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Ryan Lynch will take the mound for UNC’s first game against VCU, while ace Jason DeCaro is earmarked for the second matchup, as Coach Scott Forbes highlights the team’s pitching depth heading into the Chapel Hill Regional.
The 2026 NCAA baseball tournament opens on May 29 with 64 teams, spotlighting North Carolina, Tennessee, East Carolina and VCU as teams with championship aspirations.
The Tar Heels will host the VCU Rams on Friday night in a regional matchup that could hinge on Jason DeCaro's performance and the teams' recent form.
With a strong offensive lineup and experienced arms, North Carolina opens its NCAA Tournament campaign against Virginia Commonwealth on Friday night, hoping to continue its dominance in Chapel Hill.
VCU enters the Chapel Hill Regional as a dangerous No.4 seed, boasting a top‑tier RPI, a dominant pitching duo and a relentless base‑stealing attack, yet faces defensive gaps and a modest slugging percentage.
The Vols enter the Chapel Hill Regional as the No. 2 seed, aiming to extend a five‑year streak of regional titles. Their path hinges on a young rotation and a showdown with a North Carolina staff that boasts national‑top ERA numbers.