Freshman Wood Myers proves explosive in game against Davidson

The score was tied 1-1 in the bottom of the fifth inning Wednesday afternoon and the North Carolina baseball team needed someone to trigger the offense against Davidson.

With a runner on second and two men out, freshman Wood Myers stepped up to the plate and did what he has done all season — provide an explosive bat.

Myers smacked the ball to left field and slid safely into second base, while fellow freshman Adam Pate crossed home to give UNC its first lead of the game. The Tar Heels would never look back and went on to beat Davidson 10-3.

Myers has been the Tar Heels’ most consistent bat this season. The freshman leads the team in batting average at .390, and he has 16 hits, which is seven more than the second-leading hitter, junior Michael Russell.

Myers has reached base in all 12 games this season and maintains a .447 on-base percentage. At the plate, Myers said that he lets the game come to him.

“I’m just hitting what I’m looking for,” Myers said. “They’re giving me plenty of fastballs since I’m a freshman, and I’m just taking advantage of it.”

Coming out of high school, Myers was ranked as the eighth-best recruit in North Carolina by Perfect Game and earned all-state honors in 2012 and 2013 .

Coach Mike Fox said that Myers’ performance thus far this season has exceeded expectations, but added that he welcomes the overachievement.

“Any time you have a freshman at the lead-off spot and leading the team in hitting you have to be a little surprised by that,” Fox said. “But it’s a good surprise.”

Myers said he prefers to describe himself as an aggressive batter, although too aggressive at times.

But Russell said that aggressiveness has helped start up the sluggish Tar Heel offensive.

“His bat has been real important,” Russell said. “Especially since he’s been leading off and setting the table. We have to do a better job of driving him in. Wood getting on base is huge for us.”

Not only does Myers hit, but he can also play small ball. To date, Myers has three stolen bases on four attempts.

Fox said that Myers has many features to his game.

“Wood has gotten off to a good start,” Fox said. “He’s got a little power, can run, hit lefty. He’s done a good job for us, and he’s confident.”

Despite being just a freshman, Myers said that he has set high goals for himself and that he expects to play at a high-level.

At only 5-foot-9 inches, Myers has a small stature for a baseball player. But the freshman said that he plays with a chip on his shoulder and is brimming with confidence.

“People always doubt guys who are built like me,” Myers said.

“So you definitely have to go out there and prove yourself every day.”