Baseball: Bishop Eustace's Gallen commits to North Carolina

By Phil Anastasia

Zac Gallen's strength as a pitcher is his pinpoint accuracy. Well, that and a 90 mph fastball.

Location was a factor in Gallen's college decision, too.

Gallen, a senior right-hander for Bishop Eustace Prep, said he chose North Carolina over Oklahoma State because the Atlantic Coast Conference school is closer to home.

"It's an easier drive for my parents," Gallen said.

Gallen said he verbally committed to North Carolina after visiting Oklahoma State last weekend. Gallen also visited Louisiana State University, although he said his decision came down to North Carolina and Oklahoma State.

Gallen was 4-2 with two saves last season for Bishop Eustace. He struck out 50 in 40 innings and pitched a three-hit, complete-game in a victory over Cherokee in the Joe Hartmann Diamond Classic title game.

He also pitched extremely well in a 4-0 loss to Gloucester Catholic, the No. 1 team in the state, in the South A sectional semifinals.

Gallen, who plays for the Tri-State Arsenal in the summer and fall, said it was a "dream" to play for North Carolina. He plans to major in economics.

"It's a great education and I always wanted to play in the ACC," Gallen said.

Gallen said his father, Jim, has been a North Carolina fan for a long time.

"I guess it was in the bloodlines," Gallen said.

Contact Phil Anastasia at panastasia@phillynews.com or @PhilAnastasia on Twitter.