The University of North Carolina’s baseball team posted a 6-2 victory over Ole Miss in the opening round of the 2026 College World Series, moving the Tar Heels one step closer to a championship run.
Starting pitcher Jason DeCaro turned in 6 ⅔ innings, striking out nine before exiting with a 6-2 edge. Ole Miss had opened the scoring with a 1-0 lead in the third, but Owen Hull’s sixth-inning homer knotted the contest at 1-1.
A pivotal seventh inning
The seventh inning turned into a rally for UNC. After a Carter French bunt, Jake Schaffner delivered a sacrifice fly that tied the game at 2. Gavin Gallaher then struck a go-ahead RBI single, putting the Tar Heels ahead.
Colin Hynek added a three-run homer later in the frame, extending the lead to 6-2 as the Rebels entered the ninth inning. Ole Miss had briefly led 2-1 on a two-out single by Judd Utermark, only to see UNC answer with two runs.
UNC’s patience at the plate paid off, as the team drew six walks and capitalized on timely hits despite finishing 0-for-3 with runners in scoring position earlier in the game.
The Tar Heels will next test their mettle against West Virginia in the winners bracket on Sunday, June 14, a matchup that could set the stage for a potential showdown later in the week.