A Thrilling Finish in Charlotte
The atmosphere at the North Carolina ballpark was electric as the Pitt Panthers faced Florida State in a game that swung back and forth like a pendulum. Early in the contest the Panthers struck first, plating four runs in the top of the first inning, only to watch the Seminoles answer with a grand slam that tied the score in the fifth.
Pitt’s offense kept the pressure on, with Trey Fenderson delivering a three-run homer and Carter Dierdorf contributing a key single that kept the rally alive. Eddie Smink’s debut start on the mound added a spark, striking out seven batters over four innings, while AJ Nessler and Lorenzo Carrier worked crucial walks that kept hope alive for the home side.
The turning point arrived in the ninth when Kai Wagner launched a two-out, three-run home run that flipped the lead in Pitt’s favor. Wagner finished the night with four RBIs and two homers, underscoring his clutch performance when the team needed it most.
On the mound, David Leslie shut the door on the Seminoles with a swift one-two-three inning, extending his recent dominance that includes 15 strikeouts and just two earned runs in the ACC Championship. His shutout stretch, combined with a strong bullpen effort from Carter Dierdorf, sealed the victory and sent the Panthers into the semifinal.
Looking ahead, Pitt will meet North Carolina in the upcoming semifinal, a rematch that promises another high‑stakes battle. The Tar Heels, fresh from their own dramatic win, will test the Panthers’ resilience, but the confidence built on Wagner’s heroics and Leslie’s poise gives the team a compelling narrative as they chase another title.