Irish Welcome Golden Bears to Eck Stadium for Pivotal ACC Baseball Series
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish baseball team is gearing up to host the California Golden Bears for a crucial three-game series at Frank Eck Stadium this weekend, marking a significant moment as the two programs meet for the first time as members of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). This highly anticipated matchup, commencing on Friday evening, holds historical weight as it represents the first time the Golden Bears have traveled to South Bend since 1941.
Notre Dame enters the series with an overall record of 21-17 and a 7-14 mark in ACC play. After a midweek victory against Purdue Fort Wayne, the Irish will be looking to build momentum and improve their standing in the highly competitive conference. Meanwhile, the California Golden Bears hold an 18-22 overall record and are 6-15 in their inaugural season within the ACC. The Golden Bears will be aiming to secure their first series win on the road in conference play.
The historical context of this inter-conference clash adds an intriguing layer to the weekend’s games. The two teams last faced each other in California on March 29, 1961, a contest that saw the Golden Bears emerge with a 5-1 victory. However, the Fighting Irish hold a slight 3-1 advantage in the all-time series, setting the stage for a potentially captivating weekend of baseball.
Beyond the on-field competition, Saturday’s game carries special significance as Notre Dame will host its annual Pediatric Cancer Awareness game, aligning with the ACC’s league-wide Cancer Awareness Week. This event will provide an opportunity to raise awareness and support for a vital cause, adding a deeper meaning to the day’s baseball action.
The Irish come into the series on the heels of an 8-6 victory over Purdue Fort Wayne on Wednesday. Key offensive contributors in that game included Carson Tinney, who had an impressive 3-for-5 performance at the plate, driving in two runs and scoring once. Bino Watters also provided a spark with a home run. On the pitching side, Xavier Hirsch earned his second win of the season, pitching 2.2 innings and recording a career-high three strikeouts.
A notable aspect of the Notre Dame squad this season has been the significant contributions from their freshman and sophomore classes. Several young players have stepped up offensively, consistently finding their way into the hit column. Among them, freshmen Jack Penney and Roman Kimball, along with sophomores T.J. Williams, Carson Tinney, and Bino Watters, have each surpassed the 35-hit mark this season, demonstrating the depth and emerging talent within the Irish lineup.
The youth movement extends to the pitching staff as well. A number of underclassmen have seen significant innings, gaining valuable experience in crucial situations. Pitchers such as DJ Helwig, Brady Koester, Kellan Klosterman, Oisin Lee, Jack Radel, and Chase Van Ameyde have each thrown at least 10.0 innings this season, showcasing the trust the coaching staff has in their young arms.
Guiding this youthful team are the four captains for the 2025 season: graduate student infielder Jack Zyska, junior outfielder Brooks Coetzee III, junior infielder Estevan Moreno, and sophomore catcher Carson Tinney. Their leadership both on and off the field will be instrumental as the Irish navigate the challenges of the ACC schedule.
Individual talent within the Notre Dame program has also garnered recognition. Junior shortstop Estevan Moreno was ranked 24th on D1baseball.com’s list of the top 50 shortstops in the preseason, while sophomore catcher Carson Tinney was tabbed 47th on the top 50 catchers list. These rankings highlight the caliber of players the Irish possess and the potential for impactful performances throughout the season.
Looking ahead to the pitching matchups for the weekend series, Friday’s game is slated to feature a compelling contest between Notre Dame right-hander Jack Radel and California right-hander Austin Turkington. On Saturday, the probable starters are right-hander Rory Fox for the Irish against right-hander Oliver de la Torre for the Golden Bears. The Sunday finale’s pitching matchup is yet to be announced for California, while Notre Dame is expected to send right-hander Jackson Dennies to the mound.
This weekend’s series against California presents a valuable opportunity for Notre Dame to gain ground in the ACC standings and continue to develop their young talent against a formidable opponent. The combination of historical significance, a focus on pediatric cancer awareness, and the competitive nature of ACC baseball promises an engaging and meaningful weekend at Frank Eck Stadium.
