UNC Eyes Championship as Boaz Takes the Mound
North Carolina’s baseball squad is on the brink of a pivotal moment in the College World Series, with a decisive game looming on June 17 that could lock them into the championship series.
Coach Scott Forbes has announced that left‑hander Folger Boaz will start on the mound, marking his first appearance in the tournament after a season‑ending elbow injury forced him out of action earlier in the year.
Boaz’s Road Back
Boaz arrives with a 3‑3 record and a 7.03 ERA, having last shown his stuff against East Carolina, where he surrendered just one run on five hits while striking out four.
The Tar Heels’ pitching staff has been a carousel of talent, featuring veterans like Jason Decaro, Ryan Lynch, Caden Glauber and Walker McDuffie, while fresh arms such as Jackson Rose, Matty Matthijs and the versatile McDuffie stand ready to step in if needed.
Forbes hinted at a flexible approach, suggesting Decaro could be deployed out of the bullpen to preserve arms, a strategy that could prove decisive in a best‑of‑three showdown against a formidable opponent.
A Championship Opportunity
The left‑hander’s journey from surgery to the mound has been closely watched by teammates and fans alike, with the coaching staff emphasizing his poise and command as key factors in the upcoming contest.
Beyond the immediate matchup, the game represents more than a single win; it is a gateway to the best‑of‑three championship series that could crown the Tar Heels as national champions.
As the team prepares to travel to Omaha, the atmosphere is electric, with alumni and supporters hoping that Boaz’s redemption story will fuel a deeper run that could reshape the program’s legacy.