The 2026 College World Series delivered a dramatic moment on Tuesday night as the University of North Carolina Tar Heels edged Ole Miss 6-2 in a tightly contested game that hinged on a late rally.
A pivotal seventh inning
Junior second baseman Gavin Gallaher, who had gone 0-for-12 in the previous year's tournament, stepped up with two outs and delivered a clutch RBI single that put UNC ahead for good.
The Tar Heels had built momentum earlier by drawing six walks, including back-to-back free passes that set the stage for the decisive hit.
Coach’s confidence pays off
Coach Scott Forbes highlighted the value of trusting the player behind you, noting that Gallaher’s preparation and composure under pressure paid dividends.
In the eighth, sophomore slugger Colin Hynek launched a three-run homer that capped the scoring and sealed a 6-2 victory.
With the win, UNC advances to face West Virginia, who opened their tournament with a 7-5 victory over Troy, setting up a highly anticipated second‑round matchup.
The Tar Heels’ blend of patient hitting and timely power shows they remain a formidable contender as the tournament progresses.