The 2026 ACC Baseball Championship quarterfinals delivered a roller‑coaster finish as North Carolina erased an early two‑run deficit to defeat Virginia Tech 10‑4. The Tar Heels turned the tide with a three‑run fourth inning that flipped the momentum, setting the stage for a decisive eighth‑inning explosion.
Virginia Tech struck first, capitalizing on home runs from Ethan Gibson and Owen Petrich in the third frame to take a brief lead. North Carolina answered in the fourth with a trio of runs, and the offense kept rolling, highlighted by a clutch home run from Ethan Ball in the fifth that narrowed the gap to a single run.
Relief pitcher Caden Glauber stepped in and delivered a stellar 5.2 innings, striking out six batters while allowing just one earned run. His performance steadied the Tar Heels' bullpen and gave the lineup the breathing room they needed to pull away.
Jake Schaffner emerged as the offensive catalyst, driving in four runs that helped cement the 10‑4 final score. His ability to deliver in high‑leverage spots underscored North Carolina's depth and resilience.
Semifinal Outlook
With the victory, North Carolina now prepares to face either Florida State or Pitt in the semifinals, a matchup that could determine the path to a third straight ACC title. The Tar Heels will look to carry the momentum from their late‑game surge into a contest that promises high stakes and intense competition.
The full tournament bracket and schedule are available on the Atlantic Coast Conference's official website, where fans can track each team's journey and stay updated on game times, venues, and broadcast details.