The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association released its annual preseason All-American teams on Monday, naming UNC sophomore closer Josh Hiatt a First Team selection.

Hiatt led the Tar Heels with 13 saves last season as a freshman, while serving as an absolute workhorse for head coach Mike Fox out of the bullpen.

He finished his debut campaign with a sparkling 1.90 ERA across 52 innings, while also compiling a 4-2 record and striking out 64 hitters.

The NCBWA nominated Hiatt for its Stopper of the Year Award following the 2017 season and joined Baseball America in selecting him as a First Team All-American.

Expectations are high for the right-hander, who will be leaned on once again as the Tar Heels’ top relief option.

Regular season play officially gets underway for UNC on Friday, Feb. 16 when it travels to the University of South Florida for a three-game weekend series.

For the full NCBWA Preseason All-American rosters, click here.

 

Photo via UNC Athletics

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