Six Hurricanes players earn All-ACC honors

After winning 39 regular-season games, the Miami Hurricanes were well-represented on the ACC’s end-of-season all-conference teams.

Miami starter Carson Palmquist and closer Andrew Walters earned first-team selections, while outfielder Jacob Burke, third baseman Yohandy Morales and first baseman CJ Kayfus earned second-team honors. Freshman pitcher Karson Ligon was named to the All-ACC Freshman Team.

Palmquist, a sophomore, has been the Hurricanes’ ace starter this year, putting up a 2.64 ERA in 75 innings and notching a 9-3 record. He has been one of the nation’s most effective hurlers, striking out 105 batters already this season, which is tied for 23rd in the nation. He has struck out 12.6 batters per nine innings, which is 20th nationally.

Palmquist is the first Miami player to be named to the All-ACC first team in back-to-back seasons since catcher Zack Collins earned the honor in 2015 and 2016.

Walters has arguably been the nation’s best closer this season. The sophomore has a 1.24 ERA and 55 strikeouts in 29 innings. He has 13 saves, which is tied for fourth-most in Division I. He is a semifinalist for the Dick Howser Trophy, which is given to the top player in the nation.

Burke, a sophomore, has been a mainstay in UM’s outfield. His .355 average and 12 home runs are both second on the team. Burke leads the Hurricanes with a 1.048 OPS.

Kayfus has been the Hurricanes’ sparkplug at the top of the order, leading the team with a .362 batting average and 16 stolen bases. The sophomore first baseman has six home runs and a .958 OPS.

Morales is Miami’s top slugger, pacing the team with 13 home runs. The sophomore third baseman is hitting .323 and is second on the team with a 1.005 OPS.

Ligon has impressed in his first season in Coral Gables, going 6-5 with a 4.13 ERA. He has struck out 66 batters in 72 innings and held opponents to a .253 batting average — second among ACC freshmen.