University of North Carolina Athletics
Photo by: Jeffrey A. Camarati
Schaeffer Resurgence Leads Rising Heels
May 26, 2022 | Baseball
CHARLOTTE – No Carolina pitcher logged more innings this season junior college transfer Brandon Schaeffer, who tossed 73.2 innings and will make his 15th start of the season Friday as the Tar Heels take on Virginia Tech with the winner advancing to the semifinals of the ACC Baseball Championship on Saturday.
This will not be the first time Schaeffer has faced the second-ranked Hokies. He picked up the save in the Heels' 10-6 win on April 3, striking out Nick Holesa and inducing a double play after entering the game in the ninth inning with two runners on and nobody out.
"They're a great hitting team, one of the best teams we've played all year," Schaeffer said. "We're going to have to bring our best game. It's just a matter of playing the baseball we're capable of playing.
"Confidence is contagious, and everybody is starting to feel that. I'm picking up on that with the team and everybody is playing better baseball."
It's no coincidence that Carolina's resurgence the last month has corresponded with Schaeffer's improved performance.
He has picked up the win in three of his last four decisions and leads the Tar Heels with six victories while posting the highest winning percentage (.750) of any UNC pitcher with four or more decisions.
Schaeffer has posted a quality start each of his last two outings, allowing three runs in 7.1 innings pitched against Wake Forest and again in 6.2 innings versus Florida State.
"The last couple of series I've been throwing a little bit better," Schaeffer said. "Our game plan has been just attacking hitters throughout the year. I think it's a matter of everyone just getting a little more confident and pitching with that bulldog mentality."
Schaeffer began the year by pitching five or more innings in each of his first starts before enduring the toughest stretch of his collegiate career, throwing just a combined seven innings in his next three starts and allowing nine total runs.
"Earlier in the year after the Duke series, starting with Miami, I went through a rough stretch and I was getting into my head with some stuff," Schaeffer said. "I've really been working on the mental side of it a lot, getting back to what got me here in the first place. I know my strengths and what I'm not so good at.
"I've been working on that stuff in the bullpen so I can get the physical part of that taken care of. The biggest thing for me has been the mental part and trusting in my game plan and that my stuff is going to get them out."
This will not be the first time Schaeffer has faced the second-ranked Hokies. He picked up the save in the Heels' 10-6 win on April 3, striking out Nick Holesa and inducing a double play after entering the game in the ninth inning with two runners on and nobody out.
"They're a great hitting team, one of the best teams we've played all year," Schaeffer said. "We're going to have to bring our best game. It's just a matter of playing the baseball we're capable of playing.
"Confidence is contagious, and everybody is starting to feel that. I'm picking up on that with the team and everybody is playing better baseball."
It's no coincidence that Carolina's resurgence the last month has corresponded with Schaeffer's improved performance.
He has picked up the win in three of his last four decisions and leads the Tar Heels with six victories while posting the highest winning percentage (.750) of any UNC pitcher with four or more decisions.
Schaeffer has posted a quality start each of his last two outings, allowing three runs in 7.1 innings pitched against Wake Forest and again in 6.2 innings versus Florida State.
"The last couple of series I've been throwing a little bit better," Schaeffer said. "Our game plan has been just attacking hitters throughout the year. I think it's a matter of everyone just getting a little more confident and pitching with that bulldog mentality."
Schaeffer began the year by pitching five or more innings in each of his first starts before enduring the toughest stretch of his collegiate career, throwing just a combined seven innings in his next three starts and allowing nine total runs.
"Earlier in the year after the Duke series, starting with Miami, I went through a rough stretch and I was getting into my head with some stuff," Schaeffer said. "I've really been working on the mental side of it a lot, getting back to what got me here in the first place. I know my strengths and what I'm not so good at.
"I've been working on that stuff in the bullpen so I can get the physical part of that taken care of. The biggest thing for me has been the mental part and trusting in my game plan and that my stuff is going to get them out."
Players Mentioned
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