University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina
Gardner-Webb
Tar Heels Look To Bounce Back Versus Gardner-Webb, VMI
March 9, 2020 | Baseball
The Rundown
Opponent:Â Gardner-Webb (8-7), VMI (4-11)
Dates:Â March 10-11, 2020
Site:Â Chapel Hill, N.C. (Boshamer Stadium)
First Pitch: Tuesday, 4 p.m. / Wednesday, 4 p.m.
TV:Â Click Here (Tuesday) / Click Here (Wednesday)Â
Live Stats:Â Click Here
Game Notes: North Carolina (PDF) | Gardner-Webb | VMI
The Leadoff
• Carolina looks to get back on track against Gardner-Webb and VMI this weekend after dropping three games over the weekend to Notre Dame.
• The Tar Heels are undefeated in midweek action in 2020, sporting a perfect 5-0 record with wins over High Point, Elon, North Carolina A&T, UNCG and VCU.
• North Carolina is 16-2 against Gardner-Webb all-time, while leading VMI 28-2-1 in the programs' matchups.
• Aaron Sabato was named ACC Player of the Week for the second time in his career on March 9. He hit .333 over the five-game span and blasted four home runs. Sabato ended the week slugging 1.133 and with a .615 on-base percentage.
• Sabato smashed two home runs in the Friday night game against Notre Dame. He added another long ball on Sunday and finished the weekend batting .500, slugging 1.625 and recording a .750 on-base percentage.
• Angel Zarate has been incredible this season, leading the team in batting average (.359) and is second on the squad in on-base percentage (.427). He has reached base in all 17 games this season and is riding a nine-game hit streak.
• Zarate's 17-game on-base streak is the longest by a Tar Heel to start a season since Logan Warmoth opened 2017 with a 26-game streak.
• Joey Lancellotti has impressed on the mound in his new role this season after being used primarily out of the bullpen in 2019. He has tossed 7.0 innings twice, and has recorded 2.22 ERA. He has also recorded 21 strikeouts, a team-high.
• The Tar Heels' offense has proven its patient, drawing 84 walks this year, which ranks 23rd in the country.
• The North Carolina bats have produced 115 runs in 2020, which ranks 26th in the country and fifth in the ACC.
• After experiencing an injury-riddled career this far, Jake Holtzapple has been impressive this week after recording a hit against Purdue and smashing his first home run as a Tar Heel versus VCU.Â
