North Carolina opened a decisive showdown with a 4‑0 victory over Southern California, forcing a winner‑takes‑all Game 3 on Sunday.
A shutout to remember
The Tar Heels' ace, Jason DeCaro, delivered a complete‑game shutout, tossing all nine innings without surrendering a run and striking out eight Trojans.
Early in the game, Colin Hynek cracked a solo home run in the top of the second inning, and Erik Paulsen followed with a solo blast in the sixth, each adding to the Tar Heels' lead.
Southern California's starter Grant Govel was pulled after 83 pitches, a move that highlighted the mounting frustration on the Trojans' side.
The Tar Heels' defense proved equally relentless, fielding multiple fly balls and in‑field choppers, while Gavin Gallaher made several impressive stops that halted the Trojans' attempts to rally.
With the series on the line, North Carolina will meet Southern California again on Sunday, aiming to advance to the next round, while the Trojans hope to force a Game 4 and keep their championship hopes alive.