The year for UNC right-hander JB Bukauskas just keeps getting better, as he continues to defy all expectations.
Bukauskas was selected to two different Midseason All-America teams on Thursday, proving that he’s lived up to all the pressures placed on him at the beginning of the season.
A native of Ashburn, Virginia, the junior was named to the D1Baseball.com First Team and the Perfect Game/ Rawlings College Baseball First Team.
D1Baseball also named Bukauskas its Midseason Pitcher of the Year.
This comes after entering 2017 with the weight of being a first round MLB Draft prospect, as well as being named a Preseason First Team All-American by many outlets.
Bukauskas has used the development of a strong changeup—to go with his 97 mph fastball and hard-breaking slider—to help produce the best results of his college career to date.
Through seven starts this season, Bukauskas has powered through opposing lineups with 70 strikeouts in just 47 innings. Opponents are batting just .151 against him, which has helped keep his ERA at 0.96.
He’s also compiled a 5-0 record pitching on Fridays for the Tar Heels, including a 4-0 mark against ACC competition.
UNC has risen into the top five in the majority of national polls, largely due to the strength of Bukausaks and a stellar pitching staff.
The Tar Heels will look to continue their recent run of good fortune this weekend, with a three-game series on the road at Boston College.
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