Southern Cal edged out Carolina 9-5 in a super-regional baseball showdown on Saturday, marking only the fourth time this season that the Tar Heels have seen a lead evaporate after opening the scoring. The game unfolded under sweltering heat, with fans reminded of pregame activities and rules for the next match.
Grand Slam Shifts Momentum
The tide turned in the middle innings when Walker McDuffie surrendered a grand slam that swung the game in Southern Cal’s favor, a blow that proved decisive in the 9-5 final. The blast came after a flurry of hits that loaded the bases and set the stage for the explosive swing.
Starter Mason Edwards was dominant early, inducing 77 pitches before exiting after three innings, while Ryan Lynch worked 5.2 frames with no walks and seven strikeouts before being pulled. Both pitchers demonstrated the kind of poise that keeps championship hopes alive.
Erik Paulsen added a pair of hits and made two diving stops at first base, showcasing both bat and glove in a performance that kept the Trojans’ offense humming and underscored his all‑around impact.
Prep for the Next Battle
Fans can look forward to the Block Party at the Bosh, which opens three hours before the first pitch and offers a lineup of activities, as Saturday’s first pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m. with Carolina listed as the visiting team. The game will be played under hot conditions, and officials have reminded attendees of pregame protocols and rules for the upcoming match.
With the series now tied, both programs will need to lean on their pitching depth and timely hitting to gain the upper hand, setting the stage for a compelling finish to what has already become a memorable super‑regional.