Three Pitt baseball players, including a pair of local products, have been named to the ACC’s postseason all-conference teams.
Pitt right-handed pitcher Derek West and outfielder Nico Popa (Seton La Salle) were named second-team All-ACC, while outfielder Connor Perry (Norwin) was named third-team All-ACC.
West, a redshirt junior, finished the season strong after a move from the bullpen to the starting rotation. West made 18 appearances and 10 starts while posting a 3.82 ERA. He stuck out a team-high 82 batters in 68 1/3 innings.
He was drafted in the 28th round of the 2018 MLB Draft by the Atlanta Braves, but chose to return to Pitt for his second season of play. West missed all of 2016 and 2017 with injuries. He will likely be selected once again in the 2019 draft.
Popa had a career year as junior in 2019, hitting eight home runs and putting up a .353/.424/.581 hitting line, all of which represented career highs. He also started all 55 games in the outfield for the Panthers while making just one error and earning four outfield assists. He also added a career-high 14 stolen bases and his 1.005 OPS led the team.
Perry had a breakout season as a senior. The former junior college transfer hit 15 home runs to lead the Panthers after not hitting any in his first Division I season. He also raised his batting average by nearly 100 points.
Popa and Perry will also be eligible for the 2019 MLB Draft, as will senior catcher Cole MacLaren, junior pitchers Christian Camacho, Chris Gomez and Dan Hammer, and shortstop David Yanni.
The Panthers did not qualify for the 2019 ACC tournament, finishing 21-34 overall and 8-22 in ACC play.
