Saturday’s college baseball slate delivered big-time moments across the board, with elite offensive performances, dominant pitching outings, and rising stars making noise in every corner of the country. In South Bend, Jackson Cherry and Jake Marciano led a bounce-back effort with loud performances on both sides of the ball, while Wake Forest exploded for a mercy-rule win behind Matt Scannell and Dalton Wentz’s fireworks. Alabama’s Justin Lebron continued to prove he’s one of the most complete players in the nation, and Cam Cannarella showed signs of finding his rhythm again at the plate. In the Midwest, Trey Lipsey and Jacob Walsh powered their lineups with clutch swings, and Aaron Savary delivered another shutdown outing to help secure a series win.

With several players continuing to climb draft boards and key names delivering in big spots, Saturday’s action was loaded with impact.

Atlantic Coast Conference

Covered by Brian Switzer

Jackson Cherry, INF, Virginia Tech - 3 AB, 2 R, 2 H, 3 RBI, 1 HR, 2 BB, 1 K

The Mercer transfer has quietly put together a strong season at the plate this spring, and he continued his hot stretch on Saturday against Notre Dame (which, to be fair, hasn’t exactly lived up to the “Fighting” name this season, sitting near the bottom of the ACC standings).

On Saturday, Cherry delivered a multi-hit game and launched his fourth home run of the season, a three-run shot into right field that helped pad the lead. He’s now slashing a robust: .333 / .507 / .648, and continues to get on base at an elite clip while flashing just enough power to keep pitchers honest.

If he maintains this level of production through the back half of the season, there’s an outside shot Cherry hears his name called on Day 3 of the MLB Draft in July, especially as a mature college bat with a steady approach and potential to contribute at the next level. 

Jake Marciano, RHP, Virginia Tech - 6.2 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 9 K, 1 WP, Win (116 Pitches)

What a statement outing from freshman Joe Marciano on Saturday, as the lefty turned in the longest and most impressive start of his young career. Tossing 116 pitches, Marciano helped lead Virginia Tech to a 6-1 win over Notre Dame, evening the weekend ACC series at Frank Eck Stadium.

Marciano worked 6.2 innings, allowing just one unearned run while striking out a season-high nine batters. He limited the Irish to six singles, walked only one, and showed impressive poise navigating the lineup nearly three full times. Of his 116 pitches, 76 were strikes, showcasing his ability to consistently pound the zone.

Now 4-0 on the season through eight outings (seven starts), Marciano is emerging as a reliable presence in the Hokies' rotation and looks like one of the more promising underclass arms in the conference.