Notre Dame baseball prepares for the postseason in the Statesboro Regional after losing in the ACC tournament

 

SOUTH BEND, Ind --Notre Dame baseball is making back to back postseason appearances for the first time since the 2005-2006 season, facing Texas Tech to begin the regional tournament.

With a 35-14 record the Irish would love to have home field advantage playing at Frank Eck Stadium.

Instead, they’re headed to Statesboro, Georgia, after the Irish lost Saturday in the semi-finals of the ACC tournament.

“I had some concerns about the offense to be honest with you. I didn’t think we were doing things as well offensively,” said head coach Link Jarrett.

Going into the ACC tournament last week, the Irish held the four seed and were off to a good start cruising by Florida State and Virginia.

“The first two games we played well,” Jarrett said.

With a stacked North Carolina bullpen, trouble awaited the Irish.

Attempting to ride the momentum of two solo homeruns from Carter Putz and Jack Brannigan.

The Tar Heels were too much in the final two innings, scoring 5 runs and winning 7-2.

“It never felt like we had true control of that game and they’re a very balanced offense and they’re red hot,” said Jarrett.

Looking forward the Irish will now prepare for their first back-to-back regionals appearance since 2005-2006 season.

“I told our guys your number one goal in this is to be on that tv in some screen in some form of fashion when that field is announced and clearly, we are,” Jarrett added.

It’s no secret that after this year’s success, the Irish expected to host their regional.

Either way, it’s time to get the job done and there is one guy that can help with that.

Starting Pitcher John Michael Bertrand.

“Obviously, you know, to have the event here, that’s a rewarding experience for the guys but it is what it is you have to go play. You have to go beat good teams, whether it’s here or elsewhere,” Jarrett said. “Bertrand’s going to throw Friday. Bertrand Friday and we’ll see what happens after but clearly, he needs to throw Friday."

Bertrand, the strong lefty, who was also named to the 2022 ACC all-tournament team, will be a huge help against Texas Tech.