Written by Cade Harper | Writer | Twitter : @CadeHarperIT
Photo by Notre Dame Athletics
Notre Dame's regular season series finale came to a close in a way most were hoping it would be the other way around. The Irish were swept as they traveled to Louisville before the weekend with losing a double header on Thursday, followed by their season finale on Friday also resulting in a loss. Notre Dame needed Miami to win over Pitt in order for them to receive a bid into the ACC Tournament and have a shot at a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Unfortunately, Pitt would go on to secure the final spot in the ACC Tournament and Notre Dame's season has officially ended.
In the doubleheader on Thursday, Game 1 was another defensive game that the offense couldn't supply enough runs to keep up with Louisville. The Irish infield defense shined again despite a losing effort, but they extended their double play season total to 46 which is nine more than any other team in the ACC. David Glancy did his part this weekend as well with two home runs on Thursday, one across both games. The Irish would lose game one 5-3, and game two 5-1.
On the season finale Friday, the bullpen could never seem to get out of an inning. An offensive explosion from Louisville plowed them to a win to complete the sweep in a 14-6 ballgame. Notre Dame's offense did look better Friday, but not good enough to keep up with the Cardinal's bats. Penney and Baumgardt recorded two hits each along with a Moreno homer.
The 2024 season wasn't something to be proud of but there is a lot to look forward to with this young team. Notre Dame defended their home diamond this season finishing on a positive record at The Eck, 16-8, despite not playing their first home series nearly twenty games into the season. On the road, they would finish under .500 at 11-17. Of course, the biggest one that everyone points out is the conference record which the Irish would finish at 9-21. Out of conference was as expected as the Irish almost went undefeated finishing 18-4. Against Top 25 teams, Notre Dame was 2-16. Against RPI teams that were ranked 26-50, the Irish still finished under .500 at 1-3. Most of those teams being ACC opponents, of course, but still it's eye catching how disappointing the early season was. RPI Teams 51-200, they played to the expectation at an astounding 24-6.
The stat leaders for the season are names we have heard all season long. T.J. Williams led the Irish in batting average (.320) & stolen bases (12). Glancy led with 12 home runs, Jack Radel led with 4 wins from the mound and Bennett Flynn led with 53 SO's; All very impressive numbers.
Ultimately, the year did not turn out like we had hoped, but it was only Stifler's second season and again, there is much to be excited about heading into the future. Coach Stifler and staff have brought in some impressive recruits, and another year of development can only bring improvement for Irish baseball.
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