Friday's college baseball action was packed with standout performances, from dominant pitching outings to explosive displays at the plate. Kyle McCoy carved through opposing lineups with eight strong innings, while Aaron Savary silenced bats with a shutdown performance of his own. Sam Busch and Jake Hanley showcased their power, each launching multiple home runs to fuel their teams’ offensive surges. Meanwhile, Kade Anderson continued his dominant start, striking out 11 in a lights-out effort, and Derek Curiel proved once again why he’s one of the most exciting young hitters in the country. With statement wins, rising draft stocks, and early conference battles heating up, this weekend set the stage for what promises to be an electric stretch of the season.

Below is a recap of Friday's top performers across the country!

Atlantic Coast Conference

Covered by Monty Taylor

Aidan Knaak, RHP, Clemson – 6.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R/ER, 1 BB, 12 K, Win

Aidan Knaak turned in his best performance of the season as Clemson triumphed in their ACC Opener with a 2-1 win over visiting Notre Dame. Knaak allowed just one hit– a single in the third inning. The sophomore ace threw a career-high 12 strikeouts while retiring the last 13 batters he faced as he completed seven shutout innings in the win. Knaak is now 3-0 on the year with a 3.86 ERA and 44 strikeouts in just 25.2 innings pitched. He’s had bright moments over the first four weeks of the season, but Friday night was the first time he was able to put it together this season. Opposing hitters are batting just .181 against him after going 1-for-21 against him in this latest start. 

Tate McKee, RHP, Georgia Tech – 6.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, HBP, Win (94 pitches)

Tate McKee pitched into the sixth inning for the first time this year as Georgia Tech held back-to-back opponents to three or less hits for the first time since 2012. According to McKee himself, a little bit of everything was working Friday night as his fastball consistently sat at 95 MPH, his cutter was located for strikes, and he was able to mix in his curve and slider effectively. The sophomore right-hander is now 3-0 on the year with a 2.49 ERA over 25.1 innings of work. McKee didn’t allow a hit until the third inning and his second hit allowed came in his sixth and final inning of work. Unfortunately, a balk with a man on second allowed the runner to score on a sacrifice fly, thus costing McKee and Georgia Tech the shutout.  

Drew Burress, OF, Georgia Tech – 4 AB, 1 R, 2 H, 4 RBI, 2B, HR, BB

It doesn’t feel quite like Drew Burress has even gotten going this season and yet he’s still slashing .324/.467/.735 but enjoyed a solid 2-for-4 day on Friday night as he slugged his seventh double and home runs of the season. With Georgia Tech leading just 2-0 and the game still in question in the 4th, Kyle Lodise was able to fist a two-out single to extend the inning against Pitt starter Patrick Gardner. Burress doubled the Tech lead with a no-doubt two-run blast to left field that went 396 feet and left the bat at 105 MPH. His double came in the 7th inning with the bases loaded and the Jackets leading 8-1. Burress scorched a double to left that measured 110 MPH off the bat to score two more. His four RBIs on the day brought his season total to 24.