The Notre Dame Fighting Irish concluded their regular season with a 30‑21 record, finishing 13‑17 within the ACC and posting a team batting average of .306.
A Season of Momentum
Offensive firepower has been the hallmark of this year’s squad, with five everyday starters batting above .300. Graduate transfer catcher Mark Quatrani paced the lineup at .373, adding 14 home runs and 64 RBI, while sophomore outfielder Bino Watters batted .368 with nine homers and 49 RBI.
Freshman first baseman Dylan Passo contributed 24 RBI in his debut season, and rookie catcher Shane Miranda shocked opponents with a .444 average over 15 games. The depth of talent was further bolstered by Drew Berkland, who matched Watters for the team lead in doubles with 17.
On the mound, ace Jack Radel finished 7‑4 with a 3.32 ERA and ranked third in the ACC with 108 strikeouts. Complementary arms such as Ty Uber, who posted a 4‑2 record and a 5.68 ERA, and freshman left‑hander Caden Crowell, who struck out 57 batters in 51.2 innings, give the staff a promising mix of experience and youth.
The Irish open ACC Championship play against No. 15 Clemson, a team they swept earlier this spring with scores of 6‑0, 8‑7 and 7‑4. That prior success fuels optimism that a strong offensive showing could propel them into the NCAA Tournament’s Field of 64, a goal they have achieved twice in the past three years under coach Shawn Stiffler.
With the championship on the horizon, the Irish’s destiny will likely hinge on whether their hot‑hitting lineup can sustain the production that has defined their season.