Baseball Opens Fall Exhibition Slate with NC State Friday

DURHAM, N.C. – The 2024 ACC Champions, Duke baseball, is back in action on Friday, taking on NC State at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m., and the contest will feature a seven-inning game, followed by a five or seven-inning game.

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Following the program's 11th NCAA Tournament appearance and second ACC title in 2024, Duke welcomes 23 newcomers to the roster for the 2025 season.
The 2024 campaign featured a record-setting 115 home runs, five MLB Draft picks, the program's second conference title, the first consensus All-American in program history, and a program-best seven All-ACC recipients.
Sophomore Kyle Johnson became the first Duke player to earn freshman All-America status as a utility player since Marcus Stroman did so in 2010. Johnson appeared in 39 games at the plate, posting a .253 average and collecting three home runs while recording a 4-1 record on the mound with a 4.38 ERA. The Leesburg, Virginia, native made 15 appearances on the mound, working his way onto the weekend rotation and collecting 10 starts.
Sophomore AJ Gracia joined Johnson on the freshman All-America list, breaking two rookie records at Duke during his time. Gracia passed Andrew Fischer for home runs by a freshman, crushing 14 during the 2024 campaign. Additionally, Gracia pushed ahead of former Blue Devil and now Toronto Blue Jay Joey Loperfidowith 58 RBI as a freshman. The Monroe, New Jersey, native accomplished the RBI feat on the same afternoon that Loperfido was elevated to the Houston Astros roster. Loperfido was later traded to the Toronto Blue Jays and finished the season on the big-league roster.
Three former Duke baseball stars made their MLB Debuts during the 2024 season, as Graham Pauley, Joey Loperfido, and Griffin Conine were all elevated to the big leagues. Pauley began the season in South Korea with the San Diego Padres and was dealt to the Miami Marlins late in the season alongside Jay Beshears. Loperfido debuted with the Houston Astros a month after Pauley had his contract selected and was dealt at the deadline to the Toronto Blue Jays. The last Blue Devil to appear in the majors this season was Conine, who became only the second father/son duo to play for the Marlins in team history. "Mr. Marlin", Jeff Conine, played for the organization from 1993-97 and 2003-05 (winning the 1997 and 2003 World Series). The duo joined Ryan Weathers (2023) and David Weathers (1993-96 and 2004).

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Duke Centennial
In 2024, Duke celebrates its Centennial, marking one hundred years since Trinity College became Duke University. Duke will use this historic milestone to deepen the understanding of its history, inspire pride and strengthen bonds and partnerships, and prepare for a second century of continued excellence and impactful leadership. To learn more, please visit 100.duke.edu

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