It has taken a while for the analytics movement to gain a foothold at lower levels due to the insufficiency of data-driven resources.
Duke beat the Eagles with the help of a five-run fifth inning and a steady performance on the mound.
The Blue Devils struggled to get out of big innings all weekend.
There is an unusual buzz surrounding Jack Coombs Field this year, which has attracted the attention of both national baseball writers and MLB scouts alike.
Cotuit Kettleers head coach Mike Roberts had high praise for Conine’s work ethic and humble nature.
Although they failed to repeat the program’s thrilling run of 2016, three Blue Devils nevertheless found some reward for their work this season, as they heard their names called Wednesday on the third day of the 2017 MLB Draft.
No. 9 seed Duke mustered just two hits against Florida State starter Cole Sands, whose 6 2/3 shutout innings on the hill helped eighth-seeded Florida State earn its spot in a third consecutive ACC title game.
No. 9 seed Duke became the Cinderella of the ACC tournament Thursday afternoon, upsetting the fourth-seeded Cavaliers 4-3 at Louisville Slugger Field.
Sometimes it takes a little luck to keep a season alive, and the Blue Devils certainly enjoyed more than their fair share of it Tuesday night.
With a new 12-team format, No. 9 seed Duke will face off against fifth-seeded Clemson at 7 p.m. Tuesday before taking on No. 4 seed Virginia at 11 a.m.
The Blue Devils used a stellar bullpen to beat No. 3 North Carolina 8-4 Thursday night at Boshamer Stadium in Chapel Hill before falling 3-2 in 10 innings Friday and 9-7 Saturday.
Duke will now turn its attention to a series at No. 3 North Carolina to close out the regular season Thursday through Saturday in Chapel Hill.
Duke rallied to beat Georgia Tech 7-5 Friday and 12-5 Saturday before falling 5-3 in the series finale Sunday at Jack Coombs Field.
Although both teams can clinch a tournament berth with a series sweep, Blue Devil head coach Chris Pollard continues to manage his team one game at a time.
After scoring a first-inning run with a pair of hits, Duke went silent the rest of the night, scattering just four hits across the final eight frames as it fell to East Carolina 5-1.
A week and a half removed from a disappointing series loss against Notre Dame, it did not take much for the Blue Devils to get over the hump Tuesday against Campbell. Duke cruised to a 9-0 victory against the Fighting Camels at Jack Coombs Field, highlighted by a three-run home run from sophomore Griffin Conine.
The Blue Devils found themselves reflecting on a familiar outcome after dropping the third game for their seventh ACC series loss in a row.
The top 12 teams in the conference qualify for the tournament, and the Blue Devils and Fighting Irish are in a five-way tie for eighth.
With their NCAA Tournament hopes all but dashed after a disappointing showing in ACC play this season, Duke traveled to Louisville Friday to take on the Cardinals hoping to salvage some good out of what has been a frustrating season.
After dropping two of three games last weekend against a Boston College team that entered the series with losses in 14 consecutive conference games, the Blue Devils need a spark to get back on track.
