Before the UNC baseball team takes the field for the first time in 2022, two veteran relief pitchers were named to the Stopper of the Year preseason watch list on Thursday.

Seniors Gage Gillian and Caden O’Brien find themselves among the 66 names on the list. Carolina is one of only seven programs with multiple players recognized.

The Stopper of the Year award, given out by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association, recognizes the top relief pitcher in NCAA Division I baseball.

Gage Gillian transferred to Carolina from Walters State following the 2019 season. After the COVID-shortened 2020, Gillian made 24 appearances for Carolina in 2021, notching four saves and posting a 2.34 earned run average. He racked up 49 strikeouts and scattered just nine walks over 50 innings pitched and earned a save in UNC’s postseason win over UCLA.

Caden O’Brien is one of the most experienced names on the Carolina roster, being one of only three players on the team to have played on UNC’s 2018 team which made the College World Series. He appeared 21 times in 2021, posting a 3-1 record with three saves. He struck out 38 batters in 36.1 innings.

Gillian, O’Brien and the rest of the Diamond Heels will be in action this weekend for its opening series against Seton Hall at Boshamer Stadium. The first game is scheduled for Friday at 4 p.m.

 

Featured image via UNC Athletic Communications/Joe Bray

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