second game against Oregon State at the 2018 College World Series. In that outing he worked 4.1 innings – tying his season high – and allowed just two hits, one earned run and struck out five. His other 4.1-inning outing was on February 20 against UNCW, another one-run performance in which he struck out seven opposing batters.
O'Brien joins Patrick Bailey of N.C. State (first-team catcher), Bobby Miller of Louisville (second-team starting pitcher) and CJ Van Eyk of Florida State (second-team relief pitcher) as ACC representatives on the list of standout freshmen.
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