North Carolina blew the Men’s College World Series wide open Wednesday night, hammering West Virginia 12-7 at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha and locking up a spot in the championship series. The Tar Heels piled up 16 hits and set a program record for runs scored in an MCWS game, earning a date in the best-of-three title showdown that starts Saturday at 8 p.m. against either Georgia or Oklahoma.
Big bats turn a close game into a rout
Carolina’s offense turned what could have been a tense night into a comfortable march to the finals. The Tar Heels finished 16-for-42 at the plate and a scorching 8-for-10 with runners in scoring position, cashing in nearly every big chance that came their way. Owen Hull delivered a monster line, going 4-for-5 with a single, two doubles and a triple, while Gavin Gallaher matched him with a 4-for-5 night and four runs driven in. As reported by The News & Observer, those performances helped UNC set its new MCWS program mark for runs scored.
Coaches and players savor the moment
After the final out, North Carolina stayed on the field to soak it all in. “It’s an honor and a privilege to wear our uniform at the University of North Carolina,” coach Scott Forbes said, praising his team’s energy and how it carried into the late innings. Gallaher admitted the stage and the stakes were still sinking in, saying, “It really hasn’t set in yet,” as teammates moved through the stands during the postgame celebration. Those comments and the scene that followed were documented by The News & Observer.
Starters shaky, bullpen answers
It was hardly a smooth night on the mound early. Starter Folger Boaz lasted just one inning, and the Tar Heels had to lean heavily on their bullpen to steady things. Jackson Rose worked into the fourth inning and came away with the win, keeping West Virginia in check long enough for the offense to break things open. Freshman closer Caden Glauber took it from there and finished the game, nailing down the final outs to seal North Carolina’s trip to the finals. The tournament bracket and remaining schedule that put UNC on this path are laid out by NCAA.com.
What Comes Next
The Tar Heels are back on the sport’s biggest stage for the first time since their back-to-back appearances in 2006 and 2007, with only a short turnaround before the championship series opens Saturday night. For fans trying to keep up with first pitch, channels and game times, TV windows and viewing details are being tracked by Yahoo Sports.
