Friday, February 16
Winston-Salem, NC
5 p.m.
Wake Forest University
vs
Fordham
No. 1 Wake Forest Begins 2024 Season at Home with Fordham, Illinois & Akron
2/15/2024 5:09:00 PM | Baseball
TicketsStream FridayStream SaturdayStream SundayLive Stats (Friday)Live Stats (Saturday) Live Stats (Sunday)
Coming off of the first College World Series appearance since 1955, No. 1 Wake Forest returns to the diamond this weekend at David F. Couch Ballpark.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The No. 1 Wake Forest baseball team welcomes non-conference opponents Fordham, Illinois and Akron for three games to open the 2024 baseball campaign.
The Deacs open the new year on Friday, Feb. 16 against Fordham at 5 p.m. before returning to the diamond against Illinois on Saturday, Feb. 17 at noon. Wake Forest closes out opening weekend against Akron on Sunday at 2 p.m.
All three games can be streamed on ACC Network Extra. Stay tuned to the Demon Deacons social media accounts (@WakeBaseball) for all in-game updates and information.
Ticket Information for Opening Weekend
Tickets for all three games this weekend can be purchased here for as low as $5. All parking at David F. Couch Ballpark is sold out for the 2024 season! Complimentary parking is available at McCreary Tower and Allegacy Stadium on a first-come, first-serve basis.
For those who have purchased season parking at David F. Couch Ballpark, your spot will be guaranteed up to one hour before first pitch during non-conference games and up to 20 minutes during ACC play.
Promotions
Accessibility Information
Wake Forest Athletics strives to provide content at games, social media and on GoDeacs.com that is accessible to all people. In the continued effort to improve accessibility of the technology and digital content at tomorrow's game, fans can access closed captions here for the public address announcer and in-venue content.
Wake Forest Athletics is always open to learning about new ideas and ways we can improve. Please report accessibility challenges, identify content you find inaccessible, or give us general feedback at pantagw@wfu.edu.
Kentner Family Video Board
When the consensus No. 1 team in the country returns to its home field, David F. Couch Ballpark this weekend, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons will be greeted by the new Kentner Family Video Board. This state-of-the-art LED display in the outfield was made possible through a multi-million investment made last summer by Pam ('79) and Jeff ('78) Kentner and their family.
Kentner is already one of the University's most generous donors in Wake Forest Athletics history. In 1997, Kentner made the largest single gift to the Touchdown 2000 athletics fundraising campaign. In recognition of that gift, the recently completed Campus Stadium, home to Demon Deacons track and field and field hockey, was named Kentner Stadium in his honor.
Regarding this specific video board project, Wake Forest Athletics partnered with Daktronics (NASDAQ-DAKT) of Brookings, South Dakota.
The new outfield video display measures 23 feet high by 43 feet wide and features an 8-millimeter pixel spacing to deliver high-resolution imagery and wide-angle visibility to fans in every seat. It features industry-leading environmental protection ensuring it operates as expected in the outdoors of the Wake Forest campus.
The display is capable of variable content zoning allowing it to show one large image or to be divided into multiple zones of varying content. This content can be any combination of live video, instant replays, statistics and game information, graphics and animations, or sponsorship messaging.
Multiple Safety Enhancements Added at David F. Couch Ballpark
To make it easier for all fans to get to their seats handrails have been installed in all stadium aisles at The Couch. During the 2024 season, the protective netting will be extended out to cover all fans in general admission seating from potential balls leaving the playing field. Additional security cameras will be added to ensure the safety of fans attending games this season. For a full list of upgrades to The Couch, click here.
Off On The Right Foot
Wake Forest has won nine-straight season openers dating back to the 2015 season. The Demon Deacons have won at least 11 games to start the last two seasons, going 13-0 to start the 2023 season and 11-0 in the 2022 season before losing The 13-straight to open the 2023 season was the longest win streak for the Deacs since winning 15-straight during the 2012 season and the second-longest winning streak to open the season since the 20-0 start in 1949 that will likely go untouched.
Best Starts in Program History:
- 1949: 20-0
- 2023: 13-0
- 2022, 1961: 11-0
- 1964, 1913: 10-0
Unanimous No. 1
Wake Forest starts the season at No. 1 in all five major polls of collegiate baseball (D1 Baseball, Baseball America, USA Today Coaches Poll, NCBWA & Perfect Game).
Dominant At The Couch
Deacon Nation showed tremendous support at David F. Couch Ballpark in 2023 as last year's season attendance of 57,814 fans set a new program record. Fans have kept the momentum rolling, already setting a new season ticket record for the 2024 season that more than quadrupled the 2023 season ticket number. Deacon Nation sold the Couch four times during the NCAA Tournament run, highlighted by back-to-back attendances of 3,903 in the Winston-Salem Super Regional against Alabama, the highest-attended games in program history. With a clear home-field advantage, Wake has gone 55-10-1 over the last two seasons at The Couch, including a stellar 29-3 mark on their way to a program-record 54 wins in 2023.
What's Back?
Wake Forest will have a lot of new faces across the diamond when they take the field on Friday evening. At the dish, the Demon Deacons return 563 of 2269 (24.8%) at-bats led by Marek Houston (218 ABs ) and Nick Kurtz (190 ABs), while Jake Reinisch (73 ABs) and Chris Katz (63 ABs) will take on evalated roles in the lineup. On the mound, Wake Forest brings back 220.1 of 581.2 (37.9%) innings thrown, led by Friday night starter Josh Hartle's 102.1 during his sophomore campaign.
What's New?
Wake Forest returns just 14 lettermen to the 40-man roster and will rely heavily on the 26 new faces that comprise Team 110. Part of the reload includes the No. 1 transfer class by D1 Baseball with five top transfers in Tate Ballestero, Chase Burns, David Falco, Seaver King and Adam Tellier. Wake Forest freshman class came in at No. 31 by Perfect Game and includes three top 200 pitchers in Haiden Leffew, Blake Morningstar and Brody Shawn.
2024 Wake Forest Baseball Tickets
Claim your spot at David F. Couch Ballpark for what is shaping up to be another exciting season on the diamond!
Single-game tickets for the full home schedule are available now. Non-conference tickets start at $5 and ACC tickets start at $10.
This season you can also purchase 10 FLEX vouchers to use on reserved or bleacher general admission seats. Vouchers can only be purchased in multiples of 10. FLEX vouchers may not be purchased or redeemed at the ticket office on game day. They MUST be redeemed at least 2 hours before the current game. The Friday and Saturday games against North Carolina, Florida State and Clemson are not available to redeem through FLEX.
For faculty and staff wanting to attend games this season, show your WFU ID to receive a ticket for yourself and any immediate family with them while supplies last. The Wake Forest Ticket Office encourages faculty and staff to purchase tickets for busier games as the office cannot hold anything in advance.
Tickets for the 2024 Wake Forest baseball season tickets are on sale now by calling the Wake Forest Ticket Office at 336-758-3322 or by clicking here.
Up Next
Wake Forest will travel to UNC Greensboro for its first road game of the season on Tuesday, Feb. 20 at 4 p.m. The non-conference contest can be streamed on ESPN+ with a paid subscription.
Follow The Deacs:
GoDeacs.com | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook |
The Deacs open the new year on Friday, Feb. 16 against Fordham at 5 p.m. before returning to the diamond against Illinois on Saturday, Feb. 17 at noon. Wake Forest closes out opening weekend against Akron on Sunday at 2 p.m.
All three games can be streamed on ACC Network Extra. Stay tuned to the Demon Deacons social media accounts (@WakeBaseball) for all in-game updates and information.
Ticket Information for Opening Weekend
Tickets for all three games this weekend can be purchased here for as low as $5. All parking at David F. Couch Ballpark is sold out for the 2024 season! Complimentary parking is available at McCreary Tower and Allegacy Stadium on a first-come, first-serve basis.
For those who have purchased season parking at David F. Couch Ballpark, your spot will be guaranteed up to one hour before first pitch during non-conference games and up to 20 minutes during ACC play.
Promotions
- Friday, Feb. 16
- Available for free upon entry into David F. Couch Ballpark, fans can pickup:
- Opening Day Mini-Posters
- 2024 Schedule Posters & Magnets, Yard Signs & Toppers
- Friday Night Fireworks!
- Fans can take in a brief fireworks display following the conclusion of the Wake Forest vs. Fordham game. Fireworks will be shot from the ITC parking lot.
- Available for free upon entry into David F. Couch Ballpark, fans can pickup:
- Saturday, Feb. 17
- Available for free upon entry into David F. Couch Ballpark, fans can pickup:
- Demon Deacon Script Poms
- 2024 Schedule Posters & Magnets, Yard Signs & Toppers
- 2023 MCWS Ring Ceremony pregame
- Available for free upon entry into David F. Couch Ballpark, fans can pickup:
- Sunday, Feb. 18
- Available for free upon entry into David F. Couch Ballpark, fans can pickup:
- 2024 Schedule Posters & Magnets, Yard Signs & Toppers
- Kids Run the Bases!
- Following the conclusion of our game, little Deac fans can take a lap around the bases.
- Available for free upon entry into David F. Couch Ballpark, fans can pickup:
Accessibility Information
Wake Forest Athletics strives to provide content at games, social media and on GoDeacs.com that is accessible to all people. In the continued effort to improve accessibility of the technology and digital content at tomorrow's game, fans can access closed captions here for the public address announcer and in-venue content.
Wake Forest Athletics is always open to learning about new ideas and ways we can improve. Please report accessibility challenges, identify content you find inaccessible, or give us general feedback at pantagw@wfu.edu.
Kentner Family Video Board
When the consensus No. 1 team in the country returns to its home field, David F. Couch Ballpark this weekend, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons will be greeted by the new Kentner Family Video Board. This state-of-the-art LED display in the outfield was made possible through a multi-million investment made last summer by Pam ('79) and Jeff ('78) Kentner and their family.
Kentner is already one of the University's most generous donors in Wake Forest Athletics history. In 1997, Kentner made the largest single gift to the Touchdown 2000 athletics fundraising campaign. In recognition of that gift, the recently completed Campus Stadium, home to Demon Deacons track and field and field hockey, was named Kentner Stadium in his honor.
Regarding this specific video board project, Wake Forest Athletics partnered with Daktronics (NASDAQ-DAKT) of Brookings, South Dakota.
The new outfield video display measures 23 feet high by 43 feet wide and features an 8-millimeter pixel spacing to deliver high-resolution imagery and wide-angle visibility to fans in every seat. It features industry-leading environmental protection ensuring it operates as expected in the outdoors of the Wake Forest campus.
The display is capable of variable content zoning allowing it to show one large image or to be divided into multiple zones of varying content. This content can be any combination of live video, instant replays, statistics and game information, graphics and animations, or sponsorship messaging.
Multiple Safety Enhancements Added at David F. Couch Ballpark
To make it easier for all fans to get to their seats handrails have been installed in all stadium aisles at The Couch. During the 2024 season, the protective netting will be extended out to cover all fans in general admission seating from potential balls leaving the playing field. Additional security cameras will be added to ensure the safety of fans attending games this season. For a full list of upgrades to The Couch, click here.
Off On The Right Foot
Wake Forest has won nine-straight season openers dating back to the 2015 season. The Demon Deacons have won at least 11 games to start the last two seasons, going 13-0 to start the 2023 season and 11-0 in the 2022 season before losing The 13-straight to open the 2023 season was the longest win streak for the Deacs since winning 15-straight during the 2012 season and the second-longest winning streak to open the season since the 20-0 start in 1949 that will likely go untouched.
Best Starts in Program History:
- 1949: 20-0
- 2023: 13-0
- 2022, 1961: 11-0
- 1964, 1913: 10-0
Unanimous No. 1
Wake Forest starts the season at No. 1 in all five major polls of collegiate baseball (D1 Baseball, Baseball America, USA Today Coaches Poll, NCBWA & Perfect Game).
Dominant At The Couch
Deacon Nation showed tremendous support at David F. Couch Ballpark in 2023 as last year's season attendance of 57,814 fans set a new program record. Fans have kept the momentum rolling, already setting a new season ticket record for the 2024 season that more than quadrupled the 2023 season ticket number. Deacon Nation sold the Couch four times during the NCAA Tournament run, highlighted by back-to-back attendances of 3,903 in the Winston-Salem Super Regional against Alabama, the highest-attended games in program history. With a clear home-field advantage, Wake has gone 55-10-1 over the last two seasons at The Couch, including a stellar 29-3 mark on their way to a program-record 54 wins in 2023.
What's Back?
Wake Forest will have a lot of new faces across the diamond when they take the field on Friday evening. At the dish, the Demon Deacons return 563 of 2269 (24.8%) at-bats led by Marek Houston (218 ABs ) and Nick Kurtz (190 ABs), while Jake Reinisch (73 ABs) and Chris Katz (63 ABs) will take on evalated roles in the lineup. On the mound, Wake Forest brings back 220.1 of 581.2 (37.9%) innings thrown, led by Friday night starter Josh Hartle's 102.1 during his sophomore campaign.
What's New?
Wake Forest returns just 14 lettermen to the 40-man roster and will rely heavily on the 26 new faces that comprise Team 110. Part of the reload includes the No. 1 transfer class by D1 Baseball with five top transfers in Tate Ballestero, Chase Burns, David Falco, Seaver King and Adam Tellier. Wake Forest freshman class came in at No. 31 by Perfect Game and includes three top 200 pitchers in Haiden Leffew, Blake Morningstar and Brody Shawn.
2024 Wake Forest Baseball Tickets
Claim your spot at David F. Couch Ballpark for what is shaping up to be another exciting season on the diamond!
Single-game tickets for the full home schedule are available now. Non-conference tickets start at $5 and ACC tickets start at $10.
This season you can also purchase 10 FLEX vouchers to use on reserved or bleacher general admission seats. Vouchers can only be purchased in multiples of 10. FLEX vouchers may not be purchased or redeemed at the ticket office on game day. They MUST be redeemed at least 2 hours before the current game. The Friday and Saturday games against North Carolina, Florida State and Clemson are not available to redeem through FLEX.
For faculty and staff wanting to attend games this season, show your WFU ID to receive a ticket for yourself and any immediate family with them while supplies last. The Wake Forest Ticket Office encourages faculty and staff to purchase tickets for busier games as the office cannot hold anything in advance.
Tickets for the 2024 Wake Forest baseball season tickets are on sale now by calling the Wake Forest Ticket Office at 336-758-3322 or by clicking here.
Up Next
Wake Forest will travel to UNC Greensboro for its first road game of the season on Tuesday, Feb. 20 at 4 p.m. The non-conference contest can be streamed on ESPN+ with a paid subscription.
Follow The Deacs:
GoDeacs.com | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook |
Players Mentioned
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