With conference play in full swing, it’s a good time to see where teams in the Atlantic Division fall in the rankings. NC State and Clemson are at the top of the order, but teams like Wake Forest are close on their heels.
NC State (13-5)
NC State took on Notre Dame at home this weekend. For the fourth consecutive weekend, the Wolfpack dropped the series opener. After allowing 12 runs in the first game and losing 12-8, NC State rebounded and swept Saturday’s doubleheader. The Pack scored 25 runs between those two games and allowed just seven. Playing their best ball, they are still leading the Atlantic Division.
Clemson (11-7)
Clemson hosted the Miami Hurricanes this weekend and struggled with Miami’s lineup. In game one, the Tigers led 11-3 heading to the ninth inning, but couldn’t close it out. The game dragged on to a 12-11 loss after 12 innings. After the game one loss, the Tigers failed to find any offense in game two of the doubleheader Saturday and lost 6-1. They were able to salvage game three with an 8-3 victory, led by a stellar outing from left-hander Jake Higginbotham. The Tigers will travel to Winston-Salem next weekend for a showdown with Wake Forest.
Wake Forest (10-8)
Wake Forest swept the Boston College Eagles in Massachusetts this weekend. In the first two games, the Demon Deacons shut out the Eagles. Surprisingly, their offense only managed to score three and two runs, respectively. The third game saw the offense come to life a bit as they scored six runs. The Demon Deacons have some talent on this team, more than their record shows. Their showdown with the Clemson Tigers next weekend will be a real test of their mettle.
Louisville (9-9)
Louisville has not looked like itself this season. Prior to this weekend’s sweep of Virginia Tech, the Cardinals had only won one ACC series. That win was over North Carolina early in the season when the Tar Heels were struggling to find an identity. The first two games against the Hokies were close, and the Cardinals only won each by one run. In the third game, the Cardinal offense exploded for 16 runs while limiting the Hokies to just one. Fans were ecstatic as they witnessed the Cardinals of old. They host Virginia next weekend. Everyone is waiting to see if this weekend’s victories help swing momentum for Louisville.
Florida State (8-9)
Another surprise in the Atlantic division is the Florida State Seminoles. Sitting below .500 in conference play is far from expectations. With a large roster of returning players from last year’s ACC Championship, the Seminoles were predicted to be in the running for another title. Most recently, the Seminoles lost their home series against the Duke Blue Devils. In the first game, Duke held the Seminoles to just one run. The second game was harder fought; the Devils took it in extra innings. The Seminoles will take a trip to Fenway Park for a showdown with Boston College next weekend.
Notre Dame (6-12)
Notre Dame took one game of its series against NC State. After winning the opener in fairly convincing fashion, the Irish dropped the next two games. The Irish have struggled to compete in conference series all season. They have won one series against Wake Forest, but they haven’t been competitive in their other series. The Irish will need a late season run if they want better seeding at the ACC Tournament in May.
Boston College (5-13)
Boston College is another team that has just one conference series win. The Eagles took two of three from Virginia Tech earlier in the year, but they haven’t done much since. Most recently, Boston College was swept at home by Wake Forest. Their schedule doesn’t get any easier, as they have to face Florida State, Louisville and Miami before the season ends.
