The Tar Heels edged past the Pirates 7-5 on Tuesday night, improving to 2-0 in the Chapel Hill Regional and keeping their hopes of a Super Regional alive.
A decisive moment came in the fourth inning when sophomore Colin Hynek launched a three-run homer that not only tied the game but shifted momentum in UNC's favor.
Relief pitchers Caden Glauber and Walker McDuffie shut down the opposition thereafter, delivering clutch innings that preserved the lead.
Head coach Scott Forbes praised the team's execution and highlighted the staff's strategic adjustments that made the difference.
The bottom of the order proved potent as Tyler Howe, Hynek and Carter French combined for four of the seven runs, underscoring depth across the lineup.
A Clutch Performance in Chapel Hill
The combination of timely hitting and reliable pitching painted a picture of a team ready to advance, with the Tar Heels now poised for a potential Super Regional berth.