The UNC Greensboro right-hander delivered a performance that foreshadowed his rise to the Major Leagues.
In Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the UNC Greensboro Spartans squared off against Wake Forest in a lively midweek matchup. The game opened at a blistering pace, with both teams trading early blows. UNCG struck first with two runs in the opening inning, but the Demon Deacons answered right back, trimming the lead to 2–1. By the end of the second, Wake Forest had surged ahead 4–2, yet the Spartans refused to back down.
UNCG rallied to tie the game in the third inning and reclaimed the lead in the fourth. By the sixth, the Spartans had stretched their advantage to 7–4. Wake Forest clawed back with a run to make it 7–5, but the Spartans’ offense never let up—pounding out 19 total hits. The top five hitters in the lineup combined to go 13-for-25, with Austin Embler and Cesar Trejo each tallying four hits to power the attack.
As the game entered the late innings, the Spartan bullpen took control. After allowing four early runs, the relievers locked in, surrendering only one run over the final seven innings while striking out nine. But the defining moment came when Andrew Wantz took the mound in the eighth inning with UNCG leading 8–5.
Andrew Wantz’s Commanding Finish
Wantz entered the game and delivered two flawless innings, retiring all six batters he faced while striking out three to secure the save in an 11–5 victory. It was a masterclass in precision and poise—a glimpse of the control and competitiveness that would soon carry him into professional baseball.
That outing was more than just a midweek save—it was a statement. Wantz’s poise and aggressiveness under pressure solidified his reputation as one of the most reliable relievers in the Southern Conference.
A Season of SoCon Dominance
The 2018 season became a showcase for Wantz’s consistency. Appearing in 26 games, he posted a 2.95 ERA across 55.0 innings, striking out 81 batters while holding opponents to a .214 average. His 6–0 record and team-high 10 saves underscored his reliability, and in conference play, he was nearly unhittable—going 3–0 with three saves and a microscopic 0.40 ERA.
By the end of his collegiate career, Wantz had tied the UNCG program record with 19 career saves and struck out 278 batters over four seasons. His dominance earned him multiple All-SoCon honors and solidified his reputation as one of the most accomplished pitchers in program history.
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From SoCon Star to Major League Pitcher
In 2021, Wantz made his Major League debut, completing his journey from SoCon standout to MLB pitcher.
Since reaching the big leagues, Wantz has made 90 appearances and maintained an ERA under 4.00, proving himself as a versatile bullpen arm capable of handling high-leverage innings. His professional career has included stretches of dominant relief work as well as the inevitable challenges of elite competition.
An elbow surgery sidelined him for much of the 2025 season, but Wantz returned late that year with Triple-A Durham, throwing three scoreless innings in September—a promising sign of renewed health and resilience.
In January 2026, the Tampa Bay Rays extended a non-roster invitation to Wantz for spring training. As he competes for a bullpen role, he brings with him the durability, versatility, and competitive edge that have defined his career from Greensboro to the Major Leagues. Stay up to date on Wantz and other Spartan professionals this spring in Tracking Every UNC Greensboro MLB and MiLB Player in 2026.
The Point After
Moments like February 28, 2018, remind us why Southern Conference baseball history continues to resonate. They capture the talent, perseverance, and opportunity that define both the league and its athletes. Andrew Wantz’s journey—from silencing Wake Forest’s bats to earning his place in Major League Baseball—embodies the enduring spirit and legacy of the SoCon.
