MJ Metz delivers 3-HR game in spite of torn ACL to power Duke in regional opener
MJ Metz suffered a torn ACL during Duke’s ACC Tournament loss just over a week ago. Fortunately, he was able to be active as the designated hitter for the Blue Devils as they opened regional action Friday afternoon.
Metz’s day was made even more remarkable by his performance on the field. He delivered a 3-home run game for the ages, helping lead Duke to a 12-3 win over UNC Wilmington in the Conway Regional.
Metz finished the afternoon 3-for-5 with 5 RBI and 3 runs scored. Every HR had an exit velocity of at least 104 MPH off the bat with a combined distance of 1,219 feet.
Metz’s first HR of the game came in the bottom of the 4th inning. He delivered an opposite-field shot out of right-center field to tie the game at 2-all.
Torn ACL? No problem. MJ ties it up with one swing of the bat!
💥 @mjmetzv
B4 | Duke 2, UNCW 2 | #BlueCollar pic.twitter.com/m78JUq60C5
— Duke Baseball (@DukeBASE) June 2, 2023
Metz’s second HR of the day came in the bottom of the 5th and gave Duke a 6-3 lead. His final HR was also a 3-run shot to make the lead 9-3, Blue Devils.
MJ METZ IS MASHING!!
💣 @mjmetzv
B5 | Duke 6, UNCW 3 | #BlueCollar pic.twitter.com/3Az9pmJHCd
— Duke Baseball (@DukeBASE) June 2, 2023
You can’t make this stuff up 🔥@mjmetzv is absolutely en fuego right now!
B7 | Duke 9, UNCW 3 | #BlueCollar pic.twitter.com/wgy1C79LTE
— Duke Baseball (@DukeBASE) June 2, 2023
With the win, Duke is through to the winners’ bracket and will await the winner of Friday night’s game between No. 10 and regional host Coastal Carolina and Rider. Saturday’s game is set for 6 pm ET.
Main photo via Duke Baseball (@DukeBASE) on Twitter.