Coolican: The incredible atmosphere of the World Baseball Classic
Notre Dame baseball saw a little bit of everything over the last week and a half. Playing through shootouts, blowouts and nail-biters, the Irish posted an even 4-4 record during spring break. Notre Dame got its first look at ACC competition — visiting Georgia Tech and now-No. 2 Wake Forest — and also played midweek baseball for the first time this year. After opening the season with 17 consecutive games away from home, the Irish hold a 9-8 record. They will get started at Frank Eck Stadium on Tuesday against Valparaiso.
Notre Dame softball finished off its 23-game season-opening road trip with six away games during spring break. After dropping game one against NC State last Friday, the Irish rattled off five consecutive wins in six days. With an overall record of 16-7, Notre Dame will welcome Miami (Ohio) in its home opener Tuesday.
For Notre Dame baseball, the long grind of conference play begins this weekend. The Irish (5-4) will visit Georgia Tech (11-2) for the first time in four years to kick off the 30-game slate. Though Notre Dame never played dominant baseball through its first three series, head coach Shawn Stiffler is not too worried with plenty of season left.
Notre Dame softball will head back to the Tar Heel State for its second ACC series of the year. The Irish (11-6, 1-2), will face NC State (5-13, 0-3) at Dail Softball Stadium. Last weekend, both teams suffered series losses against ranked opposition. Notre Dame took No. 15 Duke to the wire, but dropped game three in dramatic fashion. Meanwhile, the Wolfpack went winless at No. 11 Virginia Tech, scoring just four runs in three games.