The University of North Carolina’s baseball squad edged past East Carolina 7-5 in a tightly contested NCAA Regional final, a victory that keeps their hopes alive for a third straight Super Regional appearance.
Hynek’s Clutch Blast
Colin Hynek launched a three-run homer in the fourth inning, instantly knotting the game and shifting momentum in UNC’s favor.
Reliever Caden Glauber entered in the fifth and tossed 4.1 innings of gritty work, limiting East Carolina’s comeback attempt and preserving the lead.
Walker McDuffie sealed the win with a shutout ninth, striking out the side to lock down the 7-5 final.
A Milestone Meeting
The 7-5 triumph marked the first postseason clash between the Tar Heels and the Pirates since 2012, underscoring the growing rivalry.
With the win secured, UNC now waits for the outcome of the ECU-VCU matchup, setting up a Sunday showdown at 5 p.m. that could propel them into the Super Regionals for the third consecutive season.
Coach Jason DeCaro praised the team’s resilience, highlighting the blend of power hitting and steady pitching that defined the game.