Following a rare tie Sunday against ACC-foe Clemson, Duke (27-13-1) returns to its non-conference slate tonight as the team travels across the state to take on UNC-Greensboro (24-14) at 6 p.m.
The teams met last April 9 in Durham, and though Duke shut out the Spartans 10-0, the Blue Devils are certainly not looking past the in-state opponent.
Senior Jonathan Nicolla said the team is taking tonight's matchup seriously.
"[Head coach Sean] McNally really stresses preparing to win every day and our team really has a sense of that-that we have to be ready to go against any team," Nicolla said.
UNC-Greensboro has played ACC teams Clemson and North Carolina in tight games earlier this season and boasts a formidable lineup. The Spartans' offense is spearheaded by 6-foot-4 Ricky Orton and Florida transfer Matt Garski. Orton comes into today's game leading his team with 10 home runs and a .377 batting average, while Garski has 40 runs scored. McNally said he recognizes the test his team faces.
"Greensboro has a very good offensive lineup... an ACC-caliber lineup," he said. "It's a tough ballgame for us."
Duke has benefitted from stellar starting pitching as of late, highlighted by a 12-strikeout gem by sophomore Christopher Manno Saturday against Clemson. Manno pitched 5.2 scoreless innings against the Tigers, a performance that earned him ACC Pitcher of the Week honors. In addition to Manno, Blue Devil starters Andrew Wolcott and Jonathan Foreman also provided strong outings against the Tigers.
"That's what we shoot for out of our starters each time out, is to give us a chance to win and those guys did that and more this weekend," McNally said. "They gave us a tremendous lift."
Duke's starting pitchers have allowed just three earned runs over their past five games. Sophomore Will Currier, who gets the starting nod at the UNC-G Baseball Stadium, attempts to continue the staff's trend tonight.
Coinciding with the stellar pitching has been the offensive explosion of first baseman Nate Freiman. Freiman homered twice Saturday to bring his team-leading total to seven. Designated hitter Nicolla has also provided an offensive spark, compiling an 11-game hitting streak.
"I've been fortunate to have some good hitters around me, I'm seeing good pitches to hit, it's been a good run and hopefully I can keep it going," Nicolla said.
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