The No. 2 Tar Heels delivered a masterclass in offensive firepower on Friday night, routing NC State 17-7 in a game that felt more like a showcase than a contest. From the first pitch, Carolina’s bats were hot, stringing together hits that turned into runs at a relentless pace.
A Grand Slam That Shifted Momentum
Erik Paulsen’s fifth‑inning grand slam was the knockout blow, capping a rally that turned a modest lead into a decisive advantage. The blast was the centerpiece of a three‑inning stretch in which the Tar Heels poured on 16 runs, a burst that defined the night.
Jake Schaffner set the tone with a leadoff homer, his sixth of the season, while Owen Hull and Macon Winslow combined for seven RBIs, five hits and five runs on five doubles. Rom Kellis V added a solo shot in the fourth, his second homer of the year, and Caden Glauber continued his unbeaten streak with three and two‑thirds scoreless innings.
Historic Road Record and Series Dominance
The victory was more than just a win; it secured the best road record by win percentage in program history since World War II. Carolina’s nine straight ACC victories mark the most conference series claimed by the team since the 2017 squad went unbeaten in all ten series.
Both teams combined for 14 hits that produced 24 runs, making it the second‑highest scoring game of the season for UNC. Freshman Caden Glauber improved to 8‑0 in his rookie campaign, underscoring the depth of talent on the mound.
Looking Ahead to a Rematch
The Tar Heels will meet the Wolfpack again tomorrow in the regular‑season finale, a chance to add another chapter to a rivalry that has already produced some of the most memorable moments of the year. With the momentum firmly on their side, Carolina enters the final showdown poised to finish the season on a historic high.