The University of North Carolina baseball squad turned a 3-3 tie into a 4-3 victory on Thursday night, rallying in the ninth inning to clinch a spot in the College World Series.
A walk-off double that sealed destiny
Owen Hull stepped up with a clutch hit, sending a line drive down the left-field line that turned into a walk-off double. The play not only delivered the winning run but also capped a 4-for-5 performance that included four doubles, two RBIs and a run scored.
Carter French contributed a timely single through the infield, setting the stage for Jake Schaffner’s sacrifice fly that tied the game before Hull’s heroics. Pitcher Caden Glauber dominated early, striking out 11 batters over 7 ⅓ innings, while Jackson Rose closed the door with a perfect ninth-frame appearance.
Reliever Walker McDuffie earned the win after tossing two-thirds of an inning, and the bullpen’s composure proved crucial in the final moments.
Looking ahead to Omaha
The Tar Heels will now travel to Omaha where they open the series against Ole Miss on Friday. The timing of the first pitch remains undecided, but the team is eager to translate their late-game resilience into the next challenge.
In postgame remarks, French reflected on his ninth-inning at-bat, calling it a magical moment and noting the significance of playing their final game at the historic venue known as The Bosh.
Glauber expressed excitement about starting Game 3, emphasizing his love for the teammates and the chance to continue the run.
Hull, still buzzing from his decisive hit, described the walk-off as a magical moment and praised the collective effort that made the comeback possible.